1.Mechanism of Sangpi Zhike Prescription in Treating Cough After Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Based on "Lung-intestine Co-treatment" Theory
Chuang SUO ; Xiaohong BAI ; Zhitong YU ; Xue GONG ; Chan XIU ; Qihui LYU ; Zhihui LIU ; Kelin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):126-137
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Sangpi Zhike prescription in treating cough after respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection through the "lung-intestine co-treatment" approach using network pharmacology and animal experimental validation. MethodsActive ingredients and targets of Sangpi Zhike prescription were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Disease targets were obtained from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and drug-component-target networks were constructed using overlapping targets between drugs and diseases to identify core targets. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the overlapping targets. Sixty mouse models were established: 10 as the normal group, and the remaining mice were infected with RSV via slow nasal drip of RSV suspension, with cough induced using capsaicin solution. After modeling, mice were divided into a model group, a Montelukast Sodium group (1 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Sangpi Zhike prescription (4.875,9.75,and 19.5 g·kg-1·d-1), with 10 mice per group. From day 14 after RSV infection, the normal and model groups received saline via gavage, while other groups received corresponding drug treatments once daily for 5 d. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung and intestinal tissue. The protein content of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2 in the lung and colon tissue of mice was detected by Western blot. Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detected ERK1/2 mRNA expression in lung and intestinal tissue. Immunohistochemistry assessed p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Fos protein levels, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-4 and (TNF)-α in lung and colon tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified 184 active ingredients and 684 targets in Sangpi Zhike prescription, with 1 344 RSV-related disease targets and 209 overlapping targets. Core targets included TNF, Fos, and Jun. KEGG enrichment revealed 179 pathways, primarily mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), cancer, TNF, and IL-17 signaling pathways. Animal experiments showed that, compared to those of the normal group, the lung tissue sections of the model group showed typical inflammatory damage, infiltration of inflammatory cells, rupture of alveolar septa, extensive alveolar fusion, and disruption of tight junctions between single-layer columnar epithelial cells in the intestinal tissue. The values of p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 in lung and intestinal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression level of ERK1/2 mRNA was significantly elevated (P<0.01). The levels of ERK1/2, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Fos, IL-4, and TNF-α along the ERK pathway were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared to the model group, Sangpi Zhike prescription groups showed reduced lung and intestinal inflammation, decreased p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratios (P<0.05,P<0.01), lower ERK1/2 mRNA levels, and downregulated ERK pathway proteins (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionSangpi Zhike prescription alleviates cough and intestinal symptoms after RSV infection via the "lung-intestine co-treatment" mechanism by suppressing expression levels of ERK1/2, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Fos, IL-4, and TNF-α on ERK pathway components, thereby mitigating lung and intestinal pathological damage.
2.Simvastatin alleviates kidney ischemia reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis
Zhihui FU ; Zhongzhong LIU ; Qifa YE ; Qi XIAO ; Qin DENG ; Jiansheng XIAO ; Biqi FU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):45-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of simvastatin pretreatment on kidney ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice. MethodsFifteen male C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into three groups: Sham operation group (Sham group), kidney IRI group (IR group), and simvastatin pretreatment+kidney IRI group (SIM group). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of kidney tissue and detection of serum creatinine (SCr) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were used to evaluate kidney injury. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected to evaluate oxidative stress. The contents of ferrous iron (Fe2+) and ferric iron (Fe3+) in kidney tissue were detected, and the morphological changes of mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscope. The relative expression levels of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and acyl-coa synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) protein in kidney tissue were detected. ResultsCompared with the IR group, the SIM group had significantly reduced renal tubular injury and decreased contents of Scr and LDH in serum (P < 0.001). It also showed increased expression of SOD and GSH and decreased expression of MDA and ROS (P < 0.01). Simvastatin pretreatment reduced the contents of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the tissues (P < 0.01) and alleviated mitochondrial damage. It also promoted the expression of KLF2 (P < 0.01), up-regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related protective proteins GPX4 and SLC7A11, and down-regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related damage protein ACSL4 (P < 0.05). ConclusionSimvastatin pretreatment may inhibit kidney ferroptosis by promoting the expression of KLF2 to alleviate kidney IRI.
3.Pathogenesis Evolution and Staged Differentiation and Treatment Strategy of Atherosclerotic Plaques:from the Perspective of "Constraint-Putrefaction-Ulceration"
Hanzheng WANG ; Zhihui LIU ; Hanlu CHEN ; Yilei KONG ; Aisong ZHU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1162-1166
Atherosclerotic plaques arise within the vessels, yet their morphological evolution parallels that of carbuncles and abscesses. Drawing on the pathomechanism progression of carbuncles and abscesses, this paper proposes a dynamic pathogenesis model of "constraint-putrefaction-ulceration" for atherosclerotic plaques. The formation of atherosclerotic plaque begins with phlegm-turbidity obstruction and qi-blood stagnation (constraint stage); prolonged constraint transforms into heat that scorches the vessels and forms plaques (putrefaction stage); ultimately, toxin invades inward and ruptures the vessels, injuring the heart (ulceration stage). Accordingly, staged differentiation and treatments are proposed. During the constraint stage, the focus is venting constraint and unblocking collaterals, clearing and relieving constraint-heat, for which Yue Jyu Pills (越鞠丸) and Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder (丹栀逍遥散) with modifications can be used. During the putrefaction stage, the method is clearing heat and dispelling abscesses, resolving stasis and dissipating knot, with modified Wuwei Xiaodu Beverage (五味消毒饮) and Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (血府逐瘀汤). During the ulceration stage, it is suggested to expell toxin and stasis, benefit qi and nourish yin using modified Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction (瓜蒌薤白半夏汤) and Sheng Mai Powder (生脉散). This framework offers new perspectives for the differentiation and treatment of atherosclerotic plaques in traditional Chinese medicine.
4.TAZ WW Domain-Mediated Regulation of Gluconeogenesis and Tumorigenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Interaction with the Glucocorticoid Receptor
Hongxiang HUANG ; Jinhong CHEN ; Xingyu TAO ; Peiyuan ZHONG ; Yanqiu MENG ; Sujuan PENG ; Wanying LUO ; Zhiyong HE ; Shuai LUO ; Xie ZHU ; Zhihui LU ; Li CHEN ; Yangyang LIU
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2026;41(2):267-287
Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC.
Methods:
TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.
Results:
TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression.
Conclusion
TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.
5.Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder from the Perspective of Impaired Qi Circulation of the Five Zang (脏) Organs
Zhihui LIU ; Hongxin ZHENG ; Aisong ZHU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2183-2186
Based on the physiological characteristics of children and the theory of the "five spirit-associated zang (脏) organs", this paper proposes that the core pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is the dysfunction of mental activities caused by impaired qi circulation of the five zang organs. Therefore, the therapeutic principle is to regulate qi of the five zang organs and restore normal mental function. Treatment is administered based on syndrome differentiation according to the five zang organs, including heart, spleen, kidney, liver and lung. Accordingly, self-made Qingshen Yangxin Decoction (清神养心汤) is prescribed to invigorate the heart and regulate spirit, Shunzhi Daotan Decoction (顺志导痰汤) to awaken spleen and regulate spirit, Zishen Shenjiao Decoction (滋肾神交汤) to nourish kidney and regulate spirit, Anhun Wendan Decoction (安魂温胆汤) to soothe liver and regulate spirit, and Qingpo Decoction (清魄汤) to diffuse lung and regulate spirit. This approach aims to provide a theoretical and clinical reference for the treatment of childhood ASD in traditional Chinese medicine.
6.Clinical Significance of Decreased Serum IgA Levels in IgG4-Related Disease
Xia ZHANG ; Yuetong XU ; Difei LIAN ; Zhihui WANG ; Hang ZHOU ; Fan YANG ; Yanying LIU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(3):292-302
To explore the clinical significance of decreased serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A levels in patients with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with IgG4-RD hospitalized at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2012 to December 2024. Patients were divided into three groups according to serum IgA levels: decreased IgA group (< 70 mg/dL), normal group (70-400 mg/dL), and elevated group (> 400 mg/dL), with the decreased IgA group set as the main research subject. Clinical data were collected to compare clinical characteristics and organ involvement among the three groups, and the correlations between IgA levels and various clinical indicators were analyzed. To further verify the robustness of the results, propensity score matching(PSM) with a 1∶2 matching ratio was performed between the decreased IgA group and the normal IgA group for sensitivity analysis. Meanwhile, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the overall distribution differences in clinical characteristics among the three groups with different IgA levels. A total of 330 patients with IgG4-RD were included, including 14 in the decreased IgA group, 297 in the normal IgA group, and 19 in the elevated IgA group. The decreased IgA group had a significantly longer median disease course than the normal IgA group and the elevated IgA group (all Decreased IgA level represents a distinct immune subtype of IgG4-RD, with distinct immunological features (elevated IgG/IgG4 levels, reduced C4 level, and increased EOS count), independent of age, gender and disease course. These findings suggest that serum IgA level has potential value for immune typing of IgG4-RD.
7.Mechanism of action and clinical progress of nebulized inhalation of interferon for viral respiratory infection
China Pharmacy 2026;37(19):2615-2620
Interferon (IFN) is a type of cytokine with broad-spectrum antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Its traditional administration routes, including intravenous injection and topical application, impose certain limitations on clinical practice. In recent years, nebulized inhalation of IFN has offered a local antiviral pathway for viral respiratory infection. This review showed that nebulized inhalation of IFN can act directly on the respiratory tract, exerting broad-spectrum antiviral and immunomodulatory effects locally with minimal systemic drug exposure. Available clinical evidence suggested that nebulized inhalation of IFN yields certain therapeutic effects and acceptable safety in infants and young children with bronchiolitis, viral pneumonia and other related diseases. Local irritant reactions were common, while systemic adverse reactions were significantly fewer than injection administration. Nevertheless, high-quality evidence-based evidence was insufficient and dosing regimens had not been standardized. Currently, nebulized inhalation of IFN is mostly an off-label use. Its clinical application must strictly comply with regulatory requirements, with adequate informed consent and institutional approval. High-quality clinical trials and prospective real-world registry studies should be conducted in the future to unify dosing regimens and standardize clinical practice.
8.Exploration on factors influencing HLA-C molecular expression level by flow cytometry
Yunan LI ; Renhui JIANG ; Siqi CAI ; Jie LIU ; Zhihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):79-84
[Objective] To investigate the factors influencing the detection of HLA-C expression by flow cytometry. [Methods] A total of 12 hematopoietic stem cell suspension samples from peripheral hematopoietic stem cell volunteer donors were randomly collected after CD34+ cell counting detection. The influence of detecting different number of nucleated cell (500 000, 50 000 and 5 000), sequential order of red blood cell lysis and antibody incubation, and the HLA-C antibody with varied remaining time from the expiration date on the detection results of HLA-C expression by flow cytometry were investigated, respectively. The significance of differences between different groups was analyzed through Student t test. [Results] There was no significant difference in the proportion of HLA-C positive cells and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) among the three groups with different nucleated cell numbers detected (500 000, 50 000 and 5 000) (P>0.05). The sequential order of red blood cell lysis and antibody incubation had no influence on the proportion of HLA-C positive cells (P>0.05), but HLA-C MFI value was significantly lower when antibody incubation was performed after red blood cell lysis than that when antibody incubation was performed before red blood cell lysis (P<0.05). The proportion of HLA-C positive cells and MFI value detected by HLA-C antibody remaining 24 months from the expiration date were significantly higher than those detected by HLA-C antibody remaining only 5 months from the expiration date (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The present study has investigated the factors of influencing HLA-C expression level by flow cytometry, the results have important reference and application value for standardizing the experimental operation of HLA-C expression and improving the accuracy and comparability of detection results.
9.Participation of clinical pharmacists in patient of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage induced by human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
Zhihui YANG ; Huadan CAI ; Fangchu XU ; Yuan LIU ; Hailong YUAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(11):567-571
Objective To analyze the possible mechanism and drug treatment plan of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage induced by human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor injection, point out medication risks and provide reference for medical treatment and pharmaceutical care of such patients. Methods The abnormal lung conditions of a patient treated with human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor injection was found by clinical pharmacists, who participated in clinical diagnosis and treatment by analyzing of adverse drug reactions, optimization of medical treatment and pharmaceutical care. Results Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage was likely an adverse drug reaction caused by human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor injection. The physician discontinued the medication immediately and provided treatment such as oxygen inhalation, high-dose hormone shock, plasma exchange, etc. The patient’s oxygen saturation was improved, alveolar bleeding was decreased, and the condition was improved. Conclusion Clinical pharmacists participate in patients’ medication treatment, carry out pharmaceutical guardianship, and assist physicians in adjusting treatment plans, which could contribute to the effectiveness and safety of patient treatment.
10.Preparation of polyvinyl butyral nanofiber membrane loaded with propolis and its property
Zhihui DAI ; Yungang LUO ; Zhihui LIU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(1):238-244
Objective:To prepare a polyvinyl butyral(PVB)nanofiber membrane loaded with propolis,and to clarify its physicochemical properties,drug release behavior,antibacterial activity,and biocompatibility.Methods:Propolis with a mass fraction of 0.12%was dissolved in 18%(mass fraction)PVB methanol solution.PVB and PVB-propolis(PVB-P)nanofiber membranes were prepared using electrospinning from PVB and PVB-P solutions,respectively.Scanning electron microscope(SEM)was used to observe the microscopic morphology of PVB-P nanofibers,and the Nano Measurer software was used to analyze the fiber diameter distribution.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)was used to analyze the chemical composition of PVB-P.Water contact angle measurements were used to evaluate the hydrophilicity of PVB-P.UV spectrophotometer was used to detect the cumulative release of propolis at different time points.PVB and PVB-P nanofiber membranes were co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus),Escherichia coli(E.coli),Candida albicans(C.albicans),Salmonella,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa)and divided into PVB group and PVB-P group.The absorbance method was used to calculate the antibacterial values of PVB and PVB-P against the five types of bacteria.The NIH-3T3 cells were seeded on PVB and PVB-P nanofiber membranes and divided into PVB group and PVB-P group.The CCK-8 method was used to detect the survival rates of NIH-3T3 cells on the nanofiber membranes in PVB group and PVB-P group at 1,3,and 7 d.Results:The SEM results showed that PVB and PVB-P nanofibers were interconnected in a mesh-like porous structure,with uniform thickness and no beads.The Nano Measurer software measurement results showed that the diameter of PVB nanofibers was(0.50±0.10)μm,and the diameter of PVB-P nanofibers was(0.54±0.16)μm.FTIR analysis showed that PVB-P nanofiber membranes exhibited characteristic peaks of PVB(1 140 and 1 002 cm-1)and propolis(1 161 cm-1).The water contact angle measurement results showed that the contact angle of PVB membrane was(144.26°±2.90°)and that of PVB-P membrane was(128.13°±1.36°).The UV spectrophotometer results showed that the cumulative release of propolis was 0.04 mg at 1d,0.07 mg at 3 d,and reached a steady state of 0.79 mg at 7 d.The absorbance method results showed that the antibacterial values of PVB-P nanofiber membranes against S.aureus,E.coli,C.albicans,Salmonella,and P.aeruginosa were 4.39,1.27,5.68,3.16,and 1.87,respectively.The CCK-8 method results showed that the survival rates of NIH-3T3 cells on PVB and PVB-P nanofiber membranes was>90%at 1,3,and 7 d,and there were no significant differences between various groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The diameter of PVB nanofiber membranes loaded with propolis is increased,and these membranes exhibit antibacterial effects against S.aureus and C.albicans,while also achieving sustained release of propolis.

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