1.Retrospective analysis of adverse events associated with traditional Chinese medicine formula granules and decoction pieces in hospitalized patients using the global trigger tool
Yaxiong LI ; Fusang WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Jiawei LIN ; Wenge CHEN ; Min HUANG ; Junyan WU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):606-611
OBJECTIVE To provide technical support for improving recognition rate of adverse drug events (ADEs) related to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula granules and decoction pieces among inpatient patients. METHODS By referencing the global trigger tool (GTT) whitepaper, literature on adverse reactions to TCM, and expert review opinions, ADE trigger items for TCM formula granules and decoction pieces used in the inpatients were established. GTT was applied to analyze ADEs in inpatients who had used TCM formula granules and decoction pieces in our hospital from August 2013 to August 2023, utilizing the Chinese Hospital Pharmacovigilance System. The effectiveness of GTT and the characteristics of these ADEs were analyzed. RESULTS A total of forty-eight triggers were established, including thirty-two laboratory test indexes, thirteen clinical symptoms, and three antidotes. Among the 1 682 patients included, GTT identified 652 potential ADEs, 284 true positive ADEs,with a trigger rate of 38.76% and a positive predictive value of 43.56%. After review by the auditor, 278 cases of ADEs were finally confirmed, with an incidence rate of 16.53%, significantly higher than the number of spontaneously reported ADEs during the same period (0). The 278 cases of ADEs were mostly grade 1 (223 cases), mainly involving hepatobiliary system, gastrointestinal system, blood- lymphatic system, etc;a total of 219 types of TCMs are involved,and the top five suspected TCMs used at a frequency higher than 1% were Poria cocos, Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Scutellaria baicalensis. CONCLUSIONS The established GTT can improve the recognition rate of ADEs for hospitalized patients using traditional Chinese medicine formula granules and decoction pieces.
2.Conbercept and Dexamethasone intravitreal implant in treating diabetic macular edema with different optical coherence tomography types
Mei HU ; Bo LI ; Xinmiao HU ; Yaqi HUANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):551-557
AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone versus conbercept in the treatment of diabetic macular edema(DME)with different optical coherence tomography(OCT)subtypes.METHODS: A total of 160 DME patients(160 eyes)admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to March 2023 were prospectively selected, and the patients were randomly divided into dexamethasone intravitreal implant group and conbercept group, with 80 cases(80 eyes)in each group, and DME patients were divided into 51 eyes with serous retinal detachment(SRD), 55 eyes with cystoid macular edema(CME), and 54 eyes with diffuse retinal thickening(DRT)according to OCT characteristics. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), intraocular pressure and adverse reactions were compared before treatment and at 2, 3 and 6 mo postoperatively.RESULTS: There were differences in BCVA, CMT and intraocular pressure between the two groups at 2, 3 and 6 mo compared with those before operation(all P<0.05). There were differences in BCVA, CMT and intraocular pressure between the dexamethasone intravitreal implant group and the conbercept group in the treatment of patients with different types of DME(all P<0.05). The BCVA of patients with DRT and SRD types in the dexamethasone intravitreal implant group was improved at 3 and 6 mo after treatment compared with that in the conbercept group(all P<0.05). At 6 mo after treatment, the CMT of patients with DRT type in the dexamethasone intravitreal implant group was lower than that in the conbercept group(P<0.05). During the follow-up period, none of the patients experienced adverse events such as cataract exacerbation or retinal detachment.CONCLUSION: Both dexamethasone intravitreal implant and conbercept treatment can improve visual function and macular retinal morphology in patients with different OCT subtypes of DME with good safety, but the dexamethasone intravitreal implant is better than conbercept in the treatment of DRT type.
3.Analysis of risk factors for piracetam-associated thrombocytopenia and the establishment of risk prediction model
Tianmin HUANG ; Xingming LU ; Mei ZHENG ; Guizong GUO ; Xin LU ; Yilin LUO ; Yingxia YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1226-1231
OBJECTIVE To analyze the risk factors contributing to piracetam-associated thrombocytopenia and develop a predictive model for risk prediction. METHODS The electronic medical record information of inpatients treated with piracetam was collected retrospectively from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2021 to December 2023, including gender, age, underlying diseases, combined medication, and laboratory data, etc. Patients were divided into the occurrence group and the non-occurrence group according to whether thrombocytopenia occurred, and the differences in clinical data between the two groups were compared. The independent risk factors were determined through univariate/multivariate Logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was drawn to visually present the independent risk factors, and a risk prediction model was constructed. The predictive efficacy of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Bootstrap internal validation and calibration curve. RESULTS A total of 224 patients were included, among which 196 cases were in the non- occurrence group and 28 cases in the occurrence group. The incidence of thrombocytopenia was 12.50%. The results of the univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the proportion of patients using three or more combined antibiotics and the level of serum creatinine in the occurrence group were significantly higher than those in the non-occurrence group, while the level of hemoglobin was significantly lower (P<0.05). The results of the multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of three or more combined antibiotics, low hemoglobin level and high serum creatinine level were independent risk factors for piracetam-associated thrombocytopenia (P<0.05). The constructed risk prediction model was LogitP= -1.114+1.256×three or more combined antibiotics-0.017×hemoglobin level+0.009×serum creatinine level. The AUC of the ROC curve of this model was 0.757, and the optimal cut-off value was 0.474; the AUC of the ROC curve of the Bootstrap internal validation was 0.733; the apparent curve and the bias-corrected curve were close to the ideal curve. CONCLUSIONS The use of three or more antibiotics, along with low hemoglobin level and high serum creatinine level, are identified as independent risk factors for piracetam-associated thrombocytopenia. The developed risk prediction model demonstrates good predictive value.
4.6-Gingerol Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioma Cells via MnSOD and ERK Phosphorylation Modulation
Sher-Wei LIM ; Wei-Chung CHEN ; Huey-Jiun KO ; Yu-Feng SU ; Chieh-Hsin WU ; Fu-Long HUANG ; Chien-Feng LI ; Cheng Yu TSAI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):129-142
6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.
5.Isolation,culture and differentiation of human urine-derived stem cells into smooth muscle cells
Jiahui CHEN ; Xiaoqi DAI ; Yangang XU ; Yuanchao LI ; Mei HUANG ; Yifei ZHAN ; Yuxuan DU ; Liuqiang LI ; Yaochuan GUO ; Jun BIAN ; Dehui LAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4076-4082
BACKGROUND:Traditional methods of urinary tract reconstruction are limited by donor scarcity,high complication rates,and suboptimal functional recovery.Tissue engineering strategies offer new directions in this field.Since the urinary tract is mainly composed of muscle tissue,the key is to find suitable seed cells and efficiently induce them to differentiate into smooth muscle cells.Comparative studies on the efficacy of different smooth muscle cell induction regimens are still lacking. OBJECTIVE:To isolate,culture,and identify human urine-derived stem cells,and to compare the effects of two different induction protocols. METHODS:Human urine-derived stem cells were isolated from urine samples of 11 healthy adult volunteers by multiple centrifugations.Surface markers were identified by flow cytometry.The multi-directional differentiation potential of human urine-derived stem cells was verified through osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.Differentiation was induced by transforming growth factor-β1 or transforming growth factor-β1 combined with platelet derived growth factor for 14 days.Immunofluorescence staining and western blot assay were employed to compare the expression differences of smooth muscle-specific proteins(α-SMA and SM22). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Urine-derived stem cells were successfully isolated from the eight urine samples of healthy people.These cells exhibit a"rice grain"-like morphology and possess a robust proliferative capacity.(2)Urine-derived stem cells exhibited high expression of mesenchymal stem cell surface markers(CD73,CD90,and CD44)and extremely low expression of hematopoietic stem cell surface markers(CD34 and CD45).These cells did not express CD19,CD105,and HLA-DR.(3)After osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation,the formation of calcium nodules and lipid droplets was observed,with positive staining results from Alizarin Red S and Oil Red O staining.(4)After 14 days of smooth muscle induction culture,immunofluorescence staining revealed that the smooth muscle differentiation rate of urine-derived stem cells treated with a combination of transforming growth factor-β1 and platelet derived growth factor was significantly higher compared to those treated with transforming growth factor-β1 alone(P<0.005).(5)After 14 days of smooth muscle induction culture,western blot assay further demonstrated that the expression levels of α-SMA and SM22 in the transforming growth factor-β1/platelet derived growth factor group were significantly elevated compared to those in the transforming growth factor-β1 only group(P<0.005).These findings confirm that urine-derived stem cells can be non-invasively isolated using multiple rounds of centrifugation.Compared with transforming growth factor-β1 alone,the combination of transforming growth factor-β1 and platelet derived growth factor can improve the efficiency of inducing urine-derived stem cells to differentiate into smooth muscle cells.
6.Analyzing the evaluation results of healthy enterprises in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2023
Zhe PENG ; Jian HUANG ; Sheng LIU ; Zhongfa JIANG ; Yongxiang YAO ; Liangying MEI
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):299-303
Objective To analyze the evaluation and influencing factors of healthy enterprises in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2023. Methods A total of 351 enterprises participated in the healthy enterprise evaluation in Hubei province were selected as the study subjects using the judgmental sampling method. The differences in evaluation results including scales, industry sector, and ownership type of the enterprises were compared. Results The median and the 25th and 75th percentiles [M (P25, P75)] of the evaluation score among the 351 enterprises was 869 (838, 941) points. The evaluation pass rate was 82.3%. The M(P25, P75) of scores for the management system, health environment, health management and services, health culture, and health outcome review were 183 (174, 192), 190 (181, 198), 340 (321, 376), 133 (122, 142), and 26 (24, 28) points, with the score percentage of 91.5%, 86.4%, 85.0%, 88.7%, and 86.7%, respectively. The deduction rate exceeded 50.0% in six items, which predominantly concentrated within the primary indicator of the health management and services, among the tertiary indicators. The result of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that smaller enterprises had significantly lower evaluation scores (P<0.05), and domestically funded enterprises scored significantly lower than those with investment from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, or foreign investments (all P<0.05). Conclusion Health management and services represent a weak area in healthy enterprise development in Hubei Province. It was suggested to improve policy incentives and support for medium-, small- and micro-sized enterprises, and domestically funded enterprises, to enhance healthy enterprise development levels.
7.Clinical Classification Model for Human Adenovirus Infection in the Respiratory Tract of Children Based on Complete Blood Cell Count
Junyan ZHONG ; Junxiang LI ; Mei HUANG ; Yuejuan WANG ; Luohui LIU ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Min CAO
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):889-898
ObjectiveTo develop a classification model based on complete blood count (CBC) parameters combined with clinical factors to predict severe respiratory infections caused by Human adenovirus (HAdV) in pediatric patients. MethodsFrom September 2023 to September 2024, the CBC parameters and related clinical data from pediatric patients diagnosed with HAdV infection were collected. Principal component analysis and random forest models were used to identify potential predictors of severe cases. ResultsA total of 668 pediatric patients were included, with 564 cases assigned to the training cohort and 104 cases to the validation cohort. Severe cases were defined as pneumonia and/or fever lasting ≥5 days (pneumonia or prolonged fever, PorPF). Principal component analysis and feature importance analysis (Mean Decrease Gini value) identified the monocytosis ratio (PMono), red blood cell count (RBC), and platelet count (PLT) as the most critical CBC parameters. Logistic regression analysis revealed that oxygen therapy (OR = 4.367, 95% CI: 1.568–12.161) and increased work of breathing (OR = 3.904, 95% CI: 2.146–7.101) were relative risk factors for PorPF. Meanwhile, higher PMono (OR = 0.696, 95% CI: 0.640–0.757), RBC (OR = 0.201, 95% CI: 0.124–0.325), and PLT (OR = 0.990, 95% CI: 0.987–0.994) were protective factors. When PMono was used as a predictive marker for PorPF, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.648 and 0.705, respectively. A random forest model incorporating four risk factors [PMono, RBC, PLT, and hematocrit (HCT)] was constructed to classify PorPF and general cases, achieving AUCs of 0.688 and 0.768, respectively. ConclusionsPMono, RBC, and PLT may serve as characteristic CBC indicators for predicting pneumonia or prolonged fever in children with HAdV infection. A risk factor model built using PMono, RBC, PLT, and HCT offers a relatively simple and accurate approach to predicting severe cases in pediatric HAdV infections.
8.Impact of Wenyang lishui formula on ventricular remodeling in rats with pulmonary hypertension-induced right heart failure
Sijian FENG ; Yan HUANG ; Aimin XING ; Mei YUAN ; Yafang LIU ; Weiming WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2531-2536
OBJECTIVE To discuss the impact of Wenyang lishui formula on ventricular remodeling in rats with pulmonary hypertension-induced right heart failure (RHF) based on the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway. METHODS Ten rats were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 63 rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline to establish the pulmonary hypertension-induced RHF model. The 50 rats that successfully underwent the model establishment were randomly divided into the RHF group, low-dose group of Wenyang lishui formula (4.25 g/kg), high-dose group of the Wenyang lishui formula (17.00 g/kg), furosemide group (20 mg/kg), and high-dose group of Wenyang lishui formula+ Hippo/YAP signaling pathway activator group (17.00 g/kg of Δ Wenyang lishui formula+16 mg/kg of PY-60), with 10 rats in each group. The rats in each group were given the corresponding drug solution or normal saline by gavage or/andtail vein injection, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. During the experiment, the general conditions of the rats in each group were observed; after the last administration, the right ventricular diameter, right atrial diameter, end-diastolic volume, pulmonary artery blood flow acceleration time (PAAT) and its ratio to ejection time (ET) (PAAT/ET), pulmonary artery pressure and its ratio to pulmonary arterial flow velocity (pulmonary artery pressure/velocity) were measured. The plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) were detected. The pathological changes of the right ventricular tissue were observed, and the collagen volume fraction, the phosphorylation levels of the large tumor suppressor 1/2 (LATS1/2) and YAP, and the protein expression of the transcriptional coactivator of PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) were also detected. RESULTS Compared with the RHF group, the rats in Wenyang lishui formula low-dose and high-dose groups showed improved hair color, movement, diet, and mental state. The atrophy of right ventricular myocardial cells, the increase of inflammatory cells, collagen deposition, and hypertrophy of myocardial fibers were significantly alleviated. The right ventricular internal diameter, right atrial internal diameter, end-diastolic volume, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery pressure/velocity, the plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide and AngⅡ , collagen volume fraction, the phosphorylation level of YAP and protein expression of TAZ were significantly decreased, while the PAAT, PAAT/ET and the phosphorylation level of LATS1/2 were significantly increased (P<0.05). PY-60 could significantly reverse the improvement effects of high-dose Wenyang lishui formula on the above quantitative indicators (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Wenyang lishui formula can restore the right heart function of pulmonary hypertension-induced RHF rats, reduce their pulmonary artery pressure, alleviate the pathological changes in their cardiac tissues, and the above effects may be related to the activation of Hippo expression and the inhibition of YAP phosphorylation.
9.6-Gingerol Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioma Cells via MnSOD and ERK Phosphorylation Modulation
Sher-Wei LIM ; Wei-Chung CHEN ; Huey-Jiun KO ; Yu-Feng SU ; Chieh-Hsin WU ; Fu-Long HUANG ; Chien-Feng LI ; Cheng Yu TSAI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):129-142
6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.
10.6-Gingerol Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioma Cells via MnSOD and ERK Phosphorylation Modulation
Sher-Wei LIM ; Wei-Chung CHEN ; Huey-Jiun KO ; Yu-Feng SU ; Chieh-Hsin WU ; Fu-Long HUANG ; Chien-Feng LI ; Cheng Yu TSAI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):129-142
6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.

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