1.Research progress on the role of macrophages in atherosclerosis
Wenxiu MA ; Li BAI ; Wen MA ; Tingting QI ; Haonan ZHANG ; Xuan WANG ; Xin ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):770-775
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic and inflammatory vascular disease. Macrophages are common immune cells and play an important role in the development of AS. In recent years, research has found that the formation of AS plaques is closely related to pathological and physiological processes such as macrophage polarization, energy metabolism, and lipid phagocytosis. This review aims to summarize the mechanism of macrophages in the development of AS, and to explore potential therapeutic methods for delaying AS by regulating macrophages, providing new ideas for the treatment and research of AS.
2.Compilation Instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment
Xin CUI ; Yanping BAI ; Ping SONG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):267-273
Compilation instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment elaborates on the formulation methods and evidence-based basis of the consensus. To address the problems of insufficient evidence on efficacy, vague indications, and a lack of uniform standard for Binghuang Fule Ointment in clinical application, 34 experts from 29 medical institutions across China participated in the compilation under the lead of the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine and Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, as well as China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The compilation strictly adhered to the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development (GB/T 1.1—2020), and the Guidance of Instructions for Compiling Expert Consensus on Clinical Practice of Chinese Patent Medicine. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, the compilation was completed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) evidence grading system. The detailed workflow included various key links. In clinical question construction, 15 items were screened by the nominal group method. In evidence retrieval, Chinese and English databases, along with gray literature, were covered to obtain 116 clinical and 33 pharmaceutical studies. In safety assessment, drug monitoring data and clinical research results were integrated, clarifying local adverse skin reactions and contraindications. Ultimately, 8 recommendations were formed by the GRADE grid method, while 16 consensus suggestions were reached via the majority vote rule. The results showed that the Binghuang Fule Ointment was applicable to eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, tinea pedis, and other diseases. The Consensus also elucidated the syndrome differentiation points, usage and dosage for different diseases (such as adjustment of course and application frequency), as well as the indications of combination medication. Additionally, safety assessment suggested that the Ointment should be used with caution in individuals with skin ulceration or hypersensitivity. To ensure methodological rigor, the compilation process went through three rounds of internal and external expert reviews, while a comprehensive analysis was conducted by literature analysis, the Delphi method, and other methods. This compilation instruction provided methodological support for the clinical transformation of the Consensus through key links, including project initiation, international registration, informed consent, conflict-of-interest statements, evidence evaluation, and popularization. The Consensus will be continuously improved through a dynamic revision mechanism in the future.
3.Compilation Instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment
Xin CUI ; Yanping BAI ; Ping SONG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):267-273
Compilation instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment elaborates on the formulation methods and evidence-based basis of the consensus. To address the problems of insufficient evidence on efficacy, vague indications, and a lack of uniform standard for Binghuang Fule Ointment in clinical application, 34 experts from 29 medical institutions across China participated in the compilation under the lead of the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine and Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, as well as China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The compilation strictly adhered to the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development (GB/T 1.1—2020), and the Guidance of Instructions for Compiling Expert Consensus on Clinical Practice of Chinese Patent Medicine. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, the compilation was completed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) evidence grading system. The detailed workflow included various key links. In clinical question construction, 15 items were screened by the nominal group method. In evidence retrieval, Chinese and English databases, along with gray literature, were covered to obtain 116 clinical and 33 pharmaceutical studies. In safety assessment, drug monitoring data and clinical research results were integrated, clarifying local adverse skin reactions and contraindications. Ultimately, 8 recommendations were formed by the GRADE grid method, while 16 consensus suggestions were reached via the majority vote rule. The results showed that the Binghuang Fule Ointment was applicable to eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, tinea pedis, and other diseases. The Consensus also elucidated the syndrome differentiation points, usage and dosage for different diseases (such as adjustment of course and application frequency), as well as the indications of combination medication. Additionally, safety assessment suggested that the Ointment should be used with caution in individuals with skin ulceration or hypersensitivity. To ensure methodological rigor, the compilation process went through three rounds of internal and external expert reviews, while a comprehensive analysis was conducted by literature analysis, the Delphi method, and other methods. This compilation instruction provided methodological support for the clinical transformation of the Consensus through key links, including project initiation, international registration, informed consent, conflict-of-interest statements, evidence evaluation, and popularization. The Consensus will be continuously improved through a dynamic revision mechanism in the future.
