1.Effect of Danggui Buxuetang on PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway of Vascular Dementia Rats
Guifang QI ; Yue JIANG ; Yunxiang TAN ; Nanbu WANG ; Xinghua CHEN ; Ting WAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):15-24
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Danggui Buxuetang (DBT) in the treatment of vascular dementia (VAD). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the sham-operated group, model group, DBT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the donepezil group. Except for the sham-operated group, rats in all other groups underwent bilateral common carotid artery ligation. After successful modeling, DBT was administered at doses of 9.2, 18.4, 36.8 g·kg-1 for the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, respectively, while the donepezil group received 3 mg·kg-1 donepezil solution by gavage once daily. After 4 consecutive weeks of drug treatment, rats underwent the Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, Nissl staining to observe hippocampal neurons, and immunofluorescence staining to detect the expression of neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to assess the expression of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe hippocampal neuronal ultrastructure. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox and p47phox in hippocampal tissues. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity were measured to evaluate oxidative stress levels. ResultsIn the Morris water maze test, escape latency changed significantly over time in all groups except the model group. Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in the DBT groups and the donepezil group exhibited significantly shorter escape latency (P<0.05, P<0.01). The number of crossings over the original platform was significantly reduced in the model group compared with the sham-operated group (P<0.01), whereas rats in the DBT and donepezil groups showed significantly increased platform crossings compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the sham-operated group, exploration time of new objects was significantly reduced in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, exploration time of new objects increased significantly in the medium- and high-dose DBT groups and the donepezil group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while no significant change was observed in the low-dose DBT group. Compared with the high-dose DBT group, rats in the donepezil group had significantly prolonged escape latency and reduced platform crossings and new-object exploration time (P<0.05). Nissl staining showed decreased density of healthy neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in the model group, with loss of Nissl bodies and nuclear atrophy or disappearance. In the high-dose DBT group, neuronal density in CA1 and CA3 increased, with neurons arranged closely and displaying normal morphology. Immunofluorescence showed that compared with the sham-operated group, the hippocampal NeuN⁺ cell count in the VAD model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01), compared with the VAD model group, the hippocampal NeuN⁺ cell count in the high-dose DBT group was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the sham-operated group, the expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, and Bax proteins was significantly increased(P<0.01), while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the VAD model group(P<0.01). Compared with the VAD model group, the high-dose DBT group showed significantly decreased expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, and Bax proteins(P<0.01)and significantly upregulated Bcl-2 expression(P<0.01). The medium-dose DBT group exhibited significantly reduced expression of Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, and Bax proteins(P<0.05,P<0.01) and significantly increased Bcl-2 expression(P<0.01), while no statistically significant differences were observed in the low-dose DBT group. Transmission electron microscopy showed mitochondrial pyknosis, thickened cristae, increased electron density, and the presence of mitochondrial autophagy in the model group. In contrast, hippocampal neurons in the high-dose DBT group contained abundant mitochondria with intact morphology, clear cristae, and uniform matrix. Compared with the sham-operated group, total antioxidant capacity, SOD activity, and GSH levels were significantly decreased, while MDA levels were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant levels (SOD, GSH) increased significantly, and MDA decreased significantly in the medium- and high-dose DBT groups (P<0.01), while no significant changes were observed in the low-dose DBT group. Compared with the sham-operated group, mRNA expression of p22phox and p47phox was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, expression of p22phox and p47phox was significantly decreased in the DBT groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDBT may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy, thereby improving learning and memory abilities and treating VAD.
2.Application of ''Sensation and Response'' Theory in Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Lung Cancer
Ayidana MAOLAN ; Qiujun GUO ; Runzhi QI ; Rui LIU ; Baojin HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):261-268
Lung cancer still ranks first among malignant tumors in the world and China. Although surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments can delay patients' lives, thorny problems remain to be solved, such as adverse reactions after intervention, patient resistance to treatment, and the economic burden of treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) featuring a holistic view advocates macro interventions throughout the entire disease cycle, which has the advantages of reducing toxicity, improving efficiency, and enhancing patients' quality of life. The theory of ''sensation and response'' was first recorded in the book of I-Ching. This is the natural law of mutual induction, influence, and interaction among all things in nature. According to the theory of ''Qi monism'' and the proposal of regulating Qi movement and removing toxin by Professor Hua Baojin, we re-examine lung cancer from the primitive thinking in TCM and explain the relevance of Qi movement changes to the occurrence, progression, and treatment of lung cancer. The core pathogeneses of lung cancer are the deficiency of healthy Qi and invasion of deficiency pathogen resulting in the formation of cancer and the internal generation of cancer toxin leading to intermediate dysfunction. Six excesses and Yin pathogen invade and gradually accumulate in the lung and spleen, leading to the generation of cancer toxin, which eventually evolve into lung cancer. The treatment can be based on the theories of five elements and visceral manifestation from three aspects. First, on the basis of syndrome differentiation, medicinal materials of different flavors can be used. Specifically, pungent medicinal materials can be used for dredging and sweet medicinal materials can be used for tonifying. Second, medicinal materials with similar morphology or origin to that in the human body can be used for treating the diseases in corresponding sites. Finally, corrigent medicinal materials can be combined for two-way regulation. These measures can be applied in lung cancer treatment to optimize the prevention and treatment strategies and provide new research directions for TCM diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
3.Research progress of visual quality after implantable collamer lens V4c implantation
Yunkai QI ; Yanghe WANG ; Xiaojuan HUANG ; Hongyun YUE
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):86-90
Compared to other refractive surgeries, the implantable collamer lens(ICL)implantation procedure has become one of the most popular surgical options in refractive surgery. ICL surgery offers advantages such as reversibility, high-definition visual outcomes, and preservation of the corneal anatomical structure. The V4c model, which features a central port, is currently the most widely used in clinical practice and eliminates the need for peripheral iridotomy during the perioperative period. Although excellent uncorrected visual acuity can be achieved postoperatively, some patients may experience visual disturbances in the early postoperative period, such as halo and glare, which may affect visual comfort particularly under low-light conditions. This article reviews visual quality metrics after ICL V4c implantation, including higher-order aberrations(HOA), modulation transfer function(MTF), and contrast sensitivity(CS), along with influencing factors, and discusses potential relative deficits in postoperative visual quality and their underlying mechanisms.
4.Clinical Efficacy of Modified Huangqi Chifengtang in Treatment of IgA Nephropathy Patients and Exploration of Dose-effect Relationship of Astragali Radix
Xiujie SHI ; Meiying CHANG ; Yue SHI ; Ziyan ZHANG ; Yifan ZHANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Hangyu DUAN ; Jing LIU ; Mingming ZHAO ; Yuan SI ; Yu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):9-16
ObjectiveTo explore the dose-effect relationship and safety of high, medium, and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in the modified Huangqi Chifengtang (MHCD) for treating proteinuria in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, and to provide scientific evidence for the clinical use of high-dose Astragali Radix in the treatment of proteinuria in IgA nephropathy. MethodsA total of 120 patients with IgA nephropathy, diagnosed with Qi deficiency and blood stasis combined with wind pathogen and heat toxicity, were randomly divided into a control group and three treatment groups. The control group received telmisartan combined with a Chinese medicine placebo, while the treatment groups were given telmisartan combined with MHCD containing different doses of raw Astragali Radix (60, 30, 15 g). Each group contained 30 patients, and the treatment period was 12 weeks. Changes in 24-hour urinary protein (24 hUTP), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, effective rate, and renal function were observed before and after treatment. Safety was assessed by monitoring liver function and blood routine. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, 24 hUTP significantly decreased in the high, medium, and low-dose groups, as well as the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The TCM syndrome scores in the high, medium, and low-dose groups also significantly decreased (P<0.01). Comparisons between groups showed that the 24 hUTP in the high-dose group was significantly lower than in the medium, low-dose, and control groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the 24 hUTP in the medium-dose group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). The TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly lower than in the low-dose and control groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total effective rates for proteinuria in the high, medium, low-dose, and control groups were 92.59% (25/27), 85.19% (23/27), 60.71% (17/28), and 57.14% (16/28), respectively. The effective rates in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly higher than in the low-dose and control groups (χ2=13.185, P<0.05, P<0.01). The effective rates for TCM syndrome scores in the high, medium, low-dose, and control groups were 88.89% (24/27), 81.48% (22/27), 71.43% (20/28), and 46.43% (13/28), respectively. The efficacy of TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups was significantly higher than in the control group (χ2=14.053, P<0.01). Compared with pre-treatment values, there was no statistically significant difference in eGFR and serum creatinine in the high and medium-dose groups. However, eGFR significantly decreased in the low-dose and control groups after treatment (P<0.05), and serum creatinine levels increased significantly in the control group (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in urea nitrogen, uric acid, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function, and blood routine before and after treatment in any group. ConclusionThere is a dose-effect relationship in the treatment of IgA nephropathy with high, medium, and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in MHCD. The high-dose group exhibited the best therapeutic effect and good safety profile.
5.Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang in Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review
Yalong KANG ; Bo NING ; Juanjuan TAN ; Hongfei QI ; Yan SHI ; Fang GUAN ; Haifang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):256-267
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD),a group of common diseases in clinical practice,are witnessing a steady rise in both incidence and mortality rates,posing a challenge to public health. Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang,originating from Synopsis of the Golden Chamber (《金匮要略》),was initially used to treat severe cases of chest impediment. The formula consists of Trichosanthis Fructus,Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus,Pinelliae Rhizoma,and Baijiu. It has a wide range of clinical applications,with therapeutic effects including moving Qi to relieve depression,activating Yang to dissipate mass,and expelling phlegm to alleviate chest congestion. In recent years,clinical research has confirmed that Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang,with or without modification,used alone or in combination with Western medicine,has definite effects in the treatment of CVD such as hyperlipidemia,coronary atherosclerotic heart disease,hypertension,heart failure,and arrhythmia. It can alleviate disease symptoms and reduce the risk of re-hospitalization. Basic research indicates that the mechanisms of Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang include improving endothelial functions,exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties,countering oxidative stress,preventing apoptosis,inhibiting ventricular remodeling,regulating mitochondrial functions,improving hemorheology,and modulating autophagy and neurotransmitters. This article reviews relevant articles in recent years with focuses on the compatibility,clinical application,and mechanism of Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang. This review is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism research and clinical application of this formula in treating CVD and to offer ideas and reference for in-depth research.
6.Pharmacological Effect of Berberine on Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Xuejing WANG ; Guangcheng ZHONG ; Shuting LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Bojie LUO ; Qi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):286-294
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, is characterized by progressive degradation of learning, memory, and cognitive functions. Currently, few drugs are available for treating AD, and their effects are limited. Berberine (BBR) is a natural isoquinoline (quaternary ammonium-like) with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Studies have proven that BBR has good potential in the treatment of AD. Specifically, BBR can inhibit the generation, aggregation, and neurotoxicity of amyloid-β and the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, promote the clearance of phosphorylated Tau protein, reduce the cholinesterase activity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, regulate neuronal apoptosis, improve the mitochondrial function and glucose and lipid metabolism, suppress the monoamine oxidase activity, and modulate gut microbiota. In addition, researchers have ameliorated the low bioavailability of BBR. Probing into the potential targets is hoped to provide a reference for further research on the prevention and treatment of AD by BBR.
7.Textual Research and Application of Famous Classical Formula Huopo Xialingtang
Miao YU ; Huikang ZHANG ; Xiaofan QI ; Fuping LI ; Jichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):192-200
Huopo Xialingtang is a famous classical formula for treating dampness and warmth, which is included in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas(The First Batch). In this paper, bibliometric methods was used to collect the literature related to Huopo Xialingtang, and 16 items of related literature were retrieved, involving five medical books, which were used to textual research on the origin, name, composition, drug dosage, preparation method, processing and main treatment symptoms of this formula. The results indicated that Huopo Xialingtang was originated from Yiyuan written by Shi Funan in the Qing dynasty, and and was later named and extended by He Lianchen. The composition of the proposed formula was consistent with the record of Yiyuan, and the origin of each Chinese materia medica was basically clear. Houpo was the dried bark and root bark of Magnolia officinalis, Zexie was the dried tubers of Alisma orientale, Kuxingren was the dried mature seeds of Prunus armeniaca, Doukou was the dried mature fruits of Amomum kravanh, the origin of Tuhuoxiang was consistent with the 2018 edition of Shanghai Standards of Processing Chinese Crud Drugs, and the origins of the remaining Chinese medicines were consistent with the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The converted dose of each Chinese medicine was 7.46 g for Agastache rugosa, 3.73 g for Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 8.39 g for Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Zingibere et Alumine, 11.19 g for Poria, 11.19 g for Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 14.92 g for Coicis Semen, 2.61 g for Amomi Fructus Rotundus, 5.60 g for Polyporus, 5.60 g for Alismatis Rhizoma, 14.92 g for Tetrapanacis Medulla. Huopo Xialingtang was initially used for the treatment of dampness and warmth at the beginning of the disease, and was later expanded to treat dampness obstruction, dampness-warming dysentery and so on, but always with the dampness-heat in the lungs and spleen as the pathogenesis. In modern times, the clinical application is more extensive, used in digestive, respiratory, endocrine, nervous system and other types of diseases, especially for chronic gastritis, stomach pain and fever. By combing the ancient literature of Huopo Xialingtang, we verified the origin of the formula and determined the key information of the prescription, which can provide literature reference for the clinical application and drug development of this formula.
8.Epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023
LI Rui ; QI Yunpeng ; WANG Yuanhang ; ZHA Yiwei ; FU Xiaofei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):139-142
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023 and spatio-temporal clustering characteristics from 2022 to 2023, so as to provide insights into formulation of pertussis control measures.
Methods:
Data of pertussis cases in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023 were collected through the Infectious Disease Report Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The epidemiological characteristics of pertussis cases in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023 were descriptively analyzed, and the spatio-temporal clustering characteristics from 2022 to 2023 were analyzed using spatio-temporal scanning.
Results:
A total of 478 pertussis cases were reported in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence of 0.53/105. The reported incidence showed an upward trend from 2004 to 2023 (P<0.05), with the highest in 2022 (3.17/105). Higher incidence of pertussis was reported in June to August (149 cases, 31.17%) and November to December (112 cases, 23.43%). There was no statistically significant difference in the reported incidence between males and females (0.56/105 vs. 0.50/105, P>0.05). The cases aged under one year accounted for the highest proportion, with 199 cases (41.63%). Haining City (0.68/105), Jiashan County (0.64/105) and Tongxiang City (0.60/105) ranked the top three in the reported incidence of pertussis. Spatio-temporal scanning analysis showed that from 2022 to 2023, the primary clustering area of pertussis was centered in Daqiao Town of Nanhu District, covering 27 towns (streets) in Nanhu District, Jiashan County, Xiuzhou District and Pinghu City, and the clustering time was from November to December, 2023.
Conclusions
The reported incidence of pertussis was at a low level in Jiaxing City, but showed an upward trend from 2004 to 2023. The incidence of pertussis was higher among infants under one year of age, peaked in June to August and November to December, and was concentrated in Nanhu District and its surrounding areas.
9.An excerpt of non‑cirrhotic portal fibrosis/idiopathic portal hypertension: APASL recommendations for diagnosis and management (2024)
Junqi XIA ; Zhe LYU ; Chenghai LIU ; Xingshun QI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):41-43
Recently, Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver published the recommendations for the diagnosis and management of non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF)/idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH). The guidelines mainly elaborate on the definition, diagnosis, histological features, natural history, and management of NCPF/IPH, in order to strengthen the understanding of NCPF/IPH-related issues and establish a global consensus. This article makes an excerpt of the key statements in the guidelines.
10.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Granules (补肾活血颗粒) on the Nrf2/NLRP3 Inflammasome Axis in the Brain Substantia Nigra of Parkinson's Disease Model Mice
Qi CHEN ; Peng WANG ; Yingfan CHEN ; Shaodan LI ; Minghui YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):390-398
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue Granules (补肾活血颗粒, BHG) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) through the Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. MethodsA total of 84 male C57/BL 6 mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Madopar group, dimethyl fumarate group, and low-, medium, and high-dose BHG group, with 12 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, all groups were induced into PD models by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) at a concentration of 30 mg/ml for 7 consecutive days. The blank group received an equal volume of saline. After model establishment, the low-, medium, and high-dose BHG groups were treated with 1.5, 3, and 6 g/(kg·d) of the BHG by gavage, respectively. The Madopar group was given 0.113 g/(kg·d) of Madopar tablets by gavage, and the dimethyl fumarate group was given 50 mg/(kg·d) of dimethyl fumarate solution. The blank group and the model group were given 10 ml/(kg·d) of distilled water by gavage. Gavage was administered once daily for 14 days. Behavioral changes were evaluated using the open field test (total distance, central area distance, and average speed), rotarod test (time on the rod), and climbing pole test (climbing time). Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the brain substantia nigra. Immunofluorescence was used to detect α-synuclein (α-syn) expression. Western Blot was used to detect Nrf2, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and α-syn protein levels in the brain substantia nigra. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 in the brain substantia nigra. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased total distance, central area distance, and average speed, reduced time on the rotarod, prolonged climbing time, reduced TH expression, increased α-syn expression, decreased Nrf2 protein and mRNA expression, increased NLRP3 and Caspase-1 protein and mRNA expression, and elevated serum IL-1β, IL-18, and MPO levels (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug interventions significantly improved the above indicators (P<0.05). There was no significant differences in all indicators between the high-dose BHG group and the Madopar group (P>0.05). Compared with the dimethyl fumarate group, the medium and high-dose BHG groups showed increased Nrf2 mRNA expression in the brain substantia nigra (P<0.05). Compared with the high-dose BHG group, the low-dose group showed decreased total distance, central area distance, and average speed, reduced serum IL-18 levels, decreased α-syn, Nrf2, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 protein levels, and lower Nrf2 mRNA expression (P<0.05). ConclusionThe mechanism by which BHG treat PD may involve activating the Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in the brain substantia nigra, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and α-syn aggregation. The high-dose group showed the best effects.


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