1.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of finerenone combined with standard treatment regimen in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Hai LIANG ; Runan XIA ; Panpan DI ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Pengcheng ZHANG ; Yashen HOU ; Hong ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Miao YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):86-90
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of finerenone combined with standard treatment regimen in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS From the perspective of healthcare service providers, a Markov model was established to simulate the dynamic changes of each stage in DN patients who received finerenone combined with the standard treatment regimen or the standard treatment regimen alone based on the phase Ⅲ clinical trial study of finerenone for DN. Markov model was used to perform the cost-effectiveness of long-term effects and the costs of the two therapies with a simulation cycle of 4 months, a simulation period of 15 years and an annual discount rate of 5%. At the same time, one-way sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis were performed, and the stability of the results was validated. RESULTS Accumulative cost of the standard treatment regimen was 579 329.54 yuan, and the accumulative utility was 8.052 4 quality-adjusted life year (QALYs); the accumulative cost of finerenone combined with the standard treatment regimen was 332 520.61 yuan, and the accumulative utility was 8.187 4 QALYs. Finerenone combined with the standard treatment regimen was more cost-effective. The results of one-way sensitivity analysis showed that dialysis status utility value, DN stage 3 utility value and DN stage 4 utility value had a great influence on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, but did not affect the robustness of the model. The results of probability sensitivity analysis showed that finerenone combined with the standard treatment regimen was more cost-effective with 100% probability. CONCLUSIONS For DN patients, finerenone combined with the standard treatment regimen is more cost-effective as an absolute advantage option.
2.Correlation of short sleep duration and screening myopia among primary and middle school students in Beijing
WANG Lu, ZHAO Hai, SUN Bingjie, XIA Zhiwei, GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):14-17
Objective:
To study the correlation between short sleep duration and screening myopia among primary and middle school students in Beijing, so as to provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive prevention and control of myopia among students.
Methods:
Using a stratified cluster random sampling, 25 593 primary and middle school students from 16 districts of Beijing were selected from September to November 2023. The National Common Diseases and Health Influencing Factors Monitoring Survey Questionnaire was used to conduct a questionnaire survey, and visual acuity was tested according to the Specification for the Screening of Refractive Error in Primary and Middle School Students. The reporting rates of short sleep duration and detection rates of screening myopia among primary and middle school students were compared using the Chi square test. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between short sleep duration and screening myopia.
Results:
About 68.63% of students reported short sleep duration. There was a statistically significant difference in the reporting rate of short sleep duration among students in different school stages ( χ 2=981.18, P <0.01), with the lowest reporting rate of vocational high school students (47.07%) and the highest reporting rate of ordinary high school students (76.17%). The detection rates of screening myopia among primary school students ( 57.09% ) and middle school students (76.53%) who reported short sleep duration were higher than those who reported enough sleep duration (52.65%, 71.94%), with satistically significant differences ( χ 2=14.83, 17.96, P <0.01). The results of binary Logistic regression analysis showed that primary and middle school students with short sleep duration had a higher risk of developing screening myopia, compared to students with enough sleep duration ( OR =1.25); after adjusting for confounding factors such as educational stage, gender, region, boarding situation, primary and secondary school students with short sleep duration still had a higher risk of screening myopia ( OR =1.26) ( P <0.01). The analysis results stratified by educational stage showed that primary school students from grades 4-6 and middle school students with short sleep duration had a higher risk of screening myopia ( OR=1.18, 1.20, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Primary and secondary school students in Beijing with short sleep duration sleep have a higher risk of developing screening myopia. Families, schools, and society should ensure enough sleep duration to reduce the occurrence of myopia among students.
3.Garlic Moxibustion with Herbal Medicinals in the Treatment of 35 Cases of Allergic Rhinitis with Latent Heat in Lung Meridian Syndrome:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Bichan GAO ; Shukang WU ; Xia HAI ; Fan FAN ; Zhongting ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):811-816
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of garlic moxibustion with herbal medicinals in treating allergic rhinitis (AR) with latent heat in lung meridian and explore the potential mechanisms. MethodsA total of 70 AR patients with the latent heat in lung meridian were randomly divided into loratadine group (35 cases) and moxibustion group (35 cases). The loratadine group was treated with loratadine tablets orally, 10mg each time, once a day, one week as a course for 4 courses. The moxibustion group received garlic moxibustion with herbal medicinals once a day, 7 times as one course, for a total of 4 courses. The primary outcome was total nasal symptom score (TNSS), measured before and after treatment, and at the 1-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and eosinophils (EOS) level before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Efficacy was evaluated based on the changes in TNSS after treatment. Adverse reactions and events during treatment were observed, and safety evaluation was performed. ResultsA total of 33 patients from each group were included in the final analysis. The moxibustion group had a total effective rate of 93.94% (31/33), significantly higher than the 75.76% (25/33) of the loratadine group (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed a significant reduction in TNSS, TCM syndrome score, IgE and EOS levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and more reductions were seen in the moxibustion group (P<0.05). During follow-up, the moxibustion group also had a lower TNSS than the loratadine group (P<0.05). During treatment, one patient in the moxibustion group experienced shortness of breath, and one patient in the loratadine group experienced headache. Both symptoms were mild and improved after symptomatic treatment, allowing them to continue the treatment. ConclusionGarlic moxibustion with herbal medicinals can alleviate nasal inflammatory symptoms, reduce allergic reactions in AR patients, and effectively control AR flare-ups and related inflammatory responses, superior to oral loratadine alone and of good safety.
