1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Management of an imported family cluster of dengue fever cases in Shanghai, 2024
Lei SHEN ; Dongsheng REN ; Mingyi CAI ; Zhixiang TENG ; Qi SHEN ; Qingyuan XU ; Xiaofen NI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):170-174
ObjectiveTo investigate and manage an imported dengue fever (DF) outbreak in Shanghai in 2024, to summarize the experience and lessons learned from the on-site management, and to provide a reference basis for future prevention and control of DF. MethodsEpidemiological investigation and case search were carried out for an imported DF outbreak in Shanghai, 2024. Real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect dengue virus nucleic acid in the serum samples from cases. Meanwhile, emergency vector surveillance and mosquito control measures were carried out in the affected areas, and the effectiveness of the management was evaluated. ResultsAccording to the epidemiological investigation, it was confirmed that this epidemic was a family cluster of imported DF, with both cases infected in Thailand and developed symptoms successively after returning to Shanghai. Laboratory testing identified the pathogens as dengue virus serotype-3 (DENV-3). In the core and precautionary area, ultra-low-volume space spraying and residual spraying were combined to kill adult mosquitoes, and at the same time, comprehensive cleaning and elimination of mosquito breeding sites was carried out. After 2 weeks, the Breteau Index (BI) in the core area decreased from 20 to 5, and the mosquito net trap index decreased from 2 mosquitoes (net·hour)-1 to 0.67 mosquitoes (net·hour)-1. Continuous implementation of mosquito control measures kept the BI and net trap index below the safety thresholds [BI<5 and mosquito net trap index <2 mosquitoes (net·hour)-1] both in the core and precautionary area. ConclusionEarly diagnosis and isolation of patients, combined with rapid suppression of the density of vector Aedes mosquitoes, are the key measures to prevent the transmission of imported DF cases.
3.Literature analysis of tislelizumab-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Rui HAN ; Mingxi SHEN ; Hua YANG ; Zhaoshuai JI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):2046-2050
OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical characteristics of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) induced by tislelizumab, providing evidence for clinical medication safety. METHODS Case reports of tislelizumab-related SJS/TEN were retrieved from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Embase. Descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS Seventeen cases from 17 publications were included (SJS 4 cases, TEN 13 cases). Among them, there were 10 males and 7 females. Twelve patients were aged between 70 and 79 years. The predominant tumor type was lung cancer (10 cases). Thirteen patients received combination therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs. The median onset time of SJS/ TEN was 26 (4, 104) days. Nine patients developed SJS/TEN after the first administration of the drug. Sixteen patients exhibited prodromal rash symptoms, primarily characterized by severe skin damage such as skin detachment, accompanied by mucosal injury. Sixteen patients improved after symptomatic treatment, while one patient died. CONCLUSIONS Tislelizumab-associated SJS/TEN risk is higher in elderly patients, males, those with lung cancer and those receiving combination chemotherapy. Mucosal lesions and atypical rashes may indicate the early onset of SJS/TEN. During clinical use, pharmaceutical care can be carried out through measures such as identifying high-risk populations, closely monitoring skin symptoms from the first administration to the fifth treatment cycle, and enhancing patient education. When relevant symptoms occur, the medication should be promptly discontinued and symptomatic treatment should be administered to ensure the patient’s medication safety.
4.Coptidis Rhizoma and Its Prescriptions in Treatment of Diabetic Cognitive Impairment: A Review
Tianyi REN ; Yun LING ; Yiming SHEN ; Hui FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):266-275
Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) has an insidious onset and progressive and irreversible development. There is currently no first-line treatment for DCI. Early intervention of diabetes with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively control blood sugar and improve cognitive impairment, which has significant advantages. As a representative of bitter and cold heat-clearing medicines, Coptidis Rhizoma, known for its abilities to clear heat and dampness and remove turbidity and toxins, has been widely used in the clinical prevention and treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and other cognitive impairments. This article systematically summarized relevant literature and observed that Coptidis Rhizoma has shown good potential in the prevention and treatment of DCI with its active ingredients such as berberine and quercetin, drug pairs such as Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma-Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma-Pinelliae Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma-Zingiberis Rhizoma, and prescriptions such as Gegen Qinliantang, Huanglian Jiedutang, Banxia Xiexintang, Huanglian Wendantang, Jiaotai Wan, Danggui liuhuangtang, and related Chinese patent medicines. Its mechanism may be related to regulating glucose metabolism, improving insulin resistance, improving amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition and tau protein phosphorylation, inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating the "microbe-gut-brain axis". The article systematically reviewed the research progress of Coptidis Rhizoma and its prescriptions in the prevention and treatment of DCI, aiming to preliminarily explain the scientific connotation of Coptidis Rhizoma and provide a basis for its clinical application in the prevention and treatment of DCI.
5.Research Progress of Antibacterial Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Synergistic Antibacterial Drugs to Reverse Drug Resistance
Jiamin CHEN ; Xinyu ZHAO ; Shuhua YUE ; Zihao SHEN ; Chujiong CHEN ; Shenghua LU ; Zengyu ZHANG ; Jie REN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1157-1169
With the widespread use of antimicrobial agents, bacterial drug resistance has become an increasingly severe issue, posing significant challenges to global healthcare. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a research focus in the field of bacterial resistance due to its broad sources, high safety profile, low toxicity, and antimicrobial mechanisms distinct from those of chemical drugs. Studies have shown that various TCM herbs, such as Scutellaria baicalensis, exert antibacterial effects through multiple pathways, including disrupting the integrity of bacterial cell walls and membranes, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis, and impairing energy production and metabolism. Additionally, certain TCM herbs, including Scutellaria baicalensis, Coptis chinensis, and Fritillaria thunbergii, can reverse antimicrobial resistance by eliminating resistant plasmids, inhibiting bacterial efflux pump function, and suppressing β-lactamase activity. TCM holds promising potential for antibacterial applications and synergistically reversing antimicrobial resistance, though systematic analyses remain limited. This review summarizes the mechanisms of antibacterial action of TCM and current research on its synergistic use with antimicrobial agents to reverse drug resistance, aiming to provide insights for developing novel TCM-based antimicrobials and addressing bacterial resistance.
6.The value of deep learning image reconstruction algorithm to improve the quality of low keV monochromatic portal vein images of energy spectrum CT
Li SHEN ; Taiping HE ; Qian TIAN ; Nan YU ; Dong HAN ; Zhanli REN ; Yongjun JIA ; Yangyang YAN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(4):664-668
Objective To explore the value of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithm to improve the quality of low keV monochromatic portal vein images of energy spectrum CT.Methods Fifty patients who underwent enhanced upper abdominal energy spectrum CT scan were selected.Mixed-model adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo(50%ASIR-V)algorithm and high-deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR-H)algorithm were used to obtain monochromatic images at 40-70 keV(with intervals of 10 keV).The CT and standard deviation(SD)values of the portal vein trunk,left and right branches,and erector spinae muscle were measured in the transverse position,and the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and portal vein contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were calculated for objective evaluation.The portal vein image quality between the two algorithms and different energy was subjectively scored by two physicians.Results In terms of objective evaluation:compared with 50%ASIR-V,the CNR and SNR of portal vein in monochromatic DLIR-H images at the same keV between 40-70 keV energy levels were increased while the SD value was decreased(P<0.05),and the CT value was unchanged;there was no statistical difference in the magnitude of change in CNR between the two algorithms at different energy levels(P>0.05);there was a statistically significant difference in the magnitude of change in SNR and SD value(P<0.05)and the magnitude of change was the largest at 40 keV;comparison between different energy levels of DLIR-H,the CNR and SD value of 40 keV DLIR-H were the highest(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in the SNR(P>0.05).In terms of subjective evaluation:there was no significant difference between the subjective scores of the two algorithms at the same keV from 40-70 keV(P>0.05),and the two reconstruction algorithms at 40 keV and 50 keV had the highest subjective scores between different keV.Conclusion The DLIR algorithm can reduce the noise of low keV monochromatic images,improve the image quality of portal vein.
7.Detiction and drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in chronic cervicitis patients
Ren YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Longhui SHEN ; Lian WU ; Xin LIU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(14):2140-2144
OBJECTIVE To explore the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis among the patients with chronic cervicitis(CC)and observe their drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics.METHODS A total of 91 patients with CC who were treated in gynecology department of Women and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University from Jan.2022 to Jun.2024 were assigned as the CC group,meanwhile,91 healthy women who received physical examination were chosen as the control group.The genital tract secretions were collected from all of the research subjects for the culture of U.urealyticum and M.hominis and drug suscep-tibility testing.The isolation rates of U.urealyticum,M.hominis and U.urealyticum plus M.hominis were com-pared between the two groups.The isolation rates of U.urealyticum and M.hominis were compared among the different age groups of CC patients.The drug susceptibility testing of U.urealyticu m and M.hominis for doxycyc-line(DOX),josamycin(JOS),ofloxacin(OFL),clarithromycin(CLA),erythromycin(ERY),tetracycline(TET),azithromycin(AZI)and pristinamycin(PTN)were observed.RESULTS Totally 75(82.41%)genital tract secretion samples tested positive for Mycoplasma among the 91 samples,37 detected with U.urealyticum,25 were M.hominis,and 13 were U.urealyticum plus M.hominis.The isolation rates of U.urealyticum,M.hominis and U.urealyticum plus M.hominis of the CC group were 40.66%,24.47%and 14.29%,respective-ly,higher than 8.79%,4.40%and 5.49%of the control group(P<0.05).The total detection rate of U.urealyti-cum,M.hominis and U.urealyticum plus M.hominis was higher among the CC patients aged between 20 and 40 years old than among the CC patients aged more than 40 years old(P<0.05).The U.urealyticum strains from the positive specimens of the CC patients were highly sensitive to CL A and DOS but were resistant to OFL,CIP and PTN;the M.honinis and U.urealyticum plus M.hominis strains were sensitive to JOS and DOX but were resistant to OFL and CIP.CONCLUSIONS The detection rates of U.urealyticum plus M.hominis are higher a-mong the CC patients than among the normal population.The isolated U.urealyticum and M.hominis strains are highly resistant to quinolones and aminoglycosides.It is necessary for the hospital to empirically choose sensitive antibiotics based on the result of drug susceptibility testing.
8.Prenatal diagnosis and postnatal treatment of fetal tongue lymphangioma:one case report
Chen ZHU ; Chun SHEN ; Meng-wei ZHANG ; Yun-yun REN
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(3):458-460,465
A 23-year-old pregnant woman,gravida 1,para 0.Single fetus at 34 weeks of gestation,a high-risk ultrasound consultation revealed a cystic-solid mass was found in the lower part of the tongue body,multiple segregations were seen inside,and the mass moved in synchronization with the swallowing movement of the fetal tongue,and was poorly demarcated from the body of the tongue,streaks of colorful blood were seen around the periphery,and the tip of the tongue was located outside of the oral cavity,which was considered to be hemangioma or lymphangioma of the tongue.MRI at 36 weeks of gestation showed a T2WI high-signal mass in the lower part of the fetal tongue,which was considered to be hemangioma or teratoma.The neonate was referred to the Children's Hospital,Fudan University 3 days after birth for cystic fluid extraction and sclerotherapy,which confirmed a lingual lymphangioma.This article focuses on the imaging manifestations and neonatal treatment of fetal tongue lymphangiomas in order to increase clinicians'understanding of lingual lymphangiomas.
9.Analysis and suggestions for the FDA drug labeling rules on cardiac safety risk warnings
Wei LIU ; Xiao-qing XING ; Yu-qing REN ; Qian SHEN ; Yue ZHOU ; Nan ZHANG ; Fu-meng LIANG ; Fang-fang WANG ; Hai-yan LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):235-239
Objective To improve and refine the relevant regulations and guiding principles of warnings on drug instructions and labels in China.Methods This paper sorted out the drug instructions of small molecule anti-tumor drugs listed by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration(FDA)from 2005 to 2022,included the drugs mentioned in the QT interval prolongation risk,analyzed the clinical research and QT research results,and sorted out the identification and warning rules of the instructions.Results A total of 35 drugs were included,4 drugs wrote the risk of QT interval prolongation in the black box warning,21 drugs were wrote in the warning and precautions position,6 drugs were wrote in the adverse reaction section,and 2 drugs were only described under clinical pharmacology section.According to the severity of the QT interval prolongation caused by the drug and whether there were serious clinical consequences,they were displayed in the warnings(black box warnings),precautions(warnings and precautions)and adverse reactions in the instructions.Conclusion The aim of this article is to provide a reference for the writing of QT risk warning information of the instructions of domestic drug production enterprises and regulatory departments.It is recommended to clarify the severity of drug safety and the location of the instructions in clinical research,and continue to carry out safety monitoring and update the instructions in time after listing.
10.Exploring the mechanism of action of Huoxue Tongluo prescription for the treatment of spinal cord injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Jiaxing WANG ; Jiayang CHEN ; Tingting SHEN ; Zhihui WANG ; Xiaoping REN
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(1):1-13
Objective This study preliminarily investigated the potential mechanisms of the Huoxue Tongluo prescription(HXTLP)in treating spinal cord injury(SCI)through a combination of network pharmacology,molecular docking technology,and in vivo experimental verification.Methods The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform(TCMSP)were utilized to select the active ingredients,targets of action were obtained from Swiss target prediction database,and an"active ingredients-targets"network was constructed.SCI-related targets were obtained by accessing online mendelian inheritance in man(OMIM)and human gene database(GeneCards),and a protein interaction network of the common targets of HXTLP and SCI was established based on the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/protein(STRING)database.The Metascape database was used in KEGG pathway enrichment and GO analyses of the common targets.Molecular docking of active ingredients and key targets was performed through Autodock 1.5.7 software,and the results were visualized with Pymol 2.4.0 software.Finally,the effect of HXTLP on SCI was verified by animal experiments.Results A total of 184 intersection targets were obtained,and the key targets were serine/threonine kinase(AKT1),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),heat shock protein 90 kDa alpha,class A member 1(HSP90AA1),phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha(PIK3CA),phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1(PIK3R1),harvey ras(HRAS),estrogen receptor 1(ESR1),mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1),and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR).Molecular docking result showed strong binding abilities between the core active components and key targets.In the animal experiments,the behavioral scores of mice in the HXTLP group increased(P<0.05),the motor function of hind limbs was improved,and the histological morphology of the injured area was more complete compared with those of the model group.Western Blot result revealed that HXTLP effectively inhibited the key target protein(HSP90AA1)and the expression of phospho-STAT3(P-STAT3)and promoted the expression of phospho-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(P-PI3K)and phospho-AKT1(P-AKT1).Conclusions This study verified that HXTLP has multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway synergistic effects in the treatment of SCI and has provided experimental and theoretical bases for further clinical medication research for SCI.

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