1.Pharmacological Effect of Berberine on Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Xuejing WANG ; Guangcheng ZHONG ; Shuting LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Bojie LUO ; Qi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):286-294
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, is characterized by progressive degradation of learning, memory, and cognitive functions. Currently, few drugs are available for treating AD, and their effects are limited. Berberine (BBR) is a natural isoquinoline (quaternary ammonium-like) with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Studies have proven that BBR has good potential in the treatment of AD. Specifically, BBR can inhibit the generation, aggregation, and neurotoxicity of amyloid-β and the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, promote the clearance of phosphorylated Tau protein, reduce the cholinesterase activity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, regulate neuronal apoptosis, improve the mitochondrial function and glucose and lipid metabolism, suppress the monoamine oxidase activity, and modulate gut microbiota. In addition, researchers have ameliorated the low bioavailability of BBR. Probing into the potential targets is hoped to provide a reference for further research on the prevention and treatment of AD by BBR.
2.Invasion and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer Mediated by Traditional Chinese Medicine via Cell Signaling Pathway: A Review
Min GUO ; Wenyan YU ; Naicheng ZHU ; Yuwei YAN ; Chen ZHONG ; Xiudan CHEN ; Nanxin LI ; Guojuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):323-330
Colorectal cancer is a common and malignant tumor in the digestive tract. Invasion and metastasis of cancer cells are key factors leading to the high mortality rate and postoperative recurrence of colorectal cancer. Chemotherapy is the main treatment method for preventing recurrence of this disease. However, there are many toxic side effects in clinical application, which seriously hinder the treatment process. Therefore, it is imperative to search for efficient and low-toxicity drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating colorectal cancer and offers advantages such as safety, effectiveness, multiple targets, multiple pathways and minimal toxic side effects, which have made it increasingly popular worldwide. According to TCM, the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is rooted in both deficiency and excess. TCM formulas mainly focus on tonifying the body to address the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer, such as Jianpi compound, Jianpi Xiaoai decoction, and Bushen Jiedu Sanjie decoction. TCM monomers, such as emodin, berberine, and tanshinone, mainly focus on clearing heat and removing toxin, circulating blood and transforming stasis, and resolving swelling and dispersing nodules. Signaling pathways play a crucial role for analyzing invasion and metastasis, and research has shown that pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase (PI3K/Akt), Janus kinase 2/signal transduction and transcription activating factor 3 (JAK2/STAT3), nuclear factors-κB (NF-κB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play important roles in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer. The invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer can be inhibited via regulating the key proteins and related factors in these pathways. In this review, we searched various literature databases, such as PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP, using keywords such as "colorectal cancer", "signaling pathway", "invasion and metastasis", and "traditional Chinese medicine", to summarize and analyze the relevant pathways of TCM compounds and monomers against invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer published in the past five years. The review aims to provide new insights and references for in-depth research on the therapy for invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer and new drug development.
3.Comparison of the clinical efficacy of super pulse thulium laser enucleation of the prostate with "open tunnel" and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Jidong XU ; Ning JIANG ; Jian LI ; Zhikang CAI ; Jianwei LYU ; Chuanyi HU ; Jingcun ZHENG ; Zhonglin CAI ; Huiying CHEN ; Yan GU ; Yuning WANG ; Jiasheng YAN ; Zhong WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):34-38
[Objective] To compare the clinical efficacy of super pulse thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (SPThuLEP) with "open tunnel" and transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in order to provide reference for the treatment options of BPH. [Methods] The clinical data of 112 BPH patients treated in our hospital during Jan.2023 and Jul.2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 65 treated with SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" and 57 with HoLEP.The operation time, postoperative hemoglobin decrease, postoperative bladder irrigation, catheter indwelling time, hospitalization time and complications were compared between the two groups.The changes of maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), postvoid residual (PVR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were compared between the two groups before operation and one month after operation. [Results] All operations were successful without conversion to open or transurethral plasmakinetic resection.The postoperative decrease of hemoglobin in SPThuLEP group was lower than that in HoLEP group [(13.12±6.72) g/L vs. (21.02±6.51) g/L], with statistical difference (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the operation time [(63.35±15.73) min vs.(61.02±17.55) min], postoperative bladder irrigation time [(1.07±0.45) d vs. (1.06±0.36) d], catheter indwelling time [(2.98±0.56) d vs. (3.01±0.63) d] and hospitalization time [(3.63±0.61) d vs.(3.79±0.76) d] between the two groups (P>0.05). No blood transfusion, secondary bleeding or unplanned hospitalization occurred, and there were no serious complications such as transurethral electroresection syndrome (TURS), urethral stricture and urinary incontinence.One month after operation, the Qmax, IPSS, QoL, PVR and PSA of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05), but with no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). [Conclusion] SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" has comparable efficacy as HoLEP in the treatment of BPH.With advantages of small amount of bleeding and high safety, this minimally invasive technique can be widely popularized in clinical practice.
4.Long-term outcomes of totally endoscopic minimally invasive mitral valve repair for Barlow’s disease: A retrospective cohort study
Lishan ZHONG ; Yanying HUANG ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Shuo XIAO ; Yuxin LI ; Dou FANG ; Qiuji WANG ; Chaolong ZHANG ; Huanlei HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):114-120
Objective To examine the safety, efficacy and durability of totally endoscopic minimally invasive (TEMI) mitral valve repair in Barlow’s disease (BD). Methods A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent mitral valve repair for BD from January 2010 to June 2021 in the Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. The patients were divided into a MS group and a TEMI group according to the surgery approaches. A comparison of the clinical data between the two groups was conducted. Results A total of 196 patients were enrolled, including 133 males and 63 females aged (43.8±14.9) years. There were 103 patients in the MS group and 93 patients in the TEMI group. No hospital death was observed. There was a higher percentage of artificial chordae implantation in the TEMI group compared to the MS group (P=0.020), but there was no statistical difference between the two groups in the other repair techniques (P>0.05). Although the total operation time between the two groups was not statistically different (P=0.265), the TEMI group had longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (P<0.001) and aortic clamp time (P<0.001), and shorter mechanical ventilation time (P<0.001) and postoperative hospitalization time (P<0.001). No statistical difference between the two groups in the adverse perioperative complications (P>0.05). The follow-up rate was 94.2% (180/191) with a mean time of 0.2-12.4 (4.0±2.4) years. Two patients in the MS group died with non-cardiac reasons during the follow-up period. The 3-year, 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates of all patients were 100.0%, 99.2%, 99.2%, respectively. Compared with the MS group, there was no statistical difference in the survival rate, recurrence rate of mitral regurgitation, reoperation rate of mitral valve or adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in the TEMI group (P>0.05). Conclusion TEMI approach is a safe, feasible and effective approach for BD with a satisfying long-term efficacy.
5.Assessing distribution characteristics and clinical significance of vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis based on whole spine MRI
Jiajun ZHOU ; Fei MA ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Baoqiang HE ; Yang LI ; Yehui LIAO ; Qiang TANG ; Chao TANG ; Qing WANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1883-1889
BACKGROUND:Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are the most common complication in patients with osteoporosis.As a new imaging technique,spine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is much more sensitive than X-ray film in the diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.However,total spine MRI is costly and takes a long time to scan.Therefore,there is no consensus on whether all patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures need to undergo total spine MRI scan and which patients need to undergo total spine MRI. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the distribution characteristics of vertebral fractures and explore their clinical significance by observing the whole spine MRI data of osteoporotic vertebral fractures patients. METHODS:Data of cases and MRI images of all patients diagnosed with fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures who visited the Department of Orthopedics,Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.903 patients were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.General information(age,gender,and body mass index),medical history characteristics(duration of illness,history of trauma surgery,percussion pain area,and pain score)were collected.The characteristics of vertebral fractures were analyzed through whole spine magnetic resonance imaging.Firstly,based on the number of vertebral fractures in patients,they were divided into the single vertebral fracture group(484 cases)and the multi-vertebral fracture group(419 cases),and the differences were analyzed between the two groups.Then,based on whether the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was greater than or equal to 5,the multi vertebral fracture group was further divided into two subgroups.Among them,Group A(the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was less than 5)contained 306 cases;Group B(with the farthest interval between fractured vertebral bodies greater than 5)included 113 cases.The differences were analyzed between two subgroups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among 903 patients,419 patients(46.4%)had more than two fractured vertebrae.There were 654 patients(72.4%)with thoracolumbar fractures,and 54 patients(6%)with fractures in the thoracic plus lumbar region and the entire thoracic to lumbar region.In group B,96.5%of patients had multiregional percussion pain.(2)Compared with the patients in the single vertebral fracture group and the multi-vertebral fracture group,there were significant differences in bone mineral density,whether the medical history was greater than or equal to 1 month,the history of low energy injury,and the distribution and number of axial percussion pain areas in the spine during physical examination between the two groups(P<0.05).Age,gender,body mass index,whether there was underlying disease,pain visual analog scale score,whether there was a history of elderly thoracolumbar fracture,and whether there was a history of thoracolumbar surgery,and the number of fractured vertebrae had no statistical significance(P>0.05).(3)There were statistically significant differences between the Groups A and B in bone mineral density,the distribution and quantity of percussion pain area,and the history of low energy injury(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in age,gender,history of old fractures,visual analog scale score,body mass index,whether the medical history was longer than or equal to 1 month,history of underlying diseases,and history of thoracolumbar surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)Patients with multiple low-energy trauma history,history of more than 1 month,multiple percussion pain,and the lower bone mineral density should be alert to the occurrence of multiple vertebral fracture and jump fracture.We recommend the whole spinal MRI for these patients.
6.Analysis on Pharmacodynamic Material Basis and Mechanism of Famous Classical Formula Renshen Wuweizi Tang in Treatment of Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Shanshan LI ; Yute ZHONG ; Xiaomei XIANG ; Wei KANG ; Shufan ZHOU ; Ping WANG ; Haiyu XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):31-39
ObjectiveBased on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Renshen Wuweizi Tang in treating spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. MethodsThe chemical components in the decoction of Renshen Wuweizi Tang were systematically characterized and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and network pharmacology was used to screen potential active ingredients, collect component targets and gene sets related to spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome, and obtain protein interaction relationships through STRING. Cytoscape 3.9.1 was used to construct a "formula-syndrome" association network and calculate topological feature values. Gene ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed on core genes to explore potential pharmacodynamic links, the average shortest path between the formula-drug target network and the pharmacodynamic link gene network was calculated to discover dominant pharmacodynamic links, and MCODE plugin was used to identify core gene clusters from the dominant pharmacodynamic links, which were validated using Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO), and molecular docking was performed between key components and core targets. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-seven components were identified in the negative ion mode, and eighty components were identified in the positive ion mode. After deduplication, a total of 185 components were identified, mainly composed of triterpenoid saponins(49) and flavonoids(54). Based on the "formula-syndrome" correlation network analysis, energy metabolism was determined to be the dominant pharmacodynamic link of Renshen Wuweizi Tang in the treatment of spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. The results of molecular docking showed that 7 components(adenosine, atractylenolide Ⅱ, atractylenolide Ⅲ, ginsenoside Rg1, glycyrrhizin B2, glycyrrhizin E2 and campesterol) from 4 medicinal materials(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Poria) in this formula might regulate energy metabolism by acting on 6 targets, namely cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein 1(CREB1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH), interleukin(IL)-6, nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα), and tumor necrosis factor(TNF), thus improving the symptoms of diseases related to spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. ConclusionThis study established a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS for rapid characterization and identification of chemical components in the decoction of Renshen Wuweizi Tang, expanding the understanding of the material composition of this formula, and found that 7 components might act on the key advantageous pharmacodynamic link "energy metabolism" through 6 targets to improve the related symptoms of spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. This can provide a reference for the subsequent exploration of the material benchmark and mechanism of the famous classical formula.
7.Evaluation on the effectiveness of comprehensive control of a bedbug infestation incident in Jiading District, Shanghai
Ping WANG ; Jie LI ; Ruhua YU ; Qiaoyan WANG ; Peisong ZHONG ; Hong YUAN ; Dongsheng RENG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):79-83
ObjectiveTo investigate the infestation of bedbugs in a staff dormitory in Jiading District, Shanghai, to explore the measures to dispose Cimex lectularius linnaeus, so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of bedbugs. MethodsThe infestation of bedbugs in the dormitory of the company was determined through field investigation, accompanied by scientific guidance under the comprehensive control measures and an effect evaluation of the control results. ResultsA total of 114 rooms distributed in 3 dormitory buildings were investigated, with an average infestation rate of 42.11%, of which building B has the highest infestation rate of 51.52%. Six bedbug specimens were collected by visual inspection in the room, and all of them were identified as Cimex lectularius linnaeus. After a series of comprehensive control measures including environmental cleanup, aerosol elimination, replacement of wooden beds with iron frame beds, and purchase of all-inclusive mattress, the bedbug infestation rate dropped to 5.26%. ConclusionComprehensive control can effectively prevent the breeding and spread of bedbugs. Dissemination and education effort should be strengthened in case of the occurrence of bedbug infestation, together with an implementation of long-term and continuous surveillance and monitoring.
8.Effect of Shenmai injection on the preservation quality of suspended red blood cells prepared from high hemoglobin population in Xizang plateau
Rui ZHONG ; Zeng HE ; Hong WANG ; Wanjing LI ; Jiaxin LIU ; Ye CAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):327-332
[Objective] To investigate the effect of Shenmai injection on the preservation quality of suspended red blood cells of high hemoglobin population in Xizang plateau. [Methods] Whole blood (400 mL, n=8) collected by the Xizang Autonomous Region Blood Center was centrifuged at 3 000 g for 10 minutes to remove most of the plasma, followed by the addition of 100 mL of MAP preservation solution to obtain plateau suspended red blood cells, which were then divided into three equal portions. One portion was the control group, and another part had 15 mL of MAP preservation solution added, which was the dosage group. The third portion involved diluting Shenmai injection with MAP, followed by addition of 15 mL of MAP preservation solution containing Shenmai to the red blood cells, resulting in a final concentration of Shenmai injection of 1%, which was the Shenmai group. Blood routine, pH value, electrolytes, glucose, lactate, free Hb, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), P50, phosphatidylserine (PS) and other indicators were detected at day 1, 21 and 35, respectively. [Results] The Hb concentration and Hct of the dosage group and the Shenmai group were significantly lower than those of the control group, with values of (179.3±17.8) vs (181.0±17.1) vs (199.1±19.5) g/L for Hb concentration and (53.2±2.6)% vs (53.3±2.5)% vs (58.4±3.1)% for Hct. The three groups maintained this pattern until the end of storage. In the middle and late stages of preservation, the glucose and Na+ contents in the dosage group and the Shenmai group were higher than those in the control group, while the lactate and K+ contents were lower than those in the control group. At the end of storage, the glucose and Na+ content of the Shenmai group was higher than that of the dosage group, while the lactate and K+ content were lower than that of the dosage group. From day 1 to day 35 of storage, the hemolysis rate of the Shenmai group was significantly lower than that of the control group and the dosage group. On day 21 and 35 of storage, the PS expression rate in the Shenmai group was significantly lower than that in the control group and the dosage group, which were (6.52±0.40)% vs (7.24±0.91)% vs (8.27±0.93)% and (7.29±0.53)% vs (9.37±0.82)% vs (8.39±0.76)%, respectively. [Conclusion] The hemolysis rate and PS of suspended red blood cells of Xizang high altitude prepared by adding Shenmai injection were significantly lower than those in the control group and the dosage group, which was conducive to reducing hemolysis and slowing down the aging of red blood cells, and had a certain improvement on the preservation quality of suspended red blood cells in Xizang plateau people.
9.Study on soluble microneedles loaded with aPexos and EGCG for healing of burn wounds in rats
Along ZHANG ; Wanjing LI ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Ye CAO ; Rui ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):333-342
[Objective] To use Chitosan Methacryloyl (CSMA) loaded with artificial platelet-derived exosomes (aPexos) as the needle body material, and gelatin and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) loaded with Epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) as the backing material to prepare microneedles, aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of aPexos-EGCG microneedles in the treatment of burn wound healing. [Methods] First, aPexos were extracted using ultrasound and gradient ultracentrifugation. The concentration, morphology, and growth factor content (TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, VEGF) of the exosomes were assessed using NTA, transmission electron microscopy, and ELISA kits. The aPexos and EGCG were then dissolved in the needle body and backing materials, respectively. The aPexos and EGCG were loaded into the needle body and backing layer, respectively. The morphology, mechanical properties, and puncture performance of the microneedles were examined, and the preparation conditions for the microneedles loaded with aPexos-EGCG were optimized. Finally, animal experiments and tissue staining were conducted to assess the efficacy of the aPexos-EGCG microneedles in promoting burn wound healing in rats. [Results] The size distribution of aPexos was mainly in the range of 50-150 nm, with an average diameter of 132.7±3.8 nm and an average concentration of approximately 2.88×1013±3.62×1012 particles/mL. The concentrations of TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, and VEGF were approximately 1 363±135.9 ng/mL, 63.5±14.8 ng/mL, and 1 606.0±77.5 pg/mL, respectively. Mechanical property testing of the microneedles indicated that, compared with the blank microneedles, the drug-loaded microneedles had sufficient piercing ability to penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin. The results of the rat burn wound healing experiment showed that the wound healing rates of the d 3, d 7, aPexos-EGCG microneedle group compared to the control group showed significant differences, with respective values of (47.64±12.5)% vs (18.11±6.40)%, (87.45±5.57)% vs (79.85±5.03)%(P<0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining revealed more intact epidermal layers in the aPexos-EGCG microneedle group. Masson staining showed that the collagen deposition percentage in the aPexos-EGCG microneedle group was higher than in the control group. Immunofluorescence staining results indicated that the aPexos-EGCG microneedle group had a reduced content of M1-type macrophages and an increased content of M2-type macrophages. Additionally, the vascular markers CD31 and α-SMA showed elevated expression in this group, with significant differences compared to the other groups (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The aPexos-EGCG microneedle developed in this study exhibits good mechanical properties, capable of successfully penetrating the skin's stratum corneum and delivering aPexos and EGCG. aPexos promotes wound repair, while EGCG regulates the ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages at the wound site and suppresses the inflammatory response. This microneedle can effectively promote wound healing in rats with burn injuries, offering a novel approach for tissue repair.
10.Expert consensus on the deployment of DeepSeek in medical institutions
Yanlin CAO ; Jing WANG ; Yuxi LI ; Yi ZHANG ; Guangzhen ZHONG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(5):674-678
The Expert Consensus on the Deployment of DeepSeek in Medical Institutions serves as a detailed guideline for the deployment of DeepSeek in medical institutions. It was developed by experts in the fields of healthcare, hospital management, medical information, health policy, law, and medical ethics from nearly 30 leading domestic medical and academic research institutions, based on relevant domestic and international laws and regulations as well as the practices of medical institutions. It aims to provide medical institutions with a scientific, standardized, and secure deployment guideline to ensure that the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare, including but not limited to DeepSeek, conforms to the unique characteristics of the healthcare industry and effectively promotes the improvement of medical service levels. From the three aspects of pre-deployment evaluation, deployment implementation, and post-deployment management and monitoring, the key factors that medical institutions should consider when introducing DeepSeek were elaborated in detail, including medical demand compatibility, technical capabilities and infrastructure, legal and ethical risks, data preparation and management, model selection and optimization, system integration and training, performance monitoring and continuous optimization, risk management and emergency response, as well as compliance review and evaluation. This provides a comprehensive deployment framework for medical institutions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of technology applications.

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