1.Mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in Blocking Renal Fibrosis Injury in Diabetic Kidney Disease Mediated by Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Through Inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Axis
Liangjing LIU ; Haolan LIU ; Xiaoling MAO ; Min YU ; Weitong YAN ; Chao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):32-45
ObjectiveThis paper aims to study the potential active compound components and action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) through network pharmacology and in vivo experimental verification. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) technology was used to clarify the main active chemical components of Shenqi Dihuangtang, and it was combined with network pharmacology methods such as gene ontology (GO) functional annotations and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome (KEGG) to predict the potential action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in treating DKD. Subsequently, the DKD model of db/db male mice was established, and the mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (6.10 g·kg-1), medium-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (12.19 g·kg-1), high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (24.38 g·kg-1), and daplizin group (1.25 mg·kg-1). During the same period, C57BL/6J male mice were selected into normal group and received drug intervention for 8 weeks, respectively. During this period, the body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) of the mice were dynamically monitored, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed at the end of dosing. The levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer, and 24-hour urine protein was measured by a urine protein quantitative kit. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic-acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson staining were employed to observe the renal histopathology. The expression of nephrotic protein Nephrin was observed by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins such as TGF-β1, Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), neural-cadherin (N-Cadherin), and snail protein. ResultsUPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS identified 384 active compounds in the aqueous extract of Shenqi Dihuangtang. According to oral bioavailability≥30% and the five drug-like principles, 44 key active ingredients were screened out, and 169 intersection targets highly correlated with DKD were matched. Among them, there was a significant interaction relationship between tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin(IL)-6, protein kinase B(Akt)1, Caspase-3, Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), matrix metallopeptidase-9(MMP-9), IL-1β, and TGF-β1. GO functional annotations were significantly enriched in cellular components such as membrane rafts, membrane microdomains, and collagen-containing extracellular matrix, molecular functions such as DNA-binding transcription factor binding, R-Smad binding, and Smad protein binding, as well as biological processes such as reactions to lipopolysaccharides(LPS), reactions to bacteria-derived molecules, and wound healing. The KEGG pathway was significantly enriched in lipids and atherosclerosis, TGF-β signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, etc. In vivo experimental results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce FBG levels in db/db mice (P<0.01), improve OGTT (P<0.01) and ITT (P<0.01) levels, reduce SCr (P<0.01), BUN (P<0.01), UA (P<0.01) and 24-hour BUN (P<0.01), and increase ALB (P<0.01) and TP (P<0.01) levels. Pathological staining confirmed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce the glomerular mesangial matrix area and collagen deposition (P<0.01) and upregulate the positive expression rate of Nephrin (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group significantly downregulated the expression of TGF-β1 (P<0.01) and Smad2/3 (P<0.01) signal molecules and inhibited the protein levels of α-SMA (P<0.01), N-Cadherin (P<0.01), and Snail (P<0.01). ConclusionShenqi Dihuangtang can inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad signaling axis and block the renal EMT process, thereby improving DKD renal fibrosis damage. Further analysis of its key active components and clinical transformation pathways is needed in the future.
2.Construction and evaluation of the pharmaceutical affairs management system for externally dispensed medications in medical institutions
Hongbao XIE ; Xiaoling YU ; Zhenwei CHEN ; Cuihong WU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1393-1397
OBJECTIVE To establish a pharmaceutical management system for externally dispensed medicines in medical institutions, so as to improve medication safety and regulatory efficiency. METHODS Based on policy analysis and hospital practice, a pharmaceutical management system for externally dispensed medicines was constructed by integrating institutional frameworks, an information‑based platform and management procedures, and the management effectiveness was evaluated. RESULTS Our hospital formulated the Regulations on the Management of Externally Dispensed Medicines , which standardized catalogue selection, prescription issuance, acceptance and use, supervision and evaluation. An information‑based management platform for externally dispensed medicines was built relying on the hospital information system, enabling electronic prescription circulation, intelligent prescription review and whole‑process traceability. Institutional requirements and platform functions were embedded into three core management procedures, namely catalogue selection, prescription issuance, and medicine acceptance and use, forming a closed‑loop working mechanism. After the implementation of the management system, compared with pre‑implementation, the qualified rate of externally dispensed prescriptions increased from 85.2% to 99.3% ( P <0.001), the automatic prescription review pass rate exceeded 95%, the prescription review duration shortened from 7.2 min to 1.8 min ( P <0.001). All dimensional satisfaction scores of patients and medical staff were significantly improved, the standardization awareness of medical staff reached 100%. CONCLUSIONS The construction of a pharmaceutical management system for externally dispensed medicines with standardized institutional frameworks, informatized platforms and standardized procedures effectively enhances the rationality and management efficiency of externally dispensed prescription medicines, and provides a replicable practical pathway for the management of externally dispensed medicines in medical institutions.
3.Carvedilol to prevent hepatic decompensation of cirrhosis in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension stratified by new non-invasive model (CHESS2306)
Chuan LIU ; Hong YOU ; Qing-Lei ZENG ; Yu Jun WONG ; Bingqiong WANG ; Ivica GRGUREVIC ; Chenghai LIU ; Hyung Joon YIM ; Wei GOU ; Bingtian DONG ; Shenghong JU ; Yanan GUO ; Qian YU ; Masashi HIROOKA ; Hirayuki ENOMOTO ; Amr Shaaban HANAFY ; Zhujun CAO ; Xiemin DONG ; Jing LV ; Tae Hyung KIM ; Yohei KOIZUMI ; Yoichi HIASA ; Takashi NISHIMURA ; Hiroko IIJIMA ; Chuanjun XU ; Erhei DAI ; Xiaoling LAN ; Changxiang LAI ; Shirong LIU ; Fang WANG ; Ying GUO ; Jiaojian LV ; Liting ZHANG ; Yuqing WANG ; Qing XIE ; Chuxiao SHAO ; Zhensheng LIU ; Federico RAVAIOLI ; Antonio COLECCHIA ; Jie LI ; Gao-Jun TENG ; Xiaolong QI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):105-118
Background:
s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model.
Methods:
Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort.
Results:
In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM).
Conclusions
Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.
4.Risk prediction model for ischemic stroke in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis patients based on high-resolution MRI and arterial spin labeling
Ling LI ; Qianqian WANG ; Min TANG ; Na ZHANG ; Yu WEN ; Xiaoling ZHANG ; Xiaoyan LEI ; Xuejiao YAN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(5):726-731
Objective To develop a risk prediction model for ischemic stroke in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS)patients based on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HR-MRI)and arterial spin labeling(ASL)imaging.Methods A total of 142 patients were included and divided into acute ischemic stroke(AIS)and transient ischemic attack(TIA)groups based on stroke occurrence.Clinical risk factors,plaque characteristics,and arterial transit artifact(ATA)presence on ASL images were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed,incorporating clinical risk factors,plaque characteristics,and double post labeling delay(PLD)ATA presence.The predictive value of different models was compared using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and DeLong tests.Results Hypertension,positive lumen remodeling,plaque enhance-ment rate,1.5 s-ATA presence,and 2.5 s-ATA presence were independent risk factors for AIS(P<0.05).The combination of HR-MRI and ASL imaging predicted AIS most effectively[area under the curve(AUC)=0.908;95% confidence interval(CI)0.862-0.954].No significant difference was found between the prediction performances of HR-MRI and ASL(95%CI-0.041-0.082,Z=0.659,P=0.509).Conclusion ASL is more convenient than HR-MRI for predicting ischemic stroke in ICAS patients.A model combining plaque characteristics and ATA presence effectively predicts AIS occurrence.
5.Mechanism of bone sialoprotein(BSP)-mediated promotion of endometrial cancer proliferation and invasion via TGF-β signaling regulation
Xiaoling KANG ; Zhenlian LI ; Huibin LI ; Dongdong WANG ; Yuexian LING ; Jintao FU ; Yanxia LIAO ; Yu-juan GUO ; Zhuzhu HUANG ; Hongyi GAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(11):1446-1453,1461
Purpose To investigate the expression of bone sialoprotein(BSP)in the tissues and cells of endome-trial cancer(EC)and its effects on the proliferation and invasion of EC cells.Methods The expression of BSP was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 235 EC tissues and 88 normal endometrial tissues,and its correlation with clinico-pathological features was analyzed.Western blot was used to compare BSP levels between human endometrial carcinoma cell line(HHUA)and normal human endumetial epithelial cells(HEEC).BSP was knocked down in HHUA cells via transient transfection,and the cells were divided into blank control group and BSP-knockdown group.The effects of BSP knockdown on cell cycle,proliferation,migration,invasion,and apoptosis were evaluated using PI staining,CCK-8,scratch,Transwell,and Annexin V-FITC assays,respectively.Protein levels of TGF-β signaling pathway compo-nents were analyzed by Western blot.Results BSP expression was significantly higher in EC tissues than in normal endometrium(P<0.001)and correlated with lymph node metastasis and advanced FIGO stage(P<0.05).BSP pro-tein level was also significantly elevated in HHUA cells(2.455 8±0.008 9)compared to HEECs(1.571 2±0.005 4)(P<0.01).After knockdown,compared with the control group,the proliferation index(74.4±3.33),migration rate(0.48±0.03),and invasion ability(0.36±0.11)of the cells were increased,and the apoptosis rate(25.97%)of the cells was increased(P<0.05).Furthermore,the expression levels of TGF-β signaling pathway downstream proteins TGF-β1(0.290 4±0.002 3)、TGF-β2(0.292 9±0.001 6)、Smad2(0.469 3±0.001 1)、Smad3(0.247 0±0.001 7)、pAKT(0.382 1±0.001 9)、ATK(0.119 6±0.001 6)and MEK1(0.258 9±0.000 3)in the BSP-knockdown group of EC cells decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion BSP is highly expressed in endometrial cancer and promotes cancer cell proliferation,invasion,and metastasis by activating the TGF-β signaling pathway.
6.Value of Serum ANXA2,VASH1 and CAV-1 Level Expression in Patients with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in the Assessment of Pregnancy Outcome
Chenxi YANG ; Xiaoling LIU ; Haiyan FANG ; Yu LIU
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(3):134-138
Objective To explore the value of serum Annexin A2(ANXA2),vasohibin-1(VASH1)and caveolin-1(CAV-1)in evaluating pregnancy outcomes in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy(HDP).Methods From June 2020 to April 2023,125 patients with HDP admitted to Qingdao Women's and Children's Hospital were regarded as the research group,according to the pregnancy outcomes,they were separated into a good pregnancy outcome group(n=77)and a poor pregnancy outcome group(n=48).In addition,100 normal pregnant women who underwent pregnancy tests during the same period were regarded as the control group.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect serum levels of ANXA2,VASH1,and CAV-1.Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with HDP,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of serum ANXA2,VASH1,and CAV-1 in the diagnosis of HDP patients pregnancy outcome.Correlation of serum ANXA2,VASH1 and CAV-1 with 24-h urine protein content and blood pressure indices analyzed by Pearson's method.Results Compared with the healthy group,the serum ANXA2(353.19±37.31 μg/L vs 415.32±42.65 μg/L)and CAV-1(6.05±0.64 μg/L vs 6.89±0.73 μg/L)levels in the case group were greatly reduced(t=11.644,9.188),while VASH1(615.48±62.46 ng/L vs 528.63±54.39 ng/L)level was greatly increased(t=10.969),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The serum NXA2(322.54±34.24 μg/L vs 372.29±39.23 μg/L)and CAV-1(5.56±0.59 μg/L vs 6.38±0.67 μg/L)levels in poor pregnancy outcomes group were greatly lower than those in good pregnancy outcomes group(t=7.323,6.706),while VASH1(660.29±67.34 ng/L vs 587.56±59.42 ng/L)level was greatly higher(t=6.321),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).24h urine protein level,VASH1 were risk factors affecting adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with HDP(P<0.05),serum ANXA2 and CAV-1 were protective factors affecting adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with HDP,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).ROC curve results showed that the Area under the curve(AUC)of ANXA2,VASH1,CAV-1,and their combination in predicting pregnancy outcomes in HDP patients was 0.809,0.747,0.775 and 0.909,respectively.The AUC predicted by the combination of ANXA2,VASH1,and CAV-1 were greatly better than those predicted by ANXA2,VASH1 and CAV-1 alone(Z=2.720,3.334,3.320,all P<0.05).ANXA2,VASH1 was negatively correlated with 24h urine protein level and systolic and diastolic blood pressure(r=-0.435~-0.406,all P<0.05),and CAV-1 was positively correlated with 24h urine protein level and systolic and diastolic blood pressure(r=0.428,0.409,0.421,P<0.05).Conclusion The serum ANXA2 and CAV-1 levels in HDP patients decreased,while Ang1 level increased,which has certain auxiliary predictive value for the diagnosis of HDP and the evaluation of pregnancy outcomes.
7.Tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitors for plaque psoriasis: mechanisms of action and advances in clinical research
Liyan YUAN ; Xiaoling YU ; Xiaohua WANG ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(11):1095-1098
With the deepening understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis, small-molecule drugs targeting the key Janus kinase (JAK) -tyrosine kinase (TYK) 2 pathway have gained increasing interest. TYK2-related pathways play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, while they are not involved in modulating broad biological effects, making them one of the potential therapeutic targets for the efficient and safe treatment of psoriasis. How to improve the selectivity and specificity of TYK2 inhibitors to minimize adverse reactions associated with the inhibition of other pathways has been one of the key directions for development of drugs targeting TYK2 in recent years. This review summarizes the role of TYK2 pathway in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, the modes of action of TYK2 inhibitors (competitive or allosteric inhibition), and the latest clinical research progress.
8.Mechanism of bone sialoprotein(BSP)-mediated promotion of endometrial cancer proliferation and invasion via TGF-β signaling regulation
Xiaoling KANG ; Zhenlian LI ; Huibin LI ; Dongdong WANG ; Yuexian LING ; Jintao FU ; Yanxia LIAO ; Yu-juan GUO ; Zhuzhu HUANG ; Hongyi GAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(11):1446-1453,1461
Purpose To investigate the expression of bone sialoprotein(BSP)in the tissues and cells of endome-trial cancer(EC)and its effects on the proliferation and invasion of EC cells.Methods The expression of BSP was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 235 EC tissues and 88 normal endometrial tissues,and its correlation with clinico-pathological features was analyzed.Western blot was used to compare BSP levels between human endometrial carcinoma cell line(HHUA)and normal human endumetial epithelial cells(HEEC).BSP was knocked down in HHUA cells via transient transfection,and the cells were divided into blank control group and BSP-knockdown group.The effects of BSP knockdown on cell cycle,proliferation,migration,invasion,and apoptosis were evaluated using PI staining,CCK-8,scratch,Transwell,and Annexin V-FITC assays,respectively.Protein levels of TGF-β signaling pathway compo-nents were analyzed by Western blot.Results BSP expression was significantly higher in EC tissues than in normal endometrium(P<0.001)and correlated with lymph node metastasis and advanced FIGO stage(P<0.05).BSP pro-tein level was also significantly elevated in HHUA cells(2.455 8±0.008 9)compared to HEECs(1.571 2±0.005 4)(P<0.01).After knockdown,compared with the control group,the proliferation index(74.4±3.33),migration rate(0.48±0.03),and invasion ability(0.36±0.11)of the cells were increased,and the apoptosis rate(25.97%)of the cells was increased(P<0.05).Furthermore,the expression levels of TGF-β signaling pathway downstream proteins TGF-β1(0.290 4±0.002 3)、TGF-β2(0.292 9±0.001 6)、Smad2(0.469 3±0.001 1)、Smad3(0.247 0±0.001 7)、pAKT(0.382 1±0.001 9)、ATK(0.119 6±0.001 6)and MEK1(0.258 9±0.000 3)in the BSP-knockdown group of EC cells decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion BSP is highly expressed in endometrial cancer and promotes cancer cell proliferation,invasion,and metastasis by activating the TGF-β signaling pathway.
9.A qualitative study on the dilemmas of discharge readiness in postoperative breast cancer patients from the perspective of Meleis' Transition Theory
Jiyu ZHU ; Xiaoling SUN ; Yiming LYU ; Bilu GU ; Lili YU ; Dandan XU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(29):3960-3967
Objective:To explore the dilemmas in the discharge preparation process of postoperative breast cancer patients within the framework of Meleis' Transition Theory, and to provide evidence for the development of nursing interventions to improve discharge readiness.Methods:This was a qualitative study. Using purposive sampling, postoperative breast cancer patients hospitalized in the Department of Breast Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University between September and October 2024 were selected for the study. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed and themes extracted using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method.Results:A total of four themes were extracted: personal status-patients experienced complex emotions at discharge; disease knowledge preparation-patients had insufficient mastery of relevant knowledge after discharge; coping ability-patients lacked confidence in home self-care after returning home; social support-patients desired support from peers and medical staff.Conclusions:Postoperative breast cancer patients face multiple dilemmas during discharge preparation. Medical staff are advised to pay attention to the psychological status of discharged patients and develop individualized emotional coping strategies; provide professional information and meet patients' fertility and sexual health knowledge needs; optimize health education models to enhance patients' home coping ability; and strengthen the integration of mobile health with nursing practice to build a multidimensional support system.
10.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.

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