1.Efficacy and safety analysis of Wuling capsules combined with fluoxetine in the treatment of adolescents with first-episode moderate-to-severe depressive disorder accompanied by insomnia
Lian HE ; Yanping SHU ; Yuan YUN ; Yun MO ; Qian ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):456-461
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of Wuling capsules combined with fluoxetine in the treatment of adolescents with first-episode moderate-to-severe depressive disorder accompanied by insomnia. METHODS The clinical data of 476 adolescents with first-episode moderate-to-severe depression accompanied by insomnia admitted to our hospital from June 2022 to May 2025, were retrospectively collected. According to the initial treatment regimen, patients were divided into a control group (241 cases, treated with fluoxetine alone) and an observation group (235 cases, treated with Wuling capsules combined with fluoxetine). The depression severity (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 Item and the Self-Rating Depression Scale scores), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, sleep efficiency), serum neuroendocrine indicator (cortisol) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) were compared between the two groups before treatment and at 4th and 8th weeks of treatment. The effective rate at 8th weeks and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS Before treatment, there were no significant differences in depression severity, sleep quality, serum neuroendocrine indicator, and inflammatory markers between the two groups ( P >0.05). At 4th and 8th weeks, both groups showed significant improvement in these indicators compared to those before treatment, with the observation group demonstrating significantly greater improvement than the control group at the corresponding time points ( P <0.05). At 8th week, the eff ective rate of the observation group was 90.21%, significantly higher than 80.50% in the control group ( P <0.05). The incidence of nausea, headache, fatigue, dry mouth, and palpitations, as well as the total incidence of ADRs, did not differ significantly between the two groups ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Wuling capsules combined with fluoxetine can significantly improve the effective rate in adolescents with first-episode moderate-to-severe depression accompanied by insomnia, accelerate the relief of depressive symptoms, improve sleep quality, and reduce serum neuroendocrine indicator and inflammatory markers, with a favorable safety profile.
2.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
3.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
4.The epidemiological characteristics and spatial aggregation of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023
Lu-qian ZHANG ; Shao-qi NING ; Yun-peng NIAN ; Shu WANG ; Xin-xin LI
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):19-24
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023 to provide a scientific basis for its prevention and control. Methods Excel 2007, SPSS 25.0, Joinpoint 4.9.1.0, and Geoda 1.6 were used for data collection and statistical analysis. Super Map was used for data visualization to describe the changing characteristics of the disease. Results A total of 394 typhus cases were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023. The average annual incidence of typhus was 0.054/100 000, showing a dynamic fluctuation trend(AAPC=-3.3, t=-0.3, P>0.05). The cases were mainly concentrated in Baoji, Hanzhong and Xi′an, accounting for 78.68%. The incidence peak was from May to October, accounting for 64.21% of annual incidence. The epidemic season was from May to October and December. The incidence of the disease was concentrated in the 40-69 age group, accounting for 58.88%, and the sex was 1.07:1. The main occupation was farmers, accounting for 72.08%. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 7 days. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there were significant spatial autocorrelations in 11 years from 2005 to 2023(P<0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis detected a total of 43“high-high”clustering areas, mainly concentrated in Baoji City. Conclusions The overall incidence of typhus in Shaanxi Province showed a dynamic fluctuation trend, with notable seasonal and regional aggregation. The incidence of typhus was higher in middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas. Surveillance should be strengthened in typhus endemic areas in summer and autumn, and health education should be conducted for key population to form good health habits and reduce the incidence of typhus.
5.Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment in erectile dysfunction.
Shi-Yun LIU ; Si-Yu LIU ; Bang-Min HAN ; Shu-Jie XIA
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):673-679
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non-invasive sonodynamic therapy that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. Clinical trials have demonstrated that LIPUS ameliorates mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction without adverse events. Histological analysis of the corpus cavernosum suggests that the therapeutic benefits of LIPUS may be attributed to alleviation of fibrosis, enhanced neovascularization, and promotion of innervation. Further investigations have revealed that LIPUS facilitates cavernous tissue repair through non-thermal mechanisms, including a cavitation effect, acoustic streaming, mass transfer enhancement, and direct mechanical stimulation. Mechanobiological transduction triggers molecular signaling cascades within endogenous cavernous cells, thereby stimulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and stem cell differentiation. Although LIPUS has the potential to induce cavernous rehabilitation in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms via which LIPUS regulates each type of cavernous cell to determine the optimal parameters for this innovative therapy.
Male
;
Humans
;
Erectile Dysfunction/therapy*
;
Ultrasonic Therapy/methods*
;
Penis/pathology*
;
Ultrasonic Waves
6.Hesperidin Suppressed Colorectal Cancer through Inhibition of Glycolysis.
Ke-Xiang SUN ; Wei-Shan TAN ; Hao-Yue WANG ; Jia-Min GAO ; Shu-Yun WANG ; Man-Li XIE ; Wan-Li DENG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(6):529-540
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the role of the natural compound hesperidin in glycolysis, the key ratelimiting enzyme, in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines.
METHODS:
In vitro, HCT116 and SW620 were treated with different doses of hesperidin (0-500 µmol/L), cell counting kit-8 and colone formation assays were utilized to detected inhibition effect of hesperidin on CRC cell lines. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to detect the ability of hesperidin (0, 25, 50 and 75 µmol/L) to migrate CRC cells. To confirm the apoptotic-inducing effect of hesperidin, apoptosis and cycle assays were employed. Western blot, glucose uptake, and lactate production determination measurements were applied to determine inhibitory effects of hesperidin (0, 25 and 50 µmol/L) on glycolysis. In vivo, according to the random number table method, nude mice with successful tumor loading were randomly divided into vehicle, low-dose hesperidin (20 mg/kg) and high-dose hesperidin (60 mg/kg) groups, with 6 mice in each group. The body weights and tumor volumes of mice were recorded during 4-week treatment. The expression of key glycolysis rate-limiting enzymes was determined using Western blot, and glucose uptake and lactate production were assessed. Finally, protein interactions were probed with DirectDIA Quantitative Proteomics, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses.
RESULTS:
Hesperidin could inhibit CRC cell line growth (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, hesperidin presented an inhibitory effect on the migrating abilities of CRC cells. Hesperidin also promoted apoptosis and cell cycle alterations (P<0.05). The immunoblotting results manifested that hesperidin decreased the levels of hexokinase 2, glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1), GLUT3, L-lactate dehydrogenase A, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 2 (PFKFB2), PFKFB3, and pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (P<0.01). It remarkably suppressed tumor xenograft growth in nude mice. GO and KEGG analyses showed that hesperidin treatment altered metabolic function.
CONCLUSION
Hesperidin inhibits glycolysis and is a potential therapeutic choice for CRC treatment.
Hesperidin/therapeutic use*
;
Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Glycolysis/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Humans
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice, Nude
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Glucose/metabolism*
;
Cell Cycle/drug effects*
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Mice
;
HCT116 Cells
;
Lactic Acid
7.Histaminergic Innervation of the Ventral Anterior Thalamic Nucleus Alleviates Motor Deficits in a 6-OHDA-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.
Han-Ting XU ; Xiao-Ya XI ; Shuang ZHOU ; Yun-Yong XIE ; Zhi-San CUI ; Bei-Bei ZHANG ; Shu-Tao XIE ; Hong-Zhao LI ; Qi-Peng ZHANG ; Yang PAN ; Xiao-Yang ZHANG ; Jing-Ning ZHU
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(4):551-568
The ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus is a major target of the basal ganglia and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Notably, the VA receives direct innervation from the hypothalamic histaminergic system. However, its role in PD remains unknown. Here, we assessed the contribution of histamine to VA neuronal activity and PD motor deficits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed reduced VA activity in PD patients. Optogenetic activation of VA neurons or histaminergic afferents significantly alleviated motor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. Furthermore, histamine excited VA neurons via H1 and H2 receptors and their coupled hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, inward-rectifier K+ channels, or Ca2+-activated K+ channels. These results demonstrate that histaminergic afferents actively compensate for Parkinsonian motor deficits by biasing VA activity. These findings suggest that targeting VA histamine receptors and downstream ion channels may be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD motor dysfunction.
Animals
;
Histamine/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Oxidopamine/toxicity*
;
Rats
;
Ventral Thalamic Nuclei/physiopathology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
;
Neurons/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Optogenetics
8.Research Progress on Electrochemical Sensing Techniques for Detection of Telomerase Activity
Hai-Tang YANG ; Peng-Hua SHU ; Wen-Lin LIU ; Wen-Bo MA ; Zi-Jun YANG ; Zhi-Feng DENG ; Xin-Yun ZHANG ; Wei WEI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):864-874
The telomere structure in the cell nucleus is crucial for maintaining the stability and functions of chromosomes.Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase,which catalyzes the elongation of telomeres using its own RNA as a template,thereby counteracting the shortening of telomeres caused by chromosome replication and cell division.Due to its overexpression in over 85%of malignant tumor cells,telomerase has emerged as a highly promising biomarker and a novel target for cancer therapy.In recent years,given the importance of precise quantification of telomerase activity in guiding medical diagnosis and treatment strategies,researchers have developed various high-performance telomerase detection techniques.Among these,electrochemical biosensing technique has cause much attention due to its high sensitivity,operational convenience,rapid response,and ease of miniaturization.This paper focused on the latest advances in electrochemical sensing technique for detection of telomerase activity,aiming to provide inspiration for designing novel telomerase activity detection strategies by elucidating three unique properties of telomerase primer extension products.
9.Comparison of predictive accuracy and clinical applicability among four vancomycin individualized dosing tools
Shu CHEN ; Yanqin LU ; Yun SHEN ; Chang CAO ; Kunming PAN ; Xiaoyu LI ; Qianzhou LYU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2822-2827
OBJECTIVE To compare the predictive accuracy and clinical applicability of four vancomycin individualized dosing tools (SmartDose, ClinCalc, Gulou, Pharmado) and provide a basis for rational clinical medication use. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 479 adult patients who received vancomycin therapy and underwent steady-state trough concentration monitoring in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Xiamen Branch) from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024. The predictive accuracy of each tool was evaluated using indicators, such as mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), mean percentage error (MPE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), the proportion of patients with an absolute percentage error (APE) of less than 30%, the 95% limits of agreement, and the overall relative percentage difference between predicted and measured values. Using indicators such as accessibility, patient management, and recommendation of multiple treatment options, the clinical panxso@163.com applicability of the tools for all patients was evaluated; using the discrepancy in accuracy between the predicted and actual measured blood drug concentrations as an indicator, the clinical applicability was assessed for patients in different renal function subgroups (hyperfunction, normal, mild impairment, moderate impairment, and severe impairment). RESULTS In terms of accuracy, SmartDose demonstrated the best overall performance with an MAPE of 46.40% and a proportion of APE <30% (46.56%). Bland-Altman analysis indicated that SmartDose had the smallest overall relative percentage difference (-7.25%), although the 95% limits of agreement were broad for all tools, with differences between the upper and lower limits exceeding 200%. In terms of applicability, all four dosing tools were freely accessible and demonstrated good availability; SmartDose and Pharmado provided the most comprehensive solutions, offering features such as patient management, multiple regimen recommendations, and drug concentration-time curve plotting. Stratified analysis based on renal function revealed that Pharmado showed optimal prediction for hyperfiltration patients (mean difference: 0.11 mg/L). SmartDose and ClinCalc showed relatively better performance in normal and mild renal impaiment (mean difference: 0.37, 0.51 mg/L and -1.13, -1.33 mg/L,respectively). SmartDose performed best in moderate renal impairment (mean difference: -2.60 mg/L). Pharmado and Gulou had smaller prediction biases in severe renal impairment (mean differences: 1.52 mg/L and -0.23 mg/L, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The four individualized dosing tools demonstrated limited accuracy in the initial prediction of vancomycin concentrations. Among them, SmartDose demonstrates the highest overall prediction accuracy and possesses comprehensive clinical management features. It is recommended that Pharmado be preferred for patients with renal hyperfiltration; SmartDose or ClinCalc can be used for patients with normal or mildly impaired renal function; SmartDose is recommended for patients with moderately impaired renal function; Pharmado or Gulou may be considered for patients with severely impaired renal function.
10.Digital health's impact on the patient-doctor relationship in a primary healthcare setting: A qualitative study.
Kai Ping SZE ; Yean Lyi LIM ; Qi Wei FONG ; Jacqueline Giovanna DE ROZA ; Poay Sian Sabrina LEE ; Eng Sing LEE ; Shu Yun TAN
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(2):129-131


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail