1.Proteomic Analysis of Danlou Tablet in Improving Platelet Function for Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Phlegm-stasis Intermingling Syndrome in Minipigs
Ziyan WANG ; Ying LI ; Aoao WANG ; Hongxu MENG ; Yue SHI ; Yanlei MA ; Guoyuan ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Jianxun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):41-53
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the role of Danlou tablet in treating coronary heart disease (CHD) with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs by improving platelet function and explore the potential pharmacological mechanism of Danlou tablet in regulating platelet function by using proteomics technology. MethodsThirty Bama minipigs were randomly divided into a normal control group (6 pigs) and a high-fat diet group (24 pigs). After 2 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, the high-fat diet group was randomly subdivided into a model group, an atorvastatin group (1 mg·kg-1), and Danlou tablet groups (0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1). All groups continued to receive a high-fat diet for 8 weeks after the procedure. The normal control group was given a regular diet, underwent only coronary angiography, and did not receive an interventional injury procedure. The model group and each administration group were fed a high-fat diet. Two weeks later, they underwent a coronary angiography injury procedure. After the procedure, drugs were mixed into the feed every morning for 8 consecutive weeks, with the minipigs maintained on a continuous high-fat diet during this period. Quantitative proteomics technology was further used to study platelet proteins, and differential proteins were obtained by screening. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze key regulatory proteins and biological pathways involved in the therapeutic effect of Danlou tablet on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed a significant increase in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of minipigs' serum (P<0.01), a significant shortening in prothrombin time of (PT) (P<0.01), a coagulation function index, and an increase in whole blood viscosity (P<0.01) and platelet aggregation rate (P<0.01). Moreover, the platelet morphology was altered, and the contents of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Hemodynamic parameters were obviously abnormal, including significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and left ventricular maximal positive dp/dt (LV+dp/dtmax) (P<0.01). Left ventricular maximal negative dp/dt (LV-dp/dtmax) was significantly increased (P<0.01). Besides, there were myocardial cell hypertrophy, obvious edematous degeneration, massive interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, high degree of fibrosis, and coronary endothelial atherosclerosis. TC and TG levels in minipigs' serum were significantly reduced in Danlou tablet groups with 0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), compared with those in the model group. LDL-C was decreased in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). The whole blood viscosity under low and high shear conditions was significantly reduced in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, maximum aggregation rate (MAR) and average aggregation rate (AAR) were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and platelets' morphological changes such as pseudopodia extension were reduced. ET-1 levels in the serum were significantly reduced. In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, NO level in the serum was reduced (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, DBP and MAP were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, LVSP and LV+dp/dtmax were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and LV-dp/dtmax was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, edematous degeneration in myocardial tissue was milder, and coronary artery lesion degree was significantly alleviated. Compared with the normal control group, there were 94 differentially expressed proteins in the model group, including 81 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated proteins. Compared with the model group, the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 showed 174 differentially expressed proteins, including 100 up-regulated and 74 down-regulated proteins. A total of 30 proteins were reversed after Danlou tablet intervention. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that its pharmacological mechanism may exert anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion effects through biological pathways such as regulation of actin cytoskeleton, platelet activation pathway, Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis, as well as proteins such as growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2), RAC1, and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1). ConclusionDanlou tablet can effectively reduce platelet activation and aggregation, exerting a good therapeutic effect on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs. Its pharmacological mechanism may involve regulating biological pathways such as actin cytoskeleton and platelet activation pathway, as well as proteins like GRB2, RAC2, RAC1, and HSP90AA1, thereby exerting a pharmacological effect in anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion.
2.Exploration on Scientific Connotation of "Removing Calyx" of Inulae Flos Based on Processing Experience of Old Medicine Workers
Qiao ZHOU ; Zhenni QU ; Menghan LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Benzheng SU ; Yanpeng DAI ; Dianhua SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):260-266
ObjectiveTo conduct a comparative quality analysis of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos and calyx of Inulae Flos, elucidating the scientific connotation of the "removing calyx" process in the traditional processing of Inulae Flos. MethodsInulae Flos decoction pieces were collected, and the fuzz and calyx of Inulae Flos were prepared according to the experiences of old medicine workers. Subsequently, according to the methods under the "Inulae Flos" item in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the appearance characteristics and thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification of these samples were tested, and the moisture content, total ash content, extract content were also measured. The characteristic fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), followed by similarity evaluation, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). The contents of cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, 1,3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid, 1,5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid, and 1-O-acetyl britannilactone were determined to compare the quality differences of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos. ResultsThe moisture content of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos was all<10%. The determination results of total ash content were as follows:Calyx of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>fuzz of Inulae Flos, and the determination results of alcohol-soluble extract content were as follows:Fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. HPLC fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established, and 22 common peaks were identified. The similarity analysis and PCA showed that the overall quality of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos was similar, while the overall quality of calyx of Inulae Flos differed significantly from that of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos. PLS-DA results showed that Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos clustered into distinct groups, indicating significant differences among them. Cryptochlorogenic acid and caffeic acid had relatively high contents in calyx of Inulae Flos, the contents of 1,3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid and 1,5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid in Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were higher than those in calyx of Inulae Flos. The order of 1-O-acetyl britannilactone content was determined as follows:fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. ConclusionThe scientific nature of "Removing Calyx" process in the cleansing of Inulae Flos by old medicine workers is demonstrated by the resulting fuzz of Inulae Flos decoction pieces exhibiting enhanced cleanliness and higher content of the index component 1-O-acetyl britannilactone. This study provides a reference basis for further improving and enhancing the processing method and quality control standards of Inulae Flos.
