1.Clinical observation of Kuntai capsule combined with Estradiol tablets/Estradiol dydrogesterone tablets in the treatment of diminished ovarian reserve
Xiuping WANG ; Xianwei QIAO ; Bing XU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):589-593
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy, safety and recurrence of Kuntai capsules combined with Estradiol tablets/Estradiol dydrogesterone tablets in the treatment of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) as well as their effects on ovarian reserve function, sex hormones, and lymphocyte subsets. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 165 DOR patients in Nanyang First People’s Hospital. Among them, 80 patients who received Estradiol tablets/Estradiol dydrogesterone tablets (take one tablet per day according to the medication sequence on the instruction) were included in the control group, while 85 patients who additionally took Kuntai capsules (2.0 g per dose, three times daily) were included in the observation group. The treatment duration for both groups was three months. Clinical efficacy, the incidence of adverse drug reaction (ADR), recurrence rate, and changes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, ovarian reserve function indicators [anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B (INHB), antral follicle count (AFC), endometrial thickness, and ovarian volume], sex hormones [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2)], and T lymphocyte subsets (CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 +, and CD4 +/CD8 +) were compared before and after treatment. RESULTS The cure and significant improvement rate in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group (82.35% vs. 65.00%, P<0.05). Compared to baseline levels, both groups showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores, FSH, LH, CD3+ and CD8+ levels after treatment, while AMH, INHB, E2, CD4 +, CD4 +/CD8 +, AFC, endometrial thickness, and ovarian volume significantly increased (P<0.05). The degree of improvement in these indicators was significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the total incidence of ADR between the two groups(P> 0.05). However, the recurrence rate within six months post-treatment was significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group (5.88% vs. 21.25%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Kuntai capsules combined with Estradiol tablets/ Estradiol dydrogesterone tablets have a significant therapeutic effect on DOR, which can improve ovarian reserve function of the patient, regulate sex hormone levels and T lymphocyte subsets, and reduce recurrence rates, with a high safety profile.
2.ZHANG Lei's Experience in the Treatment of Sjögren Syndrome from the Perspective of "Same Form and Disease of Dryness and Dampness"
Yanan LI ; Erping XU ; Rui ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):12-16
This paper summarized professor ZHANG Lei's experience in the treatment of sjögren syndrome (SS) from the perspective of "same form and disease of dryness and dampness". It is believed that both dryness and dampness are involved as the pathological factors of SS. The important pathogenesis is that dryness and dampness are of the same form and coexist in the disease, that is, dryness and dampness can transform into each other with the same form or be concurrent in the disease. The same form of dryness and dampness includes the dryness syndrome caused by dampness and the dampness syndrome caused by dryness, which can be treated with modified Wuling Powder (五苓散) and modified Ejiao Jizihuang Decoction (阿胶鸡子黄汤), respectively. The disease of both dryness and dampness includes lung dryness with spleen dampness, stomach dryness with spleen dampness, liver dryness with spleen dampness, and kidney dryness with spleen dampness syndrome, which can be treated with modified Ganlu Beverage and Weijing Decoction(甘露饮合苇茎汤), self-made Jianpi Yangyin Formula (健脾养阴方) with modifications, self-made Guqing Decoction and Jupi Zhishu Pill (谷青汤合橘皮枳术丸) with modifications, and Shenqi Pill and Linggui Zhugan Decoction (肾气丸合苓桂术甘汤) with modifications, respectively.
3.Effects and mechanism of persimmon leaf extract on IEC-6 cell ferroptosis induced by H2O2
Xuexia ZHANG ; Min ZHOU ; Hongyan ZHOU ; Lifei WANG ; Huani LI ; Changhe LIU ; Hongde XU ; Mingli ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):64-70
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of persimmon leaf (PL) extract against ferroptosis induced by H2O2 in IEC-6 cells. METHODS Using IEC-6 cells as object, the effects of ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 on IEC-6 cell viability induced by H2O2 were investigated; IEC-6 cells were divided into control group, H2O2 group, H2O2+PL 25 μg/mL group and H2O2+PL 50 μg/mL group. The levels of oxidant stress indexes [content of malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)], mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as well as mRNA and protein expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NADPH/quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), cystine/glutamate anti-porter (xCT), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) were detected. RESULTS Ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 could significantly increase the survival rate of H2O2-induced cells (P< 0.01). Compared with the control group, MDA content, ROS level, mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and NQO-1 as well as protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased or up-regulated significantly, while SOD activity, MMP, mRNA expressions of xCT, GPX4 and FTH as well as protein expressions of GPX4 and FTH were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared with the H2O2 group, oxidative stress Δ indexes of H2O2+PL 25, 50 μg/mL groups were reversed to different extents, MMP level was increased significantly, as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1,xCT, GPX4 and FTH were up-regulated to different extents;there were statistical significances in some indexes between groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PL extract can alleviate mitochondrial membrane damage and abnormal accumulation of ROS caused by H2O2, which may be related to the inhibition of ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
4.Microscopic Mechanism of Chronic Liver Disease and Novel Thinking of Medicine Management Based on Theory of "Yang Transforming Qi While Yin Constituting Form-sweat Pore"
Yuying XU ; Changpu ZHAO ; Rongzhi LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Fei WANG ; Chenyuan HAO ; Guangjie SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):244-255
The theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form" in the Huangdi's Internal Classic is derived from the application, transformation, movement, and balance of Tao. It is highly condensed, revealing the true meaning of Tao and guiding the changes and progress of all natural things, including diseases. Therefore, the appearance of various physical diseases is the manifestation of Yin-Yang Qi transformation. Sweat pore, formed by the Qi transformation of Yin and Yang, is the nourishing and regulating system. It serves as the hub and channel, assisting in the flow and transformation of Qi, facilitating the exchange of material, energy, and information with the outside world. With sweat pore as the hub and based on the macro-control and holistic thinking of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form", this paper explores the microscopic mechanisms underlying chronic liver disease. In combination with the roles of mitochondria, exosomes, and the ultraliver sieve structure in the formation and progression of chronic liver disease, this paper elucidates the close internal relationship between the disease's initial quality, symptom signs, and its physiological and pathological functions under the guidance of this theory. Modern studies have shown that autophagy, intestinal flora disorders, glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances, activation of inflammatory factors, ferroptosis, and other microscopic pathological mechanisms are involved in the occurrence and development of chronic liver disease. The common connotation of the Yin-Yang concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the pathological mechanisms in modern medicine is deeply analyzed. The corresponding relevant microscopic mechanisms and the guiding role of the theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form-sweat pore" in the management of chronic liver disease are summarized. Wind medicine promotes growth and transformation through sweat pore. The combination of pungent and sweet medicines facilitates Yang and disperse Yin. The formulas, combining the characteristics of wind medicine and pungent and sweet medicines, fit the principle of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form-sweat pore". This paper combines both macro and micro perspectives to explain the scientific connotation and microscopic mechanisms of chronic liver disease based on the theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form-sweat pore", and explore the prevention and treatment of chronic liver disease through the principles, methods, prescriptions, and medicines featured by combination of pungent and sweet medicines, facilitating Yang, activating sweat pore, and dispersing Yin, providing new ideas and reference for the clinical treatment of chronic liver disease.
5.Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Its Active Components in Treating Depression: A Review
Ziyang HUANG ; Zhiyi WANG ; Zibo LI ; Erping XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):288-296
Depression is a common mental disorder in clinical practice, and it falls under the category of depression syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Qi depression is considered as the root cause of all depression syndromes. Qi depression can lead to blood stasis, which is a key cause of diseases due to depression syndrome. Therefore, treating stasis is an important therapeutic approach for depression syndrome. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, a representative herbal medicine for activating blood and removing stasis, is effective in activating blood, removing stasis, dredging meridians, and alleviating pain. Currently, it is primarily used in clinical practice to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as neurasthenia, coronary heart disease, insomnia, and palpitations. The active components of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are complex and exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects. These components include water-soluble salvianolic acids and lipid-soluble tanshinones. Modern pharmacological studies have proven that Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its active components possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-fibrosis, and neuroprotective properties. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its active components in treating depression. This paper systematically reviews the antidepressant mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its main active components from the regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotrophic factors, and neuroinflammation. In addition, this paper summarizes the clinical applications of the prescriptions containing Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in the treatment of depression, providing new insights for further research on the pharmacological mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in treating depression.
