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.Mechanism of Intervening with Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Rats with Spleen Deficiency by Xingpi Capsules Through Regulating 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 Pathway
Gang WANG ; Lingwen CUI ; Xiangning LIU ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyue HUANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Ran WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Xingpi capsules (XPC) in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) with spleen deficiency and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. MethodsA rat model of IBS-D with spleen deficiency was established by administering senna leaf in combination with restrained stress and swimming fatigue for 14 d. Ten specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade healthy rats were used as the normal control group. After successful modeling, SPF-grade rats were randomly divided into a model group, a pinaverium bromide group (1.5 mg·kg-1), and low- and high-dose XPC groups (0.135 and 0.54 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the normal control group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage, while the remaining groups were administered corresponding drug solutions by gavage once a day for 14 consecutive days. The rat body weights and fecal condition were observed every day, and the Bristol score was recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in serum and colon tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the microvilli and tight junctions in the colon. The integrity of the colonic barrier, intestinal motility, and expression of related pathway proteins were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, rats in the model group showed a significantly decreased body weight and increased diarrhea rate, diarrhea grade, and Bristol score (P<0.01). HE staining revealed incomplete colonic mucosa in the model group, with evident congestion and edema observed. Electron microscopy results indicated decreased density and integrity of the colonic barrier, shedding and disappearance of microvilli, and significant widening of tight junctions. The expression levels of colonic tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin-5 were downregulated (P<0.01), and the levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue were elevated (P<0.01). The small intestine propulsion rate significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of contractile proteins Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) in colon and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20) were upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups showed alleviated diarrhea, diarrhea-associated symptoms, and pathological manifestations of colon tissue to varying degrees. Specifically, high-dose XPC exhibited effectively relieved diarrhea, promoted recovery of colonic mucosal structure, significantly reduced congestion and edema, upregulated expression of Occludin and Claudin-5 (P<0.01), decreased levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue (P<0.05,P<0.01), significantly slowed small intestine propulsion rate (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated expression of contractile proteins RhoA and ROCK2 in colon and phosphorylation of MLC20 (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionXPC effectively alleviates symptoms of spleen deficiency and diarrhea and regulates the secretion of brain-gut peptide. The characteristics of XPC are mainly manifested in alleviating IBS-D with spleen deficiency from the aspects of protecting intestinal mucosa and inhibiting smooth muscle contraction, and the mechanism is closely related to the regulation of the 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 pathway expression.
3.Analysis of pediatric pre-prescription review orders based on PCNE classification system
Anle SHEN ; Peiqi WANG ; Tao XU ; Jia LUO ; Xuexian WANG ; Shunguo ZHANG ; Zhiling LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):351-355
OBJECTIVE To provide reference for improving the pre-prescription review system and reducing the occurrence of medication error by analyzing the drug-related problems (DRPs) in the pre-prescription review orders of pediatric outpatient clinics using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification system. METHODS The data of pre-prescription review orders were retrospectively collected from outpatient department of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from July 2022 to June 2023; DRPs in the pre-prescription review orders were classified and summarized by using the PCNE classification system (version 9.1), and then analyzed in terms of types and causes of issues, and the acceptance of interventions. RESULTS A total of 66 017 DRPs orders were included, involving 41 165 patients. The proportion of DRPs orders in children aged ≤5 years old was the highest (58.25%), followed by children aged 6-12 years old (33.52%); the department with the highest proportion of DRPs was internal medicine of pediatrics department (71.41%); the department with the highest incidence of DRPs was thoracic surgery department (9.73%); top three drug categories of DRPs orders were systemic anti- infective drugs (25.26%), Chinese patent medicines (24.74%) and respiratory drugs (22.38%). Referring to PCNE classification system, the types of DRPs mainly focused on treatment safety (64.86%); the reasons of DRPs orders mainly focused on dose selection (82.09%), of which 41.26% were due to excessive drug dosage; 92.13% of interventions could be accepted and fully executed by doctors. CONCLUSIONS DRPs orders identified by the pre-prescription review system can be effectively analyzed by using PCNE classification system. Pharmacists should focus on medication use in children aged ≤5 years old, update and develop personalized prescription review rules timely, and meet the rational needs of clinical medication for children.
4.Analysis of visual field manifestations of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Yue LI ; Ying WANG ; Wenxin JIAO ; Jilu LIN ; Jianing WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):671-675
AIM: To observe the manifestations and distribution patterns of visual field in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION).METHODS: Retrospective observational study. The investigation encompassed 183 patients(246 eyes)diagnosed with NAION who were evaluated at the Neuro-Ophthalmology/Acupuncture Department within the Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from June 2018 to December 2023. Recorded clinical data covered demographic details, incidence, disease duration, presence of systemic diseases, and histories of tobacco and alcohol use, along with best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), visual field index(VFI), type of visual field defect, and thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(pRNFL).RESULTS: A total of 183 patients(246 eyes)were enrolled. The cohort consisted of 101 males and 82 females; 120 exhibited unilateral symptoms, while 63 showed bilateral symptoms, with a mean age of 56.20±9.78 years(range 29-81 years). The types of visual field defects observed were varied: 90 eyes(36.6%)had diffuse loss, 63 eyes(25.6%)experienced inferior hemifield loss, 32 eyes(13.0%)displayed ring scotomas, 22 eyes(8.9%)had arcuate scotomas, 11 eyes(4.5%)presented with quadrant defects, 15 eyes(6.1%)had sectorial or wedge defects, and 13 eyes(5.3%)showed superior hemifield loss. The BCVA(LogMAR)and VFI of patients with diffuse visual field loss were poorer than patients with other types of visual defects(all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in visual field defects among patients of different genders and ages(all P<0.05). However, history of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea and other systemic diseases, history of smoking and alcohol, and course of disease did not show specificity in the NAION visual field(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:NAION manifests with a broad spectrum of visual field impairments across different genders, age, and levels of visual functionality. Extensive future research is necessary to identify additional reasons influencing the types of visual field damage in NAION.
5.Five new triterpenoid saponins from the kernels of Momordica cochinchinensis
Ru DING ; Jia-qi WANG ; Yi-yang LUO ; Yong-long HAN ; Xiao-bo LI ; Meng-yue WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):442-448
Five saponins were isolated from the kernels of
6.Factors affecting Pomacea distribution and prediction of suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province
Zhongqiu LI ; Yuhua LIU ; Yunhai GUO ; Zixin WEI ; Junhu CHEN ; Qiang WANG ; Tianmei LI ; Shizhu LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):69-75
Objective To investigate the factors affecting the distribution of Pomacea and project the trends in the spread of suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in 2050 and 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, so as to provide insights into Pomacea control in the prefecture. Methods The longitudes and latitudes of Pomacea sampling sites were captured based on Pomacea field survey data in 12 cities (counties) of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture from 2023 to 2024. A total of 19 climatic factors (annual mean temperature, mean diurnal range, isothermality, temperature seasonality, maximum temperature of the warmest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature annual range, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest month, mean temperature of the coldest month, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest quarter, and mean temperature of the coldest quarter) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) were retrieved from the world climate database (www.worldclim.org). All climatic variables were employed to create a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. The predictive accuracy of the model was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and the contributions of these 19 climatic factors to the distribution of Pomacea were analyzed in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture using Jackknife test. In addition, the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were predicted with the MaxEnt model in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024 and in 2050 and 2070 under RCP4.5. Results Data pertaining to 91 Pomacea sampling sites were captured. ROC analysis revealed the MaxEnt model had an AUC value of 0.885 ± 0.088 for predicting the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Of the 19 climatic factors, the maximum temperature of the warmest month had the highest contribution to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, followed by mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the wettest quarter and minimum temperature of the coldest month. The suitable distribution area of Pomacea was predicted to be 14 555.69 km2 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024, and would expand gradually to the southeastern part of the prefecture in the future due to climatic factors. The suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were projected to expand to 21 475.61 km2 in 2050 and 25 782.52 km2 in 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, respectively. Conclusions Temperature is an important contributor to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and the suitable distribution area of Pomacea will gradually expand to the southeastern part of the prefecture in 2050 and 2070.
7.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
8.Application of blood conservation measures with different red blood cell transfusion volumes in obstetrics and their impact on postpartum outcomes
Huimin DENG ; Fengcheng XU ; Meiting LI ; Lan HU ; Xiao WANG ; Shiyu WANG ; Xiaofei YUAN ; Jun ZHENG ; Zehua DONG ; Yuanshan LU ; Shaoheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):691-698
Objective: To evaluate the application of blood conservation measures in obstetric patients with different red blood cell transfusion volumes and to assess the impact of different transfusion volumes on postpartum outcomes. Methods: A retrospective investigation was conducted on 448 obstetric patients who received blood transfusions at the Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were divided into four groups (1-2 units group, 3-4 units group, 5-6 units group, and >6 units group) based on the volumes of red blood cells (RBCs) transfused during and within 7 days after delivery. The maternal physiological indicators, pre- and postpartum laboratory test indicators, obstetric complications, application of blood conservation measures, use of blood products, and postpartum outcomes were reviewed. The clinical characteristics, application of blood conservation measures, and their impact on postpartum outcomes were compared among different transfusion groups. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the multivariate logistic analysis of history of previous cesarean section (OR=1.781), eclampsia/pre-eclampsia/(OR=1.972) and postpartum blood loss>1 000 mL(OR=1.699)(P<0.05) among different transfusion groups. In terms of blood conservation measures, the more RBCs transfused, the higher the rate of mothers receiving blood conservation measures such as balloon occlusion, arterial ligation, autologous blood transfusion with a cell saver, and hysterectomy. With the increase in the volume of RBCs transfusion, the demand for fresh frozen plasma(FFP), cryoprecipitate, and platelet transfusions also increased. The hospitalization days for the four groups of parturients were 6.0 (4.0-9.0), 7.5 (5.0-14.8), 7.0 (4.5-13.0) and 11.0 (9.0-20.5), respectively (P<0.05) and the rates of ICU transfer were 2.0% (5/250), 9.4% (12/128),18.2% (6/33) and 51.4% (19/37), respectively (P<0.05). Both increased significantly with the increase in the volume of RBCs transfusion, and the differences between groups were statistically significant. Conclusion: Parturients who received higher volume of RBCs had multiple risks factors for bleeding before childbirth, had higher postpartum blood loss, and had a higher rate of application of various blood conservation measures. In addition, an increase in the volume of RBCs transfusion may have adverse effects on postpartum recovery.
9.Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Bulinus globosus
Peijun QIAN ; Mutsaka-Makuvaza MASCELINE JENIPHER ; Chao LÜ ; Yingjun QIAN ; Wenya WANG ; Shenglin CHEN ; Andong XU ; Jingbo XUE ; Jing XU ; Xiaonong ZHOU ; Midzi NICHOLAS ; Shizhu LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):116-126
Objective To analyze the structural and phylogenetic characteristics of the mitochondrial genome from Bulinus globosus, so as to provide a theoretical basis for classification and identification of species within the Bulinus genus, and to provide insights into understanding of Bulinus-schistosomes interactions and the mechanisms of parasite transmission. Methods B. globosus samples were collected from the Ruya River basin in Zimbabwe. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from B. globosus samples and the corresponding libraries were constructed for high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. After raw sequencing data were subjected to quality control using the fastp software, genome assembly was performed using the A5-miseq and SPAdes tools, and genome annotation was conducted using the MITOS online server. Circular maps and sequence plots of the mitochondrial genome were generated using the CGView and OGDRAW software, and the protein conservation motifs and structures were analyzed using the TBtools software. Base composition and codon usage bias were analyzed and visualized using the software MEGA X and the ggplot2 package in the R software. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was created in the software MEGA X after sequence alignment with the software MAFFT 7, and visualized using the software iTOL. Results The mitochondrial genome of B. globosus was a 13 730 bp double-stranded circular molecule, containing 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 13 protein-coding genes, with a marked AT preference. The mitochondrial genome composition of B. globosus was similar to that of other species within the Bulinus genus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of B. globosus was clustered with B. truncatus, B. nasutus, and B. ugandae into the same evolutionary clade, and gene superfamily analysis showed that the metabolism-related proteins of B. globosus were highly conserved, notably the cytochrome c oxidase family, which showed a significant consistency. Conclusions This is the first whole mitochondrial genome sequencing to decode the compositional features of the mitochondrial genome of B. globosus from Zimbabwe and its evolutionary relationship within the Bulinus genus, which provides important insights for further understanding of the phylogeny and mitochondrial genome characteristics of the Bulinus genus.
10.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.

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