1.Study on toxicity-reducing and efficacy-enhancing effects of Polygala tenuifolia compatibility on sand-ironing Strychnos nux-vomica
Yi SUI ; Guo FENG ; Gang LIU ; Keyan LIU ; Xuehao WEI ; Minggang TENG ; Wei LI ; Caiyao HAN ; Yan LEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1197-1201
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of Polygala tenuifolia compatibility on toxicity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy of sand-ironing Strychnos nux-vomica (SS). METHODS The preparation of SS single decoction, SS-P. tenuifolia core-removed (PC) (1∶2.5) or (1∶5) combined decoction, and SS-PC (1∶5) mixture were carried out to investigate their median lethal dose (LD50). Using aspirin as positive control, the number of writhing movements, analgesic rate, pain latency, ear swelling degree and inflammation inhibition rate induced by the above-mentioned medicinal liquids in mice were compared. The contents of the active and toxic components, strychnine and brucine, in the above-mentioned medicinal liquids were also determined. RESULTS The LD50 values of SS single decoction, SS-PC (1∶2.5) combined decoction, SS-PC (1∶5) combined decoction and SS- PC (1∶5) mixture were 302.00, 614.47, 1 445.44 and 1 778.28 mg/kg, respectively. Compared with control group, the number of writhing movements and ear swelling degree in the mice of the above-mentioned medicinal liquid groups were reduced or decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01); pain latency [at 90 and 120 minutes in the SS single decoction group, at 60 and 90 minutes in the SS-PC (1∶2.5) combined decoction group, and at 60,90, 120 minutes in the SS-PC (1∶5) combined decoction group and SS-PC (1∶5) mixture group] was significantly prolonged (P<0.05 or P<0.01); analgesic rates of the respective medicinal liquids were 39.30%, 70.87%, 80.00% and 82.46%, and inflammation inhibition rates were 38.08%,TD 57.89%, 76.47% and 50.46%; analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of combined decoction and mixture were generally better than those of the single decoction (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the above-mentioned four medicinal liquids, the total contents of strychnine were 0.71%, 0.42%, 0.47% and 0.64%, and the total contents of brucine were 0.88%, 0.63%, 0.57% and 0.88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The combination of P. tenuifolia can reduce the toxicity of SS and enhance its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Moreover, there is a tendency for the toxicity-reducing and efficacy-enhancing effects to increase with the increasing dosage of P. tenuifolia. Additionally, the combined decoction of SS and P. tenuifolia can reduce the contents of the active and toxic components, strychnine and brucine, in SS.
2.Communication Between Mitochondria and Nucleus With Retrograde Signals
Wen-Long ZHANG ; Lei QUAN ; Yun-Gang ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1687-1707
Mitochondria, the primary energy-producing organelles of the cell, also serve as signaling hubs and participate in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and tumorigenesis. As semi-autonomous organelles, mitochondrial functionality relies on nuclear support, with mitochondrial biogenesis and homeostasis being stringently regulated by the nuclear genome. This interdependency forms a bidirectional signaling network that coordinates cellular energy metabolism, gene expression, and functional states. During mitochondrial damage or dysfunction, retrograde signals are transmitted to the nucleus, activating adaptive transcriptional programs that modulate nuclear transcription factors, reshape nuclear gene expression, and reprogram cellular metabolism. This mitochondrion-to-nucleus communication, termed “mitochondrial retrograde signaling”, fundamentally represents a mitochondrial “request” to the nucleus to maintain organellar health, rooted in the semi-autonomous nature of mitochondria. Despite possessing their own genome, the “fragmented” mitochondrial genome necessitates reliance on nuclear regulation. This genomic incompleteness enables mitochondria to sense and respond to cellular and environmental stressors, generating signals that modulate the functions of other organelles, including the nucleus. Evolutionary transfer of mitochondrial genes to the nuclear genome has established mitochondrial control over nuclear activities via retrograde communication. When mitochondrial dysfunction or environmental stress compromises cellular demands, mitochondria issue retrograde signals to solicit nuclear support. Studies demonstrate that mitochondrial retrograde signaling pathways operate in pathological contexts such as oxidative stress, electron transport chain (ETC) impairment, apoptosis, autophagy, vascular tension, and inflammatory responses. Mitochondria-related diseases exhibit marked heterogeneity but invariably result in energy deficits, preferentially affecting high-energy-demand tissues like muscles and the nervous system. Consequently, mitochondrial dysfunction underlies myopathies, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, and malignancies. Dysregulated retrograde signaling triggers proliferative and metabolic reprogramming, driving pathological cascades. Mitochondrial retrograde signaling critically influences tumorigenesis and progression. Tumor cells with mitochondrial dysfunction exhibit compensatory upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, excessive superoxide production, and ETC overload, collectively promoting metastatic tumor development. Recent studies reveal that mitochondrial retrograde signaling—mediated by altered metabolite levels or stress signals—induces epigenetic modifications and is intricately linked to tumor initiation, malignant progression, and therapeutic resistance. For instance, mitochondrial dysfunction promotes oncogenesis through mechanisms such as epigenetic dysregulation, accumulation of mitochondrial metabolic intermediates, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release, which activates the cytosolic cGAS-STING signaling pathway. In normal cells, miR-663 mediates mitochondrion-to-nucleus retrograde signaling under reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation. Mitochondria modulate miR-663 promoter methylation, which governs the expression and supercomplex stability of nuclear-encoded oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) subunits and assembly factors. However, dysfunctional mitochondria induce oxidative stress, elevate methyltransferase activity, and cause miR-663 promoter hypermethylation, suppressing miR-663 expression. Mitochondrial dysfunction also triggers retrograde signaling in primary mitochondrial diseases and contributes to neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Current therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria in neurological diseases focus on 5 main approaches: alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting mitochondrial fission, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial protection, and insulin sensitization. In AD patients, mitochondrial morphological abnormalities and enzymatic defects, such as reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity, are observed. Platelets and brains of AD patients exhibit diminished cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity, correlating with mitochondrial dysfunction. To model AD-associated mitochondrial pathology, researchers employ cybrid technology, transferring mtDNA from AD patients into enucleated cells. These cybrids recapitulate AD-related mitochondrial phenotypes, including reduced COX activity, elevated ROS production, oxidative stress markers, disrupted calcium homeostasis, activated stress signaling pathways, diminished mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptotic pathway activation, and increased Aβ42 levels. Furthermore, studies indicate that Aβ aggregates in AD and α‑synuclein aggregates in PD trigger mtDNA release from damaged microglial mitochondria, activating the cGAS-STING pathway. This induces a reactive microglial transcriptional state, exacerbating neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Targeting the cGAS-STING pathway may yield novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases like AD, though translation from bench to bedside remains challenging. Such research not only deepens our understanding of disease mechanisms but also informs future therapeutic strategies. Investigating the triggers, core molecular pathways, and regulatory networks of mitochondrial retrograde signaling advances our comprehension of intracellular communication and unveils novel pathogenic mechanisms underlying malignancies, neurodegenerative diseases, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review summarizes established mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling axes, their roles in interorganellar crosstalk, and pathological consequences of dysregulated communication. Targeted modulation of key molecules and proteins within these signaling networks may provide innovative therapeutic avenues for these diseases.
