1.Analysis of Dynamic Change Patterns of Color and Composition During Fermentation of Myristicae Semen Koji
Zhenxing WANG ; Mengmeng FAN ; Le NIU ; Suqin CAO ; Hongwei LI ; Zhenling ZHANG ; Hanwei LI ; Jianguang ZHU ; Kai LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):222-229
ObjectiveTo explore the changes in volatile components, total polysaccharides, enzyme activity, and chromaticity value of Myristicae Semen Koji(MSK) during the fermentation process, and conduct correlation analysis. MethodsBased on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS), the changes of volatile components in MSK at different fermentation times were identified. The phenol sulfuric acid method, dinitrosalicylic acid method(DNS), and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt method(CMC-Na) were used to investigate the total polysaccharide content, amylase activity, and cellulase activity during the fermentation process. Visual analysis technology was used to explore the changes in chromaticity values, revealing the fermentation process of MSK and the dynamic changes of various measurement indicators, partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) was used to explore the differential compounds of MSK at different fermentation degrees, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile components of MSK and total polysaccharides, enzyme activity, and chromaticity values. ResultsA total of 60 volatile compounds were identified from MSK, the relative contents of components such as (+)-α-pinene, β-phellandrene, β-pinene, (+)-limonene, and p-cymene obviously increased, while the relative contents of components such as safrole, methyl isoeugenol, methyleugenol, myristicin, and elemicin significantly decreased. During the fermentation process, the total polysaccharide content showed an upward trend, while the activities of amylase and cellulase showed an initial increase followed by a decrease, and reached their maximum value at 40 h. the overall brightness(L*) and total color difference(ΔE*) gradually increased, while the changes in red-green value(a*) and yellow-blue value(b*) were not obvious. PLS-DA results showed that MSK could be clearly distinguished at different fermentation times, and 13 differential biomarkers were screened out. Pearson correlation analysis results showed that the contents of α-terpinene, β-phellandrene, methyleugenol, β-cubebene and myristic acid had an obvious correlation with chromaticity values. ConclusionAfter fermentation, the volatile components, total polysaccharides, amylase activity, and cellulase activity of MSK undergo significant changes, and there is a clear correlation between them and chromaticity values, which reveals the dynamic changes in the fermentation process and related indicators of MSK, laying a foundation for the quality control.
2.Major Vault Protein in Macrophages Reprograms Immune Microenvironment and Inhibits Occurrence and Development of Liver Cancer
Shimeng ZHOU ; Mengmeng LI ; Shouyu WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(2):118-126
Objective To explore the role and molecular mechanism of major vault protein (MVP) in tumor-associated macrophages in the occurrence and development of liver cancer. Methods The expression of MVP in macrophages was analyzed by bioinformatics method and multi-fluorescent immunohistochemical staining. Mice with MVP deficiency in macrophages were constructed by Cre/LoxP recombinant enzyme system. The proliferation and migration abilities of tumor cells were detected by cloning formation and Transwell migration assays. The effect of MVP in macrophages on tumorigenesis and development was investigated by mouse primary liver cancer model and subcutaneous tumor transplantation model. The effect of MVP on the tumor microenvironment was investigated by multi-fluorescent immunohistochemical staining. The effect of MVP on CD8+ T cells was detected by cell co-culture, flow cytometry, qPCR, and ELISA. Results The high expression of MVP in tumor-associated macrophages. The downregulation of the expression of MVP in tumor-associated macrophages compared with para-carcinoma tissues. MVP deficiency in macrophages promoted the proliferation and migration of tumor cells (P<0.05), promoted the development of tumor in vivo (P<0.05), formed an immunosuppressive microenvironment and weakened CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity (P<0.05). Conclusion MVP deficiency in macrophages can promote the occurrence and development of liver cancer by suppressing the function of CD8+ T cells.
3.Fufang Kangjiaolv Capsules Treat Anxiety in Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress via Microbiota-gut-brain Axis
Wenxin FAN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Yifan LU ; Mengmeng LIU ; Jiayuan LI ; Renzhi MA ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):95-107
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank, model, positive drug (diazepam, 1 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.75, 1.5, 3 g·kg-1, respectively) Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration, the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light and dark box test, and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the colon, serum, and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze, the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field, the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark box, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees, and the high-dose group had the best effect, with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze (P<0.05), the number of rats entering the central area in the open field (P<0.05), the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark boxes, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.01). Moreover, the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Romboutsia, and Phascolarctobacterium, while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota, Bacteroides, norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014, and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 (P<0.01) and occludin (P<0.05) in the colon, down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.05), and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway, thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing a new idea for further research.
4.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of finerenone combined with standard regimen in the treatment of heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction
Runan XIA ; Xu WANG ; Huijuan CHEN ; Mengyu JIANG ; Panpan DI ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Li LIU ; Hai LIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1770-1774
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of finerenone combined with standard of care (SoC) in the treatment of heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS Based on a phase Ⅲ clinical trial, a Markov model was constructed from the perspective of China’s healthcare system to compare the treatment outcomes of finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone in the treatment of different cardiac functional statuses of HFmrEF/HFpEF. Using quality-adjusted life year (QALY) as the health output index, 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2023 as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, a simulation was conducted with a 3-month cycle length and a 10- year time horizon, incorporating an annual discount rate of 5%. The dynamic changes across various stages of HFmrEF/HFpEF treated with finerenone combined with SoC versus SoC alone were simulated to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and costs of the two treatment strategies. Additionally, one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed, to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone was 179 504.75 yuan/QALY, which was below the WTP threshold set in this study, indicating that the finerenone combined with SoC regimen possessed certain economic advantages. The results of one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the utility value of NYHA Ⅱ status, the drug price of finerenone, the discount rate, and the probability of hospital transfer for both groups had a great influence on ICER, but did not affect the robustness of the model. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis also confirmed the robustness of the model. CONCLUSIONS Under the WTP threshold set in this study, finerenone combined with SoC is cost-effective in the treatment of HFmrEF/HFpEF, compared with the SoC regimen.
5.Advances in the clinical application and safety of bispecific antibodies for cancer therapy
Mengmeng LIN ; Xu LIN ; Yixuan WANG ; Danna JIANG ; Shanshan SHI ; Yangling LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2466-2472
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), as an important recent innovation in the field of tumor immunotherapy in recent years, can simultaneously or sequentially target different antigens or two different epitopes of the same antigen. Compared with traditional monoclonal antibodies, they can produce superior therapeutic effects. This article reviews the progress in clinical applications and safety research of BsAbs in cancer therapy, revealing that they (such as blinatumomab, glofitamab, teclistamab, amivantamab, etc.) exhibit significant therapeutic efficacy against hematological malignancies, lung cancer, cervical cancer, melanoma, and other cancers. For cytokine release syndrome (CRS) induced by BsAbs, prophylactic or pre-emptive medication is commonly administered in clinical practice; for neurotoxicity and infections triggered by BsAbs, clinical practice necessitates rigorous monitoring of patients’ vital signs and the provision of essential treatments. In addition, different BsAbs exhibit variations in escalation dose, infusion rate, storage duration, and equipment requirements. Therefore, strict adherence to the instructions in the drug package inserts is essential during clinical operations to ensure safety and therapeutic efficacy. In the future, more multicenter trials need to be conducted to validate the efficacy and safety of BsAbs across different tumor types and patient populations, and long-term follow-up data should be accumulated to optimize treatment cycles and dosage regimens.
6.Boosting synergism of chemo- and immuno-therapies via switching paclitaxel-induced apoptosis to mevalonate metabolism-triggered ferroptosis by bisphosphonate coordination lipid nanogranules.
Ge SONG ; Minghui LI ; Shumin FAN ; Mengmeng QIN ; Bin SHAO ; Wenbing DAI ; Hua ZHANG ; Xueqing WANG ; Bing HE ; Qiang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):836-853
Conventional chemotherapy based on cytotoxic drugs is facing tough challenges recently following the advances of monoclonal antibodies and molecularly targeted drugs. It is critical to inspire new potential to remodel the value of this classical therapeutic strategy. Here, we fabricate bisphosphonate coordination lipid nanogranules (BC-LNPs) and load paclitaxel (PTX) to boost the chemo- and immuno-therapeutic synergism of cytotoxic drugs. Alendronate in BC-LNPs@PTX, a bisphosphonate to block mevalonate metabolism, works as both the structure and drug constituent in nanogranules, where alendronate coordinated with calcium ions to form the particle core. The synergy of alendronate enhances the efficacy of paclitaxel, suppresses tumor metastasis, and alters the cytotoxic mechanism. Differing from the paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, the involvement of alendronate inhibits the mevalonate metabolism, changes the mitochondrial morphology, disturbs the redox homeostasis, and causes the accumulation of mitochondrial ROS and lethal lipid peroxides (LPO). These factors finally trigger the ferroptosis of tumor cells, an immunogenic cell death mode, which remodels the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment and synergizes with immunotherapy. Therefore, by switching paclitaxel-induced apoptosis to mevalonate metabolism-triggered ferroptosis, BC-LNPs@PTX provides new insight into the development of cytotoxic drugs and highlights the potential of metabolism regulation in cancer therapy.
7.Performance of four simplified screening methods of elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents
LI Kunkun, TIAN Wei, TAO Mengmeng, CAO Wenjun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(2):277-282
Objective:
To evaluate the performance of four simplified screening methods of elevated blood pressure commonly used among children and adolescents according to Chinese guidelines for prevention and treatment of hypertension (revised in 2018), so as to provide a reference for the early detection of the elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents.
Methods:
Stratified cluster random sampling method was used to monitor the physical fitness of 5 211 children and adolescents in a city of Shanxi Province from October to November 2021. Chinese guidelines for prevention and treatment of hypertension was considered as gold standard, and sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) and Kappa value were calculated to evaluate the screening effectiveness of formula method, height specific method, age group specific method, sex and age specific method for screening elevated blood pressure.
Results:
The detection rates of elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents screened by gold standard, formula method, height specific method,age group specific method, sex and age specific method were 21.9%, 24.0%, 21.1%, 24.5% and 20.2%, respectively. There was no significant difference between prevalence of elevated blood pressure screened by formula method, sex and age specific method and gold standard( χ 2=1.21, 1.41, P >0.05), whereas height specific method and age group specific method had significant differences with gold standard ( χ 2=20.39, 67.09, P <0.05). AUC was the largest for height specific method [0.94(95% CI =0.93-0.95)], and the smallest for age group specific method [0.87(95% CI = 0.86 -0.88)]. The Kappa values of height specific method (0.89) and sex and age specific method (0.89) were both greater than 0.85 , which were more consistent with the screening effectiveness of gold standard. When comparing by sex, age and body mass index (BMI), the screening effectivenesses were consistent with the overall in boys, 6-11 years and normal body weight groups, while the screening effectivenesses were different in girls, 12-17 years, overweight and obese groups. The AUC (0.87), Kappa value (0.71) and sensitivity (82.33%) of age group specific method were the lowest and the screening effectiveness was the worst.
Conclusion
Height specific method is more effective and can be used for early identification and self detection of blood pressure abnormalities among children and adolescents.
8.Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Tanreqing Injection Combined with Ceftazidime in Treatment of Phlegm Heat Obstructing Lung Syndrome in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Mengmeng ZHANG ; Qiao LI ; Qingyong XIONG ; Jiayao LI ; Linna XIE ; Jiasheng LU ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):170-175
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Tanreqing injection combined with Ceftazide on the clinical efficacy, lung function, and laboratory inflammatory index of patients suffering from phlegm heat obstructing lung syndrome in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). MethodFrom June 2021 to June 2023, 76 patients diagnosed with phlegm heat obstructing lung syndrome in AECOPD were enrolled in the respiratory and critical medical department of Jieshou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group with 38 cases each. The control group used Ceftazidime intravenous drip and other conventional oxygen inhalation and antispasmodic treatment measures of western medicine. The observation group received Tanreqing injection intravenous drip based on the treatment of the control group, with a course of 10 days. The changes of laboratory indicators such as hs-CRP, calcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) before and after treatment were analyzed, and the improvement of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), one second rate (FEV1/FVC), assessment and improvement of the British Medical Research Society’s dyspnea index (mMRC), self-evaluation test of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (CAT), and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score was compared. In addition, the total effective rate between the two groups after treatment was compared. ResultAfter treatment, the hs-CRP, PCT, IL-6, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, mMRC, CAT scores, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome evaluation of both groups improved (P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the control group, the observation group showed more significant improvements in hs-CRP, PCT, IL-6, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, mMRC, CAT scores, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome evaluation, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05,P<0.01). The total clinical effective rate of the control group was 86.84% (33/38), while that of the observation group was 94.74% (36/38). The therapeutic effect of the observation group was better than that of the control group (χ2=8.471, P<0.05). ConclusionTanreqing injection combined with Ceftazidime has obvious efficacy in the treatment of phlegm heat obstructing lung syndrome in AECOPD, which is better than the treatment of Ceftazidime antibiotics alone. It can reduce the risk of acute exacerbation, alleviate clinical symptoms, and delay the decline of lung function.
