1.Exploration in Pathological Mechanisms of Myocardial Infarction and Osteoporosis Based on "Heart-bone" Axis Theory
Yuzhuo ZHANG ; Qi SHANG ; Hui REN ; Bin LIU ; Jingzhi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):251-257
Myocardial infarction (MI) and osteoporosis (OP), as two prevalent metabolic diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates, are respectively characterized by cardiovascular system dysfunction and bone homeostasis imbalance, collectively posing significant global public health challenges. While clinically often considered as independent diseases, recent studies have revealed shared pathological mechanisms between the two. This study initiated its exploration from the traditional Chinese medicine concept of the "heart-bone" axis, systematically analyzing the correlation between MI and OP from perspectives including hemodynamics, neuroendocrinology, calcium homeostasis, inflammation and vascular injury, as well as hormone levels. By discussing the pathological mechanisms of "heart disease affecting the bones and bone disease affecting the heart", the study also elucidated advancements in both Western and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. The goal is to provide novel insights and methodologies for the prevention and treatment of "heart-bone comorbidities", thereby facilitating comprehensive management of cardiovascular and skeletal diseases.
2.Exploration in Pathological Mechanisms of Myocardial Infarction and Osteoporosis Based on "Heart-bone" Axis Theory
Yuzhuo ZHANG ; Qi SHANG ; Hui REN ; Bin LIU ; Jingzhi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):251-257
Myocardial infarction (MI) and osteoporosis (OP), as two prevalent metabolic diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates, are respectively characterized by cardiovascular system dysfunction and bone homeostasis imbalance, collectively posing significant global public health challenges. While clinically often considered as independent diseases, recent studies have revealed shared pathological mechanisms between the two. This study initiated its exploration from the traditional Chinese medicine concept of the "heart-bone" axis, systematically analyzing the correlation between MI and OP from perspectives including hemodynamics, neuroendocrinology, calcium homeostasis, inflammation and vascular injury, as well as hormone levels. By discussing the pathological mechanisms of "heart disease affecting the bones and bone disease affecting the heart", the study also elucidated advancements in both Western and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. The goal is to provide novel insights and methodologies for the prevention and treatment of "heart-bone comorbidities", thereby facilitating comprehensive management of cardiovascular and skeletal diseases.
3.Comprehensive analysis of genes related to endometrial receptivity and alternative splicing events in northwest Tibetan cashmere goats
Ji DE ; Langda SUO ; Yuchen WEI ; Bin WANG ; Awangcuoji ; Renqingcuomu ; Jiuzeng CUI ; Lei ZHANG ; Gui BA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1429-1436
BACKGROUND:Endometrial receptivity is a key factor in embryo implantation in northwest Tibetan cashmere goats,and the expression of genes related to endometrial receptivity and their variable splicing are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To analyze and explore genes and variable splicing events related to endometrial receptivity in northwest Tibetan cashmere goats. METHODS:On days 5 and 15 of pregnancy(representing pre receptive endometrium group and receptive endometrium group),three northwest Tibetan cashmere goats were randomly selected.Endometrial tissue was collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to observe tissue morphology.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of endometrial receptive marker proteins leukemia inhibitory factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.After the total RNA was extracted and the quality test was qualified,transcriptome sequencing was performed to search differentially expressed mRNAs,lncRNAs,circRNAs,and miRNAs,perform functional prediction,and analyze alternative splicing mRNAs and lncRNAs related to endometrial receptivity. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the pre receptive endometrium group,the expression levels of leukemia inhibitory factor and vascular endothelial growth factor proteins in the endometrial tissue of the receptive endometrium group were significantly increased.(2)The sequencing results showed that the differentially expressed genes were mostly mRNA and lncRNA genes,including 250 upregulated mRNAs,193 upregulated lncRNAs,135 downregulated mRNAs,and 123 downregulated lncRNAs,which were significantly enriched in the Wnt,Hedgehog,and Hippo signaling pathways.(3)Alternative splicing event analysis uncovered 8 differentially expressed variable splicing transcripts,which were all mRNA transcripts,including 2 downregulated and 6 upregulated,and were significantly associated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling,cell motility,and embryonic development.
4.Mechanism of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in Treatment of Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure Based on Bioinformation Analysis and Experimental Validation
Xiaoling TIAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Shan DU ; Mengsi WU ; Nianhua TAN ; Bin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):156-165
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of action of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (CSFZ) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was used to identify potential targets and related signaling pathways for the treatment of ACLF with CSFZ. Molecular docking was used to examine the binding activity of the core components with corresponding key targets. An ACLF rat model was established by subcutaneous and tail vein injections of bovine serum albumin combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + D-galactosamine (D-GalN) intraperitoneal injection. A normal control group (NC), a model group, a CSFZ group (CSFZ, 5.85 g·kg-1), and a hepatocyte growth-promoting granule group (HGFG, 4.05 g·kg-1) were set up in this study. Pathological changes in rat liver tissue were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Caspase-3, and albumin (ALB). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 49 active ingredients of CSFZ, 103 action targets, and 3 317 targets related to ACLF. Among these, 74 targets overlapped with CSFZ drug targets. Key nodes in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network included Akt1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-6, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis identified multiple signaling pathways, with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway being the most frequent. Molecular docking showed that the core components of the drug exhibited good binding activity with the corresponding key targets. Animal experiments confirmed that CSFZ significantly improved liver tissue pathological damage in ACLF rats, reduced the release of inflammatory factors and liver cell apoptosis, and upregulated the expression levels of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. ConclusionThrough network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experiments, this study confirms the effect of CSFZ in reducing liver cell inflammatory damage and inhibiting liver cell apoptosis. The specific mechanism may be related to its involvement in regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
5.Herbal Textual Research and Modern Research Progress of Ostreae Concha
Hongyi ZHANG ; Bin WANG ; Jiawen LIU ; Yuan HU ; Lin CHEN ; Youping LIU ; Hongping CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):223-234
By consulting relevant literature of ancient herbal books and processing specifications, this paper made a systematic research and analysis of Ostreae Concha, including the name, producing area, harvesting, quality, historical evolution of processing, relevant processing specifications, modern processing technology, and changes in chemical composition and pharmacological effects before and after processing, in order to provide documentary evidence for the research on processing technology and the establishment of quality standards. According to the textual research, it is known that Ostreae Concha has a long history of being used in medicine, and there have been many aliases and local names in each historical period. Shennong's Classic of the Materia Medica(Shennong Bencaojing) began to use Muli as the correct name, which has continued to use to today, and there were also aliases such as Muge, Zuogu Muli and Haoke. Ostreae Concha has a wide range of localities and irregular harvesting periods. The ancients believed that its left shell was of superior quality, but this has not been seen in modern. And there were many kinds of processing methods of Ostreae Concha, such as grinding, roasting, calcining, frying, simmering, quenching and so on, and the calcining was still in use. The different editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia from 1963 to 2020 contain only calcined Ostreae Concha, and the local processing specifications mainly include three kinds of processed products(calcined products, salt-soaked products and vinegar-soaked products). Modern processing research mainly focuses on process optimization, changes in chemical composition and pharmacological effects, and the research methods are relatively single. Overall, there are currently issues such as inconsistent processing standards, unclear process parameters and imperfect quality standards, which are not conducive to the quality control and standardized clinical use of Ostreae Concha. Therefore, it is necessary to further investigate the pharmacological substance basis of Ostreae Concha and its processed products in order to elucidate the processing mechanism, standardize the processing technology and improve the quality standard.
6.The practice of rational drug use management in hospital under the reform of DRGs payment methods
Bin YANG ; Zuojun WANG ; Han CHEN ; Jingyi ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(1):22-25
Objective To establish an effective management mode, play the full role of DRGs in rational drug use, formulate the pharmaceutical clinical path, and intervene the prescription behavior of doctors, which could improve the level of rational drug use in the hospital through the management practice of rational drug use under the payment method of DRGs in a third-grade hospital. Methods A drug entering mechanism, a rational drug use supervision mechanism and an active and rational drug use data exposure mechanism based on DRGs were established, and the rational drug use indicators such as drug consumption index, average drug cost, and auxiliary drug use were accurately positioned based on the information platform, and the accurate and refined management of rational drug use was realized through the daily supervision of the office of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Committee. Results and Conclusion Under the multi-dimensional and multi-level rational drug use management based on DRGs, the effect of rational drug use was evaluated after the reform of DRGs payment method, and all the index of rational drug use in our hospital were continuously improved.
7.Mechanism of Modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in Antagonising Ectopic Endometrial Tissue Fibrosis Based on Cellular Pyroptosis Mediated by TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 Signaling Pathway
Zuoliang ZHANG ; Jiaxing WANG ; Wanrun WANG ; Xiangyu LIN ; Bin YUE ; Zhirui ZHANG ; Yinan WANG ; Yaling YANG ; Dongqing WEI ; Cancan HUANG ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):19-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in antagonizing cellular pyroptosis and fibrosis in ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis through the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group (n = 12) and a modeling group (n = 60). The rats in the sham-operated group underwent a caesarean section, while the rats in the modeling group were used to establish an endometriosis model through the auto-transplantation method. After successful modeling, the animals were randomly divided into the model group, progesterone group (0.25 mg·kg-1), and modified Shaofu Zhuyutang low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (7.5, 15, 30 g·kg-1), with 12 animals in each group. After 4 weeks of drug administration, voluntary activity and heat pain latency were observed. The rats were sacrificed for tissue collection, and Masson staining were used to observe histopathological changes in the endometrial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression area of tumor necrosis factor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the endometrial tissues. Western blot was employed to measure the relative expression of TRL4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), TRAF6, NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and NLPR3 proteins in endometrial tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, rats in the model group showed reduced voluntary activity and shorter heat pain latency. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were elevated. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins were increased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD was enhanced. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and NLPR3 proteins, along with the expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA, were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in the progesterone group and the modified Shaofu Zhuyutang medium- and high-dose groups exhibited improved voluntary activity, longer heat pain latency, the fibrosis of endometrial tissue is alleviated. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were decreased. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins decreased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD weakened. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, p-NF-κB p65, NLPR3 proteins, and TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA expression were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Shaofu Zhuyutang may play a therapeutic role in endometriosis by interfering with key proteins in the TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 signaling pathway, reducing NLRP3 inflammasome-induced cellular pyroptosis, antagonizing the fibrosis process in ectopic endometrial tissues, improving the inflammatory microenvironment in the pelvic cavity, and alleviating pain.
8.Bioinformatics and Animal Experiments Reveal Mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian Capsules in Treating Constipation
Yong LIANG ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Bin GE ; Yang ZHANG ; Yu SHI ; Yue LU ; Hongxi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):150-157
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian capsules in treating constipation based on the research foundation of its active components combined with network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsThe drug components were imported into SwissTargetPrediction to predict the targets of Shouhui Tongbian capsules, and constipation-related targets were collected from disease databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for the common targets shared by Shouhui Tongbian capsules and constipation to screen key targets, which was followed by gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A "bioactive component-target-pathway" network was constructed, and the core components of Shouhui Tongbian capsules in treating constipation were screened based on the topological parameters of this network. Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding affinity of core components to key targets. A mouse model of constipation was constructed to screen the key pathways and targets of the drug intervention in constipation. ResultsThe PPI network revealed six key constipation-related targets: protein kinase B (Akt1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The KEGG pathway analysis showed that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was the most enriched. The topological parameter analysis of the "bioactive component-target-pathway" network screened out the top 10 core components: auranetin, isosinensetin, naringin, diosmetin, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, hesperidin, isorhapontigenin, and chrysophanol. Molecular docking results showed that the 10 core components had strong binding affinity with the 6 key targets. Animal experiments showed that after intervention with different doses of Shouhui Tongbian capsules, the time to the first black stool excretion was reduced and the fecal water content and small intestine charcoal propulsion rate of mice were improved. After treatment with Shouhui Tongbian capsules, the colonic mucosal injury and glandular arrangement were alleviated, and the muscle layer thickness was increased. Western blot results showed that Shouhui Tongbian capsules recovered the expression of apoptosis-related molecules mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway in the colonic tissue of constipated mice. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) results showed that the cell apoptosis rate of the colon significantly reduced after intervention with Shouhui Tongbian capsules. ConclusionThe results of network pharmacology and animal experiments confirmed that Shouhui Tongbian capsules can treat constipation through multiple targets and pathways. The capsules can effectively intervene in loperamide-induced constipation in mice by regulating the constipation indicators and reducing cell apoptosis in the colon tissue via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
9.Preliminary application of sacral neuromodulation in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated with underactive bladder after transurethral resection of the prostate
Ning LIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Tao LI ; Qiang HU ; Kai LU ; Lei ZHANG ; Jianping WU ; Shuqiu CHEN ; Bin XU ; Ming CHEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):39-42
[Objective] To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) complicated with underactive bladder (UAB) who respond poorly to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 patients with BPH and UAB treated with TURP by the same surgeon in Zhongda Hospital Southeast University during Jan.2018 and Jan.2023.The residual urine volume was not significantly relieved after operation, and the maximum urine flow rate and urine volume per discharge were not significantly improved.All patients underwent phase I SNM, and urinary diaries were recorded before and after surgery to observe the average daily frequency of urination, volume per urination, maximum urine flow rate, and residual urine volume. [Results] The operation time was (97.6±11.2) min.During the postoperative test of 2-4 weeks, if the residual urine volume reduction by more than 50% was deemed as effective, SNM was effective in 6 patients (60.0%). Compared with preoperative results, the daily frequency of urination [(20.2±3.8) times vs. (13.2±3.2) times], volume per urination [(119.2±56.7) mL vs. (246.5±59.2) mL], maximum urine flow rate [(8.7±1.5) mL/s vs. (16.5±2.6) mL/s], and residual urine volume [(222.5±55.0) mL vs. (80.8±16.0) mL] were significantly improved, with statistical significance (P<0.05). There were no complications such as bleeding, infection, fever or pain.The 6 patients who had effective outcomes successfully completed phase II surgery, and the fistula was removed.During the follow-up of 1 year, the curative effect was stable, and there were no complications such as electrode displacement, incision infection, or pain in the irritation sites.The residual urine volume of the other 4 unsuccessful patients did not improve significantly, and the electrodes were removed and the vesicostomy tube was retained. [Conclusion] SNM is safe and effective in the treatment of BPH with UAB patients with poor curative effects after TURP.
10.Quercetin Attenuates Ferroptosis Against LPS-induced Acute Kidney Injury Rats via Modulating Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Pathway
Haoruo YANG ; Dajun YU ; Yu ZHANG ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):65-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and therapeutic role of quercetin on ferroptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) rats based on the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein-1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, quercetin high-dose (100 mg·kg-1) and low-dose (10 mg·kg-1) groups, ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin 1 (FER1) group (5 mg·kg-1), and quercetin high-dose + Nrf2 inhibitor group (ML385, 30 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, the AKI rat model was established in each group by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg·kg-1). Following successful modeling, each treatment group received the corresponding dose of drug intervention, while the normal and model groups were administered an equal volume of normal saline. The intervention lasted for 3 weeks. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured biochemically to assess renal function. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) in renal tissue were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were employed to observe pathological morphological changes in renal tissue. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in renal tissue were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin receptor (TFR1), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of SCr, BUN, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Fe2+ and MDA in renal tissue, and significantly reduced SOD and GSH levels (P<0.01). Pathological injury in renal tissue was severe, with evident mitochondrial damage characteristic of ferroptosis and a reduced mitochondrial count. ROS levels in renal tissue were significantly increased. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1, TFR1, and KIM-1 in renal tissue were significantly elevated, while those of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, serum levels of SCr, BUN, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Fe2+ and MDA in renal tissue in the quercetin dosage groups and FER1 group showed varying degrees of reduction, while SOD and GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathological injury in renal tissue was markedly alleviated, mitochondrial damage improved, and mitochondrial counts increased. ROS levels in renal tissue were significantly reduced. The protein and mRNA levels of Keap1, TFR1, and KIM-1 in renal tissue were significantly decreased, while those of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were significantly increased, with the most notable improvement in the high-dose quercetin group (P<0.05). In comparison to the high-dose quercetin group, the ML385 group significantly weakened the protective effect of quercetin on AKI rats (P<0.05). ConclusionQuercetin effectively inhibits ferroptosis, improves renal tissue injury, and repairs renal function in AKI rats, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway.

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