1.Effect of Huanglian Jiedutang in Regulating Ferroptosis in Mice with Atherosclerosis Based on Nrf2/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhaohui GONG ; Li GAO ; Huiqi ZHAI ; Jinzi YU ; Qingmin CHU ; Chuanjin LUO ; Lijin QING ; Wei WU ; Rong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):22-28
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) in treating mice with atherosclerosis (AS) by improving ferroptosis. MethodsA total of 10 SPF C57BL/6J mice were selected as a normal group, and 50 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into five groups: model group, low-dose group of HLJDT, medium-dose group of HLJDT, high-dose group of HLJDT, and atorvastatin (ATV) group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks to establish the AS model, and at the 9th week, they were given normal saline, low, medium, and high doses of HLJDT (3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and atorvastatin calcium tablets (0.01 g·kg-1·d-1), respectively, for a total of eight weeks. The formation of aortic plaque in mice was observed by gross oil red O staining and Masson staining. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood fat were measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mitochondrial structure of the aorta was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The content of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum was detected by the microplate method, and that of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum was detected by the TBA method. The protein expression of nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with those of the normal group, the contents of TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, and MDA in the serum and the aortic vascular plaque deposition of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of SOD and GSH in serum, as well as Nrf2, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and GPX4 in aorta were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Mice in the model group appeared mitochondrial fragmentation and vacuolation in the aorta, volume atrophy, mitochondrial crista reduction, or a loose and disorganized form. Compared with those in the model group, the aortic vascular plaque deposition was significantly decreased in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of HLJDT and ATV group, and the contents of serum TC, LDL-C, TG, and MDA in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The contents of serum SOD and GSH and the expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the aorta were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the symptoms of aortic mitochondrial vacuolation were alleviated. The number of cristae was increased, and they were ordered neatly. ConclusionHLJDT can reduce aortic vascular plaque deposition, decrease blood lipid and MDA expression, increase SOD and GSH expression, and ameliorate the pathological changes of ferroptosis, the mechanism of which is related to the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.
2.Ethical examination of the research and application of artificial intelligence in the field of rehabilitation
Lijun MENG ; Yiting LI ; Yingwei SUN ; Yu WU ; Shicai WU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):166-172
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the ethical governance of AI has gained increasing attention. The Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence was issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2021, which clarified several principles for the ethical governance of AI. In the field of rehabilitation medicine, the research and application of AI technology have significantly improved patients’ quality of life and survival. However, due to the specificity of the service population in rehabilitation medicine, which is mostly for the sick, injured, disabled, and elderly, a series of complex ethical issues have also arisen. This paper analyzed in detail the ethical issues and challenges encountered in the research and application of AI technology in the field of rehabilitation medicine from various aspects, such as informed consent, security of privacy and data, patients’ physical and mental rehabilitation, compliance regulation, protection of specific groups, and promotion of equity. According to the principles of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and others, response strategies were proposed, including multi-party collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation, improving and refining relevant laws and regulations, strengthening ethical education across society, establishing accountability mechanisms, increasing investment, promoting equity, and other measures, to promote the healthy development of research and application of AI technology in the field of rehabilitation, as well as benefit humanity.
3.Pharmacological effects of Yindan Pinggan capsules in treating intrahepatic cholestasis
Shu-xin CAO ; Feng HUANG ; Fang WU ; Rong-rong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):417-426
This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Yindan Pinggan capsules (YDPG) on intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC) through animal experiments, while utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to explore its potential mechanisms. Initially, the therapeutic effect of YDPG on an
4.Herbal Textual Research on Picrorhizae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Kaizhi WU ; Cheng FENG ; Wenyue LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):228-239
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Picrorhizae Rhizoma by referring to the medical books, prescription books, and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. The research results indicate that Picrorhizae Rhizoma was first recorded in New Revised Materia Medica from the Tang dynasty. Throughout history, Huhuanglian has been used as its official name, and there are also aliases such as Gehu Luze, Jiahuanglian and Hulian. The main source of past dynasties is the the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa and P. scrophulariiflora. In ancient times, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was mainly imported by foreign traders via Guangzhou and other regions, and also produced in China, mainly in Xizang. In ancient times, it was harvested and dried in early August of the lunar calendar, while in modern times, it is mostly harvested from July to September, with the best quality being those with thick and crispy rhizomes without impurities, and bitter taste. Throughout history, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was collected, washed, sliced, and dried before being used as a raw material for medicine, it has a bitter and cold taste, mainly used to treat bone steaming, hot flashes, infantile chancre fever, and dysentery. There is no significant difference in taste and efficacy between ancient and modern times. Based on the research results, it is recommended that the rhizomes of P. scrophulariiflora in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, or the rhizomes of P. kurrooa, can be used in famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb, which can be processed according to the processing requirements marked by the original formula. For those without clear processing requirements, the dried raw products are used as medicine.
5.Community resilience evaluation index system based on Delphi method for emergent major infectious diseases
Wen SUN ; Zhen LI ; Jialin CHEN ; Hao XU ; Li WEI ; Xiaoxiao WU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):6-11
Objective To establish a scientific, comprehensive, and operable community resilience evaluation index system for emergent major infectious diseases. Methods Based on the social ecosystem theory, a preliminary evaluation index system was formed by using content analysis and boundary analysis. The index system was then supplemented and revised through panel discussions. The final index system and index weights were clarified by two rounds of Delphi method. Results The expert positive coefficient, expert authority coefficient, and expert coordination coefficient of the two rounds of expert consultations were examined. According to the screening principle of the “threshold method”, the indicators were screened, and the weights of each indicator were determined in the second round of Delphi expert consultation. The analysis of the reliability of the indicator system showed Cronbach's α= 0.399 , indicating that the indicator system had a relatively high reliability. Factor analysis was carried out on 7 primary indicators, and the measure of sampling adequacy (MSA) values were all greater than 0.5, which passed the validity test. Conclusion A set of evaluation index system that can accurately reflect the resilience level of communities with emergent major infectious diseases has been constructed, including 7 primary indicators, 21 secondary indicators, 54 tertiary indicators, and 108 tertiary indicators, which has realized the quantitative evaluation of the hidden resilience level of communities.
6.Analysis on Quality Standard of Hedyotis Herba Dispensing Granules Based on Standard Decoction
Jinghua ZHANG ; Nana WU ; Yanan LYU ; Guiyun CAO ; Jiacheng XU ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Jinxin LI ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):210-217
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS) based on linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), explore the consistency between Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules and standard decoction, and evaluate the quality of the dispensing granules. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatogram was established based on 15 batches of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction and 10 batches of the dispensing granules, and LCTRS was used to locate chromatographic peaks. The actual retention times of 7 characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram was measured on 24 different types of C18 columns, taking deacetyl asperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid as the dual standard compounds, the retention times of the other 5 characteristic peaks were predicted and validated. Based on this, QAMS was developed to determine the contents of four components(deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, asperulosidic acid, and p-coumaric acid). Then, the relative correction factors of deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester and p-coumaric acid were calculated using the reference peak of asperulosidic acid in the dual standard compounds, and each component was quantified accordingly. Finally, the consistency between the dispensing granules and standard decoction was assessed by taking extract rate of the standard decoction, consistency of the specific chromatograms, contents and transfer rates of the indicator components as indexes, and the quality of the dispensing granules was evaluated. ResultsThere were 7 common peaks in the characteristic chromatogram of samples of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction and the dispensing granules, and four of them were identified by reference standards, namely deacetyl asperulosidic acid(peak 1), deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester(peak 3), asperulosidic acid(peak 6) and p-coumaric acid(peak 7). The similarity between the dispensing granules and the standard decoction was >0.9. The absolute deviation in the predicted retention time for each component by LCTRS was lower than that of the relative retention time method. The extract rate of the 15 batches of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction ranged from 7.89% to 14.60%, the contents of deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, asperulosidic acid and p-coumaric acid were 6.62-19.70, 3.83-17.99, 1.57-6.69, 1.62-4.52 mg·g-1, and the transfer rates of these components from decoction pieces to the standard decoction were 22.89%-39.60%, 34.03%-62.24%, 24.25%-43.70%, and 40.58%-73.71%, respectively. The extract rate, index component contents and transfer rates from decoction pieces to the three batches of Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules(P1-P3), produced by manufacturer A, were similar to those of the standard decoction prepared from the same batch of decoction pieces, and all fell within the specified range. The contents of the 4 indicator components in 7 batches of the dispensing granules(P4-P10) from manufacturers B-E were all within the range of the content converted from the standard decoction based on the quantity of the dispensing granules. ConclusionThe established specific chromatogram and QAMS based on LCTRS are reasonable and reliable. Based on the evaluation indicators of standard decoction yield, consistency of specific chromatograms, contents and transfer rates of the four index components, the 10 batches of Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules from various manufacturers have exhibited good consistency with the standard decoction, indicating that the current production process is relatively reasonable.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix and Knoxiae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiaoxuan CUI ; Kaizhi WU ; Wuwei MENG ; Yapeng WANG ; Wenyue LI ; Cheng FENG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):282-294
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, processing and other aspects of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix(EPR) by referring to the herbal medicine, medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern research materials, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herbal medicine. According to research, EPR was first recorded in the Shennong Bencaojing in the name of Daji, and it is the correct name of the herbal medicine in all dynasties, there are also other aliases such as Qiongju, Hongya Daji, and Xiamaxian. The dried roots of Euphorbia pekinensis from Euphorbiaceae was the mainstream of the past dynasties. Before the Ming dynasty, the above ground parts of E. pekinensis were used as Zeqi in herbal works. However, since LI Shizhen in the Ming dynasty proposed that the origin of Zeqi should be E. helioscopia, the aerial part of EPR is no longer used as medicine. Since modern times, the roots of Knoxia valerianoides has been used as EPR, and has become the mainstream of commodities, which should be corrected. Throughout history, it has been recorded that the main producing areas were Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Shanxi and other regions, while modern botanical survey have shown that EPR is a widespread species distributed throughout the country. In ancient times, the harvesting time of EPR was mostly the twelfth lunar month, while in modern time, it is more common to harvest in autumn and winter. The main processing methods of EPR in ancient times were vinegar processing, wine processing, and stir frying, while in modern times, it is uniformly vinegar processing. In the medicinal properties and clinical aspects, the records are basically consistent throughout history, mainly characterized by bitter taste, cold and toxic nature. Its main efficacy is expelling water retention and reducing swelling. Based on the textual research, it is suggested to choose the dried roots of E. pekinensis when famous classical formulas containing EPR, processing method can be based on the original specified prescription requirements, if the processing method is not clear, it is recommended to use vinegar-processed products as medicine.
8.Features of HBV RNA level in different stages of the natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and its correlation with HBV DNA and HBsAg
Han GAO ; Juanli WU ; Yushuang ZHANG ; Yiheng ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Tao LI ; Lixin ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):637-642
ObjectiveTo investigate the features of serum HBV RNA in different stages of the natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection without antiviral treatment, as well as its correlation with serum HBV DNA and HBsAg. MethodsA total of 306 treatment-naïve patients with chronic HBV infection who attended Department of Infections Diseases and Hepatoloty, the Second Hospital of Shandong University from January 2023 to June 2024 were divided into six groups based on the different stages of natural history, i.e., HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection group with 29 patients, HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) group with 107 patients, HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection group with 18 patients, HBeAg-negative CHB group with 60 patients, HBeAg-positive indeterminate-phase chronic HBV infection group with 7 patients, and HBeAg-negative indeterminate-phase chronic HBV infection group with 85 patients. Real-time isothermal RNA amplification was used to measure serum high-sensitivity HBV RNA. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups of continuous data, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between two groups. The Spearman method was used to investigate the correlation of HBV RNA with HBV DNA and HBsAg. ResultsThe HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection group showed the highest level of serum HBV RNA [7.5 (7.4 — 7.9) log10 copies/mL], followed by the HBeAg-positive CHB group [7.4 (6.4 — 7.9) log10 copies/mL], the HBeAg-negative CHB group [4.5 (3.0 — 5.7) log10 copies/mL], and the HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection group [1.0 (1.0 — 2.0) log10 copies/mL]; the HBeAg-positive indeterminate-phase chronic HBV infection group had a serum HBV RNA level of 3.9 (3.7 — 5.7) log10 copies/mL, and the HBeAg-negative indeterminate-phase chronic HBV infection group had a serum HBV RNA level of 2.0 (1.0 — 3.0) log10 copies/mL; there was a significant difference in serum HBV RNA level between the six groups (H=830.770, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in HBV RNA level between the HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection group and all the other groups except the HBeAg-positive CHB group (all P<0.001). In the 306 patients with HBV infection, HBV RNA was strongly correlated with HBV DNA (r=0.92, P<0.001) and was moderately correlated with HBsAg (r=0.67, P<0.001). The correlation between serum HBV RNA and HBsAg in HBeAg-positive patients (r=0.61, P<0.001) was stronger than that in HBeAg-negative patients (r=0.31, P<0.001). For the patients with HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection, the male patients with ALT>30 U/L and the female patients with ALT>19 U/L had a significantly lower serum HBV RNA level than the male patients with ALT≤30 U/L and the female patients with ALT≤19 U/L (P<0.001), and there was no significant difference in serum HBV RNA level between the latter group of patients and the HBeAg-positive CHB group (P>0.05). ConclusionIn patients with chronic HBV infection who do not receive antiviral therapy, there is a difference in serum HBV RNA level in different stages of natural history, and serum HBV RNA level has the strongest correlation with HBV DNA and a relatively weak correlation with HBsAg. In patients with HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection, serum HBV RNA level in male patients with ALT>30 U/L and female patients with ALT>19 U/L are in the transition stage between HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection and HBeAg-positive CHB.
9.Textual study of Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis diffusa).
Dong-Min JIANG ; Chu-Chu ZHONG ; Pang-Chui SHAW ; Bik-San LAU ; Tai-Wai LAU ; Guang-Hao XU ; Ying ZHANG ; Zhi-Guo MA ; Hui CAO ; Meng-Hua WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4386-4396
Baihuasheshecao(Hedyotis diffusa) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine derived from the whole herb of H. diffusa and has been widely utilized in folk medicine. It possesses anti-tumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the frequently used herbs in TCM clinical practice. However, Shuixiancao(H. corymbosa) and Xianhuaercao(H. tenelliflora), species of the same genus, are often used as substitutes for Baihuasheshecao. To substantiate the medicinal basis of Baihuasheshecao, this study systematically reviewed classical herbal texts and modern literature, examining its nomenclature, botanical origin, harvesting, processing, properties, meridian tropism, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. The results indicate that Baihuasheshecao was initially recorded as "Shuixiancao" in Preface to the Indexes to the Great Chinese Botany(Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao). Based on its morphological characteristics and habitat description, it was identified as H. diffusa in the Rubiaceae family. Subsequent records predominantly refer to it as Baihuasheshecao as its official name. In most regions, Baihuasheshecao is recognized as the authentic medicinal material, distinct from Shuixiancao and Xianhuaercao. Baihuasheshecao is harvested in late summer and early autumn, and the dried whole plant, including its roots, is used medicinally. The standard processing method involves cutting. It is known for its effects in clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling and pain, and promoting diuresis to resolve abscesses. Initially, it was mainly used for treating appendicitis, intestinal abscesses, and venomous snake bites, and later, it became a treatment for cancer. The excavation of its clinical value followed a process in which overseas Chinese introduced the herb from Chinese folk medicine to other countries. After its unique anti-cancer effects were recognized abroad, it was reintroduced to China and gradually became a crucial TCM for cancer treatment. The findings of this study help clarify the historical and contemporary uses of Baihuasheshecao, providing literature support and a scientific basis for its rational development and precise clinical application.
Humans
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China
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Hedyotis/classification*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*
10.Mechanism exploration and basic research on the repair of diabetic foot ulcer.
Hong-Rui WANG ; Kang WU ; Jia-Dong ZHANG ; Yong HU ; Xian LI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(9):964-968
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the common chronic complications in diabetic patients. Its course is complex and the therapeutic effect is limited, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the research on the mechanism of DFU wound repair. Studies have found that dysregulation of the inflammatory microenvironment, vascular dysfunction, obstruction of re-epithelialization, insufficient collagen deposition, and formation of wound biofilms are the core factors affecting healing. Intervention strategies targeting these mechanisms have become research hotspots. For instance, hydrogel scaffolds could provide an appropriate healing microenvironment, immune regulation strategies could promote inflammation resolution and tissue remodeling, and stem cell exosomes and growth factors have shown good potential in cell migration, angiogenesis, and matrix remodeling. Various natural compounds, such as components from Chinese herbal medicines, are also applied in diabetic foot ulcers. And it demonstrates excellent anti-inflammatory and restorative capabilities. However, existing research still faces obstacles in clinical translation, such as the immaturity of individualized treatment strategies and the difficulty of animal models in simulating complex clinical situations. By systematically summarizing the latest research progress on the repair mechanism of DFU, it is expected to provide theoretical support for precise treatment.
Humans
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Diabetic Foot/drug therapy*
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Wound Healing
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Animals


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