1.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.
2.Prediction of Potential Regulatory Pathways Involving The Notch Signaling Pathway and Its Associated Non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Database Analysis
Meng-Lin LÜ ; Xing-Ran LIU ; Xian-Juan KOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1942-1957
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that typically begins with a subtle onset and progresses slowly. Pathologically, it is characterized by two hallmark features: the extracellular accumulation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ), forming senile plaques, and the intracellular hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, resulting in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). These pathological changes are accompanied by substantial neuronal and synaptic loss, particularly in critical brain regions such as the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Clinically, AD presents as a gradual decline in memory, language abilities, and spatial orientation, significantly impairing the quality of life of affected individuals. With the aging population steadily increasing in China, the incidence of AD is rising, making it a major public health concern that requires urgent attention. The growing societal and economic burden of AD underscores the pressing need to identify effective diagnostic biomarkers and develop novel therapeutic strategies. Among the various molecular signaling pathways involved in neurological disorders, the Notch signaling pathway is especially noteworthy due to its evolutionary conservation and regulatory roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and apoptosis. In the central nervous system, Notch signaling is essential for neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity and has been implicated in several neurodegenerative processes. Although some studies suggest that Notch signaling may influence AD-related pathology, its precise role in AD remains poorly understood. In particular, the interaction between Notch signaling and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)—key regulators of gene expression—has received limited attention. NcRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are known to exert extensive regulatory functions at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Dysregulation of these molecules has been widely associated with various diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, interactions between ncRNAs and major signaling pathways such as Notch can produce widespread biological effects. While such interactions have been increasingly reported in several disease models, comprehensive studies investigating the regulatory relationship between Notch signaling and ncRNAs in the context of AD remain scarce. Given the capacity of ncRNAs to modulate signaling cascades and form complex regulatory networks, a deeper understanding of their crosstalk with the Notch pathway could provide novel insights into AD pathogenesis and reveal potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we investigated the regulatory landscape involving the Notch signaling pathway and associated ncRNAs in AD using bioinformatics approaches. By integrating data from multiple public databases, we systematically identified significantly dysregulated Notch pathway-related genes and their interacting ncRNAs in AD. Based on this analysis, we constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network to elucidate the potential mechanisms linking Notch signaling to ncRNA-mediated gene regulation in AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, we explored the internal relationships and molecular mechanisms within this network and assessed the feasibility and clinical relevance of these molecules as early diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for AD. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the molecular basis of AD and offer novel strategies for its diagnosis and treatment.
3.Mechanism of Sanhuang Xiexintang in Protecting Stress Gastric Ulcer in Rats
Yilin ZHONG ; Ran XIE ; Jiameng LI ; Shuang LIU ; Junying LI ; Mengnan ZANG ; Xing LIU ; Jinsong LIU ; Feng SUI ; Pengqian WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):45-53
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of Sanhuang Xiexintang (SHXXT) in protecting stress gastric ulcer (SGU) in rats through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodThe active ingredients and corresponding targets in SHXXT were collected and screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database (TCMID), Bioinformation Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM), and Swiss Target Prediction database. SGU-related targets were screened from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), GeneCards database, and PharmGKB database. Herbal-ingredient-target (H-C-T) network was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) of drug and disease intersection targets was analyzed by using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were conducted through the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The active ingredients and key targets were validated using AutodockVina 1.2.2 molecular docking software, and the experimental results were further validated through animal experiments. ResultThe 55 active ingredients were screened, and 255 potential target genes for SHXXT treatment of SGU were predicted. The PPI analysis showed that protein kinase B (Akt), phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are the core targets of SHXXT for protecting SGU. GO and KEGG analyses showed that SHXXT may affect the development of SGU by regulating various biological processes such as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway and inflammatory processes. The molecular docking results showed that both the active ingredients and key targets had good binding ability. Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the ulcer index (UI) of the model group was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly increased (P<0.01). The phosphorylation level of PTEN in gastric mucosal tissue was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). The phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the UI of the treatment group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The phosphorylation level of PTEN in gastric mucosal tissue was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01), and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). ConclusionThe application of network pharmacology prediction, molecular docking simulation, and animal experimental validation confirms that SHXXT regulates the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway to regulate the inflammatory response of rats and thus protects the gastric mucosa of SGU rats.
