1.Research progress on the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in lipid metabolism for obesity treatment via cAMP signaling pathway
Yu ZHANG ; Xiaoran WANG ; Yiping FU ; Yuting LIU ; Quanyou ZHAO ; Linna CUI ; Mingsan MIAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):522-527
Obesity, a global chronic disease, is associated with adipose tissue dysfunction, which is one of the contributing factors to obesity. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, a key regulator of lipid metabolism, plays a pivotal role in obesity development. Various of traditional Chinese medicine monomers, such as flavonoids, lignans, phenols, and terpenoids, as well as traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas like Xiaoyao powder, Shengmai powder, and Zexie decoction, can maintain energy homeostasis, balance adipose tissue function, regulate glucose metabolism, improve insulin resistance, and suppress inflammatory responses through cAMP signaling pathway regulation, thereby intervening in lipid metabolism for obesity treatment. Although a substantial amount of basic research has preliminarily elucidated the potential mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine intervenes in obesity through the cAMP signaling pathway, clinical translational research remains inadequate. There is an urgent need for large-sample, high-quality randomized controlled trials to validate these findings.
2.Research progress on the molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine monomers in ameliorating renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Jinrui HUANG ; Wei LIU ; Jinhui WEI ; Yubo CHANG ; Hongbin MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):540-546
Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury during kidney transplantation and peri-operative settings, and there is still a lack of safe and effective targeted preventive and therapeutic drugs in clinical practice. Specifically, xanthohumol, luteolin, dracorhodin C, naringin, senkyunolide Ⅰ, verbascoside, and shikonin enhance antioxidant defenses, and inhibit lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis via the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathway. Apigenin, nobiletin, tanshinone Ⅱ A , and salidroside activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway to inhibit mitochondria- dependent apoptosis and facilitate renal repair. Quercetin, methyleugenol, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and platycodin D promote autophagy and improve mitochondrial homeostasis through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mTOR or AMPK/phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced kinase 1/Parkin pathways. In addition, hesperidin, curcumin, ganoderic acid, pulsatilla saponin B4, capsaicin, and diosgenin mitigate inflammatory responses and decrease renal tubular injury markers by inhibiting the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κB, high mobility group box 1, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways, thereby exerting multi-target, multi-stage renoprotective effects.
3.Research progress on cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles for delivery of antitumor natural products
Luhua MENG ; Hong PAN ; Shuhuan LIU ; Mengmeng SHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):547-552
Natural products have shown great potential in the research and development of antitumor drugs. However, their clinical application is severely limited by inherent drawbacks such as poor water solubility, low stability, and low bioavailability. Cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles, as a novel drug delivery system, have provided new strategies to overcome this bottleneck. This review systematically summarizes the preparation methods (e.g., membrane extrusion, ultrasonic fusion, and microfluidic electroporation) and characterization techniques (e.g., particle size, Zeta potential, and membrane surface protein detection) of cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles, with a focus on the application of these derived from various sources in delivering antitumor natural products. Cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles are endowed with unique biological functions, including low immunogenicity conferred by stem cell membranes, prolonged systemic circulation enabled by red blood cell membranes, and homologous targeting facilitated by tumor cell membranes. Despite these advancements, the technology still faces challenges such as difficulties in large-scale production, high costs, and limited characterization methods. Future research needs to further optimize the relevant processes to promote the clinical translation of cell membrane-biomimetic nanoparticles, thereby offering an efficient and safe novel delivery approach for antitumor therapy using natural products.
4.From tradition to modernity: the integrated development of medical humanities and narrative medicine
Xiaoxiong ZHU ; Lijia DU ; Yingru LIU ; Xiaoying ZHANG ; Jia NA ; Zhifen YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):201-206
Medical humanities consistently run through the entire process of medical development and educational reform. However, with the increasingly prominent dominance of evidence-based medicine in clinical practice, the medical humanities have gradually been weakened in both medical education and clinical practice. Narrative medicine, through telling and listening to patients’ stories, enhances healthcare professionals’ empathy, fosters doctor–patient communication, and facilitates a return to the humanistic essence of medical education and clinical practice. By sorting out and reviewing related literature and developmental trends both at home and abroad, this paper pointed out the existing structural problem of an imbalance between technological priority and humanistic care in medical education, focusing on how to achieve an effective integration of medical humanities and narrative medicine in medical education. This paper also systematically analyzed the significance of both medical humanities and narrative medicine in the medical education system and proposed promoting the deep embedding of narrative medicine in medical education from three entry points, namely, curriculum integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the construction of teaching evaluation systems. The aim was to provide theoretical support and practical experience for medical education reform, foster the coordinated development of professional competence and humanistic spirit among medical talents, and truly achieve the goal of cultivating well-rounded medical talents.
5.Analysis of unexamined items in physical examinations of radiation workers at an occupational health examination institution in Henan Province, China, 2023
Lihong MA ; Fengling ZHAO ; Yuzheng LI ; Han LIU ; Yumin LV
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):12-17
Objective To analyze the unexamined items and situations in occupational health examinations of radiation workers, and provide a reference for the revision of occupational health examination standards for radiation workers. Methods A total of 29 630 radiation workers who underwent occupational health examinations at The Third People’s Hospital of Henan Province in 2023 were selected, and the non-examination rates were statistically analyzed according to occupation, gender, and age. Results The overall non-examination rate of non-medical radiation workers was significantly lower than that of the medical radiation workers (P<0.05). The non-examination rate of chest X-rays among medical radiation workers was significantly higher than that of non-medical radiation workers (P<0.05), while no significant differences were found in other items (P>0.05). Gender-stratified analysis showed that the non-examination rate of routine urine tests was higher in females than in males in both medical and non-medical radiation workers (P<0.05). Age-stratified analysis revealed no significant differences in non-examination rates among different age groups in non-medical radiation workers (P>0.05), whereas the chest X-ray non-examination rate was relatively high in medical radiation workers under 30 years old (P<0.05). Conclusion Significant differences were observed in the non-examination rates of occupational health examinations among radiation workers based on occupation, gender, and age. The overall non-examination rate was relatively low in non-medical radiation workers.
6.Two cases of acute radiation-induced skin injury caused by external exposure to 192Ir
Li LI ; Wei SHANG ; Yan LING ; Mi WANG ; Huisheng ZHANG ; Chiqiao LU ; Xiaohu ZHONG ; Shenglong XU ; Juan GUO ; Chang LIU ; Yulong LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):56-61
Objective To introduce the causes of accidents and the diagnosis and treatment of two patients with radiation-induced skin injury admitted to our hospital in 2023, and to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of subsequent radiation-induced skin injury. Methods The clinical treatment process of two patients with acute skin injury caused by external radiation exposure were summarized and analyzed. Results The exposure history of the two patients was reconstructed, the flaw detection scenario was simulated, the biological dose and hand skin exposure dose were estimated, and the infrared thermal imaging device was used for dynamic monitoring. A comprehensive analysis was conducted based on clinical manifestations and other data. The diagnosis of “Xie” was excessive exposure combined with acute radiation-induced skin injury on both hands (Grade IV for the right hand palm, index finger, and middle finger and Grade II for the left hand little finger). The diagnosis of “Hao” was acute radiation-induced skin injury on both hands (Grade I). The two patients received different clinical treatment measures: “Xie” was treated with both local and systemic therapies, while “Hao” was mainly treated with systemic therapy. Conclusion After systematic and effective treatment, the radiation-induced skin injuries healed in both patients.
7.Dosimetric comparison and analysis of AXB and AAA algorithms in postoperative radiotherapy planning for left-sided breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery
Jianhui WU ; Yufeng GAO ; Kai GAO ; Chengqiong TANG ; Jiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):120-127
Objective To investigate the impact of two different algorithms, AAA and AXB, on the dose distribution of postoperative radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery. Methods A total of 96 target volumes from patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery for left-sided breast cancer were selected for dose verification using a two-dimensional matrix system. The planned dose distributions were simulated using both AAA and AXB algorithms. Dosimetric differences in organs at risk and the target volumes were then compared to identify the algorithm that could reduce the radiation dose to organs at risk without compromising the dose distribution to the target volume. Dose verification was performed on the plans generated by both algorithms, and the pass rates of plans for each target volume using both algorithms were compared to provide a quantitative basis for the precise selection of subsequent radiotherapy plans. Results Both AAA and AXB plans met the radiotherapy requirements. The AXB algorithm demonstrated significant advantages in the D98, D2, homogeneity index, and conformity index for the planning target volume, as well as in the V5 and V20 for the left lung. The AXB algorithm showed advantages in the V30 for the heart and the maximum and mean doses for the skin. With the 2 mm/2% criterion in dose verification, the gamma pass rate was higher for the AXB algorithm. Conclusion Through a comparative analysis of the two algorithms, this study revealed that the AXB algorithm offers certain advantages in the dose distribution of radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for left-sided breast cancer. These findings provide an important reference for the rational selection of algorithms in clinical practice and are expected to improve radiotherapy efficacy and patient prognosis.
8.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of Chaiqi yigan granules improving hepatocellular carcinoma
Guiping MA ; Yuanjie ZHANG ; Yichi ZHOU ; Jinzhen LYU ; Conghui WANG ; Fenping LU ; Bowen LIU ; Yun RAN ; Shiping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):620-625
OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the mechanisms of Chaiqi yigan granules (CQYG) improving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The signaling pathways of CQYG intervention in HCC were predicted using network pharmacology. A mice model of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma was established by injecting H22 hepatoma cells into the axilla. Successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), sorafenib group (positive control, 50 mg/kg), and CQYG low-, medium- and high-dose groups (24.83, 49.66, 99.32 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After last administration, pathological morphological changes in the tumor tissues of mice were observed in each group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of the nuclear proliferation antigen Ki-67 in tumor tissues of mice. Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7)] and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway [p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK, extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphorylated ERK1/2] in tumor tissue of mice. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway were key signaling pathways through which CQYG exert their anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. In animal experiments, the tumor tissues of mice in the model group exhibited dense tumor cells and vigorous growth. Compared with model group, CQYG high-dose group showed a decreased density of tumor cells in the tumor tissues of mice. Moreover, the expression levels of Ki-67, N-cadherin, MMP7 and Vimentin proteins, along with the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK proteins, were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly increased ( P <0.05), the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK protein was increased, the difference was not statistically significant ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS CQYG can inhibit EMT by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing tumor cell invasion and metastasis and ultimately exerting a therapeutic effect in improving HCC.
9.Cost-utility analysis of amivantamab combined with lazertinib in the first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC
Ran LIU ; Shengnan GAO ; Yuxi ZHANG ; Ranran ZHANG ; Congxin LI ; Guoqiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):633-638
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of amivantamab combined with lazertinib (hereinafter referred to as “AL”) regimen as first-line treatment for EGFR -mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the perspective of China’s healthcare system. METHODS A partitioned survival model was established based on updated data from the MARIPOSA study, with a 10-year time horizon and 28-day cycles. The primary outcome index was quality adjusted life year (QALY), and the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at three times China’s per capita GDP in 2024 (287 247 yuan/QALY). Cost-utility analysis was used to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of AL regimen versus osimertinib monotherapy regimen as first-line treatment for EGFR -mutated advanced NSCLC. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test model robustness. Scena rio analyses were conducted to explore the impact of utility values for different health states on the outcomes and determine the required price reductions of amivantamab and lazertinib to achieve cost-effectiveness. RESULTS Compared with the osimertinib monotherapy regimen, the ICER for the AL regimen as first-line treatment for advanced EGFR -mutated NSCLC was 2 062 096.15 yuan/QALY, significantly exceeding the WTP threshold established in this study. One-way sensitivity analysis revealed that the utility value of progression-free survival state and the price of amivantamab were the primary factors influencing the ICER. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that the AL regimen only became cost-effective when the WTP threshold was set at 2 050 000 yuan/QALY. Scenario analysis indicated that altering the utility value still rendered the AL regimen non-cost-effective. When amivantamab (350 mg) prices decreased by 80%, 85%, and 90% respectively, lazertinib (80 mg) prices would need to decrease by 95.97%, 40.63%, 5.29%, respectively. This would enable the AL regimen’s ICER to consistently fall within the WTP threshold established in this study. CONCLUSIONS At the WTP threshold established in this study, the AL regimen does not demonstrate cost-effectiveness for first-line treatment of advanced EGFR -mutated NSCLC compared to the osimertinib monotherapy regimen. Significant price reductions for both drugs would be required to alleviate the financial burden on patients.
10.Comparison of clinical efficacy of evolocumab and probucol after PCI in patients with ultra-high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Yi YUAN ; Na LI ; Haiying SUN ; Jing SUN ; Yongqiang MA ; Yan WU ; Guohong YANG ; Junxiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):645-649
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of evolocumab and probucol in patients with ultra-high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 156 ultra-high-risk ASCVD patients who underwent PCI in our institution between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024. According to the lipid-lowering regimen, the patients were categorized into evolocumab group ( n =86) and probucol group ( n =70). Changes in lipid parameters [total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprot ein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, lipoprotein (a), and lipid goal achievement rate ] , inflammatory markers [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) ] , and cardiac function indices (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) were compared between two groups at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. The incidence of adverse clinical events during treatment, including acute myocardial infarction, in-stent restenosis, acute heart failure, cerebral hemorrhage, and stroke, was also evaluated. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups at baseline ( P >0.05). After 6 months of treatment, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in lipid profiles (except HDL-C) and inflammatory markers compared to those at baseline ( P <0.05). The evolocumab group exhibited greater reductions in TC, LDL-C, IL-6, and CRP, along with a higher lipid target achievement rate, compared with the probucol group ( P <0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the cardiac function-related indicators before and after treatment between the two groups, nor in the incidence of adverse events during the treatment ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS For ultra-high-risk ASCVD patients after PCI, both of the above treatment options are associated with improvements in blood lipid and inflammatory response, with good safety during short-term follow-up. Evolocumab shows superior efficacy in TC, LDL-C and inflammatory markers reduction and lipid target achievement, compared to probucol.

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