1.In Vitro and in vivo Component Analysis of Total Phenolic Acids from Gei Herba and Its Effect on Promoting Acute Wound Healing and Inhibiting Scar Formation
Xixian KONG ; Guanghuan TIAN ; Tong WU ; Shaowei HU ; Jie ZHAO ; Fuzhu PAN ; Jingtong LIU ; Yong DENG ; Yi OUYANG ; Hongwei WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):156-167
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), to identify the in vivo and in vitro chemical components of total phenolic acids in Gei Herba(TPAGH), and to clarify the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of the effective part in promoting acute wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used to identify the chemical components of TPAGH and ingredients absorbed in vivo after topical administration. A total of 120 ICR mice were randomly divided into the model group, recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF) group(4 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of TPAGH(3.5, 7, 14 mg·kg-1), with 24 mice in each group. A full-thickness skin excision model was constructed, and each administration group was coated with the drug at the wound site, and the model group was treated with an equal volume of normal saline, the treatment was continued for 30 days, during which 8 mice from each group were sacrificed on days 6, 12, and 30. The healing of the wounds in the mice was observed, and histopathological changes in the skin tissues were dynamically observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to dynamically measure the contents of interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-3 and MMP-9 in skin tissues. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets related to the promotion of acute wound healing and the inhibition of scar formation by TPAGH, and molecular docking of key components and targets was performed. Gene Ontology(GO) biological process analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out for the related targets, so as to construct a network diagram of herbal material-compound-target-pathway-pharmacological effect-disease for further exploring its potential mechanisms. ResultsA total of 146 compounds were identified in TPAGH, including 28 phenylpropanoids, 31 tannins, 23 triterpenes, 49 flavonoids, and 15 others, and 16 prototype components were found in the serum of mice. Pharmacodynamic results showed that, compared with the model group, the TPAGH groups showed a significant increase in relative wound healing rate and relative scar inhibition rate(P<0.05), and the number of new capillaries, number of fibroblasts, number of new skin appendages, epidermal regeneration rate, collagen deposition ratio, and Ⅲ/Ⅰ collagen ratio in the tissue were significantly improved(P<0.05, 0.01), the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the skin tissues were reduced to different degrees, while the level of VEGFA was increased. Network pharmacology analysis screened 10 core targets, including tumor protein 53(TP53), sarcoma receptor coactivator(SRC), protein kinase B(Akt)1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and so on, participating in 75 signaling pathways such as advanced glycation end-products(AGE)-receptor for AGE(AGE/RAGE) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed that the key components genistein, geraniin, and casuariin had good binding ability to TP53, SRC, Akt1, STAT3 and EGFR. ConclusionThis study comprehensively reflects the chemical composition of TPAGH and the absorbed components after topical administration through UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. TPAGH significantly regulates key indicators of skin healing and tissue reconstruction, thereby clarifying its role in promoting acute wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. By combining in vitro and in vivo component identification with network pharmacology, the study explores how key components may bind to targets such as TP53, Akt1 and EGFR, exerting therapeutic effects through related pathways such as immune inflammation and vascular regeneration.
2.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation based on the Holistic View of "Spleen-Vessels-Heart-Spirit"
Yihang DU ; Chenglin DUAN ; Xueping ZHU ; Meng LYU ; Jiafan CHEN ; Yi WEI ; Yuanhui HU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):89-92
Based on the holistic view of "spleen-vessels-heart-spirit" system, this article explores the pathogenesis and progression of atrial fibrillation. It is proposed that the onset of atrial fibrillation is due to failure of the spleen to transport and disharmony of blood vessels; phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals and damage to the heart structure are the basis of its pathogenesis; the unclear mind and disorder of body and spirit are the causes of its progression. Based on the characteristics of pathological changes in different stages of the disease, it is proposed that early treatment should focus on restoring the middle jiao, clearing and promoting blood vessels, using modified Yigong Powder (异功散); during the progression of the disease, treatment should remove blood stasis and phlegm, nourish heart and protect the pulse, using self-prescribed modified Mengshi Tongmai Decoction (礞石通脉汤); meanwhile, calming mind and stabilizing palpitations, and regulating spirit should be sequentially incorporated, with self-prescribed Jiazao Ningmai Decoction (甲枣宁脉汤) or Shenying Dingji Decoction (参英定悸汤) and modified as appropriate. Clinical treatment should focus on the whole disease course of atrial fibrillation, implementing stage-based treatments to enable early intervention and holistic regulation.
