1.Dipsacus asper Treats Alzheimer's Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans by Regulating PPARα/TFEB Pathway
Mengmeng WANG ; Jianping ZHAO ; Limin WU ; Shuang CHU ; Yanli HUANG ; Zhenghao CUI ; Yiran SUN ; Pan WANG ; Hui WANG ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Zhishen XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):104-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effect of Dipsacus asper(DA) in the Caenorhabditis elegans model, and decipher the underlying mechanism via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)/transcription factor EB (TFEB) pathway. MethodsFirst, transgenic AD C. elegans individuals were assigned into the blank control, model, positive control (WY14643, 20 µmol·L-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (100, 200, and 400 mg·L-1, respectively) DA groups. The amyloid β-42 (Aβ42) formation in the muscle cells, the paralysis time, and the deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the head were detected. The lysosomal autophagy in the BV2 cell model was examined by Rluc-LC3wt/G120A. The expression levels of lysosomal autophagy-related proteins LC3Ⅱ, LC3I, LAMP2, and TFEB were detected by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of autophagy-related genes beclin1 and Atg5 and lysosome-related genes LAMP2 and CLN2 downstream of PPARα/TFEB. A reporter gene assay was used to detect the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of PPARα, and the active components of the ethanol extract of DA were identified by UPLC-MS. RCSB PDB, Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and Autodock were used to analyze the binding between the active components and PPARα-ligand-binding domain (LBD). ResultsCompared with the model group, the positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed prolonged paralysis time (P<0.05), and all the treatment groups showed decreased Aβ deposition in the head (P<0.01). DA within the concentration range of 50-500 mg·L-1 did not affect the viability of BV2 cells. In addition, DA enhanced the autophagy flux (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA levels of beclin1, Atg5, LAMP2, and CLN2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), promoted the nuclear translocation of TFEB (P<0.05), increased LAMP2 expression and autophagy flux (P<0.05, P<0.01), and enhanced the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB (P<0.01). The positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed enhanced fluorescence intensity of PPARα in the BV2 nucleus (P<0.01). UPLC-MS detected nine known compounds of DA, from which 8 active components of DA were screened out. The docking results suggested that a variety of components in DA could bind to PPARα-LBD and form stable hydrogen bonds. ConclusionDA may reduce the pathological changes in AD by regulating the PPARα-TFEB pathway.
2.Antidepressant Mechanisms of Polygalae Radix: A Review
Liming LIU ; Shuaijun PENG ; Pan SU ; Yucheng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):300-309
Depression is a high-incidence mental disorder with complex causes and multifaceted pathogenic mechanisms. Its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated, which has hindered the development of novel and highly effective antidepressant drugs. This condition severely affects human physical and mental health while imposing a significant socio-economic burden. At present, several hypotheses exist regarding the pathogenesis of depression, including monoamine neurotransmitter imbalances, neurotrophic factor deficiencies, neural plasticity impairments, glutamate dysregulation, neuroinflammatory disorders, gut microbiota imbalances, and mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction. Currently, most clinical antidepressants are monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors. Although they exhibit certain therapeutic effects, they are associated with significant drawbacks, such as severe adverse reactions and poor patient compliance. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by its multi-targeted effects, mild efficacy, and minimal side effects, has demonstrated significant advantages in the treatment of depression. Chinese medicine Polygalae Radix possesses the functions of calming the mind, enhancing cognitive functions, harmonizing the heart and kidneys, and dispelling phlegm to open orifices. It is often included in compound prescriptions for the clinical treatment of depression. Based on current hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of depression, this paper systematically reviews research progress on the antidepressant mechanisms of Polygalae Radix from multiple perspectives, including its active components, its use in herbal pairings, and its inclusion in TCM compound prescriptions. This review aims to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of Polygalae Radix in antidepressant therapy and to serve as a reference for the modernization of its antidepressant research.
3.Prognostic correlation analysis of multiple myeloma based on HALP score of peripheral blood before chemotherapy
Min CHEN ; Liying AN ; Xiaojing LIN ; Pan ZHAO ; Xingli ZOU ; Jin WEI ; Xun NI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):61-67
[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.
