1.Compound Xishu Granules Inhibit Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating Ferroptosis
Yuan TIAN ; Yuxi WANG ; Zhen LIU ; Yuncheng MA ; Hongyu ZHU ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Qian LI ; Jian GAO ; Weiling WANG ; Wenhui XU ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):37-45
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of compound Xishu granules (CXG) in inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating ferroptosis. MethodsThe transplanted tumor model of human Huh7 was established with nude mice and the successfully modeled mice were randomized into model, Fufang Banmao (0.21 g·kg-1), low-dose (1.87 g·kg-1) CXG, medium-dose (3.74 g·kg-1) CXG, and high-dose (7.49 g·kg-1) CXG groups. Mice were administrated with drinking water or CXG for 28 days, and the body weight and tumor volume were measured every 4 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of tumors. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to examine the survival rate of Huh7 cells treated with different concentrations (0, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1 000 mg·L-1) of CXG for 24 h and 48 h. CA-AM, DCFH-DA, and C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probes were used to determine the intracellular levels of ferrous ion (Fe2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxide (LPO), respectively. The colorimetric method was employed to measure the levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), respectively. ResultsIn the animal experiment, compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reductions in the tumor volume from day 12 (P<0.01). After treatment, the Fufang Banmao and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups had lower tumor volume, relative tumor volume, and tumor weight than the model group (P<0.05), with tumor inhibition rates of 48.99%, 79.93%, 91.38%, and 97.36%, respectively. Moreover, the CXG groups had lower tumor volume and relative tumor volume (P<0.05 in all the three dose groups) and lower tumor weight (P<0.05 in medium-dose and high-dose groups) than the Fufang Banmao group. Compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reduced number of tumor cells, necrotic foci with karyopyknosis, nuclear fragmentation, and nucleolysis, and the high-dose CXG group showed an increase in the proportion of interstitial fibroblasts. In the cell experiment, compared with the blank group, CXG reduced the survival rate of Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner after incubation for 24 h and 48 h (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed a decrease in the relative fluorescence intensity of CA-AM and increases in the fluorescence intensity of DCFH-DA and fluorescence ratio of C11-BODIPY581/591, which indicated elevations in the levels of Fe2+ (P<0.01), ROS (P<0.05), and LPO (P<0.01), respectively. Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed lowered levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.05). In addition, the RSL3 group and the medium- and high-dose CXG groups showed down-regulated expression of GPX4 and FTH1 (P<0.05), and the low- and high-dose CXG groups presented up-regulated expression of TFR1 (P<0.05). ConclusionCXG suppresses the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing ferroptosis via downregulating the GSH-GPX4 signaling axis and increasing intracellular Fe2+and LPO levels.
2.Analysis of Quality Uniformity of Hengzhi Kechuan Capsules Based on HPLC-DAD-CAD
Qian MA ; An LIU ; Qingxia XU ; Cong GUO ; Jun ZHANG ; Maoqing WANG ; Xiaodi KOU ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):168-174
ObjectiveTo establish the fingerprints of 15 batches of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules, to quantitatively analyze 10 index components, and to evaluate the quality uniformity of samples from different batches. MethodsThe fingerprints and quantitative analysis of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules were established by a combination method of high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and charged aerosol detector(HPLC-DAD-CAD), adenosine, guanosine, vanillic acid, safflomin A, agarotetrol, naringin, hesperidin, militarine, ginsenoside Rb1, and glycyrrhizic acid were selected as quality attribute indexes. A total of 15 batches of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules from 2022 to 2024(3 boxes per batch) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and the quality uniformity level of the manufacturers was characterized by parameters of intra-batch consistency(PA) and inter-batch consistency(PB). The homogeneity and difference of quality attribute indexes of samples from different years were analyzed by heatmap clustering analysis. ResultsHPLC fingerprints and quantitative method of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules were established, and the methods could be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of this preparation, which was found to be stable and reliable by method validation. The similarity of fingerprints of 15 batches of samples was 0.887-0.975, a total of 13 common peaks were calibrated, and 10 common peaks were designated, all of which were quality attribute index components. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the contents of the above 10 ingredients in the samples were 0.038-0.078, 0.115-0.251, 0.007-0.018, 0.291-0.673, 0.122-0.257, 0.887-1.905, 1.841-3.364, 1.412-2.450, 2.207-3.112, 0.650-1.161, respectively. And the contents of ginsenoside Rb1 and glycyrrhizic acid met the limit requirements in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. For the samples from 15 batches, the PA values of the 10 index components were all <10%, indicating good intra-batch homogeneity, and the PB values ranged from 33.86% to 92.97%, suggesting that the inter-batch homogeneity was poor. Heatmap clustering analysis showed that the samples from different years were clustered into separate categories, and adenosine, guanosine, safflomin A, naringin, hesperidin and agarotetrol were the main differential components. ConclusionThe intra-annual quality uniformity of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules is good and the inter-annual quality uniformity is insufficient, which may be related to the quality difference of Pinellinae Rhizoma Praeparatum, Carthami Flos, Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum, Citri Fructus, etc. In this study, the fingerprint and multi-indicator determination method of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules was established, which can be used for more accurate and efficient quality control and standardization enhancement.
