1.Ameliorating effects of tetrahydrocurcumin and its nano-preparations on lipopolysaccharide-induced depression in mice
Hui Tan ; Yuanping Li ; Jingyuan Meng ; Tengteng Ma ; Yan Yang ; Zhengmao Yang ; Jiaqing Ma ; Jianping Xie ; Ying Guo
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):79-86
Objective :
To investigate the antidepressant effects and the underlying mechanisms of tetrahydrocurcumin(THC) and its nanoparticle formulation(THCN).
Methods :
Forty-six male ICR mice were randomly divided into Con group, LPS group, THC group, THCN group and SER group. A mouse depression model was established by intraperitoneal administration of LPS. The anxiety and depression-like behaviors of mice were evaluated by open field test(OFT) and forced swimming test(FST). Myelin staining was applied to assess the extent of demyelination in the prefrontal cortex of the mice. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were further examined for the expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) through quantitative immunofluorescence assays.
Results :
Compared with the Con group, the LPS group showed increased anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in both the long-term and short-term experiments(P<0.05); the degree of demyelination increased in the LPS group of the long-term experiment(P<0.01); the expression of GFAP was reduced in the LPS group of the short-term experiment(P<0.01), while the expression of TLR4 increased(P<0.05); the expression of TLR4 decreased in the THC group(P<0.01); the expression of GFAP in the prefrontal cortex of the THCN group was reduced(P<0.01), while the expression of TLR4 increased(P<0.05). Compared with the LPS group, the THC group showed reduced depressive-like behaviors in the long-term experiment(P<0.05), while the anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors of the THCN group and the SER group were reduced(P<0.05), and the anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors of the THC group and the THCN group were reduced in the short-term experiment(P<0.05); the degree of demyelination was reduced in the THC group, THCN group and SER group in the long-term experiment(P<0.05); the expression of GFAP increased in the THC group of the short-term experiment(P<0.05), while the expression of TLR4 was reduced(P<0.05), and the expression of GFAP increased in the THCN group(P<0.05). Compared with the THC group, the THCN group and the SER group showed reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the long-term experiment(P<0.05); the expression of GFAP in the prefrontal cortex of the THCN group was reduced in the short-term experiment(P<0.05), while the expression of TLR4 in the hippocampal DG area increased in the short-term experiment(P<0.01).
Conclusion
Tetrahydrocurcumin and its nanoparticle formulation both exert significant ameliorative effects on depression-like behaviors and demyelination in mice induced by lipopolysaccharide. The antidepressant mechanism of THC appears to be mediated through the down-regulation of TLR4 and the up-regulation of GFAP. The mechanism underlying the antidepressant action of THCN seems predominantly focused on the enhancement of GFAP expression.
2.Analysis of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine for diabetic retinopathy based on evidence body quality assessment
Juan LING ; Zhuolin XIE ; Xiangxia LUO ; Wanying GUO ; Jiajin LI ; Jun ZHOU ; Xufei LUO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):863-866
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of evidence in the systematic evaluation/meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for diabetes retinopathy (DR) based on the GRADE system. METHODS Chinese and English databases were searched to obtain the relevant studies of systematic evaluation/meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of DR. The search time was from the establishment of each database to January 13th, 2024. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, literature screening was conducted. After extracting relevant information from the included literature, the GRADE system was used to evaluate the quality level of the evidence body in the included studies, and the evidence of the outcome indicators was integrated and summarized. RESULTS A total of 51 studies were ultimately included, encompassing 135 outcome indexes. Among these, 19 indicators (14.1%) were of high quality, 87 (64.4%) were of medium quality, 26 (19.3%) were of low quality, and 3 (2.2%) were of very low quality. Overall, the evidence quality of the outcome indicators in the included studies was medium to low quality. The integrated results of evidence on the efficacy of outcome indexes showed that compared with conventional Western medicine, calcium dobesilate or placebo, TCM had significant advantages in improving overall efficacy, reducing bleeding spot area, reducing macular foveal thickness, and increasing visual improvement rate. In addition,the combination of TCM and conventional Western medicine or calcium dobesilate was significantly more effective than using conventional Western medicine or calcium dobesilate alone. CONCLUSIONS The overall quality of the evidence in the systematic evaluation/meta-analysis study on the treatment of DR with TCM is medium to low quality. Based on existing research findings, TCM demonstrates good clinical efficacy in the treatment of DR.
3.Construction and empirical study of selection system for drug directory of county-level medical community based on multi-criteria decision analysis
Yinan GUO ; Xiuheng YU ; Yuqing XIE ; Shixin XIANG ; Huan LIN ; Youqi LONG ; Yu ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):914-919
OBJECTIVE To explore the construction of selection system for drug directory of the county-level medical community based on multi-criteria decision analysis, and provide decision-making basis for the selection of drug directory of medical community. METHODS Taking county-level medical community in Chongqing as an example,Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process were employed to construct the selection system for drug directory of the county-level medical community. Selected drugs were quantitatively scored based on the constructed index system, and the drug directory was selected according to the drug’s comprehensive score. The implementation effect of the directory was then evaluated through questionnaire surveys one year after the implementation of the directory. RESULTS The expert authority coefficients of the two rounds of consultation were> 0.8, with Kendall’s W values of 0.213 and 0.196, respectively (P<0.001). Finally, the selection system for drug directory of the medical community was determined to include five evaluation dimensions: safety, effectiveness, economy, accessibility, and innovation, along with eight evaluation indicators. In the drug directory selected according to the above method, the proportions of centrally procured drugs, medical insurance drugs, and essential drugs had all increased compared to before the selection; the comprehensive scores of chemical drugs ranged from 50.25 to 96.31 scores, and the proportion of drugs scoring between 70 and 100 scores had increased from 78.06% before selection to 85.82%. Among them, antiparasitic drugs had the highest comprehensive scores, while drugs for the digestive tract and metabolism were the most numerous. The evaluation scores of each indicator and the comprehensive scores of drugs in the drug directory after the selection process increased significantly than before selection (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The selection system for drug directory of the county-level medical community constructed in this study is scientific, objective and operable. This process facilitates the promotion of standardized and unified management of drugs in the medical community.
4.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules
Xin CUI ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Weiwei GUO ; Chengjun BAN ; Zhifei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yingjie ZHI ; Xuefeng YU ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):218-224
As an exclusive Miao medicine of Honwing Pharma (Guizhou) Co. Ltd., Yifei Zhike capsules are both a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Its main ingredients include Ranunculus ternatus and Panax notoginseng. With the effects of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs, as well as relieving cough and reducing phlegm, Yifei Zhike capsules are often used in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and other diseases. However, there is insufficient understanding of their efficacy, suitable syndromes, and safety in clinical practice, with a lack of relevant expert consensus on clinical application. To standardize their clinical application, 30 experts from the fields of respiratory medicine, pharmacy, and evidence-based medicine were invited to develop an Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules (Consensus for short) through evidence-based medicine methods. The Consensus clarified the syndrome characteristics, disease stages, dosages, treatment courses, combined medication, and other norms in the treatment of acute/chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis and could be applicable to clinical physicians and pharmacists in medical and health institutions at all levels. In disease diagnosis, it provided diagnostic criteria for traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine and clarified that the suitable traditional Chinese medicine syndrome was the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency with intermingled phlegm-blood stasis. Clinical studies have confirmed that Yifei Zhike capsules combined with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy can effectively improve the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, increase the sputum smear conversion rate, and promote the absorption of lesions. When treating acute cough caused by respiratory tract infections, Yifei Zhike capsules can increase the markedly effective rate and the seven-day disappearance rate of cough symptoms. Meanwhile, recommendations for specific usage, dosages, and treatment courses were given for different diseases, and it was pointed out that long-term medication required key monitoring of adverse reactions. In safety, the adverse reactions of Yifei Zhike capsules involved multiple aspects such as the digestive system and allergic reactions, and pregnant women and women during menstruation were prohibited from using it. In addition, modern research has shown that Yifei Zhike capsules have an adjuvant therapeutic effect on tuberculous pleurisy and may be effective for inflammatory and benign pulmonary nodules. However, further research should be conducted on the toxicological safety of long-term medication. The formulation of the Consensus provides a scientific basis for the rational clinical application of Yifei Zhike capsules, which helps to improve clinical efficacy and reduce medication risks.
5.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules
Xin CUI ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Weiwei GUO ; Chengjun BAN ; Zhifei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yingjie ZHI ; Xuefeng YU ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):218-224
As an exclusive Miao medicine of Honwing Pharma (Guizhou) Co. Ltd., Yifei Zhike capsules are both a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Its main ingredients include Ranunculus ternatus and Panax notoginseng. With the effects of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs, as well as relieving cough and reducing phlegm, Yifei Zhike capsules are often used in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and other diseases. However, there is insufficient understanding of their efficacy, suitable syndromes, and safety in clinical practice, with a lack of relevant expert consensus on clinical application. To standardize their clinical application, 30 experts from the fields of respiratory medicine, pharmacy, and evidence-based medicine were invited to develop an Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules (Consensus for short) through evidence-based medicine methods. The Consensus clarified the syndrome characteristics, disease stages, dosages, treatment courses, combined medication, and other norms in the treatment of acute/chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis and could be applicable to clinical physicians and pharmacists in medical and health institutions at all levels. In disease diagnosis, it provided diagnostic criteria for traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine and clarified that the suitable traditional Chinese medicine syndrome was the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency with intermingled phlegm-blood stasis. Clinical studies have confirmed that Yifei Zhike capsules combined with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy can effectively improve the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, increase the sputum smear conversion rate, and promote the absorption of lesions. When treating acute cough caused by respiratory tract infections, Yifei Zhike capsules can increase the markedly effective rate and the seven-day disappearance rate of cough symptoms. Meanwhile, recommendations for specific usage, dosages, and treatment courses were given for different diseases, and it was pointed out that long-term medication required key monitoring of adverse reactions. In safety, the adverse reactions of Yifei Zhike capsules involved multiple aspects such as the digestive system and allergic reactions, and pregnant women and women during menstruation were prohibited from using it. In addition, modern research has shown that Yifei Zhike capsules have an adjuvant therapeutic effect on tuberculous pleurisy and may be effective for inflammatory and benign pulmonary nodules. However, further research should be conducted on the toxicological safety of long-term medication. The formulation of the Consensus provides a scientific basis for the rational clinical application of Yifei Zhike capsules, which helps to improve clinical efficacy and reduce medication risks.
6.The Application Status and Trends of Data-Intelligence Technology in the Diagnosis of Lysosomal Storage Diseases
Xinyu DU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):112-121
To summarize the applications of data-intelligence technology in diagnosing lysosomal storage disease(LSD), analyze their opportunities and challenges in clinical practice as well as their development trends, and provide insights and recommendations for advancing digitally driven auxiliary diagnostic technologies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and VIP. The studies focusing on the application of digital-intelligence technologies in LSD diagnosis were included. A qualitative analysis was performed, categorizing and summarizing research based on the types of digital-intelligence technologies employed, and exploring future development trends. The analysis revealed that digital-intelligence technologies, particularly in areas such as big data storage and management, data mining and analytics, machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, held significant potential for early screening and diagnosis of LSD. These technologies facilitated the identification of potential patients, discovery of new biomarkers, quantitative analysis of symptoms, and elucidation of gene-disease relationships, ultimately enhancing diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. Digital-intelli-gence technologies present promising prospects for advancing LSD diagnostic research and improving diagnostic precision. Future efforts should focus on developing a comprehensive, multidimensional diagnosis system and diagnostic technologies under the guidance of the DI-HEALTH theoretical framework, in the hope of paving the way for further development of digitally assisted diagnostic solutions.
