1.Impact of Maxing Kugan Decoction on Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Oleic Acid-induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Taiqiang JIAO ; Yi NAN ; Ling YUAN ; Jiaqing LI ; Yang NIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):108-116
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Maxing Kugan decoction (MKD) on inflammatory response and apoptosis in rats with oleic acid (OA)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsSixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into six groups: a control group, a model group, a dexamethasone-treated group (2 mg·kg-1), and three MKD-treated groups at low, medium, and high doses (3.1, 6.2,12.4 g·kg-1). Each group was administered either an equivalent volume of normal saline or the corresponding concentration of MKD by gavage for seven consecutive days. The model group and each administration group were used to establish the ALI model by tail vein injection of OA (0.2 mL·kg-1). Twelve hours after modeling, blood gas analyses were conducted, and the wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratio of lung tissue was measured for each group. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the rats. Cell damage and apoptosis in lung tissue were examined via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, and the results were subsequently scored. The expression levels of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and apoptosis-related proteins and mRNAs were assessed using Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a significant decrease in partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), blood oxygen saturation (SaO2), and oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), along with a marked increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and lung W/D ratio (P<0.01). Additionally, levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in BALF were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Histopathological analysis of lung tissue showed significant inflammatory infiltration, tissue edema, alveolar septal thickening, and apoptosis of lung tissue. Pronounced increases were observed in the mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK, NF-κB p65, inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα), B-cell lymphoma-2 associated x protein (Bax), and Caspases-3, as well as the protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK, p-NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, Bax, Caspases-3, and cleaved Caspases-3, while the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MKD significantly elevated PaO2, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 while reducing PaCO2 and W/D ratio in rats (P<0.01). It also greatly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in BALF (P<0.01) and alleviated inflammatory infiltration, tissue edema, alveolar septal thickening, and apoptosis of lung tissue. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of p38 MAPK, NF-κB p65, IκBα, Bax, Caspases-3, as well as protein expression of p-p38 MAPK, p-NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, Bax, Caspases-3, and cleaved Caspases-3 in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), while significantly upregulating mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionMKD exerts a protective effect on OA-induced ALI rats, potentially through the regulation of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis.
2.Impact of Maxing Kugan Decoction on Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Oleic Acid-induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Taiqiang JIAO ; Yi NAN ; Ling YUAN ; Jiaqing LI ; Yang NIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):108-116
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Maxing Kugan decoction (MKD) on inflammatory response and apoptosis in rats with oleic acid (OA)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsSixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into six groups: a control group, a model group, a dexamethasone-treated group (2 mg·kg-1), and three MKD-treated groups at low, medium, and high doses (3.1, 6.2,12.4 g·kg-1). Each group was administered either an equivalent volume of normal saline or the corresponding concentration of MKD by gavage for seven consecutive days. The model group and each administration group were used to establish the ALI model by tail vein injection of OA (0.2 mL·kg-1). Twelve hours after modeling, blood gas analyses were conducted, and the wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratio of lung tissue was measured for each group. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the rats. Cell damage and apoptosis in lung tissue were examined via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, and the results were subsequently scored. The expression levels of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and apoptosis-related proteins and mRNAs were assessed using Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a significant decrease in partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), blood oxygen saturation (SaO2), and oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), along with a marked increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and lung W/D ratio (P<0.01). Additionally, levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in BALF were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Histopathological analysis of lung tissue showed significant inflammatory infiltration, tissue edema, alveolar septal thickening, and apoptosis of lung tissue. Pronounced increases were observed in the mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK, NF-κB p65, inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα), B-cell lymphoma-2 associated x protein (Bax), and Caspases-3, as well as the protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK, p-NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, Bax, Caspases-3, and cleaved Caspases-3, while the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MKD significantly elevated PaO2, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 while reducing PaCO2 and W/D ratio in rats (P<0.01). It also greatly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in BALF (P<0.01) and alleviated inflammatory infiltration, tissue edema, alveolar septal thickening, and apoptosis of lung tissue. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of p38 MAPK, NF-κB p65, IκBα, Bax, Caspases-3, as well as protein expression of p-p38 MAPK, p-NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, Bax, Caspases-3, and cleaved Caspases-3 in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), while significantly upregulating mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionMKD exerts a protective effect on OA-induced ALI rats, potentially through the regulation of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis.