3.Construction and effectiveness evaluation of a closed-loop management system for dispensed oral drugs in the inpatient pharmacy based on SWOT analysis
Jia WANG ; Weihong GE ; Ruijuan XU ; Shanshan QIAN ; Xuemin SONG ; Xiangling SHENG ; Bin WU ; Li LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):401-406
OBJECTIVE To improve the efficiency and quality of dispensed oral drug management in the inpatient pharmacy, and ensure the safety of drug use in patients. METHODS SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, threat) analysis method was used to analyze the internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats in the construction of a closed-loop management system for dispensed oral drugs in the inpatient pharmacy of our hospital, and propose improvement strategies. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A refined, full-process, closed-loop traceability management system for dispensed oral drugs in the inpatient pharmacies was successfully established, which is traceable in origin, trackable in destination, and accountable in responsibility. After the application of this system, the registration rate of dispensed drug information and the correctness rate of registration content both reached 100%. The proportion of overdue drug varieties in the same period of 2024 decreased by 77.78% compared to March 2020, the inventory volume decreased by 29.50% compared to the first quarter of 2020, the per-bed medication volume decreased by 32.14% compared to the first quarter of 2020; the average workload per post in the same period of 2023 increased by 49.09% compared to 2019, the dispensing accuracy rate reached 100%, and the improvement rate of quality control problem increased by 25.25% compared to 2021. This system effectively improves the safety and accuracy of dispensed oral drug management in the inpatient pharmacy.
4.Isolation and protection of organs at risk by crosslinked sodium hyaluronate gel during brachytherapy
Jianjian LIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Zhiwei CUI ; Dongfang WANG ; Xu LIU ; Shenglin YANG ; Qian CHAI ; Fenglin LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):700-706
BACKGROUND:Crosslinked sodium hyaluronate gel has good mechanical property,biocompatibility,and biodegradability,and can be used as an isolated protective material in tumor radiation therapy to protect endangered organs from damage caused by excess radiation dose. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the safety and efficacy of crosslinked sodium hyaluronate gel in reducing the dose of radiation to dangerous organs during brachytherapy. METHODS:A total of 16 specific pathogen-free Kunming mice of the same age and similar body weight were selected as experimental subjects and divided into experimental group and control group by the random number table method,with 8 mice in each group.125I seeds were implanted subcutaneously in the back of mice in the experimental group,and then crosslinked sodium hyaluronate gel was injected around the radioactive particles.Only 125I seeds were implanted subcutaneously in the back of mice in the control group.After injection,the distance between the radioactive particles and the epidermis was measured by spiral CT scan,and the surface radiation dose was measured by radiation dosimeter.Within 10 weeks after injection,the growth state,survival rate,skin radiation damage,and gel retention of mice were observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Spiral CT scan showed that the implanted gel was relatively concentrated and created an effective distance between the radioactive seeds and the epidermis.The body surface radiation dose of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.01).(2)During the experimental observation period,mice in both groups survived;mice in the control group showed obvious irritability and other unstable behavior in the late experimental period,and some mice in the experimental group showed similar behavior.The daily food intake of mice in the two groups had no significant change,and the body mass showed the same increasing trend.After implantation of radioactive seeds,the two groups of mice showed different degrees of radioactive skin injury.From day 23 after injection to the end of the experiment,the skin radiation injury score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.01).At week 10 after implantation,6 mice in the experimental group had no obvious gel residue under their skin,and 2 mice had a very small amount of scattered gel-like samples under their skin.(3)Therefore,the crosslinked sodium hyaluronate injection technique can increase the space between the radioactive target area of 125I seeds and the organ at risk outside the target through physical space occupying,which can effectively reduce the dose of the organ at risk,and play a role in the isolation and protection of the organ at risk.
5.Metformin exerts a protective effect on articular cartilage in osteoarthritis rats by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Tianjie XU ; Jiaxin FAN ; Xiaoling GUO ; Xiang JIA ; Xingwang ZHAO ; Kainan LIU ; Qian WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1003-1012
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that metformin has anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,anti-aging and vasoprotective effects,and can inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis,but its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of metformin on cartilage protection in a rat model of osteoarthritis. METHODS:Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group):blank,control,sham-operated,and metformin groups.The blank group did not undergo any surgery.In the sham-operated group,the joint cavity was exposed.In the model group and the metformin group,the modified Hulth method was used to establish the osteoarthritis model.At 1 day after modeling,the rats in the metformin group were given 200 mg/kg/d metformin by gavage,and the model,blank,and sham-operated groups were given normal saline by gavage.Administration in each group was given for 4 weeks consecutively.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,toluidine blue staining,and safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphological structure of rat knee joints.Immunohistochemical staining and western blot were used to detect the protein expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5(ADAMTS5),Beclin1,P62,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),p-PI3K,protein kinase B(AKT),p-AKT,mammalian target of rapamycin(Mtor),and p-Mtor in rat cartilage tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results of hematoxylin-eosin,toluidine blue and safranin O-fast green staining showed smooth cartilage surface of the knee joints and normal histomorphology in the blank group and the sham-operated group,while in the model group,there was irregular cartilage surface of the knee joint and cartilage damage,with a decrease in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.In the metformin group,there was a significant improvement in the damage to the structure of the cartilage in the knee joints of the rats,and the cartilage surface tended to be smooth,with an increase in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.Immunohistochemistry staining and western blot results showed that compared with the control and sham-operated groups,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conversely,the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05).Furthermore,compared with the model group,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the metformin group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly decreased(P<0.05).To conclude,Metformin can improve the autophagy activity of chondrocytes and reduce the degradation of cartilage matrix in osteoarthritis rats by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/Mtor signaling pathway,thus exerting a protective effect on articular cartilage.
6.Analysis of depressive symptoms and associated factors among primary and secondary school students in the in depth monitoring counties Rural Nutrition Improvement Program
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):219-222
Objective:
To understand the prevalence and related factors of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students in the in depth monitoring counties of China s Rural Compulsory Education Nutrition Improvement Program, so as to provide a basis for prevention and psychological intervention of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents in rural areas.
Methods:
In November 2022, a stratified random sampling method was adopted to collect height and weight data, basic personal and family information of 7 949 primary and secondary school students from grade three to grade nine through physical measurements and questionnaires in 56 key monitoring schools implementing the Student Nutrition Improvement Program in 7 in depth monitoring counties (Jalaid Banner in Inner Mongolia, Jinzhai County in Anhui, Mao Xian in Sichuan, Tiandeng County in Guangxi, Mian County in Shaanxi, Zhaozhou County in Heilongjiang and Youxi County in Fujian), and to obtain the information related to their depressive symptoms through the self assessment questionnaire on depression. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the prevalence of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students, as well as their related factors.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students in the in depth monitored counties was 23.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the probability of detecting depressive symptoms was higher among female students, middle school students, students whose video screen duration per day was >2 h, and students whose parents marital status was divorced or widowed ( OR =1.40, 1.64, 1.60, 1.24), and students whose sleep duration reached the recommended standard, whose parents usually accompanied them daily for time was 60-<120 min and ≥120 min, and students whose mothers literacy level was middle school graduation had lower probability of detecting depressive symptoms ( OR =0.85, 0.84, 0.71, 0.76) ( P < 0.05 ).
Conclusion
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among students in the in depth monitoring area is high, and targeted interventions need to be developed for students to reduce the risk of mental health problems.
7.Epidemiological investigation and post-natal follow-up analysis of hepatitis B exposed children in Wenzhou area
Lulu PAN ; Jianle SUN ; Qian XU ; Enshu WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):131-134
Objective To investigate the situation of hepatitis B immune blocking and the growth and development of hepatitis B exposed children within one year after birth, and to provide evidence for formulating and optimizing measures for maternal and infant blocking in Wenzhou. Methods The hepatitis B infection status during pregnancy and birth was collected, hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccine were analyzed, and a follow-up on the immune blocking effect, growth and development, and the nutritional status of children exposed to hepatitis B was conducted. Statistical analysis of data was carried out through SPSS 26.0. Results In 2021, 6.07% of newborns in Wenzhou were exposed to hepatitis B, of which 28.37% were highly exposed children. The prevalence rates for males and females were 6.42% and 5.70%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=13.744, P<0.001). The prevalence rates in mountainous and non-mountainous counties were 6.35% and 5.94%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.72, P < 0.001). In 2021, the mother-to-child transmission rate of children exposed to hepatitis B was 0.54‰. There were no significant differences in the height, weight, hemoglobin and neuropsychological development of hepatitis B exposed children compared with non-exposed children (P < 0.001). Conclusion The number of children exposed to hepatitis B in mountainous counties is significantly higher than that in non-mountainous counties in Wenzhou, and the number of men is significantly higher than that of women. The proportion of highly exposed children is relatively high. The effect of mother-to-child blocking is good, and there is no significant difference between the growth and development of children exposed to hepatitis B and no-exposed children during follow-up.
8.Analysis of major food consumption frequencies among children aged 6-17 years in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):494-499
Objective:
To analyze the consumption frequency of major foods among Chinese children aged 6-17 years old, and to provide a basis for optimizing the dietary structure of children in China.
Methods:
Using data from the China Nutrition and Health System Survey and Application Program for Children 0-18 years old, 56 734 children aged 6-17 years old from North, Norththeast East, Central, South, Southwest and Northwest seven regions in China were selected for the study using stratified cluster random sampling from 2019 to 2021. A food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate the intake frequency of eight food groups in a month, including fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, livestock and poultry meats, aquatic products, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and cereals and potatoes. The foods were grouped according to whether they met the recommended intake criteria outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents 2022. The〖KG*2〗χ2 test was used to compare the differences in the proportion of childrens intake frequency of each food group meeting the standard in different regions and age groups.
Results:
The proportions of Chinese children aged 6-17 years who consumed fresh vegetables and cereals and potatoes ≥3 times/d were 12.1% and 67.2%, respectively. The proportions of children who consumed fresh fruits, livestock and poultry meats, eggs and dairy products ≥1 time/d were 50.8%, 58.8%, 36.0% and 54.3%, respectively. The proportion of legumes consumed ≥4 times/week was 37.4%, and the proportion of aquatic products consumed ≥2 times/week was 39.7%. Fresh vegetables (5.5%), fresh fruits (33.1%), and dairy products (36.4%) had the lowest frequency of meeting the recommended standards in South China, and aquatic products (27.4%) and eggs (21.1%) had the lowest frequency of meeting the recommended standards in Northwest (P<0.008 3).
Conclusion
The overall intake frequency of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, and dairy products are insufficient among Chinese children, with significant regional variations.
9.Environmental contamination status of norovirus outbreaks in schools and nurseries in Linhai City
ZHENG Jianjun, WANG Xi,HONG Danyang, LI Yaling, XU Qiumeng, ZHANG Huili, HAN Qian, LU Da, ZHENG Qiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):601-603
Objective:
To investigate the environmental contamination of norovirus in nurseries and primary/secondary schools, so as to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control measures.
Methods:
A total of 483 external environmental samples were collected from 34 cluster outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools in Linhai City from 2021 to 2024. Pathogen detection was conducted using a rapid nucleic acid extraction kit and realtime fluorescence RT-PCR, and the results were analyzed using the χ2 test or Fishers exact test.
Results:
Among the collected external environmental samples, the total positive rate of surface contamination was 13.66%. The positive rates in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools were 12.20% and 15.82%, respectively. In kindergartens, the five surfaces with the highest detection rates were desks/chairs (23.33%), toilet stool troughs (20.69%), urinal troughs (12.00%), washbasins/sinks (11.11%), and toilet mops (9.38%). In primary/secondary schools, the top five were toilet stool troughs (38.30%), urinal troughs (23.53%), toilet door handles (13.04%), toilet mops (12.50%), and drinking cups (11.11%). The difference in positive detection rates among different external environments in primary/secondary schools was statistically significant (Fishers exact probability test, P<0.01). The positive detection rate in sanitary toilets was higher than that in classroom environments (χ2=17.38), while the positive detection rate in classroom environments of kindergartens was higher than that in primary/secondary schools (χ2=5.42)(P<0.05).
Conclusions
Norovirus exhibits a high contamination rate in nurseries and schools, particularly in restroom areas. Strengthening sanitation and disinfection in highrisk environments, and improving hygiene awareness among children and staff, are essential for the effective prevent and control of norovirus.
10.Impact of peripheral blood inflammatory markers on neovascular glaucoma secondary to diabetic retinopathy
Mingfang WANG ; Wenwen ZHU ; Deyu XIA ; Dengrui XU ; Yawen SHI ; Hongchen FU ; Qian ZHAO ; Xiuyun LI
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):1005-1008
AIM: To investigate the influence of relevant inflammatory markers in peripheral blood on the progression of neovascular glaucoma(NVG)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DR)patients.METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of NVG: those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)alone(PDR group, n=148)and those with NVG secondary to PDR(NVG secondary to PDR group, n=142). Peripheral blood inflammatory markers were evaluated, including white blood cell-related indices, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII). The distinctions in peripheral blood inflammatory markers between the two groups of patients and their relationships with NVG secondary to PDR were analyzed.RESULTS:No statistically significant differences were observed in basic characteristics between the two groups, confirming their comparability. However, significant differences were found in eosinophil percentage and MLR between the PDR group and the NVG secondary to PDR group(all P<0.05), with both values being significantly higher in the NVG secondary to PDR group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the eosinophil percentage and the MLR were factors influencing the development of patients with NVG secondary to PDR.CONCLUSION: Eosinophil percentage and MLR may be associated with the progression of PDR to NVG, and could serve as potential predictive markers for NVG development in PDR patients.


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