1.Mechanism and Clinical Research Progress of Puerarin in Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure
Wenjie LU ; Siqi ZHONG ; Lu ZHANG ; Wenting LIN ; Zhijun ZENG ; Shaohua WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):327-336
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is an end-stage cardiac syndrome driven by multiple factors. Its pathological process involves interactions of multiple pathways such as energy metabolism dysfunction, neuroendocrine dysregulation, and myocardial fibrosis. Although current clinical medicine can alleviate symptoms through single-target approaches, significant limitations in reversing cardiac remodeling and disease progression remain. Puerarin, a major bioactive isoflavone constituent derived from Pueraria lobata, exhibits multidimensional pharmacological effects, such as vasodilatory effects, regulation of neuroendocrine balance, enhancement of metabolic homeostasis, and suppression of myocardial apoptosis. This review systematically integrated puerarin's multi-target regulatory network, elucidating its mechanisms such as improving energy metabolism by AMP-activated protein kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) pathway, inhibiting fibrosis mediated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signals, and attenuating oxidative-inflammatory cascades by regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2 (E2)-related factor 2/nuclear transcription factor-κB(Nrf2/NF-κB) axis. Clinical research data was used to validate its efficacy in improving the left ventricular ejection function and reducing the therapeutic potential of cardiovascular events' risks. The study proposed that puerarin's "systemic regulation" characteristic breaks through the limitations of traditional single-target drugs and prospected its clinical translation pathway based on metabolomics and nano-delivery technology, offering an integrative perspective from molecular mechanisms to precise therapy for the research on modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Mechanism and Clinical Research Progress of Puerarin in Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure
Wenjie LU ; Siqi ZHONG ; Lu ZHANG ; Wenting LIN ; Zhijun ZENG ; Shaohua WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):327-336
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is an end-stage cardiac syndrome driven by multiple factors. Its pathological process involves interactions of multiple pathways such as energy metabolism dysfunction, neuroendocrine dysregulation, and myocardial fibrosis. Although current clinical medicine can alleviate symptoms through single-target approaches, significant limitations in reversing cardiac remodeling and disease progression remain. Puerarin, a major bioactive isoflavone constituent derived from Pueraria lobata, exhibits multidimensional pharmacological effects, such as vasodilatory effects, regulation of neuroendocrine balance, enhancement of metabolic homeostasis, and suppression of myocardial apoptosis. This review systematically integrated puerarin's multi-target regulatory network, elucidating its mechanisms such as improving energy metabolism by AMP-activated protein kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) pathway, inhibiting fibrosis mediated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signals, and attenuating oxidative-inflammatory cascades by regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2 (E2)-related factor 2/nuclear transcription factor-κB(Nrf2/NF-κB) axis. Clinical research data was used to validate its efficacy in improving the left ventricular ejection function and reducing the therapeutic potential of cardiovascular events' risks. The study proposed that puerarin's "systemic regulation" characteristic breaks through the limitations of traditional single-target drugs and prospected its clinical translation pathway based on metabolomics and nano-delivery technology, offering an integrative perspective from molecular mechanisms to precise therapy for the research on modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.
3.The constituent elements, experiences, and popularization significance of the palliative care model of integrated elderly care and medical services
Zehuan HUANG ; Mengdong XIN ; Lidan QI ; Long ZHAO ; Minyu WANG ; Lu QIN ; Zhenhua LU ; Zhao LI ; Yue HE ; Xi ZENG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(7):914-923
Under the trend of increasing aging, integrated elderly care and medical services is an important measure to optimize the supply of elderly care services and promote the good death of the elderly. Using the cooperative production theory and the classical grounded theory, a qualitative analysis was conducted on 38 cases of elderly palliative care and 25 cases of hospital-based palliative care under the integrated elderly care and medical services model from a hospital in Nanning City using Nvivo 20.0 software. This paper found that the integrated elderly care and medical services mode emphasized the deep integration of medical and elderly care services by integrating resources and improving service efficiency, to achieve the basic experience of comprehensive health care for the elderly. The promotion of these experiences has a positive significance for building a multi-agent cooperative production system, strengthening personnel training, perfecting the performance distribution mechanism, and further promoting the development of the national palliative care pilot.
4.Brain-computer interface combined with different therapies for limb dysfunction in stroke patients:effectiveness and mechanism analysis
Xuesong WANG ; Yue WANG ; Yan XU ; Wenhui ZENG ; Wenming LU ; Xingkun TANG ; Wenjie CHEN ; Junsong YE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(30):6538-6546
BACKGROUND:In recent years,brain-computer interface technology has shown significant promise for rehabilitating limb dysfunction in stroke patients.With ongoing research deepening and its broader clinical application,combining brain-computer interface with other rehabilitation therapies to improve limb function has become a focal point of study.OBJECTIVE:To analyze and summarize the efficacy of brain-computer interface combined with various therapies in treating limb dysfunction in stroke patients and to explore the clinical value of these combined strategies.METHODS:The search terms used for the literature review in Chinese databases were"brain-computer interface,BCI,stroke,"while the terms"brain-computer interface,BCI,brain-computer interaction,brain-machine interface,BMI,stroke"were used for English databases.Literature searches were conducted in CNKI,WanFang,VIP,PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science,from the time of database construction to September 2024.Finally,a total of 3 054 articles were retrieved,and 75 articles were included after screening for summarization.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Currently,brain-computer interfaces,used alone or in combination with other treatments such as Chinese medical treatment,conventional rehabilitation therapy,or physical factor therapy,are achieving better outcomes in treating limb dysfunction in stroke patients.However,the efficacy of brain-computer interfaces combined with transcranial direct current stimulation for treating upper and lower limb dysfunctions is still debated.Researchers are increasingly recognizing the feasibility of these combined therapies.Yet,challenges such as limited exploration of therapeutic mechanisms,absence of standardized protocols,and small sample sizes hinder their broad application.Future research should therefore focus on understanding the mechanisms by which brain-computer interfaces can enhance effects when combined with other therapies and on standardizing criteria for clinical trials to enable widespread clinical adoption.
5.Role of the sirtuins in pyroptosis
Wenjie LI ; Ying LI ; Maohua MENG ; Xiao ZENG ; Jinyi SUN ; Yuncai LUO ; Huan WANG ; Jing LU ; Qiang DONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(25):5478-5485
BACKGROUND:Unlike non-inflammatory cell apoptosis,pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory cell death,characterized by membrane integrity disruption and release of pro-inflammatory intracellular substances.Thus,it is associated with various diseases.The sirtuin family is a group of histone deacetylases dependent on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.In addition to deacetylation,it also possesses other enzymatic activities such as desuccinylation,demalonylation,adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation and playing crucial roles in the regulation of pyroptosis.OBJECTIVE:To review the role of the sirtuins in pyroptosis.METHODS:The first author conducted a search on PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang Data from inception to March 2024,using the Chinese and English search terms"Sirtuins,Sirtuin1,Sirtuin2,Sirtuin3,Sirtuin4,Sirtuin5,Sirtuin6,Sirtuin7,pyroptosis",resulting in the inclusion of 71 articles.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The sirtuin family all participates in the regulation of pyroptosis.(2)Overexpression of sirtuin1 and sirtuin4 can inhibit pyroptosis through various pathways,thus alleviating the damage caused by pyroptosis to the organism.(3)In addition to affecting the classical pathway of pyroptosis,sirtuin3 can also inhibit pyroptosis by enhancing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity and mitosis.(4)Sirtuin5 is involved in the regulation of intracellular metabolism and energy balance,including energy intake,storage,and consumption.(5)Sirtuin6 can influence pyroptosis through various pathways and also affect macrophage M1 polarization,generation of reactive oxygen species,and cleavage of pyroptosis-related factor sclerotin D to inhibit pyroptosis.(6)Overexpression of sirtuin7 can suppress pyroptosis.(7)Sirtuin2,unlike other family members,can restrain pyroptosis only after knockdown,but there are fewer reports,requiring more in-depth and comprehensive research.
6.Efficacy and safety of a facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Tian-yu WU ; Wen-hao ZHANG ; Peng-sheng CHEN ; Chen LI ; Tian WU ; Zhan LÜ ; Tong WANG ; Kun LIU ; Zhi-wen TAO ; Xiao-xuan GONG ; Liang YUAN ; Yong LI ; Bo CHEN ; Xin CHEN ; Zeng-guang CHEN ; Nai-quan YANG ; Yuan-yuan SANG ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Bai-hong LI ; Li ZHU ; Guo-yu WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Chuan LU ; Jun JIANG ; Rui-na HAO ; Chun-jian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(8):431-438
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P<0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P>0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.
7.Study on the Anti-Atherosclerotic Mechanism of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture
Meng LIU ; Danning ZHANG ; Junnan ZENG ; Lei LU ; Tian LIANG ; Ying XU ; Tong CHEN ; Xin ZHAO ; Hanmei ZHANG ; Yong BIAN ; Zhongliang WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(9):1178-1188
OBJECTIVE To explore the ameliorative effect of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture on atherosclerosis and the potential role of long non-coding RNA(Linc RNA)in anti-atherosclerosis.METHODS A model of atherosclerosis was established in SD rats subjec-ted to a high-fat diet.At 4 weeks post-modeling,thoracic aortic tissues from atherosclerotic rats were collected for hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to systematically evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture at different doses.Biochemical kits were utilized to assess relevant indices related to blood lipid levels as well as liver and kidney function,thereby evaluating the impact of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture on these parameters.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure serum inflam-mation markers influenced by Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture.Additionally,TUNEL staining and Western blot analysis were conducted to ex-amine the apoptotic effects of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture on thoracic aorta tissue.Finally,qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of Line-HC,MALAT1,etc.,in order to evaluate how Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture affecting these specific RNA molecules.RESULTS Following treatment with Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture,the blood lipid profiles indicated that total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05,P<0.01),while high-density lipopro-tein cholesterol(HDL-C)levels were up-regulated in the atherosclerotic rats.Moreover,serum levels of liver and kidney function markers such as aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and creatinine(Cr)exhibited down-regulation(P<0.05,P<0.01).Additionally,pro-inflammatory factors including interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP-9)were also reduced(P<0.01),whereas the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10(IL-10)was found to be elevated(P<0.01).Furthermore,after oral administration of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture,expression levels of apoptosis-related factors NLRP3,ASC,Cleaved Caspase-1,Cleaved IL-1 β,Puma,Bax,Noxa,and MDM2 in thoracic aorta tissues from the atherosclerotic rats showed sig-nificant down-regulation(P<0.05,P<0.01).Notably,following treatment with Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture,mRNA levels of Linc-HC decreased while mRNA expression of MALAT1 increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture may inhibit the expression of Linc-HC and up-regulate the expression of MALAT1 to reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaque,improve ab-normal blood lipids and liver and kidney function,alleviate inflammation and inhibit apoptosis.
8.Prognostic analysis of postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma after con-version therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy: a multicenter study
Kongying LIN ; Jia LIN ; Zisen LAI ; Yongping LAI ; Kui WANG ; Jinhong CHEN ; Zhibo ZHANG ; Jingdong LI ; Sheng TAI ; Shifeng WANG ; Siming ZHENG ; Jianxi ZHANG ; Lu ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Jiacheng ZHANG ; Jiahui LYU ; Liming HUANG ; Yongyi ZENG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(1):103-112
Objective:To investigate the prognosis of postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma after conversion therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 103 patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who were admitted to 11 medical centers in China, including Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University et al, from November 2019 to May 2023 were collected. There were 83 males and 20 females, aged (54±12)years. All 103 patients underwent conversion therapy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) successfully followed by sequential hepatectomy, of which 72 patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant therapy were divided into the adjuvant therapy group, and 31 patients undergoing postoperative follow-up monitoring were divided into the follow-up monitoring group. Observation indicators: (1) follow-up and postoperative condi-tions; (2) analysis of factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of patients; (3) stratified ana-lysis. Comparison of count data between group was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. The R software was used to draw survival curves, and the Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results:(1) Follow-up and postoperative conditions. All 103 patients were followed up for 21.0(range, 1.9?47.2)months, with the median recurrence-free survival time of 28.7 months and the 1-, 2-, 3-year recurrence-free survival rates of 68.6%, 55.6%, 41.2%. The median overall survival time of 103 patients was unreached, and the 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival rates were 90.9%, 82.1%, 69.6%, respectively. The median recurrence-free survival time was 33.1 months in patients of the adjuvant therapy group, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 77.2%, 61.5%. The median recurrence-free survival time was 11.1 months in patients of the follow-up monitoring group, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 46.6%, 40.8%. There was a significant difference in recurrence-free survival between the two groups of patients ( χ2=5.492, P<0.05). (2) Analysis of factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of patients. Results of multivariate analy-sis showed that pathologic complete response and postoperative adjuvant therapy were independent factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of HCC patients undergoing conversion therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy ( hazard ratio=0.297, 0.492, 95% confidence interval as 0.137?0.647, 0.268?0.903, P<0.05). (3) Stratified analysis. Of the 71 patients with non-pathologic complete response, the median recurrence-free survival time of 48 patients in the adjuvant therapy group was 24.0 months, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 67.4%, 48.8%. The median recurrence-free survival time of 23 patients with non-pathological complete response in the follow-up monitoring group was 7.4 months, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 35.0%, 26.3%. There was a significant difference in recurrence-free survival between the 48 patients with non-pathologic complete response in the adjuvant therapy group and the 23 patients with non-pathologic complete response in the follow-up monitoring group ( χ2=5.241, P<0.05). Conclusion:For HCC patients with conversion therapy of TKIs and ICIs followed by sequential hepatectomy, postoperative adjuvant therapy, compared to postoperative follow-up monitoring, can prolong the recurrence-free survival time of patients, of whom cases with non-pathologic complete response can benefit from adjuvant therapy.
9.Construction of nursing quality evaluation index system for perianal infection in patients with hematologic neoplasms
Xin DU ; Lu TANG ; Xue WANG ; Xue FENG ; Li ZENG ; Fangfang WU ; Jun TAO ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(14):1041-1049
Objective:To construct a quality evaluation index system for perianal infection care in patients with hematologic neoplasms, aiming to establish a standardized approach for care.Methods:A quality evaluation index system for perianal infection management in patients with hematologic neoplasms was developed from January to June 2023 using Donabedian′s "Structure- Process- Outcome" approach, based on evidence- based literature study and expert conference discussions. An index system for evaluating the quality of perianal infection care in patients with hematologic neoplasms was established through expert consultation, and the weights for each indicator were derived using the analytic hierarchy process.Results:Two rounds of expert consultations were conducted, involving 27 experts aged 30 to 53 (38.85 ± 6.13) years, in which of them there were 1 male and 26 females. The positive coefficients of the experts in the two rounds of consultations were 100.00% (27/27) and 96.30% (26/27), respectively. The expert authority coefficients were 0.874 and 0.881, respectively, and the Kendall coordination coefficients were 0.234 and 0.219 (both P<0.05). The quality evaluation index system for perianal infection management in patients with hematologic neoplasms consisted of 3 main indicators (structural quality, process quality, outcome quality), 12 secondary indicators, and 48 tertiary indicators. Conclusions:The process of developing the quality assessment criteria for perianal infection care in patients with hematologic neoplasms is systematic and yields dependable results. The criteria cover a wide range of aspects and are specific, offering a valuable framework for assessing the quality of perianal infection care in patients with hematologic neoplasms.
10.Multidimensional Evaluation of 7 Kinds of Injectable Brain Cytoprotection Agents for Ischemic Stroke
Anhua WEI ; Lu WANG ; Lu ZENG ; Dong LIU ; Xuepeng GONG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(5):778-786
Objective To conduct a multidimensional evaluation of brain cytoprotection agents used in the treatment of ischemic stroke,and to provide an evidence-based basis of medication selection and rational clinical use for medical institutions'decision-makers.Methods Based on the"Quick Guide to Drug Evaluation and Selection for Chinese Medical Institutions(Second Edition)"evaluation system,some scoring rules were adjusted.Referring to drug instructions,clinical guidelines,and rel-evant literature from databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Database,VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals(VIP),Pubmed,Embase,and Cochrane Library,seven brain cytoprotection agents were quantita-tively scored from five dimensions:pharmacological characteristics,effectiveness,safety,economic aspects,and other attributes(insurance coverage,essential drugs,manufacturing enterprises).Results Overall,the evaluated drugs received low scores.The top three drugs were edaravone and dexborneol injection(63.15 points),urinary kallidinogenase injection(62.20 points),and butylphthalide injection(62.04 points).Citicoline injection had the lowest score due to unclear effectiveness(37.07 points).Conclusions Based on guideline recommendations,edaravone and dexborneol,urinary kallidinogenase,and butylphthalide,which scored above 60,are weakly recommended when no alternative medications are available in medical institutions.This study can be used as a reference for the selection of therapeutic drugs for ischemic stroke in medical institutions and offer a basis for rational clinical medication use.

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