4.Molecular epidemiological investigations of human parvovirus B19 among blood donors in Lanzhou
Kangle WU ; Shulong YANG ; Weiping FENG ; Weirong WANG ; Deng PAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):68-72
[Objective] To investigate the molecular prevalence and genotype of human parvovirus B19(B19) among blood donors in Lanzhou, and provide data support for monitoring the positive rate of B19 DNA in local blood donors. [Methods] A total of 7 644 blood donor samples collected from January to September 2022 were randomly screened using real-time fluorescent PCR, resulting in 23 samples testing positive for B19 DNA. The characteristics of the B19 DNA reactive donors including gender, age, blood donation recruitment and promotion mode, and donation frequency were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Additionally, the VP1 gene fragment of B19 DNA reactive samples was sequenced and an evolutionary tree was constructed by the N-J method. [Results] The results showed that the positive rate of B19 DNA in Lanzhou was 0.30%, and the positive population mainly consisted of female individuals aged 18-30 years old who were first-time blood donors; furthermore, genotype 1a was identified as predominant. [Conclusion] The positive rate of B19 DNA is low among blood donors in Lanzhou, with genotype 1a being predominant. It is recommended to periodically monitor the B19 prevalence in blood donors and enhance prevention and control measures, thus improving blood quality and safety.
5.Interpretation of Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare for Chinese Patent Medicines (RIGHT for CPM)
Liaoyao WANG ; Hejing PAN ; Le ZHANG ; Wenya WANG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):211-218
The clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicines (CPM) provide reference for the selection of national drug catalogs, the formulation of prescription collections in medical institutions, and the clinical use of CPM, constituting an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guidelines. As a crucial part of Chinese drug supply guarantee system, CPM plays an important role in the treatment, prevention, and healthcare of many disease categories, whereas the application of CPM has problems of misuse and even abuse. To standardize the application of CPM, a research team at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University developed the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare for Chinese Patent Medicines (RIGHT for CPM) based on the RIGHT checklist framework. The RIGHT for CPM checklist gathers key information from published CPM guidelines, existing TCM reporting checklists, and the RIGHT checklist and its extensions to form an initial pool of reporting items. Seventeen experts from different disciplines were invited to conduct two rounds of Delphi surveys, and the final checklist was reviewed and approved for publication by 18 leading experts in TCM research and guideline reporting from China and abroad. The RIGHT for CPM checklist adds 16 sub-items and revises 2 sub-items on the basis of the RIGHT checklist, highlighting the characteristics of CPM guideline reporting. It considers CPM selection and inclusion criteria, policy access, indications and symptoms, drug combination instructions, drug use in special populations, precautions, and recommendations of Western medical physicians, among others. This can further improve the quality and transparency of CPM guideline reporting, promote standardized reporting of CPM guidelines, and facilitate the rational clinical use of CPM. This article interprets the development process of the RIGHT for CPM checklist and the items that highlight the characteristics of CPM guidelines, with a view to promoting the application of the RIGHT for CPM checklist.
6.Comparison of myopia progression before and after discontinuation of low-concentration atropine in children wearing orthokeratology lenses
Yaozeng WANG ; Pan LI ; Jin WANG ; Zikang LU
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):134-139
AIM: To compare the progression of myopia in children wearing orthokeratology lenses combined with low-concentration atropine before and after drug withdrawal, to determine the rebound effect of drug withdrawal in orthokeratology lens wearers, and to analyze its causes based on changes in pupil diameter.METHODS:A prospective case-control study was conducted to collect 80 children with myopia who were treated with orthokeratology lenses combined with 0.01% atropine ophthalmic gel at the Xi'an No.1 Hospital from January to June 2022. One year later, they were divided into a drug withdrawal group(Group A, 40 cases)and a continuous medication group(Group B, 40 cases)based on whether they stopped taking the medication. The progression of myopia before and after drug withdrawal was observed by analyzing changes in axial length(AL)and spherical equivalent(SE)in the group A within 1 a before and after drug withdrawal. The changes in AL, pupil diameter(PD), and SE were compared between the group A and group B within 2 a, and the correlation between PD and AL growth was analyzed.RESULTS:In the group A, the AL increased by 0.17±0.23 and 0.29±0.18 mm at 0.5 and 1 a after drug withdrawal, respectively, which were both greater than before drug withdrawal(t=5.318, 2.983, both P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in SE growth between the two time points(P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in AL and PD between the group A and group B at baseline, 0.5 and 1 a during combined medication(all P>0.05). At 1.5 a, the AL growth of the group A was greater than that of the group B(0.32±0.27 mm vs 0.26±0.20 mm, t=7.363, P<0.001), and the PD was smaller than that of the group B(3.60±1.25 mm vs 4.12±1.92 mm, t=-7.541, P<0.001). At 2 a, the AL growth of the group A was greater than that of the group B(0.44±0.18 mm vs 0.32±0.14 mm, t=5.709, P<0.001), and the PD was smaller than that of the group B(3.67±1.31 mm vs 4.02±1.67 mm, t=-4.281, P<0.001). Correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between PD and AL growth at 0.5 and 1 a follow-ups over 2 a(R2=-0.156, -0.190, both P<0.001).CONCLUSION: After stopping low-concentration atropine in children wearing orthokeratology lenses, AL increased more rapidly than before drug withdrawal, PD decreased, and SE changed little. Compared with continuous medication, discontinuation of medication led to faster progression of AL with little change in diopter, and the larger the PD during orthokeratology lens wear, the slower the progression of AL.
7.Clinical Efficacy of Tangning Tongluo Tablets for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Fuwen ZHANG ; Junguo DUAN ; Wen XIA ; Tiantian SUN ; Yuheng SHI ; Shicui MEI ; Xiangxia LUO ; Xing LI ; Yujie PAN ; Yong DENG ; Chuanlian RAN ; Hao CHEN ; Li PEI ; Shuyu YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangning Tongluo tablets in the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsFourteen research centers participated in this study, which spanned a time interval from September 2021 to May 2023. A total of 240 patients with nonproliferative DR were included and randomly assigned into an observation group (120 cases) and a control group (120 cases). The observation group was treated with Tangning Tongluo tablets, and the control group with calcium dobesilate capsules. Both groups were treated for 24 consecutive weeks. The vision, DR progression rate, retinal microhemangioma, hemorrhage area, exudation area, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment, and the safety was observed. ResultsThe vision changed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group showed higher best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) than the control group (P<0.05). The DR progression was slow with similar rates in the two groups. The fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area did not change significantly after treatment in both groups, while the observation group outperformed the control group in reducing the fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area. There was no significant difference in the number of microhemangiomas between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the number of microhemangiomas decreased in both the observation group (Z=-1.437, P<0.05) and the control group (Z=-2.238, P<0.05), and it showed no significant difference between the two groups. As the treatment time prolonged, the number of microhemangiomas gradually decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the decline in the HbA1c level showed no significant difference between the two groups. The TCM syndrome score did not have a statistically significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, neither the TCM syndrome score nor the response rate had significant difference between the two groups. With the extension of the treatment time, both groups showed amelioration of TCM syndrome compared with the baseline. ConclusionTangning Tongluo tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of nonproliferative DR, being capable of improving vision and reducing hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus.
8.In Vitro and in vivo Component Analysis of Total Phenolic Acids from Gei Herba and Its Effect on Promoting Acute Wound Healing and Inhibiting Scar Formation
Xixian KONG ; Guanghuan TIAN ; Tong WU ; Shaowei HU ; Jie ZHAO ; Fuzhu PAN ; Jingtong LIU ; Yong DENG ; Yi OUYANG ; Hongwei WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):156-167
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), to identify the in vivo and in vitro chemical components of total phenolic acids in Gei Herba(TPAGH), and to clarify the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of the effective part in promoting acute wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used to identify the chemical components of TPAGH and ingredients absorbed in vivo after topical administration. A total of 120 ICR mice were randomly divided into the model group, recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF) group(4 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of TPAGH(3.5, 7, 14 mg·kg-1), with 24 mice in each group. A full-thickness skin excision model was constructed, and each administration group was coated with the drug at the wound site, and the model group was treated with an equal volume of normal saline, the treatment was continued for 30 days, during which 8 mice from each group were sacrificed on days 6, 12, and 30. The healing of the wounds in the mice was observed, and histopathological changes in the skin tissues were dynamically observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to dynamically measure the contents of interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-3 and MMP-9 in skin tissues. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets related to the promotion of acute wound healing and the inhibition of scar formation by TPAGH, and molecular docking of key components and targets was performed. Gene Ontology(GO) biological process analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out for the related targets, so as to construct a network diagram of herbal material-compound-target-pathway-pharmacological effect-disease for further exploring its potential mechanisms. ResultsA total of 146 compounds were identified in TPAGH, including 28 phenylpropanoids, 31 tannins, 23 triterpenes, 49 flavonoids, and 15 others, and 16 prototype components were found in the serum of mice. Pharmacodynamic results showed that, compared with the model group, the TPAGH groups showed a significant increase in relative wound healing rate and relative scar inhibition rate(P<0.05), and the number of new capillaries, number of fibroblasts, number of new skin appendages, epidermal regeneration rate, collagen deposition ratio, and Ⅲ/Ⅰ collagen ratio in the tissue were significantly improved(P<0.05, 0.01), the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the skin tissues were reduced to different degrees, while the level of VEGFA was increased. Network pharmacology analysis screened 10 core targets, including tumor protein 53(TP53), sarcoma receptor coactivator(SRC), protein kinase B(Akt)1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and so on, participating in 75 signaling pathways such as advanced glycation end-products(AGE)-receptor for AGE(AGE/RAGE) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed that the key components genistein, geraniin, and casuariin had good binding ability to TP53, SRC, Akt1, STAT3 and EGFR. ConclusionThis study comprehensively reflects the chemical composition of TPAGH and the absorbed components after topical administration through UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. TPAGH significantly regulates key indicators of skin healing and tissue reconstruction, thereby clarifying its role in promoting acute wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. By combining in vitro and in vivo component identification with network pharmacology, the study explores how key components may bind to targets such as TP53, Akt1 and EGFR, exerting therapeutic effects through related pathways such as immune inflammation and vascular regeneration.
9.Practice of PIVAS operation cost-benefit management in a hospital based on lean Six Sigma management
Lei HUANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Zhou GENG ; Aiming SHI ; Jie PAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):13-18
OBJECTIVE To explore the practice and application effect of lean Six Sigma (LSS) management in the cost- benefit management of PIVAS operation in a tertiary comprehensive hospital (hereinafter referred to as “S Hospital”), providing reference for the operation and management of PIVAS in hospitals. METHODS The five steps (define, measure, analyze, improve and control, i.e. DMAIC) of LSS management were implemented for PIVAS operation cost-benefit of S Hospital, and lean management was implemented for its cost-benefit management elements (human resource cost, medical and health material cost, and all-in-one parenteral nutrition preparation income). Several intervention measures including personnel training and performance assessment, refined management system of consumables, and doctor’s advice package of full parenteral nutrition were developed. Finally, the overall improvement effect was evaluated by the total benefit, total cost and net benefit of PIVAS. The effects of human resource allocation optimization and improvement were evaluated by the work efficiency, work quality, job satisfaction, turnover rate and accumulated rest days. The effects of consumables cost management were evaluated by the amount of medical and health materials cost. The improvement effects of all-in-one parenteral nutrition preparation income were evaluated by the profit amount, quantity and the proportion of single bottle of parenteral nutrition. RESULTS After implementing DMAIC in S Hospital, the total benefit of PIVAS was increased from (471 366.50±9 201.5) yuan/month to (479 679.50±14 320.14) yuan/month (P> 0.05), the total cost was decreased from (305 878.88±3 201.75) yuan/month to (294 610.59±5 007.33) yuan/month (P<0.05), and the net benefit of PIVAS was increased by 11.83% compared with that before the improvement. The work efficiency, work quality and job satisfaction of employees were significantly improved, the accumulated rest days were significantly reduced, and the turnover rate of third-party employees was reduced from 15.0% before the improvement to 7.5% after the improvement. The cost of medical and health materials significantly decreased from (67 826.42±2 812.76) yuan/month before improvement to (56 384.33±4 607.67) yuan/month after improvement (P<0.05). The quantity of all-in-one parenteral nutrition was significantly increased from (1 263.75±135.83) group/month before improvement to (2 061.25±89.04) group/month after improvement (P<0.05), and the proportion of users of single bottle of parenteral nutrition in total users decreased from 93.25% before improvement to 58.75% after improvement. The profit of all-in-one parenteral nutrition was 63.18% higher than that before implementing DMAIC. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of PIVAS operation cost-benefit management based on DMAIC is conducive to strengthening the cost control of PIVAS and promoting the healthy development of PIVAS.
10.A prediction model for sleep disorders in shift workers of a chemical fiber enterprise
SHEN Lili ; PAN Yahui ; FENG Jiafeng
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):51-54
Objective:
To construct a prediction model for sleep disorders in shift workers of a chemical fiber enterprise, so as to provide the basis for early identification and prevention of sleep disorders in shift workers.
Methods:
Shift workers were sampled from a chemical fiber enterprise in Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province using a cluster sampling method from August 2022 to July 2024. Demographic information, length of service and average weekly working hours were collected through questionnaire surveys. Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and sleep disorders were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Patient Health Questionnaire and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, respectively. The shift workers were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7∶3. Predictive factors were selected using a multivariable logistic regression model based on the training set, and a nomograph model for prediction of sleep disorders in shift workers was established. The predictive values of the model were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve based on the training set and validation set.
Results:
Totally 673 shift workers were included, with a median age of 32 (interquartile range, 12) years. There were 493 males, accounting for 73.25%. There were 471 (69.99%) workers in the training set and 202 (30.01%) workers in the validation set. There were 274 workers with sleep disorders, accounting for 40.71%. The equation for the prediction model was ln[p/(1-p)]=-8.391+1.906×average weekly working hours+1.822×depressive symptoms+1.667×anxiety symptoms. The area under the ROC curve was 0.769 (95%CI: 0.661-0.835) for the training set and 0.655 (95%CI: 0.593-0.737) for the validation set, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed a good fitting effect (both P>0.05).
Conclusion
The nomograph model constructed by average weekly working hours, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms can be used to predict the risk of sleep disorders in shift workers of a chemical fiber enterprise.


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