1.Intravenous delivery of STING agonists using acid-sensitive polycationic polymer-modified lipid nanoparticles for enhanced tumor immunotherapy.
Ying HE ; Ke ZHENG ; Xifeng QIN ; Siyu WANG ; Xuejing LI ; Huiwen LIU ; Mingyang LIU ; Ruizhe XU ; Shaojun PENG ; Zhiqing PANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1211-1229
Although cancer immunotherapy has made great strides in the clinic, it is still hindered by the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME). The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway which can modulate TIME effectively has emerged as a promising therapeutic recently. However, the delivery of most STING agonists, specifically cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), is performed intratumorally due to their insufficient pharmacological properties, such as weak permeability across cell membranes and vulnerability to nuclease degradation. To expand the clinical applicability of CDNs, a novel pH-sensitive polycationic polymer-modified lipid nanoparticle (LNP-B) system was developed for intravenous delivery of CDNs. LNP-B significantly extended the circulation of CDNs and enhanced the accumulation of CDNs within the tumor, spleen, and tumor-draining lymph nodes compared with free CDNs thereby triggering the STING pathway of dendritic cells and repolarizing pro-tumor macrophages. These events subsequently gave rise to potent anti-tumor immune reactions and substantial inhibition of tumors in CT26 colon cancer-bearing mouse models. In addition, due to the acid-sensitive property of the polycationic polymer, the delivery system of LNP-B was more biocompatible and safer compared with lipid nanoparticles formulated with an indissociable cationic DOTAP (LNP-D). These findings suggest that LNP-B has great potential in the intravenous delivery of CDNs for tumor immunotherapy.
2.Comparison of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic activities of formulated granules versus traditional decoction of Yinqiao Powder.
Zhuolin GUO ; Zhiheng ZHANG ; Xindeng GUO ; Weiwei YANG ; Zhiqing LIANG ; Jinying OU ; Huihui CAO ; Zibin LU ; Linzhong YU ; Junshan LIU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):1003-1012
OBJECTIVES:
To compare the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects of Yinqiao Powder (YQS) formulated granules and decoction.
METHODS:
We first evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the two dosage forms of YQS in a LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell model using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. We further constructed zebrafish models of inflammation by copper sulfate exposure, caudal fin transection, or LPS and Poly (I:C) microinjection, and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects of YQS granules and decoction by examining neutrophil aggregation and HE staining findings. In a mouse model of acute lung injury (ALI) induced by intratracheal LPS instillation, the effects of YQS gavage at 10, 15, and 20 g/kg on lung pathologies were evaluated by calculating lung wet-dry weight ratio and using HE staining, ELISA and Western blotting. The microbroth dilution method was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of YQS. Mouse pain models established by hot plate and intraperitoneal injection of glacial acetic acid were used to evaluate the analgesic effects of YQS at 10, 15, and 20 g/kg.
RESULTS:
Both YQS granules and decoction significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expressions and p-STAT3 (Tyr 705) phosphorylation level in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, and obviously inhibited neutrophil aggregation in the zebrafish models. In ALI mice, YQS granules and decoction effectively ameliorated lung injury, lowered lung wet-dry weight ratio, and reduced p-STAT3 (Tyr 705) expression and TNF-α and IL-6 levels. YQS produced obvious antibacterial effect at the doses of 15.63 and 31.25 mg/mL, and significantly reduced body torsion and increased pain threshold in the mouse pain models.
CONCLUSIONS
The two dosage forms of TQS have similar anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects with only differences in their inhibitory effect on TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA expressions in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.
