1.Interpretation of Evidence-to-decision Framework and Its Application in Pharmacovigilance Guidelines of Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Xin CUI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Yaxin WANG ; Rui MA ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):220-228
To interpret the evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework and to illustrate its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guideline development using the example of the Pharmacovigilance Guideline of Chinese Patent Medicine, thereby providing methodological references for TCM guideline standardization. Based on the core three stages of the EtD framework (formulating the question, making an assessment of the evidence, and drawing conclusions), critical decision points and evaluation evidence within the evidence-translation process were systematically addressed, aligning with the purpose, scope, and key questions of the guideline. Qualitative research methods, such as the nominal group technique, were employed to formulate recommendations. The analysis was conducted based on the EtD framework. During question formulation, the specific characteristics and practical needs of pharmacovigilance for Chinese patent medicines were clarified, focusing on the core objective of safety assurance throughout the product lifecycle. In the evidence assessment, multi-source evidence was integrated, including policy documents, literature research, and expert consensus, completing the evidence evaluation. Finally, in recommendation-forming, dispersed research evidence and expert experience were synthesized into consensus, culminating in the guideline's completion through solicitation of opinions and peer review. The EtD framework provides a structured tool for evidence-to-decision translation in TCM guideline development, effectively enhancing the transparency and scientific rigor of the process. Therefore, it is recommended that TCM guideline development adopt the EtD framework to improve the evidence-to-decision process with TCM characteristics.
2.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Zhifei WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Ruili WEI ; Wenqian PENG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xin CUI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):245-251
To standardize the clinical application of oral Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), and address the safety issues arising from their dosage form characteristics, irrational clinical use, and the lack of targeted pharmacovigilance systems, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized the formulation and release of Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines, aiming to inform the safe clinical use of oral CPMs and related pharmacovigilance work. According to the principles of GB/T1.1—2020 and the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (2019 revision), the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, led a drafting group comprising 18 institutions. After multiple rounds of expert interviews, literature retrieval, evidence screening, and extensive solicitation of opinions, the Guidelines were registered internationally. Systematic standardization focused on safety monitoring, risk identification, assessment, control, and other aspects. The Guidelines clarified the characteristics of oral CPMs in terms of safety monitoring, known risks, and potential risks, compared to non-oral CPMs. Then, risk control measures were proposed, including medication in special populations and irrational medication. As a special guideline for pharmacovigilance in the clinical application of oral CPMs, the Guidelines systematically construct a technical system in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is essential for improving the clinical safety management of oral CPMs and provides an important reference for medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and regulatory authorities.
3.Interpretation of Evidence-to-decision Framework and Its Application in Pharmacovigilance Guidelines of Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Xin CUI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Yaxin WANG ; Rui MA ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):220-228
To interpret the evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework and to illustrate its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guideline development using the example of the Pharmacovigilance Guideline of Chinese Patent Medicine, thereby providing methodological references for TCM guideline standardization. Based on the core three stages of the EtD framework (formulating the question, making an assessment of the evidence, and drawing conclusions), critical decision points and evaluation evidence within the evidence-translation process were systematically addressed, aligning with the purpose, scope, and key questions of the guideline. Qualitative research methods, such as the nominal group technique, were employed to formulate recommendations. The analysis was conducted based on the EtD framework. During question formulation, the specific characteristics and practical needs of pharmacovigilance for Chinese patent medicines were clarified, focusing on the core objective of safety assurance throughout the product lifecycle. In the evidence assessment, multi-source evidence was integrated, including policy documents, literature research, and expert consensus, completing the evidence evaluation. Finally, in recommendation-forming, dispersed research evidence and expert experience were synthesized into consensus, culminating in the guideline's completion through solicitation of opinions and peer review. The EtD framework provides a structured tool for evidence-to-decision translation in TCM guideline development, effectively enhancing the transparency and scientific rigor of the process. Therefore, it is recommended that TCM guideline development adopt the EtD framework to improve the evidence-to-decision process with TCM characteristics.
4.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Zhifei WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Ruili WEI ; Wenqian PENG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xin CUI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):245-251
To standardize the clinical application of oral Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), and address the safety issues arising from their dosage form characteristics, irrational clinical use, and the lack of targeted pharmacovigilance systems, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized the formulation and release of Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines, aiming to inform the safe clinical use of oral CPMs and related pharmacovigilance work. According to the principles of GB/T1.1—2020 and the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (2019 revision), the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, led a drafting group comprising 18 institutions. After multiple rounds of expert interviews, literature retrieval, evidence screening, and extensive solicitation of opinions, the Guidelines were registered internationally. Systematic standardization focused on safety monitoring, risk identification, assessment, control, and other aspects. The Guidelines clarified the characteristics of oral CPMs in terms of safety monitoring, known risks, and potential risks, compared to non-oral CPMs. Then, risk control measures were proposed, including medication in special populations and irrational medication. As a special guideline for pharmacovigilance in the clinical application of oral CPMs, the Guidelines systematically construct a technical system in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is essential for improving the clinical safety management of oral CPMs and provides an important reference for medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and regulatory authorities.
5.Dipsacus asper Treats Alzheimer's Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans by Regulating PPARα/TFEB Pathway
Mengmeng WANG ; Jianping ZHAO ; Limin WU ; Shuang CHU ; Yanli HUANG ; Zhenghao CUI ; Yiran SUN ; Pan WANG ; Hui WANG ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Zhishen XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):104-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effect of Dipsacus asper(DA) in the Caenorhabditis elegans model, and decipher the underlying mechanism via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)/transcription factor EB (TFEB) pathway. MethodsFirst, transgenic AD C. elegans individuals were assigned into the blank control, model, positive control (WY14643, 20 µmol·L-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (100, 200, and 400 mg·L-1, respectively) DA groups. The amyloid β-42 (Aβ42) formation in the muscle cells, the paralysis time, and the deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the head were detected. The lysosomal autophagy in the BV2 cell model was examined by Rluc-LC3wt/G120A. The expression levels of lysosomal autophagy-related proteins LC3Ⅱ, LC3I, LAMP2, and TFEB were detected by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of autophagy-related genes beclin1 and Atg5 and lysosome-related genes LAMP2 and CLN2 downstream of PPARα/TFEB. A reporter gene assay was used to detect the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of PPARα, and the active components of the ethanol extract of DA were identified by UPLC-MS. RCSB PDB, Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and Autodock were used to analyze the binding between the active components and PPARα-ligand-binding domain (LBD). ResultsCompared with the model group, the positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed prolonged paralysis time (P<0.05), and all the treatment groups showed decreased Aβ deposition in the head (P<0.01). DA within the concentration range of 50-500 mg·L-1 did not affect the viability of BV2 cells. In addition, DA enhanced the autophagy flux (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA levels of beclin1, Atg5, LAMP2, and CLN2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), promoted the nuclear translocation of TFEB (P<0.05), increased LAMP2 expression and autophagy flux (P<0.05, P<0.01), and enhanced the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB (P<0.01). The positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed enhanced fluorescence intensity of PPARα in the BV2 nucleus (P<0.01). UPLC-MS detected nine known compounds of DA, from which 8 active components of DA were screened out. The docking results suggested that a variety of components in DA could bind to PPARα-LBD and form stable hydrogen bonds. ConclusionDA may reduce the pathological changes in AD by regulating the PPARα-TFEB pathway.
6.Plasma homocysteine concentration and MTHFR C677T polymorphism are related to ischemic stroke
Yuchao ZHANG ; Mingzhang XIE ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Xiaochun ZHOU ; Chenyan YANG ; Yanxuan LIU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(3):331-335
Objective To investigate the correlation of plasma homocysteine(Hcy)level and the polymorphisms of its key metabolic enzymes methylenetetrahy-drofolate reductase(MTHFR)gene with ischemic stroke(IS).Methods A total of 310 patients with IS were enrolled as the case group and 330 healthy subjects during the same period were selected as the control group.Plasma Hcy concentration was detected by enzyme cycling method,and the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to detecte the genotypes of MTHFR C677T.Results The frequencies of TT genotype(36.13%),CT genotype(10.00%)and T allele(28.06%)of MTHFR gene C677T locus in stroke patients were significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05).The frequency of the TT genotype was significantly higher in IS group compared to control group,indicating a recessive mode of inheritance(P<0.05);In the dominant mode of inheritance,the frequency of CT+TT genotype in IS group was also significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05);The plasma Hay concentration of MTHFR C677T genotype TT,CT and CC patients was statistically different(P<0.05),which were(20.91±6.78)μmol/L(17.20±5.39)μmol/L,(14.35±4.32)μmol/L,respectively;The area under the ROC curve(AUC)of plas-ma total Hcy level was 0.610(95%CI:0.566~0.653,P<0.001).It indicated that it might play an impor-tant role in predicting the risk of suffering from IS.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that plasma Hcy level and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism were important risk factors of IS.Conclusions Elevated plasma Hcy level is associated with IS,and the synergistic effect of elevated Hcy level and MTHFR C677T gene mutation may increase the risk of IS.
7.Association of MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism with serum Hcy level and subtypes of ischemic stroke
Yuchao ZHANG ; Mingzhang XIE ; Xiaochun ZHOU ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Chenyan YANG ; Yanxuan LIU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(12):1614-1618
Objective To investigate the relationship between methylenetetra-hydrofolatereductase(MTHFR)gene polymorphism and serum homocysteine(Hcy)level and subtypes of ischemic stroke(IS).Methods The study was conducted according to the matched principle of case-control design,310 patients with IS and 330 healthy people during the same period were selected as the case group and the control group.Recycling enzyme method and the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method were used to detect the level of serum Hcy and the genotypes of MTHFR C677T,respectively.Results There was a significantly difference in MTHFR C677T genotype and allele frequency between the case and control groups(P<0.05).The correlation analysis with different subtypes indicated that the frequencies of CT genotype(38.02%),TT genotype(10.74%),and T allele(29.75%)were significantly different in the LAA group(OR=1.662,95%CI:1.058-2.608,P<0.05;OR=2.373,95%CI:1.110-5.073,P<0.05;OR=1.663,95%CI:1.190-2.323,P<0.05);The frequencies of TT genotype(10.53%)and T allele(27.30%)in SAO group were also significantly different(OR=2.130,95%CI:1.046-4.336,P<0.05;OR=1.474,95%CI:1.075-2.021,P<0.05).Further analysis of serum Hcy level showed that LAA group(19.55±5.61)μmol/L and SAO group(16.37±5.20)μmol/L were significantly higher than the control group(14.46±4.61)μmol/L(P<0.001);Among the patients of both subtypes the serum Hcy levels in those with CT genotypes and TT genotypes were significantly higher than those in patients of CC genotypes(P<0.001).Conclusions The gene polymorphism of MTHFR C677T has a significant effect on Hcy level in pa-tients with LAA and SAO stroke.
8.Study on the levels and potential mechanisms of degranulated basophils in the blood of patients with sepsis
Yuhan SUN ; Shengyong REN ; Mengmeng ZHAN ; Xin DONG ; Shihao LIU ; Congyi ZHAO ; Junling WANG ; Bingyu QIN
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(10):1373-1381
Objective:To compare the degranulation levels of basophils in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and granulocyte populations between healthy subjects and patients with sepsis, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, plasma cytokine levels were measured in these volunteers.Methods:Peripheral blood samples were collected from both healthy individuals and sepsis patients. The degranulation level of basophils in sepsis patients and its potential mechanisms were examined. Plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-9, and IL-10 were detected, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population and IL-9 levels.Results:Compared with healthy subjects, sepsis patients showed a reduction in basophil percentages within PBMC and granulocyte populations by 94.8% and 37.9%, respectively ( Z = -6.441, P < 0.05; Z = -2.681, P < 0.05). In contrast, both the proportion and number of degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population were increased (both P < 0.05). Plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-9, and IL-10 were significantly elevated in sepsis patients--by 80.6%, 36.7%, and 11.9-fold, respectively ( Z = -4.258, P < 0.05; Z = -3.606, P < 0.05; Z = -4.814, P < 0.05). Moreover, plasma IL-9 levels were highly correlated with both the percentage and count of degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population (both P < 0.05). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed cytological changes and potential mechanisms involving basophils in the PBMC of sepsis patients. Conclusions:The decreased total count of basophils in sepsis patients may elevate the risk of secondary infection. Degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population may contribute to excessive inflammatory responses through IL-9 secretion.
9.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of finerenone combined with standard regimen in the treatment of heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction
Runan XIA ; Xu WANG ; Huijuan CHEN ; Mengyu JIANG ; Panpan DI ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Li LIU ; Hai LIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1770-1774
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of finerenone combined with standard of care (SoC) in the treatment of heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS Based on a phase Ⅲ clinical trial, a Markov model was constructed from the perspective of China’s healthcare system to compare the treatment outcomes of finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone in the treatment of different cardiac functional statuses of HFmrEF/HFpEF. Using quality-adjusted life year (QALY) as the health output index, 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2023 as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, a simulation was conducted with a 3-month cycle length and a 10- year time horizon, incorporating an annual discount rate of 5%. The dynamic changes across various stages of HFmrEF/HFpEF treated with finerenone combined with SoC versus SoC alone were simulated to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and costs of the two treatment strategies. Additionally, one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed, to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone was 179 504.75 yuan/QALY, which was below the WTP threshold set in this study, indicating that the finerenone combined with SoC regimen possessed certain economic advantages. The results of one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the utility value of NYHA Ⅱ status, the drug price of finerenone, the discount rate, and the probability of hospital transfer for both groups had a great influence on ICER, but did not affect the robustness of the model. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis also confirmed the robustness of the model. CONCLUSIONS Under the WTP threshold set in this study, finerenone combined with SoC is cost-effective in the treatment of HFmrEF/HFpEF, compared with the SoC regimen.
10.Advances in mechanisms of damage to cardiovascular system by exposure to micro-nano plastics
Guangzhen LU ; Xiaoting WANG ; Xinye WANG ; Hong ZHUANG ; Mengmeng CUI ; Gang ZHAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(10):1260-1267
This review described the potential health threats to the cardiovascular system from micro-nano plastics (MNPs) and their multifaceted toxicity mechanisms. The article reviewed the environmental distribution of MNPs, exposure pathways, and their toxic effects on the cardiovascular system, and summarized the specific mechanisms of MNPs involving oxidative stress, inflammatory response, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy dysregulation. Meanwhile, the combined toxic effects of MNPs with other environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), including synergistic, antagonistic, and dual effects, were analyzed, and the potential risks of MNPs as carriers of microorganisms and toxic chemicals were pointed out. The widespread presence of MNPs and their complex toxicity mechanisms may make them important triggers for cardiovascular diseases, but current research still suffers from unbalanced studies across environmental systems, incomplete understanding of plastic properties, and limited knowledge of long-term biological effects. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of MNPs, the joint toxicity mechanisms with other pollutants, and the differential effects across population subgroups. It is suggested to accelerate plastic recycling technology innovation, promote biodegradable materials, and optimize waste treatment process to mitigate the potential threat of MNPs pollution to human health. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and in-depth research, combining innovative concepts from toxicology, public health policy, and environmental science, it is expected to provide new methods and approaches for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with MNPs.

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