1.Nasal-to-Brain Drug Delivery Strategies for Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine:A Review
Yang CHEN ; Tiantian WANG ; Yufang HUANG ; Guangdi YANG ; Shengmou HU ; Xiaomeng LEI ; Wenliu ZHANG ; Dongxun LI ; Canjian WANG ; Guosong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):252-261
Central nervous system(CNS) disorders are characterized by complex pathological mechanisms and the presence of the blood-brain barrier(BBB), which significantly limits the effectiveness of drug therapy. Traditional drug delivery modes include oral administration, intravenous injection and transdermal delivery, which have certain advantages, but it is difficult for the drugs to effectively cross the BBB. Therefore, it is crucial to find drug delivery modes that can efficiently traverse the BBB. Nasal drug delivery, as a non-invasive method, can realize the targeted delivery of drugs to the CNS via three pathways, including olfactory neurons, trigeminal neurons and blood circulation, and shows a broad application prospect in the treatment of CNS diseases. Numerous studies have further confirmed that nasal drug delivery combined with novel drug delivery systems such as lipid nanocarriers, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and composite in situ gels can effectively load the active components of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), and significantly increase drug concentration in the brain, which provides new strategies for the treatment of CNS diseases. In this paper, the current status of drug delivery for CNS diseases was systematically sorted out, the characteristics of nasal drug delivery were discussed in depth, and the research progress of passive targeting, active targeting, and "guiding the meridian" drug delivery strategies for the nasal-to-brain transport of TCM active components was summarized and analyzed, which was aimed to provide references and insights for the development of drugs for CNS diseases and the application of TCM in nasal-to-brain delivery.
2.Nasal-to-Brain Drug Delivery Strategies for Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine:A Review
Yang CHEN ; Tiantian WANG ; Yufang HUANG ; Guangdi YANG ; Shengmou HU ; Xiaomeng LEI ; Wenliu ZHANG ; Dongxun LI ; Canjian WANG ; Guosong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):252-261
Central nervous system(CNS) disorders are characterized by complex pathological mechanisms and the presence of the blood-brain barrier(BBB), which significantly limits the effectiveness of drug therapy. Traditional drug delivery modes include oral administration, intravenous injection and transdermal delivery, which have certain advantages, but it is difficult for the drugs to effectively cross the BBB. Therefore, it is crucial to find drug delivery modes that can efficiently traverse the BBB. Nasal drug delivery, as a non-invasive method, can realize the targeted delivery of drugs to the CNS via three pathways, including olfactory neurons, trigeminal neurons and blood circulation, and shows a broad application prospect in the treatment of CNS diseases. Numerous studies have further confirmed that nasal drug delivery combined with novel drug delivery systems such as lipid nanocarriers, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and composite in situ gels can effectively load the active components of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), and significantly increase drug concentration in the brain, which provides new strategies for the treatment of CNS diseases. In this paper, the current status of drug delivery for CNS diseases was systematically sorted out, the characteristics of nasal drug delivery were discussed in depth, and the research progress of passive targeting, active targeting, and "guiding the meridian" drug delivery strategies for the nasal-to-brain transport of TCM active components was summarized and analyzed, which was aimed to provide references and insights for the development of drugs for CNS diseases and the application of TCM in nasal-to-brain delivery.
3.Investigation of latent tuberculosis infection among the elderly in rural areas of Changxing County, Zhejiang Province
Jian ZHANG ; Yufang SONG ; Feilin REN ; Xuejing LI ; Jiasheng QIN ; Bin SHAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):503-506
ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among the elderly population in rural areas of Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, and to provide an evidence for the development of LTBI prevention and control measures. MethodsBetween January and May 2024, elderly individuals participating in urban and rural residents’ health checkups were screened for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection using a domestically produced interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) kit. Individuals tested positive by IGRA but without active tuberculosis were classified as LTBI cases. The prevalence of LTBI among the participants was subsequently analyzed. ResultsAmong the 6 765 subjects, 637 tested positive by IGRA, including one identified active tuberculosis patient, resulting in a LTBI prevalence rate of 9.40%. There was a statistically significant difference in positivity rates across different IGRA methodologies (χ2=35.530, P<0.001). Higher LTBI rate was observed in males, individuals with a history of diabetes mellitus, and those with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, exhibiting statistically significant differences (χ2=32.401, P<0.001; χ2=5.789, P=0.020; χ2=39.248, P<0.001, respectively.) No statistically significant difference in LTBI rate was found across different age groups (χ2=0.238, P=0.971). ConclusionThe prevalence of LTBI among the elderly rural residents in Changxing County is relatively low. Male, individuals with a history of diabetes mellitus, and those with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis have an increased risk of LTBI, warranting targeted risk monitoring and timely interventions.
4.ShenXiankang formula modulates the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway to ameliorate renal fibrosis
Yufang NI ; Luna ZHANG ; Shuhan YAN ; Qianqian LI ; Hongwei SU ; Qiongdan HU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Jianchun LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):501-511
Objective To evaluate the protective effects of the traditional Chinese medicine formula Shenxiankang on renal injury and fibrosis,and to explore its potential mechanisms of action.Methods Chronic kidney disease(CKD)model was established in mice using unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO).The mice were randomly divided into four groups:sham,UUO,and Shenxiankang(SXK)Low/High dose groups(1500,4500 mg/(kg·d)),each comprising eight mice.The each SXK groups received daily oral administration of Shenxiankang,and the remaining mice were gavaged equivalent volumes of saline for 7 d.After the experiment,renal tissues were collected for assessment of renal injury and fibrosis using HE and Masson staining.The expression levels of fibrosis markers and proteins involved in the epithelial membrane protein 3(Emp3)and Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway were determined by Real-time PCR,immunohistochemistry,and Western Blot.In cell-based experiments,the effects of Shenxiankang on the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 pathway and its interaction with TGF-beta receptor R2(Tgfβ2)were further analyzed using an Emp3 knockdown and Co-IP assays.Results Shenxiankang significantly reduced immune cell infiltration and tubular atrophy in the UUO model group and decreased the expression of kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule 1(Kim1)and Lipocalin 2(Lcn2),confirming its efficacy in alleviating renal injury.Masson staining and analysis of fibrosis markers Fibronectin(Fn)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)indicated that Shenxiankang effectively suppressed fibrosis induced by UUO.Mechanistic studies revealed that Shenxiankang exerted its effects by selectively downregulating the abnormal activation of the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway,a finding further supported by cellular experiments showing that Shenxiankang modulates Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling through Emp3 regulation.Moreover,the Co-IP experiment result indicate that Shenxiankang exerts its effects by regulating the interaction between Emp3 and Tgfβ2.Conclusions Shenxiankang exhibits significant protective effects in a mouse model of chronic kidney disease,effectively reducing renal injury and fibrosis.These effects are likely mediated through the downregulation of the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway,suggesting Shenxiankang's potential therapeutic value in renal protection.
5.Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of 233 cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in adult patients
Yufang CHEN ; Chaoyan YAN ; Shuangqing LIAN ; Lijun QIU ; Yanyi GUO ; Yanqing ZHANG ; Xuan LIN
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(4):364-370
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections in adult patients for improving clinical treatment and identifying potential interventions.Methods Clinical data of inpatients diagnosed with S.aureus bloodstream infection confirmed by blood culture in a hospital from January 2016 to December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed.The data included patient age,gender,history of hospital admission,department of admission,underlying diseases,primary infection,quick Pitt bacteremia score(qPitt),invasive treatment,empirical anti-infective treatment,and treatment outcomes.Patients were assigned to case group or control group according to whether they died in hospital in order to identify the prognostic factors of patient outcomes.Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors.Results A total of 233 cases of S.aureus bacteremia were identified.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥ 70 years old(OR=4.725,95%CI:1.228-18.173,P=0.024),diabetes mellitus(OR=8.161,95%CI:1.954-34.086,P=0.004),Charlson comorbidity index(CCI)≥ 5(OR=7.672,95%CI:1.901-30.963,P=0.004),hospital infection(OR=7.853,95%CI:1.588-38.832,P=0.012),and qPitt ≥ 2(OR=23.189,95%CI:4.461-120.552,P<0.001)were independent prognostic factors for poor outcome of patients with S.aureus bacteremia,while catheter-associated infection(OR=0.051,95%CI:0.005-0.579,P=0.016)was negatively correlated with mortality.Conclusions Advanced age,diabetes mellitus,high CCI,hospital infection,and high qPitt were independent prognostic factors for poor outcomes of patients with S.aureus bacteremia.The patients should be well managed by timely removal of eradicable lesions to improve patient outcomes.
6.A survey on the current status of gynecological and breast diseases among 13 031 women in Pudong New Area, Shanghai in 2023
Lu LI ; Xichang ZHAO ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Yufang YE
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):160-163
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of gynecological and breast diseases among retired or economically disadvantaged women in part of Pudong New Area of Shanghai under the policy support of screening gynecological diseases and breast diseases for retired and women with economic difficulties in life in Shanghai, to analyze the characteristics of these diseases, so as to provide a scientific basis for the improvement of relevant prevention and treatment strategies. MethodsBased on the gynecological census data of 13 031 cases in five towns, including Xinchang Town, Xuanqiao Town, Laogang Town, Wanxiang Town and Shuyuan Town, conducted by Shanghai Pudong Hospital in 2023, descriptive analysis methods were used to explore the prevalence and age characteristics of common gynecological and breast diseases. ResultsThe total detection rate of gynecological and breast diseases among women in the screening area in this study was 68.29%, with uterine fibroid (22.35%), sarcoidosis of the breast (17.06%), cervicitis (15.37%), vaginitis (8.39%) and ovarian cyst (2.61%) ranking the top 5 in the detection rate among the screening population. The differences of the detection rates in the four major diseases [uterine fibroid (χ2=233.217, P<0.001), breast nodules(χ2=169.896, P<0.001), cervicitis (χ2=388.683, P<0.001), and ovarian cysts (χ2=72.298, P<0.001)] by different age groups were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Moreover, the results of pairwise comparison of different age groups showed that the detection rates in the age group under 45 years old and 45‒55 years old were higher than that in the age group of 55‒65 years old and over 65 years old. ConclusionThe detection rate of gynecological and breast diseases in the younger age group was higher, indicating a certain trend of younger onset of diseases. Uterine fibroid, sarcoidosis of the breast , and reproductive tract diseases such as cervicitis, vaginitis, and ovarian cyst are the main diseases affecting the research subjects. Therefore, medical institutions can combine routine work in screening diseases and carry out corresponding health education and health promotion activities for these key diseases to improve women’s health.
7.Mechanism of Xielitang Against Ulcerative Colitis in Mice Based on "Intestinal Flora-bile Acid" Axis
Xiaotian WANG ; Yaning BIAO ; Yixin ZHANG ; Jian CHEN ; Ya GAO ; Yufang ZHANG ; Muqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):30-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Xielitang on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice and its possible mechanism. MethodsDSS was used to establish UC model. Sixty mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a sulfasalazine group (0.6 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Xielitang groups (1.67, 3.34, 6.68 g·kg-1). After treatment for 42 d, the colon length was recorded, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathomorphological changes of colon. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), small heterodimer partner (SHP), liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) in liver and FXR, sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), and fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) in ileum. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the intestinal flora. Moreover, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the bile acid content. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased colon length, IL-10 content, α-diversity index, abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, and content of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) (P<0.01), significantly increased DAI score, IL-6 and TNF-α content, abundance of Bacteroidetes, and the content of cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and taurocholic acid (TCA) (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly down-regulated protein expression of FXR, SHP, and FGFR4 in liver and FXR, ASBT, and FGF15 in ileum (P<0.01), and significantly up-regulated protein expression of LRH-1 and CYP7A1 in liver (P<0.01). In addition, the structure of colonic mucosa was destroyed, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the model group. Compared with the model group, Xielitang could significantly increase the colon length, IL-10 content, α-diversity index, the abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, and DCA and LCA content (P<0.05, P<0.01), decrease DAI score, abundance of Bacteroidetes, and the content of IL-6, TNF-α, CA, CDCA, and TCA (P<0.01), up-regulate the protein expression of FXR, SHP, and FGFR4 in liver and FXR, ASBT, and FGF15 in ileum (P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expression of LRH-1 and CYP7A1 in liver (P<0.01). The pathological damage of colonic mucosa was obviously alleviated. ConclusionXielitang protects against UC probably by regulating the "intestinal microbiota-bile acid" axis, regulating intestinal flora imbalance, and maintaining bile acid homeostasis.
8.Protective effect and regulatory mechanism of ciprofol for rats with Parkinson's disease
Yafei ZHANG ; Yufang LIU ; Yanbin TANG ; Xingzhi LIAO
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(12):6-12
Objective To investigate the protective effect and regulatory mechanism of ciprofol on Parkinson's disease(PD)rats based on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α(PGC1α)signaling pathway.Methods Wistar rats were divided into blank control group,model group,ciprofol group,and ciprofol+AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin group(ciprofol+Dor group),with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank control group,PD models were estab-lished in the other three groups.Behavioral experiments were used to assess the motor and cognitive functions of rats in each group.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to de-tect the levels of dopamine(DA)and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)in the rat brain striatum.Immu-nofluorescence staining was conducted to measure the level of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)in the rat brain substantia nigra.Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was applied to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,LC3,Bcl-2,and Bax in the rat brain striatum.Western blot was used to determine the relative protein expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,Bcl-2,Bax,phosphorylated(p)-AMPK,SIRT1,PGC1α,and the ratio of LC3 Ⅱ to LC3 Ⅰ(LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ)in the rat brain striatum.Results Compared with the blank control group,the motor and cognitive functions of rats in the model group were reduced,the levels of DA and 5-HT in the brain striatum decreased,the fluorescence intensity of TH in the brain substantia nigra weakened,and the relative mRNA expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,LC3,Bcl-2,as well as the relative protein expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,Bcl-2,p-AMPK,SIRT1,PGC1α,and LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ in the brain striatum were reduced.In contrast,the relative mRNA expression level of Bax and the relative protein expression level of Bax increased,with statistically significant differ-ences(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the motor and cognitive functions of rats in the ciprofol group were improved,the levels of DA and 5-HT in the brain striatum increased,the fluo-rescence intensity of TH in the brain substantia nigra strengthened,and the relative mRNA expres-sion levels of ULK1,beclin1,LC3,Bcl-2,as well as the relative protein expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,Bcl-2,p-AMPK,SIRT1,PGC1α,and LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ in the brain striatum were elevated.Meanwhile,the relative mRNA expression level of Bax and the relative protein expression level of Bax decreased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The comparison between the ciprofol+Dor group and the ciprofol group revealed that the AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin could re-verse the effects of ciprofol(P<0.05).Conclusion Ciprofol may exert neuroprotective effects for PD rats by promoting autophagy through activating the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α signaling pathway.
9.Mechanism of esketamine affecting proliferation,metastasis and stem cell property of colorectal cancer cells
Yafei ZHANG ; Yufang LIU ; Yanbin TANG ; Xingzhi LIAO
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(17):43-48
Objective To investigate the effects and related molecular mechanisms of esket-amine on the proliferation,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT),and stem cell properties of colorectal cancer(CRC)cells.Methods CRC cell line SW480 was cultured with varying concentra-tions of esketamine,and the cells were divided into blank group(0 μmol/L),low-concentration group(1 μmol/L),medium-concentration group(5 μmol/L)and high-concentration group(10 μmol/L).Cell proliferation activity was assessed using the EdU proliferation assay,cell spheroid-forming ability was evaluated via the spheroid formation assay,cell migration capacity was measured using the scratch assay,cell invasion ability was determined through the transwell assay,and the expression levels of tumor stem cell property markers[NANOG homeobox(NANOG),SRY-box transcription fac-tor(SOX)2,SOX4],the neurogenic locus Notch homolog protein 1(Notch1)receptor and the Notch1 intracellular domain(Notch1 ICD)were detected by western blot.A recovery test was con-ducted by adding the Notch1 receptor agonist Jagged1 to the culture groups with different concentra-tions of esketamine.Results Compared with the blank group,esketamine significantly inhibited the proliferation activity,spheroid-forming ability,migration ability,and invasion ability of CRC cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The intracellular expression levels of SOX2,SOX4,NANOG,and Notch1 ICD proteins were significantly decreased,while the expression level of the Notch1 recep-tor was significantly increased in the esketamine groups(P<0.05).After the addition of Jagged1,the inhibitory effects of esketamine on the proliferation activity,metastatic ability,and stem cell properties of CRC cells were alleviated.Conclusion Esketamine inhibits CRC cell proliferation,metastasis,EMT,and stem cell properties by reducing the activation level of the Notch1 receptor,demonstrating a potential for clinical anti-tumor applications.
10.Polymerized gold nanorods applied to the diagnosis of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection
Wenmei ZHANG ; Yufang KONG ; Shungao MA ; Jingwei SHEN ; Xiuhua ZUO ; Yimei YANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(15):1807-1813
Objective To construct an assay for early infection diagnosis of Angiostrongylus cantonensis based on gold nanorod polymerization.Methods Stable gold nanorods were synthesized by the gold seed growth method,and labeled with different concentrations of sulfhydrylated crude and purified antigens of lar-vae and adults of Angiostrongylus cantonensis,and their excretory and secretory antigens,and then scanned the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance(LSPR)of the stable gold nanorods by ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis)spectrophotometry,and screened for the optimal labeled antigens for the detection of different infection time after infection of rats with Angiostrongylus cantonensis.The displacement changes were screened to se-lect the best labeled antigens for the detection of serum antibodies and positive sera of series of dilution gradi-ents at different infection times(5,7,14,21 d)after infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis in rats,and at the same time,the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was set up for the same test.Kappa test was used to compare the consistency of the two assays.Results Gold nanorods with stable aspect ratio were suc-cessfully prepared.The gold nanorods labeled with 10 μg/mL of adult purified antigen had a maximum LSPR shift of 40 nm,and were able to detect serum antibodies in rats 5 d after mild,moderate and severe infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis,as well as positive sera at a maximum dilution of 1∶600.The ELISA was able to detect serum antibodies in rats after 14 d of mild infection,and 7 d of moderate and severe infection,as well as positive sera at a maximum dilution of 1∶200.The ELISA detected positive serum antibodies in rats after 14 d of mild infection and 7 d of moderate and severe infection,as well as in rats at a maximum dilution of 1∶200.The Kappa value of the two methods was 0.750(P<0.01),and the results of the two methods had strong consistency.Conclusion A polymerized gold nanorod assay for early and rapid diagnosis of An-giostrongylus cantonensis infection is successfully constructed.

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