3.Effect of interleukin-8 regulation on monocyte chemotactic protein-1 secretion and expression through the NF-kappaB/p65 signaling pathway on the migration of residual epithelial cells in the lens capsule
Wei SI ; Su XU ; Yuhang ZHANG ; Yi MAO ; Keyu GUO ; Yanzhong HU ; Fengyan ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):537-543
AIM: To investigate the effect of interleukin-8(IL-8)on the regulation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1)secreted by lens epithelial cells(LEC)during cell migration in the development of posterior capsule opacification(PCO).METHODS: A rat lens capsule model was established and cultured in medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Upon migration of LEC to 30%-50% of the posterior capsule, serum was removed. The capsule was subsequently divided into two groups: a control group and an IL-8(15 ng/mL)treatment group. LEC migration was captured at multiple time points. The secretion and mRNA expression of MCP-1 were quantified using ELISA and RT-qPCR, respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to assess MCP-1 expression in the different experimental groups. SRA01/04 cells were divided into three groups: control, IL-8(15 ng/mL), and IL-8(15 ng/mL)+200 μmol/L Bindarit(BND)groups, with migration measured by the Transwell assay. Additionally, SRA01/04 cells were divided into negative control(NC), NC+15 ng/mL IL-8, and 15 ng/mL IL-8+p65 siRNA groups, and MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression were further analyzed by ELISA and RT-qPCR.RESULTS:LEC migration in the rat lens capsule cultured in vitro showed that the cells migration of the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group significantly increased at 48, 72 and 96 h(all P<0.05). ELISA results revealed that MCP-1 levels in SRA01/04 cells from the 15 ng/mL IL-8-treated group were markedly higher than those in the control group at both 12 and 24 h(all P<0.05). RT-qPCR analysis also demonstrated a significant increase in MCP-1 mRNA expression in the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group at both time points(all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining indicated greater MCP-1 expression in capsular epithelial cells of the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group at 24 h(P=0.007). Transwell assays further confirmed increased cell migration in the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group compared to the control group(P=0.001), while the migration reduced in the 15 ng/mL IL-8+200 μmol/L BND group compared to the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group(P=0.003). Moreover, ELISA and RT-qPCR results demonstrated a significant increase in MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression in the NC+15 ng/mL IL-8 group at both 12 and 24 h compared to the NC group(all P<0.01). In contrast, MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression were reduced in the 15 ng/mL IL-8+p65 siRNA group compared to the NC+15 ng/mL IL-8 group at both time points(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: IL-8 promotes the migration of residual epithelial cells and regulates the secretion and expression of MCP-1 in LEC. The mechanism underlying IL-8's effects appears to be mediated through the activation of the NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway.
4.Therapeutic effect of anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody combined with gemcitabine in synergy with PBMC on pancreatic cancer treatment
Hai HU ; Shu-yi XU ; Yue-jiang ZHENG ; Jian-wei ZHU ; Ming-yuan WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):388-396
Pancreatic cancer is a kind of highly malignant tumor with a low survival rate and poor prognosis. The effectiveness of gemcitabine as a first-line chemotherapy drug is limited; however, it can activate dendritic cells and improve antigen presentation which increase the sensitivity of tumor cell to immunotherapy. Although immunotherapy has made some advancements in cancer treatment, the therapeutic benefit of programmed cell death receptor 1/programmed death receptor-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade therapy remains relatively low. The chemokine C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by recruiting immunosuppressive cells. The receptor C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), highly expressed in various tumors including pancreatic cancer, plays a crucial role in tumor development and progression. In this study, the anti-tumor immune response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (hPBMC) was enhanced using the combination of BsNb PX4 (anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody) and gemcitabine. In a co-culture system of gemcitabine-pretreated hPBMCs with tumor cells, the BsNb PX4 synergized gemcitabine to improve the cytotoxic activity of hPBMCs against tumor cells. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed increased ratio of CD8+ to CD4+ T cells in combination treatment. In NOD/SCID mice bearing pancreatic cancer, the combination treatment exhibited more infiltration of CD8+ T cells into tumor tissues, contributing to an effective anti-tumor response. This study presents potential new therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Ethical approval was obtained for collection of hPBMC samples from the Local Ethics Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. All animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethic Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (authorizing number: A2024246).
5.Stage-Based Intervention in Atherosclerosis Using the "Attacking,Supplementing,Dispersing,Dissipating" Method Based on the Accumulation Syndrome Theory
Yujie LUAN ; Chenlu YUAN ; Zizhen CHEN ; Yijun LIU ; Yi WEI ; Yuanhui HU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):685-689
Atherosclerosis is a complex pathological condition resulting from lipid deposition, chronic inflammatory responses, and fibrosis, with a prolonged disease course and multifactorial etiology. Based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of accumulation syndrome, atherosclerosis can be classified under this category, with its pathogenesis involving phlegm, blood stasis, deficiency, and accumulation. This paper proposed a stage-based intervention strategy using the four therapeutic principles of "attacking, supplementing, dispersing, dissipating", and divided into six stages based on the pathological progression, including the stage of accumulation before formation, the stage of accumulation already formed, the stage of nucleus accumulation, the stage of nucleus accumulation decay, the stage of nucleus accumulation consolidation, and the stage of severe stenosis of nucleus. At different stages, the intervention focuses on reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root, tonifying the kidneys and spleen, dispersing and removing turbidity, removing phlegm stagnation, promoting qi circulation, dispersing accumulations and removing stasis, attacking accumulation and expelling stasis, directing the turbid downward and dispersing accumulation, and treatment would be adjusted based on specific symptoms, which provides a theoretical framework for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis with TCM.
6.Molecular epidemiological characterization of influenza A(H3N2) virus in Fengxian District, Shanghai, in the surveillance year of 2023
Hongwei ZHAO ; Lixin TAO ; Xiaohong XIE ; Yi HU ; Xue ZHAO ; Meihua LIU ; Qingyuan ZHANG ; Lijie LU ; Chen’an LIU ; Mei WU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):18-22
ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological distribution and gene evolutionary variation of influenza A (H3N2) viruses in Fengxian District, Shanghai, in the surveillance year of 2023, and to provide a reference basis for influenza prevention and control. MethodsThe prevalence of influenza virus in Fengxian District in the 2023 influenza surveillance year (April 2023‒March 2024) was analyzed. The hemagglutinin (HA) gene, neuraminidase (NA) gene, and amino acid sequences of 75 strains of H3N2 influenza viruses were compared with the vaccine reference strain for similarity matching and phylogenetic evolutionary analysis, in addition to an analysis of gene characterization and variation. ResultsIn Fengxian District, there was a mixed epidemic of H3N2 and H1N1 in the spring of 2023, with H3N2 being the predominant subtype in the second half of the year, and Victoria B becoming the predominant subtype in the spring of 2024. A total of 75 influenza strains of H3N2 with HA and NA genes were distributed in the 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.2a.3a.1 and B.4 branches, with overall similarity to the reference strain of the 2024 vaccine higher than that of the reference strain of the 2022 and 2023 vaccine. Compared with the 2023 vaccine reference strain, three antigenic sites and one receptor binding site were changed in HA, with three glycosylation sites reduced and two glycosylation sites added; where as in NA seven antigenic sites and the 222nd resistance site changed with two glycosylation sites reduced. ConclusionThe risk of antigenic variation and drug resistance of H3N2 in this region is high, and it is necessary to strengthen the publicity and education on the 2024 influenza vaccine and long-term monitoring of influenza virus prevalence and variation levels.
7.Prediction of duloxetine blood concentration in patients with depression based on machine learning
Ming QIAO ; Lu JIN ; Yi ZHU ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):752-757
OBJECTIVE To provide medication reference for duloxetine use in clinical settings, particularly for patients with depression in primary medical institutions in Xinjiang that lack therapeutic drug monitoring conditions. METHODS The medical records of 281 depression inpatients taking duloxetine in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. They were divided into training set (196 cases) and test set (85 cases) in the ratio of 7∶3. Feature selection was performed by encapsulating random forests (RF) with recursive feature elimination. Four machine learning algorithms, namely support vector machine, RF, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and artificial neural network, were used to construct duloxetine blood concentration prediction model. The prediction performance of the models was evaluated and compared by coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE). The feature of the selected optimal model was explained by Shapley additive explanation method, and the importance ranking of the features and the influence on the prediction results of duloxetine blood concentration were determined. RESULTS A total of 29 characteristic variables were selected, including age, ethnicity, body mass index(BMI), etc. XGBoost showed the highest R2 (0.808), and the lowest MAE (7.644) and RMSE (10.808). The ranking of feature importance for predicting the blood concentration of duloxetine was as follows: BMI>age>other 20 feature sets (including liver and kidney function and biochemical indicators)>daily dosage>comorbidities>combination therapy>ethnicity>white blood cell count>hemoglobin>height. CONCLUSIONS XGBoost model possesses the best prediction performance of duloxetine blood concentration; BMI and age have a greater impact on the prediction of duloxetine blood concentration.
8.Association between pyrethroid insecticide exposure and pulmonary function among school-aged children
Lihua QIAN ; Yi HU ; Peipei HU ; Guodong DING
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):342-348
Background Prior epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to pyrethroid insecticides may adversely affect children’s respiratory health. However, only limited studies are currently available on this topic in China. Objective To explore the association between exposure to pyrethroid insecticides and pulmonary function in children in Shanghai. Methods From August 2019 to January 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted, recruiting 163 healthy school-aged children (aged 5–12 years) from Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Basic information, including age, height, weight, and family income, was collected. Urine samples from the children were collected and were analyzed for the levels of three pyrethroid insecticide metabolites: 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (CDCCA), and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (TDCCA). Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used for the analysis. Spirometry was used to assess pulmonary function and recorded following parameters: peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow between the 25th and 75th percentiles of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC. Multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline models were used to evaluate the associations between urinary pyrethroid insecticide metabolite levels and pulmonary function parameters. Results The study included 163 school-aged children, with an average age of (7.04 ± 2.08) years and an average body mass index (BMI) of (16.04 ± 2.72) kg·m−2; 75 (46.01%) of the participants were boys. The detection rates of 3-PBA, TDCCA, and CDCCA in urine were 85.28%, 17.79%, and 4.91%, respectively. The median creatinine-adjusted 3-PBA concentration was 0.150 μg·g−1. After adjusting for confounders such as height, BMI, sex, age, delivery mode, annual family income, and maternal education level, the multiple linear regression model showed that urinary 3-PBA levels were negatively associated with both FVC [β=−0.030, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.058, −0.003; P=0.031] and FEV1 (β=−0.032, 95%CI: −0.064, 0.000; P=
9.Application of AI versus Mimics software for three-dimensional reconstruction in thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomy: A retrospective cohort study
Chengpeng SANG ; Yi ZHU ; Yaqin WANG ; Li GONG ; Bo MIN ; Haibo HU ; Zhixian TANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):313-321
