1.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
2.Mechanism of Astragaloside Ⅳ on db/db Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway
Min ZHOU ; Xiu LIU ; Yongjun WU ; Qin XIANG ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):72-79
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ (AS Ⅳ) on db/db mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. MethodA total of 24 db/db mice were randomly divided into four groups: model group, metformin group, and low-dose and high-dose AS Ⅳ groups. Six C57 mice were used as the blank group. The low-dose and high-dose AS Ⅳ groups were given AS Ⅳ of 0.015 and 0.030 g·kg-1 by gavage, and the metformin group was given 0.067 g·kg-1 by gavage. The blank and model groups were given equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. After intragastric administration, fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Serum lipid level and liver histopathology were detected. The target and enrichment pathway of AS Ⅳ for treating T2DM and NAFLD were predicted by network pharmacology, and the main enrichment pathway was verified by molecular biology techniques. The protein expressions of AMPK, p-AMPK, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) in liver tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group, the levels of body mass, liver weight coefficient, fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in mice treated with AS Ⅳ were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The pathology of liver tissue showed significant improvement in lipid accumulation, and imaging results showed that the degree of fatty liver was reduced after AS Ⅳ therapy. Network pharmacological prediction results showed that vascular endothelial growth factor α (VEGFA), galactoagglutinin 3 (LGALS3), serine/threonine kinase B2 (Akt2), RHO-associated coiled-coil protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), serine/threonine kinase B1 (Akt1), signaling and transcriptional activator protein (STAT3), and messtimal epidermal transformation factor (MET) were key targets in "drug-disease" network. The results from the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment showed that the AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway was strongly associated with T2DM and NAFLD. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK in the model group were significantly down-regulated, while those of SREBP-1 and FAS proteins were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK in the metformin group and high-dose AS Ⅳ group were significantly up-regulated, while those of SREBP-1 and FAS proteins were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionAS Ⅳ regulates the expression of lipid proteins by activating the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby improving lipid metabolism.
3.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
4.Method development and validation for testing the concentration of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody in serum based on ELISA
Zhen-Xiang HU ; Li-Xiu HE ; Bo WANG ; Xi CHEN ; Gui-Li LIU ; Yu-Min QIN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1642-1645
Objective To establish an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method for testing the concentration of a monoclonal antibody target tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in animal serum.Methods The critical parameters of the method including coating concentration of human TNF-α,source,concentration and stability of HRP-labeled goat anti-human immunoglobulin G(IgG)were investigated.The specificity,accuracy,precision,linearity and Limited of Determination of the method were investigated.Results The critical parameters of the method were confirmed as below:TNF-α was coated at 400 ng·mL-1;HRP labeled goat anti-human IgG antibody was diluted at 1:3.0 ×105;the diluted horseradish peroxidase labeled goat anti-human IgG antibody is well stored at 4 ℃ for 3 days.Meanwhile the method was confirmed to have good specificity,the recovery rate ranged from 84.00%to 106.82%,the coefficient of variation of different antibody concentration levels were no more than 10%;the method had a good linearity and the standard curve was y=(-8.37×103-2.37 × 106)/[1+(x/29.80)106]+2.37 × 106(R2=0.999);the limit of quantification was 1 ng·mL-1,all of which met the requirements.Conclusion A accurate and robust ELISA method was developed to test the concentration of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody in serum.
5.Effect and Mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Yishen Prescription on Diabetic Kidney Disease in Rats via Regulation of MiRNA-27a/Wnt/β-catenin Pathway
Shujuan HU ; Xuhua LI ; Xiu LIU ; Yao PENG ; Lili CHEN ; Rong YU ; Yajun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):90-97
ObjectiveTo explore the protective effects and potential mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Yishen prescription (ZJYP) in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats with early-stage diabetic kidney disease (DKD). MethodFifty 12-week-old male GK rats were included in this study. DKD was induced after one month of high-fat feeding, with fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol·L-1 and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥ 30 mg·g-1 used as model criteria. After successful modeling, DKD rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10 in each group): the model group, the western medicine group treated with dapagliflozin (1.0 mg·kg-1·d-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose ZJYP groups (4.9, 9.9, 19.9 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage). Ten Wistar rats served as normal controls, with both the normal and model groups receiving physiological saline in the same volume as the treatment groups by gavage for 8 weeks. The urinary ACR, FBG, body weight, and liver and kidney functions of the rats were observed. Renal tissues were subjected to haematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and examined under an electron microscope to observe pathological changes. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect miRNA-27a, Wnt, and β-catenin mRNA and protein expression levels in renal tissues. ResultCompared with the results in the normal group, the FBG levels in DKD rats of the model group increased significantly at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of drug intervention (P<0.05), and urinary ACR increased significantly at 0, 4, 8 weeks (P<0.05). Renal pathological staining and electron microscopy revealed an increase in mesangial cells and matrix, slight thickening of the basement membrane, and increased interstitial fibrosis and renal tubular atrophy in the model group. The mRNA expression levels of miRNA-27a, Wnt, and β-catenin were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group (P<0.05). Renal Wnt and β-catenin protein levels were also significantly higher in the model group (P<0.05). After drug intervention, the FBG levels in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ZJYP groups showed a dose-dependent decrease compared with those in the model group at 6 and 8 weeks (P<0.05). The urinary ACR also showed a dose-dependent decrease in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ZJYP groups, but the differences were not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in liver function, renal function, renal index, or routine blood lipid test results among the low-, medium-, and high-dose ZJYP groups. Renal glomerular and tubular lesions were milder in the ZJYP groups and the western medicine group than in the model group, with similar pathological changes observed in the high-dose ZJYP group and the western medicine group. The renal mRNA levels of miRNA-27a, Wnt, and β-catenin were significantly lower in the high-dose ZJYP group (P<0.05), and renal Wnt and β-catenin protein levels were significantly lower in both the western medicine group and the high-dose ZJYP group compared with the levels in the model group (P<0.05). The Wnt and β-catenin protein levels were lower in the renal tissues of the low- and medium-dose ZJYP groups compared with the levels in the model group, but the differences were not statistically significant. ConclusionZJYP can effectively improve glucose metabolism and alleviate early damage in DKD rats, thereby delaying the progression of DKD. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the miRNA-27a/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in renal tissues.
6.Metabolomic Analysis of Mesenteric Lymph Fluid in Rats After Alcohol Gavage
Yuan ZHANG ; Zi-Ye MENG ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Meng JING ; Gui-Chen LIU ; Zi-Yao HAO ; Xiu XU ; Zhen-Ao ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(9):2194-2209
ObjectiveThe absorption of substances into blood is mainly dependent on the mesenteric lymphatic pathway and the portal venous pathway. The substances transported via the portal venous pathway can be metabolized by the biotransformation in the liver. On the contrary, the substances in the mesenteric lymph fluid enter the blood circulation without biotransformation and can affect the body directly. Alcohol consumption is strongly linked to global health risk. Previous reports have analyzed the changes of metabolites in plasma, serum, urine, liver and feces after alcohol consumption. Whether alcohol consumption affects the metabolites in lymph fluid is still unknown. Therefore, it is particularly important to explore the changes of substances transported via the mesenteric lymphatic pathway and analyze their harmfulness after alcohol drinking. MethodsIn this study, male Wistar rats were divided into high, medium, and low-dosage alcohol groups (receiving Chinese Baijiu at 56%, 28% and 5.6% ABV, respectively) and water groups. The experiment was conducted by alcohol gavage lasting 10 d, 10 ml·kg-1·d-1. Then mesenteric lymph fluid was collected for non-targeted metabolomic analysis by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and bioinformatic analysis. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering were performed by using Biodeep. Meanwhile, KEGG enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites was also performed by Biodeep. MetaboAnalyst was used to analyze the relationship between the differential metabolites and diseases. ResultsThe metabolites in the mesenteric lymph fluid of the high-dosage alcohol group change the most. Based on the KEGG enrichment analysis, the pathways of differential metabolites between the high-dosage alcohol group and the control group are mainly enriched in the central carbon metabolism in cancer, bile secretion, linoleic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, etc. Interestingly, in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids category, the content of arachidonic acid is increased by 7.25 times, whereas the contents of palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid and erucic acid all decrease, indicating lipid substances in lymph fluid are absorbed selectively after alcohol intake. It’s worth noting that arachidonic acid is closely related to inflammatory response. Furthermore, the differential metabolites are mainly related with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and lung cancer. The differential metabolites between the medium-dosage alcohol and the control group were mainly enriched in phenylalanine metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism and cholesterol metabolism. The differential metabolites are mainly related to schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, lung cancer and Parkinson’s disease. As the dose of alcohol increases, the contents of some metabolites in lymph fluid increase, including cholesterol, L-leucine, fumaric acid and mannitol, and the number of metabolites related to schizophrenia also tends to increase, indicatingthat some metabolites absorbed by the intestine-lymphatic pathway are dose-dependent on alcohol intake. ConclusionAfter alcohol intake, the metabolites transported via the intestinal-lymphatic pathway are significantly changed, especially in the high-dosage group. Some metabolites absorbed via the intestinal-lymphatic pathway are dose-dependent on alcohol intake. Most importantly, alcohol intake may cause inflammatory response and the occurrence of neurological diseases, psychiatric diseases and cancer diseases. High-dosage drinking may aggravate or accelerate the occurrence of related diseases. These results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of alcohol-related diseases based on the intestinal-lymphatic pathway.