4.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of SkinPro Ointment
Xin CUI ; Ping SONG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yanping BAI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):163-170
SkinPro Ointment is an emulsion-based preparation derived from a traditional Tibetan medical empirical formula and developed using modern pharmaceutical technology. It is an exclusive patented product of Tibet Hairong Tangguo Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and has been listed as a National Protected Traditional Chinese Medicine Variety, the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, and classified as a Category B product in the National Basic Medical Insurance Catalog. The ointment possesses the functions of clearing heat and drying dampness, activating blood circulation and dispelling wind, relieving itching and reducing inflammation. Clinically, it is used for skin pruritus caused by dampness-heat accumulation or blood-heat with wind-dryness, as well as pruritic skin diseases such as neurodermatitis, eczema, tinea pedis, and psoriasis. To clarify the standards for its clinical application and promote rational drug use, a consensus working group comprising 34 national experts in dermatology, evidence-based medicine, and pharmacy was established. Through expert interviews, the nominal group technique, and questionnaire surveys, 15 clinical issues were identified. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence grading system was employed to assess the quality of evidence, leading to the formulation of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of SkinPro Ointment. This consensus specifies that the intended users are physicians and pharmacists in medical institutions at all levels. It standardizes the clinical application of the ointment, including syndrome characteristics, dosage and course of treatment, combination therapy, precautions, and contraindications. Recommendations and consensus suggestions were formed addressing the 15 clinical issues, covering the following key areas: ①Indications and TCM syndromes: In TCM, the ointment mainly treats conditions such as "damp sores" (Shichuang), "white scaling" (Baibi), "collar sores" (Shelingchuang), and "damp foot Qi" (Jiaoshiqi), corresponding to eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, and tinea pedis in Western medicine. The relevant TCM syndromes are identified as dampness-heat accumulation or blood-heat with wind-dryness. ②Usage and dosage: For external use, apply to the affected area 3 times daily. The dosage should follow the fingertip unit (FTU) principle. A treatment course of 1-2 weeks is recommended for mild to moderate cases; for serious cases, the course should be followed as prescribed by a physician. ③Combined therapy: The ointment can be used as monotherapy for mild cases. For moderate to severe cases, combination therapy is recommended, with reference to relevant clinical guidelines. ④Safety: Common adverse reactions include skin rashes, pruritus, and erythema. The ointment is contraindicated in patients with broken skin or obvious exudation at the affected area, as well as in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components. Contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes and oral mucosa should be avoided. Modern research shows that the ointment also has potential efficacy in other dermatological conditions, such as adult atopic dermatitis, tinea cruris, exfoliative keratolysis, acne vulgaris, and Malassezia folliculitis. This consensus provides a scientific basis for promoting the rational clinical use of SkinPro Ointment, improving its therapeutic efficacy, and reducing medication risks. Future updates will be dynamically revised according to emerging clinical issues and new evidence.
5.Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza A (H3N2) cases in Tangshan City in 2023 - 2025
Xiaojing SONG ; Jing SUN ; Lichao MAO ; Xue' ; er BAI ; Xin ZHOU ; Da LI ; Lei QIN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(5):82-86
Objective To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza A(H3N2) in Tangshan City, Hebei Province, from 2023 to 2025, and to provide a scientific basis for precise prevention and control of local influenza. Methods The influenza-like cases and influenza outbreak cases in the influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Tangshan City from January 2023 to December 2025 were included in this study. The clinical characteristics and epidemic characteristics of H3N2 influenza patients were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods and chi-square test. Results A total of 11 567 influenza case samples were tested in the study, with a positive rate of 9.34% (1 080/11 567). Influenza A (H3N2) remained the predominant circulating subtype throughout the study period. January 2023 to February 2023 marked the tailing end of the previous season’s H3N2. Then, a minor peak dominated by H1N1 occurred from March to June, and H3N2 circulated again from October to December, peaking in December. From September 2024 to December 2024, H1N1 and H3N2 circulated concurrently, with H3N2 as the dominant strain, peaking in January of the following year. From March 2025 to September 2025, influenza activity remained at low level, and activity began to rise in October, with H1N1 peaking in November before declining, and H3N2 becoming the dominant strain in December. H3N2 mainly occurred in the 5-14 years old group. Cases in the 0–4-year-old group were primarily characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, with high fever being common. Cases in the 5–59-year-old group were primarily characterized by systemic and respiratory symptoms, with better clinical outcomes. Cases aged 60 and older exhibited the highest rates of hospitalization, severe illness, and incidence of complications. Conclusion From 2023 to 2025, the influenza virus in Tangshan City, Hebei Province is dominated by influenza A (H3N2). The epidemic is characterized by a peak incidence during autumn and winter, co-circulation with H1N1, and fluctuations during the peak period. It is necessary to pay attention to the clinical management and prevention and control of influenza A (H3N2) in infants and the elderly.
6.Effects of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills on angiogenesis and JAK2/STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway in rats with vascular cognitive impairment
Juan LIU ; Yan-jie LI ; Zhi-xin ZHANG ; Hao-yuan LIU ; Yan-jie BAI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3622-3629
AIM To investigate the effect of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills on angiogenesis and JAK2/STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway in rats with vascular cognitive impairment(VCI).METHODS Ten of seventy-two male SD rats were randomly selected as sham operation group,and the remaining rats were made VCI rat model by ligation of common carotid artery in stages.Rats after successful modeling were randomly divided into model group,low and high dose groups of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills(13.8 g/kg,27.6 g/kg),nimodipine group(10 mg/kg)and high dose of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills+AG490(JAK2 inhibitor)group(Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills 27.6 g/kg+AG490 3 mg/kg).The samples were taken after 4 weeks of corresponding dose of drugs.Pathological changes in hippocampus were observed by HE staining.Nissl staining was used to observe the loss of neurons in hippocampus.Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of p-JAK2,p-STAT3 and VEGF in hippocampus.The ultrastructure of neurons in hippocampus was observed by transmission electron microscope.The expression of CD34 was detected by immunofluorescence staining and the microvessel density(MVD)of ischemic penumbra was calculated.RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group,the escape latency of the model group was prolonged(P<0.01),and the times of crossing the platform were reduced(P<0.01);neurons in hippocampus were loose in structure and disordered in arrangement;the number of Nissl bodies decreased and the loss was serious;mitochondrial crista dissolved and disappeared,and mitochondrial damage was aggravated;the protein expressions of p-JAK2,p-STAT3 and VEGF in hippocampus increased(P<0.05);the number of MVD in hippocampus increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the escape latency of rats in each dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills and nimodipine group were shortened(P<0.01),and the times of crossing the platform were increased(P<0.01);the number of hippocampal neurons increased,the morphology was normal,and the disorder degree improved;Nissl's corpuscles were abundant and the loss is reduced;mitochondrial damage was reduced and gradually returned to normal shape;the protein expressions of p-JAK2,p-STAT3 and VEGF in hippocampus increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the number of MVD in hippocampus increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).AG490 reversed the high-dose effect of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills may promote angiogenesis,reduce neuronal damage and promote the recovery of brain function by activating JAK2/STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway,thus playing an improving role in VCI rats.
