1.Textual Research on Key Information and Modern Clinical Application of Classical Famous Formula Liumotang
Xinyu ZHANG ; Chong LI ; Yixuan HU ; Luming LIANG ; Ye ZHAO ; Xiaoting LU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):201-212
Liumotang comes from the Yuan dynasty's Effective Prescription Handed Down for Generations of Physicians. It is composed of six medicinal materials: Arecae Semen, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum, Aucklandiae Radix, Linderae Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and Aurantii Fructus. It is a classical formula for treating abdominal pain due to Qi stagnation and constipation accompanied by heat. This study systematically collated the records of Liumotang in ancient medical books and modern clinical literature and conducted in-depth analysis and textual research on its formula source, main diseases, composition, dosage, medical books, container capacity, processing, preparation method, usage, drug basis, formula meaning, and other key information, so as to provide a powerful reference for the development and clinical application of compound preparations of the classical formula Liumotang. The results show that Liumotang was first seen in Effective Prescription Handed Down for Generations of Physicians, and many medical books of the past dynasties have imitated this. In terms of drug basis, the dried and mature seeds of the palm plant Areca catechu, resin-containing wood of the Daphneaceae plant Aquilaria sinensis, the dried roots of the Asteraceae plant woody Aucklandia lappa, the dried tuber root of the Lauraceae plant Lindera aggregata, the dried roots and rhizomes of the knotweed plant, R. palmatum, R.tangutikum, and R. officinale, and the dried and unripe fruits of the citrus genus C. aurantium and its cultivated varieties from the family Rutaceae were selected. In terms of dosage, through the textual research on bowls in the Ming and Qing dynasties, combined with the conversion of medicines and bowl capacity in the Qing dynasty, it was estimated that the dosage of each drug in the Yuan dynasty was 10.86 g. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the dosage of drugs was mostly equal, but the dosage of drugs was somewhat different. In terms of processing, preparation method, and usage, in the medical books of the past dynasties, the processing of drugs has slightly changed, but raw drugs are used in all preparations. The preparation method and usage did not change much during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, except for certain differences in dosage. In terms of syndrome, Liumotang was first used to treat abdominal pain due to Qi stagnation and constipation accompanied by heat. Medical books of the past dynasties often omit the symptoms of heat. In modern clinical practice, Liumotang is mainly used in the digestive system and urinary system diseases and is mostly used to treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, biliary reflux gastritis, functional constipation, slow transit constipation, and other diseases, with no adverse reactions found yet. The above results provide a reliable scientific basis for the development and clinical treatment of Liumotang compound preparations.
2.Effects of borneol on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Corydalis saxicola total alkaloids in depression model rats
Yu YE ; Guoliang DAI ; Huaxi HANG ; Meishuang YU ; Yiran WANG ; Xuewen SHAO ; Wenzheng JU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):30-36
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of borneol on pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects of Corydalis saxicola total alkaloids in depression model rats. METHODS Thirty male SD rats were divided into blank control group, negative control group, positive control group (fluoxetine 10 mg/kg, i.g.), single drug group (C. saxicola total alkaloids 210 mg/kg, i.g.) and combined drug group (C. saxicola total alkaloids 210 mg/kg+borneol 50 mg/kg, i.g.) according to the random number table method, with 6 rats in each group. By lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction modeling, except blank control group (no model and no administration) received intraperitoneal injection of the same amount of normal saline, the rats in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS once a day to establish a rat model of depression. After 1 week of modeling, each administration group was given relevant drug intragastrically according to the corresponding dose, and blank control group and negative control group (without drug treatment) were administered intragastrically with an equal volume of solvent to dissolve the drug; continued modeling while administering the drug. After two weeks of continuous administration, the effects of C. saxicola total alkaloids versus the combination of C. saxicola total alkaloids and borneol on the behavior of depressed rats were tested by behavioral experiments; the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 in rats were determined; the histopathological changes of the hippocampus of rats were observed. Blood sample was collected from the orbit at different time points after administration on the 15th day, and the upper plasma was obtained. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was established for the simultaneous determination of dehydrocarvedine, tetrahydropalmatine, coptisine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, berberrubine and epiberberine in rat plasma. The average plasma concentration-time curve was depicted, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed by DAS 3.2.2 software. RESULTS Compared with blank control group, the negative control group had a decrease in body mass and sugar water preference rate, a decrease in the total distance of open field, a prolonged swimming immobility time, and a increased in the expression of inflammatory factors in serum (P<0.05); compared with negative control group, the single drug group and the combined drug group increased the preference rate of sugar water, increased the total distance of open field, shortened the time of swimming immobility, and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors in serum (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the above indicators between the single drug group and the combined drug group in rats (P>0.05). Pharmacokinetic results showed that compared with single drug group, AUC0-t of coptisine, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, tmax and cmax of jatrorrhizine, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, t1/2 and cmax of berberrubine, and AUC0-t of epiberberine, cmax of dehydrocarvedine, cmax of palmatine were significantly increased in combined drug group, but there was no significant difference, indicating that borneol didn’t have a significant effect on the efficacy of Corydalis saxicola nigra at this dose. CONCLUSIONS Both C. saxicola total alkaloids alone and in combination with borneol can improve depression-like behavior in depression model rats, reduce serum inflammatory cytokine levels, and protect hippocampal neurons. Compared with the use of Corydalis saxicola base alone, the combination with borneol do not show significant pharmacodynamic differences, bu can improve the absorption of coptisine, jatrorrhizine in model rats.
