1.Integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) based effectiveness evaluation of a multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine formula: Taking Xiaoyao San as an example
Caiping HE ; Ye LUO ; Zhiqi LI ; Haocheng YANG ; Lu LIU ; Yingjie XU ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Siqi HUANG ; Jincai WEN ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Zhaofang BAI ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiaohe XIAO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):96-103
The study focuses on the concept of multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas and aims to evaluate the efficacy of the classical formula Xiaoyao San (逍遥散). Study employs the integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) method to organize, integrate, and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in treating different diseases with the same therapy, and to investigate the feasibility of using Eff-iEC to evaluate the multifunctionality of TCM formulas. The evaluation covered Xiaoyao San's therapeutic effects on depression, premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Concurrently, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for evaluation, and authoritative medical documents were incorporated to corroborate the recognition of Xiaoyao San within the medical community. Depression and menopausal syndrome received higher ratings than other conditions in the Eff-iEC, GRADE, and Medical Community Recognition assessments. The Eff-iEC evidence grade for Xiaoyao San was rated as "High" or above for chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome received a "Moderate +" rating. The GRADE evidence level was "Low-〇〇⨁⨁" for depression, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic hepatitis; "Moderate-〇⨁⨁⨁" for dyspepsia and menopausal syndrome; and "Very Low-〇〇〇⨁" for irritable bowel syndrome. Depression and menopausal syndrome had the highest inclusion frequency, appearing in all 4 categories. Premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, and dyspepsia are not recommended in Western medical guidelines, but they are included in TCM guidelines, the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List, and the China National Essential Drug List. Irritable bowel syndrome appears only in the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List and China National Essential Drug List. The evaluation results obtained using the Eff-iEC method align with Medical Community Recognition, providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of Xiaoyao San's efficacy. The findings suggest that Xiaoyao San has strong evidence for treating depression and menopausal syndrome. However, further experimental and clinical trials are needed to assess its efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. These results support the clinical efficacy and rational use of Xiaoyao San, expand the application scope of the Eff-iEC method, and offer valuable insights and methodological references for the comparative evaluation of multifunctional TCM formulas.
2.Brain endothelial HIF-1α exacerbates diabetes-associated cognitive impairment by accelerating glycolysis-driven lactate production.
Jicong CHEN ; Ruohui LIN ; Cuihua JIANG ; Fang CHEN ; Wei LI ; Lei WANG ; Ke PAN ; Jian ZHANG ; Zhiqi YIN ; Yaping HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5772-5788
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment. The dysregulation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) signaling in T2D patients results in impaired adaptive responses to hypoxia, thereby accelerating the progression of complications. However, limited knowledge is available regarding its precise function in diabetes-associated cognitive impairment (DACI). Here, elevated HIF-1α levels were observed in brain endothelial cells (ECs) of db/db mice. Functionally, brain ECs-specific knockdown of H if1 a significantly ameliorated T2D-induced memory loss and neuronal damage. Glycolysis in brain ECs was inhibited in this process, as indicated by RNA-seq, leading to decreased hippocampal lactate production through reduced LDHA expression. Notably, T2D patients showed increased cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels, which were strongly associated with their cognitive dysfunction. Intrahippocampal injection of lactate accelerated cognitive dysfunction and impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in db/db mice. Conversely, reducing hippocampal lactate levels through the intrahippocampal injection of oxamate delayed the onset of memory deficits. Furthermore, asiatic acid was discovered to protect db/db mice from cognitive impairment by decreasing brain endothelial HIF-1α expression and subsequently reducing hippocampal lactate-induced AHN damage. Overall, this study elucidates the inhibiting role played by endothelial HIF-1α-driven lactate in AHN and highlights a potential tactic of targeting HIF-1α in brain ECs for treating cognitive impairment.