6.Effect of interleukin-8 regulation on monocyte chemotactic protein-1 secretion and expression through the NF-kappaB/p65 signaling pathway on the migration of residual epithelial cells in the lens capsule
Wei SI ; Su XU ; Yuhang ZHANG ; Yi MAO ; Keyu GUO ; Yanzhong HU ; Fengyan ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):537-543
AIM: To investigate the effect of interleukin-8(IL-8)on the regulation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1)secreted by lens epithelial cells(LEC)during cell migration in the development of posterior capsule opacification(PCO).METHODS: A rat lens capsule model was established and cultured in medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Upon migration of LEC to 30%-50% of the posterior capsule, serum was removed. The capsule was subsequently divided into two groups: a control group and an IL-8(15 ng/mL)treatment group. LEC migration was captured at multiple time points. The secretion and mRNA expression of MCP-1 were quantified using ELISA and RT-qPCR, respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to assess MCP-1 expression in the different experimental groups. SRA01/04 cells were divided into three groups: control, IL-8(15 ng/mL), and IL-8(15 ng/mL)+200 μmol/L Bindarit(BND)groups, with migration measured by the Transwell assay. Additionally, SRA01/04 cells were divided into negative control(NC), NC+15 ng/mL IL-8, and 15 ng/mL IL-8+p65 siRNA groups, and MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression were further analyzed by ELISA and RT-qPCR.RESULTS:LEC migration in the rat lens capsule cultured in vitro showed that the cells migration of the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group significantly increased at 48, 72 and 96 h(all P<0.05). ELISA results revealed that MCP-1 levels in SRA01/04 cells from the 15 ng/mL IL-8-treated group were markedly higher than those in the control group at both 12 and 24 h(all P<0.05). RT-qPCR analysis also demonstrated a significant increase in MCP-1 mRNA expression in the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group at both time points(all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining indicated greater MCP-1 expression in capsular epithelial cells of the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group at 24 h(P=0.007). Transwell assays further confirmed increased cell migration in the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group compared to the control group(P=0.001), while the migration reduced in the 15 ng/mL IL-8+200 μmol/L BND group compared to the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group(P=0.003). Moreover, ELISA and RT-qPCR results demonstrated a significant increase in MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression in the NC+15 ng/mL IL-8 group at both 12 and 24 h compared to the NC group(all P<0.01). In contrast, MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression were reduced in the 15 ng/mL IL-8+p65 siRNA group compared to the NC+15 ng/mL IL-8 group at both time points(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: IL-8 promotes the migration of residual epithelial cells and regulates the secretion and expression of MCP-1 in LEC. The mechanism underlying IL-8's effects appears to be mediated through the activation of the NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway.
7.Study of the evaluation methods for evidence and recommendation in Chinese expert consensus on off-label use of drugs
Mingyue ZHANG ; Nan CHEN ; Ling XU ; Zhenggang BAI ; Likai LIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):641-647
OBJECTIVE To provide reference for optimizing or formulating unified evaluation methods for evidence and recommendation in expert consensus on off-label use of drugs. METHODS Retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP, CBM, PubMed and Web of Science, Chinese expert consensuses on off-label use of drugs involving evaluation methods for evidence and recommendations were collected from the inception to August 1, 2024. After screening the literature and extracting relevant data, descriptive statistical analysis was conducted. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Among the 32 articles included, 14 articles (43.8%) used Micromedex’s Thomson grading system, only 7 articles (21.9%) considered economic factors when forming recommendations, 10 articles (31.3%) reported the conflicts of interest; only 2 articles (6.3%) involved experts in the field of evidence-based medicine methodology. There were differences in the sources of evidence, factors considered in forming recommendations, and the grading standards for evidence and recommendations among different expert consensus evidence evaluation methods. There were also differences in evidence levels and recommendation strength of the same drug off-label use in different expert consensus. It is recommended that in future consensus-building processes, greater attention should be paid to potential conflicts of interest among participants, collaboration with methodological experts should be enhanced, and efforts should be expedited to establish unified standards for evaluating evidence and recommendation methodologies.
8.History, Experience, Opportunities, and Challenges in Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment in Linxian, Henan Province, A High Incidence Area for Esophageal Cancer
Lidong WANG ; Xiaoqian ZHANG ; Xin SONG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Duo YOU ; Lingling LEI ; Ruihua XU ; Jin HUANG ; Wenli HAN ; Ran WANG ; Qide BAO ; Aifang JI ; Lei MA ; Shegan GAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):251-255
Linxian County in Henan Province, Northern China is known as the region with the highest incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer worldwide. Since 1959, the Henan medical team has conducted field work on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian. Through three generations of effort exerted by oncologists over 65 years of research on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian, the incidence rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in this area has dropped by nearly 50%, and the 5-year survival rate has increased to 40%, reaching the international leading
9.Objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease
Zhaoxi DONG ; Yang SHI ; Jiaming SU ; Yaxuan WEN ; Zheyu XU ; Xinhui YU ; Jie MEI ; Fengyi CAI ; Xinyue ZANG ; Yan GUO ; Chengdong PENG ; Hongfang LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):398-411
Objective:
To investigate the objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Methods:
A cross-sectional study enrolled 134 patients with DKD G3-5 stages who met the diagnostic criteria for damp-heat syndrome in DKD. The patients were treated at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from May 2023 to January 2024. The patients were divided into three groups: DKD G3, DKD G4, and DKD G5 stage, with 53, 33, and 48 patients in each group, respectively. Clinical general data (gender, age, and body mass index) and damp-heat syndrome scores were collected from the patients. The YZAI-02 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) AI Tongue Image Acquisition Device was used to capture tongue images from these patients. The accompanying AI Open Platform for TCM Tongue Diagnosis of the device was used to analyze and extract tongue manifestation features, including objective data on tongue color, tongue quality, coating color, and coating texture. Clinical data and objective tongue manifestation characteristics were compared among patients with DKD G3-5 based on their DKD damp-heat syndrome status.
Results:
No statistically significant difference in gender or body mass index was observed among the three patient groups. The DKD G3 stage group had the highest age (P<0.05). The DKD G3 stage group had a lower score for symptoms of poor appetite and anorexia(P<0.05) than the DKD G5 group. No statistically significant difference was observed in damp-heat syndrome scores among the three groups. Compared with the DKD G5 stage group, the DKD G3 stage group showed a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue (P<0.05). The DKD G4 stage group exhibited an increased proportion of crimson at the root of the tongue, a decreased proportion of thick white tongue coating at the root, a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue, an increased hue value (indicating color tone) of the tongue color in the middle, an increased brightness value (indicating color lightness) of the tongue coating color in the middle, and an increased thickness of the tongue coating (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in other tongue color proportions, color chroma values, body characteristics, coating color proportions, coating color chroma values, and coating texture characteristics among the three groups.
Conclusion
Tongue features differ in different stages of DKD damp-heat syndrome in multiple dimensions, enabling the inference that during the DKD G5 stage, the degree of qi and blood deficiency in the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach is prominent. Dampness is more likely to accumulate in the lower jiao, particularly in the kidneys, whereas heat evil in the spleen and stomach is the most severe. These insights provide novel ideas for the clinical treatment of DKD.
10.Effect of anterior segment parameters on the rotational stability of Toric intraocular lens
Gengqi* TIAN ; Su* XU ; Yuhang ZHANG ; Yizhuo HU ; Wei SI ; Yifan YANG ; Xintong LI ; Fengyan ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):993-998
AIM: To explore the effects of preoperative anterior segment parameters on the rotational stability of Toric intraocular lens(Toric IOL).METHODS:Prospective study. A total of 41 cataract patients(54 eyes)with combined corneal regular astigmatism from March to December 2023 were included and treated with cataract phacoemulsification combined with plate loop Toric IOL implantation in the Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The rotation degree of Toric IOL and uncorrected distance visual acuity(UCDVA)were evaluated at 1 d, 2 wk, and 1 mo postoperatively, the corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA)was evaluated at 2 wk and 1 mo after surgery, and the decentration and tilt of the Toric IOL were assessed at 2 wk postoperatively.RESULTS:A total of 33 patients(40 eyes)were included in this study. The UCDVA(LogMAR)of 1 d, 2 wk and 1 mo postoperatively were 0.10(0.10, 0.30), 0.05(0, 0.10)and 0(0, 0.10), respectively, which was improved compared with the preoperative levels of [0.80(0.49, 1.00)](P<0.001). The CDVA(LogMAR)of 2 wk and 1 mo postoperatively were 0.05(0, 0.15)and 0(0, 0.138), respectively, which was improved compared with preoperative levels of [0.52(0.40, 0.80)](P<0.001). The residual astigmatism of 2 wk and 1 mo postoperatively were 0.625(0.25, 0.75)D and 0.50(0.25, 0.75)D, respectively, which was significantly reduced compared with preoperative astigmatism of [1.82(1.31, 2.59)D](P<0.001). The preoperative anterior segment length(ASL), and lens thickness(LT)were positively correlated with Toric IOL rotation degree at 1 d(rs=0.463, P=0.003; rs=0.340, P=0.032)and 2 wk(rs=0.520, P=0.001; rs=0.409, P=0.009)postoperatively. At 1 mo postoperatively, only ASL was positively correlated with Toric IOL rotation degree(rs=0.463, P=0.003). The results of linear regression analysis showed that preoperative ASL was a predictor of rotation degree at 1 d, 2 wk and 1 mo after surgery(F1 d=10.098, P1 d=0.003; F2 wk=16.915, P2 wk<0.001; F1 mo=10.957, P1 mo=0.002). The rotation degree of Toric IOL was positively correlated with lens decentration(rs=0.360, P=0.043).CONCLUSION:The early postoperative rotation of Toric IOL is positively correlated with ASL, and the rotation is also positively correlated with lens decentration.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail