Tao Liu

2 papers in the library · publishing 2025-2026

Papers

Clinical applications of esketamine: Current status and future perspectives.

J Int Med Res March 29, 2026 Hui Li, Jingjing Deng, Tao Liu et al.

Esketamine, a derivative of the anesthetic ketamine, is gaining popularity in China for surgical anesthesia, pain management, and treating mental illness due to its potent analgesic and anesthetic properties. This narrative review of literature up to June 2025 summarizes its pharmacological properties, clinical uses in surgical anesthesia, perioperative analgesia, painless procedures, intensive care, emergency care, and special populations like children and obstetric patients. It also covers organ-protective effects and adverse effects. The authors conclude that esketamine offers broader and safer applications than ketamine, particularly for psychiatric disorders.

DOI: 10.1177/03000605261432759 Full text

Structural Pharmacology of Bufotenine Derivatives in Activating the 5-HT 1A Receptor for Therapeutic Potential in Depression and Anxiety

Research January 1, 2025 Shujie Li, Shu-Jie Li, Qingning Yuan et al.

Bufotenine derivatives from traditional Chinese medicine, including 5-MeO-DMT and 5-OH-DMT, show promise as antidepressants and anxiolytics with reduced hallucinogenic effects. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed how these compounds bind to the 5-HT1A receptor, a key target for depression and anxiety treatment, while avoiding strong activation of the 5-HT2A receptor linked to hallucinations. Behavioral tests in mice confirmed that 5-OH-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT retain strong antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects. The distinct binding conformation of 5-OH-DMT correlates with its pharmacological profile. These findings provide a molecular basis for developing nonhallucinogenic drugs targeting the 5-HT1A receptor.

DOI: 10.34133/research.0987