4.Regulation and Function of Protein Histidine Phosphorylation
Xiao-Ran LIU ; Mei-Ning XING ; Wan-Tao YING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(10):2694-2704
Protein phosphorylation modification is one of the key regulatory mechanisms in cellular signaling transduction and metabolic processes. The phosphorylation state of target proteins is regulated by specific protein kinases and phosphatases, which add or remove phosphate groups. Histidine phosphorylation (pHis) plays a crucial role in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes life activities and is linked to various pathological processes. Unlike the stable phosphorylation of proteins via phosphate ester bonds, histidine phosphorylation is linked through phosphoramide bonds, making it highly sensitive to high temperatures and low pH. This sensitivity has historically impeded progress in identifying and studying histidine phosphorylation. In recent years, the development of new techniques in phosphoproteomics and the emergence of pHis-specific antibodies have promoted the identification and functional research of pHis-modified substrates. For the first time, more than 700 pHis-modified proteins have been identified in mammalian cells, and pHis-modified substrates such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) have been found to promote tumor development. This article mainly reviewed the key mechanisms and functions of histidine kinases and histidine phosphatases in regulating the histidine phosphorylation of specific substrates, and highlights their significant roles in human physiological and pathological processes, aiming to provide guidance for further research into the biological functions of histidine phosphorylation.
5.Network meta-analysis for efficacy and safety of TACE combined with anti-angiogenic drugs in the treatment of unresectable primary liver cancer
Fenping LU ; Guangyan XING ; Bowen LIU ; Xiaobin LI ; Kai ZHAO ; Yun RAN ; Fenfang WU ; Shiping HU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(20):2533-2540
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with anti-angiogenic drugs for the treatment of unresectable primary liver cancer (PLC). METHODS Retrieved from Chinese and English databases such as CNKI, the Cochrane Library, Google, and Baidu Academic, randomized controlled trial (RCT) about TACE combined with anti-angiogenic drugs for the treatment of unresectable PLC were collected from the inception to May 27, 2024. After screening the literature, extracting data, and evaluating the quality of the literature, network meta-analysis was performed using R 4.2.2 and Stata 17.0. RESULTS A total of 44 RCT were included, involving 5 607 patients and 8 interventions. The network meta-analysis results showed that for prolonging median overall survival (mOS) and median progression- free survival (mPFS), TACE+apatinib had the best efficacy, with TACE+apatinib and TACE+sorafenib ranking as the top two. For improving objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR), TACE+donafenib had the best efficacy, with TACE+ donafenib and TACE+ lenvatinib ranking as the top two. In terms of safety, TACE+donafenib was the best, with TACE+donafenib and TACE+apatinib ranking as the top two. CONCLUSIONS TACE+apatinib and TACE+donafenib have good efficacy for patients with unresectable PLC, and TACE+donafenib has the best safety profile.
6.Interactions between gut microbiota-producing enzymes and natural drugs affect disease progression
Zhi-yu WANG ; Hao-ran SHEN ; Yan-xing HAN ; Jian-dong JIANG ; Wei JIANG ; Hui-hui GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(8):2183-2191
Naturally derived metabolites are valuable resources for drug research and development, and play an important role in the treatment of diseases. As the "second genome" of the body, gut microbiota is rich in metabolic enzymes, which interacts with external substances such as drugs, thus affecting the progression of diseases. This article summarizes the interaction between gut microbiota-producing enzymes and natural medicines, and focuses on the impact of this interaction on disease progression, hoping to provide new ideas for the development and pharmacological mechanism of natural medicines.
