1.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of Chaiqi yigan granules improving hepatocellular carcinoma
Guiping MA ; Yuanjie ZHANG ; Yichi ZHOU ; Jinzhen LYU ; Conghui WANG ; Fenping LU ; Bowen LIU ; Yun RAN ; Shiping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):620-625
OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the mechanisms of Chaiqi yigan granules (CQYG) improving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The signaling pathways of CQYG intervention in HCC were predicted using network pharmacology. A mice model of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma was established by injecting H22 hepatoma cells into the axilla. Successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), sorafenib group (positive control, 50 mg/kg), and CQYG low-, medium- and high-dose groups (24.83, 49.66, 99.32 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After last administration, pathological morphological changes in the tumor tissues of mice were observed in each group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of the nuclear proliferation antigen Ki-67 in tumor tissues of mice. Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7)] and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway [p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK, extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphorylated ERK1/2] in tumor tissue of mice. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway were key signaling pathways through which CQYG exert their anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. In animal experiments, the tumor tissues of mice in the model group exhibited dense tumor cells and vigorous growth. Compared with model group, CQYG high-dose group showed a decreased density of tumor cells in the tumor tissues of mice. Moreover, the expression levels of Ki-67, N-cadherin, MMP7 and Vimentin proteins, along with the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK proteins, were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly increased ( P <0.05), the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK protein was increased, the difference was not statistically significant ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS CQYG can inhibit EMT by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing tumor cell invasion and metastasis and ultimately exerting a therapeutic effect in improving HCC.
2.Mechanism of Ruyan Neixiao Cream in Promoting Ferroptosis in Breast Precancerous Lesion Cells by Regulating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Haotian ZHANG ; Yebei QIU ; Ran SU ; Xianxin YAN ; Min MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):98-107
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream (RUC) induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion (BPL) cells, and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%, 2%, and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution (RUT) was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the DCFH-DA probe, and the levels of ferrous ions (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) combined with estrogen and progesterone, and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12th cycle, the rats were euthanized, and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fe2+ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group, the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group, cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the levels of ROS and Fe2+ in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, ROS and Fe2+ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the in vivo experiment, compared with the matrix group, the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved, with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group, Fe2+ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, increasing Fe2+ accumulation, and promoting lipid peroxidation.
3.Mechanism of Ruyan Neixiao Cream in Promoting Ferroptosis in Breast Precancerous Lesion Cells by Regulating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Haotian ZHANG ; Yebei QIU ; Ran SU ; Xianxin YAN ; Min MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):98-107
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream (RUC) induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion (BPL) cells, and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%, 2%, and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution (RUT) was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the DCFH-DA probe, and the levels of ferrous ions (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) combined with estrogen and progesterone, and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12th cycle, the rats were euthanized, and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fe2+ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group, the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group, cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the levels of ROS and Fe2+ in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, ROS and Fe2+ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the in vivo experiment, compared with the matrix group, the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved, with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group, Fe2+ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, increasing Fe2+ accumulation, and promoting lipid peroxidation.
4.Asia-Pacific Menopause Federation Consensus Statement on the Management of Menopause 2024
Seng Bin ANG ; Stella Rizalina Sasha SUGIANTO ; Felicia Clara Jun Hui TAN ; Sonia DAVISON ; Qi YU ; Masakazu TERAUCHI ; Mee-Ran KIM ; Jignesh SHAH ; Shaikh Zinnat Ara NASREEN ; Choon Moy HO ; Enkhee SODNOMDORJ ; Muhammad Fidel Ganis SIREGAR ; Rubina HUSSAIN ; Ma Corazon Zaida NOBLEJAS-GAMILLA ; Yang CHUA ; Yung-Chieh TSAI ; Unnop JAISAMRARN
Journal of Menopausal Medicine 2025;31(1):3-11
Objectives:
This study aimed to achieve expert consensus on menopause management in the Asia-Pacific region, taking into account patient diversity, the latest evidence, and current treatment options.
Methods:
A focused literature search was performed to identify clinical practice statements on menopause management. Menopause experts were nominated by members of the Asia-Pacific Menopause Federation (APMF) society. A modified Delphi methodology, involving iterative rounds of anonymous surveys, was employed until consensus was reached for each statement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of experts voting ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ for a given clinical practice statement.
Results:
A total of 39 participants from 14 different APMF member societies were involved. Eighty-five clinical practice statements reached a consensus. Based on the clinical practice statements, an algorithm was created as a tool to guide clinicians on menopause management. APMF experts agreed that, in addition to vasomotor symptoms, Asian women experiencing somatic or psychological symptoms may also benefit from treatment with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT should also be considered for the prevention of osteoporosis in asymptomatic peri- and postmenopausal women.
Conclusions
This APMF consensus statement supersedes the previous one published in 2008. It provides guidance to gynecologists, endocrinologists, family physicians, and other healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care to menopausal women in the ethnically and culturally diverse Asia-Pacific region.
5.Association between Organochlorine Exposures and Lung Functions Modified by Thyroid Hormones and Mediated by Inflammatory Factors among Healthy Older Adults.
Xiao Jie GUO ; Hui Min REN ; Ji Ran ZHANG ; Xiao MA ; Shi Lu TONG ; Song TANG ; Chen MAO ; Xiao Ming SHI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):144-153
OBJECTIVE:
To examine the mechanistic of organochlorine-associated changes in lung function.
METHODS:
This study investigated 76 healthy older adults in Jinan, Shandong Province, over a five-month period. Personal exposure to organochlorines was quantified using wearable passive samplers, while inflammatory factors and thyroid hormones were analyzed from blood samples. Participants' lung function was evaluated. After stratifying participants according to their thyroid hormone levels, we analyzed the differential effects of organochlorine exposure on lung function and inflammatory factors across the low and high thyroid hormone groups. Mediation analysis was further conducted to elucidate the relationships among organochlorine exposures, inflammatory factors, and lung function.
RESULTS:
Bis (2-chloro-1-methylethyl) ether (BCIE), was negatively associated with forced vital capacity (FVC, -2.05%, 95% CI: -3.11% to -0.97%), and associated with changes in inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-8, and IL-13 in the low thyroid hormone group. The mediation analysis indicated a mediating effect of IL-2 (15.63%, 95% CI: 0.91% to 44.64%) and IL-13 (13.94%, 95% CI: 0.52% to 41.07%) in the association between BCIE exposure and FVC.
CONCLUSION
Lung function and inflammatory factors exhibited an increased sensitivity to organochlorine exposure at lower thyroid hormone levels, with inflammatory factors potentially mediating the adverse effects of organochlorines on lung function.
Environmental Exposure
;
Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/metabolism*
;
China
;
Ethyl Ethers/metabolism*
;
Environmental Monitoring
;
Thyroid Hormones/blood*
;
Lung/physiology*
;
Inhalation Exposure/statistics & numerical data*
;
Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data*
;
Air Pollutants/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
6.Separate and Combained Associations of PM 2.5 Exposure and Smoking with Dementia and Cognitive Impairment.
Lu CUI ; Zhi Hui WANG ; Yu Hong LIU ; Lin Lin MA ; Shi Ge QI ; Ran AN ; Xi CHEN ; Hao Yan GUO ; Yu Xiang YAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):194-205
OBJECTIVE:
The results of limited studies on the relationship between environmental pollution and dementia have been contradictory. We analyzed the combined effects of PM 2.5 and smoking on the prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment in an elderly community-dwelling Chinese population.
METHODS:
We assessed 24,117 individuals along with the annual average PM 2.5 concentrations from 2012 to 2016. Dementia was confirmed in the baseline survey at a qualified clinical facility, and newly suspected dementia was assessed in 2017, after excluding cases of suspected dementia in 2015. National census data were used to weight the sample data to reflect the entire population in China, with multiple logistic regression performed to analyze the combined effects of PM 2.5 and smoking frequency on dementia and cognitive impairment.
RESULTS:
Individuals exposed to the highest PM 2.5 concentration and smoked daily were at higher risk of dementia than those in the lowest PM 2.5 concentration group ( OR, 1.603; 95% CI [1.626-1.635], P < 0.0001) and in the nonsmoking group ( OR, 1.248; 95% CI [1.244-1.252]; P < 0.0001). Moderate PM 2.5 exposure and occasional smoking together increased the short-term risk of cognitive impairment. High-level PM 2.5 exposure and smoking were associated with an increased risk of dementia, so more efforts are needed to reduce this risk through environmental protection and antismoking campaigns.
CONCLUSION
High-level PM 2.5 exposure and smoking were associated with an increased risk of dementia. Lowering the ambient PM 2.5, and smoking cessation are recommended to promote health.
Humans
;
Dementia/etiology*
;
Male
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Particulate Matter/analysis*
;
Smoking/epidemiology*
;
Air Pollutants/analysis*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects*
;
Prevalence
;
Middle Aged
8.Efficacy of nucleos(t)ide analogues combined with peginterferon α-2b on antiviral therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B
Wenting CHEN ; Shilian LI ; Xiaochen MA ; Fang CHEN ; Lijian RAN ; Yi WU ; Yan GUO ; Yan ZHU ; Qing MAO ; Huimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(4):411-418
Objective:To analyze the efficacy of combination of peginterferon α-2b(Peg-IFN α-2b)with nucleos(t)ide analogues(NAs)on antiviral therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)and to provide an optimized clinical treatment strategies for CHB children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 CHB children treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University(Southwest Hospital)from January 2022 to January 2025 with treatment duration at least 48 weeks. The enrolled children were aged between 2 and 17 years and divided into the NAs combined with Peg-IFN α-2b(NPI)group(n=13)and NAs group(n=17)by their therapy regimens. The characteristics of baseline,week 12,week 24,week 48 and week 96 were compared between groups,as well as the differences in response to biochemical,immune and viral indicators at each observation point. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis were performed to identify factors influencing the HBsAg seroclearance. Results:At baseline of treatment,the proportion of HBeAg positivity in the NPI group and the NAs group was high(76.9% vs 86.6%, χ2=0.679, P=0.628),and the alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in the NPI group were significantly lower than those in the NAs group( P<0.001). At 24 weeks,the decrease in HBsAg in the NPI group was also significantly higher than that in the NAs group( Z=-3.161, P=0.002). Finally,the cumulative seroclearance rate of HBsAg at 96 weeks in the NPI group was significantly higher than that in the NAs group(46.15% vs 5.88%, χ2=0.679, P=0.025). Mulitivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that treatment regimen and gender were risk factors affecting the outcome of HBsAg( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the increase in ALT at 12 weeks compared with baseline(AUC=0.857,Cutoff value=3.615 IU/L),the decrease in ALT at 24 weeks(AUC=0.870,Cutoff value=47.85 IU/L),and the decrease in HBsAg at 12 weeks and especially at 24 weeks(AUC=0.885,Cutoff value=0.97log IU/ml)were effective predictors of HBsAg prognosis at 96 weeks. Conclusion:In CHB children,antiviral regimen Peg-IFN α-2b combined with NAs was more effective than NAs alone in improving the HBsAg seroclearance rate of CHB,and the effects in female were better than in male. The decline of HBsAg and the fluctuation of ALT in the early treatment period are valid predictors of HBsAg clearance.
9.Development and application of a nurse-led intelligent medical waste temporary storage equipment
Yan JIANG ; Li TAN ; Mingjun ZOU ; Maojun RAN ; Wenyuan LI ; Jiaqin MA
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(6):659-665
Objective Under the guidance of nurses,an intelligent medical waste temporary storage equipment was developed and its application effect was evaluated,aiming to optimize the medical waste recycling process and save human resources.Methods A research and development(R&D)team was established to analyze the issues in the current medical waste temporary storage process.An intelligent medical waste temporary storage device was developed,equipped with functions such as categorized disposal,permission scanning,barcode recognition,intelligent weighing,overflow alarm,and ozone disinfection.From January 19th to February 20th,2023,an intelligent medical waste storage equipment was placed in the medical waste storage room on the 7th to 9th floors of the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Wuhan city as an experimental group;traditional medical waste storage bins were placed on the 4th and 5th floors of the outpatient department as a control group.The daily disposal indicators and environmental hygiene monitoring indicators of 2 groups of medical waste were compared.Results With the application of the intelligent medical waste temporary storage device,the disinfection rate of medical waste increased from 5.00%to 100%;the overflow rate decreased from 42.52%to 0%;the handover time reduced from 4.98±2.21 minutes to 1.07±0.35 minutes;the standardization rate of handovers rose from 15.83%to 100%.All these differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Additionally,the pass rate of bacterial colonies on the inner walls of bins increased from 53.33%to 67.78%,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.012).Conclusion The application of the intelligent medical waste temporary storage equipment significantly improves the efficiency and quality of medical waste management;at the same time,it also plays an active role in improving the storage environment,which can safeguard the environmental hygiene of hospitals and the safety of patients.
10.Application of the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode in teaching of laboratory diagnostics under the background of automatic laboratory
Ge ZHENG ; Xue BAI ; Zikun MA ; Ran HAN ; Xueguang DUAN ; Jing HAN ; Yanwu LIU
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(11):143-148
Objective:To explore the implementation effect of the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode in the course of laboratory diagnostics under the background of automatic laboratory.Methods:The"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode conducted teaching in course of laboratory diagnostics through carefully designed"anchors",self-directed learning,a second"anchor"placement,and outcome sharing.A total of 224 medical students of the 2021 and 2022 grades,who majored Chinese medicine in Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and conducted their internships in the Laboratory of Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from April 2023 to April 2025,were selected.According to different teaching modes,the 108 medical students of 2022 grade were divided into the combined teaching group that adopted the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode to conduct teaching,and 116 medical students of 2021 grade were divided into the conventional teaching group that adopted conventional teaching mode to conduct teaching.After completed the courses,the comprehensive competency of these students of two groups during the internship were measured,and the application effect of the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode was assessed by self-made survey questionnaire.Results:The scores of theoretical knowledge test and clinical case analysis assessment of the students of combined teaching group were respectively(44.19±2.36)and(48.20±1.52),all of which were higher than(38.36±2.14)and(37.56±2.47)of conventional teaching group,and the differences of them between two groups were statistically significant(t=28.72,55.71,P<0.05),respectively.In the combined teaching group,91.67%of the students expressed a preference for the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode.Conclusion:Under the background of automatic laboratory,the"four-step teaching of encouraging and sharing"combined anchor-based teaching mode of laboratory diagnostics can effectively enhance students'transfer ability for knowledge,and strengthen their self-directed learning awareness,and lay a solid foundation for training clinical practice abilities of medical students.

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