1.The mechanism of Laggerae Herba in improving chronic heart failure by inhibiting ferroptosis through the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Jinling XIAO ; Kai HUANG ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jing HAN ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Fanghe LI ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):343-353
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of the heat-clearing and detoxifying drug Laggerae Herba in regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and improve chronic heart failure induced by transverse aortic arch constriction in mice.
Methods:
Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into the sham (n=6) and transverse aortic arch constriction groups (n=18) according to the random number table method. The transverse aortic arch constriction group underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to establish models. After modeling, the transverse aortic arch constriction group was further divided into the model, captopril, and Laggerae Herba groups according to the random number table method, with six mice per group. The captopril (15 mg/kg) and Laggerae Herba groups (1.95 g/kg) received the corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the sham operation and model groups were administered the same volume of ultrapure water by gavage once a day for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the cardiac function indexes of mice in each group were detected using ultrasound. The heart mass and tibia length were measured to calculate the ratio of heart weight to tibia length. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial cell hypertrophy. Prussian blue staining was used to observe the iron deposition in myocardial tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and glutathione (GSH) contents in mice serum. Colorimetry was used to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice serum. Western blotting was used to detect the Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) protein expressions in mice cardiac tissue.
Results:
Compared with the sham group, in the model group, the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of mice decreased, the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) increased, the left ventricular anterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVAWs) and left ventricular posterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVPWs) decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length increased, the myocardial tissue morphology changed, myocardial fibrosis increased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells increased, iron deposition appeared in myocardial tissue, the serum NT-proBNP and MDA levels increased, the GSH level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the captopril and Laggerae Herba groups, the EF, FS, and LVAWs increased, the LVESV and LVESD decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length decreased, the myocardial cells were arranged neatly, the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, the serum NT-proBNP level decreased, and the GSH level increased. Compared with the model group, the LVPWs increased, the iron deposition in myocardial tissue decreased, the serum MDA level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue increased (P<0.05) in the Laggerae Herba group.
Conclusion
Laggerae Herba improves the cardiac function of mice with chronic heart failure caused by transverse aortic arch constriction, reduces the pathological remodeling of the heart, and reduces fibrosis. Its mechanism may be related to Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.
2.Overview of the amendments and revisions to the General Technical Requirements adopted by the Volume Ⅳ of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
ZHANG Jun ; NING Baoming ; WEI Shifeng ; SHEN Haoyu ; SHANG Yue ; ZHU Ran ; XU Xinyi ; CHEN Lei ; LIU Tingting ; MA Shuangcheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):034-044
To introduce the general thinking, guidelines, work objectives and elaboration process of the general technical requirements adopted by volume Ⅳ of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition, and to summarize and figure out the main characteristics on dosage forms, physico-chemical testing, microbial and biological testing, reference standards and guidelines The newly revised general chapters of pharmacopoeia give full play to the normative and guiding role of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard, track the frontier dynamics of international drug regulatory science and the elaboration of monographs, expand the application of state-of-the-art technologies, and steadily promote the harmonization and unification with the ICH guidelines; further enhance the overall capacity of TCM quality control, actively implement the 3 R principles on animal experiments, and practice the concept of environmental-friendly; replace and/or reduce the use of toxic and hazardous reagents, strengthen the requirements of drug safety control This paper aims to provide a full-view perspective for the comprehensive, correct understanding and accurate implementation of general technical requirements included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition.
3.Additions and revisions of general chapters of physical and chemical analysis in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition Volume Ⅳ
XU Xinyi ; WEI Shifeng ; ZHANG Qiming ; HE Langchong ; ZHANG Jun ; MA Shuangcheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):045-050
Objective: To provide reference for the correct understanding and accurate implementation of the general chapters of physical and chemical analysis in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition Volume Ⅳ.
Methods: Introduce the main characteristics and content of the additions and revisions of the general chapters of physical and chemical analysis in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition Volume Ⅳ.
Results: The general chapters of physical and chemical analysis in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition are more harmonized with the relevant guidelines of the ICH Q series, and the inclusion of advanced and mature instrument analysis technology standards and analysis method standards related to drug safety, efficacy, and quality controllability is further increased.
Conclusion: The general chapters of physical and chemical analysis in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition have provided a more convenient new bridge for China’s drugs to go international, standardized testing technology support for achieving full process quality control, and better meet the needs of drug research and development, production, quality control, and supervision in China.
4.Exploration of the mechanism of cognitive impairment induced by ketamine in mice based on metabolomics
Tingting LUO ; Xiaoxiao YAO ; Xinyi ZHAN ; Yiru MA ; Ting GAO ; Ying WEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1436-1441
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of ketamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice based on metabolomics. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and ketamine group (25 mg/kg), with 12 mice in each group. Each group of mice was intraperitoneally injected with normal saline or corresponding drugs, 4 times a day, for 10 consecutive days. On the last 2 days of drug administration, the cognitive behavior was evaluated by Y maze and novel object recognition test, and the histopathological changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were observed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology was used to analyze the changes of metabolites in PFC, screen for differential metabolites, and perform pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the morphology of PFC neurons in the ketamine group of mice was inconsistent. There were cavities around the nucleus, and the number of deeply stained cells increased. The mean optical density value of the Nissl staining positive area was significantly reduced, and the alternation rate and discrimination index were significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the PFC tissue samples of mice of the two groups, there were a total of 114 differential metabolites, including 73 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated metabolites, including glutamine, succinic acid, ketoglutarate, and choline, etc. The differential metabolites mentioned above were mainly enriched in metabolism of alanine, aspartate and glutamate, metabolism of arginine and proline, γ aminobutyric acid synapses, pyrimidine metabolism, cholinergic synapses pathways, etc. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine can induce cognitive impairment in mice. Its neurotoxicity is related to abnormal synaptic transmission and energy metabolism, and neuroimmune regulation disorders.
5.Spatial Distribution Patterns and Environmental Influencing Factors of Flavonoid Glycosides in Epimedium sagittatum
Mengxue LI ; Wenmin ZENG ; Yiting WEI ; Fengqin LI ; Shengfu HU ; Xinyi WANG ; Zhangjian SHAN ; Yanqin XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):217-226
ObjectiveTo explore the spatial distribution patterns of flavonoid glycosides in Epimedium sagittatum and the influences of environmental factors on the accumulation of these components. MethodsThe spatial statistical analysis and GeoDetector model were used to analyze the distribution patterns of epimedin A,epimedin B,epimedin C,icariin,and total flavonoid glycosides in E. sagittatum samples from 92 different production areas in 36 cities of 13 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions of China,as well as the effects of 28 environmental factors on the accumulation of each component. ResultsThe average content of flavonoid glycosides 64 (69.56%) producing areas and 30 (83.33%) cities met the quality standard of no less than 1.50% of total flavonoid glycosides in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.Epimedin A,epimedin B,epimedin C,icariin,and their sum showed significantly high accumulation.The hot spots regions of epimedin A and epimedin B were similar with each other,mainly located in western Hunan,eastern Hubei,eastern Guizhou,and northern Guangxi.The common hot spot areas of epimedin C and total flavonoid glycosides were in western and southwestern Hunan,southern Henan,northern Anhui,eastern Guizhou,and southern Chongqing.The hot spots areas of icariin were in southern Chongqing,western Hunan,and eastern and northeastern Guizhou.The interactions between environmental factors had stronger explanatory power for the accumulation of components than single factors.The strongest single factor and interactive factor affecting the accumulation of epimedin C were precipitation of wettest quarter (q=0.16) and its interaction with temperature seasonality (q=0.35),respectively.The strongest single factor influencing both the accumulation of icariin and total flavonoid glycosides was the precipitation of coldest quarter (q equals 0.15 and 0.22,respectively).The strongest interactions were observed between precipitation of coldest quarter and gravel content (q=0.34),as well as between precipitation of coldest quarter and aspect (q=0.35). ConclusionThirteen cities,including Zhumadian and Nanyang in Henan,Huaihua,Shaoyang,and Zhangjiajie in Hunan,and Zunyi,Qiandongnan,and Tongren in Guizhou,were hot spots of total flavonoid glycosides in E.sagittatum.Precipitation,gravel content,temperature seasonality,and aspect significantly influence the accumulation of flavonoid glycosides in E.sagittatum.This study provides reference for the utilization and production zoning of E.sagittatum.
