1.Effect and mechanism of compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix on ferroptosis in T2DM insulin resistance rats
Shuang WEI ; Feng HAO ; Wenchun ZHANG ; Zhangyang ZHAO ; Ji LI ; Dongwei HAN ; Huan XING
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):57-63
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and potential mechanism of the compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix on ferroptosis of liver cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) insulin resistance (IR) rats. METHODS Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (12 rats) and modeling group (48 rats). The modeling group was fed with a high- fat diet for 4 consecutive weeks and then given a one-time tail vein injection of 1% streptozotocin to establish T2DM IR model. The model rats were randomly divided into model group, the compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group [QG group, 4.05 g/(kg·d), intragastric administration], ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 group [Fer-1 group, 5 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, once every other day], the compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix+ferroptosis inducer erastin group [QG+erastin group, 4.05 g/(kg·d) by intragastric administration+erastin 10 mg/(kg·d), intraperitoneal injection]. After 4 weeks of intervention, serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (FINS) were measured in each group of rats, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the natural logarithm of insulin action index(IAI) were calculated; the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), Fe2+ and Fe content, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, NADP+/NADPH ratio and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined. The pathological morphology of its liver tissue was observed; the protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3 (ACSL3), ACSL4, ferritin mitochondrial (FTMT), and cystine/glutamate anti-porter (xCT) in the liver tissue of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with control group, the liver cells in the model group of rats showed disordered arrangement, swelling, deepened nuclear staining, and more infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as a large number of hepatocyte vacuoles and steatosis; FBG (after medication), the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT, FINS, MDA and ROS, HOMA-IR, Fe2+ and Fe content, NADP+/NADPH ratio and protein expression of ACSL4 were significantly increased or up-regulated, while the levels of HDL-C, GSH and SOD, IAI, protein expressions of GPX4, FTH1, ACSL3, FTMT and xCT were significantly reduced or down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both QG group and Fer-1 group showed varying degrees of improvement in pathological damage of liver tissue and the levels of the above indicators, the differences in the changes of most indicators were statistically significant (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared with QG group, the improvement of the above indexes of QG+erastin group had been reversed significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The compatibility decoction of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix can reduce the level of FBG in T2DM IR rats, and alleviate IR degree, ion overload and pathological damage of liver tissue. The above effects are related to the inhibition of ferroptosis.
2.Dipsacus asper Treats Alzheimer's Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans by Regulating PPARα/TFEB Pathway
Mengmeng WANG ; Jianping ZHAO ; Limin WU ; Shuang CHU ; Yanli HUANG ; Zhenghao CUI ; Yiran SUN ; Pan WANG ; Hui WANG ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Zhishen XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):104-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effect of Dipsacus asper(DA) in the Caenorhabditis elegans model, and decipher the underlying mechanism via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)/transcription factor EB (TFEB) pathway. MethodsFirst, transgenic AD C. elegans individuals were assigned into the blank control, model, positive control (WY14643, 20 µmol·L-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (100, 200, and 400 mg·L-1, respectively) DA groups. The amyloid β-42 (Aβ42) formation in the muscle cells, the paralysis time, and the deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the head were detected. The lysosomal autophagy in the BV2 cell model was examined by Rluc-LC3wt/G120A. The expression levels of lysosomal autophagy-related proteins LC3Ⅱ, LC3I, LAMP2, and TFEB were detected by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of autophagy-related genes beclin1 and Atg5 and lysosome-related genes LAMP2 and CLN2 downstream of PPARα/TFEB. A reporter gene assay was used to detect the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of PPARα, and the active components of the ethanol extract of DA were identified by UPLC-MS. RCSB PDB, Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and Autodock were used to analyze the binding between the active components and PPARα-ligand-binding domain (LBD). ResultsCompared with the model group, the positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed prolonged paralysis time (P<0.05), and all the treatment groups showed decreased Aβ deposition in the head (P<0.01). DA within the concentration range of 50-500 mg·L-1 did not affect the viability of BV2 cells. In addition, DA enhanced the autophagy flux (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA levels of beclin1, Atg5, LAMP2, and CLN2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), promoted the nuclear translocation of TFEB (P<0.05), increased LAMP2 expression and autophagy flux (P<0.05, P<0.01), and enhanced the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB (P<0.01). The positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed enhanced fluorescence intensity of PPARα in the BV2 nucleus (P<0.01). UPLC-MS detected nine known compounds of DA, from which 8 active components of DA were screened out. The docking results suggested that a variety of components in DA could bind to PPARα-LBD and form stable hydrogen bonds. ConclusionDA may reduce the pathological changes in AD by regulating the PPARα-TFEB pathway.
3.Effect of central positioning techniques for anterior capsulotomy in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery on intraocular placement and visual quality
Shuaishuai LIU ; Wei ZHOU ; Xiaochen DING ; Shuang ZHANG ; Qiangqiang CHI ; Yong LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):523-529
AIM: To examine how three distinct central positioning techniques for anterior capsulotomy-pupil center, limbus center, and lens apex-affect intraocular lens(IOL)placement and visual quality following femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery(FLACS).METHODS: A total of 36 patients(72 eyes)with age-related cataracts who underwent FLACS and ZCB00 aspherical IOL implantation at Aier Eye Hospital Medical Center, Anhui Medical University between January and December 2023 were included in this prospective study. Patients were divided into three groups based on the central positioning mode for anterior capsulotomy: pupil center, limbus center, and lens apex center groups. IOL alignment and displacement were evaluated using the Casia2 device, and the postoperative visual quality was assessed.RESULTS: At 1 d postoperatively, the IOL tilt for the pupil, limbus, and apex groups were 3.96°±1.51°, 4.63°±1.87°, and 3.90°±2.24°, respectively(F=1.07, P=0.35); IOL decentration values were 0.21±0.10 mm, 0.23±0.16 mm, and 0.21±0.12 mm, respectively(F=0.14, P=0.87); total higher-order aberrations were 0.32±0.40 μm, 0.56±0.61 μm, and 0.53±0.60 μm, respectively(F=1.38, P=0.26); and coma aberrations values were 0.13±0.10 μm, 0.16±0.15 μm, and 0.14±0.15 μm, respectively(F=0.3, P=0.74). All results obtained postoperative day 1 did not differ significantly. At 3 mo postoperatively, IOL tilt values were 5.42°±2.00°, 3.96°±1.44°, and 3.20°±1.19°, respectively(F=12.40, P<0.001); IOL decentration values were 0.33±0.07 mm, 0.23±0.11 mm, and 0.21±0.11 mm, respectively(F=4.99, P=0.008); total higher-order aberrations were 0.67±0.29 μm, 0.44±0.37 μm, and 0.42±0.19 μm, respectively(F=5.50, P=0.006); and coma aberrations values were 0.21±0.12 μm, 0.19±0.12 μm, and 0.12±0.11 μm, respectively(F=3.87, P=0.03). All results obtained 3 mo postoperatively were statistically significant.CONCLUSION: Using the lens apex as the central positioning mode for anterior capsulotomy in FLACS improves postoperative IOL stability and reduces postoperative IOL tilt and decentration. If the lens apex cannot be determined intraoperatively, the limbus center-positioning mode is recommended.
4.Progress in the detection of latent tuberculosis infection
Shuang ZHANG ; Hong ZHAO ; Meixia YANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):94-99
ObjectiveTo introduce the three main techniques for tuberculosis screening currently used in China, to systematically evaluate their accuracy in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), so as to provide scientific basis and recommendations for the formulation of China’s tuberculosis screening strategy. MethodsLiterature on the diagnosis of tuberculosis by tuberculin skin test (TST), interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), and recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion protein (EC) skin test from January 1, 2010 to August 22, 2024 was comprehensively retrieved from PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Database through computerized search. Besides, all the literature was screened in accordance to the inclusion criteria for diagnostic tests, and characteristic information of the literature selected was extracted simultaneously. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software, with a random-effects model used for weighted quantitative synthesis of included literature, calculating pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). ResultsA total of 543 relevant articles were retrieved, with 105 ultimately included. Among them, 33 articles reported diagnostic data for TST, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.68 (95%CI: 0.62‒0.73), specificity of 0.67 (95%CI: 0.60‒0.73), positive likelihood ratio of 2.0 (95%CI: 1.7‒2.5), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.48 (95%CI: 0.40‒0.58). Ninety-four articles reported the diagnostic value of IGRAs test, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.88 (95%CI: 0.87‒0.89), specificity of 0.82 (95%CI: 0.79‒0.84), positive likelihood ratio of 4.8 (95%CI: 4.2‒5.6), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.15 (95%CI: 0.13‒0.17). Data on EC skin test was limited, but preliminary analysis showed that it had high sensitivity and specificity. ConclusionIGRA has a significant advantage in diagnosing LTBI, and EC skin test also shows good diagnostic performance, although relevant data is limited. TST remains suitable for large-scale screening due to its cost-effectiveness.
5.Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside on renal injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy
Chong ZHANG ; Chundong SONG ; Mo WANG ; Shuang LIANG ; Xiaoxiao GUO ; Hanhan ZHANG ; Peijia LI ; Ke SONG ; Chenchen CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):815-819
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TWM) on renal injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats through tumor protein p53/microRNA-214 (miR-214)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) axis. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=6) and modeling group (n=28); the modeling group was fed with high fat and high glucose plus intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish DN model. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, valsartan group [8.33 mg/(kg·d)] and TWM group[6.25 mg/(kg·d)], with 8 rats in each group. Rats in each group were gavaged with the corresponding medication or normal saline, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, liver and renal function indexes [24 h urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT)], blood lipid indexes (triglycerides, total cholesterol) and blood glucose index (fasting blood glucose) in urine/blood sample of rats were detected in each group. Renal pathologic change was observed, protein and mRNA expressions of p53, ULK1, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and expression of miR-214 in renal tissue were also determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the renal tubular epithelium of rats in the model group showed obvious edema, cell swelling, accompanied by lymphocyte infiltration; the levels of 24h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 in rats in the model group and administration groups were significantly increased or up-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1, Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased or down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the histopathological damage of the kidney in rats was improved in administration groups; the levels of 24 h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 were all significantly decreased or down-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1 and Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TG can alleviate renal damage in DN rats, and improve their liver and renal function, as well as glucose and lipid levels. These effects may be related to the regulation of the p53/miR-214/ULK1 axis and the restoration of cellular autophagy.
6.External review of the recommendations of the Guidelines for Evidence-based Use of Biological Agents for the Clinical Treatment of Osteoporosis: a cross-sectional survey
Lingling YU ; Shuang LIU ; Zaiwei SONG ; Qiusha YI ; Yu ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Zhenlin ZHANG ; Chunli SONG ; Yaolong CHEN ; Lingli ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1025-1029
OBJECTIVE To assess the scientific rigor, clarity and feasibility of the recommendations of the Guidelines for Evidence-based Use of Biological Agents for the Clinical Treatment of Osteoporosis (hereinafter referred to as the Guideline) through external review, in order to further revise and improve the Guideline recommendations. METHODS This study employed a cross-sectional survey research design, a convenience sampling method was adopted to select frontline medical workers in the field of osteoporosis (including clinical doctors, clinical pharmacists, and nurses) as well as patients or their family members. External review was conducted through a combination of closed-ended and open-ended electronic questionnaires to get feedback from them on the appreciation,clarity and feasibility of the 32 preliminary recommendations in the Guideline. RESULTS A total of 90 external review subjects from 15 hospitals were collected, including 45 clinical doctors, 15 clinical pharmacists, 15 nurses and 15 patients or their family members. The overall appreciation degree of recommendations was 99.38%, the overall clarity degree of recommendations was 98.92%, and the overall feasibility degree of recommendations was 99.65%. At the same time, 111 subjective suggestions were collected, which provided an important reference for the further improvement of the Guideline recommendations. Based on the above feedback, the Guideline steering committee and core expert group revised the wording of 12 draft recommendations without deletion, and finally determined 32 recommendations. CONCLUSIONS The external review provides an important basis for the final formation of the Guideline, further improves the scientific rigor, clarity and feasibility of the recommendations, and ensures the standardization, practicality and implementability of the Guideline.
7.Study on meal preferences of school aged children based on discrete choice experiment
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):45-49
Objective:
To explore the relative importance of different food attributes and levels in food decision making of school aged children, and to understand their meal preferences, so as to provide the evidence for formulating precise intervention strategies for dietary behaviours of school aged children.
Methods:
From May to June 2024, a total of 854 children aged 11 to 15 years old were selected from 2 middle schools (each school in urban and rural areas) in both Hubei Province and Anhui Province by stratified cluster random sampling method to conduct a D-optimal discrete choice experiment. The mixed Logit model was used to analyze children s preference for meal attributes and different levels, and to calculate the relative importance (RI) of attributes and willingness to pay (WTP) in meal choices.
Results:
The included five food attributes had statistical significance on meal choice of school aged children ( P <0.05). The relative importance of food attributes affecting the meal choices of school aged children in descending order were dining mode ( RI =31.26%), food varieties ( RI =30.56%), cooking method( RI =23.84%), taste( RI =8.06%) and price ( RI =6.27%). Among them, school aged children preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.74) (WTP=86.3 yuan),varied foods(grain/tubers+vegetables+fish, meat, eggs and beans) ( β =0.61) (WTP=71.9 yuan), fried/roasted cooking ( β =0.51) and spicy taste ( β =0.33).Price was negatively correlated with meal choices( β =-0.01) ( P <0.05). Based on residential area and body mass index (BMI), the stratified analysis showed that dining mode was highest in the relative importance for rural children with overweight and obese children ( RI =31.28%,34.17%), both of whom preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.76, 0.91), and meals containing fish, meat, eggs and beans with grain/tubers or grain/tubers and vegetables in terms of food choice (area: β =0.53, 0.53 ; BMI: β =0.55, 0.56) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
School aged children have different preferences for different attributes of meals. The quality of school meals should be improved,the cost of buying healthy meals should be reduced,targeted family health education should be carried out,and healthy cooking methods should be advocated.
8.LIU Shangyi's Experience in Treating Pruritus Vulvae Using Self-Prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方)
Xiao LIU ; Zhaozhao HUA ; Yiyuan ZHOU ; Taiwei ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Shuang HUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Kaiyang XUE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):992-995
To summarize the clinical experience of Professor LIU Shangyi in treating pruritus vulvae. It is believed that women have the physiological characteristics of liver and kidney as the root, and their pubic area is easily attacked by wind-dampness pathogenic qi, so the core mechanism of pruritus vulvae is proposed as wind-dampness accumulation and deficiency of liver and kidney. The core treatment method is to dispel wind-dampness and nourish the liver and kidneys, and modify the Danggui Decoction (当归饮子) to form a self-prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方) as the basic prescription to treat pruritus vulvaen.
9.Formulation and Compatibility Laws of 60 Commonly Used Tonic Prescriptions from Perspective of Tangye Jingfa Tu
Hongye GUO ; Shuang ZHANG ; Rui JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):217-223
ObjectiveAccording to the theory of medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Tangye Jingfa Tu, implying that all tonic prescriptions should primarily feature sweetness. However, the "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy" recorded in Mnemonic Aids for Medical Practice (Fuxingjue) proposes that each of the Zangfu organs has a corresponding tonifying flavor, i.e., pungent for the liver, salty for the heart, sweet for the spleen, sour for the lungs, and bitter for the kidneys. Therefore, deficiency syndromes of different organs should be primarily addressed with specific medicinal flavors. This study applies this theoretical framework to analyze the formulation and compatibility principles and efficacy positioning of commonly used TCM tonic prescriptions, providing a reference for differentiated clinical medication. MethodsA database of tonic prescriptions was established based on the textbook Science of Prescriptions. Excel software was used to separately calculate the number of medicinal types, frequency of use, flavors, and proportional composition of the prescriptions. The prescriptions were categorized to determine their compatibility structures and functional characteristics. ResultsA total of 60 prescriptions were included, classified into six categories, involving 110 medicinal types with 469 instances of use. From the perspective of the "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy", different tonic prescriptions exhibit distinct dominant medicinal flavors and organ associations. Specifically, 15 Qi-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "sweet flavor" to tonify the spleen. Nine blood-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "pungent-salty flavor" to tonify the liver and heart. Seven Qi-and-blood-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "sweet-pungent flavor" to tonify the spleen and liver. Nineteen Yin-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "bitter-sour flavor" to tonify the kidneys and lungs. Seven Yang-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "pungent-bitter flavor" to tonify the liver and kidneys. Three Yin-and-Yang-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "bitter-pungent-sweet flavor" to tonify the kidneys, liver, and spleen. ConclusionThe "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy" clearly illustrates the formulation and compatibility principles and key differences among various tonic prescriptions, indicating that not all tonic prescriptions are predominantly sweet in flavor. This provides new insights for the clinical modification and application of tonic prescriptions.
10.Formulation and Compatibility Laws of 60 Commonly Used Tonic Prescriptions from Perspective of Tangye Jingfa Tu
Hongye GUO ; Shuang ZHANG ; Rui JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):217-223
ObjectiveAccording to the theory of medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Tangye Jingfa Tu, implying that all tonic prescriptions should primarily feature sweetness. However, the "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy" recorded in Mnemonic Aids for Medical Practice (Fuxingjue) proposes that each of the Zangfu organs has a corresponding tonifying flavor, i.e., pungent for the liver, salty for the heart, sweet for the spleen, sour for the lungs, and bitter for the kidneys. Therefore, deficiency syndromes of different organs should be primarily addressed with specific medicinal flavors. This study applies this theoretical framework to analyze the formulation and compatibility principles and efficacy positioning of commonly used TCM tonic prescriptions, providing a reference for differentiated clinical medication. MethodsA database of tonic prescriptions was established based on the textbook Science of Prescriptions. Excel software was used to separately calculate the number of medicinal types, frequency of use, flavors, and proportional composition of the prescriptions. The prescriptions were categorized to determine their compatibility structures and functional characteristics. ResultsA total of 60 prescriptions were included, classified into six categories, involving 110 medicinal types with 469 instances of use. From the perspective of the "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy", different tonic prescriptions exhibit distinct dominant medicinal flavors and organ associations. Specifically, 15 Qi-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "sweet flavor" to tonify the spleen. Nine blood-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "pungent-salty flavor" to tonify the liver and heart. Seven Qi-and-blood-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "sweet-pungent flavor" to tonify the spleen and liver. Nineteen Yin-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "bitter-sour flavor" to tonify the kidneys and lungs. Seven Yang-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "pungent-bitter flavor" to tonify the liver and kidneys. Three Yin-and-Yang-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "bitter-pungent-sweet flavor" to tonify the kidneys, liver, and spleen. ConclusionThe "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy" clearly illustrates the formulation and compatibility principles and key differences among various tonic prescriptions, indicating that not all tonic prescriptions are predominantly sweet in flavor. This provides new insights for the clinical modification and application of tonic prescriptions.


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