1.Retrospective analysis of adverse events associated with traditional Chinese medicine formula granules and decoction pieces in hospitalized patients using the global trigger tool
Yaxiong LI ; Fusang WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Jiawei LIN ; Wenge CHEN ; Min HUANG ; Junyan WU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):606-611
OBJECTIVE To provide technical support for improving recognition rate of adverse drug events (ADEs) related to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula granules and decoction pieces among inpatient patients. METHODS By referencing the global trigger tool (GTT) whitepaper, literature on adverse reactions to TCM, and expert review opinions, ADE trigger items for TCM formula granules and decoction pieces used in the inpatients were established. GTT was applied to analyze ADEs in inpatients who had used TCM formula granules and decoction pieces in our hospital from August 2013 to August 2023, utilizing the Chinese Hospital Pharmacovigilance System. The effectiveness of GTT and the characteristics of these ADEs were analyzed. RESULTS A total of forty-eight triggers were established, including thirty-two laboratory test indexes, thirteen clinical symptoms, and three antidotes. Among the 1 682 patients included, GTT identified 652 potential ADEs, 284 true positive ADEs,with a trigger rate of 38.76% and a positive predictive value of 43.56%. After review by the auditor, 278 cases of ADEs were finally confirmed, with an incidence rate of 16.53%, significantly higher than the number of spontaneously reported ADEs during the same period (0). The 278 cases of ADEs were mostly grade 1 (223 cases), mainly involving hepatobiliary system, gastrointestinal system, blood- lymphatic system, etc;a total of 219 types of TCMs are involved,and the top five suspected TCMs used at a frequency higher than 1% were Poria cocos, Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Scutellaria baicalensis. CONCLUSIONS The established GTT can improve the recognition rate of ADEs for hospitalized patients using traditional Chinese medicine formula granules and decoction pieces.
2.Advances in oral distant targeted nanodelivery systems
Min SUN ; Chuan-sheng HUANG ; Li-ping WANG ; Xu-li RUAN ; Yun-li ZHAO ; Xin-chun WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):72-81
Due to patient compliance and convenience, oral medication is likely the most common and acceptable method of drug administration. However, traditional dosage forms such as tablets or capsules may lead to low drug bioavailability and poor therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, with advancements in material science and micro/nano manufacturing technology, various carriers have been developed to enhance drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, we initially discuss the key biological factors that hinder drug transport and absorption (including anatomical, physical, and biological factors). Building on this foundation, recent progress in both conventional and innovative oral drug delivery routes aimed at improving drug bioavailability and targeting is reviewed. Finally, we explore future prospects for oral drug delivery systems as well as potential challenges in clinical translation.
3.MiRSNP in MGMT 3′ untranslated region regulates low-dose radiation-induced senescence in lung cells
Lingyu ZHANG ; Yashi CAI ; Huixian LI ; Min ZHANG ; Changyong WEN ; Weixu HUANG ; Huifeng CHEN ; Jianming ZOU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):25-32
Objective To investigate the role of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene-3′ untranslated region (UTR) microRNA-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (miRSNP) (rs7896488 G>A) in affecting miR-4297-targeted modulation of MGMT in senescence of lung cells with polymorphic genotypes induced by fractionated low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR). Methods i) MiRSNPs were predicted and screened using bioinformatics, and DNA from two types of lung cells, A549 cells and human bronchial epithelioid cells (HBE cells), was extracted for target gene sequencing. After co-transfection of pGL3c-MGMT-3′UTR-rs7896488 G>A reporter gene recombinant plasmid, pRL-TK Vector with micrON mimic NC #22 or micrON hsa-miR-4297 mimic (set up as the mimic NC group and the miR-4297 mimic group) in these two types of lung cells, dual luciferase reporter gene assay was performed. The relative expression of MGMT mRNA was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the relative expression of MGMT protein was detected by Western blotting. ii) These two types of lung cells were randomly divided into the control group and irradiation group, which received either 0 or 100 mGy X-rays irradiation seven times. After irradiation, the cells were transfected with either micrON mimic NC #22 or micrON hsa-miR-4297 mimic, resulting in mimic NC + control group, miR-4297 mimic + control group, mimic NC + irradiation group, and miR-4297 mimic + irradiation group. Cells were collected for senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, and the relative expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand-1 (CXCL-1) proteins was detected via Western blotting. Results i) The rs7896488 G>A was the miRSNP located in the conserved binding region targeted by miR-4297 in the MGMT gene 3′UTR. A549 cells were the rs7896488 GG wild-type homozygous genotype, while HBE cells were the rs7896488 GA heterozygous mutant genotype. In the miR-4297 mimic group, A549 and HBE cells carrying the rs7896488 G allele showed significantly lower dual-luciferase activity compared with that in the mimic NC group (both P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in dual-luciferase activity between the two groups in both A549 and HBE cells carrying the rs7896488 A allele (both P>0.05). The relative expression levels of MGMT mRNA and MGMT protein of A549 cells in the miR-4297 mimic group were lower than those in the mimic NC group (both P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in MGMT mRNA and MGMT protein of HBE cells between these two groups (both P>0.05). ii) The relative activity of SA-β-Gal and the relative expression of MMP-9 and CXCL-1 proteins of A549 cells in the miR-4297 mimic+irradiation group were higher than those in the mimic NC + control group, the miR-4297 mimic + control group, and the mimic NC + irradiation group (all P<0.05). The relative activity of SA-β-Gal and the relative expression of MMP-9 and CXCL-1 proteins of HBE cells in the miR-4297 mimic + irradiation group were higher than those in the mimic NC + control group and the miR-4297 mimic + control group (all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference compared with those in the mimic NC + irradiation group (all P>0.05). Conclusion MGMT-3′UTR-miRSNP rs7896488 G>A plays a role in LDIR-induced senescence of lung cells with different polymorphic genotypes by affecting miR-4297-targeted regulation of MGMT.
4.The two-year follow up study on the association between new caries risk in school aged children and multi dimensional sleep indicators
LU Xiuzhen, HUANG Chuanlong, LI Yang, ZUO Min, SUN Ying, CHEN Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):579-583
Objective:
To explore the prospective association between multidimensional sleep indicators and the risk of newlyonset dental caries, providing a reference for childrens oral healthrelated sleep intervention.
Methods:
In October 2021, 1 417 students in grades 1 to 4 (aged 6 to 11) from two elementary schools in Bengbu, Anhui Province, were selected by cluster sampling method. Surveys and followup visits were conducted at baseline (T1), November 2022 (T2), May 2023 (T3), and November 2023 (T4), respectively, including parental questionnaires, oral health and physical examination. Bedtime, sleep duration, sleep midpoint, social jet lag, weekend catchup sleep, and sleep habits were collected and calculated. A multifactorial Cox proportional risk regression model was used to analyze the association between multidimensional sleep indicators and newlyonset caries in schoolaged children after 2 years.
Results:
The prevalence of dental caries in children was 65.1% at baseline, and the prevalence was 59.0% at the end of the 2year followup. Cox proportional risk regression model showed that for every 1point increase in the childrens bedtime resistance, nocturnal awakenings, parasomnias, and daytime sleepiness scores, the risk of newlyonset caries increased by 12% (HR=1.12, 95%CI=1.08-1.15), 22% (HR=1.22, 95%CI=1.15-1.29), 12% (HR=1.12, 95%CI=1.08-1.17), and 15% (HR=1.15, 95%CI=1.12-1.19), respectively; the risk of newlyonset caries increased by 23% for each 1 h increase in the length of weekend catchup sleep (HR=1.23, 95%CI=1.14 -1.33); compared with children who went to bed before 21:00 on school days, those who went to bed later than 22:00 had a 57% higher risk of newlyonset caries (HR=1.57, 95%CI=1.22-2.03). Compared to children who slept adequately (≥9 h/d), those with insufficient sleep had a 67% higher risk of new caries (HR=1.67, 95%CI=1.43-1.95) (P<0.01).
Conclusions
These findings suggest a significant association between sleep patterns/sleep disorders and the development of childhood dental caries. Incorporating sleep behavior optimization and sleep quality improvement into comprehensive caries prevention and oral health management protocols may represent a promising intervention strategy to enhance childrens oral health outcomes.
5.Analysis of Disease Burden and Attributable Risk Factors of Early-onset Female Breast Cancer in China and Globally from 1990 to 2021
Danqi HUANG ; Min YANG ; Wei XIONG ; Jingyi LIU ; Wanqing CHEN ; Jingbo ZHAI ; Jiang LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):777-784
To analyze the disease burden, temporal trends, and attributable risk factors of early-onset female breast cancer (EOBC) in China and globally from 1990 to 2021. Data on the absolute numbers and crude rates of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for EOBC (diagnosis age < 50 years) in China and globally were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Attributable DALY proportions for five risk factors (smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, high red meat consumption, elevated fasting plasma glucose) and all combined risk factors were obtained. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to assess temporal trends in age-standardized rates, quantified by annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC). From 1990 to 2021, age-standardized incidence rates of EOBC increased significantly in both China (AAPC=2.25%) and globally (AAPC=0.64%; pairwise comparison, China's age-standardized EOBC incidence is rising rapidly and approaching global levels, while mortality and DALY rates have increased over the past decade, underscoring persistent challenges in disease control. Future efforts should prioritize expanding the coverage of breast cancer screening programs, optimizing screening protocols, and enhancing public awareness of cancer prevention to mitigate the growing burden of EOBC in China.