7.The Potential Mechanism of Hippo Signaling Pathway and Its Related miRNA Intervention in Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
Xing-Ran LIU ; Meng ZHANG ; Xian-Juan KOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1485-1509
The main characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases represented by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the progressive irreversible loss of neurons, leading to varying degrees of pathological changes and loss of cognitive function. There is still no effective treatment. With the acceleration of global aging society, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is rapidly increasing, becoming a serious global public health concern that urgently requires the development of effective therapeutic strategies. The Hippo signaling pathway, a highly evolutionarily conserved pathway, consists of the core components MST1/2, LATS1/2, and downstream effectors, transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of various biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway contributes to the development of many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, etc. Therefore, targeting the dysregulated components of the Hippo pathway may be an effective strategy for treating various diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that the Hippo pathway is excessively activated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, manifested by increased expression of MST1 and downregulation of YAP. Stabilizing the Hippo pathway levels has shown improvements in AD and PD. However, most studies on the Hippo pathway in AD and PD focus on changes in the expression levels of Hippo pathway components, and research in other neurodegenerative diseases is still lacking. Therefore, further investigation is needed to fully understand the mechanistic role of the Hippo pathway in neurodegenerative diseases. Meanwhile, miRNA, similarly dysregulated in neurodegenerative diseases and serving as biomarkers, is a primary target for miRNA therapy in neurodegenerative diseases, including AD and PD. Activating or inhibiting dysregulated miRNAs is the main strategy of miRNA therapy during the neurodegenerative disease development. Evidence suggests that the interaction between the Hippo pathway and miRNA can result in widespread biological effects and crosstalk in the occurrence of different types of diseases. However, studies on the interplay between the Hippo pathway and miRNA in neurodegenerative diseases are relatively scarce. In this paper, we predicted the miRNAs related to Hippo pathway through bioinformatics database, and further screened the miRNAs with crosstalk relationship with Hippo signaling pathway through experiments in combination with PubMed. Then, the mechanism of action of Hippo signaling pathway related miRNAs in AD and PD is further elucidated. It is reported that the Hippo pathway and its related miRNA may exert neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, improving neuroinflammation, stabilizing autophagy levels, maintaining neuronal mitochondrial function, and ameliorating blood-brain barrier dysfunction, thereby delaying the progression of AD and PD. However, research on miRNA directly regulating the Hippo pathway to improve AD and PD is limited, and observations of the Hippo pathway and its related miRNA in other neurodegenerative diseases are scarce. However, considering the regulatory relationship between the Hippo pathway and miRNA in multiple diseases and their respective roles in key mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, the crosstalk between miRNA and the Hippo pathway holds a crucial regulatory role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, the interaction pathways of the Hippo pathway and its related miRNA may be a pivotal avenue for exploring effective therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
8.Exploration of the Practical Application of Multilateral Collaboration to Enhance the Role of External Su-pervisors in Institutions
Ran XING ; Feng ZHAO ; Wenjun LI ; Hong QI ; Xue JIANG
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(2):94-96
In the management of public hospital,there are many methods to supervise,mainly divided into exter-nal supervision and internal management,aiming to improve the quality of medical management.With the develop-ment and progress of society,many hospitals are not only ensuring medical quality,but also continuously improving patients'humanistic care during medical treatment.As non-medical professionals,external supervisors,from the perspective of bystanders,provide reasonable suggestions to hospitals,which can help them better improve their medical experience during the medical service process.
9.Research on the Regional Aging Disparities and Long-Term Care Insurance Payment Pressure in China
Yi ZHOU ; Ran XING ; Zedong ZHANG
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(8):28-33
Objective:In the context of the aging trend of China's population,it aims to analyze the trend of elderly disabled population growth in various regions and calculate the potential payment pressure of long-term care insurance for the disabled population,thereby providing policy implications for China's long-term care insurance system.Methods:A model for estimating the amount of expenditure on long-term care insurance fund was constructed,using the population age structure of each province in China from 2025 to 2060 obtained from the random forest model,and combining multi-source data such as the disability rate of the elderly population and the care cost of disabled elderly people to predict the number of elderly disabled people and the payment amount of long-term care insurance in each province in the future.Results:The aging trend in China will continue to intensify and exhibit a significant structural feature.The peak of the aging ratio in northeastern regions such as Inner Mongolia,Heilongjiang,Jilin,and Liaoning will come earliest,while the number of elderly people with disabilities in provinces with large populations such as Shandong,Sichuan,and Henan are relatively larger.Guangdong will have the largest number of disabled elderly people by 2055.Conclusion:It is suggested that the long-term care insurance system should be steadily advanced,with national-level support for the construction of the system in Northeast China and populous provinces.
10.Research on the Regional Aging Disparities and Long-Term Care Insurance Payment Pressure in China
Yi ZHOU ; Ran XING ; Zedong ZHANG
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(8):28-33
Objective:In the context of the aging trend of China's population,it aims to analyze the trend of elderly disabled population growth in various regions and calculate the potential payment pressure of long-term care insurance for the disabled population,thereby providing policy implications for China's long-term care insurance system.Methods:A model for estimating the amount of expenditure on long-term care insurance fund was constructed,using the population age structure of each province in China from 2025 to 2060 obtained from the random forest model,and combining multi-source data such as the disability rate of the elderly population and the care cost of disabled elderly people to predict the number of elderly disabled people and the payment amount of long-term care insurance in each province in the future.Results:The aging trend in China will continue to intensify and exhibit a significant structural feature.The peak of the aging ratio in northeastern regions such as Inner Mongolia,Heilongjiang,Jilin,and Liaoning will come earliest,while the number of elderly people with disabilities in provinces with large populations such as Shandong,Sichuan,and Henan are relatively larger.Guangdong will have the largest number of disabled elderly people by 2055.Conclusion:It is suggested that the long-term care insurance system should be steadily advanced,with national-level support for the construction of the system in Northeast China and populous provinces.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail