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.Research progress on pharmacological effects and mechanism of α-asarone and β-asarone in Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma.
Hao WANG ; Lei GAO ; Jin-Lian ZHANG ; Ling-Yun ZHONG ; Shu-Han JIN ; Xiao-Yan CHEN ; Wen ZHANG ; Jia-Wen WEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2305-2316
Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma is the dried rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii in the family of Tennantiaceae, which has the efficacy of opening up the orifices and expelling phlegm, awakening the mind and wisdom, and resolving dampness and opening up the stomach. Modern studies have shown that volatile oil is the main active ingredient of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, and α-asarone and β-asarone have been proved to be the active ingredients in the volatile oil of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, with pharmacological effects such as anti-Alzheimer's disease, antiepileptic, anti-Parkinson's disease, antidepressant, anticerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, anti-thrombosis, lipid-lowering, and antitumor. By summarising and outlining the pharmacological effects of α-asarone and β-asarone and elucidating the possible mechanisms of their pharmacological effects, we can provide theoretical basis for the further research and clinical application of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma.
Allylbenzene Derivatives
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Acorus/chemistry*
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Anisoles/chemistry*
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Rhizome/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Humans
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Animals
3.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
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Histamine/metabolism*
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Male
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Oxidopamine/toxicity*
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Rats
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Ventral Thalamic Nuclei/physiopathology*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Disease Models, Animal
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Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
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Neurons/physiology*
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Humans
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Optogenetics
4.Shionone protects cerebral ischemic injury through alleviating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.
Lushan XU ; Chenggang LI ; ChenChen ZHAO ; Zibu WANG ; Zhi ZHANG ; Xin SHU ; Xiang CAO ; Shengnan XIA ; Xinyu BAO ; Pengfei SHAO ; Yun XU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(4):471-479
Microglia, the resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), rapidly transition from a resting to an active state in the acute phase of ischemic brain injury. This active state mediates a pro-inflammatory response that can exacerbate the injury. Targeting the pro-inflammatory response of microglia in the semi-dark band during this acute phase may effectively reduce brain injury. Shionone (SH), an active ingredient extracted from the dried roots and rhizomes of the genus Aster (Asteraceae), has been reported to regulate the inflammatory response of macrophages in sepsis-induced acute lung injury. However, its function in post-stroke neuroinflammation, particularly microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, remains uninvestigated. This study found that SH significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced elevation of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in microglia in vitro. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that SH alleviated infarct volume and improved behavioral performance in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice, which may be attributed to the inhibition of the microglial inflammatory response induced by SH treatment. Mechanistically, SH potently inhibited the phosphorylation of serine-threonine protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). These findings suggest that SH may be a potential therapeutic agent for relieving ischemic stroke (IS) by alleviating microglia-associated neuroinflammation.
Animals
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Microglia/immunology*
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Mice
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Male
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Brain Ischemia/immunology*
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Neuroinflammatory Diseases/drug therapy*
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Neuroprotective Agents/administration & dosage*
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Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
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STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics*
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics*
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Lipopolysaccharides
5.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.
6.Role of myelin transcription factor 1-like in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Shu-Chang LÜ ; Ying-Jun GUAN ; Xiao-Su CHEN ; Hao-Yun ZHANG ; Jin-Meng LIU ; Qiu-Peng YAN ; Yan-Chun CHEN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(5):524-532
Objective To investigate the expression of myelin transcription factor 1-like(MYT1L)during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)progression and its association with neuronal degeneration through bioinformatics analysis combined with in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods Bioinformatics analysis of the GSE106803 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database revealed significant down-regulation of MYT1L in spinal cords of ALS transgenic mice carrying the human superoxide dismutase 1 mutant gene(hSOD1G93A)compared to the wild-type(WT)mice.hSOD1G93A transgenic mice and their WT littermates were selected to analyze MYT1L mRNA and protein changes in spinal cord tissues at different disease stages using Real-time PCR and Western blotting.Double immunofluorescent staining was used to determine the distribution and cellular localization of MYT1L in the spinal cord of mice at the middle stage of the disease.An ALS cellular model was established using hSOD1G93A mutant NSC34 cells,with hSOD1WT NSC34 cells as controls.MYT1L expression and distribution were assessed in these cells via Real-time PCR,Western blotting,and immunofluorescent staining.Based on the GSE76220 dataset from the GEO database,differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between MYT1L high-and low-expression groups in lumbar spinal motor neurons of ALS patients were identified,followed by Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis.MYT1L overexpression was induced in the ALS cellular model to evaluate alterations in cell viability and neurite outgrowth.Results In the GSE106803 dataset,MYT1L expression was significantly down-regulated in the spinal cord of ALS mice.Animal experiments confirmed progressive reductions in MYT1L mRNA and protein levels in spinal cord tissues of ALS mice during mid-and late-disease stages.Compared to the WT group,MYT1L expression decreased in motor neurons of the lumbar spinal cord gray matter anterior horn in ALS mice,while it increased in astrocytes.In vitro,hSOD1G93Amutant NSC34 cells exhibited significantly reduced MYT1L expression than controls,with MYT1L localized to both the cytoplasm and nucleus.DEGs between MYT1L high-and low-expression groups in lumbar spinal cord motor neurons of ALS patients(GSE76220 dataset)were enriched in synaptic-related functions through GO analysis.Overexpression of MYT1L in hSOD1G93A mutant NSC34 cells enhanced cell viability and promoted neurite outgrowth.Conclusion Aberrantly low expression of MYT1L is closely associated with ALS pathogenesis.Overexpression of MYT1L promotes neurite growth and exerts protective effects on ALS motor neurons,suggesting its therapeutic potential.
7.A case of neonatal Netherton syndrome
Yan ZHU ; Si-Yuan JIANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Yun CAO ; Shu-Lian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(1):103-106
A male infant,aged 6 days,was admitted to the hospital due to respiratory distress and systemic desquamative rash after birth.The infant presented with erythema and desquamative rash,respiratory failure,recurrent infections,chronic diarrhea,hypernatremic dehydration,and growth retardation.Comprehensive treatment,including anti-infection therapy,intravenous immunoglobulin administration,and skin care,resulted in improvement of the rash,but recurrent infections persisted.Second-generation sequencing revealed a homozygous mutation in the SPINK5 gene,consistent with the pathogenic variation of Netherton syndrome.The family opted for palliative care,and the infant died at the age of 2 months after discharge.This report documents a case of Netherton syndrome caused by the SPINK5 gene mutation in the neonatal period,and highlights multidisciplinary diagnosis and therapy for this condition.
8. A new strategy for evaluating antitumor activity in vitro with time-dimensional characteristics of RTCA technology
Fang-Tong LIU ; Shu-Yan XING ; Jia YANG ; Guo-Ying ZHANG ; Rong RONG ; Xiao-Yun LIU ; Dong-Xue YE ; Yong YANG ; Xiao-Yun LIU ; Dong-Xue YE ; Rong RONG ; Yong YANG ; Xiao-Yun LIU ; Dong-Xue YE ; Yong YANG ; Xiao-Yun LIU ; Dong-Xue YE ; Yong YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):592-598
Aim To analyze the anti-A549 and HI299 lung ade-nocarcinoma activities via using examples of baicalin, astragalo-side, hesperidin and cisplatin based on real time cellular analysis (RTCA) technology, and to build a new strategy for EC50 e-valuation reflecting the time-dimensional characteristic. Methods Using RTCA Software Pro for data analysis and GraphPad Prism and Origin Pro plotting, the in vitro anti-A549 and H1299 lung adenocarcinoma activities of baicalin, astragaloside, hesperidin, and cisplatin were characterized using the endpoint method and time dimension, respectively. Results (X) There were significant differences in EC50 values of A549 and H1299 cells at 24 h and 48 h endpoint methods. (2) The correlation coefficient of the curve fitted with the four-parameter equation was > 0. 9, and the dynamic change of EC50 remained relatively stable (the linear fitting of EC50 at adjacent 4 points I slope 1^1) used to calculate the EC50 value within this time dimension. The EC50 of baicalin, astragaloside, hesperidin and cisplatin on A549 cells was 52. 97 ±1.75 плпо! • L~1(16~48 h) , 62.88 ± 2.91 ijunol • L"1 (32.25 -48 h) , 78.84 ±0.33 плпо1 • L"1 (21.5 -29.75 h), 13.57 ±1.54 плпо1 • L_1(27.5 -48 h), respectively; the EC50 of baicalin, astragaloside, hesperidin and cisplatin on H1299 cells was 43. 71 ± 1. 26 |лто1 • L_1 ( 19. 5 -48 h), 47.23 ±1. 19 |лто1 • L_1(14 -48 h) , 39.45 ±0.24 плпо1 • L"1 (12.75 -46.25 h), 25.97 ±4.76 плпо1 • L"1 (10. 25 -48 h) , respectively. The results showed that the time window for the anti-tumor effect of the test solution/drug was different. Conclusions Based on RTCA technology, it is more accurate and reasonable to select EC50 data that exhibit better fitting, stable changes, and time-dimensional characteristics for the evaluation of anti-tumor activity. In addition, this method of distinguishing different effective time of antitumor drugs can provide a reference for the timing of clinical combination drugs, and this approach will also provide a reference for further related studies.
9.Effects of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies and desensitization on engraftment of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Yao MA ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Kang ZHOU ; Yun LUO ; Shu CHEN ; Shifeng LOU ; Jianchuan DENG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(4):319-325
Objective To investigate the effects of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies(DSA)and desensitization for DSA+patients on engraftment of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(haplo-HSCT).Methods The patients who underwent haplo-HSCT and examinations for HLA antibodies and DSA in our department from March 2017 to July 2023 were recruited in this study.The effects of desensitization measure on engraftment in the DSA+patients after haplo-HSCT were analyzed.Results Among the 70 patients who underwent haplo-HSCT and test for HLA antibodies,15(21.4%)patients were DSA positive,including 7(46.7%)cases of strong positive,3(20.0%)cases of moderate positive,and 5(33.3%)cases of weak positive.The median duration for neutrophil implantation was significantly extended in the DSA+patients than the negative patients(P=0.027).For the 6 patients developed graft failure(GF),4 were DSA+which was statistically higher than the DSA-patients(P=0.025).Multivariate regression analysis showed that DSA was an independent factor affecting GF(HR=9.273,95%CI:1.505~57.124,P=0.016).Among the 10 patients(7 strong positive and 3 moderate positive DSA)received desensitization therapy,4 patients received combination desensitization,with a 100%rate of successful transplantation,and 6 received single desensitization,with 4(66.7%)experiencing GF,so the GF rate was obviously lower in the combination than the single desensitization(P=0.008).Conclusion In haplo-HSCT patients,DSA is an important factor leading to implantation delay and GF.While,single desensitization treatment has limited efficacy.In combined DSA desensitization therapy,the decrease of antibody titer should be dynamically monitored to ensure the successful implantation of stem cells and reduce GF rate.
10.Effect of Simo decoction on the regulation of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signal pathway on duodenal microinflammation in rats with functional dyspepsia
Qin LIU ; Xiao-Yuan LIN ; Ling-Feng YANG ; Qian LUO ; Yun-Zong HAN ; Si-Qing CHEN ; Hai-Yue ZHANG ; Shu ZHOU ; Sai-Nan ZHOU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(1):67-71
Objective To investigate the effects of Simo decoction on duodenal microinflammation and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1)/gasdermin D(GSDMD)signaling pathway in rats with functional dyspepsia(FD).Methods The FD model was established by multifactorial method.SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group(FD model),positive control group(gavage administration of 0.305 mg·kg-1 mosapride injection)and experimental-H,-M,-L groups(gavage administration of 5.62,2.81,1.40 g·kg-1 Simo decoction).Small intestinal advancement rate and gastric emptying rate was determined;the levels of interleukin(IL)-1 β and IL-18 in serum were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);the protein expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD in duodenal tissue was detected by Western blotting.Results The gastric emptying rates of normal,model,positive control and experimental-H,-M,-Lgroupswere(58.34±5.72)%,(29.16±8.37)%,(48.77±6.10)%,(48.35±6.04)%,(48.20±3.49)%and(39.24±4.20)%;the small intestinal propulsion rates were(82.01±7.55)%,(41.95±9.53)%,(64.61±10.18)%,(75.04±9.76)%,(60.58±7.13)%and(45.89±7.40)%;serum IL-1 β expression were(12.86±0.88),(43.73±4.60),(18.84±0.86),(24.61±1.57),(19.14±0.77)and(29.04±0.72)pg·mL-1;IL-18 expressions were(95.00±3.74),(170.60±8.78),(108.50±3.05),(118.90±3.45),(99.90±8.70)and(141.00±3.71)pg·mL-1;the relative expression levels of NLRP3 proteins were 0.32±0.02,0.84±0.05,0.42±0.03,0.48±0.02,0.61±0.04 and 0.62±0.05;the relative expression levels of GSDMD proteins were 0.34±0.05,0.93±0.06,0.35±0.03,0.52±0.02,0.53±0.06 and 0.55±0.05,respectively.Compared with the normal group,the above indexes in the model group have statistical significance;compared with the model group,the above indexes in the experimental-H group and the positive control group also have statistical significance(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusion Simo decoction can effectively improve the general condition and duodenal microinflammation in FD rats,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of duodenal NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.

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