1.Discussion on Theory of "Gaozhuo" and Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Microcirculatory Disorders in Diabetic Retinopathy
Kai WU ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qianhong LIU ; Fangfang LI ; Rong YU ; Xiaolei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):245-252
Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo, while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR, encompassing two stages: Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis, thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo", microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction, deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically, treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, resolving turbidity, and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies, such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang, modified Buyang Huanwutang, modified Danggui Buxuetang, Zhuixue Mingmu decoction, Tangmuqing, Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription, Danhong Huayu decoction, and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.
2.Influence of Antigen Type on the Establishment of an Induced Sjögren Syndrome Mouse Model
Wenshuang RONG ; Yuanfei NIU ; Meiting LIU ; Mengyuan YANG ; Shuang CUI ; Lina MA ; Yao FU ; Lianmei WANG ; Junling CAO
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):178-190
ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the modeling effects of submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen in the establishment of Sjögren syndrome (SS) mouse models, and to characterize the phenotypic and immunological features of these models in comparison with spontaneous SS-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice. MethodsAdult C57BL/6J mice (equal numbers of males and females) were immunized with submaxillary gland antigen or salivary gland antigen, respectively, combined with Freund's adjuvant to induce SS models. Mice immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) combined with Freund's adjuvant served as the control group. Immunization was induced via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) on Days 1 and 7. A booster immunization was administered via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on Day 14. Female NOD/LtJ mice were used as the spontaneous SS model group, with ICR mice as the corresponding control strain for comparative analysis. Body weight, water intake, and salivary flow rate of mice were dynamically monitored for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, tissue and serum samples were collected, the weights of submaxillary glands, thymus, and spleen were measured, and organ indices (organ-to-body weight ratios) were calculated. Pathological morphological analysis of the submaxillary gland and spleen was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of SS type A (SSA) and SS type B (SSB) in submaxillary gland tissues. ResultsFemale mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group exhibited significantly increased water intake (P<0.05) and reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.05) compared with the female control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the submaxillary gland index, thymus index and spleen index (P>0.05). Focal lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic marginal zone was enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the female control group, female mice in the salivary gland antigen group showed no statistically significant differences in water intake, salivary flow rate, submaxillary gland index, and spleen index (P>0.05), whereas the thymus index was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular atrophy were observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic white pulp and marginal zone were slightly enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels and submaxillary gland SSB mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in submaxillary gland SSA expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the male control group, mild submaxillary gland atrophy was observed in male mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group, whereas no obvious changes were found in other modeling-related indicators (P>0.05). Compared with the ICR control group, NOD/LtJ model mice exhibited elevated water intake (P<0.05), significantly reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.01), no significant differences in the submaxillary gland index or spleen index (P>0.05), but a significantly increased thymus index (P<0.05). Marked focal infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, the splenic marginal zone was obviously enlarged, and serum IL-17 concentrations as well as submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionSubmaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen can induce SS-related features in female C57BL/6J mice. The SS-related phenotype is more pronounced in the submaxillary gland antigen group than in the salivary gland antigen group, but weaker than that in spontaneously SS-prone female NOD/LtJ mice. Immunization of male C57BL/6J mice with submaxillary or salivary gland antigens fails to induce an obvious SS phenotype.
3.Mechanism of Huangqin decoction in improving ulcerative colitis based on the gut microbiota-tryptophan metabolism-aryl hydrocarbon receptor axis
Ying CHEN ; Rong XU ; Yao HE ; Ying LI ; Zhiyu ZHANG ; Zhijiu WU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1173-1179
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Huangqin decoction in improving ulcerative colitis (UC) through the gut microbiota-tryptophan metabolism-aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) axis. METHODS Mice were randomly divided into normal group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), microbiota depletion-model group (normal saline), microbiota depletion-Huangqin decoction group (9.1 g/kg, by crude drug, similarly hereinafter), Huangqin decoction group and mesalazine group (positive control group, 0.4 g/kg), with 6 mice in each group. Microbiota depletion was achieved by providing free access to a mixed antibiotics for 10 days. The UC model was induced by administering 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 7 days. After successful modeling, each treatment group received corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically once daily for 10 days. After the final administration, body weight change ratio, disease activity index (DAI) score, and colon length were evaluated; colon pathological changes were observed; serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-22, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured; the expressions of Occludin, zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), and AhR in colon tissue were detected; fecal samples were subjected to high-throughput sequencing to analyze targeted tryptophan metabolomics. RESULTS Compared with the model group, Huangqin decoction group showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colon tissue and restoration of the intestinal mucosal structure. Body weight change ratio, colon length, serum content of IL-10, the expressions of Occludin, ZO-1 and AhR in colon tissue and the contents of tryptophan metabolites indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), N -acetylserotonin (NAS) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were all significantly increased ( P <0.05); DAI score, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-22 and the content of tryptophan metabolite indole-3-ethanol were significantly decreased ( P <0.05); gut microbiota structure was improved, with increased relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus , and decreased relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia-Shigella . However, after antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion, although Huangqin decoction significantly increased the content of NAS in the feces of mice, the expression of AhR protein in colon tissue did not increase concurrently. CONCLUSIONS Huangqin decoction can repair the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice by regulating the gut microbiota and promoting the production of IPA and IAA, thereby activating AhR. This suggests that an intact gut microbiota is an important prerequisite for Huangqin decoction to exert its AhR-regulating effects.
4.Research progress on mechanism of curcumin in treatment of depression
Lin WANG ; Qi-fei PAN ; Wen-juan LONG ; Jia-rong DU ; Zhong-yang HU ; Xin-yao LI ; Yi-shu CHEN ; Dong-dong QIN ; Xiao-man LYU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1618-1623
Depression is a prevalent mental and emotional disor-der that often results in significant emotional disturbances,cog-nitive dysfunction,and memory impairments.It is characterized by a high incidence rate,a substantial disability burden,and limited therapeutic efficacy.Currently,the long-term use of medications for the treatment of depression can result in a range of adverse reactions,highlighting the urgent need to explore no-vel approaches that can effectively alleviate depressive symptoms while minimizing side effects.Curcumin,a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the rhizome of turmeric,demonstrates considerable potential in the prevention and treatment of depres-sion,owing to its diverse array of biological activities.In recent years,numerous studies have investigated the use of curcumin for the treatment of depression.This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of action underlying curcumin's efficacy in treating depression.Specifically,it focu-ses on its ability to improve neurotransmitter imbalances,restore neural plasticity,alleviate neural damage,mitigate dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis,regulate in-flammatory factors and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways,and inhibit oxidative stress.This review is intended to offer in-sights and methodological references for basic research on curcu-min,as well as for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of depression.
5.Interpretation and reflections on the IFSO statement on metabolic bariatric surgery after pharmacotherapy-induced weight loss in clinical obesity
Mengcheng HE ; Chong CAO ; Rong HUA ; Yikai SHAO ; Qiyuan YAO
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(10):2062-2067
Obesity is a major global public health challenge and a leading cause of multiple metabolic disorders,including hypertension and diabetes.In China,more than half of the adult population is overweight or obese.While anti-obesity pharmacotherapies(such as GLP-1 receptor agonists)and bariatric surgery have both advanced rapidly,strategies for integrating these two modalities remain unclear.In particular,controversies persist regarding surgical eligibility after drug discontinuation,and standardized clinical guidelines are lacking.In July 2025,the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders released the world's first statement focusing on"metabolic bariatric surgery after pharmacotherapy-induced weight loss",which emphasizes the chronic disease model of obesity management and clarifies the synergistic relationship between pharmacotherapy and surgery.This article interprets the statement from the perspectives of treatment strategies,surgical eligibility,and drug-surgery coordination,aiming to provide evidence-based reference for clinicians and to promote standardized,integrated obesity management.
