1.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.
2.Eccentric Cycling Improves Cardiopulmonary Fitness, Respiratory Function, and Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Yu-Ting HUANG ; Hsin-Yeh LEE ; Hui-Ching CHENG ; Hsin-Lun YANG ; Ching-Hsia HUNG ; Chien-Chou SU ; Yu-Tzu CHANG ; Chien-Yao SUN ; Kun-Ling TSAI
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(2):105-116
Objective:
To compare the effects of eccentric cycling (ECC), concentric cycling (CON), and standard care (CTL) on cardiopulmonary capacity, respiratory health, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods:
Thirty-one CKD patients were divided into the CTL, CON, and ECC groups. The CON and ECC groups participated in 8-week, 24-session cycling programs. Outcomes were assessed through cardiopulmonary exercise tests, respiratory function tests, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument questionnaire.
Results:
The ECC group achieved significant improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, while the CTL group showed a decline. For oxygen uptake efficiency slope, significant changes were observed only in the ECC group, with a group-by-time interaction effect compared to CTL. Furthermore, the ECC group demonstrated the most significant increase in diaphragm movement and a significant increase in diaphragm thickness, with comparisons indicating that ECC outperformed both CTL and CON. Regarding QoL, the ECC group exhibited significantly greater improvements in Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary, with statistically significant differences compared with the CTL and CON groups.
Conclusion
ECC is a low-effort, high-benefit exercise modality that significantly enhances cardiopulmonary fitness, respiratory function, and QoL in patients with CKD.
3.The impact of the Guangzhou voluntary blood donation privilege certificate on blood donation behavior
Minxin HUANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Liqiao ZHOU ; Jian OU-YANG ; Wei SU ; Manyu HUANG ; Weifeng LUO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):768-775
Objective: To evaluate the causal effects and population heterogeneity of Guangzhou′s Voluntary Blood Donation Privilege Certificate Policy on blood donation behavior, and to provide empirical evidence for optimizing blood management policies. Methods: Using an interrupted time series (ITS) design, we analyzed 30 quarters of blood collection data from Guangzhou Blood Center (from July 2018 to December 2025). Taking the third quarter of 2021 as the intervention node, we constructed ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models incorporating level and trend effects, and conducted stratified analyses by gender, age group, previous donation frequency, and per-donation volume. Results: The tiered incentive policy demonstrated significant heterogeneous effects. Apheresis donations showed sustained growth, with 2 units of component blood exhibiting a significant trend effect (β=304.58, P<0.001); high-frequency donors (11+ times) demonstrated sustained growth trends in apheresis donations. For whole blood, immediate effects were significant for donors with 1-2 previous donations (β=4 537.55, P<0.001) and 3-10 previous donations (β=2 159.69, P<0.05); high-frequency donors (11-30 times) showed sustained growth trends (P<0.01). Stratified by per-donation volume, 400 mL whole blood demonstrated a significant immediate effect (β=4 391.01, P<0.1), while 200 mL whole blood showed a significant declining trend (β=-893.24, P<0.01). Conclusion: The tiered incentive policy effectively enhanced blood donation participation while maintaining the donors’ altruistic motivations. Young and middle-aged adults primarily drove apheresis donations. The policy demonstrated immediate incentive effects on low-frequency whole blood donors and long-term retention effects on high-frequency donors. Per-donation volume showed an "upward migration" trend, optimizing the blood collection structure. Differentiated outreach, conversion and retention strategies are recommended to further strengthen blood supply security.
4.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
5.Research progress on the mechanism of tanshinone ⅡA in alleviating sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction
Jingyu DU ; Ruifen ZHANG ; Yang LI ; He SU ; Tingting JIA ; Hairong ZHANG ; Xinsheng HUANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):2063-2067
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome triggered by infection. It progresses rapidly and tends to develop into multiple organ dysfunction. Tanshinone ⅡA, one of the core active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza, exerts remarkable targeted protective effects against sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which tanshinone ⅡA alleviates sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction. Tanshinone ⅡA can relieve sepsis-induced lung injury by inhibiting the activity of Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88/nuclear factor- κB, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. It ameliorates sepsis- induced myocardial injury via suppressing the activation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3/caspase-1 signaling pathway, downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors and regulating autophagy. It mitigates sepsis-induced renal injury by regulating oxidative stress imbalance and reducing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. It alleviates sepsis-caused liver injury through inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors and hepatocyte apoptosis. It improves sepsis-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins and restraining inflammatory responses. Furthermore, it relieves sepsis-associated encephalopathy by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α/nuclear respiratory factor 1/mitochondrial transcription factor A signaling pathway. Tanshinone ⅡA is expected to be a vital candidate drug for comprehensive prevention and treatment of sepsis. However, interdisciplinary research is required to break through current bottlenecks and realize the transformation from basic experiments to clinical application.