4.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
5.Association between polymorphisms in the glucose metabolism and lipid regulation genes with metabolic abnormalities in childhood obesity
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):888-893
Objective:
To explore the association between CDKAL1 rs35261542, FAIM2 rs 3205718, and VGLL4 rs 2574704 polymorphisms with childhood obesity and related metabolic phenotypes to provide evidence for personalized prevention and management strategies.
Methods:
Based on the 2023 Long term Nutritional Health Effects of Early Childhood Nutrition Package Intervention project, the study enrolled 1 078 children aged 5-7 years from four counties in Henan (Songxian and Ruyang countries) and Guizhou (Guiding and Fuquan countries) provinces. Using BMI Z scores, 87 overweight and obese(OVOB) children were selected and matched by sex, age, and BMI Z score with 117 normal weight controls. Participants were further stratified into four metabolic phenotype groups: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW, n =51), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW, n =66), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO, n =31) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO, n =56) based on four conventional cardiometabolic risk factor (CR) criteria. Data were collected through questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, serum biochemical tests, and KASP genotyping. The distribution of three genetic polymorphisms ( CDKAL1 rs35261542, FAIM2 rs3205718, VGLL4 rs 2574704) across metabolic subgroups was analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression models assessed associations between these polymorphisms and obesity/metabolic phenotypes.
Results:
Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Homozygous mutant AA genotype of CDKAL1 rs 35261542 was positively associated with OVOB( OR =3.63), MHO ( OR =11.04), MUO ( OR = 4.88 ) ( P <0.05). Homozygous TT genotype of FAIM2 rs 3205718 increased OVOB risk ( OR =4.44, P <0.05) but showed no association with metabolic phenotypes ( P >0.05). Homozygous mutant TT of VGLL4 rs 2574704 reduced the risks of MHO and MUO ( OR = 0.30, 0.24, P <0.05). Cumulative genetic effects analysis demonstrated carriers of 1 or 2 risk genotypes of rs 35261542 and rs 3205718 had progressively higher OVOB risk ( OR =2.53, 20.79), and the combination of rs 35261542 and rs 2574704 increased risks for both MHO ( OR =8.50) and MUO ( OR =5.00) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The AA genotype of rs 35261542 ( CDKAL1 ) positively correlates with childhood obesity and metabolic abnormalities. The TT genotype of rs 3205718 ( FAIM 2) increases obesity risk but not metabolic phenotypes. The TT genotype of rs 2574704 ( VGLL 4) shows protective effects against metabolic dysfunction. Risk genotypes exhibit dosedependent cumulative effects on obesity and metabolic outcomes.
6.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.
7.Multivariate quantitative combined with chemometrics for evaluating the quality of Sophora flavescens from different producing areas
Jiahui CHEN ; Qiong LUO ; Junli ZHAO ; Yan HAI ; Chengdong LIU ; Tuya BAI ; Jun LI ; Yuewu WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2404-2408
OBJECTIVE To establish a content determination method for multiple components in Sophora flavescens from different origins and to evaluate its quality by combining with chemometrics. METHODS Thirteen batches (No. K1-K13) of S. flavescens from different origins were selected as test samples. A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was established to determine the contents of 12 components, including matrine, oxymatrine, betaine, cytisine, N-methylcytisine, sophoridine, genistein, sophoricoside, sophorone, formononetin, sophorolone Ⅰ and norkurarinone in S. flavescens. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Shim-pack GIST-HP C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol (A) and water containing 0.1% formic acid (B), using gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min, column temperature of 35 ℃, and an injection volume of 3 μL. Mass spectrometry was conducted using an electrospray ionization source with positive and negative ion scanning. Data were collected in segments using the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and grey relational analysis (GRA)methods were employed to compare and comprehensively evaluate the 13 batches of S. flavescens from different origins. RESULTS The methodological validation for the content determination met the relevant regulatory requirements. The contents of the 12 components were 490.66-1 231.00, 11 088.10- 18 021.50, 7.91-25.38, 903.97-1 713.64, 336.08-1 485.54,1 065.33-2 075.50, 27.52-71.80, 109.36-517.83, 6 034.55-10 632.73, 21.26-145.35, 814.84-1 911.32, 1 040.87-3 446.37 μg/g), respectively. TOPSIS results showed that the top 7 samples in Euclidean distance ranking were K6, K12, K11, K3, K5, K10, K13. The GRA results showed that the top 7 samples in the relative correlation ranking were K12, K11, K10, K6, K13, K5, K3. CONCLUSIONS The established HPLC-MS/MS method is rapid, accurate, highly sensitive, stable and reliable. Combined with chemometrics methods, it can be used for the quality control and evaluation of S. flavescens. The comprehensive quality of samples K3, K5, K6( from Hebei), K10( from Sichuan), K11-K13( from Shanxi), etc. is relatively superior.
