1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Acute Lung Injury by Modulating NLRP3 Inflammasome: A Review
Jiaojiao MENG ; Lei LIU ; Yuqi FU ; Hui SUN ; Guangli YAN ; Ling KONG ; Ying HAN ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):292-301
Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common and critical diseases in clinical practice, with extremely high morbidity and mortality, seriously threatening human life and health. The pathogenesis of ALI is complex, in which the inflammatory response is a key factor. Studies have shown that NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are involved in ALI through mechanisms such as inflammation induction, increased microvascular permeability, recruitment of neutrophils, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis, playing a key role in the occurrence and progression of ALI. Therefore, regulating NLRP3 inflammasomes and inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors can alleviate the damage in ALI. At present, ALI is mainly treated by mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy, which have problems such as high costs and poor prognosis. In recent years, studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can reduce the inflammatory response and the occurrence of oxidative stress and pyroptosis by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, thus alleviating the damage and decreasing the mortality of ALI. Based on the relevant literature in recent years, this article reviews the research progress in TCM treatment of ALI by regulating NLRP3 inflammasomes, discusses how NLRP3 inflammasomes participate in ALI, and summarizes the active ingredients, extracts, and compound prescriptions of TCM that regulate NLRP3 inflammasomes, aiming to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of ALI and the development of relevant drugs.
2.RXRα modulates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by targeting CaMKKβ-AMPKα axis.
Lijun CAI ; Meimei YIN ; Shuangzhou PENG ; Fen LIN ; Liangliang LAI ; Xindao ZHANG ; Lei XIE ; Chuanying WANG ; Huiying ZHOU ; Yunfeng ZHAN ; Gulimiran ALITONGBIEKE ; Baohuan LIAN ; Zhibin SU ; Tenghui LIU ; Yuqi ZHOU ; Zongxi LI ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Qi ZHAO ; Ting DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Jingwei SU ; Luoyan SHENG ; Ying SU ; Ling-Juan ZHANG ; Fu-Quan JIANG ; Xiao-Kun ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3611-3631
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl4 and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.
3.Guijianyu alleviates advanced glycation endproducts-induced mouse renal podocyte injury by inhibiting the AGEs-RAGE signaling pathway.
Qianqian MA ; Yuqi NIU ; Mingyu ZUO ; Xin LI ; Junke FU ; Jinjin WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1938-1945
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the mechanism by which Guijianyu ameliorates podocyte injury in a mouse model of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) induced by advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs).
METHODS:
Sixty db/db mouse models of DKD were randomized equally into 5 groups for treatment with saline, Guijianyu extract at 3 doses or irbesartan for 12 weeks, and the changes in renal pathology and structure were observed using transmission electron microscopy, and the expressions of related genes and key proteins were detected using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In cultured MPC-5 cells incubated with 50 mg/L AGEs-BSA for 24 h, the effect of different concentrations of Guijianyu extract on cell viability was examined with CCK-8 assay; Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expressions of RAGE, VEGFA, TNF-α, NF-κB(p65), IL-6 and caspase-3, and the mRNA expressions of RAGE, NF-κB (p65), VEGFA and IL-6 were detected with RT-qPCR.
RESULTS:
In mouse models of DKD, treatment with high-dose Guijianyu extract significantly reduced renal expressions of RAGE, VEGFA, NF-κB(p65), and IL-6 proteins and the mRNA expressions of RAGE, NF-κB, and IL-6. In MPC-5 cells, exposure to AGEs significantly reduced cell viability and increased the protein expressions of RAGE, NF‑κB (p65), VEGFA, TNF-α, IL-6 and caspase-3 (P<0.05) and mRNA expressions of RAGE, NF-κB (p65), VEGFA, and IL-6. Treatment with Guijianyu extract obviously improved cell viability and reduced the expressions of RAGE, NF-κB(p65), VEGFA, TNF-α, IL-6, and caspase-3. Furthermore, Guijianyu extract effectively reversed RAGE agonist-induced elevation of protein expressions of RAGE, VEGFA, TNF-α, IL-6, and caspase-3 and mRNA expressions of RAGE, NF-κB (p65), IL-6, and VEGFA in MPC-5 cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Guijianyu extract ameliorates AGEs-induced mouse renal podocyte injury in DKD by inhibiting the activation of AGEs-RAGE signaling pathway and reducing the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factors.
