1.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of Chaiqi yigan granules improving hepatocellular carcinoma
Guiping MA ; Yuanjie ZHANG ; Yichi ZHOU ; Jinzhen LYU ; Conghui WANG ; Fenping LU ; Bowen LIU ; Yun RAN ; Shiping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):620-625
OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the mechanisms of Chaiqi yigan granules (CQYG) improving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The signaling pathways of CQYG intervention in HCC were predicted using network pharmacology. A mice model of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma was established by injecting H22 hepatoma cells into the axilla. Successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), sorafenib group (positive control, 50 mg/kg), and CQYG low-, medium- and high-dose groups (24.83, 49.66, 99.32 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After last administration, pathological morphological changes in the tumor tissues of mice were observed in each group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of the nuclear proliferation antigen Ki-67 in tumor tissues of mice. Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7)] and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway [p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK, extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphorylated ERK1/2] in tumor tissue of mice. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway were key signaling pathways through which CQYG exert their anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. In animal experiments, the tumor tissues of mice in the model group exhibited dense tumor cells and vigorous growth. Compared with model group, CQYG high-dose group showed a decreased density of tumor cells in the tumor tissues of mice. Moreover, the expression levels of Ki-67, N-cadherin, MMP7 and Vimentin proteins, along with the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK proteins, were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly increased ( P <0.05), the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK protein was increased, the difference was not statistically significant ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS CQYG can inhibit EMT by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing tumor cell invasion and metastasis and ultimately exerting a therapeutic effect in improving HCC.
2.Exploration on Scientific Connotation of "Removing Calyx" of Inulae Flos Based on Processing Experience of Old Medicine Workers
Qiao ZHOU ; Zhenni QU ; Menghan LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Benzheng SU ; Yanpeng DAI ; Dianhua SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):260-266
ObjectiveTo conduct a comparative quality analysis of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos and calyx of Inulae Flos, elucidating the scientific connotation of the "removing calyx" process in the traditional processing of Inulae Flos. MethodsInulae Flos decoction pieces were collected, and the fuzz and calyx of Inulae Flos were prepared according to the experiences of old medicine workers. Subsequently, according to the methods under the "Inulae Flos" item in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the appearance characteristics and thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification of these samples were tested, and the moisture content, total ash content, extract content were also measured. The characteristic fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), followed by similarity evaluation, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). The contents of cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, 1,3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid, 1,5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid, and 1-O-acetyl britannilactone were determined to compare the quality differences of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos. ResultsThe moisture content of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos was all<10%. The determination results of total ash content were as follows:Calyx of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>fuzz of Inulae Flos, and the determination results of alcohol-soluble extract content were as follows:Fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. HPLC fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established, and 22 common peaks were identified. The similarity analysis and PCA showed that the overall quality of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos was similar, while the overall quality of calyx of Inulae Flos differed significantly from that of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos. PLS-DA results showed that Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos clustered into distinct groups, indicating significant differences among them. Cryptochlorogenic acid and caffeic acid had relatively high contents in calyx of Inulae Flos, the contents of 1,3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid and 1,5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid in Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were higher than those in calyx of Inulae Flos. The order of 1-O-acetyl britannilactone content was determined as follows:fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. ConclusionThe scientific nature of "Removing Calyx" process in the cleansing of Inulae Flos by old medicine workers is demonstrated by the resulting fuzz of Inulae Flos decoction pieces exhibiting enhanced cleanliness and higher content of the index component 1-O-acetyl britannilactone. This study provides a reference basis for further improving and enhancing the processing method and quality control standards of Inulae Flos.
3.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
4.Association of 24 hour physical activity index with screening myopia and obesity in school aged children
ZHOU Keyi, LIU Su, MAIHELIYAKEZI Tuersunniyazi, GUO Manyu, YU Hongjie, SHI Huijing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):203-207
Objective:
To develop a 24 hour physical activity index for school aged children, and to analyze the association of 24 hour physical activity index with screening myopia and obesity, so as to provide a more effective assessment tool for student health risk screening.
Methods:
From April to June 2024, a total of 451 students in Grades 3-4 from two monitored primary schools in Shanghai were selected using stratified cluster random sampling method. Data on eight core indicators, including daily moderate to vigorous physical activity time, total physical activity time, outdoor activity time, screen time, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, social jetlag and daytime sleepiness, were collected through questionnaires and accelerometer monitoring. Each indicator was standardized and synthesized into a 0-80 point school aged children s 24 hour physical activity index. Spearman correlation analysis and t-test were used to assess consistency between questionnaire and accelerometer derived indices. Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the association of strength of the composite index with single behavior indicators in screening myopia and overweight/obesity.