3.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
4.Management of Cutaneous Immune-Related Adverse Events of Malignant Tumors Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Based on Theory of "Fire and Original Qi are Restricted"
Shiliang SHAO ; Lijing JIAO ; Yichao WANG ; Decai WANG ; Qishan HUA ; Yabin GONG ; Ling XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1656-1661
Guided by the theory of "fire and original qi are restricted", it is believed that original qi depletion is the root of the cutaneous immune-related adverse events (cirAEs) related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and the yin fire exuberance is the branch. Among them, original qi depletion is the internal foundation of the disease, while the drug toxicity of ICIs harming original qi is the initiating factor, and exuberant yin fire is the key pathogenesis. In clinical practice, the general treatment principle advocates banking up original qi to consolidate the root and draining fire to raise yang. Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) can be used to activate transportation of middle jiao (焦) and promote ascent and dispersion of clear yang, thereby restoring the balance of qi and fire, and medicinals such as Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae), Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis) and Huangbai (Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis) can be supplementetd to clear and drain yin fire. At the same time, considering the accompanying symptoms such as dampness-stasis and fluids depletion, the methods of removing dampness and dispelling stasis, supplementing blood and nourishing yin should be added flexibly. This approach can provide a new perspective and treatment strategy for reducing ICIs-related cirAEs in malignant tumors.
5.Treatment Strategies for Postoperative Complications of Lung Cancer from Protecting Healthy Qi and Treating Qi
Jiajun SONG ; Yichao WANG ; Xueqi TIAN ; Yi LIU ; Lijing JIAO ; Ling XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):94-105
Pulmonary complications, the most common postoperative complications of lung cancer, not only affect the quality of life of the patients after surgery but also increase the prognostic risks of postoperative recurrence and metastasis, threatening the life safety. At present, a multidisciplinary model of diagnosis and rehabilitation with integrated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine has been initially formed under the guidance of the concept of rapid rehabilitation post operation for lung cancer. However, the treatment that only aims at shortening hospital stay and reducing the incidence of postoperative complications does not pay enough attention to the postoperative functional rehabilitation of the lung and the impact of follow-up adjuvant therapy, which affects the completeness of rehabilitation. This paper classifies the typical postoperative symptoms and manifestations of lung cancer into five groups: Lung system, emotion, digestive tract, pain, and nerve. On this basis, this paper summarizes the three core pathogeneses of postoperative complications of lung cancer as failure of Qi to ascend and descend leading to insecurity of defensive exterior, vessel block leading to Qi stagnation and fluid retention, and lung Qi deficiency leading to spleen and kidney deficiency. Accordingly, this paper proposes the treatment principle of protecting healthy Qi and treating Qi with the core of descending-tonifying-ascending-dispersing Qi and puts forward three treatment methods. The first is replenishing Qi and consolidating exterior, and expelling phlegm and regulating lung. The second is replenishing Qi and promoting blood flow to resolve stasis and relieving pain. The third is replenishing Qi and tonifying lung, and invigorating spleen and tonifying kidney. Furthermore, this paper elaborates on the pathogenesis and treatment principles of four common postoperative complications: Lung infection, pleural effusion, atelectasis, and bronchopleural fistula. On the basis of Western medical treatment, the TCM treatment characteristics of treating symptoms in the acute phase and eradicating the root cause in the chronic phase should be played. While dispelling the pathogen, measures should be taken to protect the healthy Qi, including tonifying lung Qi, regulating spleen Qi, and replenishing kidney Qi. This study summarizes the pathogenesis and treatment strategy of common postoperative complications of lung cancer according to the principle of protecting healthy Qi and treating Qi, aiming to provide guidance for the future treatment of postoperative complications of lung cancer.