Animals
;
Glycation End Products, Advanced
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Mice
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Podocytes/pathology*
;
Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy*
;
Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-6/metabolism*
;
Male
4.Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir in hepatitis C patients with previous direct-acting antiviral agent failure
Mengying ZHU ; Ping YU ; Guohong GE ; Yuqi MA ; Xiling FU ; Jiabao CHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(11):2201-2204
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasivr/voxilaprevir(SOF/VEL/VOX)in patients with HCV infection experiencing failure in previous direct-acting antiviral agent(DAA)therapy.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the chronic hepatitis C patients who experienced failure in previous DAA antiviral therapy and were treated with SOF/VEL/VOX(400 mg/100 mg/100 mg/tablet,1 tablet/day)for 12 weeks in Nanjing Second Hospital,Wuxi Fifth People's Hospital,and The Third People's Hospital of Zhenjiang from June 2020 to June 2023.Sustained virological response at 12 weeks(SVR12)was observed after the end of treatment,and the changes in biochemical parameters and the incidence rate of adverse reactions were assessed to evaluate drug safety.The paired t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups.Results A total of 36 patients were enrolled,among whom there were 27 non-liver cirrhosis patients and 9 patients with compensated liver cirrhosis,and 4 patients experienced failure in the previous two or more sessions of DAA therapy.Two patients were lost to follow-up after treatment,and the remaining 34 patients(34/36,94.4%)achieved SVR12.Among the 36 patients enrolled,the most common adverse events were pruritus,nausea,fatigue,and headache,and one patient(2.78%)experienced serious adverse events;there were no adverse events that resulted in the discontinuation of therapeutic agents or the death of patients.Conclusion For chronic hepatitis C patients who experience failure in previous DAA therapy,SOF/VEL/VOX salvage therapy has a relatively high rate of SVR12,with good tolerability and safety.
5.Comparison of HBV-specific CD8+T cell reactivity across the patients with chronic HBV infection,cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma
Mengying ZHU ; Ruixue JI ; Pinqing LI ; Yuqi MA ; Damin JIAO ; Fangping YUE ; Yandan WU ; Jie QIU ; Xiling FU ; Jiabao CHANG
Immunological Journal 2024;40(4):365-374
This study was performed to investigate the features of HBV-specific CD8+T cell reactivity in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),HBV-induced liver cirrhosis(LC)or hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).A total of 124 CHB patients,36 LC patients,and 114 HCC patients were enrolled in this study.The reactive HBV-specific CD8+T cells in peripheral blood were enumerated using an innovative ELISPOT system.In addition,19 CHB patients and 20 HCC patients were longitudinally monitored with an interval of 3-5 months.Data showed that the numbers of reactive HBV-specific CD8+T cells in CHB group were not significantly different from that in LC group,but obviously lower than that in HCC group(P=0.009 9),especially HBsAg-,HBpol-and HBe/cAg-specific CD8+T cells.In CHB group,the patients with normal ALT level,AST level,or low HBV-DNA load showed significantly more reactive HBV-specific CD8+T cells than the patients with abnormal ALT level,abnormal AST level,or high HBV-DNA load.Furthermore,the duration of NUCs treatment had an impact on the HBV-specific CD8+T cell reactivity in CHB patients,while different NUCs at the same treatment duration did not bring different reactivity of HBV-specific T cells.In LC group,the HBeAg-positive patients presented much more reactive HBV-specific CD8+T cells than the HBeAg-negative patients did.In HCC group,the numbers of reactive HBV-specific CD8+T cells in the patients with normal AFP level or normal DCP level were significantly higher than that in the patients with abnormal AFP level or abnormal DCP level.Longitudinal monitoring results showed that HBV-specific CD8+T cell reactivity displayed a slow upward trend in the CHB patients undergoing NUCs treatment,and an obvious increasing in the HCC patients undergoing combined treatment of targeted drugs and immunotherapy.Taken together,the features of HBV-specific CD8+T cell reactivity are distinct among the CHB,LC and HCC patients,and are influenced by virological indicators,tumor markers and treatment regimens.Therefore,more attention should be paid to the changes of HBV-specific CD8+T cell reactivity during clinical treatment.
6.Correlation of bone mineral density of infants over 6 months of age with the exclusive breastfeeding and gestational calcium nutrition guidance
Peibei YAN ; Huiqian CAO ; Man XU ; Fang GU ; Junling LI ; Chenghao SUN ; Yanru FU ; Yuqi WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(4):158-161
Objective To analyze the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) of infants over 6 months of age and exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutrition guidance during pregnancy in Baoding area, and to provide evidence for clinical application. Methods A total of 308 infants over 6 months of age were selected from Baoding Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023, and their BMD was measured by ultrasound. The level of 25 (OH) D3 in subjects' blood was detected. spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between infant bone mineral density and exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutritional guidance during pregnancy, and logistics regression model was used to analyze the independent factors affecting infant bone mineral density. Results The level of serum 25 (OH) D3 in normal BMD group was significantly higher than that in abnormal BMD group (P<0.05). The rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the guidance rate of calcium nutrition during pregnancy in normal BMD group were significantly higher than those in abnormal BMD group (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between different bone mineral density and exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutrition guidance during pregnancy (P<0.05). Serum 25 (OH) D3 level, exclusive breastfeeding rate and calcium nutritional guideline rate during pregnancy were independent protective factors for bone mineral density (P<0.05). Conclusion Bone mineral density (BMD) of infants over 6 months of age is positively correlated with exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutrition guidance during pregnancy, and exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutrition guidance during pregnancy are independent protective factors affecting BMD of infants over 6 months of age.
7.Investigation and analysis of the charging status and standard of pharmacy intravenous admixture service in China
Jie CAO ; Xuefeng CAI ; Yongning LYU ; Jun CHEN ; Yuqi FU ; Lulu SUN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(15):1807-1811
OBJECTIVE To investigate and analyze the operational costs and current charging policies of pharmacy intravenous admixture service (PIVAS) in China, and provide a reference for promoting high-quality and sustainable development of PIVAS. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed in 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across the country through the “Wenjuanxing” platform from May 6th to July 1st, 2022. The operational costs, charging status and suggestions of PIVAS were investigated and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 761 PIVAS participated in the survey nationwide, including 666 tertiary medical institutions, 93 secondary medical institutions, and 2 primary medical institutions. Approximately 60.58% of PIVAS had implemented a charging system that allowed charges. Among them, most PIVAS required inspection and evaluation before charging. The annual operating cost of PIVAS in China was approximately 2 098 100 yuan, with the integrated operating cost comprising 89.36% of the total, while the dispensing cost accounted for only 10.64%. Human costs emerged as the highest annual consumption (74.20%), followed by decoration and facility maintenance costs (4.77%) and equipment acquisition costs (3.44%). Regarding charges for different drugs nationwide, common drugs had an average charge standard of 4.39 yuan per bag while antibacterial drugs averaged 5.01 yuan per bag; hazardous drugs had an average charge of 23.17 yuan per bag, whereas parenteral nutrition solutions averaged 38.75 yuan per bag. However, the recommended average charges of the four drugs mentioned above were 6.71, 9.63, 38.35 and 44.03 yuan per bag, respectively. CONCLUSIONS At present, there is no unified inspection and evaluation standard and charging standard in China. Moreover, the current charging standard is lower than the recommended standard. It is necessary to combine operational costs and develop more reasonable and fair charging standards.
8.Current status and development suggestions of PIVAS automated equipment allocation in China
Ruimin DENG ; Yuqi FU ; Wei YANG ; Lulu SUN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(17):2068-2071
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current allocation status of automated equipment in pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS) of medical institutions in China, and to provide reference for understanding the current status and future direction of PIVAS automation construction. METHODS In the form of a questionnaire survey, a questionnaire was distributed to medical institutions in 30 provinces across the country through the “Wenjuanxing” platform to investigate the four aspects of PIVAS, such as the allocation of automated equipment, intelligent intravenous medication dispensing robots, design and development of workflow software and information integration methods for automated equipment, and conduct statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 761 PIVAS participated in the survey, 373 PIVAS were equipped with automated equipment. Among 373 PIVAS with automated equipment, automatic finished infusion sorting machines and automatic labeling machines were the main equipment, and 93.56% of PIVAS were not equipped with intelligent intravenous medication dispensing robots; 511 PIVAS used workflow software designed and developed by third-party software companies. In the project of information integration for automated equipment, there was not much difference in the proportion of cases where there was no automated equipment, automated equipment directly interfaced with hospital information systems, and automated equipment interfaced with PIVAS software platform. CONCLUSIONS The automated equipment allocation rate of PIVAS in China is relatively low, and there is still a lot of room for development. We should improve the relevant guidelines for automated equipment as soon as possible, promote standardized and reasonable equipment research and development, and enable PIVAS to more efficiently complete intravenous drug dispensing, in order to provide more dengrm3@mail.sysu.edu.cn comprehensive pharmaceutical services.
9.Research and analysis of the blending types and workload of PIVAS in China
Hongmei LYU ; Jing ZHAO ; Yuqi FU ; Jianzhong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(18):2203-2206
OBJECTIVE To assess the blending types and workload of pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS) in China. METHODS By questionnaire survey, the working status of PIVAS in different levels of hospitals nationwide was investigated, involving the types of blending infusion, daily blending volume of hazardous drugs infusion, parenteral nutrition solution, general and antibacterial drug infusion, intravenous bolus drugs, skin test solution and intravenous agents, as well as the daily packing volume. RESULTS A sample of 750 PIVAS in 30 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) across China were surveyed by questionnaire, involving 621 tertiary hospitals and 90 secondary hospitals. The main types of liquid preparation were intravenous infusion, followed by parenteral nutrition solution, and chemotherapy pump (including chemotherapy infusion), accounting for 99.73%, 79.47% and 43.33%, respectively. The daily blending volume of hazardous drugs infusion, parenteral nutrition solution, general and antibacterial drug infusion, intravenous bolus drugs, skin test solution and intravenous agents in PIVAS of tertiary hospitals were 23.00 (9.00, 56.50) sets, 31.00 (13.97, 74.00) bags, 813.00 (375.00, 2 061.75) bags, 426.00 (210.00, 987.00) bags, 30.00 (6.00, 155.00) ampoules, 30.00 (7.13, 136.84) ampoules, 3 200.00 (1 684.50, 5 554.50) ampoules respectively, while the daily packing volume was 218.50 (52.26, 559.00) bags; above indexes of PIVAS in secondary hospital were 4.00(2.00,12.00)sets, 8.90(3.00,23.00)bags, 270.50(108.00, 2 061.75)bags, 157.00(71.00,987.00)bags, 5.85 (3.75,141.00) ampoules, 0 ampoule, 1 349.00(548.10,2 408.00)ampoules, 107.50(33.25,207.00)bags. CONCLUSIONS The scope of blending types of PIVAS has been significantly expanded, and tertiary hospitals are significantly higher than secondary hospitals in the blending and packing volumes of all types of intravenous fluids and drugs dispensed, showing obvious advantages in dealing with complex medications and high-risk treatments.
10.Effect of Mirabegron combined with Silodosin on detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractile
Huiling CONG ; Limin LIAO ; Guang FU ; Lihua ZHA ; Yuqi YANG ; Yizheng WANG ; Xing LI ; Juan WU ; Yi GAO ; Huafang JING
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2022;28(4):473-478
Objective To observe the clinical effect of Mirabegron combined with Silodosin on detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractile (DHIC).Methods From September, 2019 to December, 2021, 40 patients with DHIC in the Department of Urology of Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were selected and randomly divided into control group and experimental group, with 20 cases in each group. The control group took Silodosin only, and the experimental group took Mirabegron in addition, for four weeks. The urinary diary, residual urine volume, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and quality of life (QOL) score were compared before and after treatment.Results A total of 18 patients in the control group and 19 in the experimental group finished the trial. After treatment, the number of night urination per day, the residual urine volume and QOL score improved in the control group (P<0.01); the number of urination per 24 hours, the number of night urination per day, the volume per urination, the residual urine volume, the daily urgency score, the OABSS score and QOL score improved in the experimental group (P<0.01). The number decrease of urination per 24 hours, the volume decrease of per urination, the daily urgency score decrease, the OABSS score decrease and QOL score decrease were more in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.01). The adverse reactions included palpitations, increased heart rate, dyspareunia, increased blood pressure, gastric discomfort, postural hypotension, and retrograde ejaculation, and there was no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion The efficacy of Mirabellone combined with Silodosin on DHIC is better than Silodosin only, and there was no significant increase in drug-related adverse effects.


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