Results:
The compliance rates were higher for moderate to vigorous physical activity time and screen time (50.8%, 98.7%), while the compliance rate for outdoor activity time was only 42.6%, and that for sufficient sleep duration was merely 10.2%. There was no significant difference between the total scores derived from the questionnaire and accelerometer methods (45.13±5.83, 45.05±6.87, t=0.29, P >0.05), but they showed a strong positive correlation ( r=0.58, P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that adjusting for individual behaviors such as grade, gender and both parents being myopic, among single behavior indicators of 24 hour physical activity index, only insufficient outdoor activity time was significantly associated with screening myopia among school aged children ( OR=1.50, 95%CI =1.01-2.21); the detection risk of screening myopia and obesity in the low index group were higher than those in the high index group ( OR=2.47, 95%CI =1.02-5.96; OR=16.63,95%CI = 5.99- 46.20) (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The developed 24 hour physical activity index for school aged children demonstrates good measurement accuracy and shows stronger associations with screening myopia and obesity than single behavior indicator.
5.Expert consensus on perioperative nursing care for myasthenia gravis patients undergoing thymectomy
Huimin DONG ; Ting ZHOU ; Yingmei ZHONG ; Wei LI ; Xiaoyan LI ; Chunfang ZHANG ; Guoyan QI ; Yangchun LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):1-12
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by impaired neuromuscular transmission. Thymectomy is one of the therapeutic options for acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis patients. The quality of perioperative care is directly associated with surgical safety and patient outcomes. However, there is currently a lack of specialized nursing consensus or guidelines specifically addressing the care of these patients domestically or internationally. To promote the standardization and normalization of perioperative nursing care for myasthenia gravis patients undergoing thymectomy and to ensure treatment efficacy, a panel of 57 experts from relevant fields was convened. Based on evidence-based medicine and clinical practice experience, discussions were held on various aspects including condition assessment, nutritional support, medication management, and airway care, resulting in a consensus with 18 final recommendations by using the Delphi method through two rounds of expert consultation. This consensus aims to provide a scientific reference for the perioperative nursing care of myasthenia gravis patients undergoing thymectomy.
6.Construction and Evaluation of "Constitution-disease-syndrome" Trinity Model for Rodents with Qi Deficiency
Yasheng DENG ; Jiang LIN ; Yujiang XI ; Qian ZHOU ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Qiu CHEN ; Xi MING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):274-284
The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset,progression,transformation,and prognosis of diseases. At present,some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation",in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology,onset,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment. Against this background,the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution,aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models,thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions,diseases,and syndromes,but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods,the study evaluates the model's validity,reliability,and practicality,with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.
7.Comparison of sleep EEG power spectral density between depressive episode patients and schizophrenia patients with suicidal behavior
Jingwen LIU ; Yunfei ZHOU ; Jingchu HU ; Jiaoyan ZHOU ; Junwei YANG ; Jie LIANG ; Hong XU ; Yu CANG ; Shimeng MA
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):50-57
BackgroundPatients with depressive episode and schizophrenia have a high risk of suicide. The sleep electroencephalogram power spectral density characteristics of patients with depressive episode accompanied by suicidal behavior and those with schizophrenia may be different, but there is currently a lack of direct comparative studies on these two groups of patients. ObjectiveTo compare the sleep electroencephalogram power spectral density between depressive episode and schizophrenic patients with suicidal behavior, in order to provide references for exploring predictive indicators of suicidal behavior. MethodsFrom June 2018 to December 2020, 20 patients with depressive episode and 20 patients with schizophrenia who had committed suicide within the past month and were treated at the outpatient department of Shenzhen Kangning Hospital were selected. All of them met the diagnostic criteria for depressive episode or schizophrenia as defined in the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10). Using a random sampling method, 20 volunteers with matching gender and age to the patient groups were selected from the Cuiping community in Shenzhen as the control group. The subjective sleep of the patients was evaluated using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Dysfunctional Belief and Attitude about Sleep (DBAS), the Disturbing Dreams and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI), and the Epworth Somnolence Scale (ESS). The objective sleep of the patients was assessed using polysomnography. The sleep electroencephalogram was filtered and the power spectral density of the brain wave was analyzed and processed for all the subjects. The subjective and objective sleep conditions of the two patient groups were compared, and the sleep electroencephalogram power spectral density of the patient groups and the control group were also compared. ResultsA comparison of subjective and objective sleep conditions between patients with depressive episode accompanied by suicidal behavior and patients with schizophrenia accompanied by suicidal behavior showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). Comparisons of sleep electroencephalogram power spectral density in the W stage (average power of α wave, total power of δ wave, average power of δ wave, average power of θ wave), N1 stage (average power of β wave, total power of α wave, total power of δ wave), N2 stage (total power of α wave, average power of α wave, total power of δ wave, average power of δ wave), N3 stage (average power of α wave, average power of δ wave), and R stage (total power of α wave, average power of α wave, total power of δ wave, average power of δ wave) between patients with depressive episode accompanied by suicidal behavior, patients with schizophrenia accompanied by suicidal behavior, and the control group showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05 or 0.01). The total power of δ wave in the W stage and the average power of β wave and δ wave in the N1 stage were higher in two patient groups were higher than those of the control group. The total power of α wave and the average power of α wave in the N2 stage were lower than those of the control group, while the average power of δ wave was higher than that of the control group. The average power of α wave in the N3 stage of both patient groups were lower than that of the control group, while the average power of δ wave was higher than that of the control group. The total power and average power of α wave in the R stage were lower than those of the control group, while the total power and average power of δ wave were higher than those of the control group. All the differences were statistically significant. Patients with depressive episode accompanied by suicidal behavior had higher average powers of α wave, δ wave, and θ wave in the W stage compared with the control group, while the total power of α wave in the N1 stage was lower in the former group. All these differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). ConclusionThe depressive episode patients accompanied by suicidal behavior have highly overlapping sleep electroencephalogram abnormal patterns with those of schizophrenia patients, mainly manifested as a general decrease in α wave power (N2, N3, R stage) and a general increase in δ wave power (W, N1, N2, N3, R stage) as well as β wave power in N1 stage. At the same time, patients with depressive episode accompanied by suicidal behavior also show specific changes, including an increase in the average power of α and θ waves during the wakefulness period (W stage), and a decrease in the total power of α wave in N1 stage. [Funded by Guangdong Province High-level Clinical Key Specialty (with supporting funds from Shenzhen City) (number, SZGSP013); Shenzhen Key Medical Discipline (number, SZXK041); Shenzhen Clinical Medicine Research Center Project (number, 20210617155253001)]
8.Correlation between objective short sleep duration and dyslipidemia in patients with chronic insomnia disorder
Nvshi ZHOU ; Xumei PENG ; Zhiyue CAO ; Chengcheng LIU ; Jing YAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):58-62
BackgroundChronic insomnia disorder has become a significant public health issue, and it may be associated with dyslipidemia. Previous studies on dyslipidemia in patients with chronic insomnia disorder have mainly focused on exploring the relationship between subjective short sleep duration and dyslipidemia, while there have been limited studies on the relationship between objective short sleep duration and dyslipidemia. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between objective short sleep duration and dyslipidemia in patients with chronic insomnia disorder, in order to provide references for the prevention and intervention of dyslipidemia in this population. MethodsA total of 103 patients who were hospitalized at The Third Hospital of Mianyang from August 2022 to November 2023 and met the diagnostic criteria for chronic insomnia disorder as defined in the International Classification of Sleep Disorder, third edition (ICSD-3) were retrospectively collected. The objective sleep duration of the patients was obtained through polysomnography. The patients were divided into two groups based on their objective sleep duration: the group with objective sleep duration ≥ 7 hours (n=71) and the group with objective sleep duration < 7 hours (n=32). Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the impact of objective sleep duration < 7 hours on dyslipidemia. ResultsAmong 103 patients with chronic insomnia disorder, 59 cases (57.28%) were identified with dyslipidemia. The comparison of dyslipidemia conditions between the group with objective sleep duration ≥ 7 hours and the group with objective sleep duration < 7 hours showed a statistically significant difference (χ2=5.956, P<0.05). Compared with the group with objective sleep duration ≥7 hours, the group with objective sleep duration < 7 hours exhibited significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and reduced sleep efficiency (t=-2.003, -5.482, P<0.05 or 0.01). Binary Logistic regression analysis results showed that the risk of abnormal blood lipids in patients with chronic insomnia disorder with objective sleep duration < 7 hours was 3.128 times higher than that of patients with objective sleep duration ≥ 7 hours (OR=3.128, 95% CI: 1.139–8.588). ConclusionObjective short sleep duration may be a risk factor for dyslipidemia in patients with chronic insomnia disorder.
9.Construction and Evaluation of "Constitution-disease-syndrome" Trinity Model for Rodents with Qi Deficiency
Yasheng DENG ; Jiang LIN ; Yujiang XI ; Qian ZHOU ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Qiu CHEN ; Xi MING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):274-284
The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset,progression,transformation,and prognosis of diseases. At present,some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation",in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology,onset,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment. Against this background,the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution,aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models,thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions,diseases,and syndromes,but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods,the study evaluates the model's validity,reliability,and practicality,with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.
10.Construction of glucose oxidase–loaded nanogels and its inhibition effect on the Warburg effect in glioma cells
Wenbo ZHOU ; Weilin LI ; Wuting DAI ; Ruiyao LIU ; Yuan YU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(3):132-136
Objective To construct glucose oxidase(GOx)–loaded nanogels (GONGs), optimize their formulation, and evaluate their capacity to inhibit the Warburg effect in glioma cells. Methods A responsive polymer (HAM) was synthesized and used to self-assemble GONGs, which were then characterized. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were determined using fluorescence spectrophotometry. Biocompatibility was tested by measuring cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. Western blotting was used to evaluate the effects of GONGs on the expression of proteins associated with the Warburg phenotype and oxidative damage in glioma cells. Results GONGs prepared at a drug–to–polymer ratio of 1∶10 exhibited a particle size of 140.3 nm and a zeta potential of −27.2 mV. Compared with free GOx, GONGs markedly reduced cytotoxicity, increased the IC50 in hUVEC cells from 2.150 nmol/L to 74.86 nmol/L, and significantly decreased hemolysis. At a GOx concentration of 2 nmol/L, GONGs effectively downregulated glycolysis-related proteins, such as HK2 and LDHA, and inhibited glutamine metabolism in glioma cells. Conclusion GONGs exhibited high GOx loading capacity, significantly reduced GOx-induced cytotoxicity, inhibited the Warburg effect in glioma cells and induced oxidative damage.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail