1.Discovery and proof-of-concept study of a novel highly selective sigma-1 receptor agonist for antipsychotic drug development.
Wanyu TANG ; Zhixue MA ; Bang LI ; Zhexiang YU ; Xiaobao ZHAO ; Huicui YANG ; Jian HU ; Sheng TIAN ; Linghan GU ; Jiaojiao CHEN ; Xing ZOU ; Qi WANG ; Fan CHEN ; Guangying LI ; Chaonan ZHENG ; Shuliu GAO ; Wenjing LIU ; Yue LI ; Wenhua ZHENG ; Mingmei WANG ; Na YE ; Xuechu ZHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5346-5365
Sigma-1 receptor (σ 1R) has become a focus point of drug discovery for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. A series of novel 1-phenylethan-1-one O-(2-aminoethyl) oxime derivatives were synthesized. In vitro biological evaluation led to the identification of 1a, 14a, 15d and 16d as the most high-affinity (K i < 4 nmol/L) and selective σ 1R agonists. Among these, 15d, the most metabolically stable derivative exhibited high selectivity for σ 1R in relation to σ 2R and 52 other human targets. In addition to low CYP450 inhibition and induction, 15d also exhibited high brain permeability and excellent oral bioavailability. Importantly, 15d demonstrated effective antipsychotic potency, particularly for alleviating negative symptoms and improving cognitive impairment in experimental animal models, both of which are major challenges for schizophrenia treatment. Moreover, 15d produced no significant extrapyramidal symptoms, exhibiting superior pharmacological profiles in relation to current antipsychotic drugs. Mechanistically, 15d inhibited GSK3β and enhanced prefrontal BDNF expression and excitatory synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons. Collectively, these in vivo proof-of-concept findings provide substantial experimental evidence to demonstrate that modulating σ 1R represents a potential new therapeutic approach for schizophrenia. The novel chemical entity along with its favorable drug-like and pharmacological profile of 15d renders it a promising candidate for treating schizophrenia.
2.Research progress in synthesis methods of manganese-based nanomaterials and their applications in tumor immunotherapy
Na LI ; Qianqian LIU ; Caihao HUANG ; Liang LU ; Zeping ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(3):217-224
Due to their unique physicochemical properties, nanomaterials can optimize drug delivery and reshape the tumor microenvironment. Manganese-based nanomaterials are primarily used in tumor immunotherapy for the following purpose, including targeted activating of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon gene pathway to enhance immunogenicity, utilizating of manganese′s redox properties to regulate the tumor microenvironment, and developing of manganese-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents to monitor immune responses in real time. In this review, synthesis methods of manganese-based nanomaterials such as thermal decomposition method, hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis method, and chemical precipitation/mixing method as well as an in-depth analysis of their applications in tumor immunotherapy including immune regulation, regulation of tumor microenvironment and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed.
3.Studies on pharmacological effects and chemical components of different extracts from Bawei Chenxiang Pills.
Jia-Tong WANG ; Lu-Lu KANG ; Feng ZHOU ; Luo-Bu GESANG ; Ya-Na LIANG ; Guo-Dong YANG ; Xiao-Li GAO ; Hui-Chao WU ; Xing-Yun CHAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3035-3042
The medicinal materials of Bawei Chenxiang Pills(BCPs) were extracted via three methods: reflux extraction by water, reflux extraction by 70% ethanol, and extraction by pure water following reflux extraction by 70% ethanol, yielding three extracts of ST, CT, and CST. The efficacy of ST(760 mg·kg~(-1)), CT(620 mg·kg~(-1)), and CST(1 040 mg·kg~(-1)) were evaluated by acute myocardial ischemia(AMI) and p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia in mice, respectively. Western blot was further utilized to investigate their hypnosis mechanisms. The main chemical components of different extracts were identified by the UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS technique. The results showed that CT and CST significantly increased the ejection fraction(EF) and fractional shortening(FS) of myocardial infarction mice, reduced left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole(LVIDd) and left ventricular internal dimension at end-systole(LVIDs). In contrast, ST did not exhibit significant effects on these parameters. In the insomnia model, CT significantly reduced sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration, whereas ST only prolonged sleep duration without shortening sleep latency. CST showed no significant effects on either sleep latency or sleep duration. Additionally, both CT and ST upregulated glutamic acid decarboxylase 67(GAD67) protein expression in brain tissue. A total of 15 main chemical components were identified from CT, including 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone and 6-methoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone. Six chemical components including chebulidic acid were identified from ST. The results suggested that chromones and terpenes were potential anti-myocardial ischemia drugs of BCPs, and tannin and phenolic acids were potential hypnosis drugs. This study enriches the pharmacological and chemical research of BCPs, providing a basis and reference for their secondary development, quality standard improvement, and clinical application.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Mice
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Male
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Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology*
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Humans
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Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy*
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Myocardial Ischemia/drug therapy*
4.Effect of Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder on intestinal mucosal permeability and expression of AQP3, AQP4 in ulcerative colitis rats.
