
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effects of L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the underlying mechanism, thus providing novel strategies for clinical treatment of NAFLD. METHODS A methionine- and choline-deficient diet was used to establish an in vivo NAFLD model in C57BL/6 mice, and an oleic acid/bovine serum albumin complex was used to create an in vitro fat accumulation model. LOLA granules were then administered for interventions. Oil Red O and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used to observe hepatic and cellular lipid accumulation, while Sirius Red staining was used to assess collagen deposition in the liver. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and ammonia levels in the liver and serum were measured using assay kits. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels of urea cycle and fibrosis-related proteins in mouse liver and cell samples, respectively. RESULTS Histopathological staining demonstrated that LOLA granules effectively reduced hepatic lipid accumulation. Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that LOLA modulated the urea cycle by upregulating carbamoylphosphate synthetase and ornithine transcarbamylase. Additionally, Sirius Red staining results showed that LOLA significantly reduced the generation of collagen fibers in the liver of NAFLD mice, and decreased the positive expressions of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin in the liver, thereby alleviating the progression of liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION LOLA restores key enzyme activity in hepatic ammonia metabolism, alleviates urea cycle dysfunction in NAFLD and reduces hepatic ammonia concentration, thus effectively preventing hepatic lipid accumulation and early fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect of the Bushen Tongluo Formula (BSTLF) on rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and its potential mechanism through the regulation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS Thity-six rats were randomly divided into six groups using the double-blinding method: normal group, CIA group, methotrexate (MTX) group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose BSTLF groups (BSTLF-L, BSTLF-M, and BSTLF-H), with 6 rats per group. Corresponding interventions were given to each group. The therapeutic effects were assessed through arthritis index scoring, joint swelling measurement. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were used to explore the effect on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. RESULTS (1) General condition of rats were analyzed. Compared with the CIA group, rats in the MTX group and BSTLF groups had alleviated degree of joint swelling in BSTLF and MTX groups, especially in the MTX group and BSTLF-H group (P<0.05). The body weight of rats in BSTLF-H group and MTX group significantly increased on day 21 (P<0.05), which was closer to that of normal rats. (2) Pathological changes of synovial tissue were analyzed. Compared with the normal group, the synovial membrane injury in the CIA group was severe. With the increase of drug concentration, the synovial tissue hyperplasia and infiltrating inflammatory cells gradually decreased, and the tissue structure gradually recovered in all BSTLF groups. The treatment effect was obvious, especially in the BSTLF-H group and MTX group. (3) Serum inflammatory factors were measured. Compared with the normal group, serum interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in CIA rats significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the CIA group, serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in CIA rats significantly decreased with the increased BSTLF dose (P<0.05). The most significant declines of serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were seen in the BSTLF-H group and MTX group. (4) Protein levels of key factors in the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected. Compared with the normal group, the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p50, and NF-κB p65 in the synovial tissue of CIA group were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the CIA group, their protein levels in the synovial tissue gradually downregulated with the increased BSTLF dose (P<0.05). The most significant declines were seen in the BSTLF-H group and MTX group. CONCLUSION BSTLF can significantly downregulate key proteins in the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and reduce the content of inflammatory factors, effectively inhibit the inflammatory response of CIA rats, and delay the development of bone damage.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Guiling Ganlu Decoction on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in rats with acute gouty arthritis (AGA). METHODS Rats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, Guiling Ganlu Decoction groups (7, 14, and 28 g·kg–1) and colchicine group (0.30 mg·kg–1) using the random number method. The swelling degree, gait score, and inflammatory index score of ankle joint were measured after modeling. Pathological morphological changes of the synovium were observed. Serum levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-10, reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were detected. The mRNA levels of TLR4 and MyD88, and the protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the ankle swelling, gait score, inflammation index and pathology score of the model group were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ankle swelling (P<0.01), gait score, inflammation index and pathology score of the model group were significantly lower in the Guiling Ganlu Decoction groups (P<0.05). In addition, Guiling Ganlu Decoction significantly alleviated synovial cell hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased pathology scores, serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels, ROS and MDA (P<0.05,P<0.01), increased IL-10, SOD and GSH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA levels of TLR4 and MyD88, and protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in synovial tissue (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Guiling Ganlu Decoction alleviates the acute inflammatory response in AGA rats by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the antibacterial efficacy and potential mechanism of 22 natural compounds against mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS Using the resazurin as the main method, and the optical density method as the auxiliary method to study the antibacterial activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) of the compound. Using the Swiss Target Prediction database to predict the target of effective compounds. Utilizing GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases to obtain disease targets. Using the SangerBox software to construct a Venn diagram to identify intersecting targets as potential therapeutic targets for compound treatment of tuberculosis. Using SangerBox to import potential target genes for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Target interactions were validated through molecular docking using AutoDock software. RESULTS Under a drug concentration of 0.75 g·L–1, nine compounds with significant antibacterial activity were screened, among which the MIC of 5,7-Dimethoxyflavone and berberine was 0.046 9 g·L–1. The antibacterial effect was superior to the first-line anti-tuberculosis drug pyrazinamide (MIC=0.093 8 g·L–1). The MIC of epiberberine, tetrandrine, pinocembrin, artemisinin, lysionotin, dauricine, and berbamine ranged 0.093 8-0.375 0 g·L–1, equivalent to pyrazinamide. Through studying the lesser-researched epiberberine, 5,7-Dimethoxyflavone, and dauricine, a total of 6, 6, and 3 potential tuberculosis targets were respectively identified. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed target enrichment in tuberculosis-related important functions. The molecular docking analysis revealed that the binding energy ranged between –9.8 and –6.2 kcal·mol–1, suggesting good binding ability. A root mean square deviation (RMSD) <2 Å further verified the stability of the interaction. CONCLUSION This study identified nine natural compounds with anti-tuberculosis activity and potential targets of three lesser-researched compounds, namely 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, epiberberine, and dauricine. In the future, it is imperative to delve deeper into the clinical application potential and mechanisms of action of these compounds.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the chemical compositions and the mechanism of analgesic action of the Shangke Zhitong Cream using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for high-resolution separation with a Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight (Q-TOF) tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS The chemical components in the Shangke Zhitong Cream were analyzed and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and the targets of the components were predicted in the Swiss ADME, SwissTargetPrediction and Uniprot databases. Then the analgesic targets were obtained by GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed on the STRING platform. Hub genes for Shangke Zhitong Cream were screened using the Network Analysis Module, and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses and visualized on the Bioinformatics Platform. Key signaling pathways for Shangke Zhitong Cream were identified. A “component-target-pathway” network was visualized using Cytoscape 3.7.1. The binding of hub genes to the components was validated by molecular docking using AutoDock Vina, and visualized in Pymol. RESULTS A total of 20 chemical components were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with literature review, mainly including alkaloids and organic acids. Forteen components were screened by Swiss ADME, with 425 targets. A total of 80 targets were intersected between diseases and ingredients, mainly involving cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-protein kinase G (PKG), interleukin-17 (IL-17), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and other signaling pathways. The molecular docking results showed that the core target had a low binding energy to the active ingredients, showing good binding affinity. CONCLUSION Brucine, ferulic acid and hypaconitine are key components in Shangke Zhitong Cream, which target IL6, SLC6A4, CYP3A4 and PTGS2 to alter the cGMP-PKG, IL-17 and cAMP signaling pathways, thus exerting the multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway analgesic effect. This study explored the possible pharmacodynamic substances in Shangke Zhitong Cream and their mechanisms of action, and provided a theoretical basis for the development, application and quality evaluation of the analgesic property of Shangke Zhitong Cream.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the applicability of different internal standard quantitative methods in detecting plasma vancomycin concentration by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). METHODS LC-MS/MS methods were established with vancomycin-d12 (reagent A), linezolid-d3 (reagent B), norvancomycin (reagent C) and vancomycin homologs (reagent D) as the internal targets, and their performances were verified. Sixty serum samples from patients treated with vancomycin in Hebei Yanda Ludaopei Hospital from June 2023 to June 2024 were collected, and the blood concentration of vancomycin was determined by the LC-MS/MS method. Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon paired test, Passing-Bablok regression, Spearman correlation analysis, one-sample t-test, Bland-Altman scatter plot and other statistical methods were employed to analyze the correlation and consistency of the vancomycin results. RESULTS When the four substances were used as internal standards, a good linear relationship was observed for vancomycin concentrations in the range of 0.794–54.3 μg·mL–1 (R2>0.99). Recovery rates ranged from 98.70% to 113.33%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of precision was 2.66%–14.81%. The results of vancomycin plasma concentrations determined by the four methods all exhibited non-normal distributions. There were significant differences between reagent A versus reagent B and D (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference between reagent A and reagent C (P=0.630>0.05). Passing-Bablok regression analysis revealed that the regression equations for the detection results of the four different reagents were Creagent B=0.551Creagent A–0.121, Creagent C=1.008Creagent A+0.140, and Creagent D=1.080Creagent A+0.069 1. The Cusum test demonstrated that the regression bias was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficients between the detection results of reagent A versus reagents B, C, and D were 0.908, 0.949, and 0.982, respectively (P<0.01). Bland-Altman scatter plot analysis indicated that 96.67%, 91.67%, and 93.33% of the differences between the detection results of reagent A versus reagents B, C, and D were within the limits of agreement (±1.96 SD). CONCLUSION The results of vancomycin determined by the four LC-MS/MS methods are highly correlated. The consistency of the detection results varies among reagents A, B, and D, while the consistency between reagent A and reagent C is relatively high. The selectivity differences of the detection reagents need to be considered in the monitoring of vancomycin concentration.
OBJECTIVE To prepare acid-sensitive zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles loaded with GNE-477 (ZIF-8@GNE-477) and to investigate their anti-osteosarcoma activity both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS ZIF-8 was employed as a carrier to encapsulate GNE-477, and the physicochemical properties of the composite were characterized. The release profiles of ZIF-8@GNE-477 under acidic (pH 5.0) and neutral (pH 7.4) conditions were studied. In vitro experiments assessed the anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, anti-invasive, and pro-apoptotic activities of ZIF-8@GNE-477, along with its potential mechanisms. An in vivo osteosarcoma model was established by subcutaneous inoculation of MG-63 cell suspensions in BALB/c nude mice to evaluate the effects of ZIF-8@GNE-477 on mouse body weight, tumor volume, and tumor apoptosis. Additionally, hepatic and renal function indicators, as well as pathological changes in major organs, were analyzed in healthy mice to assess the safety. RESULTS ZIF-8@GNE-477 exhibited a uniform polyhedral morphology with a particle size of (90.67±1.36) nm, maintaining relative stability over seven days. X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis analyses confirmed the successful encapsulation of GNE-477 within ZIF-8, with a drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of (30.40±0.77)% and (91.19±2.32)%, respectively. Under acidic conditions, ZIF-8@GNE-477 released GNE-477 rapidly, achieving a 90% release within 72 hours. In vitro studies demonstrated that ZIF-8@GNE-477 significantly inhibited the viability, invasion, and migration of MG-63 cells and promoted apoptosis compared with free GNE-477 (P<0.05). These effects were closely associated with significantly downregulated phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) (P<0.05). In vivo experiments revealed no significant changes in body weight across groups, with ZIF-8@GNE-477 showing the most pronounced tumor growth inhibition and pro-apoptotic effects, alongside a good safety profile. CONCLUSION ZIF-8@GNE-477 effectively releases GNE-477 in the acidic tumor microenvironment, enhancing the anti-osteosarcoma effects of GNE-477 both in vitro and in vivo.
OBJECTIVE To explore the anti-fatigue effects of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus leaves and their potential mechanisms of action. METHODS The chemical constituents of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus leaves were characterized and identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS). In a combination with network pharmacology, a “component-target-anti-fatigue pathway” network was built. Molecular docking technology was employed to analyze the binding conformations and affinities between key components and core targets. The anti-fatigue effect of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus leaves was verified through an exhaustive swimming test. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the expression levels of target proteins in key signaling pathways. RESULTS A total of 89 chemical components were identified in Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus leaves, including 55 active ingredients involved in the regulation of 247 fatigue-related targets. They exerted anti-fatigue effects through key ingredients such as rutin, robinetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, and quercetin acting on core targets like tumor necrosis factor (TNF), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), albumin (ALB), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and signal transducer activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) to mediate cancer pathways, prostate cancer, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The exhaustive swimming test results demonstrated that Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus leaves significantly prolonged swimming time to exhaustion in mice, increased liver glycogen (LG) and muscle glycogen (MG) levels, and reduced serum lactic acid (LD) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, showing a remarkable anti-fatigue activity. Molecular docking results indicated that the key components of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus leaves (rutin, robinetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, and quercetin) could bind well to the core targets (TNF, AKT1, ALB, EGFR, and STAT3), with binding energies all below -5.0 kcal·mol–1 and stable binding conformations. Western blot analysis revealed that Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus leaves upregulated the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K and AKT, thereby regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to exert anti-fatigue effects. CONCLUSION Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus leaves exhibit significant anti-fatigue effects, likely mediated through modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of naringenin in the treatment of oral ulcers. METHODS An oral ulcer model was established in Kunming mice. The therapeutic effect of naringenin on ulcer healing was assessed through clinical observation and histological staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blot analyses were employed to evaluate the effects of naringenin on inflammation, wound healing, collagen synthesis, and cellular proliferation and migration in vivo (animal tissues) and in vitro. An in vitro inflammatory model was induced in murine monocyte-macrophage RAW264.7 cells using zymosan A to examine the impact of naringenin on immune cell responses. RESULTS Naringenin administration (23.44 mg·kg-¹) significantly promoted oral ulcer healing in mice and ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration in the ulcer tissues. In model animals, naringenin treatment significantly increased serum interleukin (IL-10) level, downregulated the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXC motif chemokine ligand 2 [CXCL2], IL-1β, IL-6) in ulcer tissues, and upregulated the expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix remodeling and collagen synthesis (matrix metalloproteinase-3 [MMP-3], tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases [TIMP]-1, TIMP-2, collagen type III alpha1 [Col3a1]). Concurrently, naringenin significantly downregulated Dectin-1 and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). CONCLUSION Naringenin promotes oral ulcer healing by suppressing inflammatory responses and regulating extracellular matrix and collagen synthesis. This study provides a research foundation for the application of naringenin in oral ulcer therapy.
OBJECTIVE To establish a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the rapid determination of lenvatinib concentration in human plasma and apply it to clinical monitoring. METHODS Lenvatinib-d4 was selected as the internal standard. Plasma samples were precipitated with acetonitrile. A Synergi-Fusion C18 column was used with a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile solution, eluted in a gradient at a flow rate of 0.4 mL·min–1. Mass spectrometry detection was performed using an electrospray ionization source in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The quantitative ion pairs for lenvatinib and the internal standard were m/z 427.2→370.2 and m/z 431.2→370.1, respectively. This validation method was applied to determine the steady-state trough concentrations of lenvatinib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The occurrence of adverse reactions was recorded and analyzed for its correlation with plasma drug concentrations. RESULTS Lenvimab exhibits excellent linearity within the range of 1–1 000 ng·mL–1 (r=0.999). Specificity, accuracy, precision, recovery, matrix effect, carryover and stability all met the requirements of Ch.P. Among the 30 enrolled patients, 3 received a 12 mg dose and 27 received an 8 mg dose of lenvatinib. Their mean steady-state trough concentrations were 81.87±50.6 ng·mL–1 and 45.79±28.07 ng·mL–1, respectively. Patients experiencing hypertension and fatigue had significantly higher lenvatinib plasma concentrations than those without these adverse reactions (P<0.05). The threshold concentrations associated with increased risks of hypertension and fatigue were 41.05 ng·mL–1 and 48.45 ng·mL–1, respectively. CONCLUSION The developed LC-MS/MS method is simple, accurate, reliable, and suitable for the determination of lenvatinib plasma concentrations in HCC patients. Higher steady-state trough concentrations of lenvatinib warrant close monitoring for the risks of hypertension and fatigue.
OBJECTIVE To explore the common rules of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of thyroid nodules, breast hyperplasia and uterine fibroids based on the real-world clinical data mining technology. METHODS From January 2014 to April 2019, the TCM prescription information for female patients with first diagnosis of thyroid nodules, breast hyperplasia or uterine fibroids in the outpatient department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine was collected. IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 software was used to conduct frequency and rate statistics on the combination of Chinese herbal pieces and Chinese patent medicines for treating thyroid nodules, breast hyperplasia or uterine fibroids. Common rules of TCM for treating the three diseases were deeply explored through system clustering method and association rule method. RESULTS A total of 21 983 TCM prescriptions were included in the study, involving 405 Chinese medicines, with a cumulative frequency of 306 498 times. The analysis found that the efficacy categories of TCM used in the three diseases mainly focused on tonics, heat-clearing drugs, phlegm-resolving and cough-relieving and asthma-relieving drugs, and blood-activating and stasis-resolving drugs. The four Qi were mainly flat, cold, slightly cold and warm, and the five flavors were mainly bitter, pungent and sweet. The meridian tropism mainly involved the liver, lung, spleen and heart meridians. High-frequency use of TCM herbs includes Angelica, Poria, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Bupleuri, Atractylodes, etc. Association rule analysis revealed that Curcumae Rhizoma and Sparganii Rhizoma were the common core drug pairs for the treatment of three diseases. The results of cluster analysis showed that the prescriptions with the effect of soothing liver and invigorating spleen were used in the three diseases, and Hongjin Xiaojie Capsules / Tablets were commonly used in the treatment of the three diseases. CONCLUSION TCM treatment of thyroid nodules, breast hyperplasia, and uterine fibroids all adheres to the therapeutic principles of soothing the liver and strengthening the spleen, as well as promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis, embodying the common regularity of medication in “treating different diseases with the same therapy”.
OBJECTIVE To explore the operational patterns of WeChat official accounts dedicated to pharmaceutical popular science, thus providing a scientific basis for optimizing the operational strategies of these accounts and enhancing the effectiveness of science popularization. METHODS A multi-source data collection strategy was adopted, incorporating 14 WeChat official accounts of pharmaceutical science communication and the benchmark account “Science China”. Hierarchical clustering, non-parametric tests, Pearson/Spearman correlation analyses, a readership decay model, and text mining techniques were comprehensively applied. Data crawling and visualization were implemented using Python. RESULTS Hospital pharmacy departments were the main operating entities (64.29%), with 55.56% being fully-functional “Service Accounts.” Foundation/pharmaceutical society accounts had a higher average monthly article output [(53.99±21.93) articles] than others (P<0.05). No significant difference in monthly article output was found among hospital pharmacy department/alliance accounts (P>0.05), presenting an intermittent publication pattern. In terms of time, 16:00-24:00 pm had an average article view count of 70.74% higher than other periods, peaking between 18:00 - 20:00 pm. A secondary readership peak emerged at 6:00–8:00 pm despite low publication frequency. Weekday data showed the highest article output on Wednesdays but the lowest readership, while significantly higher average readership was found at weekends than weekdays, with a negative correlation between publication frequency and average readership (P<0.05). Readership decayed exponentially over time (R2=0.939), declining most rapidly within the first 48 hours. Hot topics focused on rational and safe medication, with particular attention to pediatric drug use, traditional Chinese medicine, vitamins, and vaccines. CONCLUSION WeChat official accounts of pharmaceutical popular science should reasonably schedule article publication times and quantities, focus on high - view periods and weekend user needs, and timely promote high - quality content to enhance dissemination effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE To explore the practical experience in constructing a drug traceability code platform in medical institutions, thus providing references for the implementation of drug traceability systems in healthcare settings. METHODS The establishment of the hospital drug traceability code platform primarily included the development of Hospital Information System (HIS) interfaces, construction of drug identification code modules, creation of a traceability code database, redesign of medication dispensing and return processes, deployment of smart terminals, and development of quality control reports. Key optimizations focused on improving scanning efficiency, establishing multi-dimensional dispensing verification functions, and enhancing pharmacists’ engagement in code scanning. Data on waiting times for medication collection and dispensing errors before and after platform implementation were analyzed. RESULTS The integration of drug traceability code platform interfaces, system upgrades, and testing were successfully completed. A standardized drug traceability code database was established, containing 715 drug traceability information entries, including 448 oral formulations, 178 injectables, and 89 topical agents. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 1,162,868 traceability codes have been aggregated and submitted to the medical insurance center. Following platform implementation, the average patient waiting time for medication decreased from 13.04 minutes to 12.62 minutes, and dispensing errors dropped from 38 (0.069‰) cases to 25 (0.031‰) cases. Chi-square test indicated a significant reduction in dispensing errors (P=0.0014). CONCLUSION The construction of the drug traceability code platform not only facilitates the transformation of pharmaceutical services in medical institutions toward precision and intelligence but also provides technical support for regulatory authorities to expand the application scenarios of full-process drug supervision. This significantly enhanced patients’ sense of medication safety.
OBJECTIVE To establish the classification directory and prescription review rule database of Chinese patent medicines for chest obstruction and heartache in Fuqing City Hospital, and to standardize the clinical use of Chinese patent medicines, thus improving the quality of prescription review. MRTHODS A classification directory based on the syndrome differentiation types and drug composition of chest obstruction and heartache was established. Additionally, a prescription review information database of Chinese patent medicines for chest obstruction and heartache in this hospital was constructed based on the “eight-in-one” evidence system, with the following core evidence of basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine, drug instructions and revised contents, “Chinese Pharmacopoeia” and clinical medication guidelines, guiding principles, guidelines and consensus issued by the national administrative department, as well as supporting evidence of clinical cases, non-clinical research literature, and online media reports. Shexiang Baoxin Pills were considered as an example to embed the prescription review rules into the prescription review system. RESULTS A Chinese patent medicine for chest obstruction and heartache has been established in the medical insurance directory, categorized by “Disease, Syndrome, and Medication”. A prescription review rule database for Chinese patent medicines in this hospital has been formed, including elements such as indications, usage and dosage, medication for special populations, and drug combination. The prescription review rules have been formulated, including the criteria for determining the rationality of prescriptions, the basis for determination, the interception level and the prompt content. CONCLUSION The application of the “Disease, Syndrome, and Medication” model standardizes the use of Chinese patent medicines for treating chest obstruction and heartache as the Western medicine differentiation. The prescription review system constructed based on the three-level classification of “Disease, Syndrome, and Medication” combined with multi-source evidence can enhance the scientific use and standardization of the prescription review of Chinese patent medicines and strengthen the prescription review ability of pharmacists.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide and a key ingredient of the extracellular matrix, exhibiting unique physicochemical properties and excellent biocompatibility. The presence of carboxyl (-COOH), hydroxyl (-OH), and acetylamino (-NHCOCH3) groups on HA facilitates covalent modification via amidation and esterification. Secondly, HA functions as a targeting ligand, enabling site-specific delivery through recognition by cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) receptors and hyaluronidase. Furthermore, HA, as a sustained-release matrix, prolongs drug retention time, making its application as prodrug carriers an effective strategy for new drug development. This review highlighted cutting-edge advancements in antibacterial, antiviral, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties of HA prodrugs.
CYP2C19 metabolic enzymes are involved in the metabolism of a variety of drugs. Genetic variation in the CYP2C19 gene can affect the activity of CYP2C19 enzymes, leading to the emergency of different phenotypes in the population. Pharmacogenomic research based on the genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C19 can help guide the design of individualized drug regimens for relevant clinical treatments and favor achieve precise pharmacotherapy. Herein, the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) has published several guidelines for the clinical use of the highest-level evidence-based drugs (clopidogrel, voriconazole, proton pump inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. This review for the first time compared the differences in related domestic and foreign clinical application guidelines based on these four types of drugs, and summarized the specific use of CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms in individualized medications for the above mentioned drugs, in order to provide references for the individualized medication strategies for the Chinese population and promote the clinical implementation and development of precision medicine.
To explore the way clinical pharmacists provide individualized pharmaceutical services for patients, thus providing reference and ideas for implementing pharmaceutical services for patients with pulmonary infection after kidney transplantation. The patient suffered from multiple infections of COVID-19, bacteria, and Aspergillus after kidney transplantation. The clinical pharmacist provided comprehensive pharmaceutical services for the patient, including professional opinions and pharmaceutical care in the formulation and adjustment of anti-infective and immunosuppressive regimens, monitoring and handling adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and monitoring blood drug concentrations. In addition, the pharmacist also discussed some pharmaceutical issues in this case, such as the selection of antifungal regimens for patients with kidney insufficiency, the treatment strategy for patients with COVID-19 and kidney transplantation, the nephrotoxicity of tacrolimus, and the adjustment of immunosuppressive regimens. The doctor adopted the consultation opinion and medication advice of the clinical pharmacist. After active treatment, the patient’s lung infection and kidney function improved. Blood concentrations of immunosuppressants reached the standard references, and the patient was discharged smoothly. After discharge, the clinical pharmacist was responsible for regular follow-up. At present, the patient’s condition was stable, and no drug adverse reactions occurred again. Clinical consultation, pharmaceutical care and advice, medication education and consultation and other pharmaceutical services provided by clinical pharmacists in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment are conducive to improving the effectiveness, safety of drug treatment for patients after kidney transplantation.