1.Effect of Hei Xiaoyaosan on Neuroinflammation and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway in APP/PS1 Mice
Jun ZHOU ; Mingcheng LI ; Yujie LYU ; Zhipeng MENG ; Yunyun HU ; Huping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):124-133
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Hei Xiaoyaosan on the learning and memory abilities of Alzheimer's disease model mice (APP/PS1 mice), and to explore its mechanism through the inflammatory cascade mediated by nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/cysteine aspartate-specific protease (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsSPF-grade 4-month-old APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into the model group, MCC950 group, and Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups. C57BL/6J mice were used as the blank group. After 7 days of adaptive feeding, mice in each group were intervened. The Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups were given corresponding doses by gavage (25.79, 12.90, 6.45 g·kg-1·d-1), the MCC950 group was intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg·kg-1·2 d-1, and the blank group received the same volume of physiological saline by gavage. After 90 days of intervention, the learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Y maze and Morris water maze tests. The structural changes of hippocampal neurons were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the hippocampal CA3 region was detected by immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-18, and IL-1β in the hippocampus. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-localization of GSDMD-N and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the hippocampus. Results① In the Y maze test, compared with the blank group, the spontaneous alternation rate of the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the spontaneous alternation rate in the Hei Xiaoyaosan high- and low-dose groups was significantly increased (P<0.01). ② In the Morris water maze test, during the 1-4 days of the location navigation test, the escape latency time of mice decreased with the extension of training time. On day 4, compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significantly increased escape latency (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the MCC950 group and the Hei Xiaoyaosan low-dose group showed significantly reduced escape latency (P<0.05). In the spatial exploration experiment, compared with the blank group, the number of platform crossings in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Hei Xiaoyaosan low-dose group showed significantly increased platform crossings (P<0.05). ③ HE staining showed that, compared with the blank group, the hippocampal CA3 cells of the model group were damaged, arranged loosely and irregularly, swollen, with unclear boundaries, and the nuclei were pyknotic and deeply stained. MCC950 and all doses of Hei Xiaoyaosan improved the hippocampal CA3 cell damage in APP/PS1 mice to varying degrees. ④ Immunohistochemical results indicated that, compared with the blank group, the expression of APP in the hippocampal CA3 region was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). MCC950 and all doses of Hei Xiaoyaosan could reduce the expression of APP in the hippocampal CA3 region of APP/PS1 mice (P<0.01). ⑤ ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of mice in the model group were significantly increased, and IL-10 levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the IL-18 levels in the MCC950 group and the Hei Xiaoyaosan medium- and low-dose groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). IL-1β levels in the hippocampus of the MCC950 group and Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The IL-10 levels in the hippocampus of the MCC950 group and the Hei Xiaoyaosan medium- and low-dose groups were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ⑥ Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in the hippocampus of the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the content of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the hippocampus of the treated groups was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of GSDMD in the hippocampus of the Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSDMD-N in the hippocampus of the Hei Xiaoyaosan medium- and low-dose groups was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ⑦ Immunofluorescence results showed that, compared with the blank group, the co-expression of GSDMD-N and Iba-1 in the hippocampus of the model group was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the co-expression of GSDMD-N and Iba-1 in the treated groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may regulate the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway to affect the release of inflammatory factors, alleviate neuroinflammation,improve hippocampal histopathological changes,and improve learning and memory deficits,thus providing potential therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease.
2.Current Situation, Trend, and Opportunity of Applying Blockchain to the Supply Chain of Orphan Drugs
Wenyan LI ; Yile YOU ; Jindong WU ; Xinrui LI ; Yunyun JIANG ; Shengfeng WANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):14-21
The exploration and pilot studies of applying blockchain to drug supply chain show great potential in promoting information sharing, collaboration competence among the actors, regulatory efficiency, and etc. In the future, with the help of blockchain, the optimization of the entire supply chain for orphan drugs is expected to be realized. However, there is no such exploration in China at present. This paper systematically sorts out the whole process of supply chain for orphan drugs and the existing problems of the chain. The article concludes that at present, blockchain is mainly used in the " circulation" and " use" of the drug supply chain. It helps to improve the traceability of drugs, to cope with the problem of counterfeit drugs, to enable actors of the drug supply chain to form a collaborative network in optimizing resource allocation, and to improve the operation and supervision efficiency of the supply chain. In the future, the application faces challenges such as high costs in system conversion, lack of personnel awareness, and incomplete supporting systems. Based on the three dimensions of technology, practice, and research, this paper also looks into the future and suggests for the future use of blockchain in the supply chain of orphan drugs by constructing a practice model, the so called DI-GIVE (Digital, Intelligence, Government′s supervision, Innovation, Views of variety, Evaluation-based) hoping to innovate the supply chain of orphan drugs and to ensure the drug use for the patients with rare diseases in China.
3.Evaluation and prospect of clinical pharmacist instructor training reform oriented toward enhancing clinical teaching competence
Li YOU ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Jing BIAN ; Zhuo WANG ; Yunyun YANG ; Jin LU ; Jing LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2085-2091
OBJECTIVE To summarize the implementation experiences of the China Hospital Association’s Clinical Pharmacist Instructor Training Program Reform, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the reform, thus continuously enhancing the quality and standards of clinical pharmacist instructor training. METHODS The study drew on project evaluation methodologies to summarize the main characteristics of the comprehensive system and new model for clinical pharmacist instructor training established through the reform by literature review. The “learning assessment” and “reaction assessment” were conducted by using Kirkpatrick’s four-level model of evaluation in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the clinical pharmacist instructor training reform through statistically processing and analyzing the performance data and teaching evaluation data of the instructor participants. Based on problem and trend analysis, the future development directions were anticipated for the reform of clinical pharmacist instructor training. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The latest round of clinical pharmacist instructor training reform initiated by the Chinese Hospital Association had initially established a four-pronged training system encompassing “recruitment, training, assessment, and management”. It had also forged a training 。 model “oriented towards enhancing clinical teaching competency, with practical learning and skill-based assessment conducted on clinical teaching sites as its core”. Following a period of over three years of gradual reform, the new training system and model became increasingly mature. In both 2023 and 2024, the participants achieved relatively high average total scores in their initial completion assessments [with scores of (84.05± 5.83) and (85.82±4.35) points, respectively]. They also reported a strong sense of gain from the training reform [with self- perceived gain scores of (4.80±0.44) and (4.85±0.39) points, respectively]. The operation and implementation effects of the reform were generally satisfactory. In the future, clinical pharmacist instructor training reforms should continue to address the issues remaining from the current phase, while aligning with global trends in pharmacy education and industry development. Additionally, sustained exploration and practice will be carried out around the core objective of “enhancing clinical teaching competence”.
4.Pharmacological Effect of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex and Active Components on Gout: A Review
Min LI ; Yunyun QUAN ; Ting WANG ; Li LI ; Jin ZENG ; Junning ZHAO ; Jiuzhou MAO ; Yangfan TANG ; Zhujun YIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):286-298
Gout is a metabolic disease closely associated with hyperuricemia and urate deposition. Because of the complex pathogenesis, high morbidity, multiple complications, and increasingly young patients, gout has received worldwide attention. Currently, western medicine mainly treats gout by lowering the uric acid level and reducing inflammation, which, however, causes serious adverse reactions and has contraindications. Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC) is the dried bark of Phellodendron chinense, with the effects of clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, detoxifying, and treating sores. Studies have shown that PCC and its active components have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, uric acid-lowering, and anti-gout activities, with extensive sources and high safety. PCC and its active components could prevent and treat gout through multi-targets and multi-pathways, whereas the systematic review remains to be carried out. Therefore, this paper summarized the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of PCC and its active components in the treatment of gout. The available studies have shown that PCC and its active components exert the anti-gout effect by lowering the uric acid level, reducing inflammation, alleviating oxidative stress, and regulationg intestinal flora, and protecting the kidneys. Particularly, the active components represented by alkaloids contribute obviously to the therapeutic effect of of PCC. Herein, we analyzed the problems and future development of the research on PCC, aiming to provide theoretical support and a scientific basis for the research and development of new drugs against gout.
5.Herbal Textual Research, Quality Evaluation and Phase Analysis of Tremolitum
Youshao WANG ; Yuan SUN ; Yunyun WANG ; Xiaofei WANG ; Jianxiong WEI ; Min ZHANG ; Juan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):194-202
In this research, a comprehensive examination of historical materia medica, medical literature, medical books and contemporary literature was conducted to systematically compile and verify the naming, origin, geographical variations, quality, medicinal properties and processing of Tremolitum, and combined with the physical analysis of 15 batches of samples, with a view to providing a basis for the quality evaluation. The evidences unequivocally support Yangqishi as the rectification of name, while alternative aliases include Baishi, Shisheng, Yangjushi and Yangshi. The primary source of Tremolitum has been the silicate hornblende mineral tremolite throughout recorded history, and its accompanied minerals are mainly chlorite, talc schist, anthophyllite asbestos, etc. In ancient times, the main production area of Tremolitum was situated in the "Yaoshan Mountain" region of Jinan, Shandong province. Presently, it is primarily produced in Hubei, Henan, Shanxi, Hebei and Shandong provinces. The ancient quality evaluation of Tremolitum includes "white color", "wolf teeth", "cloud head and rain foot", "heron hair", etc. While, modern materia medica mostly evaluates its quality in terms of color, luster and texture, including the characteristics of needle bundle, grayish-white, glossy and easy to be twisted and crushed. Tremolitum is slightly warm, non-toxic, and possesses a salty taste. It is associated with the kidney meridian, known for its benefits in nourishing the fire of the gate of life, warming the kidneys and strengthening the Yang. Common processing methods include fire calcination, elutriation, and processing with wine. Additionally, there is an exclusive processing method known as the "ascending Tremolitum method". Through the X-ray diffraction(XRD) analysis, the commercially available Tremolitum is mainly composed of tremolite[Ca2Mg5(Si4O11)2(OH)2], and the accompanied minerals are calcite and quartz, etc. Its color includes white, light gray, light green and so on, and it is weight and soft texture, irregular cross-section, with obvious fibrous texture and mostly glassy luster. Among the commercially available Tremolitum, samples with high content of tremolite are characterized by high quality features, such as "white color", "heron hair" and "ease of tearing". Also, Tremolitum is the Fe-bearing heterogeneous species of tremolite, and the two are often symbiotic. Therefore, by the herbal textual research and the comparison of the properties and composition of Tremolitum and its similar species, it has been verified that the primary source of Tremolitum is the silicate hornblende minerals tremolite and actinolite.
6.Study on anti-osteoporosis effect of different extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata on zebrafish
Yuanyuan GAO ; Yunyun YAN ; Zhuoran CHEN ; Xiao LI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(3):315-322
Objective:To study on anti-osteoporosis effect of different extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata on zebrafish.Methods:Three kinds extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata, anthraquinone and stilbene glycosides and the removal of anthraquinone and stilbene glycosides were prepared. Prednisolone was used to construct the osteoporosis model of young zebrafish. Normal control group, model group, disodium etidronate group and low-, medium- and high-dosage groups of different extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata were set up. Alizarin red staining was used to investigate the mineralized skull area and bone density of juvenile zebrafish in each group. Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) kits were used to detect the activity of osteoblast and osteoclast enzymes in zebra larvae. The qRT PCR method was used to detect the mRNA expressions of osteoporosis related genes Runx2b, col1a2, sparc, and vdrb in each group of zebrafish.Results:Compared with model group, the skull mineralized area and bone mineral density in different extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata significantly increased ( P<0.01). Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata, anthraquinone and stilbene glycosides and the removal of anthraquinone and stilbene glycosides (medium- and high-dosage) could significantly increase the AKP activity of zebrafish ( P<0.01), and lower the TRAP activity of zebrafish ( P<0.01); the mRNA expression levels of Runx2b, col1a2, sparc and vdrb in juvenile zebrafish osteoporosis model were significantly up-regulated by different extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata. ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata, Anthraquinone and stilbene glycosides and the removal of anthraquinone and stilbene glycosides show better anti-osteoporosis effects. The comparison of the efficacy of three extracts from Polygonum multiflorum shows that in addition to anthraquinone and stilbene glycosides, other chemical components of Polygonum multiflorum have anti-osteoporosis effects.
7.Effects of different concentrations of morphine in combination with ropivacaine on proliferation,migration,invasion and cell cycle in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells
Xinyu ZHANG ; Gang CHEN ; Yuju TAN ; Yanru LIU ; Yunyun LI ; Aiqhua JIANG
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(2):62-66
Objective To investigate the effects of different concentrations of morphine in combination with ropivacaine on proliferation,migration,invasion and cell cycle in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.Methods MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were inoculated on the culture plate for 24h and randomly divided into 8 groups:Control group(C),ropivacaine 400μg/ml group(R),morphine 3μg/ml group(LM),morphine 30μg/ml group(MM),morphine 300μg/ml group(HM),ropivacaine 400μg/ml group+ morphine 3μg/ml group(R+LM),ropivacaine 400μg/ml+ morphine 30μg/ml group(R+MM),and ropivacaine 400μg/ml+ morphine 300μg/ml group(R+HM).After treaments of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells for 24h,these proliferation,migration,invasion and cell cycle were evaluated.Results When using morphine alone,the proliferation inhibitive effect was positively correlated with the concentration of morphine.The proliferation was significantly inhibited by morphine of LM,MM,HM group(P<0.05).When using ropivacaine alone,the proliferation was significantly inhibited(P<0.05).When using morphine combined with ropivacaine,the high concentration morphine group has a synergistic effect with ropivacaine group on proliferation inhibition(P<0.05).When using morphine alone,the migration rate decreases sequentially with the increase of morphine concentration.The migration rate was significantly inhibited by morphine of LM,MM,HM group(P<0.05).When using ropivacaine alone,the migration rate was inhibited(P<0.05).When using morphine combined with ropivacaine,the low and medium concentration morphine group have a synergistic effect with ropivacaine group on migration rate(P<0.05).When using morphine alone,the number of cell invasion was decreased with the concentration of morphine increasing(P<0.05).The MM and HM groups inhibited cell invasion ability.When using ropivacaine alone,the invasiveness of cells was also inhibited(P<0.05).When using morphine combined with ropivacaine,the medium and high concentration morphine groups have a synergistic effect with ropivacaine group on inhibiting cell invasion ability(P<0.05).When using morphine alone,the cell cycle progression was inhibited into G2/M Phase(P<0.05).When using ropivacaine alone,the cell cycle progression was inhibited into G2/M phase(P<0.05).The combination of low concentration morphine and ropivacaine has synergistic effect on arresting at G0/G1 and S phase(P<0.05).Conclusion Morphine combined with ropivacaine inhibits the Proliferation,migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner.
8.Evaluation index system of oral health literacy for children's parents based on Delphi method
CEN Qiong ; JIANG Yang ; JIANG Jingyue ; LI Xiaofei ; XIANG Wenjing ; LÜ ; Yunyun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(3):193-197
Objective:
To construct an evaluation index system of oral health literacy for children's parents, so as to provide an index system for the evaluation of oral health literacy for children's parents in China.
Methods:
The evaluation index system of oral health literacy for children's parents was designed based on literature review and semi-structured interview. Experts from oral prevention and pediatric oral medicine were invited to participate in two-round Delphi consultations. The indicators were scored and screened according to the importance, and the weight determined using analytic hierarchy process. The effectiveness of the consultation was evaluated by positive coefficient, authority coefficient and coordination coefficient.
Results:
Twenty-four experts participated in the consultation, including 6 males and 18 females. There were 21 experts with a master degree, 3 experts with a doctor degree, and 20 experts with vice senior professional titles and above. The recovery rates of the two rounds of consultations were 96.00% and 100.00%, the authority coefficients were 0.866 and 0.917, the Kendall's coefficient of concordance were 0.120 and 0.156 (both P<0.05), and the coefficient of variation was 0.15-0.38 and 0.03-0.17, respectively. The final evaluation index system included 3 primary indicators, 11 secondary indicators and 40 tertiary indicators. The primary indicators were basic knowledge and concepts related to oral health, promoting lifestyle and behaviors related to oral health, and maintaining basic skills related to oral health.
Conclusion
The evaluation index system of oral health literacy for children's parents has been established in this study and needs to be further applied and evaluated.
9.Comparison of intestinal flora in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus before and after individualized diet intervention
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2024;32(1):15-24
Objective:To study the changes of intestinal flora before and after dietary intervention in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and explore its correlation with the results of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), using third generation high-throughput sequencing of full-length 16S rDNA.Methods:Thirty pregnant women who received regular antenatal care in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between July 2022 and March 2023 were selected. Demographic data and laboratory examination results of these pregnant women were collected. The pregnant women with GDM (the GDM group) were given individualized dietary intervention, while the control group were given routine dietary guidance, for a total of 2 weeks. The stool was collected before and after the intervention in both groups, and a total of 60 stool samples were collected. Through the PacBio Sequencing platform, the third generation sequencing of full-length 16S rDNA was utilized to investigate the intestinal microbiome diversity. The composition, abundance and diversity of intestinal flora were compared between groups, both before and after the intervention.Results:There were 74 species showing significant differences in abundance between the two groups of pregnant women, 54 of which were enriched in the GDM group. The correlation analysis of blood glucose levels tested by OGTT as an environmental factor showed that Lachnospirales ( P=0.002) and unclassified Bacteria ( P=0.035) were positively correlated with OGTT-0h blood glucose ( P<0.05), while Christensenellales ( P=0.018)and Oscillospirales ( P=0.045) negatively. Lachnospirales ( P=0.027)and unclassified Bacteria ( P=0.028) were positively correlated with OGTT-1 h blood glucose ( P<0.05), while Oscillospirales ( P=0.025) negatively. There was a positive correlation between Lachnospirales ( P=0.027) and OGTT-2h blood glucose ( P<0.05). Conclusions:After the individualized diet intervention, the dominant bacteria of the intestinal flora changed and the fasting blood glucose of declined in pregnant women with GDM. It's a reasonable presumption that individualized diet intervention can contribute to the regulation of the disordered intestinal flora in pregnant women with GDM, which implies a role of dietary intervention in the treatment of GDM.
10.Comparison of clinical features and outcomes of proliferative, fibrotic, and mixed subtypes of IgG4-related disease: A retrospective cohort study
Linyi PENG ; Xinlu ZHANG ; Jiaxin ZHOU ; Jieqiong LI ; Zheng LIU ; Hui LU ; Yu PENG ; Yunyun FEI ; Yan ZHAO ; Xiaofeng ZENG ; Wen ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(3):303-311
Background::Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently recognized immune-mediated disorder that can affect almost any organ in the human body. IgG4-RD can be categorized into proliferative and fibrotic subtypes based on patients’ clinicopathological characteristics. This study aimed to compare the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes of IgG4-RD among different subtypes.Methods::We prospectively enrolled 622 patients with newly diagnosed IgG4-RD at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2011 to August 2021. The patients were divided into three groups according to their clinicopathological characteristics: proliferative, fibrotic, and mixed subtypes. We compared demographic features, clinical manifestations, organ involvement, laboratory tests, and treatment agents across three subtypes. We then assessed the differences in treatment outcomes among 448 patients receiving glucocorticoids alone or in combination with immunosuppressants. Moreover, risk factors of relapse were revealed by applying the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.Results::We classified the 622 patients into three groups consisting of 470 proliferative patients, 55 fibrotic patients, and 97 mixed patients, respectively. We found that gender distribution, age, disease duration, and frequency of allergy history were significantly different among subgroups. In terms of organ involvement, submandibular and lacrimal glands were frequently involved in the proliferative subtype, while retroperitoneum was the most commonly involved site in both fibrotic subtype and mixed subtype. The comparison of laboratory tests revealed that eosinophils ( P = 0.010), total IgE ( P = 0.006), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( P <0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( P <0.001), complement C4 ( P <0.001), IgG ( P = 0.001), IgG1 (P <0.001), IgG4 (P <0.001), and IgA ( P <0.001), at baseline were significantly different among three subtypes. Compared with proliferative and mixed subtypes, the fibrotic subtype showed the lowest rate of relapse (log-rank P = 0.014). Conclusions::Our study revealed the differences in demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, organ involvement, laboratory tests, treatment agents, and outcomes across proliferative, fibrotic, and mixed subtypes in the retrospective cohort study. Given significant differences in relapse-free survival among the three subtypes, treatment regimens, and follow-up frequency should be considered separately according to different subtypes.Trial Registration::ClinicalTrials. gov, NCT01670695.


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