1.Anti-osteoporosis Effect of Isorhamnetin: A Review
Shilong MENG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yawei XU ; Yang YU ; Wei LI ; Yanguang CAO ; Xiaolin SHI ; Wei ZHANG ; Kang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):347-352
Osteoporosis is a common senile bone metabolism disease, clinically characterized by decreased bone mass, destruction of bone microstructure, increased bone fragility, and easy fracture. It tends to occur in the elderly and postmenopausal women, seriously threatening the quality of life and physical and mental health of the elderly. At present, the treatment of osteoporosis is mainly based on oral western medicines, such as calcium, Vitamin D, and bisphosphonates. Still, there are drawbacks such as a long medication cycle and many adverse reactions. In recent years, due to the advantages of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target, some traditional Chinese medicines and effective ingredients can regulate the osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation process in both directions and are widely used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Hippophae rhamnoides is a commonly used herbal medicine, and its fruits are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements, which have been proven to have a good anti-osteoporosis effect. Isorhamnetin is the main effective ingredient of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits, which has many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, and anti-tumor. Studies have shown that isorhamnetin can participate in the regulation of bone metabolism and has a good anti-osteoporosis effect. However, the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, this paper reviewed the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis by referring to relevant literature to provide more basis for the development and application of isorhamnetin.
2.Study progress of novel biomarkers for early prediction of polymyxin-associated acute kidney injury
Ge YANG ; Jun YANG ; Fang LIU ; Yongchuan CHEN ; Hong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):251-256
Polymyxin is an essential antibiotic for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections; however, its significant nephrotoxicity greatly limits its clinical application. To enhance its safety and improve patient outcomes, the study of novel biomarkers for the early prediction of polymyxin-associated acute kidney injury is critically important. Novel biomarkers, such as cystatin C, kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, β2- microglobulin, have shown obvious advantages in the early prediction of polymyxin-associated acute kidney injury. Compared to traditional biomarkers, these biomarkers can provide sensitive and specific diagnostic information in the early stages of kidney injury, helping to optimize individualized treatment plans and reduce clinical risks. However, the high cost of detection and complex operation still limit their clinical promotion. Future research should focus on optimizing the detection technology of new biomarkers, simplifying the operation process and reducing costs, while conducting multi-center, large-scale randomized controlled trials to systematically evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of various novel biomarkers, in order to promote their application in the field of prediction of renal injury in clinical practice.
3.Optimization of osmotic pressure swelling method in the process of hemoglobin extraction from red blood cells
Honghui ZHANG ; Wentao ZHOU ; Shasha HAO ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Chengmin YANG ; Shen LI ; Fengjuan LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):91-96
[Objective] To extract hemoglobin (Hb) from red blood cells using osmotic pressure swelling method, expected to achieve a hemoglobin dissolution rate of ≥80% and a cell membrane integrity rate of ≥70%. [Methods] Human umbilical cord blood red blood cells were used as raw materials and phosphate buffer solution was used as the swelling solution for red blood cells. A three factor three-level orthogonal experiment (n=3) was conducted to determine the optimal matching conditions for selecting the osmolality molar concentration of phosphate buffer solution, pH value of hypotonic phosphate buffer solution and volume ratio of hypotonic phosphate buffer solution to washed red blood cells. Red blood cell swelling solution samples (n=6) were prepared by the optimal matching conditions and the original process conditions. The hemoglobin dissolution rate and cell membrane integrity rate were checked. In the expanded comparative experiment, red blood cell swelling solution samples (n=6) were prepared by the optimal matching conditions and the original process conditions, which was filtered by ultrafiltration membranes. The filtration time and hemoglobin yield were checked. [Results] The optimal matching conditions for preparing red blood cell swelling solution were obtained through orthogonal experiment as follows: osmotic pressure molar concentration was 30 mOsmol/Kg, pH was 7.8, and phosphate buffer to red blood cell volume ratio was 6∶1. On the basis of the above conditions, the red blood cell swelling solution sample was compared with the original process sample: the hemoglobin dissolution rate was (82.4±1.8)% vs (78.6±3.0)% (P<0.05), and the cell membrane integrity rate was (65.8±4.0)% vs (28.7±2.3)% (P<0.05). In the expanded comparative experiment, the optimal matching conditions were compared with the original process conditions: filtration time(s) (327±9) vs (434±13) (P<0.05), and hemoglobin yield was (72.3±1.2)% vs (66.0±1.4)% (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Compared with the original preparation process, the hemoglobin extraction process which optimized through orthogonal experiments greatly reduces the cell membrane fragmentation rate and minimizes the entry of cell membrane matrix into the target solution, ensuring a slightly higher hemoglobin dissolution rate, and reducing the preparation difficulty for the subsequent cell membrane separation and further purification.
4.Study progress of novel biomarkers for early prediction of polymyxin-associated acute kidney injury
Ge YANG ; Jun YANG ; Fang LIU ; Yongchuan CHEN ; Hong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):251-256
Polymyxin is an essential antibiotic for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections; however, its significant nephrotoxicity greatly limits its clinical application. To enhance its safety and improve patient outcomes, the study of novel biomarkers for the early prediction of polymyxin-associated acute kidney injury is critically important. Novel biomarkers, such as cystatin C, kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, β2- microglobulin, have shown obvious advantages in the early prediction of polymyxin-associated acute kidney injury. Compared to traditional biomarkers, these biomarkers can provide sensitive and specific diagnostic information in the early stages of kidney injury, helping to optimize individualized treatment plans and reduce clinical risks. However, the high cost of detection and complex operation still limit their clinical promotion. Future research should focus on optimizing the detection technology of new biomarkers, simplifying the operation process and reducing costs, while conducting multi-center, large-scale randomized controlled trials to systematically evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of various novel biomarkers, in order to promote their application in the field of prediction of renal injury in clinical practice.
5.Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, Weakness in Limbs, Edema, and Dyspnea: A Rare Inflammatory Myopathy with Positive Aniti-mitochondrial Antibodies and Cardiac Involvement
Chunsu LIANG ; Xuchang ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Lin KANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Jiaqi YU ; Yingxian LIU ; Lin QIAO ; Yanli YANG ; Xiaoyi ZHAO ; Ruijie ZHAO ; Na NIU ; Xuelian YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):248-255
This article presents a case study of a patient who visited the Geriatric Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to "palpitations, shortness of breath for more than 2 years, limb weakness for 6 months, edema, and nocturnal dyspnea for 2 months". The patient exhibited decreased muscle strength in the limbs and involvement of swallowing and respiratory muscles, alongside complications of heart failure and various arrhythmias which were predominantly atrial. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of multiple autoantibodies and notably anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with anti-mitochondrial antibody-associated inflammatory myopathy. Treatment involved a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, along with resistance exercises for muscle strength and rehabilitation training for lung function, resulting in significant improvement of clinical symptoms. The case underscores the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing and treating rare diseases in elderly patients, where careful consideration of clinical manifestations and subtle abnormal clinical data can lead to effective interventions.
6.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
7.Exploring Multi-target Effect of Erzhiwan on Improving Myocardial Injury in Ovariectomized Mice Based on Non-targeted Metabolomics
Ying YANG ; Jing HU ; Pei LI ; Ruyuan ZHU ; Zhiguo ZHANG ; Haixia LIU ; Yanjing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):74-84
ObjectiveTo explore the target of Erzhiwan in reducing myocardial injury in ovariectomized mice through non-targeted myocardial metabolomics combined with experimental verification. MethodsOvariectomized mouse model was selected, 40 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, estrogen group(estradiol valerate, 1.3×10-4 g·kg-1), Erzhiwan low and high dose groups(3.12, 9.36 g·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Each administration group was given the corresponding dose of Erzhiwan by gavage, and the sham operation group and model group were given equal volume of distilled water by gavage for 12 weeks. Echocardiography was used to detect cardiac function, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe myocardial morphological changes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of estrogen, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), hypersensitive troponin T(hs-TnT), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). The non-targeted metabolomics of mouse myocardium were analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS), and the differential metabolites and corresponding metabolic pathways were obtained. The mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt) in mouse myocardial tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), and the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated(p)-Akt were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed abnormal cardiac function, increased myocardial fiber space, cardiomyocyte atrophy, sarcoplasmic aggregation, and occasional dissolution or rupture of muscle fiber, the level of estrogen in the serum was decreased, the levels of NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, TG, TC and LDL-C were increased, and the level of HDL-C was decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Erzhiwan could increase the level of estrogen, improve the abnormal cardiac function, reduce the pathological injury of myocardial tissue, decrease the levels of myocardial injury markers(NT-proBNP, hs-TnT) and inflammatory factors(IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α), decrease the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, and increased the level of HDL-C(P<0.01). The results of non-targeted myocardial metabolomics showed that 31 of the 162 differential metabolites between the model group and sham operation group were significantly adjusted after administration of Erzhiwan, which were mainly glycerol phospholipid metabolites. Pathway enrichment results showed that Erzhiwan mainly affected glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, PI3K-Akt pathway, cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)-protein kinase G(PKG) pathway and other metabolic pathways. Compared with the sham operation group, the levels of phosphatidylcholine(PC, 11 types) and phosphatidylethanolamine(PE, 5 types) in mouse myocardial tissue of the model group were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of PC(11 types) and PE(5 types) were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01) in myocardial tissue of Erzhiwan group, the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were elevated(P<0.01). ConclusionErzhiwan can alleviate the pathological injury of myocardium in ovariectomized mice, improve the abnormal cardiac function, improve lipid metabolism disorder, and reduce the levels of myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors, which involves a number of signaling and metabolic pathways in the heart, among which glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and PI3K/Akt pathway may have key roles.
8.Effect of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Lung Immune Inflammatory Response in Rats Based on STAT1/IRF3 Pathway
Hongjuan YANG ; Yaru YANG ; Yujie YANG ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Quan MA ; Yanlin WU ; Hongmei LI ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):146-155
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yifei Jianpi prescription on the of signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 1 (STAT1)/interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signaling pathway in a pneumonia model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore the mechanism of Yifei Jianpi prescription in improving lung immune and inflammatory responses. MethodsSixty male SPF SD rats were used in this study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal control group, and the remaining 50 were instilled with LPS in the trachea to establish a pneumonia model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, dexamethasone group (0.5 mg·kg-1), and Yifei Jianpi prescription high-dose (12 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (6 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (3 mg·kg-1) groups, with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered once daily, and the normal control and model groups received the same volume of normal saline. After 14 days, flow cytometry was used to detect the classification of whole blood lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe lung tissue pathology and score the damage. Thymus weight, spleen weight, and wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D) were recorded. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in lung tissues, while Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and IFN-α. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed significantly increased proportion of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, decreased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly increased IgM levels (P<0.01), significantly elevated content of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was evident, with significant increases in thymus and spleen weights and a higher W/D ratio (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly upregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yifei Jianpi prescription groups showed significantly reduced proportions of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, increased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratios (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly decreased IgM levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly increased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was alleviated, thymus and spleen weights were significantly reduced, and the W/D ratio was markedly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionYifei Jianpi prescription can alleviate lung tissue damage and improve immune and inflammatory responses in LPS-induced pneumonia rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of STAT1/IRF3 signaling pathway activation.
9.Proteomics combined with bioinformatics analysis of protein markers of dry eye
Yanting YANG ; Yajun SHI ; Guang YANG ; Haiyang JI ; Jie LIU ; Jue HONG ; Dan ZHANG ; Xiaopeng MA
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):104-111
AIM:To analyze differential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of dry eye(DE)using bioinformatics methods, in order to reveal their potential molecular mechanisms.METHODS: Articles published in PubMed and EMBASE databases from the inception of the database to August 31, 2023, that used proteomic methods to detect protein expression in clinical samples of dry eye were searched. Differential proteins were selected and further analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software for hub gene screening and module analysis. Protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis, gene ontology(GO)functional annotation, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed.RESULTS: A total of 21 articles were included, identifying 74 differentially expressed proteins. The most frequently occurring differential proteins were calgranulin A(SA1008), lipocalin-1(LCN1), lysozyme C(LYZ), mammaglobin-B(SCGB2A1), proline-rich protein 4(PRR4), transferrin(TF), and calgranulinB(S100A9). The top 10 hub genes were serum albumin(ALB), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin 6(IL6), IL1B, IL8, matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), alpha-1-antitrypsin(SERPINA1), IL10, complement component 3(C3), and lactotransferrin(LTF). Module analysis suggested MMP9 and PRR4 as seed genes. KEGG analysis showed that differential proteins were mainly enriched in the IL17 signaling pathway(61.9%).CONCLUSION: The results reveal potential molecular targets and pathways for DE and confirm the association between the pathogenesis of DE and inflammation. Further in-depth research is needed to confirm the significance of these biomarkers in clinical practice.
10.Cost-effectiveness analysis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue combined with recombinant human growth hormone in the treatment of central precocious puberty
Chunsong YANG ; Jianing LIU ; Zheng LIU ; Linan ZENG ; Jin WU ; Lingli ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):79-85
OBJECTIVE To compare the long-term cost-effectiveness of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) combined with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (combination therapy regimen) versus GnRHa monotherapy (monotherapy regimen) in the treatment of central precocious puberty (CPP). METHODS From the societal perspective and based on a real-world study conducted at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University, the cost-effectiveness analysis was performed to compare the long-term cost-effectiveness of two pharmacotherapy regimens for CPP girls, with final height as outcome indexes, using per capita disposable income of rural residents and urban residents (20 133-49 283 yuan) in 2022 as the social willing-to-pay (WTP) threshold. The robustness of the basic analysis result was verified by using one-way sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis, and the cost-effectiveness of different combinations of long-acting preparations was compared using scenario analysis. RESULTS The basic analysis result showed that the combination therapy regimen required an additional cost of 25 193.49 yuan for every one-centimeter improvement in the final height of girls with CPP compared with the monotherapy regimen, which was not cost-effective for residents in rural areas, but it was cost-effective for residents in urban areas. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the uncertain factors with potential impacts on the results were, in order, the price of rhGH, the final height of pediatric patients in the combination therapy regimen group, the course of rhGH in the combination therapy regimen group, and the final height of pediatric patients in the monotherapy regimen group. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that the probability of the combination therapy regimen being cost-effective was higher than that of the monotherapy regimen when WTP was more than 26 010 yuan/cm. When GnRHa long-acting preparation was used for intramuscular injection every 3 months, the combination therapy regimen was not cost-effective for rural residents, but was cost-effective for urban residents; when rhGH long-acting preparation was injected subcutaneously once a week, the combination therapy regimen was not cost-effective for residents in both rural areas and urban areas. CONCLUSIONS The combination of GnRHa and rhGH is only recommended for CPP children with better affordability to improve final height. The benefits, risks, and affordability of treatment should be comprehensively considered before the decisions on pharmacotherapy, to avoid abuse of rhGH due to the blind pursuit of height growth.

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