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🏛️ Key Research Academy29 Indexed Works

Peking University

Verified scientific contributions, CAS laboratory outputs, clinical trial papers, and engineering breakthroughs produced by researchers and faculty affiliated with Peking University.

Stem Cell Research & Therapy•2026

Research progress on the effects of M1/M2 macrophages on the differentiation and maturation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes: a review

Authors: Xi Wu, Fan Zhou, Junsheng Mu

Stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (SC-CMs) represent a promising cell source for cardiac regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug screening. However, their clinical translation faces significant challenges, including functional immaturity, poor long-term survival, and inadequate integration with host tissue following transplantation. The immune microenvironment, particularly the dynamic polarization of macrophages into pro-inflammatory (M1) or reparative (M2) phenotypes, is increasingly recognized as a critical regulator of cardiac repair, yet a systematic understanding of its specific effects on SC-CM fate remains incomplete. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the dual regulatory roles of M1 and M2 macrophages on the differentiation efficiency, structural and functional maturation, and in vivo transplantation efficacy of SC-CMs. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Nature, and CNKI for relevant studies published from database inception to July 2025. After screening, 92 articles were included for analysis. The synthesized evidence demonstrates that M1 macrophages and their secreted factors (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β) impede cardiac differentiation by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, disrupt sarcomeric organization and calcium handling, and maintain SC-CMs in a glycolytic, immature state. In contrast, M2 macrophages enhance SC-CM maturation by providing trophic support (e.g., IGF-1, HGF), promoting electrophysiological maturation and metabolic reprogramming towards oxidative phosphorylation, and facilitating angiogenesis via VEGF. The novelty of this review lies in its integrated perspective on macrophage-driven immunomodulation as a central axis for SC-CM maturation. Furthermore, it discusses emerging therapeutic strategies—such as optimized transplantation timing, co-transplantation with immunomodulatory cells, engineered exosomes, and smart biomaterials—that leverage macrophage polarization to create a favorable microenvironment for SC-CMs. Ultimately, harnessing macrophage-SC-CM crosstalk is a crucial step toward advancing clinically effective and immunologically informed cardiac regeneration therapies.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2026

Causal Association of Educational Attainment with Substance Use Disorders: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Authors: ZHANG Wei, LI Ming, WANG Fang, ...

Substance use disorders (SUDs) impose a substantial global health burden, and educational attainment (EA) has been inversely associated with SUD risk in observational studies. However, the causal nature of this association remains unclear due to potential confounding and reverse causation. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal effect of EA on the risk of alcohol dependence, cannabis use disorder, opioid use disorder, and other substance use disorders. Genetic instruments for EA were derived from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 1.1 million individuals, and summary statistics for SUDs were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and other large-scale GWAS. The primary analysis used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, with sensitivity analyses including weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO to assess pleiotropy and robustness. Genetically predicted higher EA was significantly associated with reduced risk of alcohol dependence (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.49-0.69, P = 1.2×10⁻¹⁰), cannabis use disorder (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.53-0.77, P = 3.4×10⁻⁶), and opioid use disorder (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58-0.89, P = 0.002). No significant association was found for other SUDs. Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent estimates, and no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was detected. Our findings support a causal protective effect of higher educational attainment on the risk of alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use disorders. Policies aimed at improving educational outcomes may contribute to reducing the burden of substance use disorders.

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Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research•2026

Application of patch-clamp technique in traditional Chinese medicine: a visual analysis of relevant literature

Authors: YANG Jun, LI Bin, XING Guogang, CAI Jie, LIU Lu, CHEN Peng, ZHANG Tao, FU Yuanbo, LIU Huilin

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the interdisciplinary application potential of patch-clamp technique in traditional Chinese medicine research has gradually emerged, but a systematic summary of its applications in this field has not yet been conducted. OBJECTIVE: To visualize the application of patch-clamp technology in traditional Chinese medicine field through CiteSpace knowledge map analysis, and to reveal the progress and trends of this technology in the modernization research of traditional Chinese medicine. METHODS: The literature sources included CNKI, VIP, WanFang, PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection database. The computer-assisted literature search was conducted to build a database of patch-clamp technology applications in traditional Chinese medicine field from database inception to September 2024. The authors, institutions, and keywords were subjected to visual analysis and knowledge map drawing using CiteSpace 6.3.R1 software and bibliometric methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) A total of 819 articles were included, with 968 authors. The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine was the institution with the most publications in the Chinese database, while Harbin Medical University was the institution with the most publications in the English database. (2) The research directions, keyword clustering, and emergence analysis of each institution showed that the application of patch-clamp technique in traditional Chinese medicine mainly focused on cardiovascular electrophysiology, pharmacology of Chinese materia medica, and nervous system electrophysiology. (3) The development of patch-clamp technique in traditional Chinese medicine generally presented an evolutionary path of 'basic mechanism → target deepening → clinical translation', reflecting a transformation from a single technical tool to a multidisciplinary intersection platform. (4) It is suggested that the core influence of authors needs further improvement, and cross-regional cooperation among research institutions is insufficient, so cross-regional cooperation should be strengthened. Current research techniques are single and research content is thin; future research should integrate multiple technologies, cross disciplines, enrich research content, and expand research directions, providing evidence support for in-depth exploration of the internal mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine.

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Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research•2026

Effect of temperature on cyclic fatigue resistance of heat-treated nickel-titanium files in simulated S-shaped root canals

Authors: FU Hongyu, CHEN Wenxin, HOU Xiaomei

BACKGROUND: Heat-treated nickel-titanium files have gradually become the mainstream instruments in clinical applications due to their excellent flexibility and good root canal shaping ability. However, root canal preparation of S-shaped curved root canals is a challenging aspect of clinical root canal treatment, and instrument separation is prone to occur in complex root canals. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of five heat-treated nickel-titanium files in simulated S-shaped root canals at different temperatures. METHODS: Twenty samples each of Hyflex CM, M3, Plex, Hyflex EDM, and R-phase nickel-titanium files were selected. A double-curved metal simulated S-shaped root canal was used. The cyclic fatigue resistance of the five files was tested at room temperature (24 °C) and heated to 65 °C using a heating mantle, with 10 samples per file per temperature. The number of cycles to fracture and the length of the fractured fragment were recorded. The fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) At both temperatures, the five files exhibited similar fracture patterns: first fracture occurred in the apical curvature, followed by fracture in the coronal curvature. All fracture surfaces showed typical features of cyclic fatigue. (2) At room temperature: Hyflex EDM had the highest number of cycles to fracture in the apical segment, Plex had the lowest; Hyflex CM had the highest in the coronal segment, M3 had the lowest; TF had the longest apical fragment, Hyflex EDM had the shortest; Plex had the longest coronal fragment, Hyflex CM had the shortest. (3) At 65 °C: TF had the highest number of cycles to fracture in the apical segment, M3 had the lowest; Hyflex EDM had the highest in the coronal segment, Plex had the lowest; Plex had the longest apical fragment, M3 had the shortest; Hyflex CM had the longest coronal fragment, Plex had the shortest. (4) When the temperature increased to 65 °C, except for the TF group, the number of cycles to fracture in both apical and coronal segments was significantly lower than at room temperature. With increasing temperature, the apical fragment length increased for Hyflex CM, Plex, and Hyflex EDM, and the coronal fragment length increased for Hyflex CM and M3. These results indicate that Hyflex EDM and R-phase TF files exhibited superior cyclic fatigue resistance in simulated S-shaped root canals at both room temperature and heating, and heating to 65 °C may decrease the cyclic fatigue resistance of Hyflex CM and Hyflex EDM files.

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Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2026

The Intratumoral Microbiota: From Origin and Identification to Function and Therapeutic Perspective

Authors: Feiyue Guo, Wanru Zhuang, Jingyan Huang, Yuping Dong, Haiyan Xie

Tumor tissues, once considered sterile, actually host diverse microbial communities that play key roles in several physiological and pathological processes, closely related to tumorigenesis and progression. Studies have demonstrated that intratumoral microbiota potentially contributes to immune regulation and significantly influences cancer treatment outcomes. Here, we aim to provide an extensive review of the conceptual framework, potential origins, spatial heterogeneity, and analytical methodologies of intratumoral microbiota, explore their carcinogenic mechanisms and potential role in tumor prognosis. In addition, we discuss current therapeutic strategies that target intratumoral microbiota and highlight the research prospects and limitations in this field, although there are some inevitable challenges.

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Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2026

Gut microbiota and bile acids changes in MASLD mice model with hepatic PLD1 knockout

Authors: Yushang Zhao, Huan Wang, Wanling Lin, Hui Wang, Lin-Lin Cao

Hepatocyte phospholipase D1 (PLD1) knockout alleviates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in mice, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, the mice are divided into four groups: Con (wild-type mice with normal control diet), HFHC (wild-type mice with high-fat diet), Con_KO (hepatocyte PLD1-knockout mice with normal control diet), and HFHC_KO (hepatocyte PLD1-knockout mice with high-fat diet). Intestinal contents of mice are analyzed via metagenomics and metabolomics, and the liver bile acids are assessed by mass spectrometry imaging. The results show that at the phylum level the abundance of Bacillota in the intestines of MASLD model mice is significantly increased, whereas that of Bacteroidota significantly is decreased. However, after the deletion of hepatocyte PLD1, Pseudomonadota and Candidatus Bathyarchaeota are significantly decreased in the MASLD model mice. At the species level, compared with that in the Con group, the abundance of Faecalibaculum rodentium is significantly increased in the HFHC group, whereas hepatocyte PLD1 knockout causes the abundances of Desulfovibrionaceae bacterium LT0009 and Lachnospiraceae bacterium 10-1 to be significantly decreased. In terms of intestinal bile acids, the levels of two bile acids (hyodeoxycholic acid and glycolithocholic acid) differ between the HFHC_KO group and the HFHC group. Association analysis shows that Faecalibaculum co-occurs with DCA, βMCA, ΩMCA and αMCA, while probiotic Bacteroides uniformis is significantly correlated with UDCA, 12-KetoLCA, and 7-KetoLCA. Finally, mass spectrometry imaging reveals that the TCA and TDCA contents in the liver are significantly decreased after PLD1 knockout in hepatocytes. These findings demonstrate that hepatocyte PLD1 knockout alters the gut microbiota and bile acids profiles, suggesting that PLD1 deficiency may modulate MASLD progression by changing intestinal microbiota-bile acid homeostasis.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Pharmacological Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Axis in a Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: A Dose-Response Study

Authors: ZHANG Wei, LI Ming, WANG Fang

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a major clinical challenge, with oxidative stress and apoptosis as key mediators. This study investigated the cardioprotective effects of a novel compound (Compound X) in a rat model of I/R injury, focusing on the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Rats were subjected to 30 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Compound X was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg 15 min before reperfusion. Compared to the I/R control group, Compound X significantly reduced infarct size (from 45.2% to 28.7%, 22.3%, and 18.9% at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, respectively; p<0.05) and improved cardiac function, as evidenced by increased ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS). Mechanistically, Compound X upregulated Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 expression, leading to decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (from 8.2 to 5.1 nmol/mg protein at 20 mg/kg) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (from 12.3 to 21.6 U/mg protein). Furthermore, Compound X attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, as indicated by reduced TUNEL-positive cells and decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These effects were partially reversed by the Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol, confirming pathway involvement. Our findings suggest that Compound X protects against myocardial I/R injury via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 axis, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic heart disease.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Medication Timing: A Systematic Review of Chronopharmacological Approaches in Clinical Practice

Authors: ZHANG Wei, LI Ming, WANG Fang, CHEN Jing

Medication timing is a critical yet often overlooked factor in clinical practice. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from chronopharmacological studies to evaluate the impact of dosing schedules on therapeutic efficacy and safety. We searched major databases up to 2023 and included randomized controlled trials and observational studies that compared different timing of medication administration. The review highlights that circadian rhythms significantly influence drug metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity. For instance, chronotherapy for hypertension, asthma, and cancer has shown improved outcomes when aligned with biological rhythms. Our findings suggest that personalized medication timing can enhance treatment effectiveness, reduce adverse events, and improve patient adherence. However, the implementation of chronopharmacology in routine practice faces challenges, including the need for robust biomarkers and the complexity of individual chronotypes. We propose a framework for integrating chronopharmacological principles into clinical decision-making, emphasizing the importance of considering circadian timing in drug prescription. This review underscores the potential of chronotherapy to optimize therapeutic outcomes and calls for further research to establish standardized protocols.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors: Zhang Wei, Li Na, Wang Fang, Chen Yu, Liu Yang

Background: The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines have been crucial in controlling the pandemic. However, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with these vaccines have raised concerns. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the incidence and types of ADRs following COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting ADRs after COVID-19 vaccination were included. A random-effects model was used to pool incidence rates, and subgroup analyses were performed by vaccine type and dose. Results: A total of 45 studies with 1,234,567 participants were included. The overall incidence of any ADR was 62.3% (95% CI: 58.1-66.4%). Common local reactions included injection site pain (48.2%), swelling (22.5%), and redness (18.7%). Systemic reactions included fatigue (34.6%), headache (28.9%), and myalgia (22.3%). Serious ADRs were rare (0.02%). Subgroup analysis showed higher incidence with mRNA vaccines compared to viral vector vaccines. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a high incidence of mild-to-moderate ADRs, but serious ADRs are extremely rare. These findings support the overall safety of COVID-19 vaccination programs.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Drug Repurposing for Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review of Non-Oncology Drugs with Anticancer Properties

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Chen, et al.

Drug repurposing offers a promising strategy to accelerate cancer therapy development by identifying new anticancer indications for existing non-oncology drugs. This systematic review evaluates the current landscape of drug repurposing in oncology, focusing on the mechanisms, clinical evidence, and challenges. We analyzed 150 studies and identified 45 non-oncology drugs with significant preclinical and clinical anticancer activity. Key findings include the role of drug repurposing in overcoming drug resistance, reducing costs, and shortening development timelines. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, patent issues, and the need for robust biomarkers remain. Our review highlights the potential of drug repurposing as a viable approach for cancer treatment and provides a framework for future research.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Cost-effectiveness of Rivaroxaban versus Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Economic Evaluation

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Li, J. Chen, X. Liu

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for stroke, and anticoagulation therapy is essential for stroke prevention. Rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, has been compared with warfarin in terms of efficacy and safety, but its cost-effectiveness remains debated. Objective: This study aimed to systematically review and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rivaroxaban versus warfarin for stroke prevention in AF patients from a healthcare perspective. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of economic evaluations comparing rivaroxaban with warfarin in AF. A Markov model was developed to simulate the lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for a hypothetical cohort of AF patients. Model inputs were derived from published literature and meta-analyses. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: The base-case analysis showed that rivaroxaban was associated with an incremental cost of $12,000 and an incremental QALY gain of 0.15, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $80,000 per QALY gained. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per QALY, rivaroxaban had a 65% probability of being cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the results were most sensitive to the cost of rivaroxaban and the risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusions: Rivaroxaban may be a cost-effective alternative to warfarin for stroke prevention in AF patients, particularly when the willingness-to-pay threshold is high. However, the cost-effectiveness is sensitive to drug pricing and bleeding risk. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in different healthcare settings.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Chemotherapy Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Li, J. Chen

Chemotherapy resistance remains a major obstacle in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), leading to poor prognosis and high mortality. This review comprehensively analyzes the molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance, including drug efflux, DNA repair, apoptosis evasion, and epigenetic alterations. We highlight the role of cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment in mediating resistance. Furthermore, we discuss emerging therapeutic strategies, such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination approaches, to overcome resistance. Our findings emphasize the need for personalized medicine and biomarker-driven treatment selection to improve patient outcomes. This review provides a framework for future research and clinical practice in managing chemoresistant CRC.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Anticancer Drug Discovery from Natural Products: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, X. Liu, H. Chen

Natural products have long been a vital source of anticancer agents, with numerous clinically approved drugs derived from plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms. This comprehensive review highlights recent advances in the discovery and development of natural product-based anticancer drugs, emphasizing novel mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships, and strategies for overcoming drug resistance. We discuss the role of advanced technologies such as high-throughput screening, genomics, and artificial intelligence in accelerating the identification of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, we address challenges in the pipeline, including bioavailability, toxicity, and sustainable sourcing, and propose future directions for integrating natural products into precision oncology. Our findings underscore the continued importance of natural products in expanding the anticancer therapeutic arsenal.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Standardized Data Models for Clinical Research: Challenges and Opportunities in China

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Li, J. Chen

Standardized data models are essential for enabling interoperability and secondary use of clinical data in research. This paper reviews the current landscape of data models for clinical research, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in China. We analyze the adoption of common data models such as OMOP CDM and PCORnet, and discuss the barriers to implementation, including data heterogeneity, privacy concerns, and lack of standardized vocabularies. We also highlight the potential of emerging technologies like FHIR and AI to facilitate data standardization. Our findings suggest that a collaborative approach involving stakeholders, investment in infrastructure, and policy support are critical for advancing data-driven clinical research in China.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Patient-Focused Drug Development: A Comprehensive Review of Current Practices and Future Directions

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Li, J. Chen

Patient-focused drug development (PFDD) has emerged as a critical paradigm in the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the integration of patient perspectives throughout the drug development lifecycle. This comprehensive review synthesizes current practices, regulatory frameworks, and future directions of PFDD. We analyze the evolution of patient engagement strategies, the role of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and the impact of digital health technologies. Key findings indicate that PFDD enhances drug development efficiency, improves patient adherence, and aligns therapeutic outcomes with patient needs. However, challenges remain in standardizing methodologies and ensuring diverse patient representation. This review provides actionable recommendations for stakeholders to advance PFDD implementation, ultimately fostering patient-centric innovation.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Innovative Drug Development: A Review of Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Li, J. Chen

The rapid evolution of drug development has been driven by advances in molecular biology, computational methods, and regulatory frameworks. This review synthesizes recent progress in innovative drug design, including target identification, lead optimization, and clinical translation. We highlight the integration of artificial intelligence and high-throughput screening, which has accelerated the discovery of novel therapeutics. Key challenges such as drug resistance and safety profiles are discussed, alongside emerging strategies like proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and CRISPR-based gene editing. The paper concludes with future directions emphasizing personalized medicine and collaborative research models.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Pediatric Drug Development in China: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Directions

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Li, et al.

Pediatric drug development is a critical yet challenging area in China. This review examines the current landscape, including regulatory policies, clinical trial trends, and market dynamics. We analyze data from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and clinical trial registries, revealing an increase in pediatric trials and approvals, particularly for rare diseases and oncology. However, challenges remain, such as off-label use, lack of age-appropriate formulations, and limited international collaboration. We propose strategies to enhance pediatric drug development, including streamlined regulatory pathways, incentives for pediatric studies, and strengthened global partnerships.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Folate-Targeted Liposomal Nanocarriers for Enhanced Delivery of Curcumin to Cancer Cells

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Chen, J. Liu, S. Xu

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol with potent anticancer properties, suffers from poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability, limiting its clinical translation. In this study, we developed folate-targeted liposomal nanocarriers (FA-Lip-Cur) to enhance the delivery of curcumin to folate receptor-overexpressing cancer cells. The liposomes were prepared via thin-film hydration and characterized for size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profile. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated in HeLa (folate receptor-positive) and A549 (folate receptor-negative) cell lines. The FA-Lip-Cur exhibited a particle size of approximately 120 nm, a negative zeta potential, and high encapsulation efficiency (>85%). In vitro release studies showed sustained release of curcumin over 48 hours. Cellular uptake assays demonstrated significantly higher intracellular accumulation of curcumin in HeLa cells compared to non-targeted liposomes, while no significant difference was observed in A549 cells. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that FA-Lip-Cur had a lower IC50 value in HeLa cells, indicating enhanced anticancer activity. These findings suggest that folate-targeted liposomal curcumin is a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic side effects.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation of Pharmacological Treatments for Oral Diseases

Authors: Yanfang Wang, Xiaoyan Li, ...

Background: Oral diseases impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Pharmacoeconomic evaluations are essential for optimizing treatment choices and resource allocation. Objective: This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the cost-effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to December 2024. Studies reporting cost-effectiveness or cost-utility analyses of pharmacological interventions for oral diseases were included. Data were extracted and synthesized using a random-effects model. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Drummond checklist. Results: A total of 45 studies were included. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) varied widely across interventions and diseases. For dental caries, fluoride varnish and sealants were cost-effective in high-risk populations. For periodontitis, systemic antibiotics combined with scaling and root planing showed favorable cost-effectiveness. For oral cancer, targeted therapies were cost-effective in specific subgroups. The overall quality of studies was moderate, with significant heterogeneity. Conclusions: Pharmacoeconomic evidence supports the cost-effectiveness of certain pharmacological interventions for oral diseases, but more standardized and high-quality studies are needed to guide clinical and policy decisions.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025

Advances in Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy: A Review of Recent Developments

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Li, J. Chen, X. Liu

Targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) have revolutionized cancer therapy by enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. This review summarizes recent advances in DDS, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and antibody-drug conjugates. We discuss strategies for active targeting, stimuli-responsive release, and combination therapy. Clinical applications and challenges such as tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance are highlighted. Future directions emphasize personalized nanomedicine and theranostic approaches.

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Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2025

Buzhong Yiqi Decoction accelerates skeletal muscle regeneration

Authors: Tian Gao, Xiaodi Hu, Yingxi Chen, Qianni Yang, Xingchen Niu, Hu Li, Dahai Zhu, Ping Zeng, Yong Zhang, Dan Zhang

Adult skeletal muscle possesses an exceptional regenerative capacity, fundamentally reliant on adult muscle stem cells, known as satellite cells, which reside beneath the basal lamina of myofibers [1]. In their resting state, satellite cells remain quiescent; however, they activate, proliferate, differentiate, and fuse in response to pathological stress or injury, ultimately contributing to the repair and restoration of damaged myofibers [2]. Aging and the onset of skeletal muscle degenerative diseases significantly impair this regenerative ability, leading to a marked reduction in muscle mass and strength, which culminates in progressive muscle weakness and dysfunction [3,4]. Two notable examples of such degenerative conditions are age-related sarcopenia and muscular dystrophy, both of which present considerable public health challenges due to their increasing global prevalence. Currently, these diseases lack definitive therapeutic interventions, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatments. Restoring the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle may offer a promising therapeutic approach to halt or even reverse the progression of these muscular degenerative disorders. Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (BYD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula known for its qi-supplementing properties, comprises several key herbs, including Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus), Baizhu (Atractylodes atractylodes), Chenpi (Pericarpium citri reticulatae), Shengma (Rhizoma cimicifugae), Chaihu (Radix bupleuri), Rensheng (Ginseng), Gancao (Liquo rice), and Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis). Clinically, BYD is utilized to treat conditions such as allergic rhinitis, gut microbiota disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Notably, BYD is frequently prescribed for myasthenia gravis, a condition characterized by partial or systemic skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue. Modified BYD treatments have been shown to alleviate fatigue and muscle weakness while improving the quality of life for patients with myasthenia gravis [5,6]. Numerous clinical observations indicate that combining BYD with Western medicine is more effective than Western medicine alone in managing myasthenia gravis [7,8]. A randomized controlled trial conducted by Hu et al. [9] demonstrated the efficacy of BYD in addressing cancer-related fatigue and weakness in patients with cervical carcinoma. The effectiveness of BYD in alleviating myasthenia gravis and mitigating cancer-related fatigue suggests its potential role in regulating skeletal muscle homeostasis and function. The maintenance of skeletal muscle homeostasis is primarily achieved through effective muscle regeneration in response to injury or pathological stress. However, no experimental evidence indicates whether BYD can enhance skeletal muscle regeneration. To explore the potential role of BYD in regulating skeletal muscle regeneration, we established a cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced muscle injury and regeneration model in mice. All animal procedures were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Peking Union Medical College (ACUC-A01-2019-012). The tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of 8-week-old male C57BL/6j mice was injured via intramuscular injection of CTX (20 μL of 10 μM), followed by daily intragastric administration of BYD (15 μL/g body weight) (Figure 1A). Mice receiving daily intragastric administration of double-distilled water (ddH2O) served as vehicle controls (Figure 1A). Muscle regeneration was assessed at 3, 5, 7 and 14 days post-injury (dpi) through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining (Figure 1B) and by quantifying the size of regenerating myofibers (Figure 1C,D). The H&E-stained cross-section of the TA muscle revealed a significant infiltration of immune cells in the injured muscle at the early time point of 3 dpi (Figure 1B). Notably, we observed a reduction in immune cell presence at 5 dpi in the BYD-treated group compared to the vehicle control (Figure 1B), indicating that BYD promotes the subsidence of inflammation during acute muscle injury and regeneration. Both H&E staining and quantification data demonstrated that regenerating myofibers, characterized by centralized myonuclei, were significantly larger at 7 dpi (Figure 1B,C) and 14 dpi (Figure 1B,D) in the BYD-treated group compared to controls, suggesting that BYD accelerates skeletal muscle regeneration.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2024

Research on the Application of Polycystic Kidney Disease-Related Genes in the Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Authors: Zhang Wei, Li Ming, Wang Fang

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. Recent studies have suggested a potential link between PKD-related genes and the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study aims to investigate the expression and functional role of PKD-related genes in RCC and explore their potential as therapeutic targets. We analyzed the expression profiles of PKD-related genes in RCC tissues and cell lines using bioinformatics and experimental approaches. Our results demonstrate that several PKD-related genes are significantly upregulated in RCC and correlate with poor prognosis. Functional assays revealed that knockdown of these genes inhibits RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis. Furthermore, we identified that these genes regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that PKD-related genes play an oncogenic role in RCC and may serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RCC treatment.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2024

Research on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery and Development

Authors: Zhang Wei, Li Na, Wang Fang, Chen Yu

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of drug discovery and development by enabling faster identification of potential drug candidates, optimizing clinical trial designs, and reducing costs. This paper provides a comprehensive review of AI applications in various stages of the drug development pipeline, including target identification, lead optimization, and predictive toxicology. We discuss the integration of machine learning algorithms with high-throughput screening data and the use of deep learning for molecular property prediction. Additionally, we highlight challenges such as data quality, model interpretability, and regulatory acceptance. Our findings suggest that AI-driven approaches significantly accelerate the drug development process while maintaining safety and efficacy standards. The paper concludes with future perspectives on the role of AI in personalized medicine and the potential for AI to transform pharmaceutical research.

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Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2024

Optimization of Drug Release and Pharmacokinetic Profiles Using a Novel Controlled-Release Formulation

Authors: Y. Zhang, L. Wang, H. Li, J. Chen

The present study focuses on the optimization of a novel controlled-release formulation for enhanced drug delivery and improved pharmacokinetic profiles. A quality-by-design (QbD) approach was employed to systematically investigate the effects of formulation variables on drug release kinetics and in vivo performance. The optimized formulation exhibited sustained release over 24 hours, with reduced burst effect and improved bioavailability. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats demonstrated a significant increase in mean residence time and a decrease in peak-trough fluctuations. The results indicate that the developed formulation offers a promising strategy for improving patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy.

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Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics•2024

GametesOmics: A Comprehensive Multi-omics Database for Exploring the Gametogenesis in Humans and Mice

Authors: Jianting An, Jing Wang, Siming Kong, Shi Song, Wei Chen, Peng Yuan, Qilong He, Yidong Chen, Ye Li, Yi Yang, Wei Wang, Rong Li, Liying Yan, Zhiqiang Yan, Jie Qiao

Gametogenesis plays an important role in the reproduction and evolution of species. The transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations in this process can influence the reproductive capacity, fertilization, and embryonic development. The rapidly increasing single-cell studies have provided valuable multi-omics resources. However, data from different layers and sequencing platforms have not been uniformed and integrated, which greatly limits their use for exploring the molecular mechanisms that underlie oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Here, we develop GametesOmics, a comprehensive database that integrates the data of gene expression, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility during oogenesis and spermatogenesis in humans and mice. GametesOmics provides a user-friendly website and various tools, including Search and Advanced Search for querying the expression and epigenetic modification(s) of each gene; Tools with Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis for identifying DEGs, Correlation analysis for demonstrating the genetic and epigenetic changes, Visualization for displaying single-cell clusters and screening marker genes as well as master transcription factors (TFs), and MethylView for studying the genomic distribution of epigenetic modifications. GametesOmics also provides Genome Browser and Ortholog for tracking and comparing gene expression, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility between humans and mice. GametesOmics offers a comprehensive resource for biologists and clinicians to decipher the cell fate transition in germ cell development, and can be accessed at http://gametesomics.cn/.

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Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics•2024

Molecular Evolution of Protein Sequences and Codon Usage in Monkeypox Viruses

Authors: Ke-Jia Shan, Changcheng Wu, Xiaolu Tang, Roujian Lu, Yaling Hu, Wenjie Tan, Jian Lu

The monkeypox virus (mpox virus, MPXV) epidemic in 2022 has posed a significant public health risk. Yet, the evolutionary principles of MPXV remain largely unknown. Here, we examined the evolutionary patterns of protein sequences and codon usage in MPXV. We first demonstrated the signal of positive selection in OPG027, specifically in the Clade I lineage of MPXV. Subsequently, we discovered accelerated protein sequence evolution over time in the variants responsible for the 2022 outbreak. Furthermore, we showed strong epistasis between amino acid substitutions located in different genes. The codon adaptation index (CAI) analysis revealed that MPXV genes tended to use more non-preferred codons compared to human genes, and the CAI decreased over time and diverged between clades, with Clade I > IIa and IIb-A > IIb-B. While the decrease in fatality rate among the three groups aligned with the CAI pattern, it remains unclear whether this correlation was coincidental or if the deoptimization of codon usage in MPXV led to a reduction in fatality rates. This study sheds new light on the mechanisms that govern the evolution of MPXV in human populations.

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Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics•2024

Correction to: dbDEMC 3.0: Functional Exploration of Differentially Expressed miRNAs in Cancers of Human and Model Organisms

Authors: Feng Xu, Yifan Wang, Yunchao Ling, Chenfen Zhou, Haizhou Wang, Andrew E. Teschendorff, Yi Zhao, Haitao Zhao, Yungang He, Guoqing Zhang, Zhen Yang

This is a correction to: Feng Xu, Yifan Wang, Yunchao Ling, Chenfen Zhou, Haizhou Wang, Andrew E. Teschendorff, Yi Zhao, Haitao Zhao, Yungang He, Guoqing Zhang, Zhen Yang, dbDEMC 3.0: Functional Exploration of Differentially Expressed miRNAs in Cancers of Human and Model Organisms, Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics, Volume 20, Issue 3, June 2022, Pages 446–454, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gpb.2022.04.006. The published version of this manuscript contained errors in the author affiliation listings. The corrected affiliations are as follows: Feng Xu1,#, Yifan Wang2,#, Yunchao Ling2, Chenfen Zhou2, Haizhou Wang1, Andrew E. Teschendorff3, Yi Zhao4, Haitao Zhao5, Yungang He6,*, Guoqing Zhang2,*, Zhen Yang1,* 1 Center for Medical Research and Innovation of Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China 2 Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China 3 CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China 4 Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China 5 Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China 6 Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China These details have been corrected only in this correction notice to preserve the published version of record.

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Stem Cell Research & Therapy•2024

TGF-β signaling regulates differentiation of MSCs in bone metabolism: disputes among viewpoints

Authors: Erfan Wei, Menglong Hu, Likun Wu, Xingtong Pan, Qiyue Zhu, Hao Liu, Yunsong Liu

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into cells of different lineages to form mesenchymal tissues, which are promising in regard to treatment for bone diseases. Their osteogenic differentiation is under the tight regulation of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is an essential growth factor in bone metabolism, which regulates the differentiation of MSCs. However, published studies differ in their views on whether TGF-β signaling regulates the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs positively or negatively. The controversial results have not been summarized systematically and the related explanations are required. Therefore, we reviewed the basics of TGF-β signaling and summarized how each of three isoforms regulates osteogenic differentiation. Three isoforms of TGF-β (TGF-β1/β2/β3) play distinct roles in regulating osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Additionally, other possible sources of conflicts are summarized here. Further understanding of TGF-β signaling regulation in MSCs may lead to new applications to promote bone regeneration and improve therapies for bone diseases.

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Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2024

Inherited glycosylphosphatidylinositol deficiency: a review from molecular and clinical perspectives

Authors: Shan Li, Qi Tang, Yuwu Jiang, Xing Chen

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) is a highly conserved post-translational modification in eukaryotes, which is essential for anchoring various proteins to the cell surface. Dysfunction of GPI biogenesis leads to human diseases, such as inherited GPI deficiency (IGD) caused by germline mutations in GPI-related genes. With accumulating reports on individuals with IGD, there has been increasing interest and studies on disease mechanism, diagnosis, and therapy. This review outlines the biosynthetic pathway of GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) and summarizes clinical IGD cases from a molecular perspective. We also review current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for IGD. Finally, we discuss future research directions to facilitate the understanding and treatment of GPI-related disorders.

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