7.Current Research Status of Digital Technology in the Rehabilitation of Rare Neurological and Muscular Diseases
Yixuan GUO ; Yi GAO ; Yiyang YAO ; Zhuoyue QIN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Jiaqi JING ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):122-131
To review the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at home and abroad on digital intelligence (DI)-driven rehabilitation in patients of neuromuscular disease, compare the effects of DI-driven rehabilitation with traditional rehabilitation, summarize the special needs and challenges faced by patients in rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases, and provide evidence for the development and quality improvement of rehabilitation for rare neuromuscular diseases. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases for literature on neuromuscular diseases, rare diseases, digital and intelligent technologies, and rehabilitation published from the inception of the databases to June 2024. Basic and research-related information from the retrieved literature was extracted and analyzed. A total of 43 RCTs in English from 14 countries were included. The most studied diseases were Parkinson′s disease and multiple sclerosis. The application of DI-driven technologies in rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases was still limited. The commonly used technologies were virtual reality (VR) games, intelligent treadmill assistance, gait training robots, hybrid assistive limb (HAL), wearable sensors and tele-rehabilitation (TR) systems. These technologies were applied in patients′ homes or rehabilitation service centers. The VR games significantly improved both static/dynamic balance functions and cognitive functions. The intelligent treadmill assistance significantly enhanced gait speed and stride length. The gait training robots significantly improved balance, gait speed and stride length of patients. The wearable exoskeletons significantly enhanced walking ability. DI-driven rehabilitation measures have great value and potential in the field of neuromuscular disease rehabilitation. Their advantages and characteristics can meet the diverse needs of rare disease patients. In the future, a hierarchical and collaborative rehabilitation service system should be established to meet the urgent needs of the rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases. Combining the advantages of digitization and intelligence will provide standardized, scientific, convenient and affordable rehabilitation services to patients.
8.The Application of Digital Intelligence Technology in the Management of Non-Hospitalized Patients with Rare Diseases
Yiyang YAO ; Yi GAO ; Yixuan GUO ; Zhuoyue QIN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Jiaqi JING ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):46-53
To provide references to and give suggestions to the development and optimiza-tion of Digital Intelligence (DI) technology in management of non-hospitalized patients by systematical review the application of digital technology in non-hospital settings. We designed the search strategy and used the words " rare diseases"" patient management"" non-hospitalized management"" community management"" digital intelligence"" big data"" telemedicine" as MESH terms or free words. We searched the database of PubMed, Science-Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from the beginning of the database to July 2024 and used computer retrieval to get the literatures on the application of DI technology in the management of patients with rare diseases in non-hospital setting. We extracted the information of the first author, country or region, publication time, research participants, DI technology application, and application effect for summary analysis. A total of 13 articles were included in this study, which were from 8 countries or regions. We found that DI technologies used were in the following forms: Internet information platform, wearable devices, telemedicine management platform and electronic database. The DI technology was used by the patients with rare diseases, patient caregivers and professional medical staffs. The application of all the forms above in different populations had good effect. The Internet information platform helped patients and their caregivers learn more about the disease and improved their self-management ability. The wearable device helped monitor the health status of patients in real time and predict the risk of emergent events. The telemedicine management platform facilitated to optimize the allocation of medical resources and strengthen doctor-patient communication. The electronic health database promoted the interconnection of data inside and outside the hospital and improved the accuracy of decision-making through data sharing. The application of DI technology in the management of patients with rare diseases in non-hospitalized settings has shown positive results. In the future, it is necessary to correct the shortcomings and to deal with the challenges in terms of accuracy, readiness, applicability, and privacy protection. Besides, the DI can be integrated into the tri-level management system of patients known as the "patient-community-hospital". It is advisable to take the advantages of digital intelligence technology to improve the efficiency and quality of management of patients in non-hospitalized settings.
9.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
10.Research progress on techniques for detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus infections
Zhuofan LIU ; Hao XIE ; Xiaoliang SUN ; Tao XIA ; Junhui GUO
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):209-216
Tick-borne encephalitis is a central nervous system disease caused by infections with tick-borne pathogens, which is characterized by severe clinical symptoms, multiple sequelae, and a high fatality rate. Currently, there is no cure for tick-borne encephalitis. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most common pathogen of tick-borne encephalitis. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of TBEV contributes to reducing the mortality of tick-borne encephalitis, improving patients' prognosis, and reducing the risk of TBEV transmission. The currently available serological tests for detection of TBEV infections mainly include neutralization test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence assay, and nucleic acid tests mainly include polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), reverse transcription polymerase spiral reaction, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas)-based assays. This review summarizes the progress of researches on serological and nucleic acid tests for detection of TBEV infections, so as to provide insights into prevention and control of tick-borne encephalitis.


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