1.Ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction and its active fractions on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Jinbiao YANG ; Xingtong CHEN ; Yunyue ZHOU ; Ruihong YANG ; Qiao WANG ; Shuang XUE ; Yukun ZHANG ; Wenying NIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):299-304
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) and its active fractions in ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS BYHWD and its effective fractions obtained through ethanol precipitation, as well as 30% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 75% ethanol fractions (namely, the CC effective fraction, 30YC effective fraction, 50YC effective fraction, and 75YC effective fraction), were prepared. These preparations were administered to rats via intragastric administration to prepare corresponding drug-containing serum (blank serum and simvastatin-containing serum were prepared using the same protocol). Human L02 hepatocytes were divided into control group, model group, simvastatin-containing serum group, BYHWD-containing serum group, CC-containing serum group, 30YC-containing serum group, 50YC-containing serum group, and 75YC-containing serum group. Except for the control group, other groups were given 0.2 mol/L oleic acid for 24 h to induce a lipid accumulation model, and then intervened with 20% drug-containing serum/blank serum for 24 h. The lipid deposition in cells was observed, and the proportion of lipid droplet area was calculated; the levels of triglycerides (TG) and indicators of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] as well as liver function [alanine amino- transferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST)] in cells were detected; protein and mRNA expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1)/glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) signaling pathway were also measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group, cells in the model group exhibited severe cellular steatosis, with a significantly increased proportion of lipid droplet area, as well as the elevated levels of TG, ALT, AST, and MDA in cells, along with significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1 and GPAT (P<0.05). The level of SOD, mRNA expression of AMPK, as well as the protein phosphorylation level of AMPK were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, cellular steatosis was alleviated in all drug-containing serum groups, and the levels of most of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS BYHWD and its active fractions can exert a therapeutic effect on improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the AMPK/SREBP-1/GPAT signaling pathway, inhibiting oxidative stress responses, and reducing lipid deposition.
2.Advances in perioperative nutritional management for patients with esophageal cancer
Zuyu ZHANG ; Bo YANG ; Rong NIU ; Jijun XUE ; Jian CHEN ; Dong LI ; Wentao ZHAO ; Wenfeng HAN ; Yue BAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):157-162
Esophageal cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive tract in China, and radical surgery remains the cornerstone of its comprehensive treatment. However, multifactorial challenges such as postoperative gastrointestinal tract reconstruction, traumatic stress, and tumor-related metabolic disturbances render esophageal cancer patients highly susceptible to malnutrition. Perioperative nutritional support therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing surgical safety, improving clinical outcomes, and elevating patients' quality of life by regulating metabolic homeostasis, preserving organ function, and optimizing the immune microenvironment. This article reviews the mechanisms underlying malnutrition in esophageal cancer, methods for nutritional status assessment, and precision intervention pathways based on multi-omics evaluations. The aim is to strengthen clinicians' awareness of standardized perioperative nutritional management for esophageal cancer patients and promote its clinical implementation, thereby facilitating postoperative recovery and improving long-term quality of life.
3.The effect of body mass index and inferior pulmonary ligament division on the residual lung expansion after right upper lobectomy: A retrospective cohort study in a single center
Guang MU ; Wenhao ZHANG ; Hongchang WANG ; Yan GU ; Chenghao FU ; Wentao XUE ; Shiyuan XIE ; Tong WANG ; Ke WEI ; Yang XIA ; Liang CHEN ; Jun WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):261-266
Objective To analyze the effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on right residual lung expansion after right upper lobe resection under different body mass index (BMI) levels. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from 2021 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group A (17 kg/m2<BMI≤23 kg/m2), a group B (23 kg/m2<BMI≤29 kg/m2) and a group C (BMI>29 kg/m2) according to BMI. The presence of residual cavity was judged by chest X-ray at 7-10 days after operation, the degree of compensation change of the right main bronchus angle was measured, and the changes in lung volume were determined by CT three-dimensional reconstruction. Results A total of 157 patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection were included, including 71 males and 86 females, with an average age of (59.7±11.2) years. There were 50 patients in the group A, 75 patients in the group B, and 32 patients in the group C. In the group A, compared with those without releasing the lower pulmonary ligament, patients with releasing had a lower incidence of postoperative residual cavity (P=0.016), greater changes in bronchus angle (P<0.001), and smaller changes in lung volume (P<0.001). In the group B and C, there was no significant effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on postoperative residual cavity, bronchus angle, and lung volume changes (P>0.05). Conclusion For patients with thin and long body shape and low BMI, releasing the lower pulmonary ligament is helpful to promote the expansion of the residual lung after right upper lobe resection and reduce the occurrence of postoperative residual cavity in patients.