6.Factors influencing secondary diarrhea in pediatric inpatients with pneumonia
Yaxiu ZHANG ; Wei HUANG ; Ling LIU ; Jiao CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(5):177-180
Objective To explore the possible influencing factors of secondary diarrhea in pediatric inpatients with pneumonia. Methods A total of 122 pediatric inpatients with pneumonia who developed secondary diarrhea, admitted to the Department of Pediatrics at the First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, from January 2019 to March 2024, were selected as the case group. Another 266 pediatric inpatients with pneumonia admitted during the same period who did not develop secondary diarrhea were selected as the control group. Basic information such as gender, age, length of hospital stay, and fever reduction time of the pediatric inpatients with pneumonia was collected. Additionally, binT lymphocyte subpopulations and intestinal flora-related indicators were tested. Univariate analysis and unconditional logistic regression multivariate analysis were used to analyze the possible influencing factors of secondary diarrhea in pediatric inpatients with pneumonia. Results The multivariate results showed that after adjusting for gender, the risk of secondary diarrhea in pediatric inpatients with pneumonia decreased to 90.8% of the original risk with each additional year of age (OR=0.908, 95% CI=0.869-0.948, P<0.001). For every 1 CFU/g increase in the number of Bifidobacterium colonies, the risk of secondary diarrhea decreased to 91.6% of the original risk (OR=0.916, 95% CI=0.865-0.969, P<0.001). For every 1 CFU/g increase in the number of Lactobacillus colonies, the risk decreased to 91.1% of the original risk (OR=0.911, 95% CI=0.881-0.942, P<0.001). For every 1 CFU/g increase in the number of Enterococcus colonies, the risk decreased to 91.5% of the original risk (OR=0.864, 95% CI=0.864-0.968, P<0.001). Conclusions Age, the number of Bifidobacterium colonies, the number of Lactobacillus colonies, and the number of Enterococcus colonies are independent influencing factors of secondary diarrhea in pediatric inpatients with pneumonia.
7.Scientific Connotations of "Reinforcing Earth for Generating Metal" in the Treatment of Lung Cancer from the Perspective of the Microecology of Intestinal Microbiota
Yiyun HE ; Yabin GONG ; Lijing JIAO ; Ling XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2287-2293
"Reinforcing earth for generating metal" is based on the treatment principle of the five-element theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which states that "reinforcing mother viscera for treating deficiency of child viscera". Based on the principle of inter-generating relationship in the five elements that earth generates metal, by strengthening the functions of the internal organs belonging to "earth" (spleen and stomach) to indirectly nourish the internal organs belonging to "metal" (lungs and large intestine). Using reinforcing earth for generating metal in the treatment of lung cancer, according to the principle of "reinforcing mother viscera for treating deficiency of child viscera", by strengthening the function of "earth" viscera, the treatment effect of "metal" viscera can be achieved. The metabolic disorder, inflammatory response, and immune regulation caused by the changes in the composition and structure of intestinal microbiota are involved in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, which is consistent with the theory of “the external and internal relationship between the lung and the large intestine” in TCM. From the perspective of intestinal microbiota microecology, the paper discusses the pathogenesis of "earth disease leads to metal disorders" that the gut microbiota dysbiosis causes lung cancer and the treatment method of "reinforcing earth for generating metal" by regulating the microecological balance of gut microbiota in lung cancer, suggesting the great significance of "reinforcing earth for generating metal" therapy aiming at microecological balance of gut microbiota in the treatment of lung cancer, in order to provide a different perspective for the treatment of lung cancer with TCM.
8.Research progress on protein engineering technology and its application in the synthesis biology of medicinal natural products
Xiao-yan SUN ; Jing-jing CHEN ; Tian-jiao CHEN ; Ting GONG ; Jin-ling YANG ; Ping ZHU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1601-1615
Natural products are important sources of drug discovery. However, the traditional methods of extraction and isolation, as well as chemical synthesis for obtaining natural products are associated with issues such as operational complexity, high costs, low efficiency, and environmental pollution. Constructing microbial cell factories through synthetic biology methods to produce medicinal natural products has the advantages of high efficiency, low cost, and environmental protection. Nevertheless, the scope and yield improvement of the products are limited by the limitations of enzymes in microbial cell factories. Protein engineering is considered one of the most effective approaches to overcome these limitations. This article introduces commonly used methods of protein engineering technology and summarizes its specific applications in improving enzyme performance, modifying the enzymatic environment, and promoting the development of synthetic biology tools in the field of pharmaceutical natural product synthesis. Furthermore, it analyzes the current bottlenecks and challenges in protein engineering and looks forward to its future application prospects, offering insights for the development and practical use of protein engineering technology.
9.Pharmaceutical care in a patient with hemorrhagic transformation after cerebral infarction complicated with atrial fibrillation
Ling GAO ; Jing YUAN ; Wenjie QIN ; Bin ZHU ; Xianzhou LI ; Jiao QIAN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(24):3071-3075
OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for pharmaceutical care in patients with hemorrhagic transformation after cerebral infarction complicated with atrial fibrillation. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the treatment practice of a patient with hemorrhagic transformation after cerebral infarction complicated with atrial fibrillation. Because the patient had a hemorrhagic transformation after cerebral infarction after stent implantation and arterial thrombolysis, the clinical pharmacists recommended stopping antiplatelet drugs and giving plasma and cold precipitation; because D-dimer was significantly elevated, the clinical pharmacists recommended anticoagulant therapy with low-molecular heparin. Due to the patient’s recurrence of hemorrhagic transformation after cerebral infarction, the clinical pharmacists recommended discontinuing rivaroxaban and administering human prothrombin complex concentrate. RESULTS The physician adopted the clinical pharmacists’ recommendation. After treatment, the patient’s condition tended to improve steadily and was allowed to be discharged with medication. CONCLUSIONS The clinical pharmacists assessed the individualized risk and optimized the patient’s medication regimen by suggesting discontinuation of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, carrying out pharmaceutical care such as coagulation index monitoring, determining the time and indications for restarting anticoagulation, and pharmaceutical monitoring, to ensure the safety and efficacy of the patient’s medication.
10.Severity of COVID-19 reinfection among healthcare workers in a grade A tertiary hospital in Shanghai by the end of 2022
Wanwan LIU ; Qiuqiong DENG ; Jianhua MI ; Jingli GU ; Ling YU ; Zhuyi HUANG ; Jiahong ZHAO ; Fei CHEN ; Qin CAO ; Qun XU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(2):123-127
ObjectiveTo describe the epidemic characteristics of COVID-19 after policy adjustment from “Category B notifiable disease with category A management” to “Category B notifiable disease with category B management”, and to explore the protective effect of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 on common symptoms of reinfection. MethodsHealthcare workers infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a grade A tertiary hospital in Shanghai were included in the study from December 4, 2022 to January 11, 2023. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, medical history, and COVID-19 vaccination history were collected. We determined the epidemiological curve and characteristics, and then compared the difference in the severity of clinical symptoms between primary and reinfection subjects. ResultsA total of 2 704 cases were included in the study, of which 45 had reinfection, 605 (22.4%)were males, 608 (22.5%)were doctors, 1 275 (47.2%) were nurses, and 2 351 (86.9%) received ≥3 doses of COVID-19 vaccination. The average age of these healthcare workers was (34.9±9.1) years old. The number of cases with mild/moderate illness, asymptomatic infection, fever, headache, dry cough, expectoration, and chest tightness were 2 704 (100.0%), 92 (3.4%), 2 385 (88.2%), 2 066 (76.4%), 1 642 (60.7%), 1 807 (66.8%), and 439 (16.2%), respectively. Reinfection was a protective factor for fever (OR=0.161, P<0.001), headache (OR=0.320, P<0.001), and peak body temperature (β=-0.446, P<0.001). ConclusionFollowing the COVID-19 policy adjustment as a category B notifiable disease, healthcare workers at a grade A tertiary hospital in Shanghai predominantly experiences mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Reinfection results in milder clinical manifestations, with a lower proportion of being asymptomatic.


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