1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Exploration of a new model for the construction of medical institution formulation platforms from the perspective of industry-university-research collaborative innovation theory
Kana LIN ; Anle SHEN ; Yejian WANG ; Yanqiong WANG ; Hao LI ; Yanfang GUO ; Youjun WANG ; Xinyan SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):137-141
OBJECTIVE To explore a model for constructing a platform for medical institution formulation and provide insights for promoting their development. METHODS By systematically reviewing the development status and challenges of medical institution preparations in China, and based on the theory of industry-university-research collaborative innovation, the organizational structure, collaborative processes, and safeguard mechanisms of the platform were designed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Medical institution formulations in China mainly faced challenges such as weak research and development (R&D) capacity, uneven quality standards, and blocked transformation pathways. This study established a full-chain, whole- industry collaborative innovation network covering the government, medical institutions, universities/research institutes, pharmaceutical enterprises, and the market, forming a new “government-industry-university-research-application” five-in-one platform model for medical institution formulations. By establishing mechanisms such as multi-entity collaborative cooperation, full- chain intellectual property management, contribution-based benefit distribution, staged risk-sharing, and third-party evaluation, the model clarified the responsibilities and collaborative pathways of all parties. The new model highlights the whole-process transformation of clinical experience-based prescriptions, enabling precise alignment between clinical needs and technological R&D, as well as between preparation achievements and industrial transformation. While breaking down the barriers of traditional platform construction, it effectively achieves optimal resource allocation and complementary advantages, addresses problems emerging in the development of medical institution preparations, and provides reference value for the formulation of relevant systems.
3.Construction and Verification of Prediction Model of Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome in Chronic Heart Failure
Tong JIANG ; Xiaodan FAN ; Shijia WANG ; Fengxia LIN ; Zhicong ZENG ; Liangzhen YOU ; Hongcai SHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):154-163
ObjectiveTo construct and validate a clinical prediction model for Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in chronic heart failure (CHF),aiming to assist clinical diagnosis and provide tools and methods for individualized treatment of CHF. MethodsThe clinical data of patients with chronic heart failure treated at Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to January 2024 were retrospectively collected. The patients were randomly divided into a training group and a validation group with a ratio of 7∶3. First, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to preliminarily screen the predictive factors affecting the diagnosis of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in CHF. Subsequently, the Logistic regression method was applied to conduct a more in-depth and detailed analysis of these factors. Variables with P<0.05 in the results of the multi-factor Logistic regression were carefully selected and included. Based on the regression coefficients obtained from this analysis, a model was constructed, and a nomogram was accurately drawn. Using R software,the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve,calibration curve,and decision curve analysis (DCA) were precisely drawn. These analyses were used to comprehensively evaluate the model from three crucial aspects: discrimination,calibration,and clinical applicability. Additionally, the accuracy,specificity,sensitivity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of the model were meticulously calculated to conduct a more all-round and comprehensive assessment. ResultsIn total, 168 cases were successfully obtained in the training group, and 71 cases were included in the validation group. After a thorough comparison, it was found that there were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data between the two groups. After being rigorously screened by the LASSO-multivariate logistic regression method, dark red tongue,smoking history,cardiac troponin I,and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) were identified as the influencing factors for diagnosing patients with the Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in CHF. The constructed model demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.812 in the training group and 0.719 in the validation group. The calibration curve showed that the predicted curve of the model was close to the actual observed curve. DCA indicated that the model could provide substantial clinical benefits for patients at the decision thresholds ranging from 0.2 to 0.9. ConclusionThe clinical prediction model for Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in chronic heart failure constructed in this study shows good performance. It has certain application value in clinical practice, which may contribute to the improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of CHF patients with this syndrome.
4.Effect of hemodialysis on the biotransformation of oxo-eicosatetraenoic acids in peripheral tissues
Tong LIU ; Gollasch MAIK ; C. Luft FRIEDRICH ; Pan LIN ; Jun JI ; Yao MENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):93-100
Objective To analyze the differences of free and esterified oxo-eicosatetraenoic acids (oxo-ETEs) in blood cells and plasma from arterial and venous blood in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods Arterial and venous blood samples from 12 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) before and after HD treatment at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, from June to December 2020 were collected. The esterified and free oxo-ETEs derived from arachidonic acid in blood cells and plasma were measured by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Results Neither esterified nor free oxo-ETEs in blood cells displayed significant arteriovenous differences before and after HD. HD predominantly affected the metabolic levels of esterified and free oxo-ETEs in plasma. HD reduced the arteriovenous differences of esterified 12-oxo-ETE, free 15-oxo-ETE, and free 5-oxo-ETE in plasma, while raised the arteriovenous differences of esterified 15-oxo-ETE. Conclusions The oxo-ETEs in blood cells are relatively well-stabilized responding to HD treatment, whereas arteriovenous differences of free and esterified oxo-ETEs in plasma are present and active in response to HD treatment, potentially contributing to the cardiovascular disease.
5.Anticoagulation therapy analysis and pharmaceutical care for a breast cancer patient with pulmonary thromboem-bolism accompanied by multiple comorbidities
Meng HUO ; Qijian CHENG ; Jiayuan LIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):219-224
OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for anticoagulant therapy and pharmaceutical care of the breast cancer patient with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) accompanied by multiple comorbidities. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the diagnosis and treatment of a breast cancer patient with PTE accompanied by severe thrombocytopenia and suspected antiphospholipid syndrome secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus, and provided personalized pharmaceutical care as developing individualized anticoagulation plans and monitoring patient bleeding. For the occurrence of PTE, the clinical pharmacist recommended stopping all breast cancer drugs. The clinical pharmacists also cleared that severe thrombocytopenia was not the absolute contraindication for anticoagulant treatment and suggested fondaparinux sodium as the initial anticoagulation regimen. Further, warfarin was recommended as the long-term anticoagulation regimen with a recommended treatment course of at least 3-6 months by the clinical pharmacists. Whether to continue indefinite anticoagulation therapy was based on the results of the antiphospholipid antibodies after 12 weeks combined with the tumor treatment regimen. RESULTS The physicians adopted the advice of the clinical pharmacists. After treatment, the patient’s blood phlegm and anhelation disappeared and the platelets returned to normal. The patient was allowed to be discharged with medication. CONCLUSIONS Taking the “anticoagulation-bleeding” as the starting point, the clinical pharmacists develop individualized medication plans for patients so as to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medication in the patient by providing pharmaceutical care, such as analyzing the causal relationship between breast cancer treatment-related drugs and PTE, assessing the risk of bleeding and thrombus recurrence, and monitoring patients’ bleeding symptoms and signs and coagulation indicators.
6.Anticoagulation therapy analysis and pharmaceutical care for a breast cancer patient with pulmonary thromboem-bolism accompanied by multiple comorbidities
Meng HUO ; Qijian CHENG ; Jiayuan LIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):219-224
OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for anticoagulant therapy and pharmaceutical care of the breast cancer patient with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) accompanied by multiple comorbidities. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the diagnosis and treatment of a breast cancer patient with PTE accompanied by severe thrombocytopenia and suspected antiphospholipid syndrome secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus, and provided personalized pharmaceutical care as developing individualized anticoagulation plans and monitoring patient bleeding. For the occurrence of PTE, the clinical pharmacist recommended stopping all breast cancer drugs. The clinical pharmacists also cleared that severe thrombocytopenia was not the absolute contraindication for anticoagulant treatment and suggested fondaparinux sodium as the initial anticoagulation regimen. Further, warfarin was recommended as the long-term anticoagulation regimen with a recommended treatment course of at least 3-6 months by the clinical pharmacists. Whether to continue indefinite anticoagulation therapy was based on the results of the antiphospholipid antibodies after 12 weeks combined with the tumor treatment regimen. RESULTS The physicians adopted the advice of the clinical pharmacists. After treatment, the patient’s blood phlegm and anhelation disappeared and the platelets returned to normal. The patient was allowed to be discharged with medication. CONCLUSIONS Taking the “anticoagulation-bleeding” as the starting point, the clinical pharmacists develop individualized medication plans for patients so as to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medication in the patient by providing pharmaceutical care, such as analyzing the causal relationship between breast cancer treatment-related drugs and PTE, assessing the risk of bleeding and thrombus recurrence, and monitoring patients’ bleeding symptoms and signs and coagulation indicators.
7.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
10.Treatment of pulmonary diseases in children from the lung collaterals′ structure, function and pathogenesis
Zhiyuan LU ; Yuhan WANG ; Qigang DAI ; Lili LIN ; Tong XIE ; Shouchuan WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):323-329
The lung collaterals form a network that branches from the lung meridian, traversing the lung system and extending across the body′s surface. Lung collateral disease refers to the structural alterations or dysfunction in these collaterals caused by external or internal pathogens. Research into the structural and physiological functions of children′s lung collaterals, as well as the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation for treating lung collateral diseases in children, holds significant value in guiding the prevention and treatment of pediatric respiratory conditions. Drawing on the theory of collateral disease, the clinical insights of both historical and contemporary physicians, and modern research findings—while considering the unique physiological and pathological characteristics of children′s respiratory systems—this study provides a foundational summary of the morphology and spatial distribution of children′s lung collaterals. The characteristics of these collaterals are highlighted as thin, sparse, short, narrow, brittle, and tender. From this structural understanding, the unique physiological functions of children′s lung collaterals are analyzed. The study further explores the interactions between pathogenic factors and lung collaterals, elucidating the pathogenesis and progression of children′s lung collateral diseases. It proposes treatment principles centered on "seeking treatment in the collaterals and employing the method of unblocking collaterals, "which align with the unique features of pediatric lung collaterals. Common treatment approaches, and relevant prescriptions for managing these diseases are summarized. This paper lays the foundation for a theoretical system encompassing the structure, function, pathogenesis, and syndrome differentiation for treating children′s lung collateral diseases. It offers valuable insights for the clinical diagnosis and management of pediatric respiratory diseases linked to collateral dysfunction and serves as a reference for the systematic development of a broader theoretical framework for children′s collateral diseases.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail