1.The Potential Role of Immune Checkpoint Molecules in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Hepatitis and in Targeted Therapy
Haixia LI ; Aiping TIAN ; Miao XUE ; Ziyi LI ; Xiaorong MAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):512-518
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver injury of unknown etiology. The onset of this disease involves the activation and recruitment of diverse immune and non-immune cells, which in turn trigger hepatic damage. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICM) are expressed on the surface of multiple cell types. By regulating cellular functional states, they help limit the intensity and duration of immune responses, thereby preventing excessive inflammation and tissue damage, and maintaining immune homeostasis. In AIH, however, this natural "braking" mechanism is impaired, leading to aberrant activation of both immune and non-immune cells and the breakdown of immune homeostasis. Consequently, ICM are likely to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AIH. A deeper understanding of the function of ICM in AIH not onlyadvances our insight into the disease mechanism, but also suggests that targeting these molecules may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AIH.
2.Exploring the mechanism of Yuchang granule on ulcerative colitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Miao HE ; Can XU ; Shunli LYU ; Jingxia CHEN ; Jing TIAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(4):209-215
Objective To determine the molecular mechanism of Yuchang granule (YCG) against ulcerative colitis (UC) by network pharmacology-based approach combined with molecular docking. Methods TCMSP and HIT database were utilized to search the active components and potential targets of YCG. The effective targets of UC were obtained by GeneCards, CTD, and DisGeNET databases. Venn Diagram was exploited to receive common targets of YCG and UC. Network maps of the TCM of YCG-active component-common targets were constructed by the Cytoscape software to gain key active components. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) of common targets was constructed by the STRING database obtaining core common targets. The mechanism and therapeutic effects of YCG on UC were explored via gene ontology (GO) and the biological pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Molecular docking technology was carried out to verify the combination of core active components with key common targets. Results 98 active components and 237 potential targets were sieved from YCG, and
3.Practice and analysis of the simplified oral premedication protocol with paclitaxel liposome in patients of advanced gastric cancer
Ling ZHONG ; Jinfa CAO ; Miao HE ; Jing TIAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):313-316
Objective To explore a feasible simplified premedication protocol for preventing hypersensitivity reactions to taxanes. Methods The electronic medical record system was used to search for data from 49 patients with advanced gastric cancer who received paclitaxel liposome treatment for the first time in the gastroenterology department of Shanghai Changhai Hospital from 2021-06-01 to 2024-06-30, including premedication protocols, allergic reactions, and other adverse reactions. Results Among 31 patients, the premedication regimen included oral dexamethasone 9 mg at 12 h and 6 h prior to liposomal paclitaxel, plus oral loratadine 10 mg and oral ranitidine 150 mg at 12 h prior to treatment. Among 18 patients, the regimen included oral dexamethasone 9 mg at 12 h and 6 h prior to treatment, and oral loratadine 10 mg at 12 h prior to treatment. None of the patients experienced allergic reactions. The incidence of other adverse reactions did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion Based on literature and practice, a dual simplified premedication protocol of oral corticosteroids(GC)combined with oral H1 receptor blockers(H1RA)was proposed, which provided a new idea for doctors. Further clinical studies are needed to verify its effectiveness.
4.Practice and analysis of the simplified oral premedication protocol with paclitaxel liposome in patients of advanced gastric cancer
Ling ZHONG ; Jinfa CAO ; Miao HE ; Jing TIAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):313-316
Objective To explore a feasible simplified premedication protocol for preventing hypersensitivity reactions to taxanes. Methods The electronic medical record system was used to search for data from 49 patients with advanced gastric cancer who received paclitaxel liposome treatment for the first time in the gastroenterology department of Shanghai Changhai Hospital from 2021-06-01 to 2024-06-30, including premedication protocols, allergic reactions, and other adverse reactions. Results Among 31 patients, the premedication regimen included oral dexamethasone 9 mg at 12 h and 6 h prior to liposomal paclitaxel, plus oral loratadine 10 mg and oral ranitidine 150 mg at 12 h prior to treatment. Among 18 patients, the regimen included oral dexamethasone 9 mg at 12 h and 6 h prior to treatment, and oral loratadine 10 mg at 12 h prior to treatment. None of the patients experienced allergic reactions. The incidence of other adverse reactions did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion Based on literature and practice, a dual simplified premedication protocol of oral corticosteroids(GC)combined with oral H1 receptor blockers(H1RA)was proposed, which provided a new idea for doctors. Further clinical studies are needed to verify its effectiveness.
5.Guidelines for the management of therapeutic drug monitoring
Zhengxiang LI ; Liyan MIAO ; Rong DUAN ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Xianglin ZHANG ; Zhuo WANG ; Miao YAN ; Lingli ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO ; Suodi ZHAI ; Guobiao GAO ; Jinhui TIAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1381-1392
OBJECTIVE To further standardize the technical operations and management processes throughout therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), clarify the clinical value of TDM implementation, improve the scientific validity and reliability of monitoring results, and provide a solid reference basis for the formulation and optimization of clinical individualized precision dosing regimens. METHODS The Guidelines for the Management of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring were formulated in accordance with the latest definition of guidelines by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and the standard guideline development methodology of the World Health Organization, and in compliance with the requirements of the appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation. A modified Delphi method was adopted to establish the research question system; evidence-based medicine research methods were applied to systematically search multiple databases to screen the latest and most comprehensive evidence. Evidence was graded and evaluated based on the evidence grading system of the Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, and the grading criteria for recommendation strength from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine were used to determine the recommendation strength. The recommendation opinions were formed through multidisciplinary expert consensus. RESULTS The Guidelines for the Management of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring cover four core modules, including TDM application indications, technical procedures, result interpretation and clinical application, and quality control, involving 18 primary research questions, 34 secondary research questions, and yield 82 recommendations. CONCLUSIONS The guidelines systematically standardize the key technical links and management requirements of the whole TDM process, provide scientific and operable standardized tools, help improve the standardization level of TDM work, promote the translation of monitoring results into clinical decision-making, and provide strong support for precision personalized medicine and ensuring the safety and rationality of medication use.
6.Principles and optimal strategy of antibacterial drug therapy in elderly patients with Helicobacter pylori infection
Miao HE ; Zhuo WANG ; Xin KANG ; Nan DING ; Juan BI ; Jing TIAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(7):370-375
Objective To explore the principle of antibacterial drug therapy and the strategy of program optimization in elderly patients with Helicobacter pylori(Hp). Methods The common therapeutic regimen of Hp was summarized, and the better therapeutic regimen of elderly Hp patients was screened ultimately. Results Amoxicillin and cefuroxime were relatively safe compared with other recommended antibacterial drugs. Using other commonly antibiotics for Hp should pay attention to the disease of patients and current drug. Conclusion Elderly patients usually suffered from a variety of diseases and required multiple drugs. The application of therapeutic regimen for elderly patients with Hp should be supposed to fully weigh the risks and benefits.
7.Optimization of polysaccharide extraction from Abelmoschus manihot flowers using composite enzymes and a study on the activities of the polysaccharides
Ge LIU ; Cheng LUO ; Huifang CHAI ; Yan LI ; Tian LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(18):2369-2375
OBJECTIVE To optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from Abelmoschus manihot flowers, and to investigate the antioxidant, moisturizing and hygroscopicity activities of the polysaccharides.METHODS The optimal ratio of composite enzymes was determined by orthogonal experiments, and the extraction process of polysaccharides was optimized by single-factor experiments and Box-Behnken response surface methodology, and validated. The scavenging rates of 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals, hydroxyl free radicals, and superoxide anion free radicals, as well as the total reducing ability of the polysaccharides were investigated by the ABTS method, Fenton-salicylic acid colorimetric method, pyrogallol autoxidation method, and potassium ferricyanide reduction method, respectively. The moisturizing and hygroscopicity activities of the polysaccharides were evaluated by the weighing method.RESULTS The optimal ratio of composite enzymes was 136 000 U of papain, 125 000 U of pectinase,and 5 000 U of cellulase. The optimal extraction process was as follows: enzymatic hydrolysis time of 2.8 h, enzymatic hydrolysis temperature of 57.50 ℃, pH of the sodium dihydrogen phosphate-disodium hydrogen phosphate buffer was 5.5, and solid-to-liquid ratio of 1∶40. The results of three experiments showed that the average polysaccharides extraction rate of 23.595%, with an RSD of 0.90%. The scavenging rates of ABTS free radicals, hydroxyl free radicals, superoxide anion free radicals, and total reducing ability were 81.759%, 87.110%, 54.244%, and 1.129 (the mass concentrations of polysaccharides were 10、 5、 10, and 10 mg/mL, respectively), respectively. At relative humidity of 43% for 12 h, the moisturizing rate and hygroscopicity rate of polysaccharides were 99.387% and 100.478%, respectively; at relative humidity of 83% for 12 h, they were 99.764% and 100.455%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS The optimal extraction process of polysaccharides from A.manihot flowers based on the composite enzymes is stable and feasible; the polysaccharides obtained under this process have good antioxidant, moisturizing, and hygroscopicity activities.
8.Electroacupuncture at the Governor Vessel / Jiaji Acupoints Can Activate Lumbar Spinal Cord Neurons to Improve the Motor Function of the Hind Limbs in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
Yidong LIAO ; Minghan KE ; Miao TIAN ; Beining LI ; Guanheng HE ; Biqin LAI ; Yuanshan ZENG ; Ying DING
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(4):644-655
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of electroacupuncture at governor vessel or Jiaji acupoints on the activation of lumbar spinal cord neurons and the recovery of motor function in paralyzed hind limbs in rats with complete transection of spinal cord injury. MethodsTwenty adult female SD rats were selected. Among them, 15 rats underwent the complete transection of the 10th thoracic spinal cord and were randomly divided into the Control group, the electroacupuncture at governor vessel acupoints (GV) group and the electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints (JJ) group, with 5 rats in each group. The other 5 rats served as the Normal group. Electroacupuncture treatment was initiated 3 days after surgery in the GV and JJ groups and performed every other day. Basso-Beatti-Bresnahan (BBB) behavioral score was evaluated weekly. Eight weeks after the operation, cortical motor evoked potential (CMEP) detection was performed, followed by perfusion fixation, tissue harvest, frozen sectioning, and immunofluorescence staining experiments. Results① Both electroacupuncture treatments activated the expression of the excitatory marker c-Fos in L1 spinal cord neurons. The c-Fos+ activated neurons were mainly distributed in lamina Ⅳ, Ⅴ and Ⅶ of the L1 spinal cord, while no c-Fos+ neuron was observed in the Normal group and the Control group. The percentages of c-Fos+ neurons activated by electroacupuncture in the GV group and the JJ group were (10.23±0.15) % and (10.77±1.12) %, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two electroacupuncture groups. ② vGluT1+ proprioceptive afferent nerve fibers were mainly distributed in the dorsal horn and lamina Ⅶ of intermediate zone of L1 spinal cord gray matter. In the dorsal horn of L1 spinal cord, the relative fluorescence intensity of vGluT1+ nerve fibers in the GV group and the JJ group were greater than that in the Control group, and that in the JJ group was greater than that in the GV group. In the lamina Ⅶ in intermediate zone of L1 spinal cord, where the central pattern generator (CPG) for hindlimb rhythmic movement is located, the relative fluorescence intensity of vGluT1+ nerve fibers in the GV group and the JJ group were significantly higher than that in the Control group, and the JJ group was also higher than the GV group; The lamina Ⅶ neurons innervated by vGluT1+ axon terminals were activated to express the excitatory marker c-Fos in the GV group and the JJ group. ③ The immunofluorescence staining results of acetylcholinesterase (ChAT) in the ventral horn of L4 spinal cord of each group showed that the number of surviving ChAT+ motor neurons in the GV group (19.1±3.4, P=0.000 2) and JJ group (19.0±2.9, P=0.000 2) were higher than that in the Control group (9.9±1.9). ④ The quantitative analysis of the vGluT2+ excitatory axonal terminals, vGAT+ inhibitory axonal terminals, and the ratio of vGluT2+/vGAT+ axonal terminals [reflecting the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance of motor neurons] innervating ChAT+ motor neurons in the ventral horn of the L4 spinal cord revealed that all three indices were significantly higher in the GV and JJ groups than in the Control group. Moreover, the E/I ratio of motor neurons in the two electroacupuncture groups gradually reached the same level as normal and showed no statistical difference from the Normal group. ⑤ The electrophysiological and behavioral detection results showed that compared with the Control group, the latencies of CMEP in the GV group and the JJ group shortened, while their amplitudes increased. The BBB score of paralyzed hindlimbs showed that after 8 weeks of treatment, the scores of both the GV group (4.25±1.26, P=0.023 4) and the JJ group (4.75±0.96, P=0.000 2) were higher than those of the Control group (1.80±1.30), but there was no statistical difference between the two electroacupuncture groups. ConclusionElectroacupuncture at GV or JJ acupoints may promote the afferent of vGluT1+ proprioceptive nerve fibers into the spinal cord, indicating the possibility to activate CPG neurons in lamina Ⅶ of L1 spinal cord; facilitate the survival of motor neurons in the L4 spinal cord and restore their excitatory/inhibitory balance, improving the motor function of the paralyzed hindlimbs in rats.
