1.Therapeutic Mechanisms of Xiebai San on Lung Heat-induced Cough and Asthma via Modulating Lung-Brain Axis Metabolism Based on Spatial Metabolomics
Yue XU ; Fuzhi MA ; Yeerjiang AYIMAN ; Lin ZHU ; Qingce ZANG ; Zhijie MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):41-48
ObjectiveBased on whole-animal mass spectrometry imaging technology, spatial metabolomics was used to characterize in situ the metabolic alteration patterns in the lungs and brain of a rat model of lung heat-induced cough and asthma, as well as after treatment with Xiebai San. MethodsNine Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (physiological saline), a model group (physiological saline), and a Xiebai San group (9 g·kg-1), with three rats in each group. The model group and the Xiebai San group were both induced using lipopolysaccharide-ovalbumin (LPS-OVA) to establish an asthma rat model. After treatment with Xiebai San, the animals were euthanized on day 21 and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen to preserve morphology. Whole-animal tissue sections were prepared using a cryomicrotome, and imaging was performed using the Air-flow-assisted Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (AFADESI-MSI) platform. Based on the corresponding optical images, ion data of metabolites from the lung and brain tissues of each group were extracted. Differential metabolites were analyzed using SIMCA and GraphPad Prism 9.0 software. Metabolites were identified using the HMDB (
2.Therapeutic Mechanisms of Xiebai San on Lung Heat-induced Cough and Asthma via Modulating Lung-Brain Axis Metabolism Based on Spatial Metabolomics
Yue XU ; Fuzhi MA ; Yeerjiang AYIMAN ; Lin ZHU ; Qingce ZANG ; Zhijie MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):41-48
ObjectiveBased on whole-animal mass spectrometry imaging technology, spatial metabolomics was used to characterize in situ the metabolic alteration patterns in the lungs and brain of a rat model of lung heat-induced cough and asthma, as well as after treatment with Xiebai San. MethodsNine Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (physiological saline), a model group (physiological saline), and a Xiebai San group (9 g·kg-1), with three rats in each group. The model group and the Xiebai San group were both induced using lipopolysaccharide-ovalbumin (LPS-OVA) to establish an asthma rat model. After treatment with Xiebai San, the animals were euthanized on day 21 and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen to preserve morphology. Whole-animal tissue sections were prepared using a cryomicrotome, and imaging was performed using the Air-flow-assisted Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (AFADESI-MSI) platform. Based on the corresponding optical images, ion data of metabolites from the lung and brain tissues of each group were extracted. Differential metabolites were analyzed using SIMCA and GraphPad Prism 9.0 software. Metabolites were identified using the HMDB (
3.Cognitive Disorders Awareness and Associated Risk Factors in Xizang Autonomous Region
Yu HAO ; Junshan WANG ; Ma ZHUO ; Quzhen SUOLANG ; Shiyong JI ; Yaxiong HU ; Zhijie DING ; Zhuoga CIDAN ; Jing YUAN ; Yuhua ZHAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):472-478
To investigate the awareness of cognitive impairment disorders among residents of the Xizang Autonomous Region and its influencing factors, thereby providing a basis for targeted prevention and treatment efforts. From April to December 2024, a questionnaire survey was conducted among permanent residents aged ≥18 years (residing in the Xizang Autonomous Region for 180 days or more). The survey was primarily conducted online, supplemented by QR code distribution during community medical outreach by healthcare workers. Demographic information and data on awareness of cognitive disorders were collected, and an ordered Logistic regression model was used to analyze influencing factors in the overall population and stratified by occupation. A total of 327 questionnaires were collected, with 14 excluded (13 for not meeting residency requirements and 1 for self-reported diagnosis of cognitive impairment), leaving 313 valid questionnaires. The average age of respondents was 42.0±11.9 years; 108 (34.5%) were male, and 205 (65.5%) were female. Most respondents were from Lhasa (78.6%, 246/313); 179 (57.2%) were healthcare workers, and 134 (42.8%) were non-healthcare workers. Regarding awareness of cognitive impairment disorders, 7.3% (23/313) were "unaware", 75.7% (237/313) were "partially aware", and 16.9% (53/313) were "well aware".Ordered Logistic regression analysis revealed that education level of high school or below ( Awareness of cognitive impairment disorders among residents of the Xizang Autonomous Region needs improvement. Educational level, occupation, and prior contact with cognitive impairment patients significantly influence disease awareness. Enhancing overall education levels and using vivid clinical case presentations in health education and public outreach are key strategies to improve public awareness of cognitive impairment disorders.
4.Integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of traditional Chinese medicines (Eff-iEC): A demonstration study.
Ye LUO ; Xu ZHAO ; Ruilin WANG ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Tingting HE ; Jing JING ; Jianyu LI ; Fengyi LI ; Ping ZHANG ; Junling CAO ; Jinfa TANG ; Zhijie MA ; Tingming SHEN ; Shuanglin QIN ; Ming YANG ; Jun ZHAO ; Zhaofang BAI ; Jiabo WANG ; Aiguo DAI ; Xiangmei CHEN ; Xiaohe XIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):909-918
Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.
5.STK39 inhibits antiviral immune response by inhibiting DCAF1-mediated PP2A degradation.
Chengfei ZHANG ; Ping XU ; Yongsheng WANG ; Xin CHEN ; Yue PAN ; Zhijie MA ; Cheng WANG ; Haojun XU ; Guoren ZHOU ; Feng ZHU ; Hongping XIA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1535-1551
Evading host immunity killing is a critical step for virus survival. Inhibiting viral immune escape is crucial for the treatment of viral diseases. Serine/threonine kinase 39 (STK39) was reported to play an essential role in ion homeostasis. However, its potential role and mechanism in viral infection remain unknown. In this study, we found that viral infection promoted STK39 expression. Consequently, overexpressed STK39 inhibited the phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and the production of type I interferon, which led to viral replication and immune escape. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of STK39 significantly protected mice from viral infection. Mechanistically, mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation assays identified that STK39 interacted with PPP2R1A (a scaffold subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)) in a kinase activity-dependent manner. This interaction inhibited DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 1 (DCAF1)-mediated PPP2R1A degradation, maintained the stabilization and phosphatase activity of PP2A, which, in turn, suppressed the phosphorylation of IRF3, decreased the production of type I interferon, and then strengthened viral replication. Thus, our study provides a novel theoretical basis for viral immune escape, and STK39 may be a potential therapeutic target for viral infectious diseases.
6.A photodynamic nanohybrid system reverses hypoxia and augment anti-primary and metastatic tumor efficacy of immunotherapy.
Haitao YUAN ; Xiaoxian WANG ; Xin SUN ; Di GU ; Jinan GUO ; Wei HUANG ; Jingbo MA ; Chunjin FU ; Da YIN ; Guohua ZENG ; Ying LONG ; Jigang WANG ; Zhijie LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3243-3258
Photodynamic immunotherapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the dysfunctional tumor vasculature results in tumor hypoxia and the low efficiency of drug delivery, which in turn restricts the anticancer effect of photodynamic immunotherapy. In this study, we designed photosensitive lipid nanoparticles. The synthesized PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles could produce type I/II reactive oxygen species (ROS) by electron or energy transfer through PFBT under light irradiation. Moreover, this nanosystem could alleviate tumor hypoxia and promote vascular normalization through Roxadustat. Upon irradiation with white light, the ROS produced by PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles in situ dysregulated calcium homeostasis and triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress, which further promoted the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, enhanced antigen presentation, and stimulated an effective adaptive immune response, ultimately priming the tumor microenvironment (TME) together with the hypoxia alleviation and vessel normalization by Roxadustat. Indeed, in vivo results indicated that PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles promoted M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, recruited more natural killer cells, and augmented infiltration of T cells, thereby leading to efficient photodynamic immunotherapy and potentiating the anti-primary and metastatic tumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody. Collectively, photodynamic immunotherapy with PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles efficiently program TME through the induction of immunogenicity and oxygenation, and effectively suppress tumor growth through immunogenic cell death and enhanced anti-tumor immunity.
7.Mechanism of auraptene in improving acute liver injury induced by diquat poisoning in mice.