6.Evaluation of the Predictive Ability of Individualization Dosage Auxiliary Software for Vancomycin Trough Concentration in Surgical Patients with Infective Endocarditis
Zhengyue QIAN ; Yao FU ; Chaohui JING ; Xiaosong RONG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(2):314-319
Objective To evaluate the predictive efficacy of individualized dosage support software-Smart Dose,PharmVan and JPKD-on vancomycin plasma concentration in patients undergoing infective endocarditis(IE)surgery,and to analyze the influencing factors.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in IE patients who received intravenous vancomycin in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2022.The above softwares were used to predict the steady-state trough concentration of vancomycin,and the relative prediction error and absolute weight deviation(AWE)between the predicted and measured values were compared.According to the AWE value,the results were divided into accurate prediction group(AWE<30%)and the inaccurate prediction group(AWE≥30%).Univariate analysis and Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the influencing factors,and to evaluate the predictive value through the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).Results A total of 27 patients were enrolled,with 27 concentrations of initial regimen and 35 of adjustment regimen.When PharmVan predicted the adjusted concentration,the AWE was 24.84(11.54,39.78)%,with higher accuracy than other predicted results.The Univariate analysis of factors influencing the performance of PharmVan in predicting the adjusted concentration showed that patients in the accurate prediction group was significantly younger than that in the inaccurate prediction group(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age was an independent risk factor for the inaccurate prediction of PharmVan for adjustment concentration[OR=0.856,95%CI was(0.757,0.969),P=0.014].ROC curve analysis indicated that when patients were older than 48.5 years old,the risk of inaccurate prediction was increased with a sensitivity of 78.9%and a specificity of 93.7%.Conclusions Only the PharmVan software has a higher accuracy in predicting the adjusted concentration among the three softwares,but it is still need to be cautious in combination with the analysis results of ROC curve.Therefore,when using vancomycin in IE patients,attention should be paid to renal function and plasma concentration should be actively monitored.
7.Interpretation of the Standard Establishment Approach and Compilation Rationale for Metallic Pharmaceutical Packaging Standard Development in the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China
Fangfang ZHANG ; Rong CAI ; Wanling LAN ; Lei CHEN ; Lin YAO ; Hao DING ; Weiyi LU ; Yaju ZHOU ; Fenglan ZHANG ; Yuan LIU ; Kai XU ; Liang CHANG ; Yan LIU ; Feifei JIA ; Ying LI ; Yan JIANG ; Dandan WANG ; Shengli WU ; Yong SHEN ; Xiangwei XU ; Yanggege LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1745-1751
To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.
8.Clinical case analysis: fever thrombus space-occupying lesion in right ventricle
Hui WEI ; Jinxia ZHAO ; Zhonqiang YAO ; Song WU ; Meng WANG ; Xiang ZHU ; Rong MU
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(11):946-950
Objective:To improve the awareness of Beh?et′s disease with ventricular neoplasm.Methods:A case with fever, thrombosis, and right ventricular neoplasm was described. The diagnosis and treatment were analyzed and discussed.Results:A young male with genital ulcers and oral ulcers, ocular, skin, and vascular lesions presenting as large venous thrombus, was diagnosed with Beh?et′s disease. Pathological results of space-occupying lesion in right ventricle revealed inflammation and necrotic substance. Endocarditis was considered. Glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide was given, together with warfarin. During one-year follow-up, the patient remained stable.Conclusion:It is difficult to distinguish between Beh?et′s disease with cardiac neoplasm and infective endocarditis or cardiac tumor based on clinical manifestations and imaging only. Multidisciplinary management is a valuable approach for the diagnosis and treatment.
9.Effects of Rutong Ruanjian Tablets on angiogenesis in a rat model of preneoplastic breast cancer of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern via DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 pathway
Hua YANG ; Jun-yao LONG ; Jie GONG ; Bing-bing LU ; Xi ZOU ; Yu-rong WU ; Li-fang LIU ; Hui LIU ; Qi-hua CHEN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(3):774-781
AIM To investigate the effects of Rutong Ruanjian Tablets on angiogenesis in cancer tissues of rats with preneoplastic breast cancer(PBC).METHODS 60 female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group of 10 rats and a model group of 50 rats for the establishment of the PBC models of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern with 9 weeks of oral administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene(DMBA)and cervical ligation.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into the model group,the tamoxifen group(3.2 mg/kg),the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(128 mg/kg),the 3,5-difluorobenzoyl group(DAPT,5 mg/kg),and the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets(128 mg/kg via gavage)+DAPT(5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection)group,for 1 month corresponding drug administration,with 10 rats in each group.Then the rats had their cancer progression and syndrome scores observed;their angiogenesis evaluated by assessment of microvascular density(MVD);their vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression assessed by immunohistochemistry;and their mRNA and protein expressions of proteins related to the DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 pathway measured using RT-qPCR,immunohistochemistry and Western blot.RESULTS During carcinogenesis of rats induced by DMBA,there was gradual disappearance of E-cadherin expression and consistency of HE staining result with the PBC progression confirming the success of the modeling.Compared with the blank group,the model group showed increased MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group exhibited reduced MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P<0.05,P<0.01).The Rutong Ruanjian Tablets+DAPT group showed reduced mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1 compared to the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Rutong Ruanjian Tablets can inhibit angiogenesis and attenuate cancer progression in PBC rats of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern,and the mechanism may lie in the downregulation of DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway related proteins.
10.Treating Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy by Down-regulating NOX4 to Inhibit the Oxidative Stress Pathway in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Shu-Qi FENG ; Guo-Rong JIN ; Qun-Hang XUE ; Min HE ; Ze-Hang WANG ; Jia-Xin YAO ; Long CHEN ; Yu-Jiao WANG ; An-Xiu ZHANG ; Sheng HE ; Bing-Rui ZHOU ; Jun XIE
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):730-740
Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of end-stage renal diseases.In DN patients,key pathological mechanisms include proteinuria,glomerulo-sclerosis,and fibrosis,largely driven by poor glycemic control and oxidative stress caused by prolonged hyperglycemia.This stress damages renal podocytes and triggers inflammatory mesenchymal infiltration of renal tubular cells,exacerbating the progression of proteinuria and fibrosis.Human umbilical cord-de-rived mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)offer promising potential for treating DN due to their strong anti-oxidative properties.In this study,we developed a DN mouse model and treated the mouse via tail vein injections of hUC-MSCs(1×106 cells/mouse).The results indicated that hUC-MSCs significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels(22.5±3.0 vs 14.7±1.1,P<0.01)and improved glucose toler-ance,as shown by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test(IPGTT)results(P<0.05).Additionally,the renal function improved in hUC-MSCs-treated mice,with marked reductions in oxidative stress markers,including blood urea nitrogen(BUN),urinary creatinine(Ucr),urinary protein(PRO),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.05).Histological analyses through hematoxy-lin-eosin(H&E),Periodic Acid-Schiff(PAS),and Sirius red staining demonstrated alleviation of glo-merular mesangial hyperplasia,glomerular hypertrophy,and tubular inflammation.Furthermore,hUC-MSCs treatment downregulated the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins,such as NADPH oxi-dase 4(NOX4)and thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP),and reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS)production(P<0.05).Meanwhile,human renal cortical proximal tubule epithelial cells(HK-2 cells)were selected for validation in vitro experiments using high glucose treatment followed by super-natants of hUC-MSCs(MSC-CM),and Western blotting showed that the expression of both NOX4 and TXNIP was inhibited(P<0.05)and ROS expression was reduced.In conclusion,hUC-MSC treatment effectively lowered blood glucose levels and improved renal function in DN mice,likely through the sup-pression of NOX4 expression and TXNIP-mediated oxidative stress.

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