1.Research advances in the effects of orexin and its receptor-related drugs on depression
Zhaoshu JIANG ; Ming CHENG ; Jie YANG ; Feng CAO ; Zhen ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):496-500
Depression is a psychiatric disorder whose main symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. Orexin, a neuropeptide located in hypothalamic neurons, has a wide range of projections throughout the central nervous system and is involved in various behavioral modulations related to depression. This study systematically reviewed the effects of orexin and its receptor-related drugs on depression and found that orexin could exert complex regulatory effects on multiple brain regions by binding to related receptors, affecting emotions, sleep, anxiety, etc. The abnormal state of expression of plasma orexin in patients with depression was found. Exogenous orexin-A, selective orexin receptor 1 antagonists (SORA1s), selective orexin receptor 2 antagonists (SORA2s), and dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) have demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in various animal models of depression. Among them, clinical trials involving exogenous orexin-A are relatively scarce. Drugs related to SORA1s and SORA2s, such as JNJ-61393215 and Setorexant, have made significant progress in the treatment of depression. DORAs, such as Suvorexant, Lemborexant, and Daridorexant, are primarily used to treat insomnia. Notably, Suvorexant has also shown potential in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2.Treating immunoglobulin A nephropathy based on the " qi cycle in round" theory
Leying ZHAO ; Yaoxian WANG ; Zhen WANG ; Yaotan LI ; Boning CAO ; Jiayin TAO ; Danting LI ; Qingqing LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):223-228
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is a globally prevalent type of primary glomerulonephritis, characterized by complex symptoms and diverse clinical manifestations. The internationally recognized " multiple hit hypothesis" explains the systemic immune disease features of IgA nephropathy. However, current treatment strategies primarily focus on local pathological changes, inadequately addressing its complex systemic mechanisms. The " qi cycle in round" theory, an integral concept of the academic thought of HUANG Yuanyu, a prominent medical expert from the Qing Dynasty, offers a concise and insightful framework for understanding complex pathologies. For example, this theory provides valuable insights for elucidating the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy and guiding its clinical management by simplifying intricate systemic processes. This study applies the " qi cycle in round" theory to postulate that patients with IgA nephropathy experience disrupted qi flow owing to spleen-stomach qi deficiency and dampness-heat accumulation. These imbalances manifest as internal symptoms, such as diarrhea; external vulnerability to illness; upper body symptoms, like sore throat; and lower body symptoms, such as hematuria and proteinuria. Pathologically, the condition is characterized by immune complex deposition. This article also emphasizes strategies that prioritize tonifying spleen-stomach qi to enhance the pivotal functions of transportation and transformation. Regulating qi and relieving stagnation are emphasized to harmonize ascending and descending dynamics. Additionally, eliminating turbidity and unblocking collaterals are highlighted to promote qi transformation. These approaches aim to restore the harmonious operation of organ qi dynamics and harmonious qi transformation functions. This study aims to provide a reference for syndrome differentiation and IgA nephropathy treatment using traditional Chinese medicine based on the " qi cycle in round" theory.
3.Evidence-Based Dampness-Heat ZHENG (Syndrome) in Cancer: Current Progress toward Establishing Relevant Animal Model with Pancreatic Tumor.
Ju-Ying JIAO ; Chien-Shan CHENG ; Zhang-Qi CAO ; Lian-Yu CHEN ; Zhen CHEN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(1):85-95
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases affecting the health of human beings. With limited therapeutic options available, complementary and alternative medicine has been widely adopted in cancer management and is increasingly becoming accepted by both patients and healthcare workers alike. Chinese medicine characterized by its unique diagnostic and treatment system is the most widely applied complementary and alternative medicine. It emphasizes symptoms and ZHENG (syndrome)-based treatment combined with contemporary disease diagnosis and further stratifies patients into individualized medicine subgroups. As a representative cancer with the highest degree of malignancy, pancreatic cancer is traditionally classified into the "amassment and accumulation". Emerging perspectives define the core pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer as "dampness-heat" and the respective treatment "clearing heat and resolving dampness" has been demonstrated to prolong survival in pancreatic cancer patients, as has been observed in many other cancers. This clinical advantage encourages an exploration of the essence of dampness-heat ZHENG (DHZ) in cancer and investigation into underlying mechanisms of action of herbal formulations against dampness-heat. However, at present, there is a lack of understanding of the molecular characteristics of DHZ in cancer and no standardized and widely accepted animal model to study this core syndrome in vivo. The shortage of animal models limits the ability to uncover the antitumor mechanisms of herbal medicines and to assess the safety profile of the natural products derived from them. This review summarizes the current research on DHZ in cancer in terms of the clinical aspects, molecular landscape, and animal models. This study aims to provide comprehensive insight that can be used for the establishment of a future standardized ZHENG-based cancer animal model.
Animals
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Hot Temperature
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Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy*
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Models, Animal
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Syndrome
4.Inhibitory effect of royal jelly acid on proliferation of human colon cancer SW620 cells and its network pharmacological analysis
Yaxin LIU ; Jian LIU ; Zhen LI ; Zhanhong CAO ; Haonan BAI ; Yu AN ; Xingyu FANG ; Qing YANG ; Hui LI ; Na LI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(1):150-160
Objective:To discuss the effect of royal jelly acid(10-HDA)on the proliferation and migration of the human colon cancer SW620 cells based on the network pharmacology,and to clarify its related molecular mechanism.Methods:The active ingredients such as 10-HDA and their corresponding targets were retrieved by using the keyword"royal jelly"from the Traditiomal Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology(TMSCP)Database and the Traditiomal Chinese Medicine Integrated Database(TCMID);the small molecule targets were predicted by the Swiss Target Prediction Database.The GeneCards Database and the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM)Database were used to obtain the targets with the keyword"Colon Cancer";the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed by using the String Database and Cytoscape 3.8.0 Software to screen the core targets;the Gene Ontology(GO)function enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signaling pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed by Metascape Database;the specific ingredient 10-HDA was screened for the in vitro activity experiments.The human colon cancer SW620 cells with good growth status were divided into control group and different doses(1,5,10,15,and 20 mmol·L-1)of 10-HDA groups.The viabilities of the cells in various groups were detected by MTT method and the survival rates of the cells were calculated.The SW620 cells were divided into control group,low dose(5 mmol·L-1)of 10-HDA group,middle dose(10 mmol·L-1)of 10-HDA group,and high dose(15 mmol·L-1)of 10-HDA group;Hoechst33342 staining method was used to observe the morphology of the cells in various groups;cell scratch test was used to detect the scratch healing rates of the cells in various groups;flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of the cells at different cell cycles in various groups;biochemical method was used to detect the activities of total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the cells in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),cysteine-containing aspartate proteolytic enzyme-3(Caspase-3),cysteine-containing aspartate proteolytic enzyme-9(Caspase-9),glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β),β-catenin,and cyclin D1 proteins in the cells in various groups.Results:Six active ingredients of royal jelly were screened out by the TCMSP Database,and 28 core targets of 10-HDA in the treatment of colon cancer were obtained.The GO function enrichment analysis mainly included the signaling pathways such as cell proliferation and apoptosis.The KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis included the cell cycle,prostate cancer,cell senescence,and p53 signaling pathways;the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway was closely related to the cell cycle.Compared with control group,the viabilities of the cells in 5,10,15,and 20 mmol·L-110-HDA groups were decreased in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the numbers of apoptotic cells in different doses of 10-HDA groups were significantly increased,and the scratch healing rates of the cells were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);the percentages of the cells at S phase in middle and high doses of 10-HDA groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the activities of T-AOC and SOD in the cells in different doses of 10-HDA groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with control group,the expression level of Bcl-2 protein in the cells in low dose of 10-HDA group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression level of GSK3β protein was significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with control group,the expression levels of Bax,Caspase-3,Caspase-9,and GSK3β proteins in the cells in middle and high doses of 10-HDA groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the expression levels of Bcl-2,β-catenin,and CyclinD1 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:10-HDA can significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of the colon cancer cells and promote the apoptosis and oxidation levels of the colon cancer cells,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.
5.Melatonin inhibits arrhythmias induced by increased late sodium currents in ventricular myocytes
Jie WEN ; Han-feng LIU ; Yan-yan YANG ; Ze-fu ZHANG ; An-tao LUO ; Zhen-zhen CAO ; Ji-hua MA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):143-151
Melatonin (Mel) has been shown to have cardioprotective effects, but its action on ion channels is unclear. In this experiment, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Mel on late sodium currents (INa.L) in mouse ventricular myocytes and the anti-arrhythmic effect at the organ level as well as its mechanism. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was applied to record the ionic currents and action potential (AP) in mouse ventricular myocytes while the electrocardiogram (ECG) and monophasic action potential (MAP) were recorded simultaneously in mouse hearts using a multichannel acquisition and analysis system. The results demonstrated that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Mel on transient sodium current (INa.T) and specific INa.L opener 2 nmol·L-1 sea anemone toxins II (ATX II) increased INa.L were 686.615 and 7.37 μmol·L-1, respectively. Mel did not affect L-type calcium current (ICa.L), transient outward current (Ito), and AP. In addition, 16 μmol·L-1 Mel shortened ATX II-prolonged action potential duration (APD), suppressed ATX II-induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs), and significantly reduced the incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts. In conclusion, Mel exerted its antiarrhythmic effects principally by blocking INa.L, thus providing a significant theoretical basis for new clinical applications of Mel. Animal welfare and experimental process are in accordance with the regulations of the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Wuhan University of Science and Technology (2023130).
6.Epidemiological characteristics of new pneumoconiosis in Zigong City in 2018 - 2022
Zhen JI ; Bo LIU ; Biyao CAO ; Yu' ; an CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(1):149-152
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of new occupational pneumoconiosis in Zigong City from 2018 to 2022, and to provide the basis for further prevention and treatment of local pneumoconiosis. Methods The information of newly diagnosed and reported cases of pneumoconiosis in Zigong City from 2018 to 2022 was collected through the occupational disease and occupational health information monitoring system, and the characteristics of the distribution of pneumoconiosis in three regions, the composition of diseases and the length of service of exposure to dust were analyzed. Results From 2018 to 2022, the top 3 newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis diseases in Zigong City were silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis and asbestosis. Silicosis cases were mainly distributed in small and medium-sized employers, accounting for 81.41%. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis was mainly distributed in large and medium-sized employers, accounting for 97.24%. Asbestosis mainly distributed in large scale employers, accounting for 96.36%. There was significant difference in dust handling age of different scale employers (H=11.453, P<0.05). The median ages of silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis and other pneumoconiosis were 47.0 years, 52.0 years and 48.2 years, respectively. The median age of dust handling was 3.3 years, 22.0 years and 23.2 years, respectively. The age of onset of coal workers' pneumoconiosis was higher than that of silicosis and other pneumoconiosis (H=72.547, P<0.05), and the age of dust exposure of silicosis was shorter than that of coal workers' pneumoconiosis and other pneumoconiosis (H=10.453, P<0.05). Conclusion The current situation of pneumoconiosis in Zigong City is still severe, with obvious clustering in disease types and industries. Prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis in key industries should be further strengthened to protect the health rights and interests of workers.
7.Effect of glycyrrhizin on inflammatory factors and fibrotic factors in high glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cells
Yuan LI ; Zhen WANG ; Xue CAO ; Shao-Zhang HOU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(2):214-219
Objective To investigate the effect of glycyrrhizic acid(GA)on the inflammatory and fibrotic factors in high glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cells(SV40 MES13).Methods Cultured mouse SV40 MES13 were divided into normal group(NG,5.6 mmol/L glucose),high glucose group(30 mmol/L glucose)and HG+GA group(30 mmol/L glucose+200 μmol/L GA).The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-6,IL-8 and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)in different groups were detected by Western blotting.The fluorescence intensity of IL-1β,TNF-α and α-SMA in different groups were detected by immunofluorescence.The levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-8 in the culture supernatant of different populations were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results The protein expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 and α-SMA in HG group were significantly higher than those in NG group(P<0.01);Compared with HG group,the protein expression levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 and α-SMA decreased significantly in HG+GA group(P<0.05).The fluorescence intensity of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,TNF-α and α-SMA increased in HG group than those in NG group(P<0.05);While compared with the HG group,the fluorescence intensity of IL-1β,TNF-α and α-SMA in HG+GA group decreased markedly(P<0.05).The experimental results of ELISA showed that compared with NG group,the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-8 in cell supernatent increased in HG group(P<0.01);while the levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 in HG+GA group significantly lower than those in HG group(P<0.05).Conclusion Glycyrrhizic acid has certain inhibitory effect on high glucose-induced inflammatory factors and fibrotic factors in glomerular mesangial cells,which may play an important role in prevention of diabetic nephropathy.
8.Evolution of the Connotation of Medical Service Quality in China and Implications for the Evaluation of Medical Ser-vice Quality under Payment Reform
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(1):21-25
Based on China's health-related policy documents,combining the development history of health concepts and quality management theories,the evolution of China's view of healthcare service quality is sorted out.Moreover,based on the objectives of payment reform and the possible impact on healthcare service quality,the focus of healthcare service quality evaluation in the context of health insurance payment reform is elaborated.It aims to explore the focus of medical service quality evaluation at the present stage,and to provide a reference for better utilization of the evaluation results to improve the quality of medical services.
9.Design and implementation of registration system based on Elasticsearch
Mengqi CAO ; Hongtao YU ; Zhen LIANG
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(2):109-113
Objective:To design and implement a registration system based on Elasticsearch,so as to solve the problems of the conventional registration system included single method of appointment and registration,and one-sidedness information of search registration platform,and to meet the growing needs of patients for diversified and intelligent medical registration and treatment.Methods:The browser/server(B/S)architecture was used to implement the design of registration system.The front-end used the neuron organic object description language(NOODL)language to render the interface,and implemented interaction between function methods and interface data through Typescript.The Elasticsearch search engine implemented high efficient search functions.The back-end processed the requirements of data through the(edge-based cloud object storage)ECOS system,and stored business data in the MySQL database.The system included a three-layer architecture with application layer,service layer and storage layer,which can realize a series of functions such as login and registration,search for appointments,link appointments,scan code for appointments,and setting appointment information by doctors.Results:The registration system based on Elasticsearch can realize multiple methods of appointment registration such as online search appointment,exclusive link appointment of hospital,appointment by scanning code,etc.,which was suitable to multiple platforms such as Web and mobile device.It has been applied in many overseas medical institutions.As of June 2023,the system possessed 219 doctors,and had serviced for 19,903 patients,and had completed 62,737 appointments,which saved a lot of time for patients to seek medical treatment,and improved operation efficiency of hospital.Conclusion:The registration system based on Elasticsearch can meet the diversified and intelligent needs of patients for medical treatment,which can provide comprehensive,accurate and intelligent services of appointment and treatment for patients,and can effectively improve the efficiency of appointment and treatment.
10.Structural design of tibial intramedullary stem of artificial knee joint
Xuekun CAO ; Wanpeng DONG ; Yuefu DONG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jichao ZHANG ; Jiayi LI ; Dejun SU ; Honghao MA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(21):3326-3333
BACKGROUND:With social progress,the incidence rate of knee osteoarthritis is getting higher and higher in the face of the rapidly developing aging problem in the social population,and the number of total knee replacement operations is gradually increasing. OBJECTIVE:To study the relationship between prosthesis size and stress shielding by improving the tibial prosthesis base. METHODS:A female patient with severe knee osteoarthritis was selected.Based on Mimics,through extracting the bone structure of the knee joint and simulating the total knee replacement surgery,osteotomy,positioning,and implantation operations were carried out to establish the geometric modeling of the total knee replacement prosthesis(including the femoral prosthesis,tibial bracket,and tibial pad),and improve the design of the tibial prosthesis base,analyze the effect of different tibial prosthesis bases on stress shielding of surrounding bone tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with single-stem tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis,the design of four-post tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis created a certain degree of stress shielding around the short stem.However,compared with a thicker single long stem,this stress shielding effect was significantly reduced,and the load was evenly distributed among the four short stems,so there was no stress concentration at the bottom of the pile.(2)The design with a rectangular hole in the middle not only provided relatively good stability,but also helped to reduce stress shielding of cancellous bone to a certain extent,with a reduction rate of 77.5%.(3)Compared with a single-stem tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis,both the four-post tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis and the four-post tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis with a hole in the middle have good stability,which can reduce stress shielding to a certain extent without causing stress concentration,providing theoretical guidance for the design of the tibial intramedullary stem.


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