Renyang OU ; Shan HUANG ; Lihong MA ; Zhijie ZHAO ; Shengshan LIU ; Yuanliang WANG ; Yezi SUN ; Nana XU ; Lijun ZHOU ; Mei LI ; Manhong ZHOU ; Guosheng RAO
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(6):590-594
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate whether auraptene (AUR) exerts a protective effect on acute diquat (DQ)-induced liver injury in mice and explore its underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
Forty SPF-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Control group), DQ poisoning model group (DQ group), AUR treatment group (DQ+AUR group), and AUR control group (AUR group), with 10 mice in each group. The DQ poisoning model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg DQ aqueous solution (0.5 mL); Control group and AUR group received an equal volume of pure water intraperitoneally. Four hours post-modeling, DQ+AUR group and AUR group were administered 0.5 mg/kg AUR aqueous solution (0.2 mL) by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days, while Control group and DQ group received pure water. Blood and liver tissues were collected after anesthesia on day 7. Liver ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected using WST-1, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and enzymatic reaction methods, respectively. Protein expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and activated caspase-9 in liver tissues was analyzed by Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria in the Control group exhibited mild swelling, uneven distribution of matrix, and a small number of cristae fractures. In the AUR group, mitochondria showed mild swelling, with no obvious disruption of cristae structure. In the DQ group, mitochondria demonstrated marked swelling and increased volume, matrix dissolution, loss and fragmentation of cristae, and extensive vacuolization. In contrast, the DQ+AUR group showed significantly reduced mitochondrial swelling, volume increase, matrix dissolution, cristae loss and fragmentation, and vacuolization compared to the DQ group. Compared with the DQ group, the DQ+AUR group exhibited significantly lower serum AST levels (U/L: 173.45±23.60 vs. 255.33±41.51), ALT levels (U/L: 51.77±21.63 vs. 100.70±32.35), and hepatic MDA levels (μmol/g: 12.40±2.76 vs. 19.74±4.10), along with higher hepatic GSH levels (mmol/g: 37.65±14.95 vs. 20.58±8.52) and SOD levels (kU/g: 124.10±33.77 vs. 82.81±22.00), the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Western blotting showed upregulated Nrf2 expression (Nrf2/β-actin: 0.87±0.37 vs. 0.53±0.22) and HO-1 expression (HO-1/β-actin: 1.06±0.22 vs. 0.49±0.08), and downregulated Keap1 expression (Keap1/β-actin: 0.82±0.12 vs. 1.52±0.76) and activated caspase-9 expression (activated caspase-9/β-actin: 1.16±0.28 vs. 1.71±0.30) in the DQ+AUR group compared to the DQ group (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
AUR attenuates DQ-induced acute liver injury in mice by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Liver/pathology*
;
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy*
;
Diquat/poisoning*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Apoptosis
;
Coumarins
8.Current Status and Analysis of Multidisciplinary Team Model for Lung Cancer in China
Zixiao MA ; Zhijie WANG ; Jie WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(12):966-972
Objective To investigate the current status of multidisciplinary team (MDT) approaches in lung cancer management in China to provide a basis for the further promotion and enhancement of the MDT model. Methods From April 2023 to November 2023, physicians engaged in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer were selected as the research objects. Questionnaires were distributed online and offline to investigate the cognition of MDT mode, MDT operating mode of their hospital, challenges faced, and direction of improvement. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the survey results. Results A total of
9.Analysis of early fluid resuscitation achievement rates and prognostic factors in sepsis patients
Lina MA ; Zhijie CAO ; Yanjie YANG ; Ling YANG ; Hu PENG ; Xin GU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(4):392-396
Objective To investigate the achievement of early fluid resuscitation targets and factors influencing 28-day outcomes in patients with sepsis.Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted.A total of 164 patients with sepsis admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between January 2022 and January 2024 were enrolled.Patients were divided into survival and death groups based on 28-day survival status,with both groups receiving early fluid resuscitation.Comparisons were made between groups for general characteristics[gender,age,body mass index(BMI),infection site,comorbidities],primary indicators[central venous pressure(CVP),mean arterial pressure(MAP),urine output],and secondary indicators[blood lactate acid(Lac),procalcitonin(PCT),heart rate,sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)on intensive care unit(ICU)admission day,Glasgow coma scale(GCS),duration and dose of vasoactive medication use].Univariate analysis identified variables associated with prognosis,followed by multivariate Logistic regression to select independent risk factors.Receiver operator characteristic(ROC curve)were plotted to assess predictive performance of each risk factor for the 28-day prognosis of patients with sepsis.Results This study included 164 patients.The primary infection sites were mainly the lungs,abdominal cavity,and urinary system,accounting for 42.7%(70/164),38.4%(63/164),and 9.1%(15/164)respectively.The survival group comprised 141 patients,while the the death group included 23 patients.No statistically significant differences existed between groups in gender,BMI,infection site(soft tissue infection vs.others),underlying diseases,MAP,urine output(all P>0.05).Compared to the survival group,the death group showed significantly higher age,pulmonary infection rate,Lac levels,vasoactive drug duration/dose,heart rate,and SOFA scores,while the rates of abdominal,and urinary tract infection,as well as CVP,PCT,and GCS scores were significantly lower(all P<0.05).The achievement rates of early fluid resuscitation parameters:MAP target achievement was highest at 78.7%(129/164),followed by urine output compliance at 78.0%(128/164),while CVP compliance was the lowest at 39.0%(64/164).The overall compliance rate was 21.3%(35/164).Univariate analysis showed that age,pulmonary infection,Lac levels,duration and dose of vasoactive drugs,heart rate,PCT,GCS score,and SOFA score were all risk factors affecting the 28-day prognosis of patients with sepsis(all P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed Lac levels,and pulmonary infection were independent risk factors affecting 28-day prognosis of patients with sepsis[odds ratio(OR)were 0.801,3.966,0.812,95%confidence interval(95%CI)were 0.711-0.903,1.149-13.696,0.674-0.979 respectively,P values were<0.001,0.029,0.029 respectively].ROC curve analysis demonstrated that age,Lac levels,and pulmonary infection all possessed predictive value for 28-day outcomes(all P<0.05).Age exhibited the highest predictive value with an AUC of 0.922.At the optimal cut-off of 76.6 years,sensitivity reached 95.7%and specificity 80.9%.Conclusion The overall achievement rate of early fluid resuscation in sepsis patients was low,with age,Lac levels,and pulmonary infection being major factors influencing poor prognosis.
10.Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Action of Licorice against COVID-19 Based on A Multidimensional Interaction Network of"Component-Disease-Symptom-Target"
Tian GONG ; Weijie LI ; Zhaoyin ZHOU ; Yute ZHONG ; Ping WANG ; Zhijie MA ; Haiyu XU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(11):1464-1479
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanisms and bioactive compounds of licorice against COVID-19 based on a multidimensional interaction of"component-disease-symptom-target".METHODS Firstly,candidate target sets for licorice compo-nents were obtained from the ETCM2.0 database based on the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and the disease symp-toms and associated target sets for COVID-19 were derived from the GeneCards and HPO databases.And then a protein interaction network was constructed using the String database(version 12.0).By calculating topological eigenvalues and functional enrichment analysis,the potential mechanisms of action were explored.Combined with Schr?dinger molecular docking virtual screening,candidate pharmacodynamic substances were identified.Fluorescence resonance energy transfer was used for experimental verification.RESULTS Licorice might improve symptoms of COVID-19(fever,chest pain and so on)by regulating the imbalance of"immune-inflammation"network and signal transduction abnormalities during the development and progress of COVID-19,such as coronavirus disease-COVID-19,Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway.The components,such as Isos-chaftoside and Hesperidin,were identified to possess high binding affinity with the critical enzymes for viral replication.Isoschaftoside,Hesperidin,Isoliquiritin apioside and Vicenin-2 exhibited varying degrees of inhibition on the enzyme of 3CLpro at different concentra-tions while excluding the interference of the compounds' fluorescence.CONCLUSION Through experimental verification using a multidimensional interaction network of"component-disease-symptom-target",the key pharmacologically active substances of licorice in the fight against COVID-19 are preliminarily identified,and their mechanism of action through overall regulation is elucidated.

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