9.Analysis of health risk behaviors among middle school students in Beijing City from 2018 to 2022
LUO Huijuan, GAO Ruoyi, ZHAO Hai,CHEN Dongni,SUN Bingjie,GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(3):346-352
Objective:
To analyze the status of health risk behaviors among middle school students in Beijing City from 2018 to 2022, in order to provide reference for scientific and effective intervention.
Methods:
Using multi stage stratified cluster random sampling method,data of student health and associated factors monitoring among 84 712 middle school students from 16 districts of Beijing during 2018 to 2022 were compared regarding the differences of health risk behaviors among students in different groups by Chi quare test. And their change trends were evaluated by annual percentage change (APC).
Results:
In the five surveys during 2018 to 2022,reporting rates of unhealthy diet, unintentional injury, intentional injury, substance abuse and Internet addiction (only in 2018 and 2020) behaviors were higher in boys than in girls ( χ 2=4.91-297.52, P <0.05).Reporting rate of physical inactivity behavior in girls was higher than that in boys ( χ 2=56.49-160.88, P <0.05). Reporting rates of unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, unintentional injury (except 2021), substance abuse and Internet addiction (only in 2018 and 2019) behaviors were the highest in vocational high school, followed by general high school, and the lowest in junior middle school ( χ 2=23.30-1 285.98, P <0.01). Intentional injury behavior was highest in junior high school, followed by vocational high school, and lowest in general high school ( χ 2=96.18-378.32, P <0.01).Reporting rate of Internet addiction (2020-2022) behavior was highest in general high school, followed by vocational high school, and lowest in junior high school ( χ 2=16.93-60.11, P<0.01). Reporting rates of unhealthy diet, intentional injury (2020 and 2022) and substance abuse (except 2018) behaviors were higher in suburban areas than in urban areas (χ 2=6.70-117.56, P<0.05). Reporting rates of physical inactivity, unintentional injury, intentional injury (2018 and 2019) and Internet addiction behaviors were higher in urban areas than in suburban areas (χ2=3.90-130.80, P<0.05). Standardized rates of unintentional injury, intentional injury, substance abuse and Internet addiction behaviors showed a statistically significant downward trend from 2018 to 2022 (APC=-14.16, -13.43, -16.03, -8.48, t =-6.94, -4.46, -11.98, -4.36, P <0.05).
Conclusions
During 2018-2022, unintentional injury, intentional injury, substance abuse and Internet addiction behaviors of middle school students in Beijing City have improved, and the reporting rates of unhealthy diet and physical inactivity behaviors are high and don t show a downward trend. Efforts should be made to strengthen intervention in unhealthy diet and physical inactivity behaviors among middle school students, in order to reduce the occurrence of health risk behaviors.
10. Mechanism of Wen Shen Xuan Bi Tang in treatment of osteoporosis based on network pharmacology and animal experimental verification
Hai-Ping WANG ; Zhao-Feng YUAN ; Tian-Wei XIA ; Chao ZHANG ; Ji-Rong SHEN ; Hai-Ping WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):344-351
Aim To predict and validate the mechanism of wenshen xuanbi tang(WSXBT) in treatment of osteoporosis (OP) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques and in vivo experimental techniques. Methods Network pharmacology was used to screen the key ingredients and core targets of WSXBT for the treatment of osteoporosis. Metascape database was used for gene ontology (GO) biological process enrichment analysis and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis of core targets. AutoDockTools 1. 5. 7 software was applied in molecular docking to simulate the binding activity of key active ingredients to core targets. To study the efficacy of WSXBT on rats with osteoporosis and to verify the related targets and pathways, rat models of osteoporosis were established by excising the bilateral ovaries of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum OPG, PINP and RANKL content. Biomechanical tester was applied to test the biomechanics of rat femurs. Micro-CT was applied to detect the femoral bone density. Then, Western blot was employed to measure the protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt). Results A total of 156 active ingredients of WSXBT were screened, involving 229 potential targets, 23 core targets and 145 signaling pathways. The molecular docking results showed that five key ingredients, including quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, isobavachin and licochalcone a, possessed good binding ability to the core targets of PIK3R1 and AKT1. The results of in vivo experiments showed that WSXBT could significantly increase bone density, improve bone tissue microstructure, enhance femur biomechanics and increase PINP expression and OPG/RANKL ratio in rats with osteoporosis. Results of WB showed that WSXBT significantly increased p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios. Conclusions WSXBT could improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic rats through PI3K/ Akt signaling pathway and increasing OPG/RANKL ratio.


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