6.Effect of semaglutide on myocardial injury induced by coronary microembolization in rats via regulation of the AMPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Yangchun LIU ; Huafeng YANG ; Wanzhong HUANG ; Yuan HUANG ; Qiang SU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1424-1430
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of semaglutide (SEM) on myocardial injury induced by coronary microembolization (CME) in rats via the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-two rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=8): the Sham group, the CME group, the CME + SEM group, and the CME + SEM + Compound C (CC, a specific inhibitor of AMPK) group. The CME model was established by injecting microembolic spheres into the left ventricle, while the Sham group received an equal volume of normal saline via left ventricular injection. The CME + SEM group received subcutaneous injections of SEM (1 mg/kg, once weekly) for 4 weeks before CME induction. For the CME + SEM + CC group, rats were treated with SEM for 4 weeks, followed by an intravenous injection of CC (0.25 mg/kg dissolved in sterile normal saline) 30 minutes before CME modeling. 24 hours post-modeling, all groups underwent the following assessments: echocardiography to evaluate cardiac function, HE staining for myocardial histopathological analysis, Heidenhain staining to quantify the microinfarct area, ELISA to determine serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels, and Western blot analysis to detect the expression of proteins related to the AMPK/NLRP3 pathway in cardiac tissues. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the CME group showed significantly deteriorated cardiac function, elevated serum cTnT levels, and a marked increase in myocardial microinfarct area (P<0.05). Compared with the CME group, the CME + SEM group exhibited significant improvements in cardiac function, decreased cTnT levels, and a remarkable reduction in myocardial microinfarct area (P<0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed a normal myocardial structure in the Sham group without infarction. In contrast, the CME group showed disorganized myocardial arrangement, accompanied by nuclear fragmentation and karyolysis. In the CME + SEM group, myocardial degeneration, edema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obviously alleviated. Compared with Sham group, the protein ratio of p-AMPK/AMPK slightly increased in the CME group, while the protein levels of NLRP3, gasdermin D-N domain (GSDMD-N), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1 p20, interleukin(IL)-1β , and IL-18 were markedly upregulated (P<0.05). Notably, compared to the CME group, the CME + SEM group had a further elevated p-AMPK/AMPK ratio, while the protein levels of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, ASC, caspase-1 p20, IL-1β and IL-18 were markedly decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionSEM significantly ameliorates CME-induced myocardial injury, and its mechanism of action may be closely associated with promoting AMPK phosphorylation, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammatory responses, and suppressing pyroptosis.
7.Expert consensus on whole-process management of drug traceability codes in medical institutions of Sichuan province
Qianghong PU ; Yilan HUANG ; Yilong LIU ; Xiaosi LI ; Lin YUAN ; Jiangping YU ; Bo JIANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Qiang SU ; Liangming ZHANG ; Jie WAN ; Li CHEN ; Qian JIANG ; Jianhua FAN ; Yong YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(24):3017-3022
OBJECTIVE To provide standardized whole-process guidance on drug traceability codes for medical institutions in Sichuan province, ensuring medication safety and compliance with medical insurance supervision requirements. METHODS Based on evidence-based principles and expert consensus, Expert Consensus on Whole-process Management of Drug Traceability Codes in Medical Institutions of Sichuan Province (hereinafter referred to as the Consensus) was formulated through systematic literature review, field investigations, establishment of a multidisciplinary expert committee and multiple rounds of questionnare consultation via the modified Delphi method, and finalized through consensus meetings. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The Consensus clarifies key operating procedures for code verification, code assignment and code return, whole-process operational standards for drug warehouse acceptance and storage, drug warehouse outbound delivery and pharmacy acceptance check, drug distribution and dispensing in pharmacy and intravenous admixture center, medication administration in nursing units and examination departments, as well as drug return process. Key recommendations are proposed such as improving the core functions of the drug traceability system, unifying the hospital-wide traceability code database, strengthening the management of traceability codes for backup medications, establishing a management organization and institutional framework, and optimizing the architectural design and data governance requirements of the drug traceability system. The release of the Consensus will provide scientific, standardized and implementable practical guidelines for medical institutions of Sichuan province, helping to improve closed-loop management of the drug traceability system, strengthen medication safety and fulfil medical insurance fund supervision.
8.Simultaneous Determination of 21 Kinds of Aconitum Alkaloids in Biological Specimens and Herbal Wines Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Ju YANG ; Guo-Jun LI ; Xian-Mou FAN ; Rui-Bin ZHAO ; Shao-Ming SU ; Xu-Xian FU ; En-Jin ZHU ; Qi-Lin HUANG ; Yao QIN ; Li-Na LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1391-1401,后插1-后插6,封3
A method for simultaneous determination of 21 kinds of Aconitum alkaloids(ATS)in biological specimens and infused liquor using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)was developed.The biological samples were pretreated with methanol-acetonitrile(1∶2,V/V)for protein precipitation,while infused liquors were diluted 100-fold with acetonitrile,followed by centrifugation,and filtration by a 0.22-μm membrane.Chromatographic separation was carried out on an EC-C18 column using gradient elution with the mixture of 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate and 0.2%formic acid as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B.With this method,all the analytes were separated within 9.5 min.The samples were detected in positive ESI mode with dynamic multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)and quantified via external standard calibration.The results showed that the concentrations of the analytes in the range of 2-1000 ng/mL had excellent linearity(R2>0.9992)with the peak area.The developed method was successfully used for detection of 21 kinds of aconitum alkaloids,with limits of detection of 0.5-2 ng/mL,quantification limits of 2-6 ng/mL,intra/inter-day precision≤6.0%,spiked recoveries of 89.4%-100.9%,extraction recoveries of 74.2%-104.4%,and matrix effects ranging from-11.1%to 9.2%in blood/urine.The method was applied to detection of 12 samples from 4 fatal aconite poisoning cases,and all 21 kinds of ATS with total alkaloid concentrations of 0.04-4.18 μg/mL in blood and 154.96-422.83 μg/mL in medicinal liquors were detected.Tissue distribution revealed that the order of concentrations from highest to lowest is as follows:urine(157.22 μg/mL)>gastric contents(51.37 μg/mL)>kidney(21.6 μg/g)>whole blood(4.18 μg/mL)>liver(0.03 μg/g).This method showed many advantages such as simple pretreatment,low detection limits,accurate quantification,broad analyte coverage,and superior anti-interference capability in complex matrices,proving ideal for forensic and toxicological analysis of aconitum alkaloids.
9.Research progress in the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain combined with depression
Tian WANG ; Xi ZHANG ; Pu YANG ; Xin LI ; Wenjing HUANG ; Guangmei ZHENG ; Xinyu HUANG ; Songlin LEI ; Shengyong SU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(6):877-880,F4
Acupuncture treatment of chronic pain combined with depression (CPDC) is the result of a multi-target, multi-pathway approach. Acupuncture can treat CPDC by inhibiting the activation of glial cells, regulating the release of inflammatory mediators, regulating the expressions of neurotransmitters, changing the plasticity of neural synapses, regulating related epigenetic effects, regulating the microbiota-brain-gut axis, inhibiting nerve cell apoptosis, and antagonizing oxidative stress. The mechanism of its effect mainly involves anti-inflammatory related signaling pathways, regulation of neural synapse-related signaling pathways, and exerts its therapeutic effect through hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and amygdala.
10.Transcranial and peripheral magnetic stimulation act synergistically to relieve post-stroke shoulder pain
Yang WANG ; Yuming HUANG ; Hewei WANG ; Junli GAO ; Quanhong LIU ; Qingyun HOU ; Lili ZHOU ; Ying SU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(3):221-225
Objective:To document any effect of combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) to relieve shoulder pain in hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty hemiplegic stroke survivors with shoulder pain were randomly divided into a Central Group ( n=20), a Peripheral Group ( n=20), and a Combined Group ( n=20). In addition to routine pharmacological intervention and rehabilitation training, the Central Group received 10Hz rTMS over the M1 area of the affected hemisphere, the Peripheral Group received 20Hz rPMS at Erb′s point of the affected limb, while the Combined Group received rTMS followed by rPMS. Before as well as after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, all were assessed using a numerical pain intensity rating scale (NRS), for passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder joint, and using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA). Results:Before the treatment there were no significant differences among the 3 groups. After 2 weeks there was significant improvement in the average shoulder PROM and FMA scores, and a significant decrease in the average NRS ratings. After 4 weeks there was continued significant improvement. After 2 and 4 weeks, the Combined Group gave significantly lower NRS ratings than the others and had greater average shoulder PROM improvement. The average FMA score of the Combined Group (36.10±13.32) after two weeks was significantly better than those of the Central and Peripheral groups. However, no significant differences were found between the Central and Peripheral Groups in the other measurements.Conclusions:Both rTMS and rPMS can relieve shoulder pain and promote the recovery of motor function, with superior synergistic effects observed in their combined application.


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