3.Analysis of factors influencing patient satisfaction in the outpatient pharmacy of maternity and child specialist hospitals in Chongqing
Ye DING ; Mengdi YU ; Yingwu SHI ; Yanqiu CHEN ; Jun YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):106-112
OBJECTIVE To analyze the factors influencing patient satisfaction in the outpatient pharmacy of tertiary maternity and child specialist hospitals in Chongqing, and provide a reference for improving the pharmaceutical management capability of tertiary maternity and child specialist hospitals and enhancing patients’ medical experience. METHODS Utilizing KANO model, a questionnaire was developed and data were analyzed. Key influencing factors were identified through the categorization of requirement attributes, Better values, Worse values, and two-dimensional matrix analysis. The impact of these categorized demand factors on overall satisfaction was further validated through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). RESULTS Cronbach’s α coefficient for the survey questionnaire was 0.855, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.7; Bartlett test for sphericality yielded a value of 5 538.56 with P<0.01, indicating good reliability and validity of the survey results. Through the KANO model’s factor selection process, the top four key factors influencing patient satisfaction in outpatient pharmacies were determined to be: medication pick-up time (r=0.45), pharmacist service attitude (r=0.45), rational medication consultation (r=0.41), self-service calling system (r=0.40), all of which were subsequently validated through SEM. CONCLUSIONS The four factors of medication pick-up time, self-service calling system, pharmacist service attitude, and rational medication consultation significantly influence patient satisfaction in the outpatient pharmacies of tertiary maternity and child hospitals in Chongqing.
4.Optimization of Ovarian Tissue Vitrification Using Hydrogel Encapsulation and Magnetic Induction Nanowarming
Yu-Kun CAO ; Na YE ; Zheng LI ; Xin-Li ZHOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):464-477
ObjectiveFor prepubertal and urgently treated malignant tumor patients, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation represent more appropriate fertility preservation methods. Current clinical practices often involve freezing ovarian tissue with high concentrations of cryoprotectants (CPAs) and thawing with water baths. These processes lead to varying degrees of toxicity and devitrification damage to ovarian tissue. Therefore, this paper proposes optimized methods for vitrification of ovarian tissues based on sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation and magnetic induction nanowarming technology. MethodsFirstly, the study investigated the effects of sodium alginate concentration, the sequence of hydrogel encapsulation and CPAs loading on vitrification efficiency of encapsulated ovarian tissue. Additionally, the capability of sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation to reduce the required concentration of CPAs was validated. Secondly, a platform combining water bath and magnetic induction nanowarming was established to rewarm ovarian tissue under various concentrations of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic field strengths. The post-warming follicle survival rate, antioxidant capacity, and ovarian tissue integrity were evaluated to assess the efficacy of the method. ResultsThe study found that ovarian tissue encapsulated with 2% sodium alginate hydrogel exhibited the highest follicle survival rate after vitrification. The method of loading CPAs prior to encapsulation proved more suitable for ovarian tissue cryopreservation, effectively reducing the required concentration of CPAs by 50%. A combination of 8 g/L Fe3O4 nanoparticles and an alternating magnetic field of 300 Gs showed optimal warming effectiveness for ovarian tissue. Combining water bath rewarming with magnetic induction nanowarming yielded the highest follicle survival rate, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and preserved tissue morphology. ConclusionSodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation of ovarian tissue reduces the concentration of CPAs required during the freezing process. The combination of magnetic induction nanowarming with water bath provides an efficient method ovarian tissue rewarming. This study offers novel approaches to optimize ovarian tissues vitrification.