Objective To analyze the application effects of artificial intelligence (AI) software and Mimics software in preoperative three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction for thoracoscopic anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy at the Second People's Hospital of Huai'an from October 2019 to March 2024. Patients who underwent AI 3D reconstruction were included in the AI group, those who underwent Mimics 3D reconstruction were included in the Mimics group, and those who did not undergo 3D reconstruction were included in the control group. Perioperative related indicators of each group were compared. Results A total of 168 patients were included, including 73 males and 95 females, aged 25-81 (61.61±10.55) years. There were 79 patients in the AI group, 53 patients in the Mimics group, and 36 patients in the control group. There were no statistical differences in gender, age, smoking history, nodule size, number of lymph node dissection groups, postoperative pathological results, or postoperative complications among the three groups (P>0.05). There were statistical differences in operation time (P<0.001), extubation time (P<0.001), drainage volume (P<0.001), bleeding volume (P<0.001), and postoperative hospital stay (P=0.001) among the three groups. There were no statistical differences in operation time, extubation time, bleeding volume, or postoperative hospital stay between the AI group and the Mimics group (P>0.05). There was no statistical difference in drainage volume between the AI group and the control group (P=0.494), while there were statistical differences in operation time, drainage tube retention time, bleeding volume, and postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05). Conclusion For patients requiring thoracoscopic anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy, preoperative 3D reconstruction and preoperative planning based on 3D images can shorten the operation time, postoperative extubation time and hospital stay, and reduce intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage volume compared with reading CT images only. The use of AI software for 3D reconstruction is not inferior to Mimics manual 3D reconstruction in terms of surgical guidance and postoperative recovery, which can reduce the workload of clinicians and is worth promoting.
10.Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chronic Disease Management Programme after Colorectal Polyp Surgery:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Jiahao MO ; Yi CHENG ; Chang LIU ; Peixin HU ; Cailing ZHONG ; Beiping ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1241-1248
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) chronic disease management programme in preventing postoperative recurrence of colorectal polyps. MethodsThe clinical data of 447 postoperative colorectal polyp patients were retrospectively collected, and the patients were divided into an exposure group and a control group taking the acceptance of TCM chronic disease management programme as exposure factor, and the polyp recurrence rate as the main outcome indicator, comparing the differences in baseline characteristics, outcome events, and safety assessment between the two groups, and conducting correlation analysis between the length of medication and polyp recurrence. Multifactorial logistic regression was used to analyse the effects of receiving the TCM chronic disease management programme (TCM treatment and life management for spleen deficiency and dampness stasis syndrome, dampness and stasis obstruction in collaterals syndrome, and intestinal dampness and heat syndrome), gender, age, co-morbidities, TCM syndrome, and dietary and exercise factors on the outcome events. ResultsAmong 257 postoperative patients with colorectal polyps, there were 172 in the exposure group and 85 in control group. The recurrence rate of polyps in exposure group was 22.7% (39/172), while the recurrence rate in control group was 57.6% (49/85), and the difference between groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). The diameter of recurrent polyps in exposure group (median= 4.0 mm) was smaller than that in control group (median= 5.0 mm, P<0.01). The correlation analysis between the duration of medication taking and the recurrence of polyps in the spleen deficiency and dampness stasis syndrome group showed Phi value as -0.345 (P<0.001); the correlation analysis within the group of dampness and stasis obstruction in collaterals syndrome showed Phi value as -0.361 (P<0.05), indicating a negative correlation between the duration of medication taking and polyp recurrence. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the positive effect of accepting TCM chronic disease management programme on preventing polyp recurrence is statistically significant (OR=0.224, P<0.01). ConclusionAccepting TCM chronic disease management programme for colorectal polyps can help reducing the recurrence rate after polyp surgery, which is a protective factor for patients to the outcome event.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail