1.Mechanism prediction and verification of Xihuang pill against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Ruyi HUANG ; Jinyu LI ; Wenqi LIN ; Xin JIANG ; Yanling CHEN ; Weikun HUANG ; Lin YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):161-167
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Xihuang pill (XHP) against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS The active ingredients of XHP and potential therapeutic targets for DLBCL were identified using TCMSP, GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the String database and Cytoscape software to screen core components and core targets. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were then performed. The clinical relevance of core targets was analyzed using the GEPIA and PanCanSurvPlot databases. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were conducted to verify the interactions between core components and core targets, and the binding free energy was calculated using the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method. The effects of XHP on DLBCL and the related molecular mechanisms were validated using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and Western blot. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis identified 108 active ingredients of XHP and 410 potential therapeutic targets for DLBCL. Six core components (e.g., 17 beta-estradiol, quercetin) and ten core targets [e.g., tumor protein 53 (TP53), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC)] were obtained. Enrichment analysis indicated that the anti-DLBCL effects of XHP were primarily associated with the apoptotic signaling pathway, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway and so on. Clinical correlation analysis revealed that TP53 and SRC expression were significantly up-regulated in DLBCL tissues and associated with poor patient prognosis (P<0.05). Molecular docking, MD simulations and MM-PBSA calculations confirmed that the SRC-quercetin complex had a mail:stronger and more stable binding affinity. In vitro experiments demonstrated that XHP concentration-dependently inhibited the proliferation of DLBCL cells; compared with control group, XHP medium- and high-dose groups could significantly induce the apoptosis of SU-DHL2 and SU-DHL4 cells, and significantly down- regulated the expressions of SRC protein, phosphorylated (p)-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt in SU-DHL4 cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS XHP may inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of DLBCL cells by regulating the SRC/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Quisqualis Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiuping WEN ; Shiying CHEN ; Ying TAN ; Guanwen ZHENG ; Huilong XU ; Wen XU ; Chengzi YANG ; Zehao HUANG ; Yu LIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):225-237
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the origin, scientific name, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Quisqualis Fructus by consulting the ancient materia medica, medical books, prescription books, local literature and combining with the modern literature and standards, summarized and explored the development rules of its medicinal properties and efficacy along with their underlying causes, in order to provide support for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shijunzi was first recorded as Liuqiuzi in Nanfang Caomuzhuang of the Jin dynasty, and the name of Shijunzi was first used in Kaibao Bencao of the Song dynasty, which has been consistently used throughout subsequent dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Junziren, Sijunzi, and Dujilizi. The mainstream source of Quisqualis Fructus used in the past dynasties has been the dried mature fruits of Quisqualis indica, a plant belonging to the family Combretaceae. In modern times, its variety Q. indica var. villosa has also been recorded as the medicinal material of Quisqualis Fructus. In 2007, the Flora of China(English edition) designated Q. indica var. villosa as a synonym of Q. indica. Today, the accepted name of Shijunzi is updated to Combretum indicum. According to ancient herbal records, the producing areas of Quisqualis Fructus were Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and Fujian, and then gradually expanded to Yunnan, Taiwan, Jiangxi and Guizhou. Since the Song dynasty, two major production regions have gradually emerged in Sichuan, Chongqing and Fujian. Currently, it is primarily cultivated in Chongqing, Guangxi and other areas, with Chongqing yielding the highest output. Since modern times, superior quality has been defined by large size, a purple-black surface, plump grains, and a yellowish-white kernel. According to ancient herbal records, the harvesting period of Quisqualis Fructus was the July and August of the lunar calendar, mostly used raw after shelling or with the shell intact, it underwent processing methods such as cleaning, slicing, mixing, steaming, roasting, stewing, and frying. Currently, the harvesting period is autumn, followed by sun-drying or low-heat drying, with processing methods including cleaning, stir-frying, and stewing. In ancient and modern literature, the records of the properties, functions and indications of Quisqualis Fructus are basically the same, that is, sweet in taste, warm in nature, predominantly non-toxic, belonging to the spleen and stomach meridians. It possesses effects of insecticide, decontamination and invigorating spleen for ascariasis, enterobiasis, abdominal pain due to worm accumulation and infantile malnutrition.The contraindications for use primarily include avoiding consumption by individuals without parasitic infestations, limiting use for those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, refraining from drinking hot tea during medication, and avoiding excessive intake. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that the dried mature fruits of Q. indica should be used as the medicinal material for the development of famous classical formulas containing Quisqualis Fructus. Processing methods may be chosen according to prescription requirements, and the raw products is recommended for medicinal use if not specified.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Arcae Concha in Famous Classical Formulas
Yiqin ZHANG ; Yixue ZHUANG ; Yinan LU ; Yanning CHEN ; Yichong CHEN ; Shuiyu XU ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Chengzi YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):208-218
In this paper, the name, origin, producing area, harvesting, processing and functional indications of Arcae Concha were systematically combed and verified by consulting the ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing Arcae Concha. Arcae Concha was first recorded in the name of Han in Bencao Shiyi, but later, due to the influence of LI Shizhen's error of combining Han item with Kuiha in the Ming dynasty, there were aliases such as Kuilu and Fulao, and Yizong Bidu began to include Walengzi as its correct name and has been used ever since. The textual descriptions and illustrations of the medicinal materials of Arcae Concha contained in the materia medica of the past generations were consistent with the modern Arca inflata, A. subcrenata and A. granosa. In ancient times, there were medicinal records of two parts of shell and meat, but now the shell is used as medicine, and the meat is mostly edible. In ancient times, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong and Guangxi were the main producing areas, and Zhejiang was the best. It is now believed that A. inflata is mostly distributed in the northern part of the Huanghai Sea, A. granosa is mostly distributed in the coastal areas south of Shandong Peninsula in China, and A. subcrenata is widely distributed in the coastal areas of China. Its quality is better in a complete, white, no residual meat and sand. In ancient times, there was no clear harvesting period, and the processing was mainly based on vinegar quenching after calcination or powdering of calcined shell, but now the harvesting period is autumn and winter. After harvesting, it is directly washed and crushed for raw use or processed by calcined method. The records of the medicinal materials in the past dynasties on the properties of Arcae Concha were mainly warm, sweet, salty and mild, and it is now believed that Arcae Concha is salty in taste and mild in nature. In ancient times, it was believed that Arcae Concha were mainly used for coldness in the heart and abdomen, coldness in the waist and spine, benefiting the five internal organs, strengthening the stomach. Nowadays, it is believed that Arcae Concha can eliminate phlegm and remove blood stasis, soften the hardness and dissipate the lumps, produce acid and relieve pain. It can be used in the treatment of stubborn phlegm, gall tumor, scrofula and other symptoms. In conclusion, it is suggested that for the famous classical formulas containing Arcae Concha, the corresponding methods should be selected according to the processing requirements of the drug in the formulas, while those without processing requirements can be determined according to the functional position of the products.
4.The Effect of Modified Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) on Cognitive Function and Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Model Rats
Naijie CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Fengsheng XU ; Shuanghong SHEN ; Zuanfang LI ; Qin CHEN ; Jin CHEN ; Runhua WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):71-78
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) on chronic intermittent hypoxia cognitive function and the potential function mechanism. MethodsTwenty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and a modified Ditan Decoction group, with eight rats in each group. Rats in the modified Ditan Decoction group were administered the decoction by gavage at 14.8 ml/(kg·d), while the normal group and the model group received the same dose of normal saline. Thirty minutes after daily gavage, the rats in all three groups were placed in an intermittent hypoxia chamber. The oxygen concentration for the model group and the modified Ditan Decoction group was adjusted daily for 8 hours using a computer program to establish the model, while the normal group was exposed to the same airflow rate of ambient air. The intervention was continued for 12 weeks to establish a chronic intermittent hypoxia rat model. The Y-maze test was used to evaluate spatial working memory in the rats. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was performed to detect whole-brain regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC). Brain regions showing significant differences in rs-fMRI were selected for further analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to detect β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and the number of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1)-positive microglial cells. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the expression of synaptophysin (SYP), the excitatory synapse marker vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (Vglut1), and the inhibitory synapse marker vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid transporter (VGAT). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a reduced spontaneous alternation rate in the Y-maze test. The smoothed Z-score standardized regional homogeneity (SzReHo) value in the left entorhinal cortex significantly increased, and the FC value from this seed point to the left basal forebrain significantly reduced. Additionally, the model group exhibited significantly higher Aβ fluorescence intensity and Iba1 positivity in the left entorhinal cortex, decreased expression of SYP, Vglut1, and VGAT, along with an increased Vglut1/VGAT ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the modified Ditan Decoction group demonstrated an increased spontaneous alternation rate, a significantly reduced SzReHo value in the left entorhinal cortex, and a significantly increased FC value from this region to the left basal forebrain. Furthermore, this group showed significantly lower Aβ fluorescence intensity and Iba1 positivity in the left entorhinal cortex, increased levels of SYP, Vglut1, and VGAT, and a decreased Vglut1/VGAT ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionModified Ditan Decoction can reconstruct the projection from the left basal forebrain to the entorhinal cortex in chronic intermittent hypoxia, thereby reducing Aβ aggregation and excessive microglial activation in the left entorhinal cortex. This process improves the excitation/inhibition imbalance caused by synaptic remodeling, ultimately enhancing cognitive function in rats of chronic intermittent hypoxia.
5.Chinese expert consensus on ETS optimization and surgical quality control of day surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis
Yuanrong TU ; Yanguo LIU ; Jianfeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):8-13
Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy/sympathotomy (ETS) is the first-line treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis with best minimally invasive effect. In recent years, with the widespread development of ETS in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, many medical centers list ETS surgery as the day surgery. Nevertheless, there is no expert consensus on medical quality control of day surgery for ETS yet. Therefore, the Chinese Medical Doctor Association Thoracic Surgeons Branch Hyperhidrosis Subcommittee, Sympathetic Neurosurgery Expert Committee of WU Jieping Medical Foundation, and Fujian Provincial Strait Medical and Health Exchange Association Hyperhidrosis Special Committee organized domestic experts to conduct repeated consultations and sufficient discussions based on domestic and foreign literatures, to formulate the "Chinese expert consensus on ETS optimization and surgical quality control of day surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis". It aims to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis for thoracic surgery colleagues in our country, to enhance their management level and work efficiency, and ultimately to achieve standardized quality control.
6.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
7.Imaging characteristics and surgical methods of pulmonary nodules located in external lung 1/3 group versus internal lung 2/3 group
Dehao LIU ; Liangzhong LIAO ; Puchen LI ; Yue LIU ; Lichun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):180-184
Objective To compare the imaging characteristics and surgical methods of pulmonary nodules in the external 1/3 group and internal 2/3 group. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data from patients who underwent thoracoscopic preoperative CT-guided lung nodule localization at the Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from September 2020 to April 2022 was conducted. Results A total of 215 patients were enrolled (247 pulmonary nodules), including 70 males and 145 females, with a median age of 48 years. Based on the location of the nodules under CT guidance, those located in the external 1/3 area of the lung were classified into an external 1/3 group, while those located in the middle 1/3 and inner 1/3 areas were classified into an internal 2/3 group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of general clinical data, nature of pulmonary nodules, distribution of pulmonary nodules in lobes, localization time, or localization complications (P>0.05). However, there were statistical differences in the distance of pulmonary nodules from the pleura [0.6 (0.0-1.9) cm vs. 1.8 (0.0-4.5) cm, P<0.001], size of pulmonary nodules [0.7 (0.2-1.8) cm vs. 1.0 (0.2-2.0) cm, P<0.001], and surgical methods (P=0.002). In the external 1/3 group, 92.1% of nodules underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection, while fewer patients underwent other procedures; in the internal 2/3 group, 77.1% of nodules underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection, and 19.3% underwent segmentectomy. Conclusion The diameter of pulmonary nodules, the distance of pulmonary nodules from the pleura, and surgical methods differ between the external 1/3 group and internal 2/3 group. Thoracic surgeons can develop more precise surgical plans based on the location and size of pulmonary nodules.
8.Changes in hemoglobin and related influencing factors in patients with liver failure undergoing artificial liver support therapy
Ying LIN ; Li CHEN ; Fei PENG ; Jianhui LIN ; Chuanshang ZHUO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):104-109
ObjectiveTo investigate the changing trend of hemoglobin (Hb) and related influencing factors in patients with liver failure after artificial liver support system (ALSS) therapy. MethodsA total of 106 patients with liver failure who were hospitalized and received ALSS therapy in our hospital from January to December 2018 were enrolled and analyzed in terms of clinical data and red blood cell parameters such as Hb, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red blood cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV). A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data with repeated measurement between groups, and the paired t-test was used for comparison between two groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between multiple groups, the Mann-Whitney U test was used for further comparison between two groups. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify the influencing factors for the reduction in Hb after ALSS therapy. ResultsThe 106 patients with liver failure received 606 sessions of ALSS therapy, and Hb was measured for 402 sessions before and after treatment. There was a significant reduction in Hb after ALSS therapy in the patients with liver failure (97.49±20.51 g/L vs 109.38±20.22 g/L, t=32.764, P<0.001). Longitudinal observation was further performed for 14 patients with liver failure, and the results showed that the level of Hb was 108.50±21.61 g/L before the last session of ALSS therapy, with certain recovery compared with the level of Hb (103.14±19.15 g/L) on the second day after ALSS, and there was an increase in Hb on day 3 (102.57±21.73 g/L) and day 7 (105.57±22.04 g/L) after surgery. The level of Hb in patients with liver failure on the second day after ALSS decreased with the increase in the number of ALSS sessions (F=8.996, P<0.001), while MCV and MCH gradually increased with the increase in the number of ALSS sessions (F=9.154 and 13.460, P=0.004 and P<0.001), and RDW-CV first gradually increased and then gradually decreased (F=4.520, P=0.032); MCHC showed fluctuations with no clear trend (F=0.811, P=0.494). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the duration of ALSS therapy, the mode of ALSS therapy, and initial treatment were independent risk factors for the reduction in Hb after ALSS therapy. ConclusionALSS therapy can influence the level of peripheral blood Hb in patients with liver failure, and patient blood management should be strengthened for patients with liver failure who are receiving ALSS therapy.
9.The Establishment of a Virus-related Lymphoma Risk Warning System and Health Management Model Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Conditions
Hanjing LI ; Shunan LI ; Zewei ZHUO ; Shunyong WANG ; Qiangqiang ZHENG ; Bingyu HUANG ; Yupeng YANG ; Chenxi QIU ; Ningning CHEN ; He WANG ; Tingbo LIU ; Haiying FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):335-339
Virus-related lymphoma exhibits a dual nature as both a hematologic malignancy and a viral infectious disease, making it more resistant to treatment and associated with poorer prognosis. This paper analyzes the understanding and therapeutic advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in virus-related lymphoma. It proposes a TCM-based approach centered around syndrome differentiation, using standardized measurements of the overall TCM condition, multi-omics research of hematologic tumors, and artificial intelligence technologies to identify the "pre-condition" of virus-related lymphoma. A risk warning model will be established to early identify high-risk populations with viral infections that may develop into malignant lymphoma, thereby establishing a risk warning system for virus-related lymphoma. At the same time, a TCM health management approach will be applied to manage and regulate virus-related lymphoma, interrupting its progression and forming a human-centered, comprehensive, continuous health service model. Based on this, a standardized, integrated clinical prevention and treatment decision-making model for virus-related lymphoma, recognized by both Chinese and western medicine, will be established to provide TCM solutions for primary prevention of major malignant tumors.
10.Effect of Qingxin Jieyu Granules Regulating Mitophagy on Ventricular Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction of C57B/L6 Mice
Yifan CHEN ; Jianfeng CHU ; Zhonghui JIANG ; Zhuye GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):70-78
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Qingxin Jieyu granules on ventricular remodeling of mice after myocardial infarction, and their regulatory role in mitophagy. MethodsSixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to six groups: sham-operated group, model group, Qingxin Jieyu granules low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (1.3, 2.6, 5.2 g·kg-1), and sacubitril valsartan sodium group (0.03 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the sham-operated group, all other groups utilized left anterior descending coronary artery ligation to build a myocardial infarction model. Ultrasound was used to measure left ventricular parameters, including end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters (LVIDd, LVIDs), diastolic and systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd, LVPWs), end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (LV Vold, LV Vols), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and fractional shortening (LVFS). Additionally, the heart mass index and heart weight/tibia length ratio of mice were calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the serum of mice. Histological analysis using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining was conducted to examine morphological changes in myocardial tissue. Immunohistochemistry assessed the expression of vascular growth factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Transmission electron microscopy was used to scrutinize mitochondrial morphology in the myocardial tissue of mice. Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) proteins in myocardial tissue from each experimental group. ResultsCompared to the sham-operated group, the model group mice exhibited significantly elevated levels of LV Vold, LV Vols, LVIDd, LVIDs, cardiac mass index, heart weight/tibia length ratio, BNP, LDH, and p-mTOR protein expression (P<0.05), along with decreased levels of LVPWd, LVPWs, LVEF, LVFS, and p-AMPK protein expression (P<0.05). The model group also displayed substantial inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition in myocardial cells, reduced expression of bFGF and VEGF, mitochondrial swelling, and cristae fragmentation. Compared to the model group, the sacubitril/valsartan group and mid-dose Qingxin Jieyu granules group showed significant reductions in LVIDs, LV Vold, LV Vols, BNP, CK-MB, LDH, and p-mTOR protein expression (P<0.05), coupled with increases in LVEF, LVFS, and p-AMPK expression (P<0.05). Improvements were observed across all treatment groups, including reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, increased bFGF and VEGF expression, alleviated mitochondrial swelling, and the presence of autophagosomes and lysosomes

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