7.Discrete element modeling and breakage behavior analysis of oral solid dosage form particles
Lin-xiu LUO ; Tian-bing GUAN ; An-qi LUO ; Zeng LIU ; Yu-ting WANG ; Yan-ling JIANG ; Zheng LU ; Jing-cao TANG ; Shuang-kou CHEN ; Hui-min SUN ; Chuan-yun DAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):1057-1066
The breakage pattern of unit particles during the production of oral solid dosage forms (OSD) is closely related to the quality of intermediate or final products. To accurately characterize the particles and study the evolution law of particle breakage, the Bonding model of the discrete element method (DEM) was used to investigate the breakage patterns of model parameters, particle shape and process conditions (loading mode and loading rate) on the dynamic breakage, force-time curve, breakage rate, maximum breakage size ratio and fracture strength of particles. The results showed that the particle breakage force was positively correlated with normal strength and bonded disk scale, negatively correlated with normal stiffness per unit area and tangential stiffness per unit area, and weakly correlated with tangential strength. The particle breakage rate was negatively correlated with the aspect ratio of the particles, and the maximum breakage size ratio was positively correlated with the aspect ratio of the particles; among the three loading modes, the breakage rate of compression breakage model was the largest, the breakage rate of shear breakage model was the second largest, and the breakage rate of wear breakage model was the smallest; the maximum breakage size ratio was positively correlated with the loading rate, the loading mode and the loading rate had no mutual influence on particle breakage rate, but had mutual influence on the maximum breakage size ratio. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for the shift of OSD from batch manufacturing to advanced manufacturing.
8.Development and application of a method for identifying Pheretima and a common counterfeit of Metaphire magna based on signature peptides
Rui LIU ; Jing-xian ZHANG ; Qing HU ; Jian SUN ; Hong YU ; Ying-ying RAN ; Fan HUANG ; Xiu-hong MAO ; Shen JI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(10):2842-2848
Based on the species-specific peptides of
9.Predicting the potential suitable areas of Platycodon grandiflorum in China using the optimized Maxent model
Yu-jie ZHANG ; Han-wen YU ; Zhao-huan ZHENG ; Chao JIANG ; Juan LIU ; Liang-ping ZHA ; Xiu-lian CHI ; Shuang-ying GUI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(9):2625-2633
italic>Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC is one of the most commonly used bulk medicinal herbs. It has important value in the fields of medicine, food and cosmetics, and its market demand is increasing year by year, and it has a good development prospect. In this study, based on 403 distribution records and 8 environmental variables, we used Maxent model to predict the potential distribution of
10.Clinical Observation on the Joint Needling Method Combined with Ultrasound in the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome of Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Type
Xiu-Lan LI ; Hui-Kang YUAN ; Shu-Xiong LUO ; Long-An CHEN ; Ai-Guo XUE ; Yu-Bing LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(1):141-146
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of joint needling method combined with ultrasound in the treatment of qi stagnation and blood stasis type of patellofemoral pain syndrome(PFPS).Methods Eighty-six patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis type of PFPS were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 43 cases in each group.The control group was given western medicine conventional treatment combined with functional exercise,and the observation group was given joint needling method combined with ultrasound treatment on the basis of the control group.Both groups were treated for 2 consecutive weeks.After 2 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores of knee pain and the Kujala scale scores of the two groups were observed before and after treatment.The changes in active range of motion(AROM)of the affected knee joint were compared before and after treatment between the two groups.Results(1)After treatment,the VAS scores of the two groups of patients were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the level of VAS scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the Kujala scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the level of Kujala scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the AROM of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the level of AROM,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)The total effective rate was 95.35%(41/43)in the observation group and 81.40%(35/43)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The joint needling method combined with ultrasound can significantly relieve the pain symptoms of patients with PFPS and promote the recovery of knee joint function,and the clinical efficacy is remarkable.

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