4.Characteristics analysis of pediatric medicines with priority review and approval for marketing in China
Haoyu YANG ; Kan TIAN ; Xue YOU ; Hongwei DAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiaoyong YU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):519-523
OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics of pediatric medicines with priority review and approval for marketing in China, providing a reference for promoting enterprise R&D and production, as well as improving the supply guarantee mechanism for pediatric medicines. METHODS Based on publicly available data sources such as List of Approved Information for Pediatric Medications Subject to Priority Review and Approval, Pharnexcloud biomedical database, and National Medical Insurance Drug Directory, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the main characteristics of pediatric medicines with priority review and approval for marketing. RESULTS As of June 30, 2024, a total of 68 pediatric medicines had been approved through the priority review and approval process, covering 12 therapeutic areas, with oral dosage forms accounting for 64.71%. The median time from application to inclusion in priority review was 35.50 days, with an average of 41.69 days. The median time from inclusion in priority review to market approval was 1.24 years, with an average of 1.42 years. This included 12 domestic new medicines, 21 domestic generic medicines, 35 imported medicines, as well as 29 pediatric-specific medicines and 21 orphan medicines. Additionally, 31 of these medicines had been included in the medical insurance catalog, representing a proportion of 45.59%. CONCLUSIONS Currently, a trend of differentiated competition is emerging between domestic and imported pediatric medicines. The therapeutic areas for pediatric medicines are continuously expanding, and the dosage forms are becoming more tailored to children’s needs. However, there are still issues such as slow progress in new medicine development, insufficient stability in the medicine review and approval process, and a need to increase the proportion of medicines included in medical insurance.
5.Internal tension relieving technique assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to promote ligamentization of Achilles tendon grafts in small ear pigs in southern Yunnan province
Bohan XIONG ; Guoliang WANG ; Yang YU ; Wenqiang XUE ; Hong YU ; Jinrui LIU ; Zhaohui RUAN ; Yajuan LI ; Haolong LIU ; Kaiyan DONG ; Dan LONG ; Zhao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):713-720
BACKGROUND:We have successfully established an animal model of small ear pig in southern Yunnan province with internal tension relieving technique combined with autologous Achilles tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,and verified the stability and reliability of the model.However,whether internal tension relieving technique can promote the ligamentalization process of autologous Achilles tendon graft has not been studied. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the differences in the process of ligamentalization between conventional reconstruction and internal reduction reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by gross view,histology and electron microscopy. METHODS:Thirty adult female small ear pigs in southern Yunnan province were selected.Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the left knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon(n=30 in the normal group),and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the right knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon combined with the internal relaxation and enhancement system(n=30 in the relaxation group).The autogenous right forelimb was used as the control group;the anterior cruciate ligament was exposed but not severed or surgically treated.At 12,24,and 48 weeks after surgery,10 animals were sacrificed,respectively.The left and right knee joint specimens were taken for gross morphological observation to evaluate the graft morphology.MAS score was used to evaluate the excellent and good rate of the ligament at each time point.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the degree of ligament graft vascularization.Collagen fibers and nuclear morphology were observed,and nuclear morphology was scored.Ultrastructural remodeling was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The ligament healing shape of the relaxation group was better at various time points after surgery,and the excellent and good rate of MAS score was higher(P<0.05).Moreover,the relaxation group could obtain higher ligament vascularization score(P<0.05).(2)The arrangement of collagen bundles and fiber bundles in the two groups gradually tended to be orderly,and the transverse fiber connections between collagen gradually increased and thickened,suggesting that the strength and shape degree of the grafts were gradually improved,but the ligament remodeling in the relaxation group was always faster than that in the normal group at various time points after surgery.(3)The diameter,distribution density,and arrangement degree of collagen fibers in the relaxation group were better than those in the normal group at all time points,especially in the comparison of collagen fiber diameter between and within the relaxation group(P<0.05).
6.Dispersion effect of bone cement after vertebroplasty using individualized unilateral external pedicle approach and bilateral pedicle approach
Lichuang ZHANG ; Wen YANG ; Guangjiang DING ; Peikun LI ; Zhongyu XIAO ; Ying CHEN ; Xue FANG ; Teng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):800-808
BACKGROUND:According to existing clinical studies,vertebroplasty treatment with both the external pedicle approach and the pedicle approach can improve the pain and quality of life of patients with spinal compression fractures.Compared with the pedicle approach,the external pedicle approach has a freer puncture angle,and good bone cement dispersion effect can be obtained by adjusting the puncture angle. OBJECTIVE:To compare the impact of vertebroplasty through individualized unilateral external pedicle approach and bilateral pedicle approach on the treatment of spinal compression fractures by quantifying the dispersion effect of bone cement. METHODS:A total of 80 patients with thoracolumbar compression fracture were divided into two groups by random number table method.The bilateral pedicle group(n=40)underwent vertebroplasty through a bilateral pedicle approach,while the unilateral external pedicle group(n=40)underwent individualized vertebroplasty through a unilateral external pedicle approach.Anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of the affected vertebrae from two groups of patients were photographed to assess effect and type of bone cement dispersion within 3 days after surgery.Visual analog scale score,tenderness threshold around fracture,and Oswestry dysfunction index were assessed before,1,7 days,and 1 month after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Dispersion effect of bone cement in unilateral external pedicle group was better than that in bilateral pedicle group(P<0.001),and the amount of bone cement perfusion was higher than that in bilateral pedicle group(P<0.001).In the bilateral pedicle group,the bone cement dispersion types were mainly concentrated in type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ,while in the unilateral external pedicle group,the bone cement dispersion types were mainly concentrated in type I and type Ⅱ,and there was a significant difference in bone cement dispersion types between the two groups(P<0.001).(2)Postoperative visual analog scale scores and Oswestry disability index of both groups were lower than those before surgery(P<0.001),and postoperative tenderness threshold around fracture showed a trend of decreasing first and then increasing.At the same time point after treatment,there were no significant differences in visual analog scale score,Oswestry disability index,and tenderness threshold around fracture between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)The results indicate that individualized vertebroplasty via unilateral external pedicle approach can achieve better bone cement dispersion,and the treatment effect is consistent with the vertebroplasty via classical bilateral pedicle approach.
7.Effect of different liver biopsy needle track management on Yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy on liver cancer
Zhenyuan XU ; Xue LIU ; Shuqun SHEN ; Zhijia XU ; Changkai LI ; Yefa YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(2):288-294
Objective To explore the effect of different needle track management on Yttrium-90 microsphere selective internal radiation therapy (90Y-SIRT) on liver cancer after liver biopsy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 21 patients with liver cancer who underwent Technetium-99m-macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) evaluation and 90Y-SIRT after liver biopsy from June 2023 to December 2024. The methods of needle track management, hepatic arteriovenous shunting, and lung shunt fraction (LSF) were recorded. The occurrence of hepatic arteriovenous fistula (HAVF), as well as the corresponding countermeasures were analyzed. Results Among the 21 liver cancer patients, 7 cases (medical glue group) underwent embolization of the needle tract with medical glue (N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate [NBCA]) immediately after biopsy, and no significant HAVF was observed during the 99mTc-MAA tests; 14 cases (non-medical glue group) were treated with delayed needle extraction or gelatin sponge particle blocking after biopsy, among which 7 cases developed significant HAVF, and the fistulas were treated with NBCA. The LSF of the medical glue group was significantly lower than that of the non-medical glue group ([7.06±2.33] % vs [12.43±7.73] %, P=0.037). All 21 patients successfully completed 90Y-SIRT. Conclusions Liver biopsy may affect 90Y-SIRT by causing iatrogenic HAVF. Immediate NBCA-embolization of the needle tract after biopsy or timely NBCA-embolization of fistulas during 99mTc-MAA tests may reduce the impact.
8.Effects of Spleen Deficiency on Lipid Metabolism in Hyperlipidemia Model Rats Based on Gut Microbiota Sequencing and Fecal Metabolomics
Xue LENG ; Qi WANG ; Yang LI ; Xintong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1046-1056
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms by which spleen deficiency affects lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemia, from the perspective of gut microbiota and fecal endogenous metabolites. MethodsEighteen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, hyperlipidemia group, and spleen-deficiency with hyperlipidemia group, with 6 rats in each group. The control group was fed with standard diet; the hyperlipi-demia group was given high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia model; and the spleen-deficiency with hyperlipidemia group received combination of high-fat diet, irregular feeding, and exercise restriction to induce the model. After 12 weeks of modeling, serum lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiota composition in fecal samples, and fecal metabolites were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Differential metabolites and microbial taxa were screened for pathway enrichment and functional prediction analysis, followed by correlation analysis. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the hyperlipidemia and spleen-deficiency with hyperlipidemia groups showed significantly increased serum TG, TC, and LDL-C levels, and decreased HDL-C levels (P<0.01). Compared with the hyperlipidemia group, the spleen-deficiency with hyperlipidemia group showed further increases in TG, TC, and LDL-C and further decrease in HDL-C (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Gut microbiota analysis revealed 3,066 unique species in the control group, 2,637 in the hyperlipidemia group, and 1,581 in the spleen-deficiency group. Chao1, Simpson, and Shannon indices were significantly reduced in the spleen-deficiency group compared with the hyperli-pidemia group, with an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Differentially abundant genera such as Romboutsia, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Allobaculum, and Xylanibacter were significantly upregulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Metabolomics identified 25 differential metabolites in feces of spleen-deficient rats, with 18 downregulated and 7 upregulated. Key enriched pathways included serotonergic synapse, nucleotide metabolism, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Spearman correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between Romboutsia and Desulfovibrio and metabolites such as digalactosyldiacylglycerol (48∶5), dehydrated artemetin, lysophosphatidylcholine (26∶4), and glucuronosyldiacylglycerol (46∶5); Clostridium was positively correlated with cyclopassifloric acid E1, digalactosyldiacylglycerol (48∶5), and lysophosphatidylcholine (26∶4); Xylanibacter was positively correlated with digalactosyldiacylglycerol (48∶5), dehydrated artemetin, and lysophosphatidylcholine (26∶4). ConclusionSpleen deficiency can further alter gut microbiota composition in hyperlipi-demia model rats, leading to microbial dysbiosis and metabolic disturbances that aggravate lipid metabolism disorders. This mechanism may be associated with changes in pathways such as serotonergic synapse, nucleotide metabolism, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and arachidonic acid metabolism.
9.PDGF-C: an Emerging Target in The Treatment of Organ Fibrosis
Chao YANG ; Zi-Yi SONG ; Chang-Xin WANG ; Yuan-Yuan KUANG ; Yi-Jing CHENG ; Ke-Xin REN ; Xue LI ; Yan LIN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1059-1069
Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aiming at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.
10.Temporal therapy utilizing exosomes derived from M2 macrophages demonstrates enhanced efficacy in alleviating neuropathic pain in diabetic rats
Wei WEI ; Jun FANG ; Baozhong YANG ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiacheng WEI ; Yating XUE
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(1):14-28
Background:
Diabetic pain patients have increased pain at night. Exosomes can relieve neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of exosome administration at different time points in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.
Methods:
M2 macrophages from bone marrow were induced in mice and exosomes were extracted. A diabetic rat model was induced using streptozotocin, with the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the rats beingmeasured at ≤ 80% of the basal value after 14 days, indicating successful construction of the DNP rat model.Exosomes were administered on three consecutive days at ZT0 (zeitgeber time) and ZT12. Parameters including blood glucose levels, body weight, MWT, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed in the rats. The lumbar spinal cord of rats was examined on days 21 and 28 to measure inflammatory factors and observe the expression of M1 and M2 microglia. Furthermore, microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS + exosomes in a controlled in vitro setting to assess alterations in microglia phenotype involving the NF-kB p65 andIKBα inflammatory signaling pathways.
Results:
The findings revealed that administration of exosomes during the rat resting period at ZT12 resulted in increased MWT and TWL, as well as a shift in microglia polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro analysis indicated that exosomes influenced microglia polarization and suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 andIKBα.
Conclusions
Temporal therapy with exosomes effectively reduces pain in DNP rats by polarizing microglia andaffecting NF-kB p65 and IKBα signaling pathways.

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