7.Quantitative Determination of Taurine in Functional Drinks by Pre-Column Derivatization Capillary Electrochromatography Coupled with Electrochemiluminescence Detection
Xin TIAN ; Min ZHOU ; Lin XIE ; De-Xia BAI ; Miao-Miao ZHU ; Yong-Jun MA
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):1010-1018
Using a novel(OH)n-C60@SiO2@Tm2O3@Ca5(PO4)3(OH)quaternary nano-particles/cross-linked chitosan coated open-tubular capillary column(QNPsC-OTCC)as the analytical column,a new method for highly selective determination of taurine(TAU)in functional drinks using pre-column derivatization capillary electrochromatography coupled with electrochemiluminescence(CEC-ECL)detection was established.In the experiments,it was found that adding hexamethylenetetramine as a co-catalyst in N-methylation derivative reaction could quantitatively convert TAU into a single derivative product that cuold be detected by ECL.With the help of Ru(bpy)32+reagent,the ECL peak intensity of TAU derivative was increased by more than 1000 times compared to the original TAU.In addition,a Ru-containing d-f cyano-bridged heterometallic coordination polymer modified platinum electrode was used instead of a bare platinum electrode as working electrode for ECL detection,which resulted in a further increase of the peak response of TAU derivatives about 5.7 times.Under optimized analytical conditions,by using betastatin hydrochloride(BSH)as the internal standard and simultaneously derivatized with TAU,the relative ratio of peak intensity of TAU and BSH derivatives showed a linear relationship with the initial TAU concentration in a two-segment ranges of 0.2-6.0 mmol/L and 6.0-10 mmol/L.The limit of detection of TAU was 0.09 mmol/L(S/N=3).The developed method was applied to determination of TAU contents in four commercial functional drink samples,and the relative standard deviations(RSDs)for relative intensity ratio were less than 0.9%,and the recoveries were in the range of 95.0%~102.0%,indicating good practicability of the method.
8.Autophagy in different subtypes of breast cancer cells mediated by p-AMPK and its molecular mechanisms
Xin-jiao YANG ; Ru-yao HU ; Zhe XIONG ; Di ZOU ; Jie CAI ; Cong-long XIA ; Zhong-bin BAI ; Hong-ye ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):898-907
Aim To investigate the effect of p-AMPK activity on autophagy in different subtypes of MDA-MB-231(triple-negative breast cancer cells)and MCF-7(estrogen receptor-positive cells)and its regulatory mechanism.Methods MDA-MB-231 cells were trea-ted with EBSS,Baf-A1,and EBSS+Baf-A1 for four hours,and MCF-7 cells for eight hours.The effects of autophagy on cell proliferation and apoptosis were ob-served,mitochondrial morphology was examined,and the expression of autophagy markers LC3B,P62,LAMP1,TOM20,AMPK,p-AMPK,ULK1,and Bec-lin1/VPS34 proteins was detected.The autophagy pathway was validated by inhibiting AMPK activity.Results Breast cancer cells underwent autophagy af-ter starvation induction(EBSS),with inconsistent au-tophagy processes observed in different subtypes of breast cancer cells.Autophagy inhibited cell prolifera-tion.In MDA-MB-231 cells,autophagy led to an in-crease in p-AMPK levels and a decrease in ULK1 lev-els,initiating autophagy through p-AMPK activation of ULK1.In MCF-7 cells,both p-AMPK and ULK1 levels decreased after autophagy,suggesting that autophagy might not be mediated by p-AMPK activation.Conclu-sions MDA-MB-231 cells primarily initiate autophagy by directly activating ULK1 by p-AMPK,independent of the MTOR pathway.In MCF-7 cells autophagy might be triggered by inhibiting MTOR through AMPK activity or directly activating MTOR through other up-stream factors.Regulating p-AMPK activity based on the autophagy pathways in different cell subtypes could enable more precise targeting and treatment of different types of breast cancer.
9.Effect of Guanxinning injection on myocardial infarction by regulating cardiac immunity through CCL21
Yu-xin BAI ; Ying-xue ZHANG ; Ting-ting SHI ; Si-nan ZHU ; Zhen-kun XU ; Hong WANG ; Lu CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):960-969
Aim To investigate the mechanism of Guanxinning injection regulating cardiac immune mi-croenvironment to improve myocardial infarction in mice.Methods In this study,MI model was estab-lished by permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery in mice.The mice were divided into five groups:sham operation group,model group,Guanxinning injection low dose group,Guanxinning in-jection high dose group and positive drug captopril group.Hearts were weighed,heart tissues were collect-ed,and Masson staining was used for pathological anal-ysis of heart tissues;immunofluorescence staining was used to detect apoptosis and CCL21 expression in the infarct border zone;flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of immune cells in myocardial ischemia tissues and lymph nodes;PCR was used to detect CCL21 expression in heart and in vitro human lymphat-ic endothelial cells(HLEC).Results Compared with the model group,the low and high dose groups of Guanxinning injection significantly improved cardiac hypertrophy.Apoptosis in the border zone of myocardi-al infarction was reduced in the low and high dose groups of Guanxinning injection and captopril group.Compared with the model group,the proportion of leu-kocytes in the infarct border zone was dreduced and the proportion of CD4+T cells,Treg cells,and CD8+T cells in the mediastinal lymph nodes and infarct border zone of the heart was regulated in the low and high dose groups of Guanxinning injection;CCL21 secretion by the heart and lymphatic vessels increased.Conclu-sions Guanxinning injection can significantly improve cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in MI mice,reduce ap-optosis in the infarct border zone,and play a role in an-ti-myocardial ischemia injury by promoting CCL21 ex-pression in lymphatic vessels to regulate the proportion of mediastinal lymph nodes and cardiac T cells after myocardial infarction.
10.The protective effect of crocin acid on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury and its mechanism
Xiu-ying JIN ; Xin-ping ZHANG ; Bai-le ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):521-528
Aim To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effect of crocetin(Cro)on acute intestinal injury induced by radiation(RT)and its related mech-anism.Methods Forty mice were randomly divided into four groups:control group,radiation group(RT group),low-dose Cro intervention group(RT+Low-dose Cro group)and high-dose Cro intervention group(RT+High-dose Cro group).The RT group was given a single dose of 12Gy radiation to the abdomen.The Cro intervention group was treated with 25 mg·kg-1 and 100 mg·kg-1 Cro by gavage once a day before ra-diation until seven days after radiation.The mice in each group were weighed.The morphology of intestinal tissue was observed by HE staining.The levels of in-testinal inflammatory factors and oxidative stress were detected.The expressions of Lgr5,Ki67,lysozyme,ZO-1 and Occludin in small intestine tissuewere detected by immunohistochemistry.The expressions of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling related proteinswere detected by Western blot.Results Compared to the control group,mice in the RT group exhibited a significant decrease in body weight(P<0.01).Additionally,they dis-played evident morphological damage to the small in-testine and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-6)as well as oxidative stress markers(in-creased ROS and MDA levels,decreased GSH and SOD activities)(P<0.01).Moreover,there was an in-crease in Lgr5 and Ki67 positive cells within the crypts(P<0.01).The expressions of Occludin,lysozyme,ZO-1,and HO-1 were reduced in small intestine while Nrf2,p-p65,and p-IκB expressions increased(P<0.01).The improvements in the Cro group were sig-nificantly greater than the RT group(P<0.01),with a more pronounced effect observed in the high-dose group.Conclusions Cro has a preventive and thera-peutic effect on radiation-induced intestinal injury,and its mechanism is related to anti-inflammation,anti-oxi-dation,improvement of intestinal barrier function,pro-motion of intestinal stem cell regeneration,enhance-ment of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and reduction of NF-κB signaling activity.


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