1.Effect of Shixiaosan on Neurological Function and Ferroptosis in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Ying WEI ; Lixia WANG ; Junjun YIN ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):22-31
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Shixiaosan can improve neurological function and inhibit ferroptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by regulating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. MethodsA rat model of CIRI was established using the intraluminal filament method. Briefly, cervical blood vessels were separated, branches of the external carotid artery were ligated, and the common carotid artery and internal carotid artery were clamped. A nylon filament was inserted through the opening of the external carotid artery to the origin of the middle cerebral artery to block blood flow and induce cerebral ischemia. After 60-120 min of ischemia, the filament was withdrawn to restore blood flow, and the external carotid artery incision was ligated. The rats were divided into a CIRI group, a Shixiaosan low-dose (-L) group (intragastric administration of 1.26 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a Shixiaosan high-dose (-H) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a donepezil hydrochloride tablet (DON) group (intragastric administration of 0.45 mg·kg-1 DON), and a Shixiaosan -H + Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan combined with intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg·kg-1 ML385). An additional 12 rats underwent cervical artery separation followed by incision suturing and served as the control group. Equal volumes of double-distilled water were administered to the CIRI and control groups. Neurological function impairment was assessed using the modified Garcia JH score. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the cerebral infarct volume ratio. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Prussian blue staining were performed to observe neuronal injury and iron accumulation in the ischemic penumbra, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of neuronal mitochondria in the ischemic penumbra. Commercial kits were used to measure ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity in the ischemic penumbra. The BODIPY (581/591) C11 fluorescent probe was used to detect intracellular lipid peroxidation levels. Western blot was performed to detect protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC), ferritin heavy chain (FHC), and ferritin light chain (FLC) in the ischemic penumbra. ResultsCompared with the control group, the CIRI group exhibited neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, characterized by reduced neuron numbers, nucleolar shrinkage, and interstitial edema. Marked iron accumulation was observed in the tissue. Neuronal mitochondria showed atrophy and rupture, with reduced mitochondrial cristae and increased membrane density. The cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ content, MDA content, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels were increased, whereas the modified Garcia JH score, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC were decreased, and TFRC protein expression was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the CIRI group, the Shixiaosan -L group, Shixiaosan -H group, and DON group showed attenuated neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, reduced iron accumulation, alleviated mitochondrial damage, decreased cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ and MDA contents, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels, as well as increased modified Garcia JH scores, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC, while TFRC protein expression was decreased (P<0.05). The magnitude of changes in all indicators was greater in the Shixiaosan -H group than in the Shixiaosan -L group (P<0.05). Compared with the Shixiaosan -H group, all measured indicators in the Shixiaosan -H + ML385 group showed opposite trends (P<0.05). ConclusionShixiaosan may inhibit ferroptosis and restore neurological function in rats with CIRI by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
2.Analysis of ethical dilemmas and coping strategies for the establishment of human milk banks in hospitals
Yao JIN ; Zhenyan FU ; Huixiang SHANG ; Lijuan WEI ; Chi HUANG ; Juan CHEN ; Mingtao QUAN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(11):1441-1446
Breast milk is the optimal natural food for newborns. However, some newborns cannot receive maternal breast milk due to reasons such as mother-infant separation or insufficient lactation. The establishment of human milk banks (HMB) can effectively address these issues, thereby increasing the breastfeeding rate among hospitalized newborns and improving their quality of survival. However, HMB in China is still in the development and improvement stage. Its implementation involves a series of ethical issues, such as informed consent, privacy protection, economic incentives, quality and safety, and fair resource distribution, which hinder HMB’s widespread promotion. Therefore, discussing the ethical dilemmas faced by the widespread establishment of HMB in China’s hospitals and analyzing coping strategies are crucial for improving the breastfeeding rate of newborns. This paper deeply analyzed and sorted out the ethical issues and challenges currently faced by HMB in China, and proposed corresponding strategies, including “ensuring informed consent and voluntary participation of both donors and recipients,” “protecting the privacy of donors and recipients,” “establishing an ethics-based moral incentive and social support system,” “strictly controlling quality and safety issues”, and “developing fair and rational policies,” aiming to provide a reference solution for addressing ethical concerns in the establishment and operation of HMB.
3.CMD-OPT model enables the discovery of a potent and selective RIPK2 inhibitor as preclinical candidate for the treatment of acute liver injury.
Yong CHEN ; Xue YUAN ; Wei YAN ; Yurong ZOU ; Haoche WEI ; Yuhan WEI ; Minghai TANG ; Yulian CHEN ; Ziyan MA ; Tao YANG ; Kongjun LIU ; Baojian XIONG ; Xiuying HU ; Jianhong YANG ; Lijuan CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3708-3724
Acute liver injury (ALI) serves as a critical precursor and major etiological factor in the progression and ultimate manifestation of various hepatic disorders. The prevention and treatment of ALI is still a serious global challenge. Given the limited therapeutic options for ALI, exploring novel targeted therapeutic agents becomes imperative. The potential therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting RIPK2 is highlighted, as it may provide significant benefits by attenuating the MAPK pathway and NF-κB signaling. Herein, we propose a CMD-OPT model, a two-stage molecular optimization tool for the rapid discovery of RIPK2 inhibitors with optimal properties. Compound RP20, which targets the ATP binding site, demonstrated excellent kinase specificity, ideal oral pharmacokinetics, and superior therapeutic effects in a model of APAP-induced ALI, positioning RP20 as a promising preclinical candidate. This marks the first application of RIPK2 inhibitors in ALI treatment, opening a novel therapeutic pathway for clinical applications. These results highlight the efficacy of the CMD-OPT model in producing lead compounds from known active molecules, showcasing its significant potential in drug discovery.
4.18F-D3FSP PET/CT machine learning models for evaluating subjective cognitive decline
Fansheng MENG ; Zhanyu TIAN ; Wei GONG ; Liang XIONG ; Haizhuang JIANG ; Lijuan YU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(4):573-577
Objective To observe the value of 18F-D3FSP PET/CT machine learning(ML)models for evaluating subjective cognitive decline(SCD).Methods Thirty-two SCD patients(SCD group)and 16 healthy volunteers(control group)who received 18F-D3FSP PET/CT were selected from Sino Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Decline(SILCODE)and divided into training set(n=34)and test set(n=14)at a ratio of 7∶3.Support vector machine(SVM),random forest(RF)and logistic regression(LR)models were constructed based on Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)and standard uptake value ratio(SUVR)of brain regions being significantly different between groups to evaluate SCD.Then PET/CT data were amplified by format conversion and divided into training set(including 8 775 CT images and 1 833 PET images)and test set(including 2 025 CT images and 423 PET images)at the ratio of 8∶2.VGG16 models were constructed based on CT and PET images to evaluate SCD,respectively.Results The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of SVM,RF and LR model for evaluating SCD in training set was all 1.000,while was 0.863,0.872 and 1.000 in test set,respectively.LR model was overfitting,and RF model had better performance.The accuracy of VGG16 model for evaluating SCD based on CT and PET images tended to be stable after the 175th and 150th iterations,with the highest accuracy of 67.11% and 65.35% in training set,which tended to be stable after the 165th and 145th iterations,with the highest accuracy of 62.43% and 59.16% in test set,respectively.Conclusion 18F-D3FSP PET/CT ML models could be used to evaluate SCD.
5.Exploring the mechanism of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules in the treatment of type 2 diabetes based on network pharmacology and animal experiment
Yunqi ZHANG ; Xiaoyu XU ; Xiaoyang CHE ; Lijuan FAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Yin DUAN ; Yun LUO ; Xiaobo SUN
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(9):1247-1258
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules on type 2 diabetes mice,and explore the mechanisms of its treatment of type 2 diabetes based on network pharmacology.Methods TCMSP,ETCM databases were used to query all components and of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules and their targets.OMIM and DrugBank databases were used to search for targets of type 2 diabetes.The targets of type 2 diabetes and Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules were intersected by Venny 2.1.0.to perform GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on those intersecting targets using the Metascape website.Then,a mouse model of type 2 diabetes was established,and Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules were given to low,medium,and high dose groups(234,468,and 936 mg/kg,respectively),and metformin(MET)group(200 mg/kg)for 2 weeks.The weight of each mouse was measured before and after treatment,and fasting blood glucose was also measured.After the 2 weeks,fasting insulin was measured;ELISA was used to detect levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,TLR4,and NF-κB in serum;Hematoxylin eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of pancreatic islets;and Caspase 3 and INS immunofluorescence were used to detect apoptosis of pancreatic islet cells and the number of pancreatic beta cells.Western Blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of pancreatic tissue proteins such as p-Akt,Akt,p-PI3K,PI3K,Bax,Bcl2.Results 1260 active ingredient targets were identified in Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules;1205 targets of type 2 diabetes were found.Of these,312 targets were intersected by Venny,with core targets involving Akt1,TNF,IL-6,TLR4,among others.Enrichment analysis identified 240 KEGG pathways,among which"insulin resistance""PI3K/Akt signaling pathway"were the key pathways enriched.The animal experiment result showed that compared with the model group,the intervention of Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules and metformin significantly improved blood glucose and insulin resistance;the content of inflammatory factors in serum decreased,and the apoptosis rate of pancreatic islet cells significantly decreased;the number of pancreatic beta cells significantly increased;the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax decreased,the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 significantly increased,and the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt was upregulated.Conclusions Qiwei Tangmaishu capsules can significantly reduce blood glucose levels,restore insulin sensitivity,and reduce islet cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetic mice.The mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.Influences of tetrandrine on proliferation,apoptosis and immune escape of melanoma cells by regulating cGAS-STING signal pathway
Hui ZHOU ; Jie LI ; Lijuan HU ; Huimei LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Lina WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(2):357-361
Objective:To investigate influences of tetrandrine(Tet)on proliferation,apoptosis and immune escape of melanoma cells by regulating cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon gene(STING)signal pathway.Methods:MV3 cells were divided into NC group,Tet-L group(5 μmol/L),Tet-M group(10 μmol/L),Tet-H group(15 μmol/L),RU.521(cGAS inhibi-tor)group(1 μmol/L),Tet-H+RU.521 group(15 μmol/L+1 μmol/L).Proliferation of MV3 cells was detected by CCK-8 and plate cloning test;apoptosis of MV3 cells was detected by flow cytometry;Western blot was used to detect expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),TGF-β,cGAS,STING proteins in MV3 cells.Cells in above groups were co-cultured with NK cells for 48 h through Transwell chamber,and named NC co-culture group,Tet-L co-culture group,Tet-M co-culture group,Tet-H co-culture group,RU.521 co-culture group,Tet-H+RU.521 co-culture group,respectively.ELISA was used to detect levels of IFN-γ and Granzyme B in supernatant of co-cultured cells;change of NK cell killing activity was detected.Results:Compared with NC group,A450,cloning rate,PCNA and TGF-β protein expressions of MV3 cells in Tet-L group,Tet-M group and Tet-H group were decreased,apoptosis rate,Bax,cGAS,STING protein expressions were increased,which was in a dose dependent man-ner,change trend of corresponding indexes in RU.521 group was contrary to the above(P<0.05);compared with NC co-culture group,levels of IFN-γ,Granzyme B and NK cell killing activity in supernatant of Tet-L co-culture group,Tet-M co-culture group and Tet-H co-culture group were increased,which was in a dose-dependent manner,change trend of corresponding indexes in RU.521 co-culture group was opposite to the above(P<0.05);RU.521 attenuated inhibition of high-dose Tet on MV3 cell proliferation,immune escape and its promotion on apoptosis.Conclusion:Tet may inhibit melanoma cell proliferation,immune escape and promote cell apoptosis by activating cGAS-STING signal pathway.
7.Establishment and Evaluation of A Remote Medication Treatment Management Model for Elderly Patients with Chronic Diseases Based on Mobile Technology
Lijuan YANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Quanzhi LI ; Tingting ZHENG ; Shuo YANG ; Ping LIN ; Shuang HAN ; Sitong LIU ; Tianjing ZHANG ; Jiancun ZHEN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):486-490
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a remote medication treatment management model for elderly patients with chronic disease at home based on mobile technology.Methods A convenient and elderly-friendly mo-bile application(hereinafter referred to as Yaoshiyi APP)was developed,and a remote medication treatment management team consisting of clinical pharmacists from tertiary hospitals,community pharmacists,and community physicians was formed.Patients from communities were selected for practical research,led by pharmacists.Based on the Yaoshiyi APP,patients were subjected to 6 months of medication treatment management practice,and the effectiveness and feasibility of the practice were evaluated.Re-sults The Yaoshiyi APP can be integrated with a variety of medical-grade wearable devices to realize the functions of automati-cally uploading monitoring data,abnormal value reminding,medication reminding,medication consultation,and medication sci-ence popularization.A total of 302 elderly patients with chronic disease at home completed the study.The results showed that phar-macists have identified and intervened in 695 cases of medication-related problems.According to the classification of medication-related problems,the top three were 247 cases(35.5%)of additional treatment,97 cases(14.0%)of unnecessary drug treat-ment,and 93 cases(13.4%)of medication compliance problems.The patient's medication adherence score(Morisky medication adherence scale-8,MMAS-8)increased from(5.85±1.57)at enrollment to(6.74±1.23)6 months after enrollment(P<0.01).After 6 months of enrollment,the patient's satisfaction with the pharmacist's work reached a score of(4.99±0.08)out of 5.The average reduction in drug costs for patients caused by pharmacists intervening in irrational medication is(20.9±18.0)%.At the end of follow-up,93.4%of patients were proficient in using the Yaoshiyi APP.Conclusion The remote medication treatment management model for elderly patients with chronic disease at home based on mobile technology constructed in this study can ef-fectively improve patient compliance with disease monitoring and medication,ensure rational drug use,reduce medical resource waste,and receive high patient acceptance.
8.Formulation and Interpretation of Prescription Evaluation Standard
Lijuan YANG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Wei ZHANG ; Jin LU ; Dan MEI ; Pengmei LI ; Haiying ZHANG ; Nan ZHANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):400-403
Prescription evaluation is an important innovative medication supervision mode in China,which is an impor-tant means to ensure rational drug use.The Pharmaceutical Specialized Committee of the Chinese Hospital Association had led the formulation of the Pharmacy Administration and Pharmacy Practice in Healthcare Institutions—Part 4-9:Pharmacy Administra-tion—Prescription Evaluation.The standard regulated 11 key elements in the three aspects of basic requirements,evaluation re-quirements,and quality management and evaluation improvement,which can be used as the basis for guiding medical institutions to standardize prescription evaluation work.This paper introduced the formulation process of the prescription evaluation standard and interpreted the key contents of the standard,which was helpful for peers to deeply understand the standard,promote the imple-mentation of the standard,and further improve the quality of prescription evaluation work.
9.Andrographolide sulfonate alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting glycolysis-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT to restrain Th17 cell differentiation.
Chunhong JIANG ; Xi ZENG ; Jia WANG ; Xiaoqian WU ; Lijuan SONG ; Ling YANG ; Ze LI ; Ning XIE ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Zhifeng WEI ; Yi GUAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(4):480-491
Andrographolide sulfonate (AS) is a sulfonated derivative of andrographolide extracted from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, and has been approved for several decades in China. The present study aimed to investigate the novel therapeutic application and possible mechanisms of AS in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Results indicated that administration of AS by injection or gavage significantly reduced the paw swelling, improved body weights, and attenuated pathological changes in joints of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in the serum and ankle joints were reduced. Bioinformatics analysis, along with the spleen index and measurements of IL-17 and IL-10 levels, suggested a potential relationship between AS and Th17 cells under arthritic conditions. In vitro, AS was shown to block Th17 cell differentiation, as evidenced by the reduced percentages of CD4+ IL-17A+ T cells and decreased expression levels of RORγt, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22, without affecting the cell viability and apoptosis. This effect was attributed to the limited glycolysis, as indicated by metabolomics analysis, reduced glucose uptake, and pH measurements. Further investigation revealed that AS might bind to hexokinase2 (HK2) to down-regulate the protein levels of HK2 but not glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) or pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and overexpression of HK2 reversed the inhibition of AS on Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, AS impaired the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signals in vivo and in vitro, which was abolished by the addition of lactate. In conclusion, AS significantly improved adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats by inhibiting glycolysis-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT to restrain Th17 cell differentiation.
Animals
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Th17 Cells/immunology*
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Diterpenes/pharmacology*
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology*
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Glycolysis/drug effects*
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Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
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Rats
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Humans
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Andrographis paniculata/chemistry*
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Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy*
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Interleukin-17/immunology*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
10.A blood supply model for the emergency care of severe trauma
Songlin HU ; Zhiyuan WEI ; Gaoxiang HUANG ; Lijuan LIU ; Mingwei FU ; Junke TAN ; Haozhe LI ; Songtao LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(10):1327-1333
Objective: To establish and validate a whole blood (WB) supply model, thereby providing practical experience for the clinical application of WB in domestic trauma emergency care and informing the development of a wartime blood supply system for the military. Methods: A “10×24” WB supply model was established by formulating blood collection protocols, storage standards, and transfusion criteria. Multiple WB samples were tested under specific storage conditions to assess key indicators at different time points, including red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts, hemoglobin concentration, coagulation parameters (PT, APTT, TT, FIB), coagulation factor activity, thromboelastography (TEG) parameters, and electrolyte levels. Additionally, clinical data from hemorrhagic patients who met the criteria for WB transfusion and were admitted between March and July 2024 were analyzed to evaluate WB transfusion volume. Results: RBC counts and hemoglobin levels remained stable in WB stored at 4℃ for up to 10 days. However, platelet counts and coagulation function (PT, APTT) significantly declined with prolonged storage, while potassium levels increased. From March to July 2024, the model was successfully applied to 23 patients with acute hemorrhage, with a median WB transfusion volume of 543 mL. A detailed case study of a severe traumatic hemorrhagic shock patient was reported, who was successfully treated with 5.5 units of refrigerated WB combined with component blood. Conclusion: The “10×24” WB supply model demonstrated acceptable changes in critical quality parameters under strict management and a 10-day rotation cycle. This model effectively supports the treatment of acute hemorrhage and holds promise for integration into the future wartime blood supply system of the military.

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