5.Clinical study on the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with spleen and stomach weakness syndrome by Piwei Peiyuan Pill combined with moxibustion
Kairui WU ; Yu YE ; Bei PEI ; Biao SONG ; Yi ZHANG ; Tingting LI ; Qi YANG ; Yun LIU ; Xuejun LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):280-290
Objective:
To determine the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Piwei Peiyuan Pill (PPP) combined with moxibustion for treating patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with spleen and stomach weakness syndrome.
Methods:
Ninety-six CAG patients with spleen and stomach weakness syndrome who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled at the Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from June 2022 to December 2023. The patients were randomly divided into a control, a Chinese medicine, and a combined group using a random number table method, with 32 cases in each group (two cases per group were excluded). The control group was treated with rabeprazole combined with folic acid tablets (both thrice daily), the Chinese medicine group was treated with PPP (8 g, thrice daily), and the combined group was treated with moxa stick moxibustion (once daily) on the basis of the Chinese medicine group for 12 consecutive weeks. Gastric mucosa atrophy in the three groups was observed before and after treatment. The gastric mucosal pathological score was evaluated. The Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) scale was used to evaluate the patients′ physical and mental health status and quality of life.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-37, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β levels in each group. Real-time fluorescence PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) mRNA in each group. Western blotting was used to detect the relative expression levels of proteins related to the STAT3/mTOR signaling pathway, and the adverse drug reactions and events were recorded and compared.
Results:
There was no statistical difference in age, gender, disease duration, family history of gastrointestinal tumors, alcohol consumption history, and body mass index among the three groups of patients.The total therapeutic efficacy rates of the control, Chinese medicine, and combined groups in treating gastric mucosal atrophy were 66.67% (20/30), 86.67% (26/30), and 90.00% (27/30), respectively (P<0.05). Compared to before treatment, the pathological and PRO scale scores of gastric mucosa in each group decreased after treatment, and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-37, and TGF-β levels decreased. The relative STAT3 and mTOR mRNA expression levels, as well as the relative STAT3, p-STAT3, mTOR, and p-mTOR protein expression levels decreased (P<0.05), whereas the IL-4 and IL-10 levels increased (P<0.05). After treatment, compared to the control group, the pathological score of gastric mucosa, PRO scale score, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-37, TGF-β content, relative STAT3 and mTOR mRNA expression levels, and relative STAT3, p-STAT3, mTOR, and p-mTOR protein expression levels in the Chinese medicine and combined groups after treatment were reduced (P<0.05), whereas the IL-4 and IL-10 levels increased (P<0.05). After treatment, compared to the Chinese medicine group, the combined group showed a decrease in relative STAT3, mTOR mRNA expression levels, and STAT3, p-STAT3, mTOR, and p-mTOR protein expression levels (P<0.05).
Conclusion
The combination of PPP and moxibustion may regulate the inflammatory mechanism of the body by inhibiting the abnormal activation of the STAT3/mTOR signaling pathway, upregulating related anti-inflammatory factor levels, downregulating pro-inflammatory factor expression, and increasing related repair factor expression, thereby promoting the recovery of atrophic gastric mucosa, reducing discomfort symptoms, and improving the physical and mental state of CAG patients with spleen and stomach weakness syndrome.
6.Exploring mechanism of Porana racemosa Roxb. in treating rheumatoid arthritis based on integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental validation
Chen-yu YE ; Ning LI ; Yin-zi CHEN ; Tong QU ; Jing HU ; Zhi-yong CHEN ; Hui REN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):117-129
Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, combined with
7.Analysis of pharmaceutical clinic service in our hospital over the past five years
Li FAN ; Shuyan QUAN ; Xuan WANG ; Menglin LUO ; Fei YE ; Lang ZOU ; Feifei YU ; Min HU ; Xuelian HU ; Chenjing LUO ; Peng GU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):748-751
OBJECTIVE To summarize the current situation of pharmaceutical clinic service in our hospital over the past five years, and explore sustainable development strategies for service models of pharmaceutical clinics. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the consultation records of patients who registered and established files at the pharmaceutical clinic in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. Statistical analysis was performed on patients’ general information, medication- related problems, and types of pharmaceutical services provided by pharmacists. RESULTS A total of 963 consultation records were included, among which females aged 20-39 years accounted for the highest proportion (66.04%); obstetrics and gynecology- related consultations accounted for the largest number of cases. Additionally, 80 patients attended follow-up visits at our hospital’s pharmaceutical clinic. A total of 1 029 medication-related issues were resolved, including 538 cases of drug consultations (52.28%), 453 medication recommendations (44.02%), 22 medication restructuring(2.14%), and 16 medication education (1.55%); the most common types of medication-related problems identified were adverse drug events(70.07%). CONCLUSIONS Although the pharmaceutical clinic has achieved recognition from clinicians and patients, challenges such as low awareness among healthcare providers and the public persist. Future efforts should focus on strengthening information technology construction, enhancing pharmacist training, and establishing various forms of outpatient pharmaceutical service models.
8.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
9.Association between placental cortisol and neurodevelopment in 3-month-old infants
Shuangjie YU ; Jinfang ZHANG ; Ye LI ; Jing FAN ; Can LIU ; Suzhen GUAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(4):420-426
Background During pregnancy, negative emotions such as anxiety and depression may induce cortisol disruption. Cortisol can be transmitted to the fetus through the placental barrier, thereby affecting the neurodevelopment of the offspring. Objective To investigate the relationship between placental cortisol, maternal depression during pregnancy, and neurodevelopment of 3-month-old infants. Methods From September 2022 to September 2023, 171 pregnant women ordered routine prenatal checks at the obstetrics outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Ningxia were selected using a prospective cohort design. After providing informed consent, these women participated in a questionnaire survey that covered general individual characteristics, prenatal depression, and sleep quality. At birth, placental samples were collected to measure cortisol levels using ELISA kits. Follow-up assessments on the neurodevelopmental of 3-month-old infants were conducted using the Warning Sign for Children Mental and Behavioral Development. LASSO regression analysis was conducted to screen the influencing factors of depression during pregnancy. Huber regression analysis was then applied to assess potential linear relationship between depression during pregnancy and placental cortisol levels. Log-binomial regression was used to analyze the linear relationships between cortisol levels and neurodevelopmental delay in 3-month-old infants. Additionally, a mediation effect model was fitted using R 4.3.3 to assess possible mediating role of cortisol in the association between prenatal depression and neurodevelopmental delay in 3-month-old infants. Results The positive rate of prenatal depression was 33.33%. Nine factors affecting prenatal depression were identified by LASSO regression, including rural residence, high school education or above, extroverted personality characteristics, moderate early pregnancy reactions, baby sex expectation, prenatal anxiety, family dysfunction, exposure to stressful life events during pregnancy, and moderate prenatal sleep quality. The Huber regression model showed a positive linear correlation between prenatal depression and placental cortisol (P<0.05). With or without controlling confounding factors, the results of log-binomial regression modeling showed that cortisol levels were associated with a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental delay in 3-month-old infants (crude model: RR=0.988, 95%CI:
10.Analysis on Acupuncture in the Treatment of Post-stroke Dysphagia Based on the Theory of "Latent Pathogen in Cerebral Collaterals"
Hongtao LI ; Yaqi HUANG ; Lulu YAO ; Bing GAO ; Yu YE ; Nenggui XU ; Lin WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):901-905
Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke. Combining the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern research findings, it is proposed that "latent pathogen in the cerebral collaterals" constitutes the core pathogenesis of post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). In clinical practice, treatment is tailored according to the location of PSD. During the oral stage, when the pathogen invades the face and mouth, resulting in excessive salivation, acupoints are primarily selected from the foot shaoyin (少阴) kidney channel, in combination with ren mai (任脉) , du mai (督脉), chong mai (冲脉) and the spleen channel, to replenish essence and fill the marrow, dispel dampness and unblock the channels. In the pharyngeal stage, as the pathogen obstructs the throat, disrupting normal swallowing, the therapy emphasizes dredging the shaoyang (少阳) channel and warming and tonifying the jueyin (厥阴) channel, by taking acupoints mainly from the hand and foot shaoyang channels, along with the jueyin channels, so as to soothe the liver and promote bile secretion, regulate and harmonize qi and blood. During the esophageal stage, where the pathogen damages the esophagus, impeding food passage, the treatment emphasizes activating the yangming (阳明) channels and regulating taiyin (太阴) channels; acupoints are mainly selected from the foot yangming stomach channel, along with the taiyin channels, aiming to warm yang, unblock the channels and dispel stasis.


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