6.Research on software development and smart manufacturing platform incorporating near-infrared spectroscopy for measuring traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing process.
Yan-Fei WU ; Hui XU ; Kai-Yi WANG ; Hui-Min FENG ; Xiao-Yi LIU ; Nan LI ; Zhi-Jian ZHONG ; Ze-Xiu ZHANG ; Zhi-Sheng WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2324-2333
Process analytical technology(PAT) is a key means for digital transformation and upgrading of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) manufacturing process, serving as an important guarantee for consistent and controllable TCM product quality. Near-infrared(NIR) spectroscopy has become the core technology for measuring the TCM manufacturing process. By incorporating NIR spectroscopy into PAT and starting from the construction of a smart platform for the TCM manufacturing process, this paper systematically described the development history and innovative application of the combination of NIR spectroscopy with chemometrics in measuring the TCM manufacturing process by the research team over the past two decades. Additionally, it explored the application of a validation method based on accuracy profile(AP) in the practice of NIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the software development progress driven by NIR spectroscopy supported by modeling technology was analyzed, and the prospect of integrating NIR spectroscopy in smart factory control platforms was exemplified with the construction practices of related platforms. By integrating with the smart platform, NIR spectroscopy could improve production efficiency and guarantee product quality. Finally, the prospect of the smart platform application in measuring the TCM manufacturing process was projected. It is believed that the software development for NIR spectroscopy and the smart manufacturing platform will provide strong technical support for TCM digitalization and industrialization.
Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis*
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Software
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Quality Control
7.Analysis of impact of host plants on quality of Taxilli Herba based on widely targeted metabolomics.
Dong-Lan ZHOU ; Zi-Shu CHAI ; Mei RU ; Fei-Ying HUANG ; Xie-Jun ZHANG ; Min GUO ; Yong-Hua LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3281-3290
This study aims to explore the impact of host plants on the quality of Taxilli Herba and provide a theoretical basis for the quality control of Taxilli Herba. The components of Taxilli Herba from three different host plants(Morus alba, Salix babylonica, and Cinnamomum cassia) and its 3 hosts(mulberry branch, willow branch, and cinnamon branch) were detected by widely targeted metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS). Principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and Venn diagram were employed for analysis. A total of 717 metabolites were detected in Taxilli Herba from the three host plants and the branches of these host plants by UPLC-MS/MS. The results of PCA and OPLS-DA of Taxilli Herba from the three different host plants showed an obvious separation trend due to the different effects of host plants. The Venn diagram showed that there were 32, 8, and 26 characteristic metabolites in samples of Taxilli Herba from M. alba host, S. babylonica host, and C. cassia host, respectively. It was found by comparing the characteristic metabolites of Taxilli Herba and its hosts that each host transmits its characteristic components to Taxilli Herba, so that the Taxilli Herba contains the characteristic components of the host. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the differential metabolites of Taxilli Herba from the three hosts were mainly enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Furthermore, the differential metabolites enriching pathways of Taxilli Herba from the three hosts were different depending on the host. In a word, host plants have a significant impact on the metabolites of Taxilli Herba, and it may be an important factor for the quality of Taxilli Herba.
Metabolomics/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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Quality Control
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Salix/chemistry*
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Cinnamomum aromaticum/metabolism*
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Principal Component Analysis
8.Identification and expression analysis of seed dehydration tolerance and PLD gene family in Panax medicinal plants.
Chao-Lin LI ; Min HUANG ; Na GE ; Qing-Yan WANG ; Jin-Shan JIA ; Ting LUO ; Jin-Yan ZHANG ; Ping ZHOU ; Jun-Wen CHEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3307-3321
Panax species are mostly valuable medicinal plants. While some species' seeds are sensitive to dehydration, the dehydration tolerance of seeds from other Panax species remains unclear. The phospholipase D(PLD) gene plays an important role in plant responses to dehydration stress. However, the characteristics of the PLD gene family and their mechanisms of response to dehydration stress in seeds of Panax species with different dehydration tolerances are not well understood. This study used seeds from eight Panax species to measure the germination rates and PLD activity after dehydration and to analyze the correlation between dehydration tolerance and seed traits. Bioinformatics analysis was also conducted to characterize the PnPLD and PvPLD gene families and to evaluate their expression patterns under dehydration stress. The dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds was ranked from high to low as follows: P. ginseng, P. zingiberensis, P. quinquefolius, P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, P. japonicus var. angustifolius, P. japonicus, P. notoginseng, and P. stipuleanatus. A significant negative correlation was found between dehydration tolerance and seed shape(three-dimensional variance), with flatter seeds exhibiting stronger dehydration tolerance(r=-0.792). Eighteen and nineteen PLD members were identified in P. notoginseng and P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, respectively. These members were classified into five isoforms: α, β, γ, δ, and ζ. The gene structures, subcellular localization, physicochemical properties, and other characteristics of PnPLD and PvPLD were similar. Both promoters contained regulatory elements associated with plant growth and development, hormone responses, and both abiotic and biotic stress. During dehydration, the PLD enzyme activity in P. notoginseng seeds gradually increased as the water content decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, PLD activity first decreased and then increased. The expression of PLDα and PLDδ in P. notoginseng seeds initially increased and then decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, the expression of PLDα and PLDδ consistently decreased. In conclusion, the dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds showed a significant negative correlation with seed shape. The dehydration tolerance in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus and dehydration sensitivity of P. notoginseng seeds may be related to differences in PLD enzyme activity and the expression of PLDα and PLDδ genes. This study provided the first systematic comparison of dehydration tolerance in Panax seeds and analyzed the causes of tolerance differences and the optimal water content for long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures, thus providing a theoretical basis for the short-term and ultra-low temperature long-term storage of medicinal plant seeds with varying dehydration tolerances.
Seeds/metabolism*
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Panax/physiology*
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Plant Proteins/metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Phospholipase D/metabolism*
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Plants, Medicinal/enzymology*
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Germination
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Multigene Family
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Water/metabolism*
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Dehydration
;
Phylogeny
9.Effects of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation on differentially expressed genes in ferroptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells
Min ZHANG ; Lingyu ZHANG ; Yashi CAI ; Huixian LI ; Yanting CHEN ; Guanyou CHEN ; Xin LAN ; Changyong WEN ; Weixu HUANG ; Jianming ZOU ; Huifeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):310-317
Objective To investigate the effects of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) on the ferroptosis in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells as well as the associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), biological processes, and signaling pathways. Methods HBE cells were exposed to different single doses of X-ray irradiation (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mGy) for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The change in cell viability was detected by MTT assay. Cells were irradiated with 0, 25, 50, and 100 mGy X-rays 5 times, with 48 h between each irradiation and a dose rate of 50 mGy/min. Cells were harvested 24 h after irradiation for the measurement of the expression of ferroptosis-related genes SLC7A11 and GPX4 at the mRNA and protein levels, cellular iron content, and the expression of FTH1 and FTL mRNAs. High-throughput sequencing was used to screen for the DEGs in each dose group, followed by Gene Ontology-Biological Process (GO-BP) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Results Compared with the control group, single-dose LDIR significantly increased cell proliferation at 75 mGy after 24 h (P < 0.05), at 50, 75, and 100 mGy after 48 h (P < 0.05), and at 75 and 100 mGy after 72 h (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, at the end of the fifth fractionated LDIR, SLC7A11 and GPX4 mRNAs decreased at all doses (P < 0.05), SLC7A11 protein decreased at all doses, GPX4 protein decreased at 25 and 100 mGy, iron content increased at all doses, and FTH1 and FTL mRNAs decreased at all doses (P< 0.05). Sequencing analysis identified 248, 30, and 291 DEGs and 10, 2, and 9 ferroptosis-associated genes at the three doses compared to the control. Gene Ontology-Biological Process analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes such as response to lipids, cell death, and response to unfolded proteins. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, lipids and atherosclerosis, ferroptosis, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and FoxO signaling pathway. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in ferroptosis, fatty acid degradation, and glutathione metabolism. Conclusion Fractionated low-dose radiation induced ferroptosis in HBE cells, and DEGs were predominantly enriched in biological processes and signaling pathways related to inflammation, ferroptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
10.Cerium single-atom catalysts-armed Lactobacillus reuteri for multipronged anti-inflammatory/anti-fibrotic therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.
Yinying PU ; Shaorong HUANG ; Shuang GAO ; Yangying DUAN ; Wenhao LI ; Qiyue LI ; Han LIN ; Kun ZHANG ; Min ZHOU ; Wencheng WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5400-5415
Simultaneous management of intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota dysregulation represents a significant challenge in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Herein, we report a novel system that integrates multi-enzyme mimicking cerium single-atom nanocatalysts (CeSACs) with Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics (LR@CeSACs) for multipronged management of IBD. In this system, CeSACs demonstrate robust multi-enzyme activities across a broad pH range, effectively scavenging elevated reactive oxygen species, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and suppressing the expression of fibrosis-related genes. Moreover, probiotics promote the targeting and retention of the CeSACs for sustained catalytic antioxidant therapy. In turn, the inflammation relief enabled by CeSACs promotes bacterial viability, allowing for the rapid reshaping of intestinal barrier function and the restoration of gut microbiota. Therefore, LR@CeSACs exhibit excellent catalytic anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapeutic effects, as well as a certain prophylactic effect, as demonstrated in several murine models.


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