1.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
2.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
3.Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of early triple-negative breast cancer:a meta-analysis
Zhixuan YANG ; Shuo LI ; Peiyuan WANG ; Hongxin QIE ; Wenlin GONG ; Xiaonan GAO ; Jinglin GAO ; Mingxia WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):238-243
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ICIs combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (experimental group) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (control group) were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP databases, as well as relevant studies published at oncology academic conferences. The search period was from database inception to June 30, 2025. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, a meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 6 RCTs involving 3 786 patients were finally included. The meta-analysis results showed that the experimental group had superior event-free survival [HR=0.73, 95%CI (0.62, 0.85), P<0.000 1], overall survival [HR=0.69, 95%CI (0.57, 0.84), P=0.000 3], and pathological complete response (pCR) [OR=1.57, 95%CI (1.37, 1.80), P<0.000 01] compared to the control group. The incidence of ≥grade 3 adverse event (AE), severe AE (SAE), and ≥ grade 3 immune-related adverse event (irAE) in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of any AE or any irAE (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that, regardless of programmed cell death ligand 1 expression status (negative or positive),the pCR in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the pCR of the patients with positive lymph nodes in the experimental group was significantly higher to that in the ontrol group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in pCR between the two groups with negative lymph nodes (P=0.09). CONCLUSIONS ICIs combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy can significantly improve event-free survival and overall survival in patients with TNBC, providing patients with long-term survival benefits. However, the risk of ≥ grade 3 AE, SAE and ≥ grade 3 irAE has increased.
4.Research progress on oral microbiome in oral squamous cell carcinoma
GONG Jiajing ; LI Bo ; LI Longjiang
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):168-179
The homeostasis of the oral microbiome is essential for maintaining host health, and its disruption can contribute to the development of both oral and systemic diseases. The oral microbiome influences the initiation and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) through multiple mechanisms. ① Oral microbes can directly act on epithelial cells, inducing cell-cycle dysregulation, DNA damage, and epigenetic reprogramming, thereby promoting cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). For example, Fusobacterium nucleatum binds to E-cadherin via its adhesin FadA, activating the β-catenin pathway and directly driving tumor-cell proliferation and EMT, while Porphyromonas gingivalis reprograms lipid synthesis to enhance the stemness of OSCC cells. ② Oral microbes and their metabolites reshape the tumor immune-suppressive microenvironment by altering the density, composition, and function of infiltrating immune cells. Periodontal pathogens induce a chronic inflammatory state in the oral cavity and activate signaling cascades such as MAPK/ERK and NF-κB, thereby indirectly accelerating OSCC progression. ③ Bacteria and viruses in the oral cavity exhibit synergistic interactions. Bacterial biofilms and proteases facilitate viral activation and infection, and microbial metabolites such as butyrate can enhance histone acetylation to promote the lytic reactivation of latent viruses. ④ At the ecological level, the depletion of commensals and expansion of anaerobic pathogens disrupt the metabolic network of the community, and complex interspecies interactions collectively shape a pro-carcinogenic niche that drives OSCC progression on multiple fronts. Future studies should integrate multi-omics analyses with longitudinal clinical cohorts to explore functional causal networks of key microbial communities and develop individualized targeted intervention strategies for microecology.
5.Effect and Mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang Against Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Rats with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Induced by Monocrotaline
Lei QI ; Huifei ZHANG ; Ling GONG ; Jifu HE ; Wenjing CHEN ; Weipin NIU ; Xiao LI ; Yuehua JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):11-19
ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rat model to systematically evaluate the protective effect of Xiao Qinglongtang (XQLT) on right cardiac function in model rats and further elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal group, model group, XQLT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XQLT-L/M/H), and the beraprost sodium tablet group (BST). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were given a single subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg·kg-1) to induce PAH. Three weeks after injection, rats in the XQLT-L/M/H groups were administered XQLT intragastrically at 3.07, 6.14, 12.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. Rats in the BST group received beraprost sodium at 12.6 μg·kg-1·d-1, and rats in the model group received an equal volume of saline. All treatments lasted for 3 weeks. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by right ventricular catheterization. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The right ventricle was weighed to calculate the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe myocardial morphology. Serum metabolomic changes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics was used to detect differentially expressed (DE) proteins in the right ventricle, and Western blot was used to measure the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110α (PIK3CA), L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), and quinone oxidoreductase (CRYZ). UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical components of XQLT. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.05), along with pathological changes in myocardial morphology. Compared with the model group, all XQLT-treated groups exhibited reductions in RVSP and RVHI as well as significant improvements in cardiac function and myocardial morphology. Among the XQLT groups, XQLT-M showed the most pronounced effects (P<0.05), comparable to the BST group. Serum metabolomics revealed 105 differential metabolites in the XQLT groups versus the model group [variable importance in projection (VIP) >1, P<0.05], including 58 upregulated and 47 downregulated metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that XQLT intervention downregulated phenylalanine metabolism (P<0.01) and upregulated unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (P<0.05). Proteomics analysis showed that 982 DE proteins were identified in the MCT groups versus the normal group, including 455 upregulated and 527 downregulated proteins (|fold change (FC)| >1.3, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 237 DE proteins were identified in the XQLT groups, including 124 upregulated and 113 downregulated proteins (|FC| >1.3, P<0.05), with 57 overlapping DE proteins. KEGG enrichment suggested that XQLT mainly modulated pathways related to mineral absorption, ribosomal biogenesis, peroxisomes, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, spliceosomes, and thyroid hormone signaling. Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the model group, XQLT increased the expression of UCP3, PIK3CA, and L1CAM, while decreasing the expression of CRYZ (P<0.05). ConclusionXQLT exerts a protective effect on right heart function in MCT-induced PAH rats, and its mechanism is associated with maintaining myocardial homeostasis and alleviating right ventricular remodeling.
6.Mechanism of Sangpi Zhike Prescription in Treating Cough After Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Based on "Lung-intestine Co-treatment" Theory
Chuang SUO ; Xiaohong BAI ; Zhitong YU ; Xue GONG ; Chan XIU ; Qihui LYU ; Zhihui LIU ; Kelin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):126-137
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Sangpi Zhike prescription in treating cough after respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection through the "lung-intestine co-treatment" approach using network pharmacology and animal experimental validation. MethodsActive ingredients and targets of Sangpi Zhike prescription were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Disease targets were obtained from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and drug-component-target networks were constructed using overlapping targets between drugs and diseases to identify core targets. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the overlapping targets. Sixty mouse models were established: 10 as the normal group, and the remaining mice were infected with RSV via slow nasal drip of RSV suspension, with cough induced using capsaicin solution. After modeling, mice were divided into a model group, a Montelukast Sodium group (1 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Sangpi Zhike prescription (4.875,9.75,and 19.5 g·kg-1·d-1), with 10 mice per group. From day 14 after RSV infection, the normal and model groups received saline via gavage, while other groups received corresponding drug treatments once daily for 5 d. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung and intestinal tissue. The protein content of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2 in the lung and colon tissue of mice was detected by Western blot. Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detected ERK1/2 mRNA expression in lung and intestinal tissue. Immunohistochemistry assessed p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Fos protein levels, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-4 and (TNF)-α in lung and colon tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified 184 active ingredients and 684 targets in Sangpi Zhike prescription, with 1 344 RSV-related disease targets and 209 overlapping targets. Core targets included TNF, Fos, and Jun. KEGG enrichment revealed 179 pathways, primarily mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), cancer, TNF, and IL-17 signaling pathways. Animal experiments showed that, compared to those of the normal group, the lung tissue sections of the model group showed typical inflammatory damage, infiltration of inflammatory cells, rupture of alveolar septa, extensive alveolar fusion, and disruption of tight junctions between single-layer columnar epithelial cells in the intestinal tissue. The values of p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 in lung and intestinal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression level of ERK1/2 mRNA was significantly elevated (P<0.01). The levels of ERK1/2, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Fos, IL-4, and TNF-α along the ERK pathway were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared to the model group, Sangpi Zhike prescription groups showed reduced lung and intestinal inflammation, decreased p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratios (P<0.05,P<0.01), lower ERK1/2 mRNA levels, and downregulated ERK pathway proteins (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionSangpi Zhike prescription alleviates cough and intestinal symptoms after RSV infection via the "lung-intestine co-treatment" mechanism by suppressing expression levels of ERK1/2, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Fos, IL-4, and TNF-α on ERK pathway components, thereby mitigating lung and intestinal pathological damage.
7.Expert Consensus on Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery Phenotyping and Clinical Management of Septic Shock(2025)
Wei HUANG ; Xinchen WANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Keliang CUI ; Bo YAO ; Zhiqun XING ; Cui WANG ; Jingjing LIU ; Shiyi GONG ; Dongkai LI ; Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Wei DU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):40-58
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Septic shock is the primary cause of mortality in sepsis, with its core pathophysiological mechanism being severe ischemia and hypoxia in critical units—composed of microcirculation and the mitochondria of functional cells—resulting from disruptions in blood flow and oxygen flow following a dysregulated host response. Due to the systemically convergent yet clinically heterogeneous nature of the host response, current understanding and management strategies for hemodynamics remain inconsistent, often leading to inadequate resuscitation or overtreatment. To improve the quality of care, based on a systematic review of the "blood flow-oxygen flow" theory, an expert panel emphasizes reevaluating septic shock from an integrated perspective of blood flow and oxygen flow, and has formulated the
8.Study on the role definition of full-time pharmacists in the management of early-phase clinical trials of antineoplastic drugs
Juan ZHAO ; Li GONG ; Jie SHEN ; Huiyao YANG ; Bin LIAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):294-298
OBJECTIVE To clarify the roles and functions of full-time pharmacists in the management of early-phase clinical trials of antineoplastic drugs, and to provide theoretical and practical support for their transformation from traditional drug managers to multi-dimensional roles in clinical research. METHODS Combined with relevant regulations such as the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) (2020 Edition), and based on the clinical practice experience of the Phase Ⅰ Clinical Ward in our hospital, this study systematically sorted out full-time pharmacists’ roles and functions in early-phase clinical trials of antineoplastic drugs, and explored the core challenges and optimization pathways for role transformation and capacity-building of domestic full-time clinical trial pharmacists. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Full-time pharmacists assumed multiple roles in early-phase clinical trials of antineoplastic drugs, including providing pharmaceutical support for protocol design, implementing whole-process standardized management of clinical trial drugs, ensuring medication safety for clinical trial subjects/participants, conducting quality control throughout the clinical trial process, and serving as a bridge for interdisciplinary collaboration and communication. Currently, there are challenges in this field in China, such as unclear roles, an imperfect capacity building system, and insufficient regulatory support. This paper proposes that by establishing a standardized role framework, clarifying the core responsibilities and authorities of full-time pharmacists, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to provide comprehensive support for their roles, so as to fully harness their pharmaceutical expertise and contribute to the standardization and efficiency of the antineoplastic new drug development process.
9.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
10.Research progress on anticoagulant therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with portal vein thrombosis
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):533-539
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common and severe complication of liver cirrhosis. Anticoagulant therapy for PVT in these patients is particularly challenging due to the coexistence of abnormal coagulation function and bleeding risk. This article reviews recent research findings, domestic and international guidelines, and expert consensus regarding anticoagulant therapy for liver cirrhosis complicated by PVT. The review focuses on four key aspects: the underlying causes of the high incidence of PVT, its clinical manifestations and diagnosis, anticoagulant treatment decision-making (including determining indications, timing, and course selection), and rational drug use. The evidence indicates that the high incidence of PVT in patients with liver cirrhosis results from the interplay of multiple factors. Currently, portal venous stasis, a systemic hypercoagulable state, and vascular endothelial damage are widely recognized as the three primary risk factors for PVT formation. The clinical manifestations of liver cirrhosis complicated by PVT are diverse,diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation based on clinical context, imaging examination, and laboratory tests, with imaging examination as the cornerstone. Anticoagulant therapy can significantly improve the thrombus recanalization rate in PVT, reduce the risk of thrombus progression, and does not increase the risk of portal hypertension-related bleeding. Regarding treatment timing, initiating anticoagulation within six months of diagnosis, particularly within two weeks, can significantly enhance the recanalization rate. Commonly used anticoagulants in clinical practice for liver cirrhosis with PVT include heparins, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Among these, substantial evidence supports low-molecular-weight heparin as a first-line agent. DOACs have demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis and PVT; however, their use in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and PVT warrants extra caution. A treatment duration of at least six months is generally recommended. Long-term anticoagulation should be considered for patients with liver cirrhosis and PVT who have mesenteric vein involvement, are awaiting liver transplantation, or have an inherited thrombophilia.


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