Animals
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Mice
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*
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Analgesics/pharmacology*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
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Zebrafish
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Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
;
Powders
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Acute Lung Injury/drug therapy*
;
Interleukin-6/metabolism*
;
Lipopolysaccharides
3.Advances and controversies in the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer
Zhiqing WANG ; Xiyu LIU ; Lei FAN
China Oncology 2025;35(3):255-262
Breast cancer is one of the common malignant tumors among women worldwide,and with advances in screening and diagnostic technology,more and more breast cancer patients are being diagnosed at an early stage.Adjuvant treatment options for different types of early-stage breast cancer vary.In recent years,the development of treatment strategies has focused on maximizing the efficacy of treatment while avoiding over-treatment based on the patient's individual risk profile.For hormone receptor(HR)-positive breast cancer,the introduction of cell cyclin-dependent kinase(CDK)4/6 inhibitors has significantly improved the prognosis of intermediate-and high-risk patients.Meanwhile,chemotherapy de-escalation strategies based on genetic testing are also advancing.However,controversies remain regarding which patients can benefit from CDK4/6 inhibitor-enhanced therapy and whether premenopausal patients with intermediate-risk classification from multi-gene assays can gain benefits from chemotherapy.In human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HR)-positive breast cancer,anti-HER2 targeted therapies and novel antibody-drug conjugate provide more effective treatment options.However,how to screen the optimal population for dual-targeted therapy is still under exploration,and currently there is no consensus on how to select subsequent intensified regimens for patients who fail to achieve pathological complete response after neoadjuvant therapy.For triple-negative breast cancer,while traditional adjuvant therapy has been continuously optimized,the application of immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant phases has also made significant progress.Nevertheless,the definition of the optimal population to benefit from immunotherapy and the optimization strategy of immunotherapy are still key areas of ongoing research.This review summarized the advancements and controversies in adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer,aiming to provide references for current clinical practice and insights for future research directions.
4.Evidence-based practice for dietary management of non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients
Lulu MO ; Guifen GUAN ; Donglan LING ; Lijun YANG ; Sijie GAO ; Zhiqing LI ; Yunyi ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Zebin WANG ; Xiaochun LAI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(28):3836-3846
Objective:To construct an evidence-based practice program for dietary management of patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on best evidence and to evaluate the effectiveness of its application.Methods:The best evidence for dietary management of non-dialysis CKD patients was summarized. From September to October 2022, following the evidence clinical transformation model of the Fudan University Centre for Evidence-based Nursing, the best evidence was screened and evidence-based practice program were developed, taking into account patients' wishes, expert opinions, and clinical contexts. From November 2022 through March 2023, baseline reviews, analysis of barriers and facilitators were implemented. Between April 2023 and April 2024, evidence-based practice was carried out in the Department of Nephrology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University to compare the implementation rate of review indicators at the system, practitioner, and patient levels, and practitioners' knowledge before and after the application of evidence.Results:A total of 14 review indicators were developed. The implementation rate of the 12 review indicators and the practitioners' knowledge of the CKD diet were elevated after the evidence-based practice ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Evidence-based practice program for dietary management of patients with non-dialysis CKD has a positive effect on improving practitioners' knowledge of non-dialysis CKD diets, implementation rate of dietary management behaviors, and patients' dietary behaviors.
5.Needlestick and sharps injuries among health care workers in a stomatology hospital
Huaze LIU ; Fuyu SONG ; Qiao XIONG ; Yun GU ; Zhiqing LIU ; Yi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(2):221-227
Objective To analyze the occurrence and risk factors of needlestick and sharps injuries(NSIs)among oral health care workers(HCWs).Methods NSIs reported by West China Hospital of Stomatology from 2020 to 2023 were collected,and factors relevant to NSIs were analyzed.Results A total of 391 cases of NSIs were repor-ted.Only one case of injury was caused by a sterile device,while the remaining 390 cases were caused by contamina-ted devices.There were 85,107,113,and 86 cases in 2020,2021,2022,and 2023,respectively.Most NSIs oc-curred among interns(n=235,60.1%).294 cases(75.2%)of NSIs occurred among HCWs who had less than 3 years of clinical experience.The distribution of NSIs among 235 interns in different months showed that NSIs ac-counted for a relatively high proportion from April to June and July to September,and the difference was statistica-lly significant(P<0.05).The ventral side of the left thumb was the most common site of NSIs(n=53,13.6%),followed by the ventral side of the right index finger(n=45,11.5%)and the ventral side of the left index finger(n=44,11.3%).The most common devices involved in NSIs were various types of syringe needles(n=84,21.5%),followed by various types of dental burs(n=76,19.4%)and suture needles(n=49,12.5%).Injuries mainly oc-curred during the treatment process(n=212,54.2%)and in the department of endodontics(n=86,22.0%).This study didn't find any occupational bloodborne infection case caused by NSIs.Conclusion NSIs mainly occur among inexperienced oral interns,and devices causing NSIs are related to the treatment process.
6.Role of sphingolipid metabolism signaling in a novel mouse model of renal osteodystrophy based on transcriptomic approach.
Yujia WANG ; Yan DI ; Yongqi LI ; Jing LU ; Bofan JI ; Yuxia ZHANG ; Zhiqing CHEN ; Sijie CHEN ; Bicheng LIU ; Rining TANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):68-78
BACKGROUND:
Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a skeletal pathology associated with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) that is characterized by aberrant bone mineralization and remodeling. ROD increases the risk of fracture and mortality in CKD patients. The underlying mechanisms of ROD remain elusive, partially due to the absence of an appropriate animal model. To address this gap, we established a stable mouse model of ROD using an optimized adenine-enriched diet and conducted exploratory analyses through ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq).
METHODS:
Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into three groups: control group ( n = 5), adenine and high-phosphate (HP) diet group ( n = 20), and the optimized adenine-containing diet group ( n = 20) for 12 weeks. We assessed the skeletal characteristics of model mice through blood biochemistry, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and bone histomorphometry. RNA-seq was utilized to profile gene expression changes of ROD. We elucidated the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). DEGs were validated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
RESULTS:
By the fifth week, adenine followed by an HP diet induced rapid weight loss and high mortality rates in the mouse group, precluding further model development. Mice with optimized adenine diet-induced ROD displayed significant abnormalities in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, accompanied by pronounced hyperparathyroidism and hyperphosphatemia. The femur bone mineral density (BMD) of the model mice was lower than that of control mice, with substantial bone loss and cortical porosity. ROD mice exhibited substantial bone turnover with an increase in osteoblast and osteoclast markers. Transcriptomic profiling revealed 1907 genes with upregulated expression and 723 genes with downregulated expression in the femurs of ROD mice relative to those of control mice. Pathway analyses indicated significant enrichment of upregulated genes in the sphingolipid metabolism pathway. The significant upregulation of alkaline ceramidase 1 ( Acer1 ), alkaline ceramidase 2 ( Acer2 ), prosaposin-like 1 ( Psapl1 ), adenosine A1 receptor ( Adora1 ), and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 5 ( S1pr5 ) were successfully validated in mouse femurs by qRT-PCR.
CONCLUSIONS
Optimized adenine diet mouse model may be a valuable proxy for studying ROD. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the sphingolipid metabolism pathway is likely a key player in ROD pathogenesis, thereby providing new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Animals
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Mice
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Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder/genetics*
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Male
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Disease Models, Animal
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Sphingolipids/metabolism*
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Transcriptome/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/genetics*
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X-Ray Microtomography
;
Adenine
7.Analysis of setup errors in dual-isocenter breath-hold radiotherapy after left-sided breast cancer surgery
Zhiqing XIAO ; Xiaotong LIN ; Miao WANG ; Yanqiang WANG ; Han GUO ; Lei TIAN ; Yanjiao WU ; Wenyan WANG ; Junling LIU ; Xiuwu LI ; Xiaoying XUE
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(5):468-475
Objective:To investigate the impact of different target sites, number of treatments, and age on setup errors in dual-isocenter radiotherapy for breast cancer, and to provide a basis for planning target volume (PTV) margin expansion.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 15 patients with left-sided breast cancer who underwent dual-isocenter breath-hold radiotherapy in the Department of Radiotherapy Oncology at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from May 2021 to May 2023. Setup errors were acquired using a Varian TrueBeam STX linear accelerator. Patients were grouped by target site (supraclavicular/chest wall), treatment phase (early/late), and age (younger/older). Non-parametric tests were used to analyze differences in setup errors in : vertical (Vrt), longitudinal (Lng), lateral (Lat) directions, and pitch, roll, and rotation (Rtn) angles. The formula proposed by van Herk was applied to calculate PTV margins.Results:The Vrt direction setup error in the supraclavicular region (0.2 cm) was smaller than that in the chest wall region (0.26 cm), but errors and margin expansions in other directions were larger ( P<0.05 for Lng and Lat directions). No significant correlation was observed in Vrt direction errors between the two sites ( P=0.062), while significant correlations were found in the other directions and angles (all P<0.05). As treatment progressed, setup errors increased in the Vrt and Rtn directions for the supraclavicular region, and in the Vrt, Lng, Lat directions and Rtn angle for the chest wall region. Among these, only the increase in Lat direction error for the chest wall region was statistically significant ( P=0.028). The PTV margins in the late phase group (except for the Lat direction of the supraclavicular region) were greater than or equal to those in the early phase group. Elderly patients had significantly larger setup errors than younger patients in Vrt, Lng, and Lat directions for the supraclavicular region, as well as in Vrt and Lat directions for the chest wall region (all P<0.05). Conclusions:In dual-isocenter radiotherapy for breast cancer, the supraclavicular region requires larger PTV margins than the chest wall region, and elderly patients require greater margins overall. Mid-course rescanning is recommended. If cone-beam CT guidance cannot be ensured for every session, expansion of PTV margins should be considered for the supraclavicular region and elderly patients to reduce the risk of geographic miss.
