1.Effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function,intestinal flora and metabolite content in slow transit constipation rat
Ziqi ZHANG ; Hongyun ZHOU ; Qiong ZHAO ; Yuan DENG ; Yu ZHAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):154-159
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function, intestinal flora and the contents of metabolites [γ aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] in slow transit constipation (STC) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (10 rats) and modeling group (30 rats), with half male and half female. The STC model was established by intragastric administration of Compound diphenoxylate tablets in the modeling group. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group [56 g/(kg·d), calculated by crude drug] and positive control group [lactulose 2.09 g/(kg·d)], with 10 rats in each group. Each administration group was given relevant medicine intragastrically, the blank group and model group received an equivalent volume of normal saline, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. During the experiment, the general situation of rats was observed in each group. After the last medication, the body weight was measured, and the Bristol score was used to evaluate the fecal characteristics. The fecal moisture content, intestinal propulsion rate, and the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal content were detected; the diversity of intestinal flora in intestinal contents was investigated, and the correlation between the contents of GABA, 5-HT and relative abundance of microbiota was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, general conditions such as small body shape, sparse and rough fur, and slow movement were all improved in Modified shaoyao gancao decoction body weight, Bristol score, fecal moisture content,intestinal propulsion rate, 5-HT content, Chao1 index and Shannon index were increased significantly, while GABA content and Simpson index were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The intestinal flora of rats in the Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group could be classified as the same as the blank group, but was far from the model group; the relative abundances of Desulfobacterota, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in this group showed a tendency of pull back, but the differences were not statistically significant compared to model group (P>0.05). Desulfobacterota was an intergroup differential factor (P<0.05). The content of GABA was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Patescibacteria and Actinobacteriota (P<0.05). The content of 5-HT was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Campilobacterota (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Modified shaoyao gancao decoction can improve the fecal properties and intestinal motility of STC rats. Its mechanism may be related to improving intestinal flora and then affecting the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal contents. In addition, the contents of GABA and 5-HT may be significantly correlated with the relative abundance of specific bacterial phyla such as Bacteroidota and Campilobacterota.
2.Effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function,intestinal flora and metabolite content in slow transit constipation rat
Ziqi ZHANG ; Hongyun ZHOU ; Qiong ZHAO ; Yuan DENG ; Yu ZHAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):154-159
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function, intestinal flora and the contents of metabolites [γ aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] in slow transit constipation (STC) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (10 rats) and modeling group (30 rats), with half male and half female. The STC model was established by intragastric administration of Compound diphenoxylate tablets in the modeling group. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group [56 g/(kg·d), calculated by crude drug] and positive control group [lactulose 2.09 g/(kg·d)], with 10 rats in each group. Each administration group was given relevant medicine intragastrically, the blank group and model group received an equivalent volume of normal saline, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. During the experiment, the general situation of rats was observed in each group. After the last medication, the body weight was measured, and the Bristol score was used to evaluate the fecal characteristics. The fecal moisture content, intestinal propulsion rate, and the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal content were detected; the diversity of intestinal flora in intestinal contents was investigated, and the correlation between the contents of GABA, 5-HT and relative abundance of microbiota was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, general conditions such as small body shape, sparse and rough fur, and slow movement were all improved in Modified shaoyao gancao decoction body weight, Bristol score, fecal moisture content,intestinal propulsion rate, 5-HT content, Chao1 index and Shannon index were increased significantly, while GABA content and Simpson index were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The intestinal flora of rats in the Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group could be classified as the same as the blank group, but was far from the model group; the relative abundances of Desulfobacterota, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in this group showed a tendency of pull back, but the differences were not statistically significant compared to model group (P>0.05). Desulfobacterota was an intergroup differential factor (P<0.05). The content of GABA was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Patescibacteria and Actinobacteriota (P<0.05). The content of 5-HT was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Campilobacterota (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Modified shaoyao gancao decoction can improve the fecal properties and intestinal motility of STC rats. Its mechanism may be related to improving intestinal flora and then affecting the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal contents. In addition, the contents of GABA and 5-HT may be significantly correlated with the relative abundance of specific bacterial phyla such as Bacteroidota and Campilobacterota.
3.Platelet bacterial contamination in China: a meta-analysis
Xiuyun LIAO ; Yang HUANG ; Yuan ZHANG ; Miao HE ; Zhan GAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1272-1279
Objective: To investigate the status and influencing factors of platelet bacterial contamination in China, and to provide theoretical support for relevant policies in blood collection and transfusion institutions. Methods: A meta-analysis by systematically searching studies on platelet bacterial contamination in China published between 1998 and 2023 was conducted. Data analysis was performed using R4.4 software to combine studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results: Twenty-three studies were included after screening. The combined analysis showed that the overall contamination rate of platelets in China was 0.18% (95% CI: 0.12%-0.24%). The contamination rate of manually condensed platelets was significantly higher than that of apheresis platelet concentrates (0.28% vs 0.17%, P<0.01). No significant difference in platelet contamination rates was found between eastern and central regions (0.21% vs 0.15%, P>0.01). The contamination rate of aerobic bacteria was higher than that of anaerobic bacteria (0.11% vs 0.06%, P<0.01). Publication bias analysis indicated robust results, and sensitivity analysis showed minimal impact of excluding individual studies on the overall conclusion. Conclusion: Although the platelet contamination rate in China is generally low, significant differences exist across collection methods and regions.
4.Predictive Modeling of Chronic Kidney Disease with Hypertension or Diabetes Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Huijuan ZENG ; Bo TIAN ; Hongling YUAN ; Jie HE ; Guanxi LI ; Guojia RU ; Min XU ; Dong ZHAN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(3):99-105
Objective To build the early predictive model for chronic kidney disease(CKD)in hypertension and diabetes patients in the community.Methods The CKD patients were recruited from 4 health care centers in 4 urban areas in Kunming.The control group was residents without hypertension and diabetes(n = 1267).The disease group was residents with hypertension and/or diabetes(n = 566).The questionnaire survey,physical examination,laboratory testing,and 5 SNPs gene types in the PVT1 gene.The risk factors,which were filtered with logistics regression,were used to build predictive models.Four machine learning algorithms were built:support vector machine(SVM),random forest(RF),Na?ve Bayes(NB),and artificial neural network(ANN)models.Results Thirteen indicators included in the final diagnostic model:age,disease type,ethnicity,blood urea nitrogen,creatinine,eGFR from MDRD,ACR,eGFR from EPI2009,PAM13 score,sleep quality survey,staying-up late,PVT1 SNP rs11993333 and rs2720659.The accuracy,specificity,Kappa value,AUC of ROC,and PRC of ANN are greater than those of the other 3 models.The sensitivity of RF is the highest among 4 types of machine learning.Conclusions The ANN predictive model has a good ability of efficiency and classification to predict CKD with hypertension and/or diabetes patients in the community.
5.Effect of gender on dose-effect relationship of remimazolam combined with alfentanil in painless gastroscopy
Yong ZHAN ; Junqing LI ; Hao YUAN
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2024;26(1):53-57
Objective:To evaluate the effect of gender on dose-effect relationship of remimazolam combined with alfentanil in painless gastroscopy.Methods:Subjects who planned to undergo elective painless gastroscopy,aged 18-60 years old,body mass index 19-24 kg/m2,American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,were enrolled.They were divided into male group and female group.The first subject in both groups received afentanil 5 μg/kg and remimazolam 0.2 mg/kg,and was implanted into a gastroscope 2 minutes later.Positive reactions were defined as body movement,coughing,swallowing and frowning during gastroscopy placement and examination.Remimazolam 0.05 mg/kg was used as a dose gradient by using modified Dixon's up-and-down method.The dose of the next subject was adjusted according to whether the subject had a positive reaction.If there was a positive reaction,the dose of the next subject was increased by one level of gradient,otherwise,the dose was decreased by one level of gradient,and so on.The process was terminated at the seventh intersection point of positive-negative reaction.And 50% effective dose(ED50),95% effective dose(ED95)and 95% confidence interval(CI)of remimazolam for inhibiting gastroscopic implantation reaction was calculated by Probit method.Results:A total of 46 subjects were included,with 23 subjects in each group.There was no significant difference in general data between the two groups.The ED50 of afentanil combined with remimazolam was 0.193 mg/kg(95% CI:0.145-0.286),and the ED95 was 0.293 mg/kg(95% CI:0.237-0.903)in male group.The ED50 of afentanil combined with remimazolam was 0.215 mg/kg(95% CI:0.155-0.293),and the ED95 was 0.316 mg/kg(95% CI:0.261-0.968)in female group.The ED50 and ED95(P<0.05).Conclusion:When combined with 5 μg/kg of afentanil,remimazolam is more effective in inhibiting responses to gastroscopy inserting in male subjects than in female subjects.
6.Reviews and Recommendations in Comparative Studies on Quality of Wild and Cultivated Chinese Crude Drugs
Yapeng WANG ; Changsheng YUAN ; Jinxiu QIAN ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yunxiang LIU ; Tiegui NAN ; Liping KANG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Lanping GUO ; Luqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):1-20
By reviewing the research history on quality comparison between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs, this paper systematically combed the relevant research reports since the 1950s, and summarized and analyzed the results of existing comparative studies, and found that the existing comparative research on the quality of wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs were mainly focused on several aspects, including characteristics, microstructures, chemical compositions, pharmacodynamic effects, and genetic diversity. Among these, comparative studies of chemical compositions have been the dominant approach, with a particular emphasis on comparing the contents of index components. However, research on pharmacodynamic effects remained relatively limited. Due to various factors such as sample quantity, sample origin, growth period and cultivation methods, the differences in quality between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs vary significantly. In general, most wild Chinese crude drugs exhibited higher quality than cultivated products, with significant differences in their characteristics. The contents and proportions of some chemical components underwent noticeable changes, particularly with a marked increase in the proportion of primary metabolites after cultivation. The quality of cultivated Chinese crude drugs is closely related to the cultivation practices employed. Chinese crude drugs produced through wild nurturing, simulated wild planting, ecological cultivation, and other similar methods demonstrate quality levels comparable to those of wild Chinese crude drugs. Based on the analysis results, it is recommended to explicitly specify the cultivation practices and cultivation period of cultivated Chinese crude drugs in comparative studies of the quality between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs. Multiple technical approaches, including characteristics, microscopy, non-targeted metabolomics combined with quantitative analysis of differential components, and bioefficacy evaluation, should be employed to comprehensively assess the quality disparities between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs. Moreover, research efforts should be intensified to investigate the changes in pharmacodynamic effects resulting from differences in plant cell wall composition, primary metabolites, and secondary metabolites, in order to guide the production of high-quality Chinese crude drugs.
7.Recent advances in small-molecule inhibitors targeting influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
Hui-nan JIA ; Rui-fang JIA ; Ji-wei ZHANG ; Yuan-min JIANG ; Chuan-feng LIU ; Ying ZHANG ; Xin-yong LIU ; Peng ZHAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):43-60
Influenza virus causes serious threat to human life and health. Due to the inherent high variability of influenza virus, clinically resistant mutant strains of currently approved anti-influenza virus drugs have emerged. Therefore, it is urgent to develop antiviral drugs with new targets or mechanisms of action. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is directly responsible for viral RNA transcription and replication, and plays key roles in the viral life cycle, which is considered an important target of anti-influenza drug design. From the point of view of medicinal chemistry, this review summarizes current advances in diverse small-molecule inhibitors targeting influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, hoping to provide valuable reference for development of novel antiviral drugs.
8.Preparation Technology and Quality Control of Erdong Decoction Granules Based on QbD
Yuan YUAN ; Jia RUAN ; Yan ZHAN ; Chaoqun XU
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(8):1075-1083
OBJECTIVE
To study the preparation technology based on quality by design (QbD) concept of Erdong decoction particles, and to control its quality.
METHODS
Design L9(34) orthogonal test method, and the extraction process of Erdong decoction was optimized by AHP-CRITIC mixed weighted method with the extract rate, index component transfer rate and total polysaccharide as evaluation indexes. Taking ratio of briquetting, dissolution rate, angle of repose and moisture absorption rate as indexes, the central composite design-response surface methodology method combined with entropy weight method was used to optimize the forming process of Erdong decoction granules. The relative homogeneity index, bulk density, vibration density, moisture, hygroscopicity, angle of reposition and Hausner ratio were used as indicators to establish a physical fingerprint to evaluate particle quality consistency.
RESULTS
The optimal extraction process of Erdong decoction was to add 12 times of water without soaking and extract it 3 times for 30 min each time. The mean comprehensive score of the three batches of repeated validation tests was 54.24, and the RSD was 1.09%. The optimum molding process of Erdong decoction granules was as follows: the ratio of dry paste powder to auxiliary material was 1∶0.6, the volume fraction of wetting agent was 87%, the amount of wetting agent was 16%, and it was dried at 80 ℃ for 30 min. The similarity of physical fingerprints of 5 batches of particles was>0.99.
CONCLUSION
The method is stable and feasible, which can provide direction for the industrial production of Erdong decoction granules and the further research of this preparation.
9.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Codonopsis pilosula Based onTraditional Quality Evaluation
Xiaoyan LAN ; Chunfang TIAN ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Li ZHOU ; Xiang LI ; Zidong QIU ; Tiegui NAN ; Qili YUAN ; Xiaoliang LIN ; Congkui TIAN ; Meilan CHEN ; Liping KANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):156-164
ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic comparative study on wild and cultivated Codonopsis pilosula(CP) from three aspects, including characters, microscopy, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. MethodWild and cultivated CP samples were collected, their characters were measured using vernier caliper, tape measure and balance, the paraffin sections were stained with safranin-fixed green dyeing, and their microstructure were observed under the optical microscope. The content of alcohol-soluble extracts in wild and cultivated CP was determined according to the method for determination of extract under CP in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the starch content was determined by anthrone colorimetry, the content of total polysaccharides was determined by kit method, Fiber analyzer was used to determine the content of fiber components, and ultra performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) was used to determine the content of monosaccharides, disaccharides and some secondary metabolites. Multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were employed to screen key differential components between wild and cultivated CP on the basis of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and P<0.05. ResultIn terms of morphological characteristics, the "lion's head-like" shape, longitudinal wrinkles, and circumferential wrinkles below the root cap of wild CP were more pronounced in wild CP compared to the cultivated ones. Regarding transverse sectional features, wild CP had more fissures on the outer side of the cortex and a larger duramen. Under microscopic examination, wild CP had more stone cells, a larger proportion of xylem, and the presence of cork cells arranged in rings in the xylem, while cultivated CP has a larger proportion of phloem, smaller vessel diameters, and a more loosely arranged vascular system. In terms of primary metabolites, the contents of 45% ethanol-soluble extract and total polysaccharides in cultivated CP were significantly higher than those in the wild ones(P<0.05), the contents of lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose, fructose and glucose in wild CP were significantly higher than those in the cultivated ones(P<0.05), while sucrose content in the cultivated CP was significantly higher than that in the wild ones(P<0.05). Concerning secondary metabolites, the contents of tryptophan and tangshenoside Ⅰ in cultivated CP were significantly higher than those in the wild ones(P<0.05), whereas the contents of lobetyolinin, lobetyol and atractylenolide Ⅲ in wild CP were significantly higher than those in the cultivated ones(P<0.05). ConclusionThere are significant differences between wild and cultivated CP in terms of morphological characteristics, microscopic features and chemical composition. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, tangshenoside Ⅰ, tryptophan and cellulose components are the key differential components between wild and cultivated CP. Wild CP contains more polyacetylenes and fructose, whereas cultivated CP has higher levels of tangshenoside Ⅰ and sucrose, with noticeably lower cellulose content. These distinctions may be related to their growth conditions, growth years and cultivation techniques. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to increase polyacetylenes and the content ratio of fructose to sucrose as an indicators to characterize different production methods of CP, in order to guide the high-quality production of CP.
10.Exploring the mechanism of regulating Bcl-2/Bax pathway by the therapy of promoting blood circulation and nourishing yin to improve spermatogenesis in rats with varicocele
Yichun LIANG ; Wen WANG ; Shulin LIANG ; Ruijie FU ; Zhan QIN ; Liguo GENG ; Chaoba HE ; Shaoying YUAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1481-1489
Objective To explore the mechanism of the therapy of promoting blood circulation and nourishing yin(PBCNY)in improving spermatogenesis in rats with varicocele based on Bcl-2/Bax pathway.Methods Thirty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups(five rats per group):sham,model,levocarnitine(1.0 g/kg),and PBCNY low-dose(5.2 g/kg),PBCNY medium-dose(10.4 g/kg),and PBCNY high-dose(20.8 g/kg)groups.Apart from the sham group,all the groups were built a varicocele model by the classical Turner method.After 4 weeks,the sham group and model group were gavaged with normal saline,and the remaining groups were given with levocarnitine or different doses of PBCNY decoction once a day for 4 weeks.At the end of gavage,the sperm quality of rats in each group was detected by a computer-assisted sperm analyzer,and HE staining was used to observe the testicular tissue morphology of rats in each group and performed with Johnsen score.TUNEL method was used to detect apoptosis,RT-qPCR was used to detect Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA expression,and immunohistochemical method was used to detect cytochrome C protein expression.Results Compared to the sham group,sperm total count,motility rate and percentage of sperm with grade(a+b)motility were lower in the model group of rats(P<0.05).HE staining showed disturbed arrangement of seminiferous tubules in the testicular tissue with significant changes and decreased Johnsen score(P<0.05).The result of TUNEL assay showed that the apoptosis rate was increased in the model group(P<0.05).Bax mRNA expression was increased in testicular tissue(P<0.05).The result of immunohistochemistry showed that the positive expression of cytochrome C was increased in the model group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the rat sperm total count in the PBCNY medium-dose group,motility rate in the PBCNY low-and medium-dose groups,and percentage of sperm with grade(a+b)motility in the PBCNY low-dose group increased(P<0.05);the pathological structure of rat testis had different degrees of improvement,and Johnsen score increased in the PBCNY medium-dose group(P<0.05);the apoptosis rate of testicular cells decreased in the levocarnitine group and all doses of PBCNY groups(P<0.05);the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA increased in the PBCNY low-dose and high-dose groups(P<0.05),and the expression of Bax mRNA decreased in the levocarnitine group and the PBCNY medium-dose group(P<0.05);the positive expression of cytochrome C decreased in the PBCNY medium-dose group(P<0.05).Conclusion The therapy of PBCNY can improve sperm quality,repair damaged testicular tissue structure and improve spermatogenic function in rats with varicocele,and its mechanism of action may be related to the activation of Bcl-2/Bax pathway and inhibition of cell apoptosis.


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