9.Development,reliability and validity of nurses'knowledge,attitude and practice questionnaire on medication management for patients with dysphagia
Yi LIU ; Liqun ZHU ; Sheng SUI ; Ruo ZHUANG ; Yiyi NI ; Yuanyuan MI ; Lei BAO ; Li LI ; Lanping ZHENG ; Mengmeng CHEN
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(5):738-744
Objective To develop nurses'knowledge,attitude and practice questionnaire on medication management for patients with dysphagia,and test its reliability and validity.Methods Based on the evidence-based summary of the best evidence of medication management for patients with dysphagia,guided by the the-ory of knowledge,attitude and practice,the basic dimensions and item pool of the questionnaire were deter-mined through group discussion,Delphi expert consultation and pre-investigation.In order to revise the ques-tionnaire,437 nurses from 10 tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province were conveniently selected for investigation,and the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were tested according to the survey results.Results The nurses'knowl-edge,attitude and practice questionnaire on medication management for patients with dysphagia included 43 items in three dimensions.The three dimensions were analyzed by exploratory factors,and six common factors with characteristic roots>1 were extracted.Two factors were extracted from the knowledge dimension,and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 74.958%,One factor was extracted from the attitude dimen-sion,and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 77.655%.Three factors were extracted from the prac-tice dimension,and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 72.274%.The factor load of each item was 0.618-0.902,Cronbach's α coefficient of the total questionnaire was 0.949,and the test-retest reliability was 0.909.The overall content validity coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.922,and the content validity coeffi-cient for each item was 0.800-1.000.Conclusion The nurses'knowledge,attitude and practice questionnaire on medication management for patients with dysphagia developed in this study has good reliability and validi-ty,and could be used as an effective tool to evaluate the status quo of nurses'medication management for pa-tients with dysphagia.
10.Comparison of clinical outcome between the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and Wiltse approach for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures without neurological injury
Mengmeng CHEN ; Pu JIA ; Hao CHEN ; Li BAO ; Guan SHI ; Fei FENG ; Shuangjiang ZHANG ; Hai TANG
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(3):159-165
Objective:To compare the safety and efficacy of two different minimally invasive approaches to implant pedicle screw for the treatment of single-segment thoracolumbar spine fractures without nerve injury.Methods:This was a retrospective study. Eighty patients with mono-segmental thoracolumbar fractures treated with minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to June 2022 were included. There were 46 males and 36 females, the age was (45.93±7.91) years old, and ranged from 27 to 60 years old. They were divided into two groups according to different surgical techniques: percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group ( n=44) and Wiltse approach group ( n=36). The operative time, operative visible blood loss, hidden blood loss, total blood loss, fluoroscopy times, incision length, hospital time after surgery and ambulation time were compared. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), ratio of the vertebral anterior height, angle of injured vertebral endplate were recorded and compared between two groups before surgery and at 3 days, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The accuracy of pedicle screw position and the facet joint violation rate were evaluated by using the postoperative CT scan. Perioperative related complications were investigated. Normally distributed numerical data were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and differences between the groups were compared using t-test. The counting data were expressed as percentages or rates and compared using χ2 test. Results:All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. There is no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative visible blood loss, hospital time after surgery, ambulation time, postoperative VAS and ODI, ratio of vertebral anterior height and angle of injured vertebral endplate at 3 days after surgery, pedicle screw position accuracy and perioperative complications ( P>0.05). The operative time, hidden blood loss, total blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, facet joint violation rate in the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group were remarkably higher than in the Wiltse approach group ( P<0.05). The ratio of vertebral anterior height in the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group was dramatically lower than in the Wiltse approach group at 6 months and 1 year after surgery ( P<0.05). The postoperative injured vertebral endplate angle was higher in the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group than that in the Wiltse approach group at 6 months and 1 year ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Both percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and Wiltse approach were safe and effective minimally invasive surgical procedures for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures without neurological injury. The Wiltse approach can reduce fluoroscopy times and perioperative hidden blood loss, reduce the risk of facet joint violation, and maintain a better reduction than percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.


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