1.Quality Evaluation of Gegen Qinlian Tablets Based on HPLC Multi-component Quantification Combined with Chemical Pattern Recognition and TOPSIS Analysis
Ping QIN ; Yingying LU ; Wenming ZHANG ; Zifang FENG ; Lihong GU ; Chenjie XIA ; Minmin HU ; Xiaowei CHEN ; Zhenhua BIAN ; Xiwan LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):217-224
ObjectiveTo establish a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) for the quantitative analysis of multiple components in Gegen Qinlian tablets, and to comprehensively evaluate the quality of samples from different manufacturers by integrating chemical pattern recognition and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS), in order to provide a reference basis for quality evaluation and control of Gegen Qinlian tablets. MethodsHPLC was employed to determine the contents of 10 components in 28 batches of Gegen Qinlian tablets collected from 6 manufacturers, and taking the detection results as variables, SIMCA 14.1 and SPSS 26.0 were employed for cluster analysis(CA), principal component analysis(PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) to identify key components affecting the quality. Then, TOPSIS analysis was employed to rank the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets from the 6 manufacturers and establish a comprehensive quality evaluation method. ResultsA quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets was established. After methodological validation, the method was found to be stable and reliable, and could be used for the quantitative analysis of this preparation. The contents of 3′-hydroxy puerarin, puerarin, 3′-methoxy puerarin, daidzein, coptisine hydrochloride, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride and baicalin in 28 batches of samples were 3.58-7.35, 24.88-42.32, 4.20-9.36, 4.33-7.60, 2.52-6.44, 0.93-4.10, 0.58-3.05, 10.68-22.92, 0.82-4.82, 11.73-60.16 mg·g-1, respectively. Among them, puerarin, berberine hydrochloride and baicalin all met the limit requirements for this preparation specified in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. CA and PCA clustered the 28 batches of samples into 5 categories, PCA extracted 2 principal components with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 90.588%, and OPLS-DA screened out 4 differential markers with variable importance in the projection(VIP) values>1.0, namely baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride, which might be the main components affecting the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets. TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive score of each evaluation index(Ci) values of different manufacturers were different. Among them, the Ci of manufacturer B was ranked higher, indicating potentially superior quality, while the Ci of manufacturer A was ranked lower, suggesting potentially inferior quality. ConclusionThis study establishes a quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets, and the content uniformity of the same manufacturer is good, while there are differences in the contents of active components among different manufacturers. Through the chemical pattern recognition analysis, it is found that the content differences of Gegen Qinlian tablets may be related to baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride.
2.Status and implications of pharmacist competency assessment tools
Yu TIAN ; Bei DING ; Chenyang ZHANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Jiaying WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):553-558
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the status on pharmacist competency assessment tools both domestically and internationally, providing a theoretical basis for constructing scientific and applicable pharmacist competency assessment tools in China. METHODS Through literature review and comparative analysis, 15 representative domestic and international pharmacist competency assessment tools were systematically summarized, and their theoretical foundations, core dimensions, methodological characteristics and practical applications were compared and implications were given. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS International research has established relatively mature evaluation systems. Represented by those developed from the United Kingdom, the United States, and the International Pharmaceutical Federation, these assessment tools demonstrate scientific structure, wide application, and dynamic and international applicability. While domestic research has progressed in sub-specialties such as clinical pharmacists, licensed pharmacists and pediatric pharmacists, it still faces challenges including insufficient standardization, inadequate validation, delayed updates, and limitations in practical application. The reasons for the disparities in assessment tools between China and other countries include differences in pharmaceutical care models, varying pharmacist training systems, cultural and social background factors, as well as differences in industry management and international influence. Based on this, the author suggests promoting the development and research of assessment tools for pharmacist job competency in China from four aspects: mechanism construction, system refinement, standardization development, and practical implementation.
3.Relationship between non-suicidal self-injury behaviors, impulsivity, and emotional regulation in adolescents with depressive disorder
Mingfei ZHANG ; Xinyu CHEN ; Fang LIANG ; Zhe CHEN ; Lu QIAN ; Zhijia LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):21-26
BackgroundAdolescents with depressive disorder often engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors, which severely impacts their physical and mental health. Impulsivity and emotional regulation are key factors influencing NSSI behaviors. However, research on the mechanisms through which impulsivity and emotional regulation affect NSSI behaviors in adolescent depressive disorder patients with NSSI remains insufficient, limiting the development of effective intervention strategies. ObjectiveTo explore the differences in impulsivity and emotion regulation abilities between adolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by and without NSSI behaviors, and to analyze the association between NSSI behaviors and impulsivity and emotion regulation abilities in adolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by NSSI behaviors. MethodsA total of 184 adolescents hospitalized in the child and adolescent psychiatry department of Wuxi Mental Health Center from October 2023 to August 2024, who met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), were consecutively enrolled as study subjects. Based on the diagnostic criteria for NSSI in DSM-5, patients were divided into NSSI group (n=108) and non-NSSI group (n=76). The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), the Adolescent Self-Harm Questionnaire, and the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) were used for assessment. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to explore the correlation between the scores of the Adolescent Self-Harm Questionnaire and the scores of BIS-11 and ERQ in the NSSI group. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the effects of impulsivity and emotion regulation on NSSI behaviors in the NSSI group. ResultsCompared to the non-NSSI group, the NSSI group showed significantly higher scores in BIS-11 non-planned impulsivity (Z=-4.181, P<0.05), action impulsivity (t=4.944, P<0.05), cognitive impulsivity (Z=-3.392, P<0.05), and total score (t=4.763, P<0.05), and lower scores in the cognitive reappraisal of ERQ (t=-4.094, P<0.05) and total score (Z=-2.299, P<0.05), and higher scores in the expression inhibition of ERQ (Z=-3.019, P<0.05). The correlation analysis results showed that the score of the adolescent self-harm questionnaire in the NSSI group was positively correlated with the behavioral impulsivity factor score in the BIS-11 (r=0.434, P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that action impulsivity factor was a significant correlate of self-injury behaviors in the NSSI group (B=0.855, P<0.05), explaining 22.30% of the total variance. ConclusionAdolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by NSSI behaviors exhibit higher levels of impulsivity and poorer emotional regulation abilities. Action impulsivity may play a significant role in the mechanism of NSSI behaviors. [Funded by Wuxi Municipal Health Commission Research Project (number, Q202320)]
4.Clinical comprehensive evaluation of four Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of hyperlipidemia
Mingzhu ZHANG ; Yizhuo QIN ; Xianshuai TANG ; Lei ZHENG ; Jinfang SONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):708-712
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical comprehensive value of four Chinese patent medicines (Xuezhikang, Zhibitai, Zhibituo, Jiangzhiling) in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, and provide a reference for rational clinical drug use. METHODS A clinical comprehensive evaluation index system was established in accordance with the Evidence and Value: Impact on Decision-Making (EVIDEM) framework and Technical Guideline for Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Cardiovascular Drugs (2022 edition, trial implementation). CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase and official websites were retrieved to collect the literature such as drug instructions, guidelines and consensus statements, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses for the four Chinese patent medicines. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted from seven dimensions: effectiveness, safety, economy, suitability, accessibility, innovation and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine. RESULTS This evaluation index system included 7 first-level indicators, 15 second-level indicators and 30 third-level indicators. Xuezhikang achieved the highest comprehensive evaluation score of 81.4 points, and was classified as class Ⅰ recommendation. Zhibitai with 76.0 points and Zhibituo with 60.9 points were both classified as class Ⅱ recommendation. Jiangzhiling with 48.8 points was classified as class Ⅳ recommendation. CONCLUSIONS Xuezhikang demonstrates the optimal clinical comprehensive value for treating hyperlipidemia. Zhibitai exhibits certain advantages in terms of safety and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine; Zhibituo shows a moderate performance in all aspects; Jiangzhiling has a relatively low score. Appropriate medicines can be selected clinically according to actual conditions and patients’ characteristics.
5.Exploration on the psychological support mechanism for palliative care patients from the perspective of the interactive ritual chain theory
Limin WU ; Sujuan LIU ; Jingyan ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):351-357
Based on the interactive ritual chain theory, this paper deeply analyzed the interactive characteristics between doctors, patients, and their families in the palliative care environment, as well as explored the role of emotional resonance, symbolic representation, and situational creation in psychological support. It also sorted out four primary issues currently present in psychological support for palliative care patients, including insufficient recognition of caregivers regarding patients’ psychological needs, limited psychological intervention methods, inadequate psychological support capabilities among medical staff, and an imperfect family and social support system. On this basis, a five-dimensional psychological support mechanism was constructed, encompassing emotional resonance, situational creation, team collaboration, environment building, and technological application. This aimed to provide palliative care patients with comprehensive and continuous psychological intervention by optimizing doctor-patient interaction, strengthening emotional connection, improving physical environment, and utilizing information technology, thereby contributing to alleviating the psychological distress patients confront in the terminal stage and improving their life dignity and quality of life.
6.Clinical Efficacy of Shenqi Yangxin Decoction in Treatment of Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Its Effect on Serum H2S and Ca2+
Zhuojun ZHANG ; Lijuan SHEN ; Hongyi LAN ; Jiajing ZHAO ; Liyang SHEN ; Tiantian HUANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Xiaodong TAN ; Shu LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):210-217
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shenqi Yangxin decoction in the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) with Qi and Yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome and its effect on serum hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and calcium ion (Ca2+). MethodsA total of 64 ICM patients with Qi and Yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a control group (n=32) and a treatment group (n=32). All patients received conventional Western medicine treatment. The treatment group was additionally given Shenqi Yangxin decoction. The TCM syndrome score, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification, and serum H2S and Ca2+ levels were compared between the two groups pre- and post-treatment. ResultsTwo cases dropped out from each group during the study. Finally, 30 patients in each group were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in age, gender, course of coronary heart disease, underlying diseases, and laboratory tests between the two groups. Compared with baseline, the TCM syndrome score, MLHFQ score, and NT-proBNP in both treatment group and control group decreased significantly (P<0.01), LVEF, 6MWT, and H2S increased significantly (P<0.01), and serum Ca2+ increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the MLHFQ score and NT-proBNP in the treatment group decreased (P<0.05), the TCM syndrome score decreased significantly (P<0.01), LVEF, 6MWT, and serum Ca2+ increased (P<0.05), and H2S increased significantly (P<0.01). The improvement degree of the NYHA cardiac function classification in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group, but there was no significant difference. ConclusionShenqi Yangxin decoction is effective in treating ICM patients with Qi and Yin deficiency and blood stasis, which could significantly improve cardiac function and quality of life, and its therapeutic effect may be related to the regulation of serum H2S and Ca2+ levels.
7.Surveillance of schistosomiasis in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024
Wei LI ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Liang SHI ; Tao WANG ; Yun FENG ; Lu LIU ; Kun YANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):8-13
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of schistosomiasis surveillance in Jiangsu Province during the stage moving from transmission control to transmission interruption, and to analyze the current risk and challenges, so as to provide the evidence for achieving the target of schistosomiasis elimination. Methods Schistosomiasis surveillance data were collected from Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024, and the endemic areas, Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock, Oncomelania hupensis snail distribution and implementation of integrated interventions were descriptively analyzed. In addition, the trends in areas with snails, seroprevalence of human S. japonicum infections and numbers of advanced schistosomiasis cases were assessed using a Joinpoint regression model. Results The endemic areas of schistosomiasis continued to shrink in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024, with the number of schistosomiasis-eliminated counties (cities, districts) increasing from 53 (75.71%) to 63 (96.92%), and interruption of schistosomiasis transmission was achieved across the province. A total of 4 600 300 person-times were tested for serum antibodies against S. japonicum, with 28 719 person-times positive detected; and 616 500 person-times were tested S. japonicum infections among local residents in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024, with only 3 egg-positives detected, and no egg-positives found since 2017. A total of 187 600 herd-times were tested for schistosomiasis in livestock, and no S. japonicum infections were found. O. hupensis snail survey was performed covering 1 018 408.97 hm2, and a total of 35 556.35 hm2 was found with snail-infested habitats, including 174.40 hm2 of emerging snail-infested habitats. A total of 1 102 800 O. hupensis snails were identified for S. japonicum infections, and no infections were found. The areas of snail-infested habitats appeared a tendency towards a rise in Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023 (APC = 23.67%, P < 0.05), and the actual areas of snail-infested habitats appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2012 to 2015 (APC = −22.77%, P < 0.05), and towards a rise from 2015 to 2023 (APC = 9.76%, P < 0.01). The seroprevalence of anti-S. japonicum antibodies appeared a tendency towards a decline among residents in Jiangsu Province from 2017 to 2023 (APC = −14.92%, P < 0.01). In addition, the number of newly diagnosed advanced schistosomiasis cases appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2012 to 2024 (APC = −12.02%, P < 0.01), and the numbers of advanced schistosomiasis patients requiring treatment showed a tendency towards a decline from 2012 to 2021 (APC = −10.56%, P < 0.01) and from 2021 to 2023 (APC = −20.06%, P < 0.01). Conclusions Great progresses had been achieved in schistosomiasis control in Jiangsu Province following transmission control, and transmission interruption had been achieved; however, there are still snail-infested habitats. High-intensity surveillance and integrated control are required to be maintained to advance the achievement of the target of schistosomiasis elimination in Jiangsu Province.
8.Transcriptomic responses of Bulinus globosus to extreme temperature and drought stress
Xinyao WANG ; Dandan PENG ; Ying YANG ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Kun YANG ; Shizhu LI ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):29-37
Objective To examine the impact of extreme temperature and drought stress on the survival of Bulinus globosus, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for the genomic research of Bulinus in absence of reference genes. Methods B. globosus snail samples were collected from Kiwani Shehia in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and offspring snails were obtained through laboratory breeding and reproduction. A total of 120 10-week-old B. globosus snails from the same generation were selected and randomly assigned into four groups, including the high-temperature drought (HD) group, normal temperature drought (D) group, low-temperature drought (LD) group, and the control (C) group, of 30 snails in each group. Snails in HD, D, and LD groups were placed in beakers containing dry soil at the bottom and subsequently housed in climate chambers at 35, 26 ℃, and 10 ℃, respectively, while snails in Group C were maintained in 500 mL petri dishes containing dechlorinated tap water at 26 ℃. Following 3 days of breeding, living snails in each group were collected, and soft tissues were dissected and isolated. Total RNA was extracted from snail soft tissues for library construction, followed by high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencing system. De novo transcriptome assembly was performed using the Trinity software, and the longest transcripts were selected as unigenes. Gene functional annotations of unigenes were conducted using the Diamond software against Gene Ontology (GO) knowledgebase, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database, NCBI non-redundant (NR) protein sequences database, Protein Family (Pfam) database, and UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot (Swiss-Prot) knowledgebase. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed using the topGO and clusterProfiler software, respectively. In addition, four relevant genes were selected for validation using a real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) assay to verify the reliability of transcriptome sequencing results. Results Following 3 days of breeding, there were 7, 20, 28, and 30 survival B. globosus snails in HD, LD, D, and C groups, with corresponding survival rates of 23.33% (7/30), 66.67% (20/30), 93.33% (28/30), and 100.00% (30/30), respectively (χ2 = 52.72, P < 0.001). De novo transcriptome assembly generated 176 942 unigenes, with annotation rates of 0.98%, 13.49%, 26.46%, 12.48%, and 14.39% against GO knowledgebase, KEGG pathway database, NR protein sequences database, Pfam database, and Swiss-Prot knowledgebase, respectively. There were 33 up-regulated and 72 down-regulated genes in Group D, 483 up-regulated and 815 down-regulated genes in Group HD, and 245 up-regulated and 172 down-regulated genes in Group LD relative to in Group C. Following removal of overlapping genes across groups and unmatched genes, 11 candidate genes were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed 3 heat shock protein (HSP)-related DEGs in these 11 candidate genes, which were annotated as HSP12.2, HSP70, and HSP20 genes and were all significantly up-regulated in each treatment group. Three immune and nervous system-related DEGs were identified, and were all significantly down-regulated in each treatment group, which were involved in the neural cell adhesion molecule L1-like protein pathway, fibrinogen binding protein pathway, and leukocyte elastase inhibitor-like protein pathway. qRT-PCR assay quantified that the expression trends of four genes related to temperature and drought stress across different treatment groups were highly consistent with transcriptome sequencing data. Conclusion The survival rate of B. globosus significantly reduces under combined stresses of extreme temperature and drought, possibly due to an imbalance in its cellular homeostasis regulatory system.
9.Clinical Efficacy and Radiographic Outcomes of Manipulative Reduction Combined with Small Splint Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures:A Retrospective Multicenter Study with Propensity Score Matching
Mao WU ; Guoda DAI ; Yang SHAO ; Shaoshuo LI ; Zhen HUA ; Hengyan CUI ; Tingchen ZHU ; Dipeng LI ; Jintao LIU ; Ming ZHOU ; Peimin WANG ; Liyong ZHANG ; Jianwei WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1086-1092
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and radiographic outcomes of manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures. MethodsThe clinical data of 1051 patients with distal radius fractures were retrospectively collected from five hospitals included in the Jiangsu Diagnosis and Treatment Data Platform for Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Dominant Diseases. Propensity score matching at a 1∶4 ratio was applied, resulting in 580 cases selected for final analysis, which comprised 448 patients in the TCM group(manipulative reduction plus small splint fixation) and 132 in the surgical treatment group(open reduction and internal fixation). Each group was further stratified into type A, B, and C subgroups based on AO fracture classification. Radiographic indicators including palmar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height were compared between groups before treatment and 1 day, 1 week, and 4-6 weeks after treatment, and pain visual analog scale(VAS) scores before treatment and 1 week and 4-6 weeks after treatment were also compared. Wrist joint function was assessed 12 weeks after treatment, using the Dienst wrist function score and the Gartland and Werley(G-W) wrist function score. Additionally, the radiographic indicators at different timepoints and the 12-week wrist function levels were compared between groups across different fracture types. ResultsNo statistically significant difference was observed in radiographic indicators and VAS scores at all timepoints before and after treatment, as well as wrist joint function grades assessed by the Dienst score and the G-W score at 12 weeks after treatment (P>0.05). Compared to those before treatment, both groups showed increased palmar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height 1 week and 4-6 weeks after treatment, and decreased VAS scores (P<0.05). Compared to those 1 week after treatment, both groups showed a decrease in palmar tilt, an increase in radial inclination and radial height, and a reduction in VAS score 4-6 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). In type A and B subgroups, the surgical treatment group had a higher radial inclination than the TCM group 4-6 weeks after treatment, while in the type C subgroup, a higher radial height was shown in the surgical treatment group than in the TCM group 4-6 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). In type C subgroup, there was significant difference between groups in the wrist joint function by G-W scores 12 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). ConclusionManipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation can maintain fracture alignment and alleviate pain in treating distal radius fractures, which achieves therapeutic outcomes comparable to surgical treatment. It is particularly suitable for type A and B fractures and can be considered an effective treatment option for distal radius fractures.
10.Role of protein palmitoylation modification in the proliferation and gametogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum
Minjuan ZHANG ; Meihua ZHANG ; Tiancheng YANG ; Guoding ZHU ; Jianxia TANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):148-159
Objective To investigate the palmitoyltransferase (PATs) activity during different developmental stages of Plasmodium falciparum and to explore the impact of PATs activity on intra-erythrocytic replication and gametocytogenesis, so as to provide insights into development of novel antimalarial targets. Methods The PATs activity was measured using the click chemistry method during different developmental stages of P. falciparum, including rings, trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocytes. P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes were divided into three groups, including a control group, a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, and a 2-bromopalmitate (2-BP) group. Erythrocytes in the control group were incubated in normal culture media, and cells in DMSO and 2-BP groups were exposed to DMSO or 2-BP at a final concentration of 10 μmol/L to examine the inhibitory effect of 2BP on the PATs activity. The growth curve analysis and gametocyte production assay were employed to investigate changes in asexual proliferation and gametocyte production of P. falciparum following inhibition of the PATs activity with 2-BP, and transcriptomics sequencing was performed to examine the impact of inhibition of the PATs activity with 2-BP on transcriptional levels of P. falciparum and possible mechanisms. Results The green fluorescence intensity of PATs varied across developmental stages of P. falciparum (F = 38.120, P < 0.001), with a higher fluorescence intensity seen in trophozoites (35.680 ± 8.439), merozoites (33.380 ± 9.030) and gametocytes (21.540 ± 8.654), and a lower intensity in ring bodies (10.720 ± 3.183) (all P values < 0.05). The green fluorescence intensities were 8.738 ± 1.576, 8.633 ± 1.827 and 4.911 ± 0.318 in the control group, DMSO group, and 2-BP group 4 days post-culture (schizont stage), respectively (F = 91.490, P < 0.001), and the PATs activity was significantly inhibited post-treatment with 2-BP (P < 0.05). The areas under the time curve for the parasitemias were 25.700 ± 0.696, 28.630 ± 3.062 and 8.370 ± 1.751 in the control group, DMSO group, and 2-BP group following inhibition of the PATs activity during the asexual stage of P. falciparum (F = 83.440, P < 0.001), and the parasitemia was lower in the 2-BP group than in the control group and the DMSO group (both P values < 0.001). In addition, the asexual stage development was delayed in the 2BP group, with abnormal morphology seen. The numbers of merozoites were 18.050 ± 4.362, 18.200 ± 3.517 and 14.020 ± 4.320 in each schizont in the control group, DMSO group and 2-BP group, respectively (H = 39.100, P < 0.001), and the merozoite number was significantly lower in the 2-BP group than in the control group and the DMSO group (both Padjusted values < 0.001). The areas under the time curve for P. falciparum gametocyte production were 18.900 ± 0.384, 18.240 ± 0.177 and 7.507 ± 0.201 in the control group, the DMSO group, and the 2-BP group following inhibition of the PATs activity, respectively (F = 1 677.000, P < 0.001), and the proportion of gametocyte production was statistically lower in the 2-BP group than in the control group and DMSO group (both P values < 0.001). The formation and maturation of gametophytes were blocked in the 2-BP group, and most of them were arrested in the middle and late stages. Following 2-BP treatment, significantly down-regulated genes during the asexual stage of P. falciparum were significantly enriched in cell cycle regulation, mitosis, DNA damage/response and structural organization, and significantly down-regulated genes during the gametocyte stage were significantly enriched in biological processes of cell cycle (mitosis and G1/S transition), RNA regulation and metabolism (such as carbon catabolite repression 4-negative on TATA-less) and cell development and differentiation. Conclusion The palmitoylation modification plays an important role in the asexual reproduction and gametocyte generation and development of P. falciparum.

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