1.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
2.Multimodal Assessment of a Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension Mouse Model
Hongzhi DU ; Jin FAN ; Xiaolu WEI ; Lianmei WANG ; Yan LIU ; Weiya CHEN ; Tengfei CHEN ; Yunhang GAO ; Ling SONG ; Guangping ZHANG ; Hongping HOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(4):476-486
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) through intermittent hypoxia induction, and to develop a comprehensive and reliable evaluation system for the HPH model, thereby providing experimental evidence for mechanistic studies and translational applications related to this disease. MethodsTwenty-four male specific pathogen-free (SPF) BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group and a model group, with 12 mice per group. Mice in the model group were placed in a hypobaric oxygen chamber control system to establish the HPH model, whereas mice in the control group received no intervention. After 28 days of modeling, a comprehensive evaluation of the pathophysiological characteristics of both groups was performed using a general condition scoring scale, echocardiography, hemodynamic measurements, blood gas analysis, hematological tests, organ coefficient determination, histopathological examination, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, correlation analyses were conducted among echocardiographic parameters, the contents of endothelin‑1 (ET‑1) and N‑terminal pro‑B‑type natriuretic peptide (NT‑proBNP) in lung tissue, and other measured indices. ResultsWith prolonged modeling duration time, body weight, water intake, and activity level of mice in the model group were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). Echocardiography showed that, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased right ventricular dimensions (P<0.01), right ventricular anterior wall thickening (P<0.01), and widened main pulmonary artery diameter (P<0.01), whereas the peak systolic velocity across the pulmonary valve, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and peak systolic velocity of the tricuspid annulus were significantly decreased (P<0.001); tricuspid regurgitation was observed in some model animals. Hemodynamic results revealed that right ventricular systolic pressure was elevated in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.001). Blood gas analysis showed that pH, partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, actual bicarbonate, and total carbon dioxide were all decreased in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.01). Hematological indices demonstrated that lymphocyte counts (P<0.05) and reticulocyte counts (P<0.001) were decreased in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the control group, the organ coefficients of heart and lung in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05 and P<0.001). Pathological examination revealed that the right ventricular hypertrophy index was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.001), with varying degrees of damage to the right ventricle, pulmonary artery, and pulmonary vessels; both the pulmonary artery wall thickness percentage and the pulmonary wall area percentage were significantly elevated (P<0.001). ELISA results showed that the levels of ET‑1 and NT‑proBNP in lung tissues were significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). Correlation analysis indicated that some echocardiographic parameters were highly correlated with multiple indices in the development of HPH (P<0.05). ConclusionEchocardiography can accurately assess a series of hemodynamic changes in HPH, including right ventricular structural, functional impairment, and pulmonary hypertension. Laboratory tests not only help verify whether the model has been successfully established, but also provide deeper insights into the pathogenesis of HPH, evaluate the effects of interventions, and offer scientific evidence for clinical outcomes. Pathological examination can further confirm the alterations in pulmonary vascular remodeling and increased right heart load. This multimodal analysis provides a reliable animal model and evaluation paradigm for both basic and translational research on HPH, and is of great significance for exploring disease mechanisms and developing precision therapeutic strategies.
3.Research progress in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla and prediction of its quality markers.
Shi-Han GUAN ; Chang LIU ; Xiao-Tong YAN ; Jin-Wei HAN ; Feng-Ting YIN ; Hui SUN ; Guang-Li YAN ; Ling KONG ; Ying HAN ; Xi-Jun WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):908-921
Abelmoschi Corolla, the dried corolla of Abelmoschus manihot, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrosis activities. Its chemical constituents mainly include flavonoids, organic acids, steroids, and polysaccharides. This study reviewed the research progress in the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla in recent 20 years. According to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), the Q-markers of Abelmoschi Corolla were predicted from plant phylogeny, chemical constituent specificity, traditional efficacy, chemical constituent measurability, and absorbed constituents. The primary Q-markers for Abelmoschi Corolla were anticipated to include quercetin-3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, gossypetin-8-O-β-D-glucuronide, isoquercetin, myricetin,quercetin, and hyperoside, with the aim of providing reference data for improving the quality evaluation system of Abelmoschi Corolla.
Abelmoschus/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Flowers/chemistry*
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Humans
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Animals
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Quality Control
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Flavonoids/chemistry*
4.Expert consensus on evaluation index system construction for new traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from TCM clinical practice in medical institutions.
Li LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Wei-An YUAN ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Jun-Hua ZHANG ; Bao-He WANG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Zu-Guang YE ; Ling HAN ; Yue-Hua ZHOU ; Zi-Feng YANG ; Rui GAO ; Ming YANG ; Ting WANG ; Jie-Lai XIA ; Shi-Shan YU ; Xiao-Hui FAN ; Hua HUA ; Jia HE ; Yin LU ; Zhong WANG ; Jin-Hui DOU ; Geng LI ; Yu DONG ; Hao YU ; Li-Ping QU ; Jian-Yuan TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3474-3482
Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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Humans
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Consensus
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Surveys and Questionnaires
5.Effects of esculin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on the repair of spinal cord injury in rats
Wei-ming YANG ; Chao-lun LIANG ; Ling CHEN ; Jin-jin LI ; Si-lu LIU ; Kun-rui ZHENG ; Dian-weng XIE ; Xing LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1486-1493
AIM To investigate the promotional effects of esculin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BM-MSCs)transplantation on the repair of spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the esculin group for gavage of 20 mg/kg esculin,the BM-MSCs group for tail vein injection of 1 mL of 1×106/mL BM-MSCs,and the combinaiton treatment group.The SCI rat model was established using Allen's method,followed by the 14 days consecutive corresponding drug administration starting from the 2nd day after modeling.On days 3,7 and 14 of drug administration,the rats had their hind limbs motor function evaluated by the BBB scoring;and their footprint experiment conducted on the 14th day after modeling.After 14 days of administration,the rats had their morphological changes of spinal cord tissue observed with HE staining and Nissl staining;their activities of SOD and GSH,and level of MDA in spinal cord tissue detected by kits;their expressions of MAP2,GAP43 and GFAP in spinal cord tissue detected by immunofluorescence;and their expressions of NQO-1,Nrf-2,Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in spinal cord tissue detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups interved with esculin,or BM-MSCs,or the combination treatment showed improvements in hind limb function and spinal cord tissue morphology(P<0.05);decreased MDA levels(P<0.05);increased SOD and GSH activities(P<0.05);increased MAP2 and GAP43 fluorescence intensity(P<0.05);decreased GFAP fluorescence intensity(P<0.05);increased NQO-1,Nrf-2 and Bcl-2 protein expressions(P<0.05);and decreased Bax protein expression(P<0.05).And the combination treatment group was observed with an even better effects(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The combination of esculin and BM-MSCs transplantation can effectively improve the spinal cord tissue damage and hind limb function in SCI rats.This effect may be achieved by activating the Nrf-2/NQO-1 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress response,thereby reducing neuronal apoptosis,blocking glial scar formation,and promoting stem cell differentiation to rebuild neurons.
6.Formulation and Analysis of the Standard for Adverse Drug Reaction Management
Liwei JI ; Suying YAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Feng QIU ; Jin LU ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Ling TAN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):396-399
To standardize the management of adverse drug reactions in medical institutions and ensure medicine safety,based on relevant national regulations,normative documents,international and domestic adverse drug reaction management guide-lines,and expert opinions,the Chinese Hospital Association Pharmaceutical Specialized Committee led the development of the ad-verse drug reaction management standard.This article elaborated on the formulation process of this standard and provides an in-depth analysis of its key contents.It aimed to offer guidance and reference for medical personnel,helping them to thoroughly under-stand and master the management requirements of adverse drug reactions,thereby enhancing the management level of adverse drug reactions and ensuring the safe use of medications for patients.
7.Formulation and Analysis of Clinical Pharmacist Training Standard
Ping LIN ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Jin LU ; Wei ZHANG ; Dan MEI ; Ling JIANG ; Xiaoyang LU ; Ting XU ; Peiyuan XIA ; Pengmei LI ; Jing LIU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):408-411
Clinical pharmacist training is an important way to strengthen the clinical pharmacist team's construction and improve their pharmaceutical service capabilities and levels.The Pharmacy Administration and Pharmacy Practice in Healthcare Institutions-Part 4-8-1:Pharmacy Administration-Pharmacy Training Management-Clinical Pharmacist Training was based on the relevant requirements of the current clinical pharmacist training system of the Chinese Hospital Association,and formulated by sor-ting out relevant materials,such as standards,policies and regulations,technical specifications,literature,the current situation of clinical pharmacist training in China,and expert opinions.A total of 15 key elements of clinical pharmacist training were selected and divided into three aspects(base management,training process and assessment,and the quality management,evaluation and improvement).This article mainly introduced the construction method and content of the clinical pharmacist training standard,to deepen the understanding of the standard for relevant units and to promote the implementation of the standard.
8.Formulation and Explanation of the Standard for Pharmacy Administration-Organization and Regulation Management
Yang WANG ; Ling TAN ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Jin LU ; Wei ZHANG ; Dan MEI ; Yanhua ZHANG ; Ling JIANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(5):695-699
Organizational and institutional management plays a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical management of medi-cal institutions.Strengthening management in this area significantly enhances the quality of medical services and promotes the standardization,refinement,and scientific management of hospitals at all levels and types.To achieve homogenization in organiza-tional and institutional management,the Pharmaceutical Specialized Committee,Chinese Hospital Association compilation team adhered to principles of scientific,universality,instructiveness,and operability.After in-depth problem sorting,extensive opinion collection,and rigorous expert deliberation,we have formulated the first domestic group standard for regulating the organizational and institutional systems of pharmaceutical management in medical institutions.This article aims to detail the process of formula-ting this standard and to provide an in-depth analysis of its content,hoping to offer valuable advice and guidance for the construc-tion of organizational and institutional management in pharmaceutical affairs for medical institutions of all levels and types.
9.Impact of the Micra AV Leadless Pacemaker on Cardiac Function:a Real-world Study
Yalan DENG ; Wenqi PAN ; Yue WEI ; Yangyang BAO ; Yun XIE ; Changjian LIN ; Ning ZHANG ; Qi JIN ; Tianyou LING ; Liqun WU
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(7):653-658
Objectives:To investigate the impact of the Micra AV leadless pacemaker on cardiac function.Methods:A total of 76 patients who received the implantation of Micra AV leadless pacemaker due to sick sinus syndrome or atrioventricular block at Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from September 2022 to April 2023 were included in this study.Among them,26 patients(34.2%)had sick sinus syndrome,and 50 patients(65.8%)had atrioventricular block.The patients were followed up for 1 year postoperatively.Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography,and the parameters of the pacemaker were collected through the outpatient clinic programming system.Results:After a follow-up of 120(87,181)days,compared with the preoperative state,the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)decreased postoperatively([66.6±5.6]%vs.[63.8±5.2]%,P<0.001),and the cardiac output increased[(4.3±1.2)L/min vs.(5.3±1.5)L/min,P<0.001].There were no statistically significant differences in various cardiac function indexes of patients with sick sinus syndrome between the postoperative and preoperative states(all P>0.05).Compared with the preoperative state,in patients with atrioventricular block,the LVEF decreased postoperatively([67.0±5.1]%vs.[63.4±4.4]%,P<0.001),the cardiac output increased([4.2±1.1]L/min vs.[5.2±1.2]L/min,P<0.001),and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased[(49.9±5.4)mm vs.(48.6±5.0)mm,P=0.044].Firth's logistic regression analysis indicated that the preoperative LVEF(for every 1%increase,OR=1.56,95%CI:1.12-2.17,P=0.001),stroke volume(for every 1 ml increase,OR=1.15,95%CI:1.04-1.28,P=0.001),body mass index(for every 1 kg/m2 increase,OR=1.49,95%CI:1.02-2.17,P=0.020),and hypertension(OR=12.71,95%CI:1.11-145.13,P=0.039)were independent risk factors for the decrease in LVEF after surgery in patients with atrioventricular block.After the implantation of the MciraTM AV leadless pacemaker,the overall atrioventricular synchrony rate was 81.2%(68.8%,89.0%).The atrioventricular synchrony rates of patients with sick sinus syndrome and those with atrioventricular block were 70.6%(59.5%,83.4%)and 82.4%(74.2%,89.3%)respectively(P<0.05).Firth's logistic regression analysis indicated that sick sinus syndrome(OR=0.26,95%CI:0.07-0.89,P=0.029)and preoperative LVEF(for every 1%increase,OR=1.18,95%CI:1.03-1.35,P=0.015)were independent predictive factors for the atrioventricular synchrony rate>80%.Conclusions:There are differences in the impacts of the Micra AV leadless pacemaker on the LVEF and atrioventricular synchrony rate between patients with sick sinus syndrome and those with atrioventricular block.The preoperative LVEF,stroke volume,body mass index,and hypertension have independent predictive effects on the decrease in postoperative LVEF in patients with atrioventricular block.Sick sinus syndrome and preoperative LVEF are independent predictive factors for the atrioventricular synchrony rate>80%after surgery.
10.Mechanism of cordycepin in treatment of asthma based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Man-ling JIANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Yao LIU ; Guo-ping LI ; Jin-wei HUANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2158-2166
Aim To explore the potential mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of cordycepin in asthma by utilizing network pharmacology,molecular docking,and in vitro cellular validation.Methods The thera-peutic targets associated with asthma and the drug tar-gets of cordycepin were systematically identified through comprehensive database searches.An overlap analysis of the two gene sets was performed,followed by the construction of a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and topological analysis to identify the core targets.The core targets were subjected to Kyoto Ency-clopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway a-nalysis and Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment analysis,and a drug-target-pathway network was constructed.To validate the interaction between cordycepin and core targets,molecular docking and molecular dynamics sim-ulations were conducted.Subsequently,the pharmaco-logical effects and underlying mechanisms of cordyce-pin were validated in vitro using Beas-2B cells,emplo-ying Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay and quantita-tive real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR).Results A total of 438 potential targets of cordycepin were identified,113 of which overlapped with asthma-related therapeutic targets.Topological analysis based on the PPI network revealed 22 core targets.Using KEGG enrichment analysis,165 significantly enriched pathways were identified,including the TNF and HIF-1 signaling pathways.Molecular docking analysis re-vealed high binding affinities between cordycepin and select core targets,which further corroborated by mo-lecular dynamics simulations.In vitro experiments showed that after cordycepin pretreatment,the upregu-lation of MAPK1,HIF1A,MTOR,MYC,IL10,and JUN mRNA was significantly rescued in HDM-stimulated Beas-2B cells.Conclusions Cordycepin exerts anti-asthmatic effects by targeting MAPK1 and other key molecules,thereby providing a scientific foundation for its further development and clinical application.

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