1.Modified Xiehuangsan Regulates Microglial Polarization and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway to Treat Tic Disorders in Rats
Mengjie ZHAO ; Qiong ZHAO ; Cuiling YANG ; Hongyun ZHOU ; Xiangjuan SUN ; Xinyi GUO ; Sajiyue HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):10-18
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of modified Xiehuangsan in treating tic disorders (TD) based on microglial polarization and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into six groups: control, model, tiapride (0.025 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (12, 24, 48 g·kg-1, respectively) modified Xiehuangsan, with 12 rats in each group. Except the control group, the other groups received intraperitoneal injection of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) for 7 consecutive days for the modeling of TD. After successful modeling, the control and model groups were given normal saline via gavage, and the other groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage. After 28 days of continuous intervention, rat behaviors were observed, and the modified Xiehuangsan group showing the best anti-TD effect was selected for deciphering the treatment mechanism. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to observe morphological changes in the rat striatum. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of CD16 and CD206 in the striatum. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-4, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the striatum. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), Fc receptor family for immunoglobulin (Ig)G type Ⅲ (CD16), mannose receptor (CD206), TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the striatum. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed increased stereotyped behaviors, locomotor activity, total movement distance, and movement speed, shortened resting time (P<0.01), and noticeable pathological changes in the striatum. Compared with the model group, the tiapride group and modified Xiehuangsan groups exhibited reduced stereotyped behavior, locomotor activity, total movement distance, and movement speed, prolonged resting time (P<0.05, P<0.01), and alleviated pathological changes in the striatum. Among the modified Xiehuangsan groups, the high-dose group had the best intervention effect and the mildest pathological changes. Therefore, the high-dose group was selected for further research. Compared with the control group, the modeling of TD increased Iba1 and CD16 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA level of IL-4 (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and MyD88 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, modified Xiehuangsan reduced Iba1 and CD16 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the protein level of CD206 (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β and TNF-α (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA level of IL-4 (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Xiehuangsan demonstrated a definite therapeutic effect on TD in rats. It may reduce neuroinflammation in TD rats by regulating the polarization of microglia in the striatum via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.The mechanism of Laggerae Herba in improving chronic heart failure by inhibiting ferroptosis through the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Jinling XIAO ; Kai HUANG ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jing HAN ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Fanghe LI ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):343-353
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of the heat-clearing and detoxifying drug Laggerae Herba in regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and improve chronic heart failure induced by transverse aortic arch constriction in mice.
Methods:
Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into the sham (n=6) and transverse aortic arch constriction groups (n=18) according to the random number table method. The transverse aortic arch constriction group underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to establish models. After modeling, the transverse aortic arch constriction group was further divided into the model, captopril, and Laggerae Herba groups according to the random number table method, with six mice per group. The captopril (15 mg/kg) and Laggerae Herba groups (1.95 g/kg) received the corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the sham operation and model groups were administered the same volume of ultrapure water by gavage once a day for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the cardiac function indexes of mice in each group were detected using ultrasound. The heart mass and tibia length were measured to calculate the ratio of heart weight to tibia length. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial cell hypertrophy. Prussian blue staining was used to observe the iron deposition in myocardial tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and glutathione (GSH) contents in mice serum. Colorimetry was used to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice serum. Western blotting was used to detect the Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) protein expressions in mice cardiac tissue.
Results:
Compared with the sham group, in the model group, the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of mice decreased, the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) increased, the left ventricular anterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVAWs) and left ventricular posterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVPWs) decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length increased, the myocardial tissue morphology changed, myocardial fibrosis increased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells increased, iron deposition appeared in myocardial tissue, the serum NT-proBNP and MDA levels increased, the GSH level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the captopril and Laggerae Herba groups, the EF, FS, and LVAWs increased, the LVESV and LVESD decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length decreased, the myocardial cells were arranged neatly, the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, the serum NT-proBNP level decreased, and the GSH level increased. Compared with the model group, the LVPWs increased, the iron deposition in myocardial tissue decreased, the serum MDA level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue increased (P<0.05) in the Laggerae Herba group.
Conclusion
Laggerae Herba improves the cardiac function of mice with chronic heart failure caused by transverse aortic arch constriction, reduces the pathological remodeling of the heart, and reduces fibrosis. Its mechanism may be related to Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.
3.Phenomics of traditional Chinese medicine 2.0: the integration with digital medicine
Min Xu ; Xinyi Shao ; Donggeng Guo ; Xiaojing Yan ; Lei Wang ; Tao Yang ; Hao LIANG ; Qinghua PENG ; Lingyu Linda Ye ; Haibo Cheng ; Dayue Darrel Duan
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):282-299
Abstract
Modern western medicine typically focuses on treating specific symptoms or diseases, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes the interconnections of the body’s various systems under external environment and takes a holistic approach to preventing and treating diseases. Phenomics was initially introduced to the field of TCM in 2008 as a new discipline that studies the laws of integrated and dynamic changes of human clinical phenomes under the scope of the theories and practices of TCM based on phenomics. While TCM Phenomics 1.0 has initially established a clinical phenomic system centered on Zhenghou (a TCM definition of clinical phenome), bottlenecks remain in data standardization, mechanistic interpretation, and precision intervention. Here, we systematically elaborates on the theoretical foundations, technical pathways, and future challenges of integrating digital medicine with TCM phenomics under the framework of “TCM phenomics 2.0”, which is supported by digital medicine technologies such as artificial intelligence, wearable devices, medical digital twins, and multi-omics integration. This framework aims to construct a closed-loop system of “Zhenghou–Phenome–Mechanism–Intervention” and to enable the digitization, standardization, and precision of disease diagnosis and treatment. The integration of digital medicine and TCM phenomics not only promotes the modernization and scientific transformation of TCM theory and practice but also offers new paradigms for precision medicine. In practice, digital tools facilitate multi-source clinical data acquisition and standardization, while AI and big data algorithms help reveal the correlations between clinical Zhenghou phenomes and molecular mechanisms, thereby improving scientific rigor in diagnosis, efficacy evaluation, and personalized intervention. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including data quality and standardization issues, shortage of interdisciplinary talents, and insufficiency of ethical and legal regulations. Future development requires establishing national data-sharing platforms, strengthening international collaboration, fostering interdisciplinary professionals, and improving ethical and legal frameworks. Ultimately, this approach seeks to build a new disease identification and classification system centered on phenomes and to achieve the inheritance, innovation, and modernization of TCM diagnostic and therapeutic patterns.
4.Efficacy and safety of tislelizumab in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer:a meta-analysis
Yanxue WANG ; Xiaotong LIAN ; Ziying LIANG ; Xinyi GUO ; Qiuyi YUAN ; Jinni WANG ; Yixuan QIN ; Xiaolian DING ; Gang LIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2454-2459
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab in the treatment of advanced non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS Computerized searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang and other Chinese and English databases to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on tislelizumab for advanced NSCLC. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to December 2024. After strictly screening the literature, extracting data and conducting quality evaluations in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 16.0 software. RESULTS A total of 18 RCTs involving 2 337 patients were included, with 1 283 in the experimental group and 1 054 in the control group. The meta-analysis results showed that the objective response rate [RR=1.61, 95%CI (1.48, 1.75), P<0.000 01], disease control rate [RR=1.21, 95%CI (1.13, 1.29), P<0.000 01], progression free survival [HR=0.55, 95%CI (0.45, 0.66), P<0.000 01], and overall survival [HR=0.78, 95%CI(0.62, 0.97), P=0.03] were significantly better in the experimental group than in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups [RR=1.00, 95%CI (0.73, 1.37), P=1.00]; among the common adverse reactions, only the incidence of liver function impairment was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group [RR=1.30, 95%CI (1.10, 1.54), P<0.01]. CONCLUSIONS Tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy or targeted drugs significantly improves the efficacy in patients with advanced NSCLC without increasing the risk of adverse reactions overall. However, liver function should be closely monitored during treatment.
5.A Study on the In Vitro Antibacterial Effects of Colistin or Tigecycline Combined with Three Antimicrobial Agents Against Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii
Weichen HUANG ; Kuo LI ; Lijing GUO ; Xinyi JIN ; Chaogui TANG ; Ning LIN ; Jingjing HUANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1131-1137
To analyze the Non-duplicate CRAB strains isolated from clinical specimens between June and December 2023 at Huai'an First People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively collected. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of commonly used antimicrobial agents against these strains were determined using the broth microdilution method. A total of 48 CRAB strains were included. COL-based combination regimens all exhibited favorable synergistic or additive effects against CRAB. Among them, the COL+IPM group showed the highest synergistic rate (83.3%), while the COL+AMK and COL+CSL groups primarily demonstrated additive effects (additive rates of 66.7% and 70.8%, respectively). TGC-based combination regimens mainly exhibited additive or indifferent effects, with the TGC+CSL group showing the highest additive rate (75.0%) and the TGC+AMK group showing the highest indifferent rate (70.8%). No antagonistic effects were observed in any of the six combination regimens. Further analysis revealed that the antibacterial effect of the COL+IPM group against CRAB was significantly different from that of the other combination regimens ( The combination of COL and IPM demonstrates the optimal synergistic antibacterial effect against CRAB, with the highest synergistic rate, and can be used as an empirical combination regimen for the clinical treatment of CRAB infections.
6.Establishment and evaluation of an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction integrating disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis
Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Feng JIANG ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jinling XIAO ; Fanghe LI ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Wei WANG ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):501-515
Objective:
This study aimed to construct an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis and to evaluate it comprehensively.
Methods:
The HFpEF mouse model was constructed using a combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a high-fat diet. According to the random number table method, SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, L-NAME, high-fat diet, and model groups, 10 in each group. Comprehensive observations and data collection on macroscopic signs (e.g., fur condition, mental state, stool and urine, oral and nasal condition, paw and body condition, etc.) and cardiac function were performed after 10 and 16 weeks of model induction. Additionally, the syndrome evolution was elucidated based on diagnostic criteria for clinical syndromes of heart failure. Furthermore, pathological and molecular biological examinations of myocardial tissue were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the model.
Results:
Mice in the model group showed typical characteristics of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as syndrome of internal heat accumulation, including lethargy, slow response, dull paw color and oral/nasal color, exercise intolerance, abnormal platelet activation, dry feces, and dark yellow urine. The time window for these syndromes was between 10 and 16 weeks post-modeling. Cardiac function assessments revealed severe diastolic dysfunction, concentric myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in the model group. Pathological examinations showed a significantly increased collagen deposition in the myocardial interstitium, enlarged cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and sparse coronary microvasculature in the model group. Molecular biological analyses indicated marked activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway and significantly elevated inflammation levels in the myocardial tissue of the model group. Although mice in the L-NAME and high-fat diet groups also showed certain manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome, the substantial cardiac damage was relatively limited compared to the control group.
Conclusion
This study has constructed an animal model of HFpEF that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this model are consistent with the manifestations of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, toxin syndrome, and syndrome of internal heat accumulation. Moreover, it can stably simulate the HFpEF state and reflect phenotypic changes in human disease. This model provides a suitable experimental platform to explore the pathogenesis of HFpEF, evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment regimens, and promote in-depth research on TCM syndromes of heart failure.
7.Expert consensus on the application of nasal cavity filling substances in nasal surgery patients(2025, Shanghai).
Keqing ZHAO ; Shaoqing YU ; Hongquan WEI ; Chenjie YU ; Guangke WANG ; Shijie QIU ; Yanjun WANG ; Hongtao ZHEN ; Yucheng YANG ; Yurong GU ; Tao GUO ; Feng LIU ; Meiping LU ; Bin SUN ; Yanli YANG ; Yuzhu WAN ; Cuida MENG ; Yanan SUN ; Yi ZHAO ; Qun LI ; An LI ; Luo BA ; Linli TIAN ; Guodong YU ; Xin FENG ; Wen LIU ; Yongtuan LI ; Jian WU ; De HUAI ; Dongsheng GU ; Hanqiang LU ; Xinyi SHI ; Huiping YE ; Yan JIANG ; Weitian ZHANG ; Yu XU ; Zhenxiao HUANG ; Huabin LI
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(4):285-291
This consensus will introduce the characteristics of fillers used in the surgical cavities of domestic nasal surgery patients based on relevant literature and expert opinions. It will also provide recommendations for the selection of cavity fillers for different nasal diseases, with chronic sinusitis as a representative example.
Humans
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Nasal Cavity/surgery*
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Nasal Surgical Procedures
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China
;
Consensus
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Sinusitis/surgery*
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Dermal Fillers
8.Qishen Granule protects against myocardial ischemia by promoting angiogenesis through BMP2-Dll4-Notch1 pathway.
Yiqin HONG ; Hui WANG ; Hanyan XIE ; Xinyi ZHONG ; Xu CHEN ; Lishuang YU ; Yawen ZHANG ; Jingmei ZHANG ; Qiyan WANG ; Binghua TANG ; Linghui LU ; Dongqing GUO
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):139-147
OBJECTIVE:
Therapeutic angiogenesis has become a promising approach for treating ischemic heart disease (IHD). The present study aims to investigate the effects of Qishen Granule (QSG) on angiogenesis in myocardial ischemia (MI) and the potential mechanism.
METHODS:
In vivo study was conducted on rat model of myocardial infarction. QSG was performed daily at a dose of 2.352 g/kg for four weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiogram and pro-angiogenic effects were evaluated by Laser Doppler and CD31 expression. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was applied in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cell viability, wound healing and tube formation assay were used to test functions of HUVECs. ELISA and Western blots were used to assess protein expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2-delta-like 4-notch homolog 1 (BMP2-Dll4-Notch1) signaling pathway.
RESULTS:
The results showed that QSG improved heart function, cardiac blood flow and microvessel density in myocardial ischemic rats. In vitro, QSG protected HUVECs by promoting the cell viability and tube formation. QSG upregulated bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and downregulated delta-like 4 (Dll4) and notch homolog 1 (Notch1) expressions both in rats and HUVECs.
CONCLUSION
QSG protected against MI by promoting angiogenesis through BMP2-Dll4-Notch1 pathway. BMP2 might be a promising therapeutic target for IHD.
9.New uses of halofuginone to treat cancer.
Runan ZUO ; Xinyi GUO ; Xinhao SONG ; Xiuge GAO ; Junren ZHANG ; Shanxiang JIANG ; Vojtech ADAM ; Kamil KUCA ; Wenda WU ; Dawei GUO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):101080-101080
The small-molecule alkaloid halofuginone (HF) is obtained from febrifugine. Recent studies on HF have aroused widespread attention owing to its universal range of noteworthy biological activities and therapeutic functions, which range from parasite infections and fibrosis to autoimmune diseases. In particular, HF is believed to play an excellent anticancer role by suppressing the proliferation, adhesion, metastasis, and invasion of cancers. This review supports the goal of demonstrating various anticancer effects and molecular mechanisms of HF. In the studies covered in this review, the anticancer molecular mechanisms of HF mainly included transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad-3/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), serine/threonine kinase proteins (Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)/wingless/integrated (Wnt)/β-catenin, the exosomal microRNA-31 (miR-31)/histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) signaling pathway, and the interaction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune cells. Notably, HF, as a novel type of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent inhibitor that is often combined with prolyl transfer RNA synthetase (ProRS) and amino acid starvation therapy (AAS) to suppress the formation of ribosome, further exerts a significant effect on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the combination of HF with other drugs or therapies obtained universal attention. Our results showed that HF has significant potential for clinical cancer treatment.
10.Impact and mechanism of curcumin on endometriosis model rats
Cuimei QIN ; Xinyi LIU ; Xiaolan DING ; Huiling GUO ; Pinying CHEN ; Jiao LIU ; Jie CHENG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(22):2744-2749
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact and mechanism of curcumin on endometriosis (EMS) model rats based on Notch1 signaling pathway. METHODS Female SD rats with synchronized estrous cycles were implanted with autologous endometrium on the abdominal wall to construct EMS model. EMS rats were randomly divided into model group, low-, medium- and high-dose groups of curcumin (60, 120, 240 mg/kg), and Notch 1 inhibitor DAPT group (7 mg/kg). The sham surgery group was also established, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in each group received intragastric administration or injection via caudal veins with the corresponding drugs for 4 weeks. Endometriotic lesions were observed and measured using ultrasound and visual inspection, and their volumes were calculated. Histopathological morphology of the lesion tissues was observed. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the abdominal cavity fluid, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the endometriotic lesions were measured. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the volume of endometriotic lesions in the low- , medium- and high-dose groups of curcumin and the DAPT group was significantly decreased (P<0.05); atrophy or disappearance of columnar epithelium, cyst disappearance; the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF- α (except for the low-dose curcumin group) in the abdominal cavity fluid, as well as the mRNA (except for MMP-9 and VEGF in the low-dose curcumin group) and protein (except for MMP-9 in the low-dose curcumin group) expression levels of Notch1, MMP-9, and VEGF in the endometriotic lesions were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The curcumin high-dose group and DAPT group showed superior results in most indicators compared to the curcumin low- and medium-dose groups. CONCLUSIONS Curcumin has an improving effect on EMS, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting Notch1 signaling pathway, reducting local inflammatory responses, and inhibiting ectopic endometrial invasion and angiogenesis.


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