1.Erjingwan Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle Cells of Sarcopenia via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Long SHI ; Yang LI ; Hongyu YAN ; Tianle ZHOU ; Zhiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):57-66
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the classical Chinese medicine compound prescription Erjingwan on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in a mouse model of sarcopenia and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57/BL6 male mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, and groups with different doses of Erjingwan (8,16,32 g·kg-1). The mouse model of sarcopenia was established by D-gal-induced skeletal muscle senescence. The body weight and grip strength of mice treated with different doses of Erjingwan were examined to evaluate their physiological functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum samples of mice, and biochemical tests were conducted to quantify the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of drug intervention, the model group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and grip strength (P0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, all doses of Erjingwan increased the body weight in mice at week 8 (P0.01) and grip strength from week 6 (P0.01). HE staining revealed clear muscle fiber structure in the control group, muscle fiber rupture and atrophy in the model group, and dose-dependent repair of muscle fiber structure in the Erjingwan groups. Masson staining showed minimal collagen fibers and mild fibrosis in the control group, collagen fiber proliferation and severe fibrosis in the model group, and collagen proliferation with dose-dependent inhibition of fibrosis in the Erjingwan groups. ELISA results showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the model group compared with those in the control group (P0.01). After intervention, the low-dose Erjingwan group exhibited a decreased TNF-α level (P0.05), while the medium and high-dose groups showed decreases in both TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P0.01). Biochemical assays revealed that the model group had decreased SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and an increased MDA level (P0.01) compared with the control group. The medium and high-dose Erjingwan groups exhibited increases in SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and decreases in MDA level (P0.01), compared with the model group. WB and Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the model group presented down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in the muscle tissue (P0.01) and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01). Compared with the model group, Erjingwan at different doses up-regulated the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01) and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01) in the muscle tissue. Low-dose Erjingwan elevated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P0.05, P0.01), and medium and high-dose Erjingwan up-regulated the mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01). ConclusionErjingwan reduced the content of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle cells, improved the antioxidant capacity, and attenuated pathological changes and fibrosis in the muscle of the mouse model of sarcopenia by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory response, and apoptosis network.
2.Yimei Baijiang Formula Treats Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Qian WU ; Xin ZOU ; Chaoli JIANG ; Long ZHAO ; Hui CHEN ; Li LI ; Zhi LI ; Jianqin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):119-130
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Yimei Baijiang formula (YMBJF) on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) and the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mice. MethodsSixty male Balb/c mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into 6 groups: Normal, model, capecitabine (0.83 g
3.Erjingwan Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle Cells of Sarcopenia via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Long SHI ; Yang LI ; Hongyu YAN ; Tianle ZHOU ; Zhiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):57-66
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the classical Chinese medicine compound prescription Erjingwan on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in a mouse model of sarcopenia and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57/BL6 male mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, and groups with different doses of Erjingwan (8,16,32 g·kg-1). The mouse model of sarcopenia was established by D-gal-induced skeletal muscle senescence. The body weight and grip strength of mice treated with different doses of Erjingwan were examined to evaluate their physiological functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum samples of mice, and biochemical tests were conducted to quantify the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of drug intervention, the model group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and grip strength (P0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, all doses of Erjingwan increased the body weight in mice at week 8 (P0.01) and grip strength from week 6 (P0.01). HE staining revealed clear muscle fiber structure in the control group, muscle fiber rupture and atrophy in the model group, and dose-dependent repair of muscle fiber structure in the Erjingwan groups. Masson staining showed minimal collagen fibers and mild fibrosis in the control group, collagen fiber proliferation and severe fibrosis in the model group, and collagen proliferation with dose-dependent inhibition of fibrosis in the Erjingwan groups. ELISA results showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the model group compared with those in the control group (P0.01). After intervention, the low-dose Erjingwan group exhibited a decreased TNF-α level (P0.05), while the medium and high-dose groups showed decreases in both TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P0.01). Biochemical assays revealed that the model group had decreased SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and an increased MDA level (P0.01) compared with the control group. The medium and high-dose Erjingwan groups exhibited increases in SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and decreases in MDA level (P0.01), compared with the model group. WB and Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the model group presented down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in the muscle tissue (P0.01) and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01). Compared with the model group, Erjingwan at different doses up-regulated the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01) and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01) in the muscle tissue. Low-dose Erjingwan elevated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P0.05, P0.01), and medium and high-dose Erjingwan up-regulated the mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01). ConclusionErjingwan reduced the content of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle cells, improved the antioxidant capacity, and attenuated pathological changes and fibrosis in the muscle of the mouse model of sarcopenia by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory response, and apoptosis network.
4.Yimei Baijiang Formula Treats Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Qian WU ; Xin ZOU ; Chaoli JIANG ; Long ZHAO ; Hui CHEN ; Li LI ; Zhi LI ; Jianqin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):119-130
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Yimei Baijiang formula (YMBJF) on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) and the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mice. MethodsSixty male Balb/c mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into 6 groups: Normal, model, capecitabine (0.83 g
5.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
6.Effect of summer short-term clinical practice teaching on empathy ability in rehabilitation therapy students
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):117-124
ObjectiveTo explore an centralized clinical practice teaching model delivered via a summer short-term semester, and to examine its effectiveness on empathy and communication efficacy among undergraduate students majoring in rehabilitation therapy through a mixed-methods design. MethodsFrom June to July, 2025, forty second-year rehabilitation therapy undergraduates from Nanchang Medical College participated in a one-week immersive clinical practice during the summer short-term semester. An action research framework integrating a one-group pre-post experimental design and qualitative research methods were adopted. Quantitative data were collected using the Chinese-Adapted Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Medical Student Version (JSE-HP) to assess changes in empathy. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured focus group interviews and structured reflective journals to investigate students' experiences and transformations in empathic cognition, emotional integration and professional identity. ResultsAfter the teaching intervention, students demonstrated significant improvements in the total score of JSE-HP and all subdimensions (perspective taking, compassionate care and standing in the patient's shoes) (t < -3.69, P < 0.01). Qualitative analysis yielded three core themes: reconstruction of clinical reasoning paradigms, emotional-cognitive integration and elevation of professional identity. ConclusionSummer short-term semester clinical practice model, structured around “clinical immersion, narrative reflection, interprofessional collaboration and formative assessment”, effectively facilitates embodied cultivation of empathy. This model not only bridges the gap between theory and clinical practice, but also serves as an educational catalyst for students' transformation from technical performers to humanistic caregivers. It aligns with the core concepts of the World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework, offering a replicable and scalable approach to advancing systematic reform in medical humanities education.
7.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
8.Key scientific issues and breakthrough paths to eliminate the harm of hepatitis B virus infection
Yixue WANG ; Bo PENG ; Lei WEI ; Quanxin LONG ; Yuchen XIA ; Yinyan SUN ; Wenhui LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):2-6
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) exclusively infects liver parenchymal cells and forms covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) within their nuclei. HBV cccDNA serves as the essential template for viral gene transcription, the sole source of progeny virus production, and the key driver of viral antigen expression, and it is the molecular basis for the persistence of HBV infection. Therefore, elimination and/or functional silencing of cccDNA is the key to eradicate chronic HBV infection. This article discusses the critical scientific issues that need to be solved during elimination of the harm of HBV infection from the perspectives of the synthesis, transcription, and clearance of cccDNA, as well as the impact of nonparenchymal cells on cccDNA, in order to provide a reference for eradicating HBV infection in the future.
9.Mechanism of Gushining Granules in Attenuating Dexamethasone-induced Apoptosis of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Activating PI3K/Akt/Bad Signalling Pathway
Chengyu CHU ; Lei ZHU ; Long LIANG ; Feng WANG ; Xuejian YU ; Wenwu LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):115-122
ObjectiveTo establish steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) cell model by using dexamethasone (DEX)-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and demonstrate that Gushing Granules (GSNs) exert an improving effect by activating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/B-lymphoma-2 gene related promoter (PI3K/Akt/Bad) signalling pathway. MethodsFirstly, SD rats were orally administered with drugs at a dose of 0.9 g·kg-1 to prepare GSN-containing serum, and CCK-8 screening was used to determine the optimal dosage and duration of action. Then, BMSCs were cultured and treated with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 DEX, 10% GSN-containing serum, and inhibitor LY294002 of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway for 24 hours to model and group SANFH cells. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by using CCK-8 assay kit and EdU staining kit. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay kit was employed to detect ALP expression. In order to detect the PI3K/Akt/Bad signalling pathway and protein and mRNA expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as apoptosis regulatory factors B-cell lymphoma-2 gene (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), osteocalcin (OCN), and Collagen Ⅰ, we used Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsThe CCK-8 assay kit determined that the optimal dosage for GSN-containing serum is 10%, and the duration of action is 48 hours. After modelling and grouping the cells in each group, the detection results showed that the SANFH model group had significantly lower cell viability, cell proliferation, and ALP expression, as well as protein and mRNA expressions of PI3K, Akt, Bad, Bcl-2, OCN, and Collagen I compared to the blank group. The nucleic acid and protein levels of the Bax index and the cell apoptosis rate detected by flow cytometry significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). After treatment with GSN-containing serum, cell viability, cell proliferation, and ALP expression, as well as expressions of PI3K, Akt, Bad, Bcl-2, OCN, and Collagen Ⅰ nucleic acids and proteins were significantly increased, while the nucleic acid and protein levels of the Bax index and the cell apoptosis rate detected by flow cytometry significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the GSN drug-containing serum group, the simultaneous treatment with the inhibitor LY294002 and GSN drug-containing serum reversed the improvement effect of GSN. Specifically, the cell viability, cell proliferation, ALP expression, and the nucleic acid and protein levels of PI3K, Akt, Bad, Bcl-2, OCN, and Collagen Ⅰ were all significantly decreased, while the nucleic acid and protein levels of the Bax index and the cell apoptosis rate detected by flow cytometry were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGSNs antagonize DEX-induced apoptosis of BMSCs by activating the PI3K/Akt/Bad signalling pathway, providing a scientific theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of SANFH with GSNs.
10.Clinical significance of establishing a red blood cell alloantibody detection database
Xiao XIAO ; Long CHEN ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Zhanghan HE ; Mengjun ZHOU ; Jie TANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):54-60
[Objective] To explore the clinical significance and application value of establishing a database for red blood cell alloantibody detection. [Methods] Patients who were scheduled for blood transfusion in our hospital from January 1, 2020 to May 1, 2024 were selected as the research subjects. A red blood cell alloantibody detection database was established using Microsoft Office Excel software to register the detection data of patients' alloantibodies and antibodies of undetermined specificity (AUS). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical characteristics, antibody distribution, antibody decay and repeat positivity of the patients in the database. The LISS-IAT method was routinely used for antibody screening and identification. [Results] Among the alloantibodies, the Rh blood group system had the highest detection rate, followed by antibodies of the MNS blood group system and the Lewis blood group system. The predominant antibody in the Rh blood group system was anti-E. In the univariate analysis, the positivity of antibody was significantly associated with the patient's gender, age, blood transfusion history, pregnancy history and type of disease (all P<0.001). In the database, 48 patients experienced antibody decay, accounting for 15.24%(48/315), with an average time span of antibody decay ranging from 22 to 1 324 days. Six cases showed repeat positivity after decay, which were related to blood transfusions. The shortest interval between blood transfusions that led to antibody repeat positivity was 3 days, and the longest interval was 427 days. Among 58 cases with AUS, 3 converted into alloantibodies, among which 2 were anti-E and 1 was anti-Lea. [Conclusion] Establishing a red blood cell alloantibody detection database is an effective way to guide ambiguous cross-matching in clinical practice and is also an effective measure for the management of transfusion risks.

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