6.Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn caused by Rh system anti-c antibodies: a case report and literature review
Luyan CHEN ; Dong XIANG ; Dingfeng LYU ; Zhenyun LIU ; Xinyi ZHU ; Shuan TAO ; Qiming YING ; Wei LIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):843-848
Objective: To summarize the laboratory findings of a case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) caused by Rh system anti-c antibodies and to review the literature, so as to explore the characteristics of anti-c HDFN. Methods: The ABO blood type, Rh blood type, direct antiglobulin test (DAT) results, and the presence of unexpected antibodies and their titers were determined by serological methods. The cases of anti-c HDFN in our laboratory in China and abroad were statistically analyzed, and the incidence of severe HDFN caused by anti-c, anti-D and anti-E was compared. Results: The blood type of the child was B (Rh CcDee) with a positive DAT. Anti-c antibody was detected in both serum and eluate, with a serum antibody titer of 4. The mother’s blood type was AB (Rh CCDee) with a negative DAT, and anti-c antibody was detected in the serum with a titer of 128. Among 20 cases of anti-c HDFN, 17 were DAT positive, and 9 (45%, 9/20) underwent blood transfusion or exchange transfusion. The incidence of severe HDFN was 47.60% (10/21) for anti-c, 47.60% (10/21) for anti-D and 31.30% (5/16) for anti-E. Conclusion: Maternal pregnancy and/or blood transfusion are the main reasons for the production of Rh alloantibodies such as anti-c. The prevention and management of anti-c should be similar to that of anti-D. Rh antigen-matched (five antigens of Rh blood group) transfusion is necessary for women of childbearing age to avoid antibody production, and Rh typing and antibody screening during prenatal examination is recommended to ensure early detection, intervention and treatment.
7.Cross lagged analysis of anxiety and depressive symptoms,uncertainty stress with academic buoyancy in college students
LIU Yuxuan, WANG Yuhao, WANG Yihan, WANG Yingxue, HU Xinyi, TIAN Susu, TIAN Jiayi, WANG Wei
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):832-836
Objective:
To examine the reciprocal relationships of anxiety and depressive symptoms,uncertainty stress with academic buoyancy among college students, providing evidence for mental health promotion and academic resilience enhancement.
Methods:
A multi stage cluster random sampling method was used to selected 741 undergraduates from grade 1 to 2 of a university in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province. Participants completed two waves of surveys (T1: October 2022; T2: October 2023) using the Uncertainty Stress Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Academic Buoyancy Scale. Cross lagged models analyzed bidirectional relationships between three mental health variables and academic buoyancy, followed by latent variable modeling integrating all mental health dimensions.
Results:
Cross lagged model results revealed that T1 uncertainty stress negatively predicted T2 academic buoyancy ( β =-0.14), while T1 academic buoyancy negatively predicted T2 uncertainty stress ( β =-0.11); T1 depressive symptom negatively predicted T2 academic buoyancy ( β =-0.08), while T1 academic buoyancy negatively predicted T2 depressive symptom ( β =-0.09); furthermore, T1 academic buoyancy negatively predicted T2 anxiety symptom( β =-0.10) ( P <0.05). Results from the latent variable cross lagged model of psychological problems (constructed from the three mental health variables) indicated that T1 psychological problems negatively predicted T2 academic buoyancy ( β =-0.09), while T1 academic buoyancy negatively predicted T2 psychological problems ( β =-0.09) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
Longitudinal bidirectional relationships exist between mental health status and academic buoyancy in college students. Better mental health facilitates higher academic buoyancy.
8.Establishment and evaluation of an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction integrating disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis
Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Feng JIANG ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jinling XIAO ; Fanghe LI ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Wei WANG ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):501-515
Objective:
This study aimed to construct an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis and to evaluate it comprehensively.
Methods:
The HFpEF mouse model was constructed using a combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a high-fat diet. According to the random number table method, SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, L-NAME, high-fat diet, and model groups, 10 in each group. Comprehensive observations and data collection on macroscopic signs (e.g., fur condition, mental state, stool and urine, oral and nasal condition, paw and body condition, etc.) and cardiac function were performed after 10 and 16 weeks of model induction. Additionally, the syndrome evolution was elucidated based on diagnostic criteria for clinical syndromes of heart failure. Furthermore, pathological and molecular biological examinations of myocardial tissue were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the model.
Results:
Mice in the model group showed typical characteristics of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as syndrome of internal heat accumulation, including lethargy, slow response, dull paw color and oral/nasal color, exercise intolerance, abnormal platelet activation, dry feces, and dark yellow urine. The time window for these syndromes was between 10 and 16 weeks post-modeling. Cardiac function assessments revealed severe diastolic dysfunction, concentric myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in the model group. Pathological examinations showed a significantly increased collagen deposition in the myocardial interstitium, enlarged cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and sparse coronary microvasculature in the model group. Molecular biological analyses indicated marked activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway and significantly elevated inflammation levels in the myocardial tissue of the model group. Although mice in the L-NAME and high-fat diet groups also showed certain manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome, the substantial cardiac damage was relatively limited compared to the control group.
Conclusion
This study has constructed an animal model of HFpEF that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this model are consistent with the manifestations of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, toxin syndrome, and syndrome of internal heat accumulation. Moreover, it can stably simulate the HFpEF state and reflect phenotypic changes in human disease. This model provides a suitable experimental platform to explore the pathogenesis of HFpEF, evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment regimens, and promote in-depth research on TCM syndromes of heart failure.
9.Stereotactic electroencephalography-guided electrical stimulation-induced smile and laughter:a report of two cases
Xinyi LIANG ; Yanfeng XIE ; Quanhong SHI ; Yan ZHAN ; Li JIANG ; Wei DAN
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2024;50(5):297-299
The network of laughter/smile production and propagation in the brain is not yet fully understood.In this paper,we report two cases of medically refractory epilepsy patients with stereotactic EEG implantation,in which smiles(without pleasurable emotions and motor awareness)and laughter(with situationally incompatible pleasurable emotions)were repeatedly induced by electrical stimulation in the left precentral gyrus,and the right insular short gyrus,respectively.This phenomenon reflects the existence of distinct and linked emotional and behavioral networks for laughter.
10.The Association Between Causality Orientation and Internet Gaming Disorder, and the Role of Sensation Seeking, Anxiety, and Depression
Yanjie PENG ; Yuxiang WANG ; Zhenle PENG ; Xiaoyuan LIAO ; Ke GONG ; Cheng QIN ; Mingyuan TIAN ; Xiaotong CHENG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Juan DENG ; Yuwen CHEN ; Shuang FENG ; Maomao ZHANG ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(11):1268-1278
Objective:
Self-determination theory (SDT) deems that people have three causality orientations: autonomy orientation, control orientation, and impersonal orientation. Previous studies suggested that lower autonomy orientation or higher control and impersonal orientations may be associated with more addictive behaviors. Our study aimed to investigate if these associations exist in Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and if sensation seeking, anxiety, and depression could influence the associations between causality orientations and IGD symptoms.
Methods:
A total of 1,400 college students completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, General Causality Orientation Scale, Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire. Correlation, multiple linear regressions, structural equation model (SEM) analyses, and moderation analyses were conducted to explore the associations.
Results:
The control and impersonal orientations were positively associated with IGD symptoms, while the autonomy orientation was negatively associated with them. Moreover, SEM analyses showed that the autonomy-IGD relationship was totally mediated by anxiety and depression, the impersonal-IGD relationship was partially mediated by anxiety, and the control-IGD relationship was partially mediated by depression. Finally, the effects of causality orientations on IGD were moderated by sensation seeking.
Conclusion
Overall, autonomy orientation is linked to fewer gaming problems, whereas control and impersonal orientations are associated with more gaming problems. Moreover, the relationships between causality orientations and IGD symptoms are mediated by anxiety and depression and moderated by sensation seeking. Our findings inform theory on the motivations of gaming behaviors and may shed light on the prevention and intervention of IGD from the perspective of SDT.


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