1.Formulation Characteristics and Efficacy Classification of Chinese Patent Medicines for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Based on Diagram of Tangye Jingfa Tu
Yuguang WANG ; Runtao ZHUANG ; Yanqing LIU ; Shen LI ; Xiaolan LIN ; Rui JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):224-233
ObjectiveChinese patent medicines for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are diverse and complex in their efficacy. The traditional classification method based on efficacy categories has certain limitations and cannot meet the clinical needs for individualized drug selection and variety comparison. This article, based on the formulation compatibility analysis technology of "Tangye Jingfa Tu", clarifies the composition and efficacy characteristics of common Chinese patent medicines used for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, providing support for the precise selection of these medicines. MethodsFifty-six representative Chinese patent medicines, covering all the efficacy subcategories of "stasis-resolving agents" in the National Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue (2023) (more than 50% of the total), were selected for the study. Within the knowledge system of "Tangye Jingfa Tu", the compatibility structure of herbal flavors and the proportion structure of herbal quantities for each Chinese patent medicine were determined. The correlation between these structures and the efficacy categories was analyzed to identify the similarities and differences among the selected Chinese patent medicines. Additionally, the efficacy was reclassified and compared according to the theoretical framework of tonifying and purging methods of five Zang organs in the "Tangye Jingfa Tu". ResultsThe representative Chinese patent medicines included in the analysis were Shexiang Baoxin pills, Danshen tablets, Qili Qiangxin capsules, Breviscapine tablets, etc., covering all the efficacy subcategories of "stasis-resolving agents". Among the 56 representative Chinese patent medicines, salty flavor was the most common (48), followed by pungent (33), and sweet (26). According to the dominant herbal flavor, salty flavor was the most common (37), followed by pungent (9), and sour (5). According to the dominant herbal quantity, salty flavor was the most common (27), followed by sour (7), and pungent (5). Furthermore, Chinese patent medicines with different efficacy subtypes showed different flavor characteristics. For example, most Qi-invigorating and blood-activating agents contained sweet drugs for tonifying the spleen (9/10), most Qi-moving and blood-activating agents contained pungent drugs for tonifying the liver (7/8), and all kidney-invigorating and blood-activating agents contained bitter drugs for tonifying the kidneys (6/6). However, the efficacy classification of individual medicines did not always align with the compatibility characteristics of their formulas, as seen with Dengyin Naotong capsules. ConclusionThe formulations of Chinese patent medicines for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases predominantly feature salty, sour, and pungent flavors, which largely conform to the therapeutic principles of "nourishing the heart with salt and soothing the heart with sour" and the liver-heart, heart-spleen mother-child treatment relationship shown in the "Tangye Jingfa Tu". Using the "Tangye Jingfa Tu" framework to conduct research on the structure and efficacy characteristics of Chinese patent medicines is objective and effective.
2.Formulation Characteristics and Efficacy Classification of Chinese Patent Medicines for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Based on Diagram of Tangye Jingfa Tu
Yuguang WANG ; Runtao ZHUANG ; Yanqing LIU ; Shen LI ; Xiaolan LIN ; Rui JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):224-233
ObjectiveChinese patent medicines for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are diverse and complex in their efficacy. The traditional classification method based on efficacy categories has certain limitations and cannot meet the clinical needs for individualized drug selection and variety comparison. This article, based on the formulation compatibility analysis technology of "Tangye Jingfa Tu", clarifies the composition and efficacy characteristics of common Chinese patent medicines used for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, providing support for the precise selection of these medicines. MethodsFifty-six representative Chinese patent medicines, covering all the efficacy subcategories of "stasis-resolving agents" in the National Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue (2023) (more than 50% of the total), were selected for the study. Within the knowledge system of "Tangye Jingfa Tu", the compatibility structure of herbal flavors and the proportion structure of herbal quantities for each Chinese patent medicine were determined. The correlation between these structures and the efficacy categories was analyzed to identify the similarities and differences among the selected Chinese patent medicines. Additionally, the efficacy was reclassified and compared according to the theoretical framework of tonifying and purging methods of five Zang organs in the "Tangye Jingfa Tu". ResultsThe representative Chinese patent medicines included in the analysis were Shexiang Baoxin pills, Danshen tablets, Qili Qiangxin capsules, Breviscapine tablets, etc., covering all the efficacy subcategories of "stasis-resolving agents". Among the 56 representative Chinese patent medicines, salty flavor was the most common (48), followed by pungent (33), and sweet (26). According to the dominant herbal flavor, salty flavor was the most common (37), followed by pungent (9), and sour (5). According to the dominant herbal quantity, salty flavor was the most common (27), followed by sour (7), and pungent (5). Furthermore, Chinese patent medicines with different efficacy subtypes showed different flavor characteristics. For example, most Qi-invigorating and blood-activating agents contained sweet drugs for tonifying the spleen (9/10), most Qi-moving and blood-activating agents contained pungent drugs for tonifying the liver (7/8), and all kidney-invigorating and blood-activating agents contained bitter drugs for tonifying the kidneys (6/6). However, the efficacy classification of individual medicines did not always align with the compatibility characteristics of their formulas, as seen with Dengyin Naotong capsules. ConclusionThe formulations of Chinese patent medicines for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases predominantly feature salty, sour, and pungent flavors, which largely conform to the therapeutic principles of "nourishing the heart with salt and soothing the heart with sour" and the liver-heart, heart-spleen mother-child treatment relationship shown in the "Tangye Jingfa Tu". Using the "Tangye Jingfa Tu" framework to conduct research on the structure and efficacy characteristics of Chinese patent medicines is objective and effective.
3.Bioinformatics Analysis and Validation of Cuproptosis-related Genes in Wilson Disease
Zhuang TAO ; Meixia WANG ; Shuai KANG ; Jipeng LIU ; Rui WANG ; Jiafeng ZHOU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):124-131
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cuproptosis and identify cuproptosis-related genes in Wilson disease (WD) through bioinformatics analysis and clinical validation,providing implications and directions for the diagnosis and treatment of WD. Methods(1) Screening of target genes: The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between WD and healthy control were obtained from GeneCards,and the cuproptosis-related genes were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and published literature.The cuproptosis-related genes in WD were obtained by intersection.Through gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses,the specific biological process,functions or metabolic pathways of cuproptosis-related genes in WD were predicted.Molecular docking and PyMOL visualization were then performed to analyze and verify the potential regulatory mechanism of Gandou Fumu Decoction for cuproptosis.(2)Validation of target genes: The blood samples of 15 WD patients treated in the department of encephalopathy and 15 healthy volunteers undergoing physical examinations in the health management center were randomly collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine.The expression levels of target genes were determined by Western blot and real-time PCR. Results(1) A total of 3 607 DEGs in WD were obtained from GSE107323 in GEO,and 68 cuproptosis-related genes were obtained from GeneCards and published literature.Twelve common target genes were obtained by intersection,including three up-related genes(SQSTM1,MIF1,and TAX1BP1) and nine down-regulated genes(CP,SERPINE1,AOC3,GPX4,SLC27A5,VEGF-A,PDHB,PDK1,and ATP7B).The common target genes were mainly enriched in monocarboxylic acid metabolism,oxidoreductase activity,negative regulation of molecular functions,which mainly involved HIF-1,ferroptosis and other signaling pathways.Molecular docking and PyMOL visualization results showed Gandou Fumu Decoction had good binding ability with the cuproptosis-related genes PDK1,SERPINE1,VEGFA,and AOC3 in WD.(2)A total of 30 blood samples were collected,including 15 WD patients and 15 health volunteers.Western blot results showed that expression levels of target genes were consistent with the results obtained by bioinformatics analysis.RT-qPCR results showed that compared with healthy volunteers,WD patients had down-regulated mRNA levels of SERPINE1,GPX4,SLC27A5,and VEGF-A and up-regulated mRNA levels of SQSTM1 and MIF1(P<0.05). ConclusionThe expression levels of cuproptosis-related genes in WD patients are consistent with the results predicted by bioinformatics analysis.The characteristic preparation Gandou Fumu Decoction of Xin'an Medicine showed good binding abilities with the cuproptosis-related genes in WD.Cuproptosis may play a key role in the pathophysiological mechanism of WD,which can provide a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of WD.
4.Measurement method and current application of medication adherence in patients with chronic respiratory diseases
Rui MA ; Zhouye ZHUANG ; Haomin ZHU ; Pei ZHANG ; Pingyu CHEN ; Tiantian TAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):2073-2077
Medication adherence is an important indicator for assessing whether patients follow medical advice during treatment, and its level directly affects disease control and the quality of life of patients. Therefore, accurate and effective assessment is essential for chronic disease management and intervention. This paper takes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, two types of chronic respiratory diseases, as representative to review the existing measurement methods and current application status of medication adherence. It is found that the existing assessment methods for medication adherence can be categorized into objective measurement methods and subjective measurement methods. Objective measures include drug concentration monitoring, pill counting, and electronic medication devices, which generally offer high accuracy. Subjective measures include physician assessments, inhalation technique evaluations, and questionnaires. While these methods are straightforward and easy to implement, their accuracy is often influenced by the subjective factors of assessors of patients, which may lead to biased results. Currently, there is still a lack of a universally accepted “gold standard” for evaluating medication adherence. Selecting the appropriate measurement method requires a comprehensive consideration of factors such as research objectives, disease type, patient characteristics, and data availability to ensure the validity and reliability of the assessment results.
5.Clinical efficacy of single branch stent-graft treatment for retrograde type A intramural hematoma: A retrospective cohort study
Bailang CHEN ; Zanxin WANG ; Xianmian ZHUANG ; Haibing LIU ; Yao CHEN ; Rui ZHANG ; Minxin WEI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1166-1172
Objective To explore the efficacy of using a single branch stent-graft to treat primary intramural hematoma located at the distal arch or descending aorta in Stanford A type aortic intramural hematoma. Methods From July 2020 to November 2022, 10 patients with primary intramural hematoma of Stanford A type aortic intramural hematoma were treated with endovascular repair using a single branch stent-graft in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital. There were 9 males and 1 female, aged from 32 to 66 years, with a mean age of (47.0±10.4) years. All patients had intramural hematoma involving the ascending aorta and aortic arch, diagnosed as type A intramural hematoma, with the tear located in the descending aorta. Among them, 6 patients were complicated by ulceration of the descending aorta with intramural hematoma, and 4 patients had changes of the descending aortic dissection. All patients underwent endovascular stent repair, with 8 patients undergoing emergency surgery (≤14 days) and 2 patients undergoing subacute surgery (15 days to 3 months). Results There were no neurological complications, paraplegia, stent fracture or displacement, or limb or visceral ischemia during the perioperative period in all patients. One patient had continuous chest pain after surgery, and the stent had a new tear at the proximal end, requiring ascending aorta and partial arch replacement. As of the latest follow-up, all patients had obvious absorption or complete absorption of the intramural hematoma in the ascending aorta and aortic arch compared with before the operation. Conclusion Single branch stent-graft treatment of retrograde ascending aortic intramural hematoma is safe and effective, with good short-term results.
6.Advances in Lipid-Lowering Therapy for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Rui LI ; Zhuang TIAN ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(3):361-369
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is an extremely rare and severe hereditary lipid metabolism disorder, characterized by markedly elevated levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), significantly increasing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Among traditional lipid-lowering therapies, the combination of statins and ezetimibe is the basic treatment approach, but its efficacy is limited. In recent years, notable progress has been made in lipid-lowering therapy for HoFH. New drugs such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors and angiopoietin-like protein 3 inhibitors have demonstrated favorable LDL-C-lowering effects and play an active role in treatment. Lipoprotein apheresis can rapidly reduce LDL-C levels and has become an important adjuvant treatment modality. Although approaches like gene therapy and liver transplantation face many challenges, they offer hope for radical cure. Further research is still needed to optimize treatment strategies and regimens for more effective blood lipid management in patients with HoFH.
7.A multi-dimensional analysis of pollen broadcasting concerns in Chinese population: a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey
Chiyu XU ; Yanshu ZHANG ; Ning LUAN ; Xiangyi LIU ; Dayang QIN ; Hongmin WANG ; Xuping XIAO ; Shuihong ZHOU ; Jie ZHANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Yuqing BAI ; Pengpeng WANG ; Yan QI ; Zhongwu SUN ; Zhuang LIU ; Luo BA ; Wenchao WANG ; Xing LU ; Min WANG ; Rui GUO ; Deyi SUN ; Liyuan TAO ; Li ZHU
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;59(1):2-11
Objective:To investigate the concern about pollen broadcasting in Chinese population from multiple dimensions and to understand the information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in China by analyzing related factors.Methods:From March 1 to September 30, 2022, a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the Questionnaire Star platform in 21 Chinese hospitals. A total of 7 056 subjects from 7 regions in China: Northeast, North, East, Central, South, Southwest, and Northwest China were included. Basic characteristics (including social demographic characteristics and disease characteristics of AR patients), concern about pollen broadcasting, the willingness of pollen-induced AR (PiAR) patients to receive pollen broadcasting, and the treatment satisfaction rate of AR patients were collected. The chi-square test, multivariate linear regression model, and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the concern about pollen broadcasting in the Chinese population and related factors from multiple dimensions.Results:Among 7 056 subjects, 23.02% were concerned about pollen broadcasting. Among 3 176 self-reported AR and 1 019 PiAR patients, 25.60% and 39.16% were concerned about pollen broadcasting, respectively, which was higher than that of non-AR or non-PiAR subjects ( χ2 value was 21.74 and 175.11, respectively, both P<0.001). Among AR patients, the proportion of spring and autumn allergen-positive patients concerned about pollen broadcasting was higher than that in perennial allergen-positive patients ( χ2 value was 20.90 and 19.51, respectively, both P<0.001). The proportion of AR patients with asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher than those without complications ( χ2 value was 50.83, 21.97, 56.78, 7.62, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of AR patients in North China who could find pollen broadcasting locally was 31.01%, significantly higher than those in other regions (all P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression model analysis showed that among PiAR patients, those with higher per capita household income and higher AR disease cognition levels had been concerned about pollen broadcasting in the past, and those complicated with allergic conjunctivitis had stronger intention to receive pollen broadcasting (B value was 0.24, 0.13, 0.66, 0.47, respectively, all P<0.05). The higher the disease cognition level of PiAR patients, the stronger their willingness to actively participate in treatment ( R2=0.72, P<0.001). Only 18.89% of AR patients felt satisfied with the treatment effect. Logistic regression analysis showed that in AR patients, the treatment satisfaction rate was significantly higher among those concerned about pollen broadcasting compared to those who were not ( OR=1.83, P<0.001). Conclusions:Currently, the dissemination of pollen broadcasting in China is hindered by various factors such as disease cognition level. The treatment satisfaction among AR patients remains unsatisfactory.
8.Effect of the transcription factor SOX3 on ovarian granulosa cell proliferation and estradiol secretion
Rui CAI ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhuang LIU ; Yuanhua CHEN ; Fenfen XIE ; Qiang HONG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(3):371-376,383
Objective To study the effect of sex-determining region Y-frame protein 3(SOX3)on proliferation and estradiol secretion in human ovarian granulosa cells(KGN cell line).Methods The gene sequence of human SOX3(NM_005634.3)was searched in Gene-Bank,an NCBI database,and the target gene SOX3 was amplified by PCR,which was cloned into lentiviral vector pLV-EF1a-GFP-2A-Puro to obtain the overexpression lentiviral re-combinant plasmid pLV-EF1a-GFP-2A-Puro-SOX3;the correctly sequenced overexpressed lentiviral recombinant plasmid as well as packaging plasmids(pGag/Pol,pRev,pVSV-G)were co-transfected into human embryonic kidney cell line(HEK 293T)cells(pLV-SOX3 group),and pLV-EF1a-GFP-2A-Puro and packaging plasmids(pGag/Pol,pRev,pVSV-G)were co-transfected into HEK 293T cells(pLV-NC group),the lentiviral particles of both groups were collected and the titers of the viruses were measured after 48 h of transfection,the lentiviruses of the two groups were infected into KGN cells,and the stably expressed cell lines were obtained after puromycin screening for 2 weeks;real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blot were used to detect the SOX3 mRNA and protein levels in the two groups;CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferative ability of the cells in the two groups;ELISA was used to determine the concentration of estradiol in the two groups.Results The identification of PCR products and sequencing results showed that the SOX3 gene fragment was amplified successfully,and the enzyme digestion and sequencing results indicated that the construction of overexpression lentiviral recombinant plasmid was completed;green fluorescence could be detected after lentiviral infection of HEK 293T cells,which indicated that lentiviral packaging was successful;the lentivirus was screened by puromycin after lentiviral infection of KGN cells,and the cells were observed to express green fluorescence under the fluorescence microscope;RT-qPCR and Western blot assays both showed that the expression level of SOX3 in the pLV-SOX3 group was significantly higher than that in the pLV-NC group(P<0.05).CCK-8 assay results showed that the proliferation ability of the cells in the pLV-SOX3 group significantly increased compared with that in the pLV-NC group(P<0.01).ELISA results showed that estradiol concentration was elevated in the pLV-SOX3 group com-pared with the pLV-NC group(P<0.05).Conclusion Overexpression of the transcription factor SOX3 can pro-mote the proliferation and estradiol secretion of human ovarian granulosa cells KGN.
9.Construction and preparation of human metapneumovirus vaccine based on influenza virus vector
Mengxue GAO ; Xiaoman LIU ; Liru GUO ; Mei KONG ; Zhichao ZHUANG ; Aiping YU ; Rui LI ; Xiaoyan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2024;38(1):77-85
Objective:To construct and prepare recombinant virus strains chimeric with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) antigenic epitopes.Methods:Recombinant influenza virus vectors which chimeric with different HMPV antigenic epitopes were rescued by reverse genetics using eight-plasmid system. The recombinant influenza virus strain used the internal genes of A/PR/8/34 (PB1, PB2, PA, NP, NS, M, HA, and NA) as a backbone, with concomitant genetic modifications to insert the B-cell epitopes of HMPV into the HA gene, and the CTL+ Th cell epitopes of HMPV into the NA gene. Preparation of recombinant influenza virus strains using reverse genetics in a " 7+ 1" model. The recombinant virus strains were evaluated by measuring hemagglutinin (HA) titers, half tissue culture infectious dose (TCID 50) and growth curves. Sequencing analysis was conducted to verify whether the rescued viruses carried the chimeric HMPV epitopes. Results:The epitopes of HMPV were inserted into the influenza virus genome and two recombinant influenza virus strains were rescued successfully, named as FLU/HMPV/B and FLU/HMPV/CTL+ Th. HA titers of the recombinant strains were both 2 7, their TCID 50 were 10 5.2/ml and 10 5.0/ml, respectively. After cultured for three passages in chick embryo, these two recombinant strains could proliferate steadily. Whole genome sequencing verified that the FLU/HMPV/B carried the B-cell epitopes of HMPV, the FLU/HMPV/CTL+ Th carried the CTL and Th cell epitopes of HMPV. Growth curve tests also verified that the recombinant strains could proliferate steadily in eggs. Conclusions:Two recombinant influenza virus vector strains carrying the B cell, CTL and Th epitopes of HMPV were rescued successfully. The result of the recombinant virus strains in terms of growth characteristics as well as genetic stability indicate that they meet the requirements for proceeding to the next step of animal experiments. The immunogenicity and immunoprotective effect will be further evaluated by mouse experiments. Ultimately new ideas for the realization of " one vaccine for two uses" or " one vaccine formultiple uses", as well as a new strategy for the development of HMPV vaccine will be proposed.
10.Changes of corneal densitometry in patients with keratoconus after corneal collagen cross-linking
Shuai LI ; Yang GAO ; Limei MA ; Rui LI ; Yixuan QIN ; Caihong SUN ; Yu HAN ; Jinjin ZHANG ; Wenjuan ZHUANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(12):1954-1958
AIM: To observe the changes of corneal densitometry(CD)in patients with keratoconus after corneal cross-linking(CXL).METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 32 patients(43 eyes)with keratoconus in Ningxia Eye Hospital from April 2020 to April 2022 were selected. Pentacam analysis system divided the cornea into three layers: anterior 120 μm, middle layer and posterior 60 μm, and divides it into five regions with diameters of 0-2, 2-6, 6-10, 10-12 mm and full diameter according to the diameter, and measures the CD in different ranges. The changes of CD were compared before operation and at 1, 3 and 6 mo after operation.RESULTS: There were differences in uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure before and 6 mo after operation(all P<0.05), and there was no difference in corneal endothelial cells(P=0.477). CD reached its peak at 1 mo after operation, and decreased at 3 mo and 6 mo after operation, but it was still higher than that before operation. There is a significant positive correlation between CD and Kmax in the anterior layer and the whole layer(r=0.164, P=0.016; r=0.152, P=0.023).CONCLUSION: The values of CD peaked at 1 mo after CXL, then it gradually decreased, tending to become stable at 6 mo postoperatively.


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