1.Comparative Study on Effect of Jingui Shenqiwan and Liuwei Dihuangwan on Reproductive Ability and Brain Function of Normal Mice
Hong SUN ; Fan LEI ; Chenggong LI ; Rui LUO ; Shixian HU ; Bin REN ; Juan HAO ; Yi DING ; Lijun DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):1-14
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Jingui Shenqiwan (JSW) and Liuwei Dihuangwan (LDW) on the reproductive ability and brain function of normal mice and compare the actions of the two medications. MethodsSeven groups of female and male mice were divided at a ratio of 2∶1. Except for the control group, the other six groups were as follows: a group of both males and females receiving JSW (3.0 g·kg-1), a group of both males and females receiving LDW (4.5 g·kg-1), a group of males receiving water and females receiving JSW, a group of males receiving water while females receiving LDW, a group of females receiving water while males receiving JSW, and a group of females receiving water while males receiving LDW. Each group was administered the drug for 14 days and then caged together at a 2∶1 (female∶male) ratio to detect the number of pregnant mice and calculate the pregnancy rate. Pregnant mice continued receiving the drug until they naturally gave birth, which was followed by the observation of newborn mice, calculation of their average number, and the measurement of the offspring's preference for sugar water and neonatal recognition index. At the end of the experiment, the weights of the thymus and spleen were measured to calculate the organ coefficients, and mRNA or protein expression was analyzed in the brain and testes or ovaries. A 1% sucrose solution was used to examine the euphoria of their brain reward systems, while novel object recognition test (NOR) was applied to assess their memory capabilities. mRNA expression was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) assay, and protein expression was analyzed with Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, oral administration of JSW to both male and female mice for 14 days significantly increased the pregnancy rate of female mice on day 2 after being caged together (P<0.05), while LDW showed a trend but no statistical significance. Additionally, compared with the control group, JSW could upregulate the gene expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the thalamus, as well as reproductive stem cell factor (SCF) and tyrosine kinase receptor (c-Kit) in the testes and reproductive stem cell marker mouse vasa homologue (MVH) in the ovaries, upregulate the expression of proteins influencing neuronal functional activity, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in hippocampal neurons (P<0.05), and enhance sucrose preference in male mice (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, JSW significantly increased sucrose preference and novel object recognition index in offspring mice (P<0.05), which was related to the upregulation of hippocampal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (Nmdar) gene expression. Compared with the control group, both JSW and LDW could upregulate the protein expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), BDNF, and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus of offspring mice (P<0.05). ConclusionJSW significantly enhances the reproductive ability of normal mice, which is not only related to the release of gonadotropin but also associated with its regulation of brain function. Additionally, JSW has a certain regulatory effect on the brain function of the offspring mice.
2.Research progress on pharmacological mechanism of Gastrodiae Rhizoma in the treatment of hypertension
Xiyu HUANG ; Guosheng LUO ; Bin ZHU ; Zhexue HE ; Yongguang HUANG ; Jiafu ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1791-1796
As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for pacifying the liver and extinguishing wind, Gastrodiae Rhizoma contains main active ingredients such as gastrodin, gastrodia polysaccharides and gastrodigenin. It exerts the effects of extinguishing wind and relieving convulsions, calming liver yang, dispelling wind and unblocking collaterals, which is highly consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of hypertension. This paper systematically reviews the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of active ingredients of Gastrodiae Rhizoma, herb pair compatibility, and classic prescriptions in hypertension. It is found that Gastrodiae Rhizoma and its active ingredients can collaboratively exert antihypertensive effects by regulating hemodynamics, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and other pathways, alleviate hypertensive vascular injury, and ameliorate damage to target organs including the heart, brain and kidney induced by hypertension. Compatibility of Gastrodiae Rhizoma with medicinal materials such as Uncaria, Chuanxiong, and Danshen produces remarkable synergistic efficacy against hypertension. Classic prescriptions containing Gastrodiae Rhizoma represented by Tianma gouteng decoction and Banxia baizhu tianma decoction can inhibit inflammation, resist oxidation, and protect vascular endothelium, so as to ameliorate hypertensive vascular injury and lower blood pressure.
3.Research on the digital international communication paths of traditional Chinese medicine culture from the perspective of media materiality
Zheyu ZHANG ; Guangbo LUO ; Bin LIN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(6):784-790
The global communication order has been profoundly affected by the revolution in communