1.Effect of Huanglian Jiedutang in Regulating Ferroptosis in Mice with Atherosclerosis Based on Nrf2/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhaohui GONG ; Li GAO ; Huiqi ZHAI ; Jinzi YU ; Qingmin CHU ; Chuanjin LUO ; Lijin QING ; Wei WU ; Rong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):22-28
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) in treating mice with atherosclerosis (AS) by improving ferroptosis. MethodsA total of 10 SPF C57BL/6J mice were selected as a normal group, and 50 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into five groups: model group, low-dose group of HLJDT, medium-dose group of HLJDT, high-dose group of HLJDT, and atorvastatin (ATV) group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks to establish the AS model, and at the 9th week, they were given normal saline, low, medium, and high doses of HLJDT (3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and atorvastatin calcium tablets (0.01 g·kg-1·d-1), respectively, for a total of eight weeks. The formation of aortic plaque in mice was observed by gross oil red O staining and Masson staining. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood fat were measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mitochondrial structure of the aorta was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The content of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum was detected by the microplate method, and that of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum was detected by the TBA method. The protein expression of nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with those of the normal group, the contents of TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, and MDA in the serum and the aortic vascular plaque deposition of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of SOD and GSH in serum, as well as Nrf2, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and GPX4 in aorta were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Mice in the model group appeared mitochondrial fragmentation and vacuolation in the aorta, volume atrophy, mitochondrial crista reduction, or a loose and disorganized form. Compared with those in the model group, the aortic vascular plaque deposition was significantly decreased in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of HLJDT and ATV group, and the contents of serum TC, LDL-C, TG, and MDA in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The contents of serum SOD and GSH and the expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the aorta were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the symptoms of aortic mitochondrial vacuolation were alleviated. The number of cristae was increased, and they were ordered neatly. ConclusionHLJDT can reduce aortic vascular plaque deposition, decrease blood lipid and MDA expression, increase SOD and GSH expression, and ameliorate the pathological changes of ferroptosis, the mechanism of which is related to the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.
2.Analysis of tear film stability and corneal nerve changes in patients with Parkinson's disease
Yujie* LI ; Cancan* SHI ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Xiaofan YU ; Xinke LI ; Ning MU ; Mingxin LI ; He WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):206-212
AIM: To assess the stability of the tear film and the characteristics of corneal nerves in patients with Parkinson's disease(PD).METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 72 PD patients and 50 healthy controls. Disease severity was determined using the Hoehn-Yahr(H-Y)scale, dividing patients into mild and moderate PD groups. Dry eye symptoms were evaluated via the ocular surface disease index(OSDI)questionnaire, while tear secretion was quantified using the Schirmer I test. Ocular surface damage was assessed through staining scores, and comprehensive ocular examinations were performed utilizing the LipiView ocular surface interferometer and an ocular surface analyzer. Corneal nerve parameters were examined using corneal confocal microscopy in conjunction with automated analysis software ACCMetrics, with correlations drawn between these parameters, PD course, and severity.RESULTS: PD patients exhibited significantly elevated OSDI scores, indicative of more pronounced dry eye symptoms compared to the control group(F=70.290, P<0.01). Tear film stability was markedly compromised, with significantly shorter tear film breakup time and increased corneal fluorescein staining, both showing statistically significant differences relative to controls(all P<0.01). Tear secretion indices, including Schirmer I test results and tear meniscus height, were significantly reduced in PD patients(all P<0.01), whereas lipid secretion indices, such as lipid layer thickness and meibomian gland dropout score, did not show significant variation. Corneal nerve analysis revealed significant reductions in corneal nerve fiber density, nerve branch density, fiber length, and total branch density in PD patients compared to controls(all P<0.01). Furthermore, blink frequency was markedly prolonged(F=62.353, P<0.01). Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between alterations in tear film stability and both disease duration and H-Y scores.CONCLUSION: PD patients have obvious dry eye manifestations in the early stage of the disease, including the reduction of tear film stability and corneal nerve fiber density, and gradually aggravate with the progress of the disease. Neurodegenerative disease-related dry eye needs to be diagnosed early and actively treated.
3.The role of histone deacetylase 3 in diabetes and its complications, and the research progress on histone deacetylase 3 inhibitors
Jia-yu ZHAI ; Cun-yu FENG ; Xue-feng GAO ; Li-ran LEI ; Lei LEI ; Yi HUAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):1-11
Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is an epigenetic modification enzyme that plays a crucial role in the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. Studies have reported that increased HDAC3 activity is associated with pancreatic
4.Guideline for the workflow of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs
Zhengxiang LI ; Rong DUAN ; Luwen SHI ; Jinhui TIAN ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Lingli ZHANG ; Junhua ZHANG ; Hualin ZHENG ; Rongsheng ZHAO ; Wudong GUO ; Liyan MIAO ; Suodi ZHAI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2353-2365
OBJECTIVE To standardize the main processes and related technical links of the clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, and provide guidance and reference for improving the quality of comprehensive evaluation evidence and its transformation and application value. METHODS The construction of Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs was based on the standard guideline formulation method of the World Health Organization (WHO), strictly followed the latest definition of guidelines by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, and conformed to the six major areas of the Guideline Research and Evaluation Tool Ⅱ. Delphi method was adopted to construct the research questions; research evidence was established by applying the research methods of evidence-based medicine. The evidence quality classification system of the Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center was adopted for evidence classification and evaluation. The recommendation strength was determined by the recommendation strength classification standard formulated by the Oxford University Evidence-Based Medicine Center, and the recommendation opinions were formed through the expert consensus method. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs covers 4 major categories of research questions, including topic selection, evaluation implementation, evidence evaluation, and application and transformation of results. The formulation of this guideline has standardized the technical links of the entire process of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, which can effectively guide the high-quality and high-efficient development of this work, enhance the standardized output and transformation application value of evaluation evidence, and provide high-quality evidence support for the scientific decision-making of health and the rationalization of clinical medication.
5.Construction of the simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy based on virtual simulation technology and its application evaluation
Fengping ZENG ; Mengxin WANG ; Chenqian YU ; Guoxiu LIU ; Chunjin LI ; Guobing ZHANG ; Huaqiang ZHAI ; Shiyuan JIN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(3):271-276
OBJECTIVE To construct the simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy based on virtual simulation technology, and assist in the development of the new mode of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing education training. METHODS The field research and questionnaire surveys were conducted to identify the needs of Chinese medicine students and practitioners for the content and presentation of knowledge on the construction of simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy. Taking the laws and regulations on the construction of traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy and the related teaching materials and literature on traditional Chinese medicine preparation as the knowledge source, the virtual simulation technology was applied to build a simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy so as to achieve the functions of browsing the traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy, learning the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine preparation and practical skills training. A multi-site simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy evaluation scale study was conducted based on platform operational testing. RESULTS A simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy was constructed, consisting of four core modules: video teaching, animation video, simulated pharmacy, and simulated experience. The overall score of evaluation scale was 93.31, with all entries scoring above 80; the ones with evaluation scales above 90 accounted for 92.31% (60/65). CONCLUSIONS Simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy based on virtual simulation technology meets the learning needs of users and enhances the teaching effect of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing technology training.
6.Study on the potential allergen and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions induced by combined using of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection based on metabolomics and bioinformatics
Yu-long CHEN ; You ZHAI ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Wei-xia LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Ya-li WU ; Liu-qing YANG ; Xiao-fei CHEN ; Shu-qi ZHANG ; Lu NIU ; Ke-ran FENG ; Kun LI ; Jin-fa TANG ; Ming-liang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):382-394
Based on the strategy of metabolomics combined with bioinformatics, this study analyzed the potential allergens and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) induced by the combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology combined with UNIFI software, a total of 21 compounds were identified in Reduning and penicillin G mixed injection. Based on molecular docking technology, 10 potential allergens with strong binding activity to MrgprX2 agonist sites were further screened. Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology revealed that 34 differential metabolites such as arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes were endogenous differential metabolites of PARs caused by combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. Through the analysis of the "potential allergen-target-endogenous differential metabolite" interaction network, the chlorogenic acids (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A) and
7.Influencing factors for intestinal colonization and secondary infection of CRKP in neonates
Yu ZHAI ; Qing-Rong LI ; Jiang LI ; Wei HE ; Ping-An HE ; Mei LYU ; Xu YANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(2):133-141
Objective To analyze the influencing factors for intestinal colonization and secondary infection of car-bapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)in neonates,and provide a basis for formulating prevention and control strategies for CRKP infection.Methods Neonates who were admitted to the neonatal ward of a hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the study subjects,and the first screening of CRKP was con-ducted within 48 hours after admission.In addition,active anal swab screening for carbapenem-resistant Ente-robacterales(CRE)was performed weekly during hospitalization,and the infection status of CRKP strains was mo-nitored.Clinical data of neonates in the colonization group,non-colonization group,and infection group were ana-lyzed.Intestinal colonized strains and the non-repetitive CRKP strains isolated from clinical specimens of neonates with secondary infection after colonization were performed carbapenemase gene detection,multilocus sequence ty-ping(MLST)and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis(PFGE)analysis.Results A total of 1 438 neonates were active-ly screened for CRE,174 were CRKP positive,CRKP colonization rate was 12.1%.Among 174 neonates,35 were with secondary infection,with the incidence of 20.1%.The independent risk factors for neonatal CRKP intestinal colonization were cesarean section(OR=2.050,95%CI:1.200-3.504,P=0.009),use of cephalosporins(OR=1.889,95%CI:1.086-3.288,P=0.024),nasogastric tube feeding(OR=2.317,95%CI:1.155-4.647,P=0.018).Protective factors were breast-feeding(OR=0.506,95%CI:0.284-0.901,P=0.021),oral probiotics(OR=0.307,95%CI:0.147-0.643,P=0.002),and enema(OR=0.334,95%CI:0.171-0.656,P=0.001).Independent risk factors for secondary infection after intestinal colonization of neonatal CRKP were carbapenem anti-biotic use(OR=19.869,95%CI:1.778-222.029,P=0.015)and prolonged hospital stay(OR=1.118,95%CI:1.082-1.157,P<0.001).The detection results of drug resistance genes showed that carbapenemase-producing genes of CRKP strains were all blaKPC-2,all belonged to type ST11.Homologous analysis showed that intestinal CRKP colonization was highly homologous with the secondary infection strains after colonization.Conclusion CRKP intestinal colonization during neonatal hospitalization may increase the risk of CRKP infection.Risk and pro-tective factors of neonatal intestinal colonization and secondary infections after colonization should be paid attention,and corresponding preventive and control measures should be taken,so as to reduce the occurrence and transmission CRKP healthcare-associated infection.
8.Protein expression and clinical significance of KCTD8 gene in ductal carcinoma of the breast
Ying-Ge LIU ; Hui-Jie YANG ; Xiao-Yu ZHAI ; Ji-Min HE ; Hong-Chao LI ; Ying-Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2024;27(2):117-121
Objective:To investigate the expression of KCTD8 gene in breast ductal carcinoma and its correlation with clinical factors and prognosis.Methods:Immunohistochemistry technology(IHC)were employed to detect protein expression levels of KCTD8 in 27 pairs of breast ductal carci-noma and its paired adjacent tissues.Analyzing the correlation between changes in KCTD8 expres-sion of protein and clinical factors using statistical techniques.RNA expression and methylation data of breast cancer(including intraductal cancer)were analysed from TCGA database.Result:The pro-tein expression of KCTD8 gene in 27 pairs of breast ductal carcinoma tissues showed a decreasing trend compared to adjacent tissues(P<0.05),and the decreased expression level of protein was cor-related with the tumor size of patients(P<0.05).The analysis results of the TCGA database indicate that the expression and hypemethylation of KCTD 8 gene in breast cancer(including intraductal can-cer)tissues affected the prognosis of patients.Conclusion:The reduced protein expression level of KCTD8 gene in breast ductal carcinoma may be involved in the development and affect the prog-nosis of patients.
9.Value of noninvasive echocardiographic indicators in predicting pulmonary vascular resistance in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Yanan ZHAI ; Aili LI ; Wanmu XIE ; Qiang HUANG ; Qian GAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Aihong CHEN ; Guangjie LYU ; Jieping LEI ; Zhenguo ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(2):134-141
Objective:To investigate the values of two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiographic parameters in predicting pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in chronic pulmonary thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).Methods:A total of 141 patients diagnosed with CTEPH in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from November 2015 to December 2022 were included. Two-dimensional echocardiographic indicators reflecting PVR were constructed according to the calculation formula of PVR: echocardiographic estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP Echo)/left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), echocardiographic estimated mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP Echo)/LVIDd. sPAP Echo/left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), sPAP Echo/left ventricular cardiac output (LVCO) were measured by three-dimensional echocardiography. The correlations between two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiographic ratios and invasive PVR were then analyzed using the Spearman correlation method. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, cut-off values for the ratios were generated to identify patients with PVR>1 000 dyn·s -1·cm -5. Pre- and postoperative hemodynamics and echocardiographic data were analyzed, as well as the correlation between the reduction rate of the echocardiographic index and PVR in 54 patients who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). Results:sPAP Echo/LVIDd, sPAP Echo/LVEDV and sPAP Echo/LVCO were moderately correlated with PVR( rs=0.62, 0.52, 0.63, both P<0.001). The ratio of sPAP Echo to LVEDV, when greater than or equal to 1.41, had a sensitivity of 0.800 and a specificity of 0.930 for determining PVR >1 000 dyn·s -1·cm -5 (AUC=0.860, P<0.001). Similarly, the ratio of sPAP Echo to LVIDd, when greater than or equal to 2.14, had a sensitivity of 0.647 and a specificity of 0.861 for determining PVR >1000 dyn·s -1·cm -5 (AUC=0.830, P<0.001). The sPAP Echo/LVIDd and mPAP Echo/LVIDd significantly decreased after PEA (both P<0.001). The sPAP Echo/LVIDd and mPAP Echo/LVIDd reduction rate (ΔsPAP Echo/LVIDd and ΔmPAP Echo/LVIDd) were significantly correlated with PVR reduction rate (ΔPVR), respectively ( rs=0.61, 0.63, both P<0.05). Conclusions:Two-dimensional ratio sPAP Echo/LVIDd and three-dimensional ratio sPAP Echo/LVEDV can be used to noninvasively estimate PVR in CTEPH patients. The conventional ratio sPAP Echo/LVIDd is convenient and reproducibly suitable for monitoring the improvement of PVR before and after treatment, and its ratio of 2.14 can predict the significant increase of PVR in CTEPH patients (>1 000 dyn·s -1·cm -5).
10.Expression and prognostic significance of nuclear matrix protein 4 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Jinhai LI ; Huawei ZHAI ; Guangzheng SUN ; Haifeng ZHANG ; Minghui ZHU ; Yu CAI ; Shenghua PAN ; Shuqun LI
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2024;30(2):87-92
Objective:To investigate the expression of nuclear matrix protein 4 (NMP4) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its relationship with clinicopathological features and survival prognosis of patients.Methods:The clinical data of 100 HCC patients who were treated with radical resection of liver cancer in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 63 males and 37 females, aged (58.5±10.4) years old. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of NMP4 protein in HCC cancer tissue and the corresponding adjacent normal tissue. According to the expression of NMP4 in HCC tissues, 100 patients were divided into two groups: the NMP4-positive expression group ( n=62) and the NMP4-negative expression group ( n=32). Univariate analysis was performed on the relationship between NMP4 expression and clinical pathological features as well as overall survival of HCC patients. Cox multivariate analysis was performed on the factors influencing postoperative prognosis of HCC patients. Results:Immunohistochemistry results showed that NMP4 was primarily expressed in the nucleus, the positive expression rate of NMP4 in HCC tissues was higher than that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues [62.0% (62/100) vs. 8.0%(8/100)], and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=2.12, P=0.003). Univariate analysis revealed that the overall survival of HCC patients was correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation, tumor length, BCLC stage, number of tumor foci, vascular tumor thrombus and expression of NMP4 (all P<0.05). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that low differentiation, high BCLC stage (stage C), number of tumor foci (≥3), and positive expression of NMP4 were independent risk factors affecting postoperative survival and recurrence-free survival of HCC patients. The median overall survival and median recurrence-free survival of HCC patients in the NMP4-positive expression group were 22.3 months and 11.5 months, respectively. In contrast, that in the NMP4-negative expression group were 40.6 months and 19.4 months, respectively. The cumulative survival rate and recurrence-free survival rate of HCC patients in the NMP4-positive expression group were lower than those in the NMP4-negative expression group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Conclusion:Positive NMP4 expression was closely correlated with malignant biological progression and poor prognosis of HCC patients.

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