1.Effect of Microorganisms on The Spoilage of Donkey Hides From Different Regions
Meng ZHANG ; Qiu-Mei LI ; Jia-Wei KANG ; Jie YU ; Xia LI ; Yue YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):754-766
ObjectiveDonkey hide is the sole legally designated raw material for the preparation of the traditional Chinese medicine Ejiao. The quality stability of donkey hide during preservation directly determines the efficacy and safety of Ejiao. This study focuses on the dynamic succession of microbial communities during the preservation of donkey hides from different origins, aiming to clarify the correlation between microbial biodiversity difference and the degradation profiles of hide collagen and critical biochemical components, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for developing targeted preservation strategies based on microbial regulation. MethodsDonkey hides originating from four different regions were subjected to an accelerated microbial aging assay to simulate the spoilage process. The microbial community succession was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Microstructure changes and pore structure characteristics were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry, respectively. Additionally, the content of major components, including lipids, proteins, and sugars were determined by biochemical methods. ResultsAfter 96 h of aging, the collagen fiber structure in Africa donkey hides (ADH) exhibited significant degradation and collapse, followed by Xinjiang donkey hides (XDH). Instead, the microstructure of Dong’e black donkey hides (DDH) and Peru donkey hides (PDH) remained relatively intact. The porosities of DDH, XDH, PDH, and ADH increased from 27.9%, 15.7%, 30.3%, and 46.2% to 36.5%, 52.6%, 42.8%, and 57.7%, respectively, during the aging process, which suggested that the originally compact fiber structure was disrupted by microbial aging. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis revealed the amide bands in XDH exhibited relatively weak intensity, and no collagen amide I band was observed in ADH. Meanwhile, the lipid and protein contents decreased in all four types of donkey hides, indicating that these components served as the primary nutrient sources for the growth of microorganism. Notably, the most severe collagen degradation was observed in XDH and ADH. A substantial increase was detected in the total soluble sugar in PDH aging solution and hydroxyproline in the ADH aging solution, respectively. These results indicated that donkey hides exhibit distinct patterns of structural degradation and nutrient utilization. Furthermore, the viable cells number of donkey hides increased sharply after 48 h of aging. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Euryarchaeota in ADH, PDH and XDH declining from initial 93.19%, 97.73% and 30.08% to 0.79%, 1.43% and 0.02% after 96 h, respectively. Conversely, a significantly increase was observed in the abundance of Bacillota, with a marked increase in ADH, peaking at 92.75%. Additionally, the abundance of Pseudomonadota in PDH increased from 0.10% to 87.84%, suggesting that Bacillota and Pseudomonadota may be key factors exacerbating donkey hide spoilage. Unlike the other three types of donkey hides, the dominant bacterial phylum in DDH shifted from Pseudomonadota to Bacteroidota, characterized by a substantial abundance increase of Bacteroidota from 0.13% to 44.22%. ConclusionRegional variation in origin significantly influence the microbial aging of donkey hides, leading to distinct patterns of structural deterioration and differential nutrient utilization. Therefore, implementing origin-specific preservation strategies, through the precisely controlling environmental factors to suppress harmful phyla such as Bacillota and Pseudomonadota, is crucial for enhancing the storage quality of donkey hides.
2.Guidelines for standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics (2026 edition)
Pengxiang ZHOU ; Maobai LIU ; Xiaoli DU ; Xiaoyang LU ; Mei DONG ; Rong DUAN ; Ruigang HOU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Qi CHEN ; Yanxiao XIANG ; Weiyi FENG ; Rong CHEN ; Deshi DONG ; Yong YANG ; Li LI ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Jinfang HU ; Hongliang ZHANG ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Qi LIN ; Yang HU ; Jiaying WU ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1105-1112
OBJECTIVE To formulate Guidelines for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics ( 2026 edition ) in response to the challenges faced by such clinics in China, including uneven development, large discrepancies in service specifications, insufficient patient awareness, and limited medical insurance coverage. METHODS Led by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Professional Committee of the Chinese Hospital Association, the Evidence-based Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, and the Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Cross-strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, a total of 19 domestic hospital pharmacy experts were organized. Through a systematic review of national policies and literature research, current practical experience was summarized. Consensus on the contents of the guidelines was reached after in-depth discussions. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS The guidelines covered five sections: definition and connotation of pharmacist-managed clinics, establishment requirements, implementation and management, post competency, and practical research. Firstly, the definition and connotation included three operational forms of pharmacist-managed clinics (independent mode, physician-pharmacist joint mode, and online pharmacist-managed clinic mode) and classified service modes (specialty-specific, drug-specific, and disease-specific pharmacist-managed clinics). The establishment requirements were further refined, covering system construction (pharmaceutical service management system, quality control and assessment mechanism), personnel qualifications (professional credentials, continuing education and professional training, etc), service recipients, as well as service venues and facilities. Subsequently, the implementation and management of pharmacist-managed clinics were proposed, involving service procedures, intervention measures, documentation and records, patient education and follow-up, humanistic care, as well as risk management and quality control. Finally, post competency encompassed the competency requirements for pharmacists providing services in pharmacist-managed clinics, as well as the suggestions on teaching methods; practical research encouraged the conduct of high-quality pharmaceutical practice in the setting of pharmacist-managed clinics. The guidelines provide valuable guidance for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics in China in terms of establishment, management, teaching, and research, fill the guideline gap in this field, and can promote the high-quality development of pharmacist-managed clinics.
3.Analysis of Animal Models of Retinal Vein Occlusion Based on Clinical Manifestations of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Menglu MIAO ; Mei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):204-209
ObjectiveRetinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common vascular disease leading to vision loss. Since its pathogenesis remains unclear, current Western medical treatments primarily target complications such as macular edema and neovascularization. The main therapeutic approaches include intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents or corticosteroids, laser photocoagulation, and pars plana vitrectomy. However, these treatments cannot fully reverse disease progression or structural damage. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of RVO, and integrated Chinese and Western medicine approaches may offer better clinical outcomes. This study, based on the clinical manifestations of RVO, systematically reviews the existing literature and evaluates the alignment of current RVO animal models with clinical manifestations. The aim is to identify the characteristics and limitations of existing models and provide recommendations and prospects for developing RVO animal models featuring the combination of disease and syndrome. MethodsDatabases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched with the keywords of "retinal vein occlusion" and "animal model". Model characteristics were assessed based on the diagnostic criteria for diseases and syndromes in both TCM and Western medicine. The alignment of each model with clinical manifestations was analyzed and evaluated. ResultsThe available RVO models were primarily established via methods such as laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, diathermy, intravitreal drug injection, and mechanical modeling. These models demonstrated moderate overall alignment with clinical manifestations, mainly reflecting disease characteristics. However, they generally lack representation of TCM syndrome features. ConclusionExisting RVO models are predominantly based on Western medicine and lack TCM syndrome features. Western medical treatments for RVO have certain limitations, while syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM offer potential advantages. Future research should focus on developing disease-syndrome integrated animal models that incorporate both pathological features and TCM syndrome characteristics. This approach will enhance the design of RVO models and facilitate both basic and clinical research, which make it a scientifically valuable and necessary endeavor.
4.Analysis of Animal Models of Retinal Vein Occlusion Based on Clinical Manifestations of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Menglu MIAO ; Mei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):204-209
ObjectiveRetinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common vascular disease leading to vision loss. Since its pathogenesis remains unclear, current Western medical treatments primarily target complications such as macular edema and neovascularization. The main therapeutic approaches include intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents or corticosteroids, laser photocoagulation, and pars plana vitrectomy. However, these treatments cannot fully reverse disease progression or structural damage. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of RVO, and integrated Chinese and Western medicine approaches may offer better clinical outcomes. This study, based on the clinical manifestations of RVO, systematically reviews the existing literature and evaluates the alignment of current RVO animal models with clinical manifestations. The aim is to identify the characteristics and limitations of existing models and provide recommendations and prospects for developing RVO animal models featuring the combination of disease and syndrome. MethodsDatabases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched with the keywords of "retinal vein occlusion" and "animal model". Model characteristics were assessed based on the diagnostic criteria for diseases and syndromes in both TCM and Western medicine. The alignment of each model with clinical manifestations was analyzed and evaluated. ResultsThe available RVO models were primarily established via methods such as laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, diathermy, intravitreal drug injection, and mechanical modeling. These models demonstrated moderate overall alignment with clinical manifestations, mainly reflecting disease characteristics. However, they generally lack representation of TCM syndrome features. ConclusionExisting RVO models are predominantly based on Western medicine and lack TCM syndrome features. Western medical treatments for RVO have certain limitations, while syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM offer potential advantages. Future research should focus on developing disease-syndrome integrated animal models that incorporate both pathological features and TCM syndrome characteristics. This approach will enhance the design of RVO models and facilitate both basic and clinical research, which make it a scientifically valuable and necessary endeavor.
5.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
6.Study on the variation patterns of corneal biomechanical parameters and binocular symmetry in children of different genders aged 8 to 16 years
Mei LI ; Biao WANG ; Fen ZHANG ; Yuting ZHANG ; Ze PEI ; Ning LU ; Feng CHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):483-488
AIM: To investigate variation patterns of corneal biomechanical parameters and binocular symmetry among children of different genders aged 8-16 years.METHODS:A retrospective study was conducted, and children who underwent optometric examinations at the ophthalmology department of our hospital were enrolled between January 2022 and December 2024. Measurements included the flat keratometry(K1), steep keratometry(K2), and mean curvature(Km)of the anterior corneal surface, horizontal visible iris diameter(HVID), central corneal thickness(CCT), corneal endothelial cell density(CECD), average cell size(ACS), coefficient of variation(CV), and hexagonality(HEX). Corneal parameters and binocular differences were compared between genders and across age groups.RESULTS:A total of 621 children(1 242 eyes)were enrolled in this study, including 284 males(568 eyes), 337 females(674 eyes), 528 children aged 8-12 years(1 056 eyes), and 93 children aged 13-16 years(186 eyes). In children aged 8-16 years, the K1, K2, Km and CV of both eyes, as well as the interocular CCT differences in boys were significantly lower than those in girls(all P<0.05), while the HVID and HEX of both eyes, as well as the CCT of the left eye in boys were significantly higher than those in girls(all P<0.05). Children aged 8-12 years had significantly higher K1, Km, CECD and HEX in both eyes, and significantly lower ACS in both eyes than those aged 13-16 years(all P<0.05). K1, K2, Km, CECD and HEX in both eyes were negatively correlated with age(P<0.05); ACS in both eyes was positively correlated with age(P<0.001); K1 and Km of the right eye were positively correlated with the CECD of the right eye(P<0.05), and K1 and CCT of the left eye were positively correlated with the CECD of the left eye(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Significant gender differences exist in corneal parameters among children aged 8 to 16 years, while binocular symmetry remained stable.
7.Study on the immunotoxicity and mechanism of Carthamus tinctorius extract on RBL-2H3 cells
Silan WU ; Xiaoli MEI ; Jinping LUO ; Li ZHANG ; Sixing HUANG ; Chonggang HUANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1003-1008
OBJECTIVE To investigate the immunotoxicity and potential mechanism of Carthamus tinctorius extract on RBL-2H3 cells via direct induction and induction by sensitized serum prepared with an overdose of the extract. METHODS For direct induction by C. tinctorius extract, RBL-2H3 cells were divided into normal control group (no treatment) and C. tinctorius extract group (10 mg/mL). For induction by sensitized serum prepared with an overdose of C. tinctorius extract, rats were divided into normal control group (no treatment), adjuvant-treated group (1 mL adjuvant), C. tinctorius extract-induced sensitization group (2.04 g/mL), and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced sensitization group (50 mg/mL). Sensitization was performed once every other day for a total of 3 times. Morphological changes of RBL-2H3 cells were observed, the degranulated rate of cells was counted, and histamine content was determined; the release rate of β -hexosaminidase ( β -Hex) was calculated, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were detected. RESULTS Under direct induction by C. tinctorius extract, compared with the normal control group, the volume of cells in the C. tinctorius extract group was significantly reduced and cell density decreased; the degranulation rate of cells, histamine content, β -Hex release rate, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, as well as intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were all significantly increased ( P <0.01). Under i nduction by sensitized serum prepared with an overdose of C. tinctorius extract, compared with the adjuvant-treated group, the above indicators in the C. tinctorius extract-induced sensitization group and the OVA-induced sensitization group showed consistent changes with those in the C. tinctorius extract group under direct induction, all being significantly elevated ( P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS C. tinctorius extract may affect degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells and promote Ca²⁺ influx accompanied by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines through two approaches: direct induction and induction by sensitized serum prepared under overdose administration. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the calcium signaling pathway and the regulation of inflammatory pathways under the synergistic effect of multiple components.
8.Effects of Exercise Training on The Behaviors and HPA Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rats Through The Gut Microbiota
Xue-Mei CHEN ; Yin-Hua LI ; Jiu-Gen ZHONG ; Zhao-Ming YANG ; Xiao-Hui HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1511-1528
ObjectiveThe study explores the influence of voluntary wheel running on the behavioral abnormalities and the activation state of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rats through gut microbiota. MethodsSD female rats were selected and administered either400 mg/kg of valproic acid (VPA) solution or an equivalent volume of saline via intraperitoneal injection on day 12.5 of pregnancy. The resulting offspring were divided into 2 groups: the ASD model group (PASD, n=35) and the normal control group (PCON, n=16). Behavioral assessments, including the three-chamber social test, open field test, and Morris water maze, were conducted on postnatal day 23. After behavioral testing, 8 rats from each group (PCON, PASD) were randomly selected for serum analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) concentration, to evaluate the functional state of the HPA axis in rats. On postnatal day 28, the remaining 8 rats in the PCON group were designated as the control group (CON, n=8), and the remaining 27 rats in the PASD group were randomly divided into 4 groups: ASD non-intervention group (ASD, n=6), ASD exercise group (ASDE, n=8), ASD fecal microbiota transplantation group (FMT, n=8), and ASD sham fecal microbiota transplantation group (sFMT, n=5). The rats in the ASD group and the CON group were kept under standard conditions, while the rats in the ASDE group performed 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running intervention starting on postnatal day 28. The rats in the FMT group were gavaged daily from postnatal day 42 with 1 ml/100 g fresh fecal suspension from ASDE rats which had undergone exercise for 2 weeks, 5 d per week, continuing for 4 weeks. The sFMT group received an equivalent volume of saline. After the interventions were completed, behavioral assessments and HPA axis markers were measured for all groups. ResultsBefore the intervention, the ASD model group exhibited significantly reduced social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, and exploratory interest, as well as impaired spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to the normal control group (P<0.05). Serum concentration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) in the PASD group were significantly higher than those in the PCON group (P<0.05). Following 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running, the ASDE group showed significant improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, spatial learning, memory, and navigation skills compared to the ASD group (P<0.05), with a significant decrease in serum CORT concentration (P<0.05), and a downward trend in CRH and ACTH concentration. After 4 weeks of fecal microbiota transplantation in the exercise group, the FMT group showed marked improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, as well as spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to both the ASD and sFMT groups (P<0.05). In addition, serum ACTH and CORT concentration were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and CRH concentration also showed a decreasing trend. ConclusionExercise may improve ASD-related behaviors by suppressing the activation of the HPA axis, with the gut microbiota likely playing a crucial role in this process.
9.Clinical Application and Mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang in Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure: A Review
Zejun DU ; Linping ZHU ; Xueying WU ; Xiaotong LYU ; Mei ZHAO ; Yuhong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):286-294
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome that the cardiac output is not enough to meet the metabolic needs of the body, or depends on the increase of filling pressure to compensate. Its high morbidity and mortality pose a serious threat to human health, necessitating attention and active intervention. At present, western medicine treatment of CHF is mainly based on diuretics, intravenous vasodilators, intravenous positive inotropic drugs, etc., which, however, have problems such as long medication cycles, serious side effects, and limited applicable population. Recent studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine can act in a multi-pathway, multi-component, and multi-target manner, showing unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of CHF. Buyang Huanwutang has the effects of tonifying Qi, activating blood, and dredging collaterals. Clinical and mechanism studies have confirmed that this prescription is effective in treating CHF and its syndromes. The clinical studies can be classified into two categories. Studies of the first category use simple modern medical diagnostic criteria as the inclusion criteria for CHF patients, which can improve the scientificity and objectivity. Studies of the second category uses modern medicine combined with traditional Chinese medicine disease diagnostic criteria for the screening of CHF patients, which helps to improve the accuracy of efficacy evaluation. However, there are problems such as the lack of unified research standards and the insufficiency of mechanism research. In addition, the available studies remain to be classified or summarized. This study systematically sorted out the clinical and mechanism studies of Buyang Huanwutang in the treatment of CHF in recent years to review the research status. In clinical treatment, Buyang Huanwutang can be used alone, or modified, or combined with other prescriptions or Western medicine. The mechanism studies predict that Buyang Huanwutang can ameliorate CHF by regulating the calcium balance, protecting the mitochondrial structure and function, and regulating intestinal flora. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the clinical application and optimization and subsequent in-depth study of Buyang Huanwutang in the treatment of CHF.
10.Protective effects and mechanisms of sodium pyruvate on storage lesions in human red blood cells
Haoning CHEN ; Qi MIAO ; Qiang GAO ; Xin SUN ; Shunyu MEI ; Li WANG ; Yun LIAN ; Honglin LUO ; Chenjie ZHOU ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):833-838
Objective: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of sodium pyruvate (SP) on RBC storage lesions using an oxidative damage model. Methods: Six units of leukocyte-depleted suspended RBCs (discarded for non-infectious reasons within three days post-collection) were randomly assigned to four groups: negative control (NS), positive control (PS), experimental group 1 (SP1), and experimental group 2 (SP2). Oxidative stress was induced in the PS group by the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H
O
), while SP1 and SP2 received SP supplementation at different concentrations (25 mM and 50 mM, respectively) in the presence of H
O
. After 1 hour of incubation, RBC morphology was assessed microscopically, and biochemical indicators including glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), methemoglobin (MetHb), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and Na
/K
-ATPase activity were measured. Results: RBCs in the PS group exhibited pronounced morphological damage, including cell shrinkage and echinocyte formation, whereas both SP-treated groups showed significantly reduced structural injury. SP treatment led to elevated GSH levels and decreased concentrations of MDA and MetHb, suggesting attenuation of oxidative stress. Additionally, SP enhanced intracellular ATP levels and Na
/K
-ATPase activity, thereby contributing to membrane stability. Notably, the SP2 group (50 mM) demonstrated superior protective effects compared to SP1 (25 mM). Conclusion: Sodium pyruvate effectively attenuates oxidative storage lesions in RBCs, primarily through its antioxidant properties, energy metabolism supporting ability, and celluar membrane stabilizing function. These findings suggest SP as a promising additive for enhancing the quality and safety of stored RBCs.

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