9.Effects of dexborneol on pharmacokinetics of edaravone in cerebral ischemic stroke rats
Juan HAO ; Zhiqiang MENG ; Xiaoxiao TIAN ; Xueli DUAN ; Miao HOU ; Fang WANG ; Ruigang HOU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(20):2706-2710
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of dexborneol on the pharmacokinetic parameters of edaravone in rats under the pathological condition of cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS).METHODS Twenty male SD rats were randomly divided into the edaravone group and the Edaravone and dexborneol concentrated solution for injection (EDB injection) group, with 10 rats in each group. A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model was established using the modified Longa suture method. Within 5 min of ischemia-reperfusion, the corresponding drug solutions were injected via the tail vein at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg (calculated by edaravone). Blood samples were collected from the orbital venous plexus at 0.08, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 18, and 24 h after injection. With carbamazepine as the internal standard, the plasma concentration of edaravone was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using DAS software and compared between the two groups.RESULTS Compared with the edaravone group, the peak concentration ( c max ) of edaravone in the EDB injection group was significantly increased ( P <0.05), while no statistically significant differences were observed in the half life, time to peak, clearance, or area under curve ( P >0.05).CONCLUSIONS Under the pathological condition of CIS, dexborneol can increase the c max of edaravone in the plasma of model rats, but has no significant effect on the systemic exposure or clearance of edaravone.
10.rTMS Improves Cognitive Function and Brain Network Connectivity in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Gui-Zhi XU ; Lin LIU ; Miao-Miao GUO ; Tian WANG ; Jiao-Jiao GAO ; Yong JI ; Pan WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2131-2145
ObjectiveRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing neurocognitive performance in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the neurobiological mechanisms linking synaptic pathology, neural oscillatory dynamics, and brain network reorganization remain unclear. This investigation seeks to systematically evaluate the therapeutic potential of rTMS as a non-invasive neuromodulatory intervention through a multimodal framework integrating clinical assessments, molecular profiling, and neurophysiological monitoring. MethodsIn this prospective double-blind trial, 12 AD patients underwent a 14-day protocol of 20 Hz rTMS, with comprehensive multimodal assessments performed pre- and post-intervention. Cognitive functioning was quantified using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), while daily living capacities and neuropsychiatric profiles were respectively evaluated through the activities of daily living (ADL) scale and combined neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI)-Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD). Peripheral blood biomarkers, specifically Aβ1-40 and phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), were analyzed to investigate the effects of rTMS on molecular metabolism. Spectral power analysis was employed to investigate rTMS-induced modulations of neural rhythms in AD patients, while brain network analyses incorporating topological properties were conducted to examine stimulus-driven network reorganization. Furthermore, systematic assessment of correlations between cognitive scale scores, blood biomarkers, and network characteristics was performed to elucidate cross-modal therapeutic associations. ResultsClinically, MMSE and MOCA scores improved significantly (P<0.05). Biomarker showed that Aβ1-40 level increased (P<0.05), contrasting with p-tau181 reduction. Moreover, the levels of Aβ1-40 were positively correlated with MMSE and MOCA scores. Post-intervention analyses revealed significant modulations in oscillatory power, characterized by pronounced reductions in delta (P<0.05) and theta bands (P<0.05), while concurrent enhancements were observed in alpha, beta, and gamma band activities (all P<0.05). Network analysis revealed frequency-specific reorganization: clustering coefficients were significantly decreased in delta, theta, and alpha bands (P<0.05), while global efficiency improvement was exclusively detected in the delta band (P<0.05). The alpha band demonstrated concurrent increases in average nodal degree (P<0.05) and characteristic path length reduction (P<0.05). Further research findings indicate that the changes in the clinical scale HAMD scores before and after rTMS stimulation are negatively correlated with the changes in the blood biomarkers Aβ1-40 and p-tau181. Additionally, the changes in the clinical scales MMSE and MoCA scores were negatively correlated with the changes in the node degree of the alpha frequency band and negatively correlated with the clustering coefficient of the delta frequency band. However, the changes in MMSE scores are positively correlated with the changes in global efficiency of both the delta and alpha frequency bands. Conclusion20 Hz rTMS targeting dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) significantly improves cognitive function and enhances the metabolic clearance of β-amyloid and tau proteins in AD patients. This neurotherapeutic effect is mechanistically associated with rTMS-mediated frequency-selective neuromodulation, which enhances the connectivity of oscillatory networks through improved neuronal synchronization and optimized topological organization of functional brain networks. These findings not only support the efficacy of rTMS as an adjunctive therapy for AD but also underscore the importance of employing multiple assessment methods—including clinical scales, blood biomarkers, and EEG——in understanding and monitoring the progression of AD. This research provides a significant theoretical foundation and empirical evidence for further exploration of rTMS applications in AD treatment.

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