3.Influencing factors and clinical treatment of severe complications after unilateral pneumonectomy in treating tuberculous destroyed lung
Xiao LI ; Ning WANG ; Lei BAO ; Zhiqiang WU ; Gang LI ; Cong CAI ; Yijie SONG ; Dan LI ; Banggui WU ; Liangshuang JIANG ; Xiaojun YAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):626-633
Objective To evaluate the surgical efficacy of unilateral pneumonectomy for the treatment of tuberculous destroyed lung, analyze the causes of severe postoperative complications, and explore clinical management strategies. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with tuberculous destroyed lung who underwent unilateral pneumonectomy at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu from 2017 to 2023. Postoperative severe complications were statistically analyzed. Patients were divided into a non-severe complication group and a severe-complication group, and the causes, management, and outcomes of complications were analyzed. Results A total of 134 patients were included, comprising 69 males and 65 females, with a mean age of 17-73 (40.43±12.69) years. There were 93 patients undergoing left pneumonectomy and 41 patients undergoing right pneumonectomy. Preoperative sputum smear was positive in 35 patients, all of which converted to negative postoperatively. There were 58 patients with hemoptysis preoperatively, and none experienced hemoptysis postoperatively. Postoperative incisional infection occurred in 8 (5.97%) patients, and postoperative pulmonary infection in 26 (19.40%) patients. Severe postoperative complications occurred in 17 (12.69%) patients, including empyema in 9 (6.72%) patients, bronchopleural fistula with empyema in 1 (0.75%) patient, severe pneumonia in 3 (2.24%) patients, postpneumonectomy syndrome in 1 (0.75%) patient, chylothorax in 1 (0.75%) patient, ketoacidosis in 1 (0.75%) patient, and heart failure with severe pneumonia in 1 (0.75%) patient. Perioperative mortality occurred in 2 (1.49%) patients, both of whom underwent right pneumonectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of ipsilateral thoracic surgery, concomitant Aspergillus infection, and greater blood loss were independent risk factors for severe complications following unilateral pneumonectomy for tuberculous destroyed lung (P<0.05). Conclusion Unilateral pneumonectomy for patients with tuberculous destroyed lung can significantly improve the clinical cure rate, sputum conversion rate, and hemoptysis cessation rate. However, there is a certain risk of severe perioperative complications and mortality, requiring thorough perioperative management and appropriate management of postoperative complications.
4.Preparation and brain targeting via nasal route of asenapine maleate microemulsion gel
Shuijie ZHANG ; Xiaoyun TONG ; Yuan ZENG ; Gang LEI
China Pharmacist 2024;27(2):199-208
Objective To prepare asenapine maleate microemulsion gel(ASPM-Emulgel)and evaluate its brain targeting by nasal administration.Methods The prescription composition and dosage of asenapine maleate microemulsion(ASPM-Emul)was determined according to the equilibrium solubility of asenapine maleate(ASPM)in different oils,emulsifiers,co-emulsifiers and the compatibility results of excipients,and ASPM-Emul was prepared into a gel with carbomer 940 as the gel matrix.The particle size distribution and microstructure of ASPM-Emul were investigated.The in vitro release rates and permeability in sheep nasal mucosa of ASPM-Emul and ASPM Emulgel were compared using the Franz diffusion cell method.The nasal ciliary toxicity of ASPM-Emulgel was investigated using the in vivo toad maxillary model method.Brain targeting of ASPM-Emulgel by nasal administration in rats was evaluated.Results According to the results of equilibrium solubility and compatibility,Maisine 35-1,Tween 80 and Transcutol P were selected as the oil phase,emulsifier and co-emulsifier of ASPM-Emul,respectively,with the ratio of 4 ∶ 4 ∶ 2.ASPM-Emul was a light blue semi-transparent microemulsion with a particle size of(73.6±7.4)nm.The microemulsion was regularly spherical and uniformly dispersed under transmission electron microscopy.The results of in vitro release and permeation showed that the release rate of ASPM-Emul was relatively fast,while the release rate of ASPM-Emulgel remained stable.However,the permeability of the two formulations in sheep nasal mucosa was basically similar.ASPM-Emul and ASPM-Emulgel showed no significant toxicity to nasal cilia of toad.Compared with the tail vein ASPM group,the drug content in the brain of ASPM-Emul and ASPM-Emulgel significantly increased after nasal administration,both exhibiting significant brain targeting,and the drug targeting efficiency(DTE)of ASPM-Emulgel was higher.Conclusion The preparation of ASPM into microemulsion gel can significantly improve the brain targeting after nasal administration,and is expected to improve the clinical therapeutic effect of ASPM.
5.Effect of reperfusion therapy on differential expression of plasma exosomal miRNAs in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Zhiyong ZHANG ; Binbin SUN ; Lei YAN ; Zhiguang WANG ; Gang FU ; Guo SHAO
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2024;26(2):128-131
Objective To observe the effect of coronary reperfusion therapy on the differential ex-pression of plasma exosomal miRNAs in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Meth-ods Three elderly male AMI patients undergoing coronary reperfusion therapy in our hospital from October to November 2022 were recruited in this study.The venous blood samples were col-lected at admission and 2 and 24 h after recanalization.MiRNA-sequencing was used to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs which were commonly expressed in the plasma exosomes of the 3 patients.Bioinformatics analysis was performed on the target genes,and then the differentially expressed miR-499a-5p was verified by qPCR.Results Compared with the plasma exosomal miRNAs at admission,there were 418 up-regulated and 406 down-regulated miRNAs at 2 h after operation,and 320 up-regulated and 225 down-regulated miRNAs at 24 h after operation(P<0.05);Compared with the miRNAs at 2 h after operation,there were 344 up-regulated and 350 down-regulated ones at 24 h after operation(P<0.05).Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Ge-nomes enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched in phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-protein kinase B,hypoxia-inducible factor 1,and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathways.Gene Ontology analysis indicated that the molecular functions of dif-ferentially expressed miRNA target genes were mainly enriched in protein binding and DNA bind-ing;cellular components were mainly enriched in cell membrane and cytoplasm;and biological processes were mainly enriched in signaling and transcription of DNA templates.The miR-499a-5p level was significantly lower at 2 h postoperatively than at admission[(0.577±0.020)vs(1.000± 0.023),P<0.05],and at 24 h postoperatively than at 2 h postoperatively[(0.068±0.006)vs(0.577±0.020),P<0.05].Conclusion Plasma exosomal miRNAs can be used as a biomarker for early diagnosis of elderly AMI patients and for predicting the efficacy of reperfusion therapy.
6.Precision diagnosis and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection
Junchao CAI ; Xin QING ; Lei ZHANG ; Lan ZHU ; Longshan LIU ; Puxun TIAN ; Gang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2024;45(1):1-17
Based upon the underlying mechanism and pathological evidence of tissue injury of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) , four etiological and symptomatic therapies were proposed for managing AMR, including etiological treatment of AMR including antibody-targeting, B cell or plasma cell-targeting therapies; strategies for preventing antibody-mediated endothelial damage: an inhibition of complement/antibody dependent cell-mediated pathways; anticoagulant & thrombolytic therapies for thrombotic microangiopathy secondary to endothelial damage ; anti-inflammatory therapies for acute/chronic vascular inflammation secondary to endothelial damage. Etiological treatment is essential for preventing and treating AMR while symptomatic measures, such as anticoagulant, thrombolytic and antiinflammatory therapies, are stressed. Finally the authors devised therapeutic strategies for AMR in 4 different patient groups of non-sensitized allograft recipients, sensitized allograft recipients, individuals with active AMR and those with chronic active AMR.
7.Predictive value of preoperative aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio for early postoperative recurrence in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma
Wei ZHANG ; Yubo ZHANG ; Danyang ZHANG ; Gang YANG ; Peng LEI
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2024;31(4):522-527
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of preoperative aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR) for early recurrence after radical resection of single small hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 137 patients who underwent radical resection of liver cancer at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from January 2017 to July 2021. These patients were categorized into a recurrence group ( n = 72) and a non-recurrence group ( n = 65) based on early postoperative recurrence. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted in the training cohort to identify independent risk factors for early recurrence of small hepatocellular carcinomas. Subsequently, the AARs were grouped, and patients with similar propensity scores estimated by the logistic model were matched 1:1 using the Propensity Score Match method with a caliper value of 0.02 to eliminate confounders. Logistic regression analysis was then repeated to assess the predictive value of the matched AAR for postoperative recurrence in patients with single small hepatocellular carcinoma. Results:Univariate analysis revealed that age ( χ2 = 4.22, P = 0.040), the ratio of fibrinogen to albumin ( χ2 = 8.26, P = 0.004), and the AAR ( χ2 = 5.83, P = 0.016) were significantly associated with early recurrence of small liver cancer after radical resection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further identified age ( P = 0.042), the ratio of fibrinogen to albumin ( P = 0.024), and the AAR ( P = 0.018) as independent risk factors for early recurrence of single small hepatocellular carcinoma following radical surgery. After excluding confounding factors using the Propensity Score Match method, 25 patient pairs were successfully matched. Post-matching logistic regression analysis revealed that an AAR > 0.74 ( P = 0.005) and age > 60 years ( P = 0.024) were independent risk factors for early recurrence in patients with single small hepatocellular carcinoma following radical resection. Conclusion:Preoperative AAR is an independent risk factor for early recurrence in patients with single small hepatocellular carcinoma following surgery, demonstrating excellent predictive value.
8.Thyroid dosimetry evaluation of two intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer
Liyun SUN ; Lei SHEN ; Shunkang ZHANG ; Yue LU ; Gang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2024;31(6):959-965
Objective To compare the dosimetric characteristics of thyroid between intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in patients with left-sided breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy. Methods Thirty patients with left-sided breast cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy after modified radical mastectomy at the Huangpu Branch of the Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from December 2021 to May 2023, were selected as the study subjects, and IMRT and VMAT were used with a target prescription dose of 50 Gy/25 times. The target dose parameters of the two plans, including the mean dose (Dmean) and the dose-volume limit for organs at risk (Vx, x represents dose), were compared. Results The conformity index of VMAT was higher than that of IMRT (P<0.001). Compared with VMAT, IMRT plan significantly reduced the V5、V10、Dmean of heart, the V5 of right lung and the Dmean of right breast, while it significantly increased the V20 of left lung (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in V5 and V10 of the left thyroid between IMRT and VMAT. However, the V20, V30, V40, and Dmean of left and whole thyroid, and the V10 and Dmean of right thyroid were significantly lower in IMRT than those in VMAT (P<0.001). Conclusions Both IMRT and VMAT plans can meet the clinical dosimetric requirements, among which IMRT has lower thyroid exposure dose and is more suitable for patients with high cardiac requirements.
9.Analysis of characteristics of males with autologous sperm preservation in Anhui human sperm bank
Hang LI ; Qunshan SHEN ; Qing TAN ; Feifei FU ; Lei GE ; Xiaohong MAO ; Gang ZHAO ; Ping ZHOU ; Zhaolian WEI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(6):957-960
Objective To analyze the characteristics of males with autologous sperm preservation(ASP)in Anhui human sperm bank,and to explore the future direction of ASP in human sperm bank.Methods The basic infor-mation of males applied for ASP in Anhui human sperm bank from January 2019 to December 2023 was retrospec-tively analyzed.Results During this period,there were 424 males applied for ASP.93.40%(396/424)came from Anhui Province,of which 46.46%(197/424)came from Hefei.The age range of them was 15 to 59 years old.66.04%(280/424)had a college degree or above.23.11%(98/424)were employees of public institutions or enterprises.26.89%(114/424)were unmarried and 89.39%(379/424)were childless.67.45%(286/424)patients applied for ASP because of assisted reproductive technology treatment.15.33%(65/424)patients did it due to tumors,among which testicular cancer,lymphoma,leukemia and seminoma were the main reasons.A total of 1 163 semen samples were saved,and 53 males had used their sperm.Conclusion Only a few people applied for ASP,and the characteristics of males with ASP can be used to further strengthen publicity for key groups,espe-cially cancer patients,so as to benefit more people with autologous sperm preservation.
10.Competency and professional activities for Chinese pediatric rehabilitation therapists based on World Health Or-ganization rehabilitation competency framework
Lei FENG ; Jun LÜ ; Xiaoqian WANG ; Hongying ZHENG ; Ping SHAO ; Anni WANG ; Mei SUN ; Gang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(7):752-759
Objective To construct the competency and professional activities of pediatric rehabilitation therapists in China based on World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework(RCF). Methods Competencies,activities,and tasks in the field of pediatric rehabilitation were collected through literature,offi-cial websites and interviews with key informants using RCF.Competency requirements suitable for pediatric re-habilitation therapists were selected,competency dimensions and activities were adjusted based on the context of pediatric rehabilitation therapy.Similar content was integrated through thematic framework analysis and content analysis.Competencies were matched with typical professional activities.A competency framework and profes-sional activities for Chinese pediatric rehabilitation therapists were developed,and the Delphi method was used to survey 22 experts,ultimately confirming competency dimensions and activity content. Results The enthusiasm coefficient of experts was 88.00%,the authority coefficient was 0.84,and the expert opinions were more focused on importance.The CV values of all competency dimensions and activities were≤0.25,and the W test was statistically significant(P<0.05),indicating a high degree of coordination among experts.A com-petency framework for pediatric rehabilitation therapists in China,included 17 competency dimensions and 17 professional activities. Conclusion To explore the competency of typical professions through RCF may enhance the application of research re-sults in the field of rehabilitation,which provides a reference for clarifying the job content and cultivating the competency of Chinese pediatric rehabilitation therapists.


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