Wen-Xiao LI ; Jiang CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng HE ; Lu-Rong ZHANG ; Guo-Qiang LIANG ; Xing-Xing JIANG ; Yong-Na WEI ; Qin ZHOU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3962-3968
This study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder on ulcerative colitis(UC) in rats from the perspective of dampness. SD rats were randomly allocated into six groups(n=10): control, model, mesalazine, and Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder at low(3.96 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium(7.92 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and high(15.84 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) doses. UC was induced in all groups except the control by administration with 3% dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) solution for 7 days. The disease activity index(DAI) was recorded, and the colon tissue was collected for analysis. Histopathological changes were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Serum levels of D-lactic acid(D-LA) and diamine oxidase(DAO) were measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry and PCR were employed to evaluate the expression of aquaporins(AQP3, AQP4) and tight junction proteins [zonula occludens-1(ZO-1) and occludin] at both protein and mRNA levels. Compared with the control group, the model group showed an increased DAI scores(P<0.05), intestinal mucosal damage, elevated serum levels of DAO and D-LA(P<0.05), and decreased expression of AQP3, AQP4, ZO-1, and occludin(P<0.05). Treatment with Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder reduced the DAI scores(P<0.05), lowered the serum levels of D-LA and DAO(P<0.05), and upregulated the expression of AQP3, AQP4, ZO-1, and occludin at both protein and mRNA levels compared with the model group. These findings suggest that Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder exerts therapeutic effects on UC by reducing the intestinal mucosal permeability, promoting colonic mucosal repair, and regulating abnormal intestinal water metabolism, which may involve the upregulation of AQP3 and AQP4 expression.
Animals
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Colitis, Ulcerative/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Rats
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Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism*
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Male
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Aquaporin 3/metabolism*
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Aquaporin 4/metabolism*
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Permeability/drug effects*
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Humans
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Powders
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Intestinal Barrier Function
5.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid alleviates inflammation in C2C12 myoblasts through the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway
Huihui JI ; Xu JIANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yunhong XING ; Liangliang WANG ; Na LI ; Yuting SONG ; Xuguang LUO ; Huilin CUI ; Ximei CAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1220-1229
BACKGROUND:Rev-erbα is involved in the regulation of inflammation,but pharmacological activation of Rev-erbα increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases.To reduce the relevant risk,an exploration on SR9009,a Rev-erbα agonist,combined with other drugs to relieve inflammation in skeletal myoblasts was conducted,laying the theoretical foundation for the treatment of inflammation-associated skeletal muscle atrophy. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship of SR9009,indolepropionic acid and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced C2C12 myoblasts. METHODS:(1)C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate in the presence of lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL).RNA-seq and KEGG pathway analysis were used to study signaling pathways.(2)C2C12 myoblast viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay to determine optimal concentrations of indolepropionic acid.Subsequently,cells were categorized into control group,lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL)group,SR9009(10 μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,indolepropionic acid(80μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,and SR9009+indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.ELISA was employed to measure protein expression levels of interleukin-6 in the cultured supernatant.Real-time quantitative PCR were employed to measure mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Western blot assay were employed to measure protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65.(3)After Rev-erbα was knocked down by siRNA,knockdown efficiency was assessed by RT-qPCR.And mRNA levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were also measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,lipopolysaccharide time-dependently inhibited myofibroblast fusion to form myotubes,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were elevated,and the level of interleukin-6 in the cell supernatant was significantly increased.The results of KEGG pathway showed that the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was activated by lipopolysaccharide.Indolepropionic acid exhibited significant suppression of C2C12 myoblasts viability when its concentration exceeded 80 μmol/L.Indolepropionic acid and SR9009 inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway,thereby played an anti-inflammatory role,and suppressed the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression were downregulated.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid notably reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation,further downregulated the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.The ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression was significantly lower than that in the SR9009+lipopolysaccharide group or indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.Rev-erbα increases time-dependently with lipopolysaccharide induction.The knockdown efficiency of Rev-erbα by siRNA reached over 58%,and lipopolysaccharide was added after Rev-erbα was successfully knocked down.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly up-regulated.These results conclude that Rev-erbα may act as a promising pharmacological target to reduce inflammation.SR9009 targeted activation of Rev-erbα combined with indolepropionic acid significantly inhibits the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and attenuates the inflammatory response of C2C12 myofibroblasts.Moreover,the combined anti-inflammatory effect is superior to that of the intervention alone.
6.Role of hippocampal activating transcription factor 5 in cognitive impairment induced by neuropathic pain in mice: relationship with mitochondrial unfolded protein response
Fei XING ; Xiaoshan SHI ; Yaowei XU ; Xin WEI ; Mingcui QU ; Dan CHENG ; Jingjing YUAN ; Zhongyu WANG ; Na XING ; Yanna LI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(3):329-334
Objective:To evaluate the role of hippocampal activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) in cognitive impairment induced by neuropathic pain and the relationship with mitochondrial unfolded protein response(mtUPR) in mice.Methods:This study was conducted in 2 parts. Experiment Ⅰ Twenty-four SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 2 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S1 group) and neuropathic pain group (NP group). Neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction injury to the sciatic nerve. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured before developing the model and at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model. Mouse cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test from 30-31 days after developing the model. After the end of the novel object recognition test, mice were sacrificed and the hippocampal CA1 region was harvested for determination of the expression of ATF5 (by Western blot) and the expression of ATF5 in neurons, microglia and astrocytes (by immunofluorescence double staining). Experiment Ⅱ Thirty-six SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S2 group), neuropathic pain + ATF5 up-regulation group (NA group), and neuropathic pain + empty virus group (NE group). On day 14 after developing the model, a virus that specifically up-regulated ATF5 expression in neurons and empty virus were injected into the hippocampal CA1 region. The MWT and TWL were measured at days 28 and 35 after developing the model. The novel object recognition test was performed on day 36 after developing the model to evaluate the cognitive function. After the end of the behavioral test, mice were sacrificed and the hippocampal CA1 region was harvested for detection of the expression of ATF5 and mtUPR marker proteins (Lon protease [LONP1] and heat shock protein 60 [HSP60]) by Western blot. Results:Experiment Ⅰ Compared with S1 group, no statistically significant change was found in the MWT and TWL before developing the model ( P>0.05), the MWT and TWL were significantly decreased on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after developing the model, the discrimination index (DI) was decreased at day 31 after developing the model, the expression of ATF5 was down-regulated, the expression of ATF5 in neurons was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant change was found in the expression of ATF5 in mircrolia and astrocytes in NP group ( P>0.05). Experiment Ⅱ Compared with S2 group, the MWT and TWL were significantly decreased on days 28 and 35 after developing the model in NE group and NA group, DI was decreased, and the expression of ATF5, LONP1 and HSP60 was down-regulated in NE group ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in NA group ( P>0.05). Compared with NE group, no significant change was found in the MWT and TWL in NA group ( P>0.05), DI was significantly increased, and the expression of ATF5, LONP1 and HSP60 was up-regulated in NA group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Down-regulated ATF5 in the hippocampus is involved in the process of cognitive impairment caused by neuropathic pain, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of mtUPR.
7.Decoding the immune microenvironment of secondary chronic myelomonocytic leukemia due to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with CD19 CAR-T failure by single-cell RNA-sequencing.
Xudong LI ; Hong HUANG ; Fang WANG ; Mengjia LI ; Binglei ZHANG ; Jianxiang SHI ; Yuke LIU ; Mengya GAO ; Mingxia SUN ; Haixia CAO ; Danfeng ZHANG ; Na SHEN ; Weijie CAO ; Zhilei BIAN ; Haizhou XING ; Wei LI ; Linping XU ; Shiyu ZUO ; Yongping SONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(15):1866-1881
BACKGROUND:
Several studies have demonstrated the occurrence of secondary tumors as a rare but significant complication of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, underscoring the need for a detailed investigation. Given the limited variety of secondary tumor types reported to date, a comprehensive characterization of the various secondary tumors arising after CAR-T therapy is essential to understand the associated risks and to define the role of the immune microenvironment in malignant transformation. This study aims to characterize the immune microenvironment of a newly identified secondary tumor post-CAR-T therapy, to clarify its pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
METHODS:
In this study, the bone marrow (BM) samples were collected by aspiration from the primary and secondary tumors before and after CD19 CAR-T treatment. The CD45 + BM cells were enriched with human CD45 microbeads. The CD45 + cells were then sent for 10× genomics single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify cell populations. The Cell Ranger pipeline and CellChat were used for detailed analysis.
RESULTS:
In this study, a rare type of secondary chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) were reported in a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who had previously received CD19 CAR-T therapy. The scRNA-seq analysis revealed increased inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and an immunosuppressive state of monocytes/macrophages, which may impair cytotoxic activity in both T and natural killer (NK) cells in secondary CMML before treatment. In contrast, their cytotoxicity was restored in secondary CMML after treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
This finding delineates a previously unrecognized type of secondary tumor, CMML, after CAR-T therapy and provide a framework for defining the immune microenvironment of secondary tumor occurrence after CAR-T therapy. In addition, the results provide a rationale for targeting macrophages to improve treatment strategies for CMML treatment.
Humans
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Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/therapy*
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Tumor Microenvironment/genetics*
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Antigens, CD19/metabolism*
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Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/genetics*
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Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects*
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Male
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Single-Cell Analysis/methods*
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Female
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Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods*
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Receptors, Chimeric Antigen
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Middle Aged
8.Effect of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on emergence agitation in patients undergoing laparoscopic her-nia repair
Qiuyun WANG ; Mingcheng LI ; Huiyun GU ; Na TA ; Lige QI ; Lidong ZHU ; Jing GAO ; Xing-hua CAO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(17):2728-2733
Objective To investigate the effect of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on emergence agitation(EA)in patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair.Methods Seventy-two male patients who treated with lapa-roscopic hernia repair under general anesthesia were randomly divided into AS group(subanesthetic esketamine)and control group.In the AS group,0.2 mg/kg of esketamine was administered intravenously 30 minutes before the surgery ended,while the control group was given an equal volume of normal saline.Upon surgery completion,patients were transferred to PACU with endotracheal tube retained,and the time to extubation was recorded.Hemo-dynamic parameters were measured immediately after extubation and at 10 min,30 min,1 h,and 4 h thereafter.Patients' pain and sedation levels were assessed at the above time points using RASS and VAS,respectively.The incidence of EA was evaluated using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit(CAM-ICU).Observation duration in the PACU and recovery outcomes within 24 hours postoperatively were assessed via the QoR-40 and adverse events were recorded.Results Compared to those in the control group,patients in the AS group had higher HR and MAP at 10 min post-extubation,and the changes in HR and MAP over time were more stable(P<0.05).The RASS and VAS scores in the AS group were significantly lower than those in the control group at the time of extubation and all subsequent time points(P<0.05),both groups showed temporal changes in RASS and VAS scores(P<0.05),but the change process in the AS group was more stable(P<0.05).Postoperative extubation time,PACU observation duration,and adverse event rates(delirium,respiratory depression,nausea and vomiting)did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05),while recovery quality was markedly better in the AS group(P<0.05).Conclusion Subanesthetic esketamine effectively alleviates pain and the incidence of EA,supports hemodynamic stability during PACU stay,and enhances recovery quality in patients undergoing laparo-scopic hernia repair,demonstrating clinical value.
9.Comprehensive evaluation of compound trace element preparations used in Beijing
Na YANG ; Han LIU ; Yan XING ; Rongrong LI ; Fang LIU ; Guang YANG ; Xiaoxiao LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(2):98-104
Objective:To compare the types and contents of trace elements in compound trace element preparations used in parenteral nutrition in Beijing against the doses recommended by the guidelines, so as to facilitate optimal choice of preparations for different populations in clinical practice.Methods:The available compound trace element preparations were determined according to the drug list from the Medical Insurance Recruitment and Procurement System of Beijing and the recommended doses of trace elements in the guidelines released by Chinese domestic and foreign nutrition societies were collected and compared.Results:The compound trace element preparations used in Beijing comprised 4 varieties and 6 specifications, with the daily cost ranging from 11.32 to 471 Chinese Yuan. There were 3 varieties of trace element preparations for adults, including multi-trace elements injection (Ⅱ), multi-trace elements injection (Ⅲ), and multi-trace elements injection. Among those, multi-trace elements injection (Ⅲ) met the guideline recommendations best and the price was moderate. For pediatric populations, multi-trace elements injections (Ⅰ) satisfied better the trace element requirements for preterm infants and infants from term to 3 months, while multi-trace elements injections (Ⅲ) outperformed in meeting the trace element requirements for 3-to-12-month infants and children. However, there were still some differences in the trace element contents between the two preparations and the guideline recommendations.Conclusion:The currently available varieties and specifications of trace element preparations basically meet the recommendations of evidence-based guidelines, but there is still the need to improve the instructions for and evidence on the pediatric application of certain preparations.
10.Effect of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on decreasing nausea and vomiting of carboprost during CESA for caesarean section
Tenghuan WANG ; Dan CHENG ; Yuanyuan MAO ; Huixin LI ; Yuning FAN ; Na XING
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(1):90-94
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a subanesthetic dose of esketamine in prevent-ing postoperative nausea and vomiting following carboprost administration during cesarean section.Methods One hundred thirty-five full-term singleton parturients,ASAⅠ-Ⅱ,aged 20-40 years,scheduled for elective cesarean section,were recruited.They were randomly assigned to three groups(n=45):the normal saline group(Group C),the palonosetron group(Group P),and the esketamine group(Group E).All parturients received combined spinal-epidural anesthesia,achieving a sensory level of T5-7.Following umbilical cord clamping,carboprost tromethamine was injected into the uterine body.Concurrently,Group C received intravenous normal saline,Group P received palonosetron,and Group E received esketamine.The incidence of nausea,vomiting,and chest discomfort was recorded from the time of carboprost administration until the parturients left the operating theater.Additionally,mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),oxygen saturation(SpO2),and Ramsay sedation scores were mea-sured at six time points:upon entering the room(T0),1 minute before intervention(T1),2 minutes(T2),5 min-utes(T3),15 minutes(T4),and 30 minutes(T5)post-intervention.Maternal satisfaction was evaluated as the parturients left the operating room.Results Compared with group C,the incidence of nausea,vomiting,and chest discomfort in group E was significantly lower(all P<0.05).Additionally,group E showed a significantly lower incidence of nausea and chest discomfort compared to group P(all P<0.05).In terms of maternal satisfaction,group E reported significantly higher levels than both group C(P<0.05)and group P(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in the incidence of nausea,vomiting,chest discomfort,or satisfaction between the other groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The administration of subanesthetic doses of esketamine significantly decreases the incidence of adverse effects such as nausea,vomiting,and chest tightness that are commonly associated with carboprost tromethamine use during cesarean sections,thereby enhancing patient satisfaction in the perioperative period.

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