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Table of Content

    01 March 2025, Volume 34 Issue 2
    Review
    Enhancing spleen function for effective hyperuricemia treatment
    Qian Deng, Zining Peng, Fanyu Meng, Weitian Yan, Nian Liu, Jiangyun Peng
    2025, 34(2):  99-108.  DOI: 10.5246/jcps.2025.02.008
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    Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, resulting from either increased production or decreased excretion of uric acid. This condition has reached epidemic proportions. Conventional Western medical treatments often come with a range of adverse effects. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the root cause of HUA lies in the spleen’s insufficient healthy movement, with phlegm, dampness, turbidity, and stasis being symptomatic manifestations. Research has shown that spleen-strengthening herbal remedies can effectively treat HUA by inhibiting uric acid synthesis enzymes, promoting uric acid excretion, reducing inflammation, providing antioxidant benefits, regulating gut microbiota, and modulating cellular processes. Clinical applications have substantiated these findings. Therefore, from the standpoint of symptomatic treatment of HUA, spleen-strengthening therapies hold significant importance and potential.

    Original articles
    Synthesis of a novel pharmaceutical excipient: An anion exchange resin
    Zhannuan Yin, Xianghuan Meng, Yingshu Feng, Ke Li, Xinyi Tang, Hongfei Liu, Haibing He, Wei Mi
    2025, 34(2):  109-125.  DOI: 10.5246/jcps.2025.02.009
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    The aim of this study was to develop a novel pharmaceutical excipient: an anion exchange resin. Initially, polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) microspheres were synthesized via suspension polymerization. Subsequently, these microspheres served as a substrate for chloromethylation using methanol, formaldehyde, and chlorosulfonic acid. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the chloromethylated microspheres were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and the Mohr method. Under optimal reaction conditions, the resulting products exhibited uniformity and spherical morphology, with an average particle size of approximately 190 µm. The PS-DVB microspheres effectively incorporated chloromethyl groups, as evidenced by a chlorine content of 14.67%. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the appearance of the microspheres remained largely unchanged post-reaction. Overall, the research findings demonstrated the successful preparation of the anion exchange resin. Characterization and quality assessment confirmed that the ion exchange resin met the required standards.

    Effect of inonotus obliquus polysaccharide on chronic nonbacterial prostatitis and its effect on Th17/Treg immune imbalance
    Xiaoru Zhao, Lihua Han, Miao Hao, Lili Peng, Hongxia Yuan, Qingshan Li
    2025, 34(2):  126-134.  DOI: 10.5246/jcps.2025.02.010
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    The aim of this study is to observe the therapeutic effect of Inonotus Obliquus Polysaccharide (IOP) on chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) and its effect on the helper T cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) immune imbalance. The CNP rat models established by injecting Xiaozhiling injection were randomly divided into the model group, cernilton (40 mg/kg, i.g.) group and low-dose (35 mg/kg, i.g.), medium-dose (70 mg/kg, i.g.) and high-dose (140 mg/kg, i.g.) groups, with the same volume of saline injected into the same site as the control group. The prostate’s wet weight and body mass served as the basis for calculating the prostate index. The serum level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was detected by ELISA and the histopathology of prostate tissue was detected by HE staining. The protein expression of Foxp3, ROR-γt and STAT3 in rat prostatic tissue was determined by Western blot. The levels of Th17 and Treg cells infiltrated into the spleen were measured by flow cytometry. The results showed that treatment with IOP significantly reduced the levels of prostate index and serum PSA, and attenuated the pathological injury of the prostate tissue induced by CNP. With respect to samples induced by CNP alone, IOP treatment repressed the increased mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, ROR-γt and STAT3 in prostate tissue, while increasing the mRNA levels of IL-10, TGF-β and Foxp3 in prostate tissue. Meanwhile, IOP treatment attenuated the upregulation of the protein expression levels of ROR-γt and STAT3 in prostate tissue. Additionally, the protein expression of Foxp3 in prostate tissue was increased in the IOP-treated group. Flow cytometry analysis further demonstrated that IOP treatment regulated the balance between Th17 and Treg cells in the spleen in rat with CNP. Our study is the first to elucidate that IOP has significant therapeutic effects on CNP through regulation of Th17/Treg balance. Collectively, the study provides evidence for the potential of IOP to treat CNP.

    Metabolomics analysis of femoral tissue reveals the impact of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma on metabolic pathways in osteoporotic rats
    Yuxin Wen, Qi Jiang, Zhuang Huang, Pengyu Chen, Xing Hong, Qiong Wang, Tao Huang, Lintao Han
    2025, 34(2):  135-149.  DOI: 10.5246/jcps.2025.02.011
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    This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (AR) in osteoporotic rats and to elucidate the metabolic pathways involved in AR’s role in alleviating osteoporosis (OP). OP was induced in rats through ovariectomy (OVX), followed by oral administration of either high or low doses of AR, as well as estradiol valerate, over a 14-week period. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was employed to examine the femur tissue morphology, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure serum levels of PINP and CTX-I to evaluate AR’s efficacy in treating OP. Additionally, metabolomic profiling of femur tissues was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The bioactive components of AR, along with its therapeutic targets for OP, were identified through UPLC-MS/MS and online database searches, and metabolic networks were established by integrating differential metabolites and potential targets. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis confirmed key molecular targets. The findings revealed that AR treatment significantly mitigated OVX-induced OP in rats. Metabolomic analysis indicated that AR exerted its effects by modulating the levels of 10 key metabolites (such as linoleic acid and inositol) and influencing five crucial metabolic pathways, including linoleic acid metabolism and the phosphoinositide signaling system. Among these, the linoleic acid metabolic pathway emerged as a pivotal focus for further investigation based on the constructed interaction network of differential metabolites and targets. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that AR reversed the up-regulation of CYP1A2 and CYP2C9, two targets associated with the linoleic acid metabolic pathway, in OP rats. In conclusion, AR appeared to ameliorate OP by modulating metabolite levels in OVX rats, with its mechanism of action likely centered on regulating the linoleic acid metabolic pathway.

    Ferroptosis-related gene biomarkers in psoriasis: diagnostic potential and insights for traditional chinese medicine treatments
    Xiaoyan Ma, Di Wu
    2025, 34(2):  150-162.  DOI: 10.5246/jcps.2025.02.012
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    This research aimed to identify and validate ferroptosis-related signature genes associated with psoriasis through a comprehensive bioinformatics approach, while also predicting potential traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) targeting these genes. The findings might offer a foundation for understanding ferroptosis mechanisms in psoriasis and exploring TCM-based therapeutic strategies. To begin, we retrieved gene expression profile data from psoriasis patients and healthy controls from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, followed by data normalization. Ferroptosis-associated differentially expressed genes (Fer-DEGs) were identified using the FerrDb database. Subsequent GO and KEGG enrichment analyses provided insights into the biological functions and signaling pathways of these Fer-DEGs. Core Fer-DEGs were identified using machine learning algorithms, and their expression levels were further validated with an external dataset to evaluate diagnostic potential. Additionally, the symMap database facilitated the reverse prediction of TCMs targeting these key signature genes. The analysis identified 265 significant Fer-DEGs. GO enrichment indicated their involvement in diverse biological processes, while KEGG analysis highlighted their roles in various pathways, including ferroptosis, autophagy, cancer, infection, and metabolism, as well as PI3K-Akt, FoxO, mTOR, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Machine learning pinpointed nine core psoriasis-related Fer-DEGs: PRKAA2, ANO6, POR, PTEN, MAPK8, ZFAS1, ADAM23, TMBIM4, and PARP14, all demonstrating strong diagnostic performance. Predicted TCMs primarily included those with heat-clearing, detoxifying, blood-activating, stasis-resolving, and phlegm-resolving properties. In conclusion, our study suggested that PRKAA2, ANO6, POR, PTEN, MAPK8, ZFAS1, ADAM23, TMBIM4, and PARP14 were key players in the ferroptosis pathway in psoriasis. TCMs with properties such as heat-clearing, blood activation, and phlegm resolution might hold promise for anti-ferroptosis interventions in psoriasis treatment.

    Deciphering the mechanism of action of Chaihu-Astragalus compound in the management of alcoholic liver fibrosis: A network pharmacology and molecular docking approach
    Xiaodong Zhu, Xueshi Di, Jinhui Sun
    2025, 34(2):  163-174.  DOI: 10.5246/jcps.2025.02.013
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    The present study aimed to analyze the potential mechanism of action of Chaihu-Astragalus in treating alcoholic liver fibrosis using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. We initially screened the active ingredients and targets of Chaihu-Astragalus through the TCMSP database. Additionally, we identified disease-related targets associated with alcoholic liver fibrosis via the GeneCards database, subsequently obtaining the intersection targets of Chaihu-Astragalus for treating alcoholic liver fibrosis. Using Cytoscape software, we constructed a “drug-active ingredient-intersection target” network and evaluated the network’s major active ingredients. The intersection targets were then subjected to protein-protein interaction network analysis using the STRING database to identify possible core targets. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the DAVID platform. Molecular docking verification of key active ingredients and core targets was performed using Schrödinger software and the Maestro platform. We identified 26 active ingredients and 180 potential targets (intersection targets). Key active compounds, such as quercetin, kaempferol, prickly mangosteen, isorhamnetin, and Areapillin, were highlighted. Core targets were also identified, including AKT1, TP53, JUN, TNF, and IL-6. Enrichment analyses revealed that potential targets were mainly associated with PI3K-Akt, TNF, MAPK, and other signaling pathways. Chaihu-Astragalus acted on multiple targets such as AKT1, TP53, and JUN primarily through various active ingredients like quercetin and kaempferol. Thus, it affected treating alcoholic liver fibrosis through multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K-Akt, TNF, and MAPK. It demonstrated characteristics of being multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway in its approach.

    Drug administration and clinical pharmacy column
    An investigation into the current status of post-marketing signal detection for pharmaceutical products in China: An interview-based study
    Xuelin Sun, Yatong Zhang, Dongfang Qian, Siyuan Tan, Zixuan Zhang, Pengfei Jin, Xin Hu
    2025, 34(2):  175-184.  DOI: 10.5246/jcps.2025.02.014
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    The aim of this study was to provide insights into the current status and primary methodologies employed by marketing authorization holders (MAHs) for signal detection. These insights are intended to offer valuable references for regulatory authorities in shaping pertinent regulatory policies. We conducted purposive sampling interviews with personnel responsible for pharmacovigilance (PV) within MAHs, in accordance with “Good Pharmacovigilance Practice (GVP)”. The interviews covered six predefined topics with open-ended discussions, including signal collection, signal detection, signal evaluation, clustered signal detection, and current challenges and issues. A total of 26 MAHs were interviewed, comprising 14 foreign-owned and 12 domestic enterprises. Foreign-owned enterprises, along with some local innovative pharmaceutical companies, utilized Oracle’s Argus and Empirica for adverse drug reaction information storage and computer-aided quantitative signal detection, respectively. The majority of domestic enterprises used the Taimei system for data storage and qualitative analysis, although a few employed other systems. Foreign-owned MAHs had comprehensive drug vigilance systems, aligning with established standards such as those of the European Union and the United States. Domestic innovative MAHs had more comprehensive drug vigilance systems compared to traditional domestic MAHs. Their signal detection approaches drew inspiration from the practices of foreign MAHs. This work synthesized findings related to the state of PV practices within these MAHs, shedding light on the challenges, achievements, and potential pathways for improvement.

    News
    The research team of Prof. Zhengren Xu completed the chemoenzymatic synthesis of the cyclopiane family of diterpenoid natural products
    State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center
    2025, 34(2):  185-187. 
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    2024年11月27日, 北京大学药学院天然药物及仿生药物全国重点实验室徐正仁团队在学术期刊Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.发表了题为“Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of the Cyclopiane Family of Diterpenoid Natural Products”(Cyclopiane家族二萜天然产物的化学-酶法合成)的研究工作。
    The research teams of Prof. Yiguang Wang/Prof. Binlong Chen have developed lysosome-mitochondria cascade targeting nanoparticle drives robust pyroptosis for cancer immunotherapy
    State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center
    2025, 34(2):  188-189. 
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    The research teams of Prof. Yiguang Wang/Prof. Binlong Chen have developed lysosome-mitochondria cascade targeting nanoparticle drives robust pyroptosis for cancer immunotherapy.
    The research team of Prof. Xianchan Li from Peking University has developed a single-vesicle electrochemistry method in fresh brain slices achieving in-situ quantification of vesicular monoamine
    State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center
    2025, 34(2):  190-192. 
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    The research team of Prof. Xianchan Li from Peking University has developed a single-vesicle electrochemistry method in fresh brain slices achieving in-situ quantification of vesicular monoamine.
    The research team of Prof. Tao Liu/Prof. Xiaozhou Luo jointly released the latest progress in the field of genetic codon extension
    State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center
    2025, 34(2):  193-194. 
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    The research team of Prof. Tao Liu/Prof. Xiaozhou Luo jointly released the latest progress in the field of genetic codon extension.