1.Mechanism of MEK/Ras/Raf/ERK Signaling Pathway Modulated by Mimenghua Prescription on Inflammatory Response in Dry Eye Animal Model
Shi TAN ; Pei LIU ; Yuan ZHONG ; Sainan TIAN ; Pengfei JIANG ; Genyan QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):211-221
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects and mechanism of Mimenghua prescription in modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Ras)/rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (Raf)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway to inhibit inflammatory responses in a dry eye animal model. MethodsA total of 60 C57BL/6J mice (eight weeks old, half male and half female) were used in the experiment. Ten mice were randomly selected as the blank control group, while the remaining 50 were exposed to a controlled dry system and received instillation of 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) into the eyes for four weeks to establish a dry eye mouse model. After successful modeling, the mice were randomly divided into five groups: Model group, sodium hyaluronate group, and Mimenghua prescription groups with low dose (4.83 g·kg-1), medium dose (9.67 g·kg-1), and high dose (19.34 g·kg-1). The mice in the model group received an equal volume of normal saline via gavage for four weeks. The mice in the sodium hyaluronate group received instillation of sodium hyaluronate eye drops twice daily for 14 consecutive days. The tear secretion volume, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were evaluated once every two weeks. After four weeks of administration, mice were euthanized, and their lacrimal gland tissues and corneas were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess histopathological morphology. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the contents and expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, ERK, and interleukin (IL)-1β in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues of the mice in each group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine mRNA expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. ResultsThe Mimenghua prescription groups and the sodium hyaluronate group exhibited significantly increased tear secretion volume (P<0.05) and prolonged TBUT (P<0.05) after treatment. Ocular surface damage of mice was visibly recovered. Western blot results indicated that protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal gland and corneal tissues were significantly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription group with high dose (P<0.05). ELISA results showed that IL-1β levels were highest in the model group but significantly reduced in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05). Both ELISA and Real-time PCR results demonstrated that the expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05), but markedly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05), suggesting that Mimenghua prescription can decrease the expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues. ConclusionMimenghua prescription can reduce inflammatory responses, increase tear secretion, prolong TBUT, and promote corneal recovery by inhibiting the MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK signaling pathways in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues.
2.Ameliorative effect and mechanism of vitexin on inflammation in ulcerative colitis mice
Lin ZHOU ; Pengfei XIA ; Yuling LIU ; Zhichao MENG ; Geng LI ; Yuanyuan YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):758-763
OBJECTIVE To explore the ameliorative effect and potential mechanism of vitexin on inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. METHODS The UC mice model was established by continuous administration of 3% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 5 days. Mice with successful modeling were randomly divided into UC group, vitexin low- and high-dose groups (vitexin-L and vitexin-H groups, 40, 80 mg/kg), mesalazine group (400 mg/kg), and vitexin-H+recombinant Jagged canonical Notch ligand 1 (rJagged-1) group (vitexin-H+rJagged-1 group, 80 mg/kg vitexin+1 mg/kg rJagged-1), with 12 mice in each group. Another 12 normal mice were used as the control (CK) group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or the corresponding drugs and normal saline by gavage and intraperitoneal injection once daily for 7 consecutive days. General conditions were observed during the experiment. At 24 h after the last administration, the disease activity index (DAI) score was evaluated. Colonic histopathological morphology was observed and scored. Macrophage polarization levels in the spleen and colon tissues were measured. The protein expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ), Jagged-1, Notch1 and Notch intracellular domain (NICD) in colonic tissues were determined. RESULTS Compared with the UC group, the symptoms (reduced food and water intake, dull fur, etc.) and pathological changes (epithelial cell shedding, inflammatory cell infiltration, etc.) were significantly improved in the vitexin-L, vitexin-H and mesalazine groups. DAI scores, colonic histopathological scores, M1 macrophage contents in spleen tissue, M1/M2 macrophage ratios, M1 macrophage proportions in colon tissue, and protein expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, Jagged-1, Notch1 and NICD in colon tissue were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Meanwhile, the M2 macrophage contents in spleen tissue, M2 macrophage proportions in colon tissue, and protein expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β 1 in colon tissue were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Moreover, the improvement effects in the vitexin-H and mesalazine groups were significantly superior to those in the vitexin-L group ( P <0.05). Compared with the vitexin-H group, the above symptoms and pathological changes were aggravated, and all quantitative indicators were significantly reversed in the vitexin-H+rJagged-1 group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Vitexin can ameliorate the inflammation of UC mice, which is associated with its inhibition of the Jagged-1/Notch1 pathway and regulation of macrophage polarization (inhibition of M1-type polarization and promotion of M2-type polarization).
3.Qi and Yin Deficiency with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis in Rat Model of Rhein-induced Cathartic Colon
Youcheng HE ; Fengru JIANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Erhao LIU ; Pengfei ZHOU ; Keyi PAN ; Shuyu CAI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):185-195
ObjectiveTo evaluate and analyze the syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis in a rhein-induced cathartic colon (CC) rat model. MethodsTwenty-four rats were divided into a normal group and a model group (CC group). The rats were administered equal volumes of physiological saline or 2% rhein suspension by gavage to establish the model over three cycles (approximately 118 days). The first cycle lasted 46 days, with a dosage of 12 mL·kg-1·d-1, administered every other day. The second cycle lasted 37 days, with a dosage of 12 mL·kg-1·d-1, administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. The third cycle lasted 35 days, with a dosage of 16 mL·kg-1·d-1, also administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. Each cycle ended when 80% of the rats no longer exhibited loose stools. Body mass, 24 h food intake, coat condition, and coat red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values were recorded. The open field test (OFT) was used to measure the total distance traveled to evaluate Qi deficiency. The body mass coefficient and 24 h water intake were recorded to assess Yin deficiency. The sucrose preference test (SPT) was used to determine the sucrose preference rate (SPR), and the average speed in OFT was measured to evaluate depressive status (liver depression and Qi stagnation). Tongue images and their R, G, and B values were recorded. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) and plasma viscosity (PV) were measured using an automatic hemorheological analyzer to evaluate blood stasis. A carbon ink propulsion test was performed to determine the intestinal transit rate (ITR) for disease model evaluation. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the colon. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) in colon tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of TRPA1 and TPH1. ResultsIn terms of syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the body mass of the CC group decreased (P<0.05), while 24 h food intake increased (P<0.01). The coats of the CC group appeared withered, disheveled, and dull, and the R, G, and B values of the coat decreased (P<0.01). The total distance traveled in OFT decreased (P<0.01). The body mass coefficient decreased (P<0.01), while 24 h water intake increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SPR decreased (P<0.01), and the average speed in OFT slowed (P<0.01). The tongue appeared dark red, and the R, G, and B values of tongue images decreased (P<0.01). WBV and PV increased (P<0.01). Regarding disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the ITR decreased in the CC group (P<0.01). Pathologically, HE staining showed necrosis and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, disruption of mucosal continuity, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria in the CC group. Semi-quantitative analysis showed increased HAI scores (P<0.05) and increased inflammatory cell counts and area proportion (P<0.05). In terms of molecular biological indicators, compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPA1 and TPH1 in colon tissue decreased in the CC group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe rhein-induced CC rat model conforms to the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
4.Fascioliasis in the common bile duct: a case report
Pengfei ZHANG ; Qiong TANG ; Li LIU ; Jingxin LI ; Weiming LAN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):219-222
This article reports the diagnosis and treatment of one patient with fascioliasis of the common bile duct, aiming to provide reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The patient sought medical attention due to long-term symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging examinations displayed dilatation of the common bile duct and intrahepatic bile ducts, and the patient was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of “common bile duct stone”. Through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and choledochoscopy, two worms were collected from the common bile duct, which were identified as Fasciola hepatica by high-throughput sequencing.
5.Preventive Effect of Intradermal Needle Therapy on Retained Products of Conception after Early Induced Abortion:A Randomized,Single-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Jun ZHANG ; Pengfei ZENG ; Haihong DU ; Jiao LIU ; Simin WAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1409-1414
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of early intradermal needle therapy in preventing retained products of conception (RPOC) following induced abortion. MethodsA randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial design was applied. Eighty-eight patients scheduled for early induced abortion were randomly assigned to either an intradermal needle group (44 cases) or a sham control group (44 cases). Both groups underwent ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration under general anesthesia and received standard postoperative pharmacological care. Immediately following the operation, the intradermal needle group received active intradermal needle therapy at bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Zhiyin (BL 67), with needles retaining for 3 days, acupoint pressing three times daily for 5 minutes per acupoint, followed by 5 minutes of walking after each pressing session; while the sham control group received a visually identical, blunt-tipped sham needle intervention. The primary outcome was endometrial thickness measured by Doppler ultrasound at week 2 post-procedure. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of RPOC, visual analog scale (VAS) score and PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) score at 2 hours post-procedure, volume and duration of vaginal bleeding, uterine volume, Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) scores at weeks 5 and 12, menstrual cycle characteristics, and adverse events should be recorded. ResultsAt week 2 post-procedure, endometrial thickness was significantly lower in the intradermal needle group compared to the sham control group (P<0.05). Transvaginal ultrasonography at postoperative week 2 showed thinner endometrium in the intradermal needle group than in the sham group (P<0.05). RPOC occurred 1 case (2.27%) in the intradermal needle group versus 9 cases (20.45%) in the sham control group, yielding a significantly higher RPOC incidence in the sham control group (P<0.05). Patients in the intradermal needle group had less postoperative vaginal bleeding volume and shorter bleeding duration than those in the sham control group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in 2-hour postoperative VAS pain score, uterine volume at postoperative week 2 and week 5, PBAC score at postoperative week 5 and week 12, or menstrual cycle at postoperative week 12 between groups(all P>0.05). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in either group. ConclusionImmediate intradermal needle intervention after early induced abortion can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative RPOC, exert beneficial effects on reducing the volume and duration of postoperative vaginal bleeding as well as alleviating post-traumatic stress symptoms, with good safety.
7.Comparison of the efficacy of remimazolam and propofol in the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy
Chun LIU ; Juan HU ; Yu HUANG ; Jinqiu YANG ; Junjie LI ; Ping YANG ; Pengfei PAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):2040-2045
OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of remimazolam and propofol in general anesthesia induction and maintenance for elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS A total of 86 elderly lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy at Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital from February to July 2024 were selected and divided into the propofol group and the remimazolam group according to the randomized numerical table method, with 43 cases in each group. During anesthesia induction, patients in the propofol group and the remimazolam group were intravenously administered 2 mg/kg of Propofol medium- and long-chain fat emulsion injection or 0.25 mg/kg of Remimazolam tosilate for injection, respectively; during anesthesia maintenance, the two groups received intravenous infusion of 6-10 mg/(kg·h) of Propofol medium- and long- chain fat emulsion injection or 1-3 mg/(kg·h) of Remimazolam tosilate for injection, respectively. The anesthesia effects, anesthesia-related indicators, intraoperative opioid and muscle relaxant dosages, Ramsay sedation score, numerical rating scale (NRS) score, and hemodynamic parameters were compared between the two groups, and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions was recorded. RESULTS A total of 41 patients in the propofol group and 43 patients in the remimazolam group completed the trial. The proportion of patients with grade Ⅰ anesthesia effect in the remimazolam group was significantly higher than that in the propofol group, while the proportion of patients with grade Ⅱ anesthesia effect was significantly lower than that in the propofol group (P<0.05). In this group, the disappearance time of eyelash reflex, the time taken for the bispectral index to drop to 60, and the Ramsay sedation scores (2 and 6 hours after operation) were all significantly prolonged or increased, while the recovery time, NRS scores (2 and 6 hours after operation), and the incidence of intraoperative hypotension were all significantly shortened or reduced; moreover, the improvements of the above sedation/NRS scores exhibited a time-dependent pattern within 2 to 24 hours after operation (P<0.05). Compared with before anesthesia induction (T0), the heart rate [except at 2 min after medication (T1), 60 min after anesthesia (T4), and at the end of surgery (T5) in the remimazolam group] and mean arterial pressure [except at T1 in the remimazolam group] of patients in both groups significantly decreased at T1, 5 min after medication (T2), at the start of surgery (T3), T4, and T5 (P<0.05). Meanwhile, regional cerebral oxygen saturation significantly increased in both groups. Furthermore, the heart rate and mean arterial pressure of patients in the remimazolam group were significantly higher than those in the propofol group at T1, T2 and T4 (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of postanesthesia care unit stay time, dosage of opioids and muscle relaxants, regional cerebral oxygen saturation, or peripheral oxygen saturation at various time points (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared to propofol, remimazolam demonstrates superior anesthesia effects when used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. It not only provides more stable intraoperative hemodynamics and shortens the postoperative recovery time but also effectively reduces the incidence of intraoperative hypotension.
8.Exploration of the comprehensive management practice pathway for long-term prescription medications in psychiatry
Mengxi NIU ; Pengfei LI ; Xue WANG ; Shanshan LIU ; Yanxiang CAO ; Hongyan ZHUANG ; Hu WANG ; Li BAI ; Huawei LI ; Fei PAN ; Sha SHA ; Qing’e ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2366-2371
OBJECTIVE To explore comprehensive management and potential issues associated with long-term prescriptions medications of psychiatry, in order to provide a reference for the comprehensive management of long-term prescriptions of psychiatry in psychiatric hospitals and other medical institutions’ pharmacies. METHODS Starting from the applicable principles for long-term prescriptions of psychiatry, this study introduced the standardized assessment and precautions before issuing long-term prescriptions, the formulation and adjustment of the drug list, as well as the rational management of the long-term prescriptions. It also analyzed potential issues that may arise in the comprehensive management of long-term prescription medications and proposed corresponding countermeasures and suggestions. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Prior to initiating long-term prescriptions, a standardized assessment should be conducted on patients from the aspects of their psychiatric condition and long-term potential risk factors, pharmacological treatment plans and other non-pharmacological therapies, physical illnesses. Additionally, healthcare providers should fulfill their obligation to inform patients or their family members. The comprehensive management of long-term prescription medications should be jointly established and improved by multiple departments, and the formulation of drug catalogs should avoid including drugs with potential social harm or medication risks while complying with policy requirements. Furthermore, measures such as adding special identifiers to long-term prescriptions, providing patients with reminders about (No.YGLX202537) prescription expiration, or offering online consultations can also effectively enhance the rationality of medication use under long-term prescriptions. Currently, the implementation of long-term prescriptions in psychiatry remains challenged by inconsistencies in prescription duration, incomplete coverage of diagnostic categories, poor patient adherence, and the risk of deviation in clinical assessments. In this regard, measures such as collaborating with multiple departments to strengthen long-term prescription information management, providing matching pharmaceutical services, ensuring the quality and rationality of long-term prescription implementation, and using modern methods to screen high-risk patients can be taken to improve patient medication compliance and safety.
9.Occupational health literacy among key populations in the tertiary industry in Lu'an City
LIU Lei ; CHENG Tingting ; QIAN Chunsheng ; HUANG Rui ; LI Ting ; TANG Kun ; WEI Dong ; SU Yiwen ; LI Haowei ; LI Pengfei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(11):1179-1183
Objective:
To analyze the occupational health literacy (OHL) level and its influencing factors among key populations in the tertiary industry in Lu'an City, Anhui Province, so as to provide a basis for developing targeted health interventions and improving regional occupational health policies.
Methods:
A stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select five categories of key populations from the tertiary industry in Lu'an City as study subjects from August to September 2024. Data on gender, age, education level, and OHL were collected through the National OHL Monitoring Questionnaire for Key Populations. The OHL levels were analyzed, and influencing factors of OHL levels among key populations were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 1 243 individuals were surveyed, comprising 700 (56.32%) males and 543 (43.68%) females. The median age was 42.00 (interquartile range, 17.00) years. There were 609 individuals with OHL, and the OHL level was 48.99%. The OHL levels in fundamental knowledge of occupational health protection, healthy work styles and behaviors, knowledge of occupational health laws, and basic skills for occupational health protection were 84.71%, 60.34%, 43.93%, and 37.09%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that educational level (primary school and below, OR=0.149, 95%CI: 0.064-0.344; junior high school, OR=0.340, 95%CI: 0.184-0.629; high school, OR=0.408, 95%CI: 0.230-0.723), average monthly personal income (3 000-<5 000 yuan, OR=1.655, 95%CI: 1.092-2.508; 5 000-<7 000 yuan, OR=2.195, 95%CI: 1.302-3.699; ≥7 000 yuan, OR=2.062, 95%CI: 1.016-4.183), employer nature (private enterprises, OR=2.992, 95%CI: 1.569-5.443), and industry category (education, OR=3.423, 95%CI: 1.407-8.327; courier / food delivery services, OR=0.459, 95%CI: 0.268-0.787; healthcare, OR=7.539, 95%CI: 3.255-17.461) were statistically associated with the OHL level among key population.
Conclusion
The OHL level among key population in the tertiary industry of Lu'an City can be further enhanced, with educational level, average monthly personal income, employer nature, and industry category identified as the primary influencing factors.
10.Effect of optimized intense pulsed light on meibomian gland morphology and function in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction
Yifan ZHOU ; Pengfei ZHANG ; Lifeng LIU ; Xinhong HAN ; Chao WANG ; Limei LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):968-974
AIM: To assess the impact of optimized pulsed technology(OPT)on the morphological and functional changes of meibomian glands in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).METHODS: This prospective case-control study enrolled 60 MGD patients(60 right eyes)treated at Weifang Eye Hospital from September 2023 to February 2024. Patients were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups based on the extent of meibomian gland loss, with 20 cases(20 eyes)per group. Treatments consisted of bilateral OPT combined with meibomian gland massages, administered biweekly over four sessions. Ocular surface function indicators including the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS), non-invasive average tear break-up time(NIBUTav), and non-invasive tear meniscus height(NITMH), as well as meibomian gland function parameters such as meibomian gland expressibility score(MGES)and meibomian gland secretion score(MGYSS)were observed and recorded before treatment and at 3 mo after final treatment. Cellular-level assessments using in vivo confocal microscopy(IVCM)examined meibomian gland acinar unit density(MGAUD), inflammatory cell density(ICD), meibomian gland acinar longest diameter(MGALD)and meibomian gland acinar shortest diameter(MGASD).RESULTS: At baseline, no significant differences were found in NITMH across groups(P>0.05). Statistical significance were observed in NIBUTav, MGES, MGYSS, MGAUD, MGALD, and MGASD(all P<0.05). Compared to the mild group, the moderate and severe groups showed significant differences in OSDI, CFS, and ICD(all P<0.05), though no significant differences existed between moderate and severe groups(all P>0.05). At 3 mo after treatment, all groups showed no significant differences in NITMH(all P>0.05). All parameters improved significantly in the mild group(all P<0.05); all indicators improved in the moderate group(P>0.05), except for MGASD before and after treatment(all P<0.05); significant improvements were noted in OSDI, CFS, and NIBUTav in the severe group(all P<0.05), while MGES and MGYSS did not differ significantly(all P>0.05). IVCM parameters(MGAUD, ICD, MGALD, and MGASD)showed no significant change in the severe group(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:OPT effectively enhances various ocular surface functions and improves gland expressibility and secretion quality in mild to moderate MGD cases, while also positively impacting certain cellular parameters. In severe cases, where most acinar functions are lost and structural reversibility is limited, OPT can still mitigate MGD symptoms and decelerate disease progression.


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