1.Sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum Improves Neuroinflammation by Regulating JNK Phosphorylation
Ziyu YIN ; Yun GAO ; Junjiao WANG ; Weigang XUE ; Xueping PANG ; Huiting LIU ; Yunfang ZHAO ; Huixia HUO ; Jun LI ; Jiao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):139-145
ObjectiveTo study the pharmacological substances and mechanisms through which sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum improves neuroinflammation. MethodsBV-2 microglial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce neuroinflammation. The cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, and the ZH-13 low- and high-dose treatment groups (10, 20 μmol·L-1). The model group was treated with 1 μmol·L-1 LPS. Cell viability was assessed using the cell proliferation and activity assay (CCK-8 kit). Nitric oxide (NO) release in the cell supernatant was measured using a nitric oxide kit (Griess method). The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway proteins was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, ZH-13 dose-dependently reduced NO release from BV-2 cells under LPS stimulation (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the 20 μmol·L-1 ZH-13 treatment group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6 were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In both the low- and high-dose ZH-13 groups, the expression of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the upstream MAPK pathway were significantly reduced (P<0.05). After stimulation with the JNK agonist anisomycin (Ani), both low- and high-dose ZH-13 treatment groups showed reduced phosphorylation of JNK proteins compared to the Ani-treated group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe sesquiterpene compound ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum significantly ameliorates LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 cells by inhibiting excessive JNK phosphorylation and reducing TNF-α expression. These findings elucidate the pharmacological substances and mechanisms underlying the sedative and calming effects of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum.
2.Cost-utility analysis of semaglutide versus canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes poorly controlled with metformin
Yueru XU ; Yubo WANG ; Huimin PAN ; Huiting SHAN ; Ji CHEN ; Jianhua YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1087-1092
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of canagliflozin or semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)poorly controlled with metformin. METHODS Based on the perspective of China’s health system, a Markov model was used to calculate the long-term costs and utilities of canagliflozin or semaglutide combined with metformin for T2DM patients in China for 30 years based on the data from SUSTAIN 8 study. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER) and incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) were calculated using one time the 2024 per capita gross domestic product(GDP) as the willingness-to-pay(WTP) threshold. One-way sensitivity analysis, probability sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis were conducted to confirm the stability of the conclusions. RESULTS Compared with canagliflozin + metformin, ICER of semaglutide combined with metformin was 260 485.67 yuan/quality-adjusted life year (QALY),which was higher than the WTP threshold set in this study (95 749 yuan/QALY),and the corresponding INMB was -61 576.24 yuan,indicating that the canagliflozin + metformin regimen was more cost-effective. The cost of diabetes without complications treatment in the semaglutide + metformin group had the greatest influence on INMB,but changes in parameters within the selected range did not drive decision reversal. With the increasing of WTP threshold,the economic acceptability of semaglutide + metformin regimen increased. Under the current WTP threshold,the annual cost of semaglutide should be reduced by 42.95% to make the semaglutide + metformin regimen more cost- effective. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of China’s health system, canagliflozin + metformin is more cost-effective than semaglutide + metformin for T2DM patients yueru. with poor glycemic control with metformin alone.
3.Effects of Huoxue Xiaoyi Formula (活血消异方) on Tfh Cells and the JAK/STAT Pathway in Ectopic Tissues of Ovarian Endometriosis Model Rats
Weisen FAN ; Yongjia ZHANG ; Yaqian WANG ; Hong LEI ; Huiting YAN ; Ruijie HOU ; Xin WANG ; Yu TAO ; Ruihua ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1473-1480
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Huoxue Xiaoyi Formula (活血消异方, HXF) in treating ovarian endometriosis (OEM) from the perspective of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-five female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into three groups, HXF group, model group, and normal group, with 15 rats in each group. A rat model of OEM was established by autologous endometrial tissue implantation. After successful modeling, the treatment group received HXF at 5.85 g/(kg·d) by gavage for 14 consecutive days. The model group and normal group received 1 mL/d of normal saline by gavage. RNA-sequencing data from human proliferative-phase endometriotic and normal endometrial tissues were downloaded from the GEO database. Transcriptomic sequencing was used to analyze gene expression in rat ovarian ectopic tissues and normal uterine tissues, and comparisons were made with human data to verify JAK/STAT pathway activation in proliferative-phase ectopic tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expression of CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5) and interleukin-21 (IL-21) in rat ovarian ectopic and normal uterine tissues. Western Blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of IL-21, IL-21 receptor (IL-21R), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Tfh cell infiltration was analyzed using immune cell infiltration methods. ResultsGene set enrichment analysis showed that the JAK/STAT pathway was significantly activated in human proliferative-phase endometriotic tissues compared to normal endometrial tissues. Similarly, the JAK/STAT pathway was markedly activated in rat ovarian ectopic tissues in the model group compared to the normal group, but suppressed in the HXF group compared to the model group. Compared with normal uterine tissues, ovarian ectopic tissues in the model group showed increased Tfh cell infiltration scores, higher CXCR5 and IL-21 expression, and elevated levels of IL-21, IL-21R, JAK1, STAT6, and Bcl-2 proteins. Compared with the model group, HXF group showed reduced CXCR5 and IL-21 expression and decreased protein levels of IL-21, IL-21R, JAK1, STAT6, and Bcl-2. ConclusionHXF may suppress activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in ovarian endometriotic tissues by inhibiting IL-21 secretion from Tfh cells.
4.Application of early screening scale and evaluation of behavioral intervention effect in children with autism spectrum disorder
Bin ZHANG ; Chunwei HU ; Zhihua LIU ; Huiting YANG ; Canjun WANG ; Xineng FENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(4):77-80
Objective To understand the application effect of early screening scale and behavioral intervention effect in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods A total of 348 children with suspected ASD were selected and evaluated using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). The evaluation results were compared with those from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Children enrolled were given Early start Denver model (ESDM) intervention. The evaluation results of Gesell Developmental Scale and Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) scores were compared before and after intervention. Results The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and Kappa value of M-CHAT for evaluating ASD in children aged 1-3 years were 89.53%, 90.70%, 89.92% and 0.78. The corresponding values of ABC were 78.49%, 81.40%, 79.46% and 0.56. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and Kappa value of M-CHAT for evaluating children aged >3-6 years were 87.30%, 77.78%, 84.44% and 0.64. The corresponding values of ABC were 85.71%, 77.78%, 83.33% and 0.62. The sensitivity and accuracy of M-CHAT were higher than ABC for evaluating ASD in children aged 1-3 years (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between M-CHAT and ABC for evaluating ASD in children aged 3-6 years (P>0.05). After intervention, development quotients (DQ) of personal-social aspects, adaptability, language, gross motor, and fine motor of children with ASD were higher than those before intervention (P<0.05). ATEC scores for language, behavior, sensation, and social contact of children with ASD were lower than those before intervention (P<0.05). Conclusion M-CHAT and ABC both can be used for early screening of ASD in children, especially M-CHAT. Early behavioral intervention can effectively improve the condition and developmental level of children with ASD.
5.Study on the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of long COVID among previously infected individuals in two communities in Shanghai
Junhong YUE ; Chen CHEN ; Qingqing JIA ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Huiting WANG ; Fei WU ; Yanlu YIN ; Jiajie ZANG ; Yanfei GUO ; Fan WU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(7):597-605
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of long COVID and to investigate its main influencing factors by examining individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 between March and June 2022 in two communities in Shanghai, to lay the foundation for further research on the mechanism and clinical treatment of long COVID, and to provide the basis for the development of inexpensive, convenient, and feasible prevention and intervention strategies. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 6 410 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey. The incidence and common symptoms of long COVID were analyzed, along with their associations with demographic characteristics, medical history, and behavioral factors. A logistic regression model was used to identify the major factors associated with the development of long COVID symptoms. ResultsThe overall incidence rate of long COVID among the study population was 13.9%. The most commonly reported symptoms included fatigue (65.1%), attention disorders (23.1%), and cough (16.9%). The analysis showed that having underlying chronic diseases (OR=2.580, 95%CI: 2.165‒3.074), a history of allergies (OR=1.418, 95%CI: 1.003‒1.971), current smoking (OR=1.461, 95%CI: 1.013‒2.079), ever smoking (OR=2.462, 95%CI: 1.687‒3.551), a greater number of symptoms during the acute phase [1 symptom (OR=1.778, 95%CI: 1.459‒2.162), 2 symptoms (OR=2.749, 95%CI: 2.209‒3.409), ≥3 symptoms (OR=7.792, 95%CI: 6.333‒9.593)] and aggravated symptoms during the acute phase (OR=1.082, 95%CI: 1.070‒1.094) were factors associated with a higher risk of developing long COVID symptoms. Additionally, individuals who had consumed alcohol in the past year (OR=1.914, 95%CI: 1.344‒2.684) were more prone to objective long COVID symptoms. Among individuals under 50 years of age, females (OR=1.427, 95%CI: 1.052‒1.943) were more likely to develop objective long COVID symptoms. ConclusionThis study has identified the diversity of long COVID symptoms, which involve multiple organs and systems, including fatigue, attention disorders, cough, and joint pain. It has also revealed associations between long COVID and various demographic factors (e.g., age, gender), personal medical history (e.g., underlying chronic diseases, history of allergies), acute-phase characteristics (e.g., number and severity of symptoms), and behavioral factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption). These findings highlight the need for further research and ongoing surveillance of long COVID and may inform the development of more targeted health management strategies for specific populations.
6.TREM-2 Drives Development of Multiple Sclerosis by Promoting Pathogenic Th17 Polarization.
Siying QU ; Shengfeng HU ; Huiting XU ; Yongjian WU ; Siqi MING ; Xiaoxia ZHAN ; Cheng WANG ; Xi HUANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2024;40(1):17-34
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease, mediated by pathogenic T helper 17 (Th17) cells. However, the therapeutic effect is accompanied by the fluctuation of the proportion and function of Th17 cells, which prompted us to find the key regulator of Th17 differentiation in MS. Here, we demonstrated that the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM-2), a modulator of pattern recognition receptors on innate immune cells, was highly expressed on pathogenic CD4-positive T lymphocyte (CD4+ T) cells in both patients with MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse models. Conditional knockout of Trem-2 in CD4+ T cells significantly alleviated the disease activity and reduced Th17 cell infiltration, activation, differentiation, and inflammatory cytokine production and secretion in EAE mice. Furthermore, with Trem-2 knockout in vivo experiments and in vitro inhibitor assays, the TREM-2/zeta-chain associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signal axis was essential for Th17 activation and differentiation in EAE progression. In conclusion, TREM-2 is a key regulator of pathogenic Th17 in EAE mice, and this sheds new light on the potential of this therapeutic target for MS.
Animals
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Humans
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Mice
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/pathology*
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Cell Differentiation
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Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Th1 Cells/pathology*
7.Design and baseline characteristics of a population-based birth cohort in Shanghai
Huiting YU ; Xin CUI ; Zhou LIANG ; Renzhi CAI ; Lan CHEN ; Naisi QIAN ; Weixiao LIN ; Shan JIN ; Chunfang WANG ; Chen FU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(1):11-15
ObjectiveTo introduce the basic design, development plan and objectives of a population-based birth cohort in Shanghai, and further present the main data and baseline characteristics of enrolled participants in the cohort, and to provide key information for reproductive health-related studies. MethodsThe Shanghai population-based birth cohort initiated on January 1, 2005, included newborns born in Shanghai every year and their parents, and collected information on reproductive health, reproductive treatment, birth characteristics, growth and development status, as well as the incidence, treatment and death of diseases by employing data linkage technology and investigations. This formed a birth cohort spanning the entire life cycle. ResultsAs of October 2022, a total of 2 978 538 newborns and their parents were included in the cohort. Among them, 2 905 135 (97.54%) were naturally conceived (NC), and 73 403 (2.46%) were born through assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The average age of parents was (32.56±4.12) years old for females and (34.62±5.34) years old for males in the ART group, which was higher than (28.02±4.71) years and (30.07±5.54) years for parents in the NC group. Among parents, females and males aged 30 and above accounted for 77.12% and 85.08%, respectively, which were higher than that of parents (35.28% for females and 49.66% for males) in the NC group. Furthermore, the percentage of parents with a college degree or above in the ART group was 73.23% for females and 73.66% for males, which were higher than those in the NC group (49.98% and 50.91%, respectively). The multiple births rate in the ART group was 33.81%, which was higher than that in the NC group (1.88%). The incidence of premature birth and low birth weight in the ART group were 24.47% and 19.08%, respectively, which was higher than that in the NC group (5.47% and 3.73%). ConclusionThe comprehensive collection of reproductive health-related information in the birth cohort in Shanghai can provide essential resources to determine the influence of genetics, environment, reproductive treatment and other related factors on the health of offspring after birth.
8.Overview of the establishment of Shanghai twin birth cohort
Shan JIN ; Naisi QIAN ; Weixiao LIN ; Liping FANG ; Lei CHEN ; Bo FANG ; Tian XIA ; Chunfang WANG ; Huiting YU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(1):16-20
ObjectiveTo establish the Shanghai twin birth cohort (STBC) and analyze the effects of genetic factors, shared environment, and non-shared environment interactions on birth health and growth and development of newborns. MethodsBased on the population-wide birth cohort in Shanghai, a comprehensive survey was conducted on the families with double and multiple babies born after January 1, 2015 to collect information on birth health, growth and development, and the family environment of the babies. ResultsBy December 31, 2021, a total of 7 195 pairs (14 405 cases) of twins were successfully included in the STBC survey. The average birth length of twins was 47.2 cm and average birth weight was 2 465.3 g. Heterozygous twins accounted for 69.05% and preterm babies accounted for 57.07%. The average age of the mothers of twins was 31.82 years, and the average age of the fathers was 33.87 years, with more than 80% of the parents having a college degree or above. 44.50% of the mothers used assisted reproductive technologies, 7.40% had illnesses during pregnancy, and 15.90% were exposed to passive smoking during pregnancy. During the survey period, the average monthly increase in the length of the twin infants was 2.09 cm, and the average monthly weight gain was 0.53 kg. ConclusionThe incidence of adverse outcomes such as maternal cesarean section rate, preterm birth, and low birth weight is higher in the twin birth population. Information on birth health as well as growth and development in childhood and adolescence in the twin birth population is collected based on STBC, which can provide a solid data foundation for studying children’s chronic non-communicable diseases, psychological and behavioral disorders and other complex health problems caused by the combined effects of genetics and the environment.
9.Rapid health technology assessment of dapagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with cardiovascular disease
Huimin PAN ; Yubo WANG ; Ji CHEN ; Huiting SHAN ; Chunyan CHEN ; Jianhua YANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(18):2293-2298
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety, efficacy and economics of dapagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) combined with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and provide an evidence-based basis for clinical treatment decisions. METHODS PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP, SinoMed and official websites of domestic and foreign health technology assessment (HTA) organizations were systematically searched. HTA reports, systematic evaluations/meta-analyses, and pharmacoeconomic studies of dapagliflozin in the treatment of T2DM combined with CVD were searched. After data extraction and quality assessment, the results of the included studies were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS A total of 13 papers were included, of which 10 were systematic evaluations/meta-analyses and 3 were pharmacoeconomic studies. In terms of efficacy, dapagliflozin significantly reduced patients’ glycosylated hemoglobin, body weight, body mass index and blood pressure levels compared with placebo, without increasing the risk of all-cause mortality; in terms of safety, dapagliflozin did not increase the risk of overall adverse events, major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, bone fracture and renal hypoplasia; in terms of economics, the UK and Chinese studies found an economic advantage for dapagliflozin, the Thai study did not. CONCLUSIONS Dagliflozin has better efficacy and safety in the treatment of T2DM combined with CVD, and its economic findings are still controversial in different countries, with economic advantages in the context of current Chinese healthcare policies and drug prices.
10.Meta-analysis of Association Between HLA-B Gene Polymorphism and Antiepileptic Lamotrigine-induced Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions
Tangxue LI ; Huiting LI ; Yan WU ; Dianlei WANG ; Tianlu SHI
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(1):126-132
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the association between human leukocyte antigen B(HLA-B) gene polymorphisms and lamotrigine-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions(LTG-cADRs).
METHODS
CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct were comprehensively searched from the inception to July 15, 2022. The software RevMan 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 16 case-control studies were included, 331 patients with LTG-cADRs epilepsy, including 94 lamotrigine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis(LTG-SJS/TEN) patients, 232 lamotrigine-maculopapule(LTG-MPE) patients and 5 lamotrigine- drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms(LTG-DRESS) patients; 612 lamotrigine-tolerant patients. Meta-analysis results showed that the HLA-B*1502 allele was significantly associated with LTG-SJS/TEN(OR=3.03, 95%CI: 1.70−5.39, P=0.000 2). The HLA-B*1502, HLA-B*5801, HLA-B*1302 alleles were not significantly associated with LTG-MPE.
CONCLUSION
HLA-B*1502 allele is associated with LTG-SJS/TEN, which may be a risk gene for LTG-SJS/TEN. HLA-B*1502, HLA-B*5801, HLA-B*1302 are not associated with LTG-MPE.


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