1.Research progress on the regulation of JNK signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine for intervention in central nervous system diseases
Hongwei WANG ; Mingliang QIAO ; Chenyi ZHAO ; Pei ZHU ; Zilong WEI ; Yi MENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):257-262
The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, plays a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of central nervous system (CNS) diseases by regulating core biological processes such as apoptosis, inflammatory responses, synaptic plasticity, and autophagy. This article sorts out and analyzes relevant literature published domestically and internationally in recent years, summarizing the mechanisms of action of the JNK signaling pathway in common CNS diseases and the research progress in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions in CNS diseases through the regulation of the JNK signaling pathway. Studies have shown that active components of TCM, such as berberine, paeoniflorin, and astragaloside Ⅳ, as well as compound formulations like Heixiaoyao san, Ditan tang, and Buyang huanwu tang, can exert neuroprotective effects in various CNS disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and epilepsy, by inhibiting the aberrant activation of the JNK signaling pathway, thereby alleviating neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis, while improving synaptic function and cognitive behavioral deficits, regulating autophagy, and maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity.
2.Interpretation of Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines
Wenxi PENG ; Meng QIAO ; Lianxin WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xiuhui LI ; Xin CUI ; Zijia CHEN ; Xinyi CHEN ; Yi DENG ; Yanming XIE ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):152-160
The Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) is first specialized in the field of drug safety for oral Chinese patent medicines (OCPMs) in China. Rooted in China's healthcare context, the Guidelines address the unique usage patterns and risk characteristics of OCPMs, filling a regulatory gap in the pharmacovigilance framework specific to this category. To facilitate accurate understanding and effective implementation of the Guidelines, and to promote the standardized development of pharmacovigilance practices for OCPMs, this study offered a systematic interpretation based on its three core components. In the domain of risk monitoring and reporting, the paper analyzed the rationale for multi-source information integration and clarified the criteria for identifying key products and target populations for intensive monitoring. Regarding risk assessment, the Guidelines were examined from three dimensions of formulation components, medication behaviors, and population to address complex safety issues arising from medicinal constituents, irrational use, and individual susceptibility. In the area of risk control, the analysis focused on context-based interventions and dynamic closed-loop management strategies, exploring practical pathways to shift from passive response to proactive risk mitigation. Furthermore, this paper evaluated the applied value of the Guidelines and identified implementation challenges, such as insufficient capacity at the primary-care level and limited digital infrastructure. In response, the study proposed optimization strategies including establishing a dynamic updating mechanism, strengthening training at the grassroots level, and incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance pharmacovigilance capacity. This interpretation aims to provide actionable insights for marketing authorization holders (including manufacturers), pharmaceutical distributors, healthcare institutions, and research organizations, ultimately supporting the establishment and refinement of a full lifecycle pharmacovigilance system for OCPMs.
3.Research progress of Qifu yin in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome
Zilong WEI ; Chenyi ZHAO ; Mingliang QIAO ; Hongwei WANG ; Pei ZHU ; Yi MENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1376-1380
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Marrow-sea insufficiency serves as the fundamental basis for the onset of AD. Early syndrome differentiation-based intervention helps to delay disease progression, and improve patients’ cognitive function. Qifu yin is a representative specialized prescription for AD with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome. Studies demonstrate that Qifu yin exerts neuroprotective effects through multiple pathways, including inhibiting the abnormal deposition of amyloid β -protein and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, alleviating neuroinflammation, regulating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, modulating the cholinergic system, and improving synaptic plasticity. Qifu yin combined with Western medicine such as donepezil, memantine, and butylphthalide, or combined with external therapies such as acupuncture, can effectively improve cognitive function and activities of daily living in AD patients with favorable safety. Future research should focus on the core pathogenesis and key targets of AD with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome, provide in-depth elucidation of the scientific connotation of Qifu yin’s “tonifying the kidney to produce marrow”, and further conduct high-quality clinical studies to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of AD with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome.
4.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
5.Effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction on Piezo1-YAP Signaling Axis and Macrophage Polarization in Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis
Chao LEI ; Yanbo LI ; Houyan ZHANG ; Meng QIAO ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):142-152
ObjectiveTo validate the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and to investigate its correlations with the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1)-Yes-associated protein (YAP) mechanical signaling axis and macrophage polarization. MethodsFifty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomized into a blank control group, a 4-week model group, a 6-week model group, a 8-week model group, a positive drug (silymarin, 55 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) YQSH groups. Except the 6-week model group (n=12), each of the other groups had 6 mice. Mice in other groups except the blank control group received intraperitoneal injections of 10% CCl4 twice weekly for the modeling of liver fibrosis. Drug interventions began one week after the initial modeling through gavage, and the blank control and model groups received 0.2 mL of normal saline via gavage. The histopathological changes and collagen deposition in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius red staining. Serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), and collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C), were measured. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the liver tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 in the liver tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. Co-localization of Piezo1 with YAP1, and YAP1 with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The proportions of M1-type (F4/80+CD80+) and M2-type (F4/80+CD206+) macrophages in the liver tissue were examined by flow cytometry. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed through transcriptomic sequencing. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited gradually worsened liver fibrosis at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks. The 6- and 8-week model groups showcased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of both Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model groups, treatment with YQSH improved the liver function (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated liver fibrosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition (P<0.01). Furthermore, the treatment downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the ratio of CD80 (M1-type)/CD206 (M2-type) macrophage proteins (P<0.01). The IF assay showed co-localization of YAP1 with Piezo1 and iNOS. Compared with the model groups, YQSH treatment downregulated the expression of Piezo1, YAP1, and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to the Hippo signaling pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThe anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of the Piezo1-YAP signaling axis and regulation of macrophage polarization.
6.Effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction on Piezo1-YAP Signaling Axis and Macrophage Polarization in Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis
Chao LEI ; Yanbo LI ; Houyan ZHANG ; Meng QIAO ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):142-152
ObjectiveTo validate the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and to investigate its correlations with the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1)-Yes-associated protein (YAP) mechanical signaling axis and macrophage polarization. MethodsFifty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomized into a blank control group, a 4-week model group, a 6-week model group, a 8-week model group, a positive drug (silymarin, 55 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) YQSH groups. Except the 6-week model group (n=12), each of the other groups had 6 mice. Mice in other groups except the blank control group received intraperitoneal injections of 10% CCl4 twice weekly for the modeling of liver fibrosis. Drug interventions began one week after the initial modeling through gavage, and the blank control and model groups received 0.2 mL of normal saline via gavage. The histopathological changes and collagen deposition in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius red staining. Serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), and collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C), were measured. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the liver tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 in the liver tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. Co-localization of Piezo1 with YAP1, and YAP1 with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The proportions of M1-type (F4/80+CD80+) and M2-type (F4/80+CD206+) macrophages in the liver tissue were examined by flow cytometry. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed through transcriptomic sequencing. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited gradually worsened liver fibrosis at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks. The 6- and 8-week model groups showcased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of both Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model groups, treatment with YQSH improved the liver function (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated liver fibrosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition (P<0.01). Furthermore, the treatment downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the ratio of CD80 (M1-type)/CD206 (M2-type) macrophage proteins (P<0.01). The IF assay showed co-localization of YAP1 with Piezo1 and iNOS. Compared with the model groups, YQSH treatment downregulated the expression of Piezo1, YAP1, and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to the Hippo signaling pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThe anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of the Piezo1-YAP signaling axis and regulation of macrophage polarization.
7.Regulation of osteogenic effects by bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway:revealing molecular mechanisms of bone formation and remodeling
Haowen LIU ; Weiping QIAO ; Zhicheng MENG ; Kaijie LI ; Xuan HAN ; Pengbo SHI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):563-571
BACKGROUND:Osteoblasts are the main cell types responsible for bone formation and remodeling,and the normal performance of their function is precisely regulated by various signaling pathways.Among them,the bone morphogenetic protein and Wnt signaling pathways play a key role in osteogenesis. OBJECTIVE:To review the role of bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway in the regulation of osteoblast function and analyze its changes in different physiological and pathological conditions in order to further reveal the molecular mechanism of bone formation and remodeling. METHODS:The Chinese and English search terms"BMP signaling pathway,Wnt signaling pathway,and osteogenesis"were searched in CNKI,Wanfang,and PubMed databases for original researches published from the inception to June 2023.Totally 61 articles were finally selected for analysis and summary.Using the method of the literature review,the studies of the bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway in regulating osteogenesis were sorted out and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Bone morphogenetic protein and Wnt signaling pathways play important roles in the differentiation,proliferation,and maturation of osteoblasts.Bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway mainly regulates the expression of osteogenesis-related genes through the activation of Smad protein.Smad protein enters the nucleus and regulates the expression of genes related to osteogenesis.Different Wnt signaling pathway from bone morphogenetic protein mainly depends on the activation of β-catenin to exert its biological effects.(2)The regulatory effect of bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway will be affected by many factors in different physiological and pathological states.Growth factors,hormones,and mechanical stress can affect the activity of bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway to some extent.(3)Bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway interacts with other signaling pathways in the regulation of osteogenesis,and they together constitute a complex regulatory network.(4)Chinese medicine and natural compounds can promote bone health by regulating signaling pathways,providing new possibilities for treating bone diseases.(5)Future studies can further explore the interaction of bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway and other signaling pathways and its changes in different physiological and pathological conditions,resolve the key nodes and regulation mechanism in the complex network,to provide more precise targets for the treatment of bone-related diseases,and also provide new ideas to reveal the molecular mechanism of bone formation and remodeling.
8.Establishment and Implementation of Post-marketing Benefit-risk Assessment Strategy for Traditional Chinese Medicine
Meng QIAO ; Wenxi PENG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Chao LEI ; Yanming XIE ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):253-260
The field of post-marketing benefit-risk assessment for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is still in its nascent stage, lacking a universally accepted and cohesive evaluation framework and standards. This study presented a strategy developed for the benefit-risk assessment of post-marketing of TCM, and explored the critical techniques and specific implementation steps involved in the assessment process. Initially, appropriate qualitative assessment frameworks and quantitative analysis models were selected for the integrated qualitative and quantitative benefit-risk assessment. Subsequently, key technologies were outlined, including the establishment of a benefit-risk indicator system, the assignment of indicator weights, and the definition of criteria attributes. Furthermore, the implementation steps were elaborated, which involved defining decision-making issues, data collection, evaluation methodologies, variability factors, and sensitivity analysis. Finally, a case study of the benefit-risk assessment of a TCM injection for hepatitis B treatment was conducted to validate the feasibility of the proposed strategy. The objective of this research was to provide theoretical support and practical references for the development of a comprehensive post-marketing benefit-risk assessment system for TCM.
9.Association between lung nodules and lung cancer risk in high-risk populations
Chenying JIN ; Chen ZHU ; Chen JI ; Qiao LI ; Yating FU ; Lili WU ; Lei SHI ; Lingbin DU ; Meng ZHU ; Hongbing SHEN ; Hongxia MA
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(2):273-279
Objective:To investigate the association between different types of lung nodules and the risk of lung cancer in a population at high risk of lung cancer and to provide an epidemiologic basis for the comprehensive management of lung nodules.Methods:Using the free lung cancer screening program of low-dose CT (LDCT) in Wenling, Zhejiang Province, we collected baseline and imaging information of high-risk groups for lung cancer who underwent LDCT screening from April 2019 to October 2021 and patients with previous history of lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumoconiosis, and silicosis were excluded. A total of 28 539 study subjects were included in the analysis, and the follow-up ended on 31 December 2023. Based on the characteristics of the detected pulmonary nodules, the study subjects were classified with no nodules, with solid nodules, with pure ground glass nodules, and with part solid nodules groups. The association between different characteristics of lung nodules and the risk of lung cancer development was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model with a new diagnosis of lung cancer during the follow-up period as the outcome.Results:The overall detection rate of lung nodules with a mean diameter of ≥3 mm was 76.5%, of which 53.7%, 18.2%, and 4.6% were detected in the solid nodule, pure ground glass nodule, and partially solid nodule groups, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the different nodule groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, history of toxic exposure education level, smoking status, history of lung disease, and family history of lung cancer (all P<0.05). The median follow-up time of the study population was 3.4 years, and 485 new lung cancer cases were diagnosed during the follow-up period. After adjusting for covariates, the results of multifactorial Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis showed that the risk of lung cancer was higher in pure ground glass nodules and part solid nodules compared with solid nodules, with HR values (95% CI) of 1.89 (1.52-2.35) and 6.49 (5.18-8.14), respectively. The results of subgroup analysis showed that patients in the group of part solid nodules had the highest risk of lung cancer in all strata of the population, followed by patients with pure ground glass nodules. Patients in the solid nodule group who were older or had previous lung disease had a higher risk of lung cancer, and the risk of lung cancer in the part solid nodule group differed between genders. Conclusions:The proportion of lung nodules detected is high in the high-risk group of lung cancer, and among them, patients with pure ground glass and part solid nodules have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Attention should be paid to the annual follow-up management for patients with solid nodules who are older or who have had lung diseases, as well as for female patients with part solid nodules.
10.Study on life expectancy among HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province, 2014 to 2023
Hao YANG ; Liangyou WANG ; Dongju QIAO ; Qiguo MENG ; Tingting WANG ; Shanling WANG ; Yali XIE ; Yating WANG ; Haijiang LIN ; Na HE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(8):1366-1371
Objective:To investigate the life expectancy of antiretroviral treatment (ART) HIV-infected patients and its trends in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2014 to 2023.Methods:The data were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention , and the study subjects were HIV-infected patients received ART in Taizhou City. An abbreviated life expectancy table was prepared based on Chiang's method to analyze the differences in life expectancy of HIV-infected patients receiving ART in Taizhou City with different characteristics in 2023 and to compare the trends in life expectancy of patients with different CD4 +T lymphocytes (CD4) counts at the time of initiation of ART from 2014 to 2023. Results:A total of 4 825 patients were enrolled in this study, with a cumulative follow-up of 276 648.56 person-years, and a case-fatality rate of 18.07 (95% CI: 16.48-19.65) /1 000 person-years. In 2023, male patients had lower life expectancy than females in all age groups, and those who were married had higher life expectancy than those who were unmarried and those who were divorced or widowed; patients who had been transmitted heterosexually had lower life expectancy than those who had been transmitted through homosexual transmission. Patients with different CD4 counts at the time of initiating ART had different life expectancies in all age groups. The life expectancy of patients with CD4 counts ≥350 cells/μl when initiating the treatment was higher than that of patients with CD4 counts <200 cells/μl in all age groups. The life expectancy of HIV-infected patients on ART at age 20 and 50 increased from 39.0 years and 19.1 years in 2014 to 46.0 years and 24.1 years in 2023, respectively, with an average annual percentage change of 2.43% (95% CI: 0.81%-4.07%) and 3.34% (95% CI: 1.17%-5.56%). The change in life expectancy was similar for patients with CD4 counts ≥350 cells/μl and 200-349 cells/μl at the time of initiating treatment in 2016-2023, and was higher than that for patients with CD4 counts <200 cells/μl. The rate of increase in life expectancy for patients at age 50 was higher than that at age 20 for all CD4 counts. Conclusions:The rising trend of life expectancy among HIV-infected patients on ART in Taizhou City is obvious. But the disparity between patients with different characteristics is obvious, especially among patients with baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/μl, suggesting the importance of expanded testing, early diagnosis and timely initiation of ART to improve the life expectancy of HIV-infected patients.


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