3.Efficacy and safety of clear lens extraction with extended depth of focus intraocular lens implantation in the treatment of primary angle-closure suspect with presbyopia
Jianwen PENG ; Wei CHEN ; Lan HUANG ; Zhiqi CHEN ; Sifei XIANG ; Xianlin ZHANG ; Junming WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(4):536-541
Objective To assess the efficacy of clear lens extraction combined with extended depth of focus(EDOF)intraocular lens(IOL)implantation in enhancing visual quality and concurrently opening peripheral angle structures in patients diagnosed with primary angle closure suspect(PACS)and presbyopia.Methods A total of 80 patients with PACS,presbyopia,and transparent lenses were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the type of implanted lens:a control group(n=46)and an experimental group(n=34).The control group underwent clear lens extraction followed by monofocal intraocular lens implantation,while the experimental group underwent clear lens extraction followed by extended depth of focus(EDOF)intraocular lens implantation.Preoperative and postoperative evaluations at 3 months included visual acuity,intraocular pressure,anterior segment structure,defocus curve,and Catquest 9SF-CN questionnaire scores.Adverse events were recorded to assess safety.Results Regarding the angular structure,after 3 months of treatment,results indicated significant increases in central ante-rior chamber depth,angle opening distance at 750 μ m,angle recess area at 750 μ m,trabecular-iris space area at 750 μm,and trabecular-iris angle at 750 μm in both groups compared to preoperative values(all P<0.01).However,no significant differences were observed between the two groups(all P>0.05).For the defocusing curve,visual acuity in the experimental group improved from+1.0 D to-4.0 D after 3 months of treatment(all P<0.05),while the control group showed improvements at+0.5 D,-0.5 D,-1.0 D,-2.0 D,-3.0 D,-3.5 D,and-4.0 D(all P<0.05).Postoperatively at 3 months,the experimental group exhibited superior visual acuity to the control group at-1.0 D to-4.0 D(all P<0.05).According to the Catquest 9SF-CN scale,scores in both groups significantly im-proved after 3 months of treatment(P<0.01),with the experimental group scoring higher than the control group(P<0.01).During the study,transient intraocular pressure elevation occurred in 7 patients(3 in the control group and 4 in the experimental group),but no serious adverse reactions were reported in either group.Conclusions In patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma combined with presbyopia,significant improvements in angle structures were observed following clear lens extraction.The implantation of an EDOF IOL notably enhanced postoperative visual quality compared to monofocal IOLs.
4.Efficacy and safety of clear lens extraction with extended depth of focus intraocular lens implantation in the treatment of primary angle-closure suspect with presbyopia
Jianwen PENG ; Wei CHEN ; Lan HUANG ; Zhiqi CHEN ; Sifei XIANG ; Xianlin ZHANG ; Junming WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(4):536-541
Objective To assess the efficacy of clear lens extraction combined with extended depth of focus(EDOF)intraocular lens(IOL)implantation in enhancing visual quality and concurrently opening peripheral angle structures in patients diagnosed with primary angle closure suspect(PACS)and presbyopia.Methods A total of 80 patients with PACS,presbyopia,and transparent lenses were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the type of implanted lens:a control group(n=46)and an experimental group(n=34).The control group underwent clear lens extraction followed by monofocal intraocular lens implantation,while the experimental group underwent clear lens extraction followed by extended depth of focus(EDOF)intraocular lens implantation.Preoperative and postoperative evaluations at 3 months included visual acuity,intraocular pressure,anterior segment structure,defocus curve,and Catquest 9SF-CN questionnaire scores.Adverse events were recorded to assess safety.Results Regarding the angular structure,after 3 months of treatment,results indicated significant increases in central ante-rior chamber depth,angle opening distance at 750 μ m,angle recess area at 750 μ m,trabecular-iris space area at 750 μm,and trabecular-iris angle at 750 μm in both groups compared to preoperative values(all P<0.01).However,no significant differences were observed between the two groups(all P>0.05).For the defocusing curve,visual acuity in the experimental group improved from+1.0 D to-4.0 D after 3 months of treatment(all P<0.05),while the control group showed improvements at+0.5 D,-0.5 D,-1.0 D,-2.0 D,-3.0 D,-3.5 D,and-4.0 D(all P<0.05).Postoperatively at 3 months,the experimental group exhibited superior visual acuity to the control group at-1.0 D to-4.0 D(all P<0.05).According to the Catquest 9SF-CN scale,scores in both groups significantly im-proved after 3 months of treatment(P<0.01),with the experimental group scoring higher than the control group(P<0.01).During the study,transient intraocular pressure elevation occurred in 7 patients(3 in the control group and 4 in the experimental group),but no serious adverse reactions were reported in either group.Conclusions In patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma combined with presbyopia,significant improvements in angle structures were observed following clear lens extraction.The implantation of an EDOF IOL notably enhanced postoperative visual quality compared to monofocal IOLs.
5.Study of glycosides from Piper sintenense Hatusima
Penghuang TU ; Zhiren YAO ; Meiling JIN ; Guanyu NING ; Yaping HUANG ; Ke PAN ; Zhiqi YIN
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2024;55(2):202-208
In order to investigate the chemical constituents of glycosides in Piper sintenense Hatusima, column chromatographic techniques such as silica gel, ODS, MCI GEL CHP20P, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography were used to afford nine glycosides from the n-butanol part of the 95% ethanol extract of Piper sintenense Hatusima. Based on the physicochemical properties and NMR data, the above compounds were identified as (2S)-2-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2-phenylethyl β-D-glucopyranoside (2), benzyl α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1''→6')-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), benzyl β-D-xylopyanosyl-(1''→6')-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), phenethyl β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1''→ 2')-β-D-glucopyranoside(5), salidroside (6), phenethanol β-D-xylopyanosyl-(1''→6')-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), (Z)-hexenyl-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1''→6')-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), (Z)-hexenyl-O-β-D-xylopyanosyl-(1''→6')-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9). Compound 1 was identified as a new compound, and compounds 3-9 were isolated from the genus Piper for the first time.
6.Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus infection and enterotoxin gene carriage in diarrhoeal patients in Jiading District, Shanghai
Peichao CHEN ; Qiang HUANG ; Fangzhou CHENG ; Huijuan CHEN ; Zhiqi MA ; Pan SUN ; Qian PENG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(11):1039-1044
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in patients with diarrhea, and to analyze the genes carriage of enterotoxin in the strains of these patients in Jiading District, Shanghai. MethodsFrom 2021 to 2023, anal swabs of diarrhea outpatients from one sentinel hospital and nine community health service centers in different townships in Jiading District, Shanghai, were tested for Staphylococcus aureus, from which five enterotoxin virulence genes such as SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, and SEE were tested simultaneously. ResultsA total of 1 080 anal swabs were collected, 81 of which were tested positive for S. aureus, with a detection rate of 7.50%, and the detection rate of S. aureus was similar in patients with diarrhea from 2021‒2023. There was no statistically significant difference in detection rates between males and females (χ2=0.821, P=0.365). S. aureus detection rate was highest in infants and young children with diarrhea (29.51%), followed by 14.06% in the people aged between 4‒<31 years, and 2.99% in those aged ≥31 years. Significant differences were observed in the detection rate of S. aureus in the diarrhoeal patients from different townships of Jiading District(χ2=66.134,P<0.05). The carriage rates of the 5 enterotoxin genes, namely SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, SEE, were 13.58%, 14.81%, 11.11%, 7.41%, and 0, respectively. ConclusionThe prevalence of S. aureus among the patients with diarrhea in Jiading District is relatively stable but with distinct geographical patterns. Children and adolescents are high-risk groups. SEB were the dominant gene, followed by SEA.
7.A new ester glycoside compound from Cyclocarya paliurus
Siyang FANG ; Xinggui ZHANG ; Yu YE ; Keqing WANG ; Zhiren YAO ; Yaping HUANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yanhua QIN ; Zhiqi YIN
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2023;54(1):56-61
Chemical constituents of n-butanol part of ethanol extract from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja were studied.Eight glycosides were separated and purified by silica gel, MCI, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography.Based on the physicochemical properties and spectral data, these compounds were 3-ethyl-4-methyl-pentyl ester-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), juglanoside E (2), (4S)-α-terpineol-8-O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (4S)-α-terpineol-8-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), eugenyl-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl methylester (6), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (7), and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (8).Among them, compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 2-6 were isolated from the genus Cyclocarya for the first time.
9.Hsp20 Promotes Endothelial Progenitor Cell Angiogenesis via Activation of PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway under Hypoxia
Zhiqi HAN ; Xuan HE ; Yuan FENG ; Weidong JIANG ; Nuo ZHOU ; Xuanping HUANG
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2022;19(6):1251-1266
BACKGROUND:
Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is a kind of endogenous tissue engineering technology that lengthens the jaw and opens airway so that a patient can breathe safely and comfortably on his or her own. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are crucial for MDO-related angiogenesis. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20) modulates angiogenesis under hypoxic conditions. However, the specific role of Hsp20 in EPCs, in the context of MDO, is not yet known. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of Hsp20 during MDO and the effects of Hsp20 on EPCs under hypoxia.
METHODS:
Mandibular distraction osteogenesis and mandibular bone defect (MBD) canine model were established. The expression of CD34, CD133, HIF-1α, and Hsp20 in callus was detected by immunofluorescence on day 14 after surgery. Canine bone marrow EPCs were cultured, with or without optimal cobalt chloride (CoCl2 ) concentration. Hypoxic effects, caused by CoCl2 , were evaluated by means of the cell cycle, cell apoptosis, transwell cell migration, and tube formation assays. The Hsp20/KDR/PI3K/Akt expression levels were evaluated via immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and western blot. Next, EPCs were incorporated with either Hsp20-overexpression or Hsp20-siRNA lentivirus. The resulting effects were evaluated as described above.
RESULTS:
CD34, CD133, HIF-1α, and Hsp20 were displayed more positive in the callus of MDO compared with MBD. In addition, hypoxic conditions, generated by 0.1 mM CoCl2 , in canine EPCs, accelerated cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and Hsp20 expression. Hsp20 overexpression in EPCs significantly stimulated cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, whereas Hsp20 inhibition produced the opposite effect. Additionally, the molecular mechanism was partly dependent on the KDR/PI3K/Akt pathway.
CONCLUSION
In summary, herein, we present a novel mechanism of Hsp20-mediated regulation of canine EPCs via Akt activation in a hypoxic microenvironment.
10.Research on medical MOOC teaching design mode based on live broadcast platform
Xue LI ; Guoqiong HUANG ; Zhiqi SHI ; Di YUAN ; Geng NI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2022;21(11):1468-1472
Objective:To explore the application effect and learning experience of the medical MOOCs teaching design model based on live streaming platform constructed by the research group in its previous research.Methods:The preparation of the design patterns from the teaching, teaching activities and teaching evaluation of the three dimensions based on the questionnaire, and 368 junior undergraduates majoring in clinical medicine in Batch 2018 of Army Medical University who had applied the online teaching of medical MOOC instructional design mode based on live broadcast platform were selected as the survey objects. And learners' satisfaction and learning experience with this teaching model was analyzed. SPSS 25.0 was used for t test. Results:In the study, 74.2% (273/368) of the learners believed that the teaching design model of medical MOOCs based on live streaming platform had good effect and was helpful to themselves; 60.6% (223/368) of the learners had a high degree of satisfaction, with good teaching effect feedback. In terms of the mastery of MOOCs knowledge content, the final English score of the experimental group (429.03±35.86) was better than that of the control group (401.87±25.85), with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The teaching design model of medical MOOCs based on live streaming platform is applicable, and helpful to improve online learning experience, solve the problem of insufficient interaction in MOOCs learning, and provide practical basis and method reference for the innovative application of teaching model in medical colleges and universities in China.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail