1.Research progress of nano drug delivery system based on metal-polyphenol network for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases
Meng-jie ZHAO ; Xia-li ZHU ; Yi-jing LI ; Zi-ang WANG ; Yun-long ZHAO ; Gao-jian WEI ; Yu CHEN ; Sheng-nan HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):323-336
Inflammatory diseases (IDs) are a general term of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation as the primary pathogenetic mechanism, which seriously affect the quality of patient′s life and cause significant social and medical burden. Current drugs for IDs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and antioxidants, but these drugs may cause gastrointestinal side effects, induce or worsen infections, and cause non-response or intolerance. Given the outstanding performance of metal polyphenol network (MPN) in the fields of drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and catalytic therapy, its application in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs has attracted much attention and significant progress has been made. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the types of IDs and their generating mechanisms, then sort out and summarize the different forms of MPN in recent years, and finally discuss in detail the characteristics of MPN and their latest research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs. This research may provide useful references for scientific research and clinical practice in the related fields.
2.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
3.The Role and Mechanism of Circadian Rhythm Regulation in Skin Tissue Regeneration
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Xiao-Meng MA ; Zhen-Kai JIN ; Kun LI ; Min WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1165-1178
Circadian rhythm is an endogenous biological clock mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to the earth’s alternation of day and night. It plays a fundamental role in regulating physiological functions and behavioral patterns, such as sleep, feeding, hormone levels and body temperature. By aligning these processes with environmental changes, circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting optimal health. However, modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular work schedules and pervasive exposure to artificial light, have disrupted these rhythms for many individuals. Such disruptions have been linked to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythm in human health. Among the numerous systems influenced by circadian rhythm, the skin—a multifunctional organ and the largest by surface area—is particularly noteworthy. As the body’s first line of defense against environmental insults such as UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens, the skin is highly affected by changes in circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm regulates multiple skin-related processes, including cyclic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as DNA repair mechanisms and antioxidant defenses. For instance, studies have shown that keratinocyte proliferation peaks during the night, coinciding with reduced environmental stress, while DNA repair mechanisms are most active during the day to counteract UV-induced damage. This temporal coordination highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in preserving skin integrity and function. Beyond maintaining homeostasis, circadian rhythm is also pivotal in the skin’s repair and regeneration processes following injury. Skin regeneration is a complex, multi-stage process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, all of which are influenced by circadian regulation. Key cellular activities, such as fibroblast migration, keratinocyte activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, are modulated by the circadian clock, ensuring that repair processes occur with optimal efficiency. Additionally, circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, which are critical for coordinating cellular communication and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Disruptions to these rhythms can impair the repair process, leading to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, or chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent information on the interactions between circadian rhythms and skin physiology, with a particular focus on skin tissue repair and regeneration. Molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in skin cells, including the role of core clock genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per and Cry. These genes control the expression of downstream effectors involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. By understanding how these mechanisms operate in healthy and diseased states, we can discover new insights into the temporal dynamics of skin regeneration. In addition, by exploring the therapeutic potential of circadian biology in enhancing skin repair and regeneration, strategies such as topical medications that can be applied in a time-limited manner, phototherapy that is synchronized with circadian rhythms, and pharmacological modulation of clock genes are expected to optimize clinical outcomes. Interventions based on the skin’s natural rhythms can provide a personalized and efficient approach to promote skin regeneration and recovery. This review not only introduces the important role of circadian rhythms in skin biology, but also provides a new idea for future innovative therapies and regenerative medicine based on circadian rhythms.
4.Analysis of the nutritional status and influencing factors of Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents in Golmud City, Qinghai Province in 2022
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):651-656
Objective:
To investigate the nutritional status and influencing factors among Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in high-altitude regions, so as to provide evidence for early prevention and control of malnutrition in this population.
Methods:
From May to June 2022, a cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 1 019 Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents aged 7-18 years from two primary and secondary schools in Golmud City. Physical examinations, dietary frequency questionnaires, and physical activity assessments were conducted. Nutritional status was classified as obesity, combined overweight/obesity, underweight, or central obesity according to national standards including Screening for Overweight and Obesity among School-age Children and Adolescents, Screening Standard for Malnutrition of School-age Children and Adolescents, Blue Book on Obesity Prevention and Control in China. Chi-square tests, t-test and Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with different nutritional statuses.
Results:
The detection rates of obesity, combined overweight/obesity, underweight, and central obesity were 8.0%, 18.1%, 5.2%, and 19.7%, respectively. The height of children and adolescents across all age groups was generally lower than the national standard values. Tibetan participants exhibited significantly lower height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ)(9-10, 13-17 years, Z =2.01, 2.78, 4.16, 3.38, 4.12, 3.63, 3.00) and BMI-for-age Z-scores (BAZ) compared to Mongolian participants ( Z =-2.95, -2.47, -2.31, -2.89, -2.14, -2.17)( P < 0.05 ). Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that Mongolian children and adolescents had higher risks of obesity ( OR =2.20) and combined overweight/obesity ( OR = 2.18 ) ( P <0.05). Additionally, insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with an increased risk of central obesity ( OR =1.48, P <0.05), compared with children and adolescents who meet the standard of MVPA.
Conclusions
The rates of overweight and obesity among Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents in Golmud City are higher, influenced by multiple factors. Nutrition interventions and physical activity strategies tailored to ethnic characteristics should be implemented, with emphasis on promoting MVPA to improve nutritional outcomes in this population.
5.Analysis of The Characteristics of Brain Functional Activity in Gross Motor Tasks in Children With Autism Based on Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Technology
Wen-Hao ZONG ; Qi LIANG ; Shi-Yu YANG ; Feng-Jiao WANG ; Meng-Zhao WEI ; Hong LEI ; Gui-Jun DONG ; Ke-Feng LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2146-2162
ObjectiveBased on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated the brain activity characteristics of gross motor tasks in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and motor dysfunctions (MDs) to provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the mechanism of MDs in children with ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 children with ASD accompanied by MDs were recruited into the ASD group and 40 children with typically developing (TD) into the TD group. The fNIRS device was used to collect the information of blood oxygen changes in the cortical motor-related brain regions during single-handed bag throwing and tiptoe walking, and the differences in brain activation and functional connectivity between the two groups of children were analyzed from the perspective of brain activation and functional connectivity. ResultsCompared to the TD group, in the object manipulative motor task (one-handed bag throwing), the ASD group showed significantly reduced activation in both left sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and right secondary visual cortex (V2) (P<0.05), whereas the right pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC&SMA) had significantly higher activation (P<0.01) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, there was a significant decrease in the strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and V2. In the body stability motor task (tiptoe walking), the ASD group had significantly higher activation in motor-related brain regions such as the DLPFC, SMC, and PMC&SMA (P<0.05) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, the ASD group had lower strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with PMC&SMA and V2. ConclusionChildren with ASD exhibit abnormal brain functional activity characteristics specific to different gross motor tasks in object manipulative and body stability, reflecting insufficient or excessive compensatory activation of local brain regions and impaired cross-regions integration, which may be a potential reason for the poorer gross motor performance of children with ASD, and meanwhile provides data support for further unraveling the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of MDs in the context of ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective.
6.The Development and Application of Chatbots in Healthcare: From Traditional Methods to Large Language Models
Zixing WANG ; Le QI ; Xiaodan LIAN ; Ziheng ZHOU ; Aiwei MENG ; Xintong WU ; Xiaoyuan GAO ; Yujie YANG ; Yiyang LIU ; Wei ZHAO ; Xiaolin DIAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1170-1178
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, chatbots have shown great potential in the healthcare sector. From personalized health advice to chronic disease management and psychological support, chatbots have demonstrated significant advantages in improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. As the scope of their applications expands, the relationship between technological complexity and practical application scenarios has become increasingly intertwined, necessitating a more comprehensive evaluation of both aspects. This paper, from the perspective of he althcare applications, systematically reviews the technological pathways and development of chatbots in the medical field, providing an in-depth analysis of their performance across various medical scenarios. It thoroughly examines the advantages and limitations of chatbots, aiming to offer theoretical support for future research and propose feasible recommendations for the broader adoption of chatbot technologies in healthcare.
7.Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of aspirin versus other anticoagulants in the prevention of thromboembolism after orthopedic surgery
Pei WANG ; Meng WEI ; Yingying TAO ; Yulei ZHAO ; Jing WANG ; Qiang ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(2):219-225
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of aspirin versus other anticoagulants in the prevention of thromboembolism after orthopedic surgery. METHODS Retrieved from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang data and VIP, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies about aspirin (trial group) versus other anticoagulants (control group) were collected during the inception and June 1st, 2023. After literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation, the meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 22 studies were included, involving 9 RCTs and 13 cohort studies. RCT results showed that the incidences of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) [RR=1.81, 95%CI(1.36, 2.40), P<0.000 1] and postoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) [RR=1.55, 95%CI(1.01, 2.40), P=0.05] in trial group were significantly higher than control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidences of postoperative massive bleeding, postoperative surgical site infection, all-cause death, or any bleeding after surgery between 2 groups. In the cohort study, the incidence of any bleeding in trial group was significantly lower than control group [RR=0.71,95%CI (0.64, 0.79), P<0.000 1], while the differences in other indicators were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The results of subgroup analysis based on different anticoagulants showed that in RCT, the incidences of DVT and PE after surgery in patients using low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) were significantly lower than using aspirin (P<0.05); in the cohort study, the incidences of DVT and PE after surgery were significantly lower in patients using direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) than using aspirin (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of major bleeding between patients using aspirin and using DOAC and LWMH (P>0.05) in both RCT and cohort study. CONCLUSIONS Aspirin is equally safe as other anticoagulants for the prevention of thromboembolism after orthopedic surgery, but its efficacy may not be as good as other anticoagulants. After orthopedic surgery, other anticoagulants should be preferred to prevent venous thromboembolism, and aspirin should be carefully considered.
8.Effects and mechanism of Setaria italica extract on improving sleep in insomnia mice
Juan WANG ; Chenzi LYU ; Cairong ZHAO ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Zi’ang LI ; Xiang HAN ; Xianglong MENG ; Shuosheng ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(3):322-326
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Setaria italica extract on improving insomnia model mice and to explore its potential mechanisms. METHODS The mice were randomly assigned into blank group, model group, positive control group (diazepam, 2.6 mg/kg), and S. italica extract low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (1.2, 2.4, 4.8 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, all other groups received intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) to establish the insomnia model. After modeling, the blank group and model group were given a constant volume of normal saline intragastrically, and administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically, with a volume of 0.01 mL/g, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. After the administration, the open-field test was conducted to observe the praxiological changes of mice, and to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HTAA) in the hippocampal tissue, as well as the contents of 5-HT, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl- 2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the serum. The expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor- κB (PI3K/Akt/NF-κB) signaling pathway related protein was determined in the hippocampus of mice. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the total exercise time of mice in S. italica extract high-dose group was significantly prolonged, but the total rest time was significantly shortened (P<0.01); the number of standing times and modification times were significantly reduced (P< 0.01). The contents of 5-HT, BDNF, and Bcl-2 in serum, and Bcl-2/Bax were significantly increased, while the contents of IL-2, IL-6, and Bax were significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P< 0.01). The content of 5-HTAA in the hippocampal tissue and 202104010910029);the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt proteins were increased significantly, while the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 protein was decreased significantly (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS High-dose of S. italica extract demonstrates significant therapeutic effects on insomnia in mice, and the mechanism of which may be associated with the regulation of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.
9.Clinical trial of Peiyuan Tongnao capsules in the treatment of patients in the recovery period of ischemic stroke
Meng-Di WANG ; Ying-Bo ZHAO ; Yue SUN ; Di ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(4):487-491
Objective To explore the improvement value of Peiyuan Tongnao capsule on nerve function in patients.Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of patients with ischemic stroke was performed.Control group was treated for 12 weeks by oral aspirin enteric-coated tablets(100 mg,qd each time),intravenous infusion of low molecular dextran 500 mL(qd),oral atorvastatin calcium 20 mg(qd);the treatment group was treated with Peiyuan Tongnao capsule 1.8 g(tid)for 12 weeks on the basis of the control group.After 12 weeks of treatment,clinical efficacy,neurological function[National Institutes of Health Neurological impairment(NIHSS)score],traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,laboratory indexes[calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP),plasma D-dimer(D-D),neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR)],and hemorheological indexes[whole blood viscosity,platelets aggregation rate,fibrinogen(FIB),blood sedimentation rate(ESR)]were compared between the two groups,and incidence of adverse drug reactions during treatment.Results After 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of treatment group and control group was 77.50%(31 cases/40 cases)and 55.00%(22 cases/40 cases),respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After 12 weeks of treatment,the NIHSS scores of treatment group and control group were(6.09±1.03)and(10.23±2.03)points;the TCM syndrome scores were(12.57±2.82)and(15.78±3.12)points;CGRP levels were(35.47±6.24)and(30.12±6.11)pg·mL-1;D-D levels were(0.31±0.09)and(0.56±0.11)mg·mL-1;NLR levels were 4.76±1.23 and 3.06±0.91;whole blood viscosity were(3.11±0.62)and(3.74±0.84)mPa·s-1;platelet aggregation rate were(48.21±5.11)%and(54.69±6.31)%;FIB level were(2.41±0.32)and(3.11±0.49)g·L-1;ESR were(18.11±2.06)and(23.45±2.15)mm·h-1,respectively.The above indexes in treatment group were significantly different from those in control group(all P<0.05).There were 6 cases of adverse drug reactions in the treatment group,and the incidence of adverse drug reactions was 15.00%,while 8 cases in the control group,and the total incidence of adverse drug reactions was 20.00%,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Conventional treatment combined with Peiyuan Tongnao capsule has better efficacy than conventional treatment for ischemic stroke,which can improve nerve function and hemorheology and improve clinical efficacy.
10.Bioequivalence study of compound lidocaine cream in healthy Chinese subjects
Meng-Qi CHANG ; Yu-Qi SUN ; Qiu-Jin XU ; Xi-Xi QIAN ; Ying-Chun ZHAO ; Yan CAO ; Liu WANG ; Cheng ZHANG ; Dong-Liang YU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1321-1326
Objective To study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the test formulation of compound lidocaine cream and reference formulation of lidocaine and prilocaine cream in Chinese healthy subjects and to evaluate whether there is bioequivalence between the two formulations.Methods A single-center,single-dose,randomized,open-label,two-period,two-sequence,crossover design was used.This study included 40 healthy subjects,and in each period,test formulation or reference formulation 60 g was applied to the skin in front of both thighs(200 cm2 each side,a total of 400 cm2)under fasting conditions,and the drug was left on for at least 5 h after application.The concentrations of lidocaine and prilocaine in plasma were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method.Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using WinNonlin 8.0 software to evaluate the bioequivalence of the two formulations.Results After the application of the test formulation compound lidocaine cream and the reference formulation lidocaine and prilocaine cream on both thighs of the subjects,the pharmacokinetic parameters of lidocaine in plasma were as follows:Cmax were(167.27±91.33)and(156.13±66.86)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(1 651.78±685.09)and(1 636.69±617.23)ng·mL-1·h,AUC0-∞ were(1 669.85±684.65)and(1 654.37±618.30)ng·mL-1·h,the adjusted geometric mean ratios were 104.49%,101.88%and 101.89%,respectively,with 90%confidence intervals of 98.18%-111.20%,97.80%-106.13%and 97.87%-106.07%,all within the range of 80.00%-125.00%.The pharmacokinetic parameters of prilocaine in plasma were as follows:Cmax were(95.66±48.84)and(87.52±39.16)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(790.86±263.99)and(774.14±256.42)ng·mL-1·h,AUC0_m were(807.27±264.67)and(792.84±254.06)ng·mL-1 h,the adjusted geometric mean ratios were 107.34%,103.55%and 102.98%,respectively with 90%confidence intervals of 101.69%-113.31%,99.94%-107.30%and 99.65%-106.43%,all within the range of 80.00%-125.00%.Conclusion The test formulation compound lidocaine cream and the reference formulation lidocaine and prilocaine cream are bioequivalent.


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