1.Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Inflammatory Response in Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on TLR4/p65/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Shilong GUO ; Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Xinai WANG ; Luyu HOU ; Wenjing SHI ; Mengyuan TIAN ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):19-27
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B p65/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NF-κB p65/NLRP3) signaling pathway in the renal tissues of db/db mice with spontaneous diabetes, and to explore the potential mechanism by which Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviates inflammation in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). MethodsThirty db/db mice were divided into five groups: A model group, Danggui Shaoyaosan low- (16.77 g·kg-1·d-1), medium- (33.54 g·kg-1·d-1), and high-dose (67.08 g·kg-1·d-1) intervention groups, as well as an irbesartan group (0.025 g·kg-1·d-1) by the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. Additionally, 6 db/m mice were assigned to the normal group. After 8 weeks of intervention, the following parameters were determined by corresponding methods: body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP), and serum creatinine (SCr) levels, renal histopathological analysis by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, the protein and mRNA expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) by Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), as well as TLR4, NF-κB p65, and NLRP3 protein expression in renal tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited increased body weight, FBG, 24 h-UTP, and SCr levels (P<0.05); disordered renal structure, thickened basement membrane, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 expression; as well as decreased IL-10 expression (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, these pathological changes and biochemical abnormalities were reversed in the medicine intervention groups to varying degrees (P<0.05). ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may delay DKD progression by alleviating renal inflammatory response and reducing urinary protein excretion via modulating the TLR4/NF-κB p65/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
2.Mechanism of Action of Guishenwan in Treatment of Ovarian Insufficiency Diseases: A Review
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Shengyu WANG ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):317-324
Guishenwan (GSW), originating from Jingyue Quanshu (Zhang Jingyue's Complete Works), is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with a history of over 400 years. Designed for kidney essence deficiency syndrome, it is clinically applied to treat diseases associated with essence-blood deficiency, such as ovarian insufficiency diseases in women, oligospermia-induced infertility in men, and lumbar disc herniation. Numerous studies have confirmed its significant efficacy and advantages in managing ovarian insufficiency diseases, including diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and premature ovarian failure (POF). According to recent literature, the therapeutic mechanisms of GSW in treating ovarian insufficiency diseases involve regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA) function, ameliorating reproductive endocrine disorders, improving ovarian function, modulating relevant signaling pathways, and exerting immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. A review of GSW in clinical treatment revealed that clinical applications of GSW, particularly in combination with Western medicine, not only alleviate symptoms but also compensate for the limitations of hormone replacement therapy, thereby reducing recurrence, minimizing adverse reactions, and enhancing safety. This review aims to provide a scientific basis for the rational clinical use of GSW in ovarian insufficiency diseases, offer innovative TCM strategies for developing novel ovarian-protective drugs, promote the integration of TCM and Western medicine in reproductive medicine, and ultimately contribute a Chinese approach to global management of ovarian insufficiency diseases.
3.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
4.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
5.Protective effect and mechanism of chikusetsu saponin Ⅳa on the kidney in diabetic nephropathy rats
Yongli WANG ; Hai CHEN ; Xiaofang TIAN ; Xuechun WANG ; Liying YUAN ; Dan LIU ; Zhongfa LI ; Yanfang MENG ; Xiuyong YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):908-913
OBJECTIVE To study the protective effect and potential mechanism of chikusetsu saponin Ⅳ a (chsⅣ) on renal function in diabetic nephropathy (DN) model rats. METHODS DN rat model was established by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Thirty-six model rats were randomly divided into model group (i.g. administration of normal saline, high-fat diet), chsⅣ low-dose and high-dose groups (i.g. administration of 90, 180 mg/kg chsⅣ, high-fat diet), with 12 rats in each group. Additionally, 10 normal rats were set as the control group (i.g. administration of normal saline, regular diet). From the 5th to the 12th week after streptozotocin injection, they were given intragastric administration of relevant drug or normal saline, once a day. After the last medication, the levels of fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and urine protein as well as the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in renal tissues were measured. Additionally, the insulin resistance index was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson staining techniques were employed to examine the histopathological alterations in the renal tissue. The expressions of Notch signaling pathway-related proteins in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot methods. RESULTS Compared with model group, the histomorphological of renal tissues in the chsⅣ low- and high-dose groups were significantly improved, with significant decreases in renal histological scores, mesangial expansion index, and glomerulosclerosis scores ( P <0.05); the levels of fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, urine protein and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, as well as MDA content, the expression levels of Notch1, Notch intracellular domain, hairy and enhancer of Split 1 and Delta-like protein 1 in renal tissue were all significantly decreased ( P <0.05). The levels of GSH and SOD in renal tissue were significantly elevated ( P <0.05). Moreover, the improvement in these indicators was significantly more pronounced in the chsⅣ high-dose group compared to the chsⅣ low-dose group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS ChsⅣ can ameliorate renal pathological damage and functional impairment in DN rats. Its underlying mechanisms include restoration of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity, attenuation of renal oxidative stress, and suppression of aberrant Notch signaling pathway activation.
6.Genetic disease diagnosis and treatment in Shanghai: Survey and countermeasures for clinical genetics specialist training.
Xiaoju HUANG ; Lin HAN ; Li CAO ; Taosheng HUANG ; Duan MA ; Jian WANG ; Wenjuan QIU ; Fanyi ZENG ; Luming SUN ; Chenming XU ; Songchang CHEN ; Xinyu KUANG ; Hong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):241-247
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the current status of clinical genetics specialization development and the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for hereditary diseases across medical institutions in Shanghai, and to assess the necessity and feasibility of establishing training bases for clinical genetics specialists.
METHODS:
By employing a cross-sectional survey design, the Clinical Genetics Committee of Shanghai Medical Association has conducted questionnaire surveys from March to April 2025 across 54 healthcare institutions in Shanghai (including 33 tertiary hospitals and 21 secondary hospitals). The survey involved administrative departments and medical personnel from 15 clinical specialties. The survey has covered current genetic disease diagnosis and treatment practices, relevant and specialised disease types, genetic department establishment, testing capabilities, personnel teams, and training requirements.
RESULTS:
The results revealed that 78.0% of clinical departments surveyed had treated patients with hereditary disorders. Shanghai possesses diagnostic and therapeutic expertise for over 95% of hereditary diseases listed in its rare disease catalogue, reflecting both the practical clinical demand for such conditions and the city's overall diagnostic and therapeutic strengths in this field. Nevertheless, significant disparities exist in the development of genetics departments across different tiers of healthcare institutions. Resources for genetic testing capabilities (including molecular, cellular, and biochemical testing) are also unevenly distributed across different tiers of hospitals. The survey further revealed that only 26.0% of departments believe that their current physician structure fully meets the diagnostic and treatment demands. Over 90% of departments consider standard training for clinical genetic specialists necessary, with 74.0% expressing willingness to participate in establishing training bases. Based on above findings and thorough deliberation, the Clinical Genetics Committee of the Shanghai Medical Association proposes advancing specialist training and discipline development through establishing a standard training system. The committee has drafted a three-year training protocol featuring a "joint training"-centered model, recommending a pilot-first, dynamically optimized strategy for steadily advancing training base development.
CONCLUSION
Shanghai faces substantial demand for genetic disease diagnosis and treatment, yet exhibits shortcomings in clinical genetics specialization development, resource allocation, and talent pipeline cultivation. To establish a standard training system holds significant practical importance and is underpinned by a broad demand.
Humans
;
China
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Genetic Diseases, Inborn/genetics*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Genetics, Medical/education*
;
Genetic Testing
7.Comparison of clinical efficiency between neuroendoscope-assisted evacuation and navigation-assisted puncture in treating thalamic hemorrhage breaking into the ventricle
Yonghui HUANG ; Yang GAO ; Chen LI ; Puyuan ZHAO ; Tian HUAI ; Rujiang BAI ; Xuefu WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):108-112
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of neuroendoscope-assisted evacuation and navigation-assisted puncture drainage in treating thalamic hemorrhage breaking into the ventricle. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 93 patients with thalamic hemorrhage breaking into the ventricle at Taihe Hospital of Wannan Medical College between January 2022 and February 2024. The patients received neuroendoscope-assisted removal of thalamic hematoma combined with contralateral extraventricular drainage (n=44, neuroendoscope group) and navigation-assisted thalamic hematoma puncture drainage combined with contralateral extraventricular drainage (n=49, navigation group), respectively. The treatment efficacy, surgical situation, and prognosis between the two groups were compared. Results The neuroendoscope group had longer operation duration, more intraoperative blood loss, higher hospitalization costs than the navigation group (P<0.05). The neuroendoscope group had higher hematoma clearance rate 3rd after surgery and shorter length of stay than the navigation group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of intracranial infection after surgery between the two groups. The neuroendoscope group had higher Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at 1 week after surgery and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score at 3 months after surgery (P<0.01). Conclusions Compared with navigation-assisted puncture, neuroendoscope-assisted evacuation can improve the thalamic hemorrhage clearance rate, shorten the length of stay, and improve the prognosis of patients.
8.High tibial osteotomy on a single plane:femorofibular angle as a reference marker for mechanical axis correction
Xiaomin LI ; Xiangdong TIAN ; Chaolu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):570-576
BACKGROUND:The femorofibular angle is a commonly used reference angle for mechanical axis correction in high tibial osteotomy on a single plane,but there has been no in-depth study on the application of this angle in high tibial osteotomy on a single plane.OBJECTIVE:To explore the application effect of the femorofibular angle as a reference for mechanical axis correction in high tibial osteotomy on a single plane.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 64 cases of knee osteoarthritis patients who underwent high tibial osteotomy on a single plane at Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to January 2024.The patients were grouped according to the intraoperative mechanical axis correction reference method.The observation group consisted of 32 cases,which used the femorofibular angle as a reference for mechanical axis correction during surgery.The control group consisted of 32 cases,which used electrocautery line measurement as a reference for mechanical axis correction during surgery.Both groups received the same perioperative treatment and management.The lower limb mechanical axis ratio,hip-knee-ankle angle,proximal medial tibial angle,and femorofibular angle were recorded before and after surgery to assess changes in the lower limb mechanical state.The operation time and number of fluoroscopies were recorded.The visual analog scale score and Lysholm score for pain and knee function were recorded before surgery and at 1 and 3 months after surgery to evaluate changes in knee pain and function.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All patients completed the treatment and follow-up,and no serious adverse events occurred.(2)Before surgery,there was no statistically significant difference in the lower limb mechanical axis ratio,proximal medial tibial angle,hip-knee-ankle angle,and femorofibular angle between the two groups(P>0.05).At 3 months after surgery,the lower limb mechanical axis ratio,proximal medial tibial angle,hip-knee-ankle angle,and femorofibular angle were significantly improved in both groups compared to before surgery,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)During surgery,the operation time and number of fluoroscopies in the observation group were less than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).(4)At each follow-up point before and after surgery,there was no statistically significant difference in the visual analog scale score and Lysholm score between the two groups(P>0.05).With the passage of time after surgery,the visual analog scale score and Lysholm score in both groups were significantly improved compared to before surgery(P<0.05).(5)It is suggested that the application of the femorofibular angle as a reference for mechanical axis correction in high tibial osteotomy on a single plane can accurately locate the range of lower limb mechanical axis correction,is simple and reliable,and reduces the number of fluoroscopies and operation time compared to traditional electrocautery line measurement.
9.Differences in scapular kinematics between healthy individuals and rotator cuff tear patients based on biplane X-ray
Zicheng GUO ; Jingyuan MENG ; Jiechao ZHANG ; Li DING ; Xiaoye TANG ; Lichao TIAN ; Yilin WANG ; Yong HE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):652-660
BACKGROUND:Due to the complex movement of the scapula,which is a six-degree-of-freedom activity in three-dimensional space,it is difficult to measure it accurately using traditional methods.The image and model matching technology based on dual-plane X-ray is a three-dimensional measurement method that has gradually developed and matured in recent years.Two high-speed cameras are used to project and shoot from orthogonal directions.Compared with a single perspective,this method has advantages in observation range and reduction of out-of-plane errors,and is suitable for the study of scapula kinematics.OBJECTIVE:X-ray biplane and image-model registration technology were used to explore the differences in scapular kinematics between normal individuals and patients with rotator cuff tears,providing a basis for the treatment and rehabilitation of rotator cuff tear patients.METHODS:From April 2023 to January 2024,10 patients with normal shoulders and 10 patients with rotator cuff tears who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled from Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.The subjects underwent a shoulder CT scan to create a 3D model and a local scapular coordinate system.X-ray biplane images were taken during shoulder abduction with two C-arm machines.The 2D and 3D images were registered to compare scapular kinematic differences between the two groups at 0°,15°,30°,45°,60°,75°,and 90° of abduction,including scapular rotation angle and displacement distance.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)During shoulder abduction,the scapula of both groups showed upward rotation,but the upward rotation of the rotator cuff tear group was greater than that of the control group,and the difference was significant when the abduction was 30°-90°(P<0.01).At the same time,the scapula internal rotation of both groups gradually increased,but the rotator cuff tear group was significantly greater than the control group when the abduction was 45°-90°(P<0.01).In addition,the anteroposterior tilt of the scapula of the two groups was significantly different when the abduction was 15°-90°(P<0.01).The scapula posterior tilt of the control group gradually increased during abduction,while the scapula of the rotator cuff tear group tilted forward except for a slight posterior tilt at 15°-30° abduction.(2)In terms of displacement,the upward displacement of the rotator cuff tear group was less than that of the control group during abduction,and the difference was significant at 15°-90°(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference in lateral and anterior-posterior displacement between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)Rotator cuff tear can cause scapular dyskinesis,characterized by increased upward rotation,internal rotation,and abnormal forward tilt during shoulder abduction.Identifying and addressing scapular dyskinesis is crucial for treating rotator cuff tear.
10.Effect of Yangjing Tongluo Prescription on Oxidative Damage of Endometrium in Rats with Intrauterine Adhesion Based on Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Jiaying CHEN ; Jing ZENG ; Zhaoling YOU ; Yonglian WANG ; Muya LIU ; Fang ZHOU ; Li TANG ; Sainan TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):100-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Yangjing Tongluo prescription (YJTL) in the treatment of intrauterine adhesion (IUA) from the perspective of oxidative stress mediated by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 48 rats with normal estrous cycles were selected and randomly divided into a normal group (n=8) and a modeling group (n=40). An IUA rat model was established using a dual-injury method combining surgical curettage and infection. Eight rats were randomly selected from the modeling group for a pilot experiment to confirm successful model establishment. After successful modeling, the remaining 32 rats were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose YJTL group (YJTL-L), a high-dose YJTL group (YJTL-H), and a Progynova group. Rats in the normal and model groups were administered purified water (15 mL·kg-1) by gavage daily, while rats in the YJTL-L, YJTL-H, and Progynova groups received YJTL at doses of 6.43 and 12.86 g·kg-1 and Progynova at 2.06 × 10-4 g·kg-1, respectively, for 14 consecutive days. The general condition, uterine morphology, and uterine index of the rats were monitored. Histopathological changes in uterine tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and HO-1 in endometrial tissue were detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to assess the distribution of Nrf2 and HO-1, as well as the expression of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and nucleus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group exhibited poor mental status and reduced mobility, markedly edematous and tortuous uterine morphology, decreased gland number, and inflammatory reactions in the endometrium, along with an increased uterine organ index (P<0.05). Serum ROS levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while serum GSH-Px levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In endometrial tissue, Keap1 protein expression was increased (P<0.05), whereas Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was decreased. Mild nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was observed, accompanied by increased relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear Nrf2 and decreased relative fluorescence intensity of cytoplasmic HO-1. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in the above symptoms and pathological changes. Serum ROS levels were reduced (P<0.05), serum GSH-Px levels were increased (P<0.05), Keap1 protein expression in endometrial tissue was decreased, and Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Notably, significant nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was observed, with correspondingly increased relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear Nrf2 and enhanced relative fluorescence intensity of cytoplasmic HO-1. ConclusionYJTL may enhance antioxidant capacity and repair oxidative damage to the endometrial basal layer by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail