1.Erjingwan Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle Cells of Sarcopenia via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Long SHI ; Yang LI ; Hongyu YAN ; Tianle ZHOU ; Zhiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):57-66
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the classical Chinese medicine compound prescription Erjingwan on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in a mouse model of sarcopenia and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57/BL6 male mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, and groups with different doses of Erjingwan (8,16,32 g·kg-1). The mouse model of sarcopenia was established by D-gal-induced skeletal muscle senescence. The body weight and grip strength of mice treated with different doses of Erjingwan were examined to evaluate their physiological functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum samples of mice, and biochemical tests were conducted to quantify the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of drug intervention, the model group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and grip strength (P0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, all doses of Erjingwan increased the body weight in mice at week 8 (P0.01) and grip strength from week 6 (P0.01). HE staining revealed clear muscle fiber structure in the control group, muscle fiber rupture and atrophy in the model group, and dose-dependent repair of muscle fiber structure in the Erjingwan groups. Masson staining showed minimal collagen fibers and mild fibrosis in the control group, collagen fiber proliferation and severe fibrosis in the model group, and collagen proliferation with dose-dependent inhibition of fibrosis in the Erjingwan groups. ELISA results showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the model group compared with those in the control group (P0.01). After intervention, the low-dose Erjingwan group exhibited a decreased TNF-α level (P0.05), while the medium and high-dose groups showed decreases in both TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P0.01). Biochemical assays revealed that the model group had decreased SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and an increased MDA level (P0.01) compared with the control group. The medium and high-dose Erjingwan groups exhibited increases in SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and decreases in MDA level (P0.01), compared with the model group. WB and Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the model group presented down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in the muscle tissue (P0.01) and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01). Compared with the model group, Erjingwan at different doses up-regulated the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01) and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01) in the muscle tissue. Low-dose Erjingwan elevated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P0.05, P0.01), and medium and high-dose Erjingwan up-regulated the mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01). ConclusionErjingwan reduced the content of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle cells, improved the antioxidant capacity, and attenuated pathological changes and fibrosis in the muscle of the mouse model of sarcopenia by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory response, and apoptosis network.
2.Yimei Baijiang Formula Treats Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Qian WU ; Xin ZOU ; Chaoli JIANG ; Long ZHAO ; Hui CHEN ; Li LI ; Zhi LI ; Jianqin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):119-130
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Yimei Baijiang formula (YMBJF) on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) and the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mice. MethodsSixty male Balb/c mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into 6 groups: Normal, model, capecitabine (0.83 g
3.Erjingwan Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle Cells of Sarcopenia via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Long SHI ; Yang LI ; Hongyu YAN ; Tianle ZHOU ; Zhiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):57-66
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the classical Chinese medicine compound prescription Erjingwan on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in a mouse model of sarcopenia and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57/BL6 male mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, and groups with different doses of Erjingwan (8,16,32 g·kg-1). The mouse model of sarcopenia was established by D-gal-induced skeletal muscle senescence. The body weight and grip strength of mice treated with different doses of Erjingwan were examined to evaluate their physiological functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum samples of mice, and biochemical tests were conducted to quantify the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of drug intervention, the model group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and grip strength (P0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, all doses of Erjingwan increased the body weight in mice at week 8 (P0.01) and grip strength from week 6 (P0.01). HE staining revealed clear muscle fiber structure in the control group, muscle fiber rupture and atrophy in the model group, and dose-dependent repair of muscle fiber structure in the Erjingwan groups. Masson staining showed minimal collagen fibers and mild fibrosis in the control group, collagen fiber proliferation and severe fibrosis in the model group, and collagen proliferation with dose-dependent inhibition of fibrosis in the Erjingwan groups. ELISA results showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the model group compared with those in the control group (P0.01). After intervention, the low-dose Erjingwan group exhibited a decreased TNF-α level (P0.05), while the medium and high-dose groups showed decreases in both TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P0.01). Biochemical assays revealed that the model group had decreased SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and an increased MDA level (P0.01) compared with the control group. The medium and high-dose Erjingwan groups exhibited increases in SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and decreases in MDA level (P0.01), compared with the model group. WB and Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the model group presented down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in the muscle tissue (P0.01) and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01). Compared with the model group, Erjingwan at different doses up-regulated the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01) and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01) in the muscle tissue. Low-dose Erjingwan elevated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P0.05, P0.01), and medium and high-dose Erjingwan up-regulated the mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01). ConclusionErjingwan reduced the content of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle cells, improved the antioxidant capacity, and attenuated pathological changes and fibrosis in the muscle of the mouse model of sarcopenia by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory response, and apoptosis network.
4.Yimei Baijiang Formula Treats Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Qian WU ; Xin ZOU ; Chaoli JIANG ; Long ZHAO ; Hui CHEN ; Li LI ; Zhi LI ; Jianqin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):119-130
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Yimei Baijiang formula (YMBJF) on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) and the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mice. MethodsSixty male Balb/c mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into 6 groups: Normal, model, capecitabine (0.83 g
5.Key scientific issues and breakthrough paths to eliminate the harm of hepatitis B virus infection
Yixue WANG ; Bo PENG ; Lei WEI ; Quanxin LONG ; Yuchen XIA ; Yinyan SUN ; Wenhui LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):2-6
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) exclusively infects liver parenchymal cells and forms covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) within their nuclei. HBV cccDNA serves as the essential template for viral gene transcription, the sole source of progeny virus production, and the key driver of viral antigen expression, and it is the molecular basis for the persistence of HBV infection. Therefore, elimination and/or functional silencing of cccDNA is the key to eradicate chronic HBV infection. This article discusses the critical scientific issues that need to be solved during elimination of the harm of HBV infection from the perspectives of the synthesis, transcription, and clearance of cccDNA, as well as the impact of nonparenchymal cells on cccDNA, in order to provide a reference for eradicating HBV infection in the future.
6.Updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition (Volume Ⅰ)
LI Hao ; SHEN Mingrui ; ZHANG Pang ; ZHAI Weimin ; NI Long ; HAO Bo ; ZHAO Yuxin ; HE Yi ; MA Shuangcheng ; SHU Rong
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):017-022
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia is the legal technical standard which should be followed during the research, production, use, and administration of drugs. At present, the new edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia is planned to be promulgated and implemented. This article summarizes and analyzes the main characteristics and the content of updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition(Volume Ⅰ), to provide a reference for the correct understanding and accurate implementation the new edition of the pharmacopoeia.
7.Effect of warm acupuncture on PINK1/Parkin pathway in the skeletal muscle of rats with chronic fatigue syndrome
Huayuan LI ; Chun LI ; Junwei LIU ; Ting WANG ; Long LI ; Yongli WU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1618-1625
BACKGROUND:It has been found that mitochondrial function is abnormal in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome,and the administration of coenzymes can improve the symptoms.Warm acupuncture is one of the most important treatments for this disease,but its mechanism of action is unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of warm acupuncture on the phosphatase and tensin inducible kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway in the skeletal muscle of rats with chronic fatigue syndrome. METHODS:After 3 days of adaptive feeding,32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control,model,warm acupuncture,and coenzyme Q groups with 8 rats in each group.The chronic fatigue syndrome model was established by multiple factors,including swimming exhaustion,chronic immobilization and fasting.After successful modeling,the normal group and the model group were treated with the same fixation and gavage procedures,and the warm acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Guanyuan,Zhongwan and Zusanli(bilateral)points,once a day.After the needling was inserted,the moxa pillar was put on the needle handle and ignited,three sessions once.The coenzyme Q group was given 1 mL/kg coenzyme by gavage,once a day for 14 days.The body mass,exhaustive swimming time and food utilization rate during the treatment were recorded.After the treatment,the bilateral gastrocnemius muscles of rats in each group were collected.The pathological morphology of the gastrocnemius muscle was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,the mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome of the gastrocnemius muscle were observed by transmission electron microscope.The expression level of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)Ⅱ protein in the skeletal muscle was detected by immunohistochemistry.Western blot was used to detect the expression of PINK1,Parkin,LC3 Ⅰ,and LC3 Ⅱ in the skeletal muscle. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal group,the gastrocnemius muscle nuclei of the model group were pyknotic,condensed,the number of cells was increased,the cells were arranged disorderly,and the fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle were tightly arranged in the model group.Compared with the model group,the intercellular space became smaller,the nuclei were reduced,and the cell arrangement was orderly in the warm acupuncture group and coenzyme Q group.Compared with the normal group,the skeletal muscle mitochondria in the model group were swollen,fused,and vacuolated seriously,the membrane was partially broken,the matrix was more dissolved,the cristae was broken and disappeared,and autophagy appeared.Compared with the model group,the number of mitochondria increased,the arrangement was relatively neat,mitochondrial vacuolization and rupture of cristae in the gastrocnemius muscle were improved,the membrane structure was relatively intact,and autophagy occurred.Compared with the normal group,the expression of PINK1 protein in the skeletal muscle of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the expression of Parkin,LC3 Ⅱ and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein was slightly upregulated(P>0.05).Compared with the model group,the protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,LC3 Ⅱ and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly upregulated in the warm acupuncture and coenzyme Q groups(P<0.05),and the up-regulation was more significant in the warm acupuncture group.To conclude,warm acupuncture can play a role in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome by activating the PINK1/Parkin pathway,upregulating LC3 Ⅱ expression,forming mitochondrial autophagosomes,promoting the degradation of damaged mitochondria,and improving mitochondrial quality.
8.Proteomics and Network Pharmacology Reveal Mechanism of Xiaoer Huatan Zhike Granules in Treating Allergic Cough
Youqi DU ; Yini XU ; Jiajia LIAO ; Chaowen LONG ; Shidie TAI ; Youwen DU ; Song LI ; Shiquan GAN ; Xiangchun SHEN ; Ling TAO ; Shuying YANG ; Lingyun FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):69-79
ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacological mechanism involved in the treatment of allergic cough (AC) by Xiaoer Huatan Zhike granules (XEHT) based on proteomics and network pharmacology. MethodsAfter sensitization by intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL suspension containing 2 mg ovalbumin (OVA) and 100 mg aluminum hydroxide, a guinea pig model of allergic cough was constructed by nebulization with 1% OVA. The modeled guinea pigs were randomized into the model, low-, medium- and high-dose (1, 5, 20 g·kg-1, respectively) XEHT, and sodium montelukast (1 mg·kg-1) groups (n=6), and another 6 guinea pigs were selected as the blank group. The guinea pigs in drug administration groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs by gavage, and those in the blank and model groups received the same volume of normal saline by gavage, 1 time·d-1. After 10 consecutive days of drug administration, the guinea pigs were stimulated by 1% OVA nebulization, and the coughs were observed. The pathological changes in the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the serum. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to observe the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was employed observe the alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cell ultrastructure. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of IL-6, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and TNF-α in the lung tissue. Label-free proteomics was used to detect the differential proteins among groups. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets of XEHT in treating AC. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was performed to search for the same pathways from the results of proteomics and network pharmacology. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increased coughs (P<0.01), elevated levels of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA and lowered level of SOD in the BALF (P<0.05, P<0.01), elevated levels of IgA and IgG in the serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), congestion of the lung tissue and infiltration of inflammatory cells, increased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.01), large areas of low electron density edema in type Ⅱ epithelial cells, obvious swelling and vacuolization of the organelles, karyopyknosis or sparse and dissolved chromatin, and up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the drug administration groups showed reduced coughs (P<0.01), lowered levels of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA and elevated level of SOD in the BALF (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated lung tissue congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, and type Ⅱ epithelial cell injury, and decreased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.01). In addition, the medium-dose XEHT group and the montelukast sodium group showcased lowered serum levels of IgA and IgG (P<0.05, P<0.01). The medium- and high-dose XEHT groups and the montelukast sodium showed down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α and the low-dose XEHT group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01). Phospholipase D, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and epidermal growth factor receptor family of receptor tyrosine kinase (ErbB) signaling pathways were the common pathways predicted by both proteomics and network pharmacology. ConclusionProteomics combined with network pharmacology reveal that XEHT can ameliorate AC by regulating the phospholipase D, mTOR, and ErbB signaling pathways.
9.STAR Guideline Terminology (I): Planning and Launching
Zhewei LI ; Qianling SHI ; Hui LIU ; Xufei LUO ; Zijun WANG ; Jinhui TIAN ; Long GE ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):216-223
To develop a guideline terminology system and promote its standardization, thereby enhancing medical staff's accurate understanding and correct application of guidelines. A systematic search was conducted for guideline development manuals and method ological literature (as of October 25, 2024). After screening, relevant terms from the guideline planning and launching stages were extracted and standardized. The term list and definitions were finalized through discussion and evaluation at a consensus conference. A total of 36 guideline manuals and 14 method ological articles were included, and 27 core terms were identified. The standardization of guideline terminology is essential for improving guideline quality, facilitating interdisciplinary communication, and enhancing other related aspects. It is recommended that efforts to advance the standardization and continuous updating of the terminology system should be prioritized in the future to support the high-quality development of guidelines.
10.The Current Status of Research on The Association Between TMEM43 Gene and Hearing Loss
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):269-278
Transmembrane proteins (TMEM) are a type of membrane protein. Most proteins in this family are located in the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane, while a smaller portion is found in the membranes of cellular organelles. Transmembrane protein 43 (TMEM43) is a member of the TMEM protein family and is encoded by the TMEM43 gene. This protein consists of 400 amino acids and has 4 transmembrane domains and 1 membrane-associated domain. TMEM43 is localized to various biological membranes within the cell, such as the cell membrane and nuclear membrane, where it forms transmembrane channels for various ions. Additionally, TMEM43 is expressed in many species, showing high genetic similarity, especially with the four transmembrane domains being highly conserved. Current studies on the TMEM43 gene are still in its early stages, mainly focusing on its association with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and cancer. However, recent studies suggest that pathogenic mutations in TMEM43 may cause auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). Patients with TMEM43 p.Ser372Ter exhibited late-onset progressive ANSD. Impact of TMEM43 pathogenic mutations on individual hearing was likely mediated through effects on gap junction (GJ) structures on glia-like supporting cells (GLS), cell membranes. The TMEM43 p.Arg372Ter pathogenic mutation primarily affected the structure and function of TMEM43 protein, leading to premature termination of protein translation and the production of a truncated protein. Abnormal TMEM43 protein significantly reduced K+ influx in GLS cells, disrupting the endolymphatic K+ circulation and cochlear microenvironment homeostasis. When K+ circulation was obstructed, the endocochlear potential (EP) became abnormal, impairing the physiological function of hair cells and potentially leading to hearing impairment. However, it is important to note that studies on the mechanism is limited, and more experimental evidence is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Currently, there is a significant gap in research on TMEM43 and hearing loss, with many issues remaining unresolved. While TMEM43 has been studied in relation to hearing loss in humans, zebrafish, mice, and rats, the research is still preliminary. Detailed investigations into the molecular pathogenic mechanisms, the impact of mutations on hearing damage, and related therapeutic strategies are needed. Additionally, as a newly identified hearing loss-related gene, the mutation frequency and incidence of hearing disorders associated with TMEM43 have not been effectively quantified. For example, the ClinVar database listed 829 mutation sites for the TMEM43 gene, with only three mutations related to auditory neuropathy: c.605A>T (p.Asn202Ile), c.889T>A (p.Phe297Ile), and c.1114C>T (p.Arg372Ter). Aside from the aforementioned TMEM43 c.1114C>T (p.Arg372Ter) mutation observed in patients, the other two mutations were experimentally induced and have not been found in patients. Consequently, these mutations have been classified as unknown significance. We reviewed the current understanding of TMEM43 and hearing loss, analyzed its role in ear development and sound conduction, and explored the impact of TMEM43 gene variations on hearing loss, aiming to provide new insights for future research and precision medicine related to TMEM43.

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