3.Review and reflection on the practice of pre-ethical review for drug clinical trials
Min HOU ; Xiaoyuan SHI ; Rongguo SUN ; Fang LIU ; Lei CHEN ; Zejin ZUO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(5):594-600
ObjectiveTo sort out the pre-ethical review status of drug clinical trials in a tertiary A hospital, summarize practical experience, and provide references for pre-ethical review. MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted on the ethical review of pre-ethical projects in a tertiary A hospital from 2018 to 2023. ResultsFrom 2018 to 2023, a total of 285 pre-ethical projects were reviewed in this tertiary hospital, including 79 projects where it served as the leading unit. Among these, 279 clinical trials ultimately received approval of the ethical review committee, while 6 projects were not approved due to sponsors’ refusal to modify study protocols. In terms of trial phases, phase III clinical trials constituted the largest proportion, and the oncology center was the department with the highest number of projects. In 2023, the average time for pre-ethical review projects from submission to approval was 43 calendar days, 3 days longer than for other project types. In 2023, this hospital reviewed 75 pre-ethical review projects, including 58 where it served as a participating unit. Among these, 42 projects received approval later than the leading unit, while 9 projects were approved earlier than the leading unit’s ethical approval date. Among the pre-ethical review projects applied in 2023, 70 projects obtained drug clinical trial notifications from the National Medical Products Administration, while 5 projects had unknown notification status due to the lack of ethical approval or discontinuation. Of the projects receiving approval notifications, 16 were annotated with matters requiring enhanced attention during clinical trials, and 7 necessitated protocol improvements. ConclusionThis tertiary A hospital has implemented multiple measures to optimize the management of pre-ethical review. This ethical review model does not compromise the quality of ethical review and contributes to accelerating the initiation of clinical trials. Notably, it is crucial to construct a patient-centered drug development system. Clinical trials guided by this concept align with ethical values, laying the foundation for the smooth conduct of clinical trials, assisting in the drug development process, and safeguarding patients’ medication needs.
4.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
5.Expert consensus on homogenization construction and management of pharmaceutical care in urban medical groups
Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Bing LIU ; Xin LI ; Erxia SHI ; Zhong LI ; Yanli LEI ; Shuai LIU ; Shuyao ZHANG ; Huishu TIAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1528-1534
OBJECTIVE To provide standardized guidance for the homogenization construction and management of pharmaceutical care in urban medical groups. METHODS This consensus was jointly initiated by the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmacological Society and the Expert Committee on Precision Clinical Medication of the Guangdong Pharmaceutical Association. Led by Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, a drafting group of 7 members and an expert group of 36 members were organized. The outline of the Expert Consensus on Homogeneous Construction and Management of Pharmaceutical Care in Urban Medical Groups (hereinafter referred to as the “Consensus”) was discussed and finalized using the nominal group technique, and a preliminary draft was formed. The Delphi method was used for online c orrespondence review, and 12 external experts were invited for evaluation. After analyzing and revising expert opinions, the final Consensus was formed. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS This Consensus defines the position setting and appointment procedures for the chief pharmacist, and establishes a three-tier professional guidance network of “chief pharmacist-regional/specialist pharmacist-pharmaceutical liaison of member institutions”. It formulates unified management standards for the drug supply catalog, establishes a full-process homogenization mechanism for prescription review, prescription commentation and comprehensive pharmaceutical care, and specifies the core functions and performance requirements of the prescription review system. It also supports by long-term mechanisms including cost allocation and performance assessment. This consensus can serve as a systematic reference for the homogeneous construction and management of pharmaceutical care systems in urban medical groups.
6.Construction of a biomimetic three-layered PLLA/PCL large-diameter vessel via electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming: Preliminary animal evaluation
Wenjun WANG ; Yang GAO ; Feng GAO ; Lei SHI ; Wei LIU ; Weiwang FAN ; Chang XU ; Hong ZHENG ; Xufeng DONG ; ZHUANG Xijing
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1093-1100
Objective To fabricate a large-diameter vascular graft with a pore size gradient structure mimicking that of natural blood vessels, using poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) as base materials through electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming techniques, and to evaluate its application potential. Methods A three-layered tubular graft was fabricated from a PCL/PLLA blend (mass ratio 6 : 4) via electrospinning, followed by an ultrasonic pore-forming process to create a gradient porosity. The resulting graft (diameter: 2 cm, length: 4 cm) was implanted into the descending thoracic aorta of an experimental pig using an end-to-end anastomosis. Graft patency and anastomotic sites were monitored by computed tomography angiography (CTA) at 1 and 6 weeks post-surgery. After 2 months, the graft was explanted for systematic evaluation of vascular regeneration and repair through gross examination, histopathology (H&E and elastic fiber staining), immunohistochemistry [for ETS-related gene (ERG), Actin, and Vimentin], and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Postoperative CTA confirmed excellent graft patency at both 1 and 6 weeks, with no evidence of thrombosis or anastomotic stenosis. Gross examination of the 2-month explant revealed a smooth luminal surface covered by neotissue. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that the graft successfully induced the formation of a three-layered structure resembling a native vessel wall, comprising endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. Immunohistochemistry further verified coverage of the luminal surface by endothelial cells (ERG-positive), along with the presence of neosmooth muscle (Actin-positive) and fibroblasts (Vimentin-positive). Endothelial cells were observed adhering to the inner surface of the artificial vessel under SEM. Conclusion The biomimetic, three-layered PLLA/PCL large-diameter vascular graft, constructed via electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming, exhibits excellent short-term patency and biocompatibility in a large animal model. More importantly, it demonstrates a significant potential to promote host cell infiltration and achieve in situ regeneration of a three-layered vascular wall structure, providing a promising experimental basis for the development of next-generation functional vascular substitutes.
7.Comparison of efficacy and safety of mizoribine and mycophenolate mofetil in kidney transplant recipients: a single-center retrospective study
Xinji YANG ; Weilong SHI ; Zaiwei SONG ; Zhifei XIE ; Herong ZHU ; Wenbin ZHANG ; Hongxian ZHANG ; Lei LIU ; Lei ZHAO ; Lu WANG ; Zhidan WANG ; Shudong ZHANG ; Qiming ZHANG ; Xiaofei HOU
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):625-634
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety differences between the triple immunosuppressive regimen of mizoribine (MZR) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combined with tacrolimus (Tac) and glucocorticoids of kidney transplant recipients in one year after transplantation. Methods A single-center retrospective cohort study design was adopted. The clinical data of 156 patients who underwent the first allogeneic kidney transplantation at the Third Hospital of Peking University from January 2022 to December 2024 were included. The patients were divided into the MZR group (78 cases) and the MMF group (78 cases) based on the initial immunosuppressive regimen after transplantation. The baseline data, medication use in one year after transplantation, blood routine indicators, adverse events and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. For the repeated-measurement longitudinal data, repeated-measurement analysis of variance was used to evaluate the main effects of the groups, time and their interaction effects. Results At the primary efficacy endpoint, there were no statistically significant differences in the one-year survival rate, graft survival rate and incidence of acute rejection between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In terms of medication patterns and laboratory test indicators, there were significant time main effects and "time × group" interaction effects for Tac dosage (all P < 0.05). The Tac dosage in the MZR group was lower than that in the MMF group from 2 to 3 months after transplantation, and it was higher in the MZR group than in the MMF group from 7 to 12 months and one year after transplantation. White blood cell count in the MZR group was higher at one month after transplantation, and the platelet count was higher one year after transplantation (all P < 0.05). In terms of infection, the incidence of novel coronavirus and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia infections in the MZR group was lower (all P < 0.05). In terms of metabolic indicators, the post-transplantation uric acid level was better in the MZR group than in the MMF group, but the total cholesterol level was higher one year after transplantation (all P < 0.05). In terms of liver function, there was a brief and mild increase in transaminase in the early stage after transplantation in the MZR group. Conclusions During the one-year follow-up after transplantation, both the MZR and MMF regimens demonstrate comparable immunosuppressive efficacy and overall safety in Chinese kidney transplant recipients. The MZR regimen shows clear advantages in reducing specific infection risks, alleviating bone marrow suppression and improving uric acid metabolism, but its potential impact on blood lipids needs to be monitored. Therefore, the MZR regimen may be an effective and safe alternative immunosuppressive option for kidney transplant recipients, especially those with high infection risk, poor hematological tolerance, or comorbid hyperuricemia.
8.Comparative Study on the Effects of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier in Conventional and Pseudo-Germ-Free Model Mice of Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Mingxu GAO ; Leilei LIU ; Lijie LU ; Jiali WANG ; Juncong HU ; Yangzhe LIN ; Qirui LIU ; Yue DONG ; Luyue WANG ; Zeyu XUE ; Junxiang LI ; Lei SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1528-1537
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方, QWD) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group (n=45) and a conventional group (n=55) using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established, the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group, a pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (n=10), as well as a conventional model group, a conventional QWD group, and a conventional mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment, mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/(kg·d) by gavage with deionized water, while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment, six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Shannon index, Observed_species index, and phylogenetic diversity (PD whole tree). On day 39, body weight was measured in all groups, and the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and histological injury scores were determined. In addition, the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 (MUC2) in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25, there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional microbiota group, the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs, Shannon index, Observed_species index, and PD whole tree (P<0.01). On day 39, compared to the normal control group, mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI, along with increased colon wet weight, shortened colon length, markedly elevated histopathological scores, and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional model group, the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters, whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group, the pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group (P>0.05). ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.
9.Comparative Study on the Effects of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier in Conventional and Pseudo-Germ-Free Model Mice of Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Mingxu GAO ; Leilei LIU ; Lijie LU ; Jiali WANG ; Juncong HU ; Yangzhe LIN ; Qirui LIU ; Yue DONG ; Luyue WANG ; Zeyu XUE ; Junxiang LI ; Lei SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1528-1537
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方, QWD) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group (n=45) and a conventional group (n=55) using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established, the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group, a pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (n=10), as well as a conventional model group, a conventional QWD group, and a conventional mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment, mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/(kg·d) by gavage with deionized water, while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment, six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Shannon index, Observed_species index, and phylogenetic diversity (PD whole tree). On day 39, body weight was measured in all groups, and the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and histological injury scores were determined. In addition, the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 (MUC2) in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25, there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional microbiota group, the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs, Shannon index, Observed_species index, and PD whole tree (P<0.01). On day 39, compared to the normal control group, mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI, along with increased colon wet weight, shortened colon length, markedly elevated histopathological scores, and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional model group, the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters, whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group, the pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group (P>0.05). ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.
10.Mechanism study of Xibining Ⅱ formula in alleviating synovial inflammation and fibrosis in KOA rats via JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Jiachen SONG ; Peng WU ; Li ZHANG ; Deren LIU ; Lei SHI ; Jiangyu LIU ; Yaotian SHI ; Jun MAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1838-1844
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Xibining Ⅱ formula in alleviating synovial inflammation and fibrosis in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats based on Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. METHODS Seventy-five male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), KOA group, Xibining Ⅱ low-dose group (XBNⅡ-L group, 4 g/kg), Xibining Ⅱ high-dose group (XBNⅡ-H group, 8 g/kg), and Xibining Ⅱ high-dose combined with STAT3 activator Colivelin trifluoroacetate (C-TFA) group [C-TFA group, 8 g/kg Xibining Ⅱ+ 1.0 mg/(kg·d) C-TFA], with 15 rats in each group. Except for the Sham group, the KOA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection in the other groups. After successful modeling, each group was given corresponding drugs by intragastric administration and (or) intraperitoneal injection once daily for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication, the pathological changes of synovial tissue of knee joint in each group were evaluated and the indicators were calculated. The levels of serum inflammatory factors were detected. The positive expressions of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) in synovial tissue of the knee joint were detected. The expressions of JAK2/STAT3 pathway-related proteins and mRNAs in synovial tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the Sham group, the synovial lining cells in the KOA group showed significant proliferation and disordered arrangement; the Krenn score, fibrosis ratio, positive area percentage of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3, p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3, protein expression of Collagen-Ⅰ and α -smooth muscle actin, the mRNA expression of JAK2, STAT3, Collagen-Ⅰ and α -smooth muscle actin, as well as serum levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Compared with the KOA group, the above pathological changes were significantly improved in each dose group of Xibining Ⅱ formula, and all indicators were significantly decreased ( P <0.05), with the XBNⅡ-H group showing better effects than the XBNⅡ-L group ( P <0.05). Compared with the XBNⅡ-H group, the above pathological damages were aggravated in the C-TFA group, and all indicators were significantly worsened ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Xibining Ⅱ formula can alleviate synovial inflammation and fibrosis in KOA rats, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

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