8.Comparison of the effects of two different concentrations of mydriatic drugs in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized controlled trial
Yifan ZHOU ; Hua RONG ; Zhiqing LI ; Danyang YU ; Ruoxuan LIU ; Haoru LI ; Zixun WANG ; Ruihua WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(8):739-744
Objective:To compare the mydriatic effects of a combination of 1% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine with a 0.5% tropicamide and 0.5% phenylephrine combination in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods:A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted.Ninety Chinese patients (90 eyes) with dark irises and type 2 diabetes who needed mydriasis examination at the Fundus Disease Clinic of Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital from June to September 2024 were included.The subjects were divided into control group (30 patients 30 eyes), high concentration group (30 patients 30 eyes) and half-dilution group (30 patients 30 eyes) using the random number table method, which received 2 drops of a mixture of 0.5% tropicamide and 0.5% phenylephrine, 2 drops of a mixture of 1% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine, 1 drop of a mixture of 1% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine+ 1 drop of saline respectively.The pupil diameter of the patients was measured with a pupillometer 40 minutes before and after instillation.The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and the study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital (No.2024KY-16).Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.Results:The proportions of patients whose pupil diameters reached 7 mm 40 minutes after the initial administration in the control group, high-concentration group, and half-dilution group were 56.7%(17/30), 86.7%(26/30) and 66.7%(20/30), respectively, with a statistically significant overall difference ( χ2=6.667, P=0.036).The proportion of patients in the high-concentration group whose pupil diameter reached 7 mm 40 minutes after the initial administration was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05).The pupil diameters 40 minutes after the initial administration in the control group, the high-concentration group and the half-dilution group were (7.01±0.86), (7.64±0.61) and (7.49±1.15)mm, respectively, with a statistically significant overall difference ( F=4.019, P=0.021), and the pupil diameter of the high-concentration group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P=0.024).Changes in pupil diameter 40 minutes after the initial administration in the control group, high-concentration group and half-dilution group were (3.23±0.81), (3.82±0.60) and (3.62±0.75)mm, respectively, with a statistically significant overall difference ( F=5.121, P=0.008), and the change in pupil diameter in the high-concentration group was higher than that in the control group ( P=0.007). Conclusions:The combination of 1% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine has better pupil dilation than the combination of 0.5% tropicamide and 0.5% phenylephrine.It is recommended that pupil dilation be performed with a high-concentration mydriatic drug prior to outpatient fundus examination for diabetic patients.
9.Short-term efficacy of rituximab in children with calcineurin inhibitor resistant steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome
Sicheng YU ; Jialu LIU ; Jiaojiao LIU ; Xiaoyan FANG ; Jing CHEN ; Qianfan MIAO ; Xiaoshan TANG ; Zhiqing ZHANG ; Chunyan WANG ; Rufeng DAI ; Xinli HAN ; Yihui ZHAI ; Hong XU ; Qian SHEN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(2):185-189
Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in children with calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) resistant steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS).Methods:A retrospective case analysis was conducted. Thirteen children with CNI resistant SRNS who were regularly treated with RTX (375 mg/m 2 per dose (maximum dose 500 mg), 1 dose per week, a total of 4 doses) in Department of Nephrology, Children′s Hospital of Fudan University from January 2016 to December 2023 were enrolled. The general data, disease related information, urinary protein/creatinine, serum albumin, blood creatinine before RTX treatment, immunosuppressants, adverse events, and monthly urinary protein/creatinine, serum albumin, and blood creatinine indexes within 6 months after RTX treatment were collected. The changes of urinary protein/creatinine, serum albumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and after RTX at 3 and 6 months were analyzed by using paired sample t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results:Among the 13 patients, 8 were male and 5 were female. The age of disease onset was 4.0 (2.9, 6.8) years and the age of RTX treatment was 9.8 (5.9, 13.6) years. There were 8 cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, 3 cases of minimal change disease and 2 cases of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. No clinically significant gene variation was detected in 12 cases and the other one did not receive gene test. Before RTX treatment, 11 cases were in chronic kidney disease stage G1, and 1 case each was in stage G2 and stage G3. Ten children completed 4 doses of RTX treatment, 1 patient completed 3 doses, and 2 patients completed 2 doses. Urinary protein/creatinine in 13 children at 3 and 6 months after RTX treatment was significantly lower than baseline (0.60 (0.13, 2.04), 0.49 (0.28, 1.10) vs. 1.44 (0.76, 4.11) mg/mg, Z=-2.34, -2.34, both P<0.05), and serum albumin was significantly higher than baseline ((35±8), (34±7) vs. (30±6) g/L, t=2.30, 2.60, both P<0.05). The eGFR at 6 months after RTX treatment was not significantly different from the baseline ((110±32) vs. (113±35) ml/(min·1.73 m 2), t=-0.76, P>0.05)). No serious adverse reactions occurred in this study. Conclusion:RTX could reduce urinary protein and increase serum albumin in short-term treatment in children with CNI resistant SRNS without significant side effects.
10.Effect of Ziyu Ointment on TGF-β/Smad signal pathway in granulation tissue of wound healing rats
Xia WANG ; Zhiqing LIU ; Zhijuan QIN ; Yanxia JIN ; Zijuan JIA ; Sun GUO ; Yuanyuan GAO ; Ling LI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(2):387-392
Objective:To explore the effects of Ziyu Ointment on granulation tissue,TGF-β and downstream Smad protein in the process of wound healing in rats by constructing a rat model of back trauma.Methods:A rat model of back trauma was constructed,and 100 SD male rats were separated into healthy group,back trauma group,Ziyu Ointment treatment group,petrolatum treatment group,Ziyu Ointment+TGF-β1 activation group,with 20 per group.Wound formation surgery was performed,and wound healing of rats in each group was recorded at 5th,10th,and 15th day after operation;the levels of IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum of rats in each group were detected;the granulation tissue formed by wound healing at 15th day was selected for HE and Masson staining,the proportion of blood vessel area and collagen area of granulation tissue of rats in each group were analyzed and calculated;the mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in granulation tissues of rats in each group were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR;the expression levels of TGF-β1,Smad3 and p-Smad3 in granulation tissues of rats in each group were detected by Western blot.Results:The healthy group rats had complete epidermal tissue;the levels of serum IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA and protein in the wound granulation tissue,and the phosphorylation of Smad3 in the back trauma group were obviously higher than the healthy group(P<0.05);compared with back trauma group,the wound healing rate,proportion of collagen area,and propor-tion of blood vessel area in Ziyu Ointment treatment group and petrolatum treatment group were obviously increased,the serum IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α contents,TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression,and Smad3 phosphorylation were obviously decreased(P<0.05);compared with Ziyu Ointment treatment group,the petrolatum treatment group,Ziyu Ointment+TGF-β1 activation group had obviously lower wound healing rate,collagen area percentage,and blood vessel area percentage,and obviously lower serum IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α contents,TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression and Smad3 phosphorylation(P<0.05).Conclusion:Ziyu Ointment can inhibit the expression of related genes and proteins by regulating the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway,thereby alleviating inflammation and promoting wound healing.

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