1.Research advances in hepatitis B virus genome integration
Yaoxin WANG ; Xiaomei WANG ; Junqi NIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):21-25
HBV DNA integration (iDNA) is the core barrier that must be overcome to achieve functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and to prevent the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During reverse transcription, 5% — 10% of viral genomes are converted into double-stranded linear DNA that is randomly inserted into host chromosomes, generating stable iDNA and continuously producing HBsAg, thereby driving B- and T-cell immune exhaustion and locking the host in an immune-tolerant state. The process of iDNA runs throughout the entire natural history of HBV infection, and the viral enhancers it carries can promote clonal hyperplasia of indeterminate potential, accumulate pre-neoplastic mutations, and ultimately lead to HCC. Although long-term nucleos(t)ide analog or interferon therapy can suppress viral replication and reduce the formation of new integrations, existing therapies still fail to eliminate existing iDNA. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative strategies that can precisely target integration breakpoints, epigenetically silence iDNA, or eradicate integrated clones, so as to significantly increase the functional cure rate of CHB and fundamentally reduce the risk of HCC.
2.Impacts of wearing orthokeratology lenses on ocular surface and meibomian gland of children and adolescents in high-altitude areas
Duqin WANG ; Xiaomei MA ; Xueying LIU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):489-492
AIM: To explore the impacts of wearing orthokeratology lenses on the ocular surface and meibomian gland of children and adolescents in high-altitude areas.METHODS: Retrospective study. Myopic children and adolescents who visited at the ophthalmology department and received orthokeratology lens from June 2023 to December 2023 were selected as orthokeratology group, and those who visited and wore regular spectacle group during the same period were selected as regular spectacle group. Then the ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, tear meniscus height, non-invasive breakup time(NIBUT)[first NIBUT(fNIBUT), average NIBUT(avNIBUT)], and meibomian gland score were compared between the two groups before wearing lenses, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo after wearing lenses.RESULTS: A total of 80 children(160 eyes)with myopia were included in this study. Among them, 40 cases(80 eyes)were in the orthokeratology lens group, with 25 males and 15 females and an average age of 11.33±2.76 years old, and 40 cases(80 eyes)were in the regular spectacle group, with 23 males and 17 females and an average age of 11.58±2.94 years old. The OSDI scores and tear meniscus heights showed no clear difference between two groups at various time points before and after wearing glasses(all P>0.05). The fNIBUT and avNIBUT of the orthokeratology lens group decreased compared with the regular spectacle group at 6 and 12 mo after wearing lenses, and meibomian gland score of the orthokeratology group was higher than that of the regular spectacle group at 12 mo after wearing lenses(all P<0.001). Among them, the fNIBUT and avNIBUT of the orthokeratology lenses group at 3, 6, and 12 mo after wearing glasses were lower than those before wearing glasses(all P<0.05). Moreover, the meibomian gland scores of the orthokeratology lenses group at 12 mo after wearing glasses were higher than those before wearing glasses, and 1, 3, and 6 mo after wearing glasses(all P<0.05), while there was no statistical difference in fNIBUT, avNIBUT, and meibomian gland score at each time point in the regular spectacle group(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Long term wearing of orthokeratology lenses can shorten the NIBUT of myopic children and adolescents in high-altitude areas, and have a certain impact on their meibomian gland function.
3.Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats
Jingrong QU ; Bo WANG ; Yulong WANG ; Hao LI ; Xiaomei AN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):21-32
This study aims to investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on diabetic retinopathy through the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 pathway. The anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) targets of APS were identified through comprehensive searches of drug and disease-related databases. A protein-protein interaction network was then constructed, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.Molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate the interactions of APS and metformin with Gli1 and AQP1. An in vivo T2DM rat model was established via streptozotocin (STZ) injection and treated with metformin and varying doses of APS for 12 weeks. Histological changes in retinal cells were assessed using H&E and PAS staining. The expression levels of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH in the retina were measured using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Additionally, mRNA expression of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH was quantified by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that Gli1 and AQP1, key components of the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway, may be associated with T2DM. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the STZ-induced T2DM rats exhibited significant retinal damage, which was notably mitigated by both APS and metformin treatments. Furthermore, the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway was found to be overactivated in STZ-induced T2DM rats. Treatment with APS and metformin significantly reduced the elevated expression levels of SHH, Gli1, and AQP1. APS effectively inhibits retinal damage of STZinduced T2DM rats by restraining the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
6.Influencing factors for the dyadic coping level among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
WANG Xiaomei ; ZHEN Shan ; WENG Xiaofei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(7):664-667,672
Objective:
To investigate the dyadic coping level and and its influencing factors among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so as to provide the basis for reinforcing their self-management.
Methods:
Patients with COPD visiting the Hangzhou First People's Hospital from January to December 2024 were selected using a convenience sampling method. The demographic information was collected by questionnaire survey. The dyadic coping level, self-efficacy, and intimate relationship satisfaction were evaluated using the Dyadic Coping Inventory, Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease Scale, and Quality of Relationship Index, respectively. Factors affecting dyadic coping level among patients with COPD were analyzed using multiple linear regression model.
Results:
A total of 129 (54.66%) male patients and 107 (45.34%) female patients were investigated. Among them, 175 (74.15%) patients aged 60 to 84 years. The mean dyadic coping score was (124.10±8.95) points, self-efficacy score was (39.22±5.18) points, and intimate relationship satisfaction score was (5.16±1.08) points among patients with COPD. Multiple linear regression analysis identified that dyadic coping level was higher among patients with COPD who aged 41-<60 years (β'=0.182), had high school/secondary specialized educational level (β'=0.201) or college degree or above educational level (β'=0.325), had monthly household income per capita of 3 000-6 000 yuan (β'=0.196) or >6 000 yuan (β'=0.308), had disease duration ≥5 years (β'=0.214), scored high in self-efficacy (β'=0.209) and intimate satisfaction (β'=0.231).
Conclusion
The dyadic coping level among patients with COPD was related to age, educational level, monthly household income per capita, disease duration, self-efficacy and intimacy satisfaction.
7.Cost-effectiveness analysis of insulin degludec and insulin aspart in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jiali QIN ; Yawen ZHANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Shan JIANG ; Xiaoyan YOU ; Xiaomei WANG ; Xianying WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2809-2814
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of insulin degludec and insulin aspart (IDegAsp) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in China. METHODS A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, using the CORE diabetes model to simulate long-term (20-year) health and economic outcomes. Baseline cohort characteristics and treatment effect data were derived from the CREATE study. The prices of glucose- lowering drugs were obtained from medical insurance payment standards and the average winning bid prices in the follow-up round of the specialized centralized procurement for insulin, while the daily dosages were derived from the CREATE study. The costs of complications and utility values were obtained from published literature, with a discount rate of 5%. One-way sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to verify the robustness of the results. RESULTS Patients switching from previous once-daily basal insulin regimens to IDegAsp therapy gained an incremental 0.190 quality-adjusted life year (QALY) with direct medical cost savings of 42 163.58 yuan. For those switching from premixed insulin therapies, IDegAsp treatment provided 0.130 incremental QALY and reduced direct healthcare costs by 41 129.11 yuan. The outcome was significantly influenced by the discount rate and the cost of complications. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings. CONCLUSIONS Switching from previous daily basal insulin or premixed insulin regimens to IDegAsp in Chinese patients with T2DM can improve patients’ long-term health outcomes and achieve cost savings, making it a more cost-effective treatment option.
8.Analysis on Pharmacodynamic Material Basis and Mechanism of Famous Classical Formula Renshen Wuweizi Tang in Treatment of Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Shanshan LI ; Yute ZHONG ; Xiaomei XIANG ; Wei KANG ; Shufan ZHOU ; Ping WANG ; Haiyu XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):31-39
ObjectiveBased on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Renshen Wuweizi Tang in treating spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. MethodsThe chemical components in the decoction of Renshen Wuweizi Tang were systematically characterized and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and network pharmacology was used to screen potential active ingredients, collect component targets and gene sets related to spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome, and obtain protein interaction relationships through STRING. Cytoscape 3.9.1 was used to construct a "formula-syndrome" association network and calculate topological feature values. Gene ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed on core genes to explore potential pharmacodynamic links, the average shortest path between the formula-drug target network and the pharmacodynamic link gene network was calculated to discover dominant pharmacodynamic links, and MCODE plugin was used to identify core gene clusters from the dominant pharmacodynamic links, which were validated using Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO), and molecular docking was performed between key components and core targets. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-seven components were identified in the negative ion mode, and eighty components were identified in the positive ion mode. After deduplication, a total of 185 components were identified, mainly composed of triterpenoid saponins(49) and flavonoids(54). Based on the "formula-syndrome" correlation network analysis, energy metabolism was determined to be the dominant pharmacodynamic link of Renshen Wuweizi Tang in the treatment of spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. The results of molecular docking showed that 7 components(adenosine, atractylenolide Ⅱ, atractylenolide Ⅲ, ginsenoside Rg1, glycyrrhizin B2, glycyrrhizin E2 and campesterol) from 4 medicinal materials(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Poria) in this formula might regulate energy metabolism by acting on 6 targets, namely cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein 1(CREB1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH), interleukin(IL)-6, nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα), and tumor necrosis factor(TNF), thus improving the symptoms of diseases related to spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. ConclusionThis study established a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS for rapid characterization and identification of chemical components in the decoction of Renshen Wuweizi Tang, expanding the understanding of the material composition of this formula, and found that 7 components might act on the key advantageous pharmacodynamic link "energy metabolism" through 6 targets to improve the related symptoms of spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. This can provide a reference for the subsequent exploration of the material benchmark and mechanism of the famous classical formula.
9.Dietary nutrition status and nutritional intervention strategy of 1302 patients with Alzheimer's disease
Yufang WANG ; Yuanfang ZHAO ; Xiaomei HAO ; Yining LIANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):47-51
Objective To explore the dietary nutrition status and nutritional intervention strategy of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods Among the 1 332 patients with AD diagnosed at Xijing Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were enrolled as the study subjects. The dietary intake data of patients were collected through questionnaire surveys and dietary reviews. During the study period, 30 patients did not complete the intervention due to withdrawal or loss of follow-up. Based on the actual number of people who completed the intervention, AD patients were randomly divided into intervention group (n=651, individualized nutritional intervention strategy) and control group (n=651, routine nutritional intervention), and both groups were intervened for 3 months. The cognitive function (MMSE score and MoCA score), nutritional status (MNA scale, NRS-2002 scale), and quality of life (GQOL-74) of the two groups of AD patients were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention strategies. Results A total of 1 332 questionnaires were distributed, and 1 302 valid questionnaires were finally recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 97.75% (1 302/1 332). The survey results showed that there were no statistical differences in baseline characteristics and dietary nutrition status between the two groups of AD patients before intervention (P>0.05). After nutritional intervention, the cognitive function, quality of life, and nutritional status of patients in the intervention group were significantly improved. The MMSE score, MoCA score, MNA score, and GQOL-74 score of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group, while the NRS-2002 score was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Nutritional intervention strategy has a significant effect on improving nutritional status, cognitive function, and quality of life of AD patients.
10.Network meta-analysis of Insulin degludec and liraglutide injection versus Insulin glargine and lixisenatide injection in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Xiaomei WANG ; Xiaoyan YOU ; Jiali QIN ; Yang LIU ; Xianying WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):874-880
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Insulin degludec and liraglutide injection (IDegLira) and Insulin glargine and lixisenatide injection(iGlarLixi) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), and provide an evidence-based basis for the clinical treatment of T2DM. METHODS Computerized searches of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang data and VIP were conducted with a time frame from the inception to August 2024. Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) were rigorously screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, from which information was extracted and included studies were evaluated for risk of bias. Network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software. RESULTS A total of 15 RCTs, including 9 513 patients, were included, involving four treatment regimens: IDegLira, iGlarLixi, insulin degludec(IDeg), and insulin glargine(iGlar). The differences between IDegLira and iGlarLixi were not statistically significant(P>0.05) for the outcome indexes of glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, body weight, and the incidence of adverse events(P>0.05); for the outcome index of the incidence of hypoglycemic events, IDegLira was significantly superior to iGlarLixi [OR=0.41,95%CI(0.18,0.91),P<0.05]. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA) results showed that iGlarLixi(84.5%)>IDegLira(81.7%) in lowering HbA1c; IDegLira(71.3%)>iGlarLixi(20.0%) in lowering fasting blood glucose; IDegLira(90.7%)>iGlarLixi(61.8%) in lowering body weight; IDegLira(95.5%)>iGlarLixi(9.7%) in reducing the incidence of hypoglycemic events; and IDegLira(27.1%)>iGlarLixi(14.5%) in reducing the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS iGlarLixi has better therapeutic efficacy in reducing HbA1c; IDegLira has better therapeutic efficacy in reducing fasting blood glucose and body weight. IDegLira has the lowest risk of hypoglycemia.


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