1.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
2.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
3.Neuroprotective Effect of Baicalein in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats and Its Impact on PERK/ATF4 Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):74-81
ObjectiveTo investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of baicalein (BAI) on Parkinson's disease (PD) model rats by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, BAI low-dose group (80 mg·kg-1), medium-dose group (120 mg·kg-1), high-dose group (160 mg·kg-1), and levodopa-benserazide group (51 mg·kg-1), with 12 rats per group. Except for the normal group, PD rat models were established by subcutaneous injection of rotenone solution (2 mg·kg-1) into the neck back of rats in the rest of groups for consecutive 28 days. Concurrently, rats in all groups received corresponding drugs via gavage for 28 days. After treatment, behavioral changes were assessed by using the open field and pole climbing tests. Neuronal pathology and apoptosis in the substantia nigra were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. α-Synuclein and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expressions were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced locomotion distance (P<0.01) and elevated pole-climbing scores (P<0.01), with increased neuronal apoptosis rate (P<0.01), significantly enhanced α-Synuclein expression (P<0.01), decreased TH expression (P<0.01), upregulated release of inflammatory factors (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased protein expressions of PERK/ATF4 pathway proteins and pro-apoptotic Bax (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium/high-dose BAI groups and levodopa-benserazide group showed obviously improved motor function (P<0.05,P<0.01), reduced pole-climbing scores (P<0.05), decreased neuronal apoptosis (P<0.01), downregulated α-Synuclein expression (P<0.01), upregulated TH expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), suppressed release of inflammatory factors (P<0.05,P<0.01), and decreased protein expressions of PERK/ATF4 pathway proteins and pro-apoptotic Bax (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBAI reduces the release of neuroinflammatory factors and neuronal apoptosis to improve the neurological function of PD model rats, and its mechanism may be related to alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis by regulating the PERK/ATF4 pathway.
4.Neuroprotective Effect of Baicalein in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats and Its Impact on PERK/ATF4 Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):74-81
ObjectiveTo investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of baicalein (BAI) on Parkinson's disease (PD) model rats by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, BAI low-dose group (80 mg·kg-1), medium-dose group (120 mg·kg-1), high-dose group (160 mg·kg-1), and levodopa-benserazide group (51 mg·kg-1), with 12 rats per group. Except for the normal group, PD rat models were established by subcutaneous injection of rotenone solution (2 mg·kg-1) into the neck back of rats in the rest of groups for consecutive 28 days. Concurrently, rats in all groups received corresponding drugs via gavage for 28 days. After treatment, behavioral changes were assessed by using the open field and pole climbing tests. Neuronal pathology and apoptosis in the substantia nigra were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. α-Synuclein and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expressions were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced locomotion distance (P<0.01) and elevated pole-climbing scores (P<0.01), with increased neuronal apoptosis rate (P<0.01), significantly enhanced α-Synuclein expression (P<0.01), decreased TH expression (P<0.01), upregulated release of inflammatory factors (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased protein expressions of PERK/ATF4 pathway proteins and pro-apoptotic Bax (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium/high-dose BAI groups and levodopa-benserazide group showed obviously improved motor function (P<0.05,P<0.01), reduced pole-climbing scores (P<0.05), decreased neuronal apoptosis (P<0.01), downregulated α-Synuclein expression (P<0.01), upregulated TH expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), suppressed release of inflammatory factors (P<0.05,P<0.01), and decreased protein expressions of PERK/ATF4 pathway proteins and pro-apoptotic Bax (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBAI reduces the release of neuroinflammatory factors and neuronal apoptosis to improve the neurological function of PD model rats, and its mechanism may be related to alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis by regulating the PERK/ATF4 pathway.
5.Research progress on the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and myopia among children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):443-447
Abstract
Myopia is a major global public health concern, characterized by high prevalence among children and adolescents, frequent ocular complications, and multifactorial etiology. One potential contributing factor is serum vitamin D level. The paper summarizes epidemiological studies examining the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and myopia among children and adolescents. It further discusses possible biological mechanisms and future research prospects in order to elucidate the relationship between vitamin D levels and myopia in children and adolescents, and to provide a theoretical basis for effective prevention/control interventions.
6.Epidemiological characteristics and antimicrobial resistance analyses of foodborne Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Wenzhou City of Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2024
Maomao WU ; Yuqin HU ; Ziqi XIA ; Leyi ZHANG ; Minhe CHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(6):453-457
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological status, serotypes, and drug resistance characteristics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in foodborne disease surveillance in Wenzhou from 2016 to 2024, and to provide scientific evidence and data support for the prevention and control of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections. MethodsA total of 45 980 stool or anal swab samples were collected from patients with vomiting and diarrhea as the main symptoms and a history of consuming suspicious food at medical institutions at all levels in Wenzhou from 2016 to 2024. Isolation, identification, and drug susceptibility testing were performed. Case information was collected through the National Foodborne Disease Surveillance Reporting System. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) chi-square test was used to analyze the detection rates among groups. ResultsAmong the 45 980 suspected samples, 2 821 were positive for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, with an overall detection rate of 6.14%. A comparison of detection rates across different population groups revealed that the highest rates were found among adults aged 20‒39 (8.57%,1 603/18 697) and among farmers and workers (7.93%, 994/12 537). A comparison of detection rates across different seasons revealed that the detection rates were higher from June to October (5.12%, 9.04%, 15.04%, 14.68%, and 7.80%, respectively), peaking in August. Analyses of the sampling results for suspect foodstuffs revealed that aquatic products and their derivatives accounted for the highest proportion (42.86%). Regarding the setting of food consumption, the household accounted for 44.53% (1 257/2 821). From 2016 to 2020, the predominant serotype was O3:K6 (28.82%, 813/2 821), followed by O10:K4 (28.25%, 797/2 821) and O4:KUT (23.61%, 666/2 821). In terms of drug resistance, the resistance rate to cefazolin was the highest at 84.15% (393/467), and the multi-drug resistance rate was 6.21% (29/467). ConclusionFrom 2016 to 2024, patients with suspected foodborne illnesses in Wenzhou City experienced a peak in Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections during the summer and autumn months (June to October). Young adults aged 20‒39, as well as farmers and manual workers, were the key target groups for the prevention and control of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections. The predominant serotype of Vibrio parahaemolyticus shifted from O3:K6 to O10:K4. Vibrio parahaemolyticus exhibited a high level of resistance to cefazolin. It is essential to strengthen surveillance of the epidemiological trends of the predominant serotype, monitor changes in the antibiotic resistance of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, enhance health education for key populations, and intensify regulatory inspections of high-risk foods such as aquatic products and their derivatives.
7.Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang Inhibits Microglial Activation to Protect Neuro-2A Neurons
Xinqi YANG ; Ruixuan GAO ; Ziqi ZHANG ; Yongsen JIA ; Jingfeng OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):31-39
ObjectiveTo examine the effects of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang (CLMT)-containing serum on Neuro-2A cell damage when exposed to conditioned medium from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia (BV-2) and explore the underlying mechanism. MethodsBV-2 cells were activated by LPS at a concentration of 1 mg·L-1 to generate conditioned medium. Concurrently, a blank control group, a model group and groups treated with varying concentrations of CLMT (5%, 10%, and 15%), dexamethasone (2.5 μmol·L-1), stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist (MSA-2, 10 μmol·L-1), and STING inhibitor (STING-IN-4, 4 μmol·L-1) were established. Neuro-2A cells were subsequently cultured in the conditioned medium from each treatment group. The viability of BV-2 cells following interventions was assessed by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the supernatant of Neuro-2A cells from each group were measured through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in Neuro-2A cells was evaluated through immunohistochemistry (IHC), while the expression of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (p-α-Syn) was assessed by immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The expression levels of STING, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), phosphorylated interferon regulatory factor 3 (p-IRF3), nuclear transcription factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), and phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-kappa B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in Neuro-2A cells were determined by Western blot. ResultsIn comparison to the control group, both the model group and the MSA-2 group exhibited reduced viability of Neuro-2A cells (P<0.01), elevated concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the cell supernatant (P<0.01), reduced expression of TH (P<0.01), increased expression of p-α-Syn (P<0.01), and upregulated relative protein levels of STING, p-IRF3, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose CLMT enhanced the viability of Neuro-2A cells (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), promoted TH expression, and suppressed p-α-Syn expression (P<0.01). In the dexamethasone group, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the STING-IN-4 group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.01). The expression of TH was increased in both the dexamethasone group and the STING-IN-4 group (P<0.01), while the expression of p-α-Syn was reduced (P<0.01). The relative protein levels of p-IRF3, STING, and p-NF-κB p65 were reduced in medium- and high-dose CLMT groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Similarly, the dexamethasone group exhibited decreases in the expression levels of STING, p-IRF3, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). In the STING-IN-4 group, the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, STING, and p-IRF3 were also diminished (P<0.05, P<0.01). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the expression of IRF3 or NF-κB p65 across the groups. ConclusionCLMT has the potential to suppress the activation of BV-2 microglial cells, consequently mitigating the inflammatory response induced by LPS and further preventing inflammation-mediated damage to Neuro-2A cells. The underlying mechanism is likely associated with the modulation of the STING/NF-κB signaling pathway, which results in reduced inflammation and confers neuroprotective effects.
8.Epidemiological characteristics and related factors of multimorbidity of wasting and spinal curvature abnormalities among children and adolescents aged 6-18 years in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Ziqi DONG ; Zhenting LU ; Xinli SONG ; Zhiying SONG ; Jieyu LIU ; Yi ZHANG ; Jianuo JIANG ; Ruolin WANG ; Wen YUAN ; Yang QIN ; Yi SONG ; Xiuhong ZHANG ; Tian YANG ; Yanhui DONG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):151-159
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of wasting, spinal curvature abnormalities and multimorbidity among children and adolescents aged 6-18 in Inner Mongolia and explore the related factors of these two health problems.Methods:In September 2022, a stratified random cluster sampling method was employed to select 188 635 children and adolescents aged 6-18 in Inner Mongolia for physical examinations and questionnaire surveys. Data on height, weight, as well as dietary behavior, physical activity, classroom environment, academic tasks, writing posture, and screen behavior were collected. The epidemiological characteristics of wasting, spinal curvature abnormalities and multimorbidity were analyzed. Additionally, a multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with wasting, spinal curvature abnormalities and multimorbidity.Results:A total of 188 635 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years participated in this study, including 95 393 boys (50.6%) with an average age of (11.53±3.32) years. The detection rate of wasting was 3.79%, with a higher detection rate in boys (4.18%) than in girls (3.38%) ( P<0.001). The detection rate of spinal curvature abnormalities was 3.64%, with a higher detection rate in girls (4.04%) than in boys (3.25%) ( P<0.001). The detection rate of multimorbidity between wasting and spinal curvature abnormalities was 0.17%, and there was no statistically significant difference between genders ( P>0.05). The detection rates of wasting, spinal curvature abnormalities, and multimorbidity all increased with age ( P t<0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for gender, age, urban/rural status, and school grade, compared to children and adolescents who exercised ≥1 hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for at least 5 days per week and had daily screen time <2 hours, those who exercised <5 days per week ( OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.19-1.37) and had daily screen time ≥2 hours ( OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.19) had a higher risk of wasting. Compared to children and adolescents who had ≥5 physical education (PE) classes per week, adjusted desk and chair height,<1 hour of after-school study/writing time, and whose parents or teachers rarely or never reminded them about posture, those with <5 PE classes per week ( OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.02-1.21), unadjusted desk and chair height ( OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15),≥1 hour of after-school study/writing time ( OR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.07-1.24), frequent reminders from parents ( OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23), and frequent reminders from teachers ( OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.16) had a higher risk of spinal curvature abnormalities. Compared to children and adolescents who did not consume sugary drinks daily, exercised ≥1 hour of MVPA for at least 5 days per week, and whose teachers rarely or never reminded them about posture, those who consumed sugary drinks daily ( OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.00-2.46), exercised <5 days per week ( OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.01-1.79), and had teachers who frequently reminded them about posture ( OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.05-1.75) had a higher risk of multimorbidity between wasting and spinal curvature abnormalities. Conclusion:The detection rates of wasting, spinal curvature abnormalities and multimorbidity among children and adolescents aged 6-18 in Inner Mongolia are generally low, with an increasing trend observed with age. Both lifestyle and school environmental factors are associated with wasting, spinal curvature abnormalities and multimorbidity.
9.A chemotherapy nano-booster unlocks wider therapeutic window for prostate cancer treatment.
Rui LIAO ; Yuequan WANG ; Ziqi LIN ; Yuting WANG ; Hongyuan ZHANG ; Qin CHEN ; Shenwu ZHANG ; Jin SUN ; Zhonggui HE ; Cong LUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3273-3290
Clinical chemotherapy for prostate cancer is still compromised by high treatment thresholds and severe off-target toxicity of drugs. Given the limited progress in improving therapeutic outcomes and reducing toxicity with the existing toolbox, efforts to broaden the chemotherapeutic window are highly desired. Here, we discover that gossypol (GSP, a natural compound) dramatically enhances the chemosensitivity of cabazitaxel (CTX), even at previously ineffective concentrations. Based on this interesting finding, we exploit a carrier-free chemotherapeutic nano-booster for prostate cancer treatment, which is molecularly co-assembled by GSP and cabazitaxel (CTX). GSP not only readily forms nanoassembly with CTX, but also functions as a chemotherapeutic enhancer that unlocks an ultra-low-dose chemotherapeutic window. Not only that, precise dual-drug nanoassembly confers CTX a significantly larger maximum tolerable dose. As expected, the nano-booster exerts striking therapeutic benefits in mouse prostate tumor xenograft models. This study advances chemotherapeutic window expansion and self-sensitized chemotherapy toward clinical applicability.
10.Clinical efficacy of stellate ganglion block combined with intranasal dexmedetomidine spray in patients with insomnia disorders
Ziqi HUANG ; Xiaomin FAN ; Fang LIU ; Baojia LIN ; Shunqing HU ; Xiangyu LIU ; Shuangrui WANG ; Yongjia WANG ; Xinjian ZHANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(3):391-395
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of stellate ganglion block(SGB)combined with intranasal dexmedetomidine for the treatment of insomnia.Methods A total of 64 patients aged 18 to 75 with insom-nia were randomly assigned to either the experimental group(DS group)or the control group(S group).The S group received SGB treatment for 14 consecutive days,whereas the DS group received an additional intranasal dexmedeto-midine spray at a dose of 100 μg,administered 30 minutes before bedtime on days 1 through 6,in conjunction with SGB.We measured and recorded the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)scores,and Psychomotor Vigilance Test(PVT)results for both groups at three time points:baseline(T1),the day after treatment(T2),and one month after treatment(T3).Results Intra-group Com-parison:In both the DS and S groups,PSQI scores and dimensionspecific scores at T2 and T3 were significantly lower compared to T1(P<0.05).SAS and SDS scores in both groups showed a significant reduction at T3 compared to T1 and T2(P<0.05),while PVT results exhibited no significant changes(P>0.05).Inter-group Comparison:The PSQI scores and dimensionspecific scores in the DS group at T2(8.44±2.99)and T3(8.22±2.60)were significantly lower than those in the S group at T2(10.88±2.56)and T3(10.88±2.84)(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were observed in SDS and SAS scores between the DS and S groups at T2 and T3(P>0.05).Conclusion Compared to standalone SGB,the combination of SGB with intranasal dexmedetomidine significantly enhances sleep quality in patients with insomnia,while not impacting their levels of anxiety,depression,or alertness.


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