1.Clinical Efficacy of Tangning Tongluo Tablets for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Fuwen ZHANG ; Junguo DUAN ; Wen XIA ; Tiantian SUN ; Yuheng SHI ; Shicui MEI ; Xiangxia LUO ; Xing LI ; Yujie PAN ; Yong DENG ; Chuanlian RAN ; Hao CHEN ; Li PEI ; Shuyu YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangning Tongluo tablets in the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsFourteen research centers participated in this study, which spanned a time interval from September 2021 to May 2023. A total of 240 patients with nonproliferative DR were included and randomly assigned into an observation group (120 cases) and a control group (120 cases). The observation group was treated with Tangning Tongluo tablets, and the control group with calcium dobesilate capsules. Both groups were treated for 24 consecutive weeks. The vision, DR progression rate, retinal microhemangioma, hemorrhage area, exudation area, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment, and the safety was observed. ResultsThe vision changed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group showed higher best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) than the control group (P<0.05). The DR progression was slow with similar rates in the two groups. The fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area did not change significantly after treatment in both groups, while the observation group outperformed the control group in reducing the fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area. There was no significant difference in the number of microhemangiomas between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the number of microhemangiomas decreased in both the observation group (Z=-1.437, P<0.05) and the control group (Z=-2.238, P<0.05), and it showed no significant difference between the two groups. As the treatment time prolonged, the number of microhemangiomas gradually decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the decline in the HbA1c level showed no significant difference between the two groups. The TCM syndrome score did not have a statistically significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, neither the TCM syndrome score nor the response rate had significant difference between the two groups. With the extension of the treatment time, both groups showed amelioration of TCM syndrome compared with the baseline. ConclusionTangning Tongluo tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of nonproliferative DR, being capable of improving vision and reducing hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus.
2.Research progress in small molecule inhibitors of complement factor B
Shuai WEN ; Yao ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Xing LI ; Yi MOU ; Zheng-yu JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):37-47
The alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of several diseases including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), C3 glomerular disease (C3G) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Complement factor B (CFB) is a trypsin-like serine protein that circulates in the human bloodstream in a latent form. As a key node of the alternative pathway, it is an important target for the treatment of diseases mediated by the complement system. With the successful launch of iptacopan, the CFB small molecule inhibitors has become a current research hotspot, a number of domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies are actively developing CFB small molecule inhibitors. In this paper, the research progress of CFB small molecule inhibitors in recent years is systematically summarized, the representative compounds and their activities are introduced according to structural types and design ideas, so as to provide reference and ideas for the subsequent research on CFB small molecule inhibitors.
3.The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region for Locomotion Control
Xing-Chen GUO ; Yan XIE ; Xin-Shuo WEI ; Wen-Fen LI ; Ying-Yu SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1804-1816
Locomotion, a fundamental motor function encompassing various forms such as swimming, walking, running, and flying, is essential for animal survival and adaptation. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), located at the midbrain-hindbrain junction, is a conserved brain area critical for controlling locomotion. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the MLR’s structure and function across species, from lampreys to mammals and birds, with a particular focus on insights gained from optogenetic studies in mammals. The goal is to uncover universal strategies for MLR-mediated locomotor control. Electrical stimulation of the MLR in species such as lampreys, salamanders, cats, and mice initiates locomotion and modulates speed and patterns. For example, in lampreys, MLR stimulation induces swimming, with increased intensity or frequency enhancing propulsive force. Similarly, in salamanders, graded stimulation transitions locomotor outputs from walking to swimming. Histochemical studies reveal that effective MLR stimulation sites colocalize with cholinergic neurons, suggesting a conserved neurochemical basis for locomotion control. In mammals, the MLR comprises two key nuclei: the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) and the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). Both nuclei contain glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, with the PPN additionally housing cholinergic neurons. Optogenetic studies in mice by selectively activating glutamatergic neurons have demonstrated that the CnF and PPN play distinct roles in motor control: the CnF drives rapid escape behaviors, while the PPN regulates slower, exploratory movements. This functional specialization within the MLR allows animals to adapt their locomotion patterns and speed in response to environmental demands and behavioral objectives. Similar to findings in lampreys, the CnF and PPN in mice transmit motor commands to spinal effector circuits by modulating the activity of brainstem reticular formation neurons. However, they achieve this through distinct reticulospinal pathways, enabling the generation of specific behaviors. Further insights from monosynaptic rabies viral tracing reveal that the CnF and PPN integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to produce context-appropriate behaviors. For instance, glutamatergic neurons in the PPN receive signals from other midbrain structures, the basal ganglia, and medullary nuclei, whereas glutamatergic neurons in the CnF rarely receive inputs from the basal ganglia but instead are strongly influenced by the periaqueductal grey and inferior colliculus within the midbrain. These differential connectivity patterns underscore the specialized roles of the CnF and PPN in motor control, highlighting their unique contributions to coordinating locomotion. Birds exhibit exceptional flight capabilities, yet the avian MLR remains poorly understood. Comparative studies suggest that the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) in birds is homologous to the mammalian PPN, which contains cholinergic neurons, while the intercollicular nucleus (ICo) or nucleus isthmi pars magnocellularis (ImC) may correspond to the CnF. These findings provide important clues for identifying the avian MLR and elucidating its role in flight control. However, functional validation through targeted experiments is urgently needed to confirm these hypotheses. Optogenetics and other advanced techniques in mice have greatly advanced MLR research, enabling precise manipulation of specific neuronal populations. Future studies should extend these methods to other species, particularly birds, to explore unique locomotor adaptations. Comparative analyses of MLR structure and function across species will deepen our understanding of the conserved and evolved features of motor control, revealing fundamental principles of locomotion regulation throughout evolution. By integrating findings from diverse species, we can uncover how the MLR has been adapted to meet the locomotor demands of different environments, from aquatic to aerial habitats.
4.N-butyl-9H-pyrimido4,5-bindole-2-carboxamide inhibits macrophage foaming and pyroptosis via NLRP3/caspase-1
Zhi-Yun SHU ; Zi-Xu HUYAN ; Wen-Qing ZHANG ; Shi-Shun XIE ; Hong-Yuan CHENG ; Guo-Xing XU ; Xiang-Jun LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1035-1041
Aim To design the pyrimidoindole deriva-tive N-butyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-2-carboxamide(BFPI)and synthesize it to investigate whether it in-hibits macrophage pyroptosis and foaming effects through the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway.Methods BFPI was synthesized using 2,4,6-triethoxycarbonyl-l,3,5-triazine and 2-aminoindole as starting materials and structurally characterized by 1H NMR,13C NMR,and ESI-MS.The in vitro cultured mouse monocyte macro-phage cell line RAW264.7 was divided into blank,model(PA)and therapeutic(BFPI)groups,and the cells in each group were treated with the corresponding culture medium for 24 h.The proliferative viability was detected by MTT assay,and the formation of intracel-lular lipid droplets was detected by oil red O staining,and NLRP3 was detected by Western-blot and RT-qPCR,caspase-1 and MCP-1 mRNA and protein ex-pression levels by Western blot and RT-qPCR.Results Compared with the blank group,the proliferation vi-ability of cells in the model group significantly de-creased and the formation of lipid droplets significantly increased;compared with the model group,the prolif-eration viability of cells in the treatment group signifi-cantly increased and the formation of lipid droplets sig-nificantly decreased,and the differences were statisti-cally significant(P<0.01);compared with the blank group,the cellular NLRP3,caspase-1 and MCP-1 mR-NA and protein expression levels of cells in the model group significantly increased;compared with the model group,the expression levels of the above indexes of the cells in the treatment group significantly decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusions BFPI contributes to delaying macrophage-derived foam cell formation during athero-genesis by inhibiting macrophage NLRP3,caspase-1,and MCP-1 expression and thereby promoting their pro-liferation and inhibiting lipid phagocytosis.
5.Research progress on neurobiological mechanisms underlying antidepressant effect of ketamine
Dong-Yu ZHOU ; Wen-Xin ZHANG ; Xiao-Jing ZHAI ; Dan-Dan CHEN ; Yi HAN ; Ran JI ; Xiao-Yuan PAN ; Jun-Li CAO ; Hong-Xing ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1622-1627
Major depressive disorder(MDD)is a prevalent con-dition associated with substantial impairment and low remission rates.Traditional antidepressants demonstrate delayed effects,low cure rate,and inadequate therapeutic effectiveness for man-aging treatment-resistant depression(TRD).Several studies have shown that ketamine,a non-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)antagonist,can produce rapid and sustained antidepressant effects.Ketamine has demonstrated efficacy for reducing suicidality in TRD patients.However,the pharmaco-logical mechanism for ketamine's antidepressant effects remains incompletely understood.Previous research suggests that the an-tidepressant effects of ketamine may involve the monoaminergic,glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems.This paper provides an overview of the pharmacological mechanism for ketamine's anti-depressant effects and discuss the potential directions for future research.
6.Research progress on molecular mechanism underlying neuropsychiatric diseases involving NMDA receptor and α2 adrenergic receptor
Wen-Xin ZHANG ; Dong-Yu ZHOU ; Yi HAN ; Ran JI ; Lin AI ; An XIE ; Xiao-Jing ZHAI ; Jun-Li CAO ; Hong-Xing ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(12):2206-2212
Glutamate,norepinephrine,and their receptors com-prise the glutamatergic and norepinephrine systems,which mu-tually affect each other and play essential roles in mediating vari-ous neuropsychiatric diseases.This paper reviews the functions of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDA-R)and α2-adrenergic receptor(α2-AR)and their functional crosstalk at the molecular level in brain in common neuropsychiatric diseases,which would benefit our understanding of neuropathophysiology of psychiatric diseases,drug development and optimization of clinical neuro-psychopharmacology.
7.Clinical value of high frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of hip joint involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Guo-Yan XUE ; Ying-Qi LI ; Rui WANG ; Wen-Xing WANG ; Zhuang DONG ; Jian-Feng DING
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(4):374-380
Objective To analyze the correlation between hip joint musculoskeletal ultrasound score and ankylosing spondylitis(AS)disease activity,as well as to investigate the value of high frequency ultrasound in the assessment of hip joint involvement in AS.Methods The clinical data of 244 patients with AS who were treated in the rheumatology department of from March 2019 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,there 174 males and 70 females,aged from 19 to 58 years old with an average of(34.22±9.49)years old;the disease duration of AS patients ranged from 8 months to 26 years,with an average of(13.68±4.04)years.The 244 patients were divided into disease group(83 cases)and control group(161 cases)based in the presence of hip joint involuement.According to the the disease activity,patients in the disease group were further categorezed into active phase(45 cases)and stable phase(38 cases).The ultrasound scores of patients in the active and stable phases of the disease group and the control group were compared.Relevant factors of hip joint involvement in AS patients were analyzed,and analyze the correlation between ultrasound score and Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score index(BASD AI),Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index(BASFI),visual analogue score of pain(VAS),C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),and the correlation between hip joint capsule score and tendon attach-ment end score and BASDAI,BASFI,VAS,CRP and ESR.Results The hip joint capsule score(3.06±1.12),femoral head score(1.45±0.43),tendon attachment end score(3.28±1.30)and total ultrasound score(6.65±2.31)of the disease group were higher than those of the control group(1.51±0.48)、(0.66±0.27)、(1.61±0.53)、(3.81±1.44)scores(P<0.05).Multifactor Logstic re-gression analysis showed that the course of disease,hip joint capsule score and total ultrasound score were independent risk factors for hip involvement in AS patients.The hip capsule score(3.65±1.22)and total ultrasound score(8.28±2.33)in the ac-tive phase of the disease group were higher than those in the stable phase(2.48±1.04)、(6.82±1.96)scores(P<0.05).The hip joint capsule score and total ultrasonic score of AS patients were positively correlated with BASDAI,BASFI,VAS,CRP,and ESR(P<0.05,P<0.01).The score of tendon attachment end was positively correlated with CRP(P<0.05).The score of joint capsule effusion in AS patients was positively correlated with BASDAI,BASFI and VAS(P<0.05,P<0.01).The synovial blood flow score was positively correlated with BASDAI,VAS,CRP and ESR(P<0.05,P<0.01).The synovial thickening score was positively correlated with BASDAI,BASFI,VAS,CRP and ESR(P<0.05,P<0.01).There was no correlation between the score of tendon attachment end and BASDAI,BASFI,VAS,CRP and ESR.Conclusion There is a correlation between hip joint ul-trasonic score of hip joint and clinical indexes in AS patients.Hip joint capsule score and total ultrasonic score were indepen-dent risk factors for hip involvement in AS patients.High frequency ultrasound exhibits clinical value in the diagnosis of hip joint involvement in AS patients.
8.Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in acute mitral regurgitation following acute myocardial infarction:a case report
Tong KAN ; Xing-Hua SHAN ; Song-Hua LI ; Fei-Fei DONG ; Ke-Yu CHEN ; Hua WANG ; Rui BAO ; Sai-Nan GU ; Yong-Wen QIN ; Yuan BAI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(11):658-660
Acute mitral regurgitation(MR)in the setting of myocardial infarction(MI)may be the result of papillary muscle rupture(PMR).The clinical presentation can be catastrophic,with refractory cardiogenic shock.This condition is associated with high morbidity and mortality.Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair(TEER)has become increasingly common in treating severe mitral regurgitation.This case details a successful TEER is feasible and safe in patients with acute MR following MI.TEER is an emerging treatment option in this clinical scenario that should be taken into consideration.
9.Clinical Features and Prognosis of Acute T-cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children——Multi-Center Data Analysis in Fujian
Chun-Ping WU ; Yong-Zhi ZHENG ; Jian LI ; Hong WEN ; Kai-Zhi WENG ; Shu-Quan ZHUANG ; Xing-Guo WU ; Xue-Ling HUA ; Hao ZHENG ; Zai-Sheng CHEN ; Shao-Hua LE
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):6-13
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia(T-ALL)in children and explore the prognostic risk factors.Methods:The clinical data of 127 newly diagnosed children with T-ALL admitted to five hospitals in Fujian province from April 2011 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed,and compared with children with newly diagnosed acute precursor B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL)in the same period.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the overall survival(OS)and event-free survival(EFS),and COX proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate the prognostic factors.Among 116 children with T-ALL who received standard treatment,78 cases received the Chinese Childhood Leukemia Collaborative Group(CCLG)-ALL 2008 protocol(CCLG-ALL 2008 group),and 38 cases received the China Childhood Cancer Collaborative Group(CCCG)-ALL 2015 protocol(CCCG-ALL 2015 group).The efficacy and serious adverse event(SAE)incidence of the two groups were compared.Results:Proportion of male,age ≥ 10 years old,white blood cell count(WBC)≥ 50 × 109/L,central nervous system leukemia,minimal residual disease(MRD)≥ 1%during induction therapy,and MRD ≥ 0.01%at the end of induction in T-ALL children were significantly higher than those in B-ALL children(P<0.05).The expected 10-year EFS and OS of T-ALL were 59.7%and 66.0%,respectively,which were significantly lower than those of B-ALL(P<0.001).COX analysis showed that WBC ≥ 100 x 109/L at initial diagnosis and failure to achieve complete remission(CR)after induction were independent risk factors for poor prognosis.Compared with CCLG-ALL 2008 group,CCCG-ALL 2015 group had lower incidence of infection-related SAE(15.8%vs 34.6%,P=0.042),but higher EFS and OS(73.9%vs 57.2%,PEFS=0.090;86.5%vs 62.3%,PoS=0.023).Conclusions:The prognosis of children with T-ALL is worse than children with B-ALL.WBC ≥ 100 × 109/L at initial diagnosis and non-CR after induction(especially mediastinal mass has not disappeared)are the risk factors for poor prognosis.CCCG-ALL 2015 regimen may reduce infection-related SAE and improve efficacy.
10.Identification of Novel Variations in Exon 1 of ABO Blood Group Gene
Yang XUE ; Chao LI ; Wen-Long XIN ; Xing ZENG ; Tao MA ; Fang-Fang CHEN ; Chen CAO ; Hong-Jun GAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(4):1212-1216
Objective:Serological and molecular biology methods were used to identify the blood type of a patient with forward and reverse ABO typing inconsistency,and to explore the genetic characteristics of this blood type.Methods:The ABO phenotype of the proband was identified by tube method,and the ABO blood group genotype of the proband and her parents was determined by fluorescent PCR.The 7 exons of the ABO gene were directly sequenced and analyzed.Results:According to preliminary serological identification,the ABO phenotype of this patient was Bel subtype.Genotyping tests showed that the ABO genotype of the proband and her father was B/O1,and her mother was O1/O1.Sequencing of exons revealed novel heterozygous variations in exon 1:c.16_17delinsTGTTGCA.Conclusion:The Novel variations in exon 1 led to Bel subtype in the ABO blood group of the proband,and these variations are heritable.

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