1.Molecular Crosstalk Mechanisms of Shoutai Wan and Juyuan Jian on Maternal-fetal Interface Subcellular Clusters in CBA/J×DBA/2 Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Model
Jingxin GAO ; Qiuping CHEN ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Pengfei ZENG ; Rui ZHOU ; Yancai TANG ; Qian ZENG ; Wenli GUO ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Weijun DING ; Linwen DENG ; Hang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):70-87
ObjectiveTo systematically compare the differential regulation of the maternal-fetal interface cell lineages and communication networks in the CBA/J×DBA/2 mouse model of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) by the two classic therapeutic methods-tonifying the kidney to stabilize the fetus and invigorating the spleen to stabilize the fetus (Shoutai Wan, Juyuan Jian)-of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the single-cell resolution and clarify their modern scientific connotations. MethodsFemale non-pregnant CBA/J mice were caged with male BALB/c (blank group) and DBA/2 (modeling group) mice separately. Pregnant mice in the modeling group were randomly grouped as follows: high/low-dose Shoutai Wan, high/low-dose Juyuan Jian, model (RPL), and positive control (dydrogesterone), with 10 mice in each group. Starting from the day after the detection of the vaginal plug, mice were administrated with drugs or an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 10 consecutive days. After the intervention, the following indicators were measured. ① Macroscopic evaluation: general conditions, uterine wet weight, embryo loss rate, four coagulation parameters [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and thrombin time (TT)], and peripheral blood estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) levels. The decidua with embryos was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 homolog (LC3)Ⅰ/Ⅱ was quantified by Western blot. ② Mechanism analysis at the single-cell level: The decidua with embryos from the blank, model, high-dose Shoutai Wan, and high-dose Juyuan Jian groups (6 mice per group, with 3 single-cell samples per group, totaling 24 mice) were analyzed by the BD Rhapsody™ platform, and the whole-cell atlas was drawn by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) dimensionality reduction clustering combined with the single-cell mouse cell atlas (scMCA). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell interaction networks were analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and CellChat, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) map of subtype cells was constructed. The CytoTRACE pseudo-temporal analysis was performed to explore the developmental trajectories of core immune cells (natural killer cells, NK cells) from maternal and fetal sources. Results① Pathological and Western blot results indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed an increase in the embryo loss rate (P<0.01), down-regulated expression of Bcl-2, LIF, MMP-2, and Vegf in the decidua with embryos (P<0.05), up-regulated protein levels of CXCL-12, AngⅡ, and IL-6 (P<0.05), blocked angiogenesis, apoptosis-inflammation imbalance, and coagulation dysfunction. Both prescriptions dose-dependently reduced the abortion rate and restored the angiogenesis-inflammation balance, and Shoutai pill showed superior performance in restoring the E2 level to the Pg level (P<0.05). ② Single-cell transcriptome analysis indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed differences in multiple key cell populations such as decidual cells, trophoblast cells, endothelial cells, erythroblasts, NK cells, and macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface. Immunity and angiogenesis were the key links in RPL. Compared with the RPL group, high-dose Shoutai Wan reversed the changes of NK cells in the embryonic layer (upregulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 29 genes) and macrophages (upregulating the mRNA levels of 117 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 53 genes) through the regulation of gene expression. High-dose Shoutai pill regulated the immune cells to affect unfolded proteins, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, thereby promoting decidualization and angiogenesis and modulating embryo-membrane development. High-dose Juyuan Jian regulated the key subgroups of NK cells (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 9 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes) and macrophages (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 110 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 81 genes), which affected decidual inflammation and apoptosis and intervened in glycolysis. ③ The pseudo-temporal analysis and communication network indicated that the communication frequency of the RPL group decreased. High-dose Shoutai Wan restored maternal-fetal tolerance through pathways such as NKG2D, CDH5, GDF, and FASLG. High-dose Juyuan Jian enhanced the IL-6/LIFR/JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and desmosome/SEMA6/tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) signaling to improve endometrial receptivity. The RPL group showed an increased proportion of toxic dNK7, a decreased proportion of reparative dNK4, and blocked embryo fNK1. High-dose Shoutai Wan down-regulated dNK7 and up-regulated dNK4. High-dose Juyuan Jian inhibited the terminal differentiation of dNK7 and up-regulated LILRB1, thus restoring the balance of cytotoxicity and repair. ConclusionBoth the kidney-tonifying and spleen-invigorating methods are effective in treating RPL. NK and macrophages are the key immune cells in the interaction between the embryo and the membrane. The kidney-tonifying method (Shoutai Wan) has an advantage in regulating the phenotypes of unfolded protein, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, and shows expression characteristics closer to the physiological state in the regulation of NKG2D and CDH5 signals. The spleen-invigorating method (Juyuan Jian) has an advantage in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and glycolysis and shows higher communication intensity in the IL-6 and LIFR pathways.
2.Regulatory Pathways of Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yunjie YANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Chen QIU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Senlin CHEN ; Wenxin HUANG ; Hangbin ZHENG ; Yi WEI ; Pengfei LI ; Xueqin LIN ; Jing WU ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):294-306
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD) is a chronic kidney structural and functional disorder caused by diabetes. With the global prevalence of diabetes continuing to rise, DKD has gradually become a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease(ESRD), posing a serious threat to patients' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. Studies have shown that apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of DKD, with its mechanisms involving abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase(Caspase)-3, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)/activating transcript factor 4(ATF4)/CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/tumor suppressor protein 53(p53), thereby accelerating renal pathological damage in DKD. Extensive evidence-based medical studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), leveraging its unique therapeutic advantages of multi-target, multi-component and multi-pathway approaches, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety profiles in treating DKD. Recent studies have demonstrated that active components of TCM can specifically target and modulate key effectors in apoptotic signaling pathways. Meanwhile, traditional compound formulations exert synergistic effects through multiple approaches such as replenishing deficiency and activating blood circulation, detoxifying and dredging collaterals, tonifying kidney essence, and removing stasis and purging turbidity, thereby comprehensively regulating critical pathological processes including endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This combined therapeutic approach of molecular targeting and holistic regulation provides novel strategies for delaying the progression of DKD. Based on this, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of key apoptotic signaling pathways and their regulatory mechanisms, while systematically summarizing recent research advances regarding the therapeutic effects of TCM active components, compound formulations, and proprietary Chinese medicines on DKD through modulation of these pathways, with particular emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings not only elucidate the modern scientific connotation and theoretical basis of TCM in treating DKD but also establish a solid theoretical and practical foundation for promoting the wider clinical application and further research of TCM in the field of DKD treatment.
3.Comparison of the efficacy of remimazolam and propofol in the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy
Chun LIU ; Juan HU ; Yu HUANG ; Jinqiu YANG ; Junjie LI ; Ping YANG ; Pengfei PAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):2040-2045
OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of remimazolam and propofol in general anesthesia induction and maintenance for elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS A total of 86 elderly lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy at Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital from February to July 2024 were selected and divided into the propofol group and the remimazolam group according to the randomized numerical table method, with 43 cases in each group. During anesthesia induction, patients in the propofol group and the remimazolam group were intravenously administered 2 mg/kg of Propofol medium- and long-chain fat emulsion injection or 0.25 mg/kg of Remimazolam tosilate for injection, respectively; during anesthesia maintenance, the two groups received intravenous infusion of 6-10 mg/(kg·h) of Propofol medium- and long- chain fat emulsion injection or 1-3 mg/(kg·h) of Remimazolam tosilate for injection, respectively. The anesthesia effects, anesthesia-related indicators, intraoperative opioid and muscle relaxant dosages, Ramsay sedation score, numerical rating scale (NRS) score, and hemodynamic parameters were compared between the two groups, and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions was recorded. RESULTS A total of 41 patients in the propofol group and 43 patients in the remimazolam group completed the trial. The proportion of patients with grade Ⅰ anesthesia effect in the remimazolam group was significantly higher than that in the propofol group, while the proportion of patients with grade Ⅱ anesthesia effect was significantly lower than that in the propofol group (P<0.05). In this group, the disappearance time of eyelash reflex, the time taken for the bispectral index to drop to 60, and the Ramsay sedation scores (2 and 6 hours after operation) were all significantly prolonged or increased, while the recovery time, NRS scores (2 and 6 hours after operation), and the incidence of intraoperative hypotension were all significantly shortened or reduced; moreover, the improvements of the above sedation/NRS scores exhibited a time-dependent pattern within 2 to 24 hours after operation (P<0.05). Compared with before anesthesia induction (T0), the heart rate [except at 2 min after medication (T1), 60 min after anesthesia (T4), and at the end of surgery (T5) in the remimazolam group] and mean arterial pressure [except at T1 in the remimazolam group] of patients in both groups significantly decreased at T1, 5 min after medication (T2), at the start of surgery (T3), T4, and T5 (P<0.05). Meanwhile, regional cerebral oxygen saturation significantly increased in both groups. Furthermore, the heart rate and mean arterial pressure of patients in the remimazolam group were significantly higher than those in the propofol group at T1, T2 and T4 (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of postanesthesia care unit stay time, dosage of opioids and muscle relaxants, regional cerebral oxygen saturation, or peripheral oxygen saturation at various time points (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared to propofol, remimazolam demonstrates superior anesthesia effects when used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. It not only provides more stable intraoperative hemodynamics and shortens the postoperative recovery time but also effectively reduces the incidence of intraoperative hypotension.
4.Occupational health literacy among key populations in the tertiary industry in Lu'an City
LIU Lei ; CHENG Tingting ; QIAN Chunsheng ; HUANG Rui ; LI Ting ; TANG Kun ; WEI Dong ; SU Yiwen ; LI Haowei ; LI Pengfei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(11):1179-1183
Objective:
To analyze the occupational health literacy (OHL) level and its influencing factors among key populations in the tertiary industry in Lu'an City, Anhui Province, so as to provide a basis for developing targeted health interventions and improving regional occupational health policies.
Methods:
A stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select five categories of key populations from the tertiary industry in Lu'an City as study subjects from August to September 2024. Data on gender, age, education level, and OHL were collected through the National OHL Monitoring Questionnaire for Key Populations. The OHL levels were analyzed, and influencing factors of OHL levels among key populations were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 1 243 individuals were surveyed, comprising 700 (56.32%) males and 543 (43.68%) females. The median age was 42.00 (interquartile range, 17.00) years. There were 609 individuals with OHL, and the OHL level was 48.99%. The OHL levels in fundamental knowledge of occupational health protection, healthy work styles and behaviors, knowledge of occupational health laws, and basic skills for occupational health protection were 84.71%, 60.34%, 43.93%, and 37.09%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that educational level (primary school and below, OR=0.149, 95%CI: 0.064-0.344; junior high school, OR=0.340, 95%CI: 0.184-0.629; high school, OR=0.408, 95%CI: 0.230-0.723), average monthly personal income (3 000-<5 000 yuan, OR=1.655, 95%CI: 1.092-2.508; 5 000-<7 000 yuan, OR=2.195, 95%CI: 1.302-3.699; ≥7 000 yuan, OR=2.062, 95%CI: 1.016-4.183), employer nature (private enterprises, OR=2.992, 95%CI: 1.569-5.443), and industry category (education, OR=3.423, 95%CI: 1.407-8.327; courier / food delivery services, OR=0.459, 95%CI: 0.268-0.787; healthcare, OR=7.539, 95%CI: 3.255-17.461) were statistically associated with the OHL level among key population.
Conclusion
The OHL level among key population in the tertiary industry of Lu'an City can be further enhanced, with educational level, average monthly personal income, employer nature, and industry category identified as the primary influencing factors.
5.Role of sulfation in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease
Ying NIU ; Chen GAO ; Dongxue QI ; Xiancao HUANG ; Pengfei XU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(3):187-192
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a refractory disease characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation. Its typical pathological characteristics are the destruction of intestinal mucosal barrier and the imbalance of immune microenvironment. In severe cases, it can cause intestinal fibrosis and functional failure. Sulfation, a critical post-translational modification, plays an essential role in regulating intestinal homeostasis. Abnormal sulfation metabolism in the intestine of IBD patients can lead to the impairment of intestinal barrier function, immune system disorders and changes in the composition of microbiota. Consequently, targeting the sulfation pathway may be a novel therapeutic strategy for IBD. By supplementing exogenous sulfation substrates, regulating the activity of related key enzymes involved in sulfation or remodeling the microbiota, the level of intestinal sulfation can be effectively restored, thereby repairing the intestinal barrier function and inhibit the inflammatory response. This article systematically summarizes the pathogenic mechanisms of sulfation in IBD, providing a theoretical foundation for developing precision therapeutic strategies targeting the intestinal microenvironment.
6.Multi-center Study on Specific IgE Antibodies to Alternaria Alternata and Aspergillus Fumigatus in Sera of Clinical Allergy Patients in Selected Provinces in China
Chao XU ; Xingyuan ZHU ; Caizhi HUANG ; Hong ZHU ; Shu WANG ; Hongxia YUAN ; Pengfei ZHAO ; Ji YAN ; Jianhua MA ; Chunlei KUANG ; Yanli XIE ; Rongcai WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Sheng LIANG ; Qunying WANG ; Yingsha DUAN ; Yiwu ZHENG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(3):13-17
Objective To investigate the prevalence of specific IgE antibodies against Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus in serum samples from clinical allergy patients across selected provinces in China.Methods Data on specific IgE antibodies for Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.were collected from 20 hospital laboratories in 17 cities spanning 11 provinces.The study analyzed the levels of specific IgE and their variations across different provinces and seasons.Results A total of 27 471 cases of Alternaria A.and 32 843 cases of Aspergillus F.specific IgE data were included.The national average positive rate of Alternaria A.IgE was 10.40%,with the highest rate of 22.68%in Jiangsu and the lowest rate of 2.06%in Guangxi.For Aspergillus F.specific IgE,the average positive rate was 4.24%,with Hubei province having the highest rate(7.25%)and Hunan province the lowest(1.23%).The difference in IgE levels for both Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.among provinces were statistically significant(H=9 955,16 993,all P<0.0001).Among patients,5.85%had Alternaria A.specific IgE levels at grade 3 or above,while only 0.57%had Aspergillus F.specific IgE levels at this level.When examining seasonal variations using data from Liaoning,Hunan and Anhui provinces,significant seasonal changes were observed for both Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.IgE antibodies(HAlternaria A=347.6,338.0,401.3,HAspergillus F=196.6,133.7,231.7,all P<0.0001).Conclusion The sensitization to Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.exhibits distinct geographical characteristics and vary significantly with seasons.Given the relatively high IgE levels associated with Alternaria A.,it should be given adequate clinical attention.
7.Application of Bacteriophages in Common Infectious Diseases of the Oral Cavity
Hao HUANG ; Xuelin LI ; Zehua HAN ; Lin CHANG ; Pengfei ZHU ; Yingying XIANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(1):148-153
Bacteriophages possess the ability to infect and kill bacteria and have now been applied in various oral diseases,providing new insights for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.They are expected to become a novel biological antibacterial agent for treating oral diseases.This paper comprehensively discusses the application of bacteriophages in oral medicine from six aspects:the concept and application prospects of bacteriophages,four common infectious diseases of the oral cavity and their pathogenic bacteria,existing treatment methods,and the application and outlook of bacteriophages in these diseases.Lay a theoretical basis for the clinical implementation of phage therapy.
9.Analysis of project funding in the direction of geriatric medicine of the National Natural Science Foundation of China from 2000 to 2020
Xuelin SUN ; Yunpeng YU ; Yatong ZHANG ; Dejun LIU ; Xudong PENG ; Houyuan HUANG ; Pengfei JIN
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(4):544-548
Objective:To examine the funding landscape of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)concerning research focused on the elderly as a specific demographic group.It seeks to analyze prevailing research hotspots and to offer insightful research ideas for scholars in this field.Methods:The study employed a retrospective research design.It involved retrieving data on approved projects related to the elderly from the NSFC's official database, covering the period from 2000 to 2020.The data set included variables such as funding year, project title, project category, supporting institution, and funding amount(application codes: H1901, H1902, H1903).Statistical analysis was conducted using Excel software, while visual analysis was performed using CiteSpace software.Results:Between 2000 and 2020, a total of 710 projects focused on geriatrics received funding, amounting to RMB 361, 032, 300, 000.This period exhibited a fluctuating upward trend in both the number of projects and the total funding amount.The primary funding categories were face-to-face projects and youth science fund projects, which together accounted for 44.4%(315/710), 34.4%(244/710)respectively.The distribution of project-relying units demonstrated significant regional imbalance, with Beijing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai being the predominant areas.Notably, Nanjing Medical University, Peking University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University ranked as the top three institutions, with funding percentages of 5.9%(42/710), 5.4%(38/710), and 4.5%(32/710), respectively.The research themes encompassed nucleoplasmic interactions, brain networks, and bioinformatics, among others.Conclusions:The NSFC has consistently provided funding for in-depth research in the critical field of geriatrics.The primary research directions focus on aspects such as the mechanisms of aging and the pathogenesis of neurological diseases associated with aging.With the application of innovative technologies and methodologies, significant breakthroughs and achievements are anticipated in geriatrics, contributing to the improvement of health outcomes and the enhancement of the quality of life for the elderly.
10.In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial effects of the antiparasitic drug tiliquinol to Enterococcus faecalis
Dan XIAO ; Pengfei SHE ; Shaowei GUO ; Guanqing HUANG ; Yong WU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1207-1214
Objective:To investigate the antimicrobial activity of the antiparasitic drug tiliquinol to Enterococcus faecalis. Methods:From 2023 to 2024, the standard Enterococcus faecalis strain ATCC 29212 and 6 clinical isolates in the Laboratory Department of the Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine were selected as the subject of this investigation. The sensibility of tiliquinol against E. faecalis was assessed using broth microdilution method, time-killing curves, and kirby-bauer test; the drug resistance induction ability of tiliquinol was detected by continuous induction of resistance and one-step resistance test. The antimicrobial ability of tiliquinol was determined by the biofilm combined laser confocal microscopy. Skin subcutaneous abscess model of E. faecalis infection was established to evaluate the in vivo antibacterial activity of tiliquinol. Paired t-tests and analysis of variance were used for comparisons between two groups and among multiple groups respectively. Results:The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of tiliquinol against E. faecalis ATCC 29212 were both 2 mg/L. Kirby-bauer test showed obvious antimicrobial activity of tiliquinol against E. faecalis. The time-killing curves showed that the subinhibitory concentration of tiliquinol could effectively inhibit bacterial proliferation. Fifteen-day continuous treatment with tiliquinol showed no drug resistance mutation; tiliquinol treatment at 8×MIC for four hours caused reduced count of viable bacteria from (12.01±1.14) lg CFU/ml to (7.72±0.94) lg CFU/ml in ATCC 29212 stain ( t=3.64; P<0.05), while tiliquinol at 2×MIC significantly inhibited the formation of ATCC 29212 biofilm, which reduced from (1.73±0.27) to (0.18±0.14) ( t=8.77, P<0.05); tiliquinol at 4×MIC also significantly cleared the formed biofilm, which reduced from (0.52±0.03) to (0.40±0.06) ( t=3.07, P<0.05). Utilizing the skin subcutaneous abscess model revealed significant antibacterial effects of tiliquinol treatment, specifically, and compared with the control group, the viable bacterial loads in the 30 mg/kg tiliquinol treatment group decreased by more than 1 lg CFU/ml ( t=4.099, P<0.05). Conclusion:Tiliquinol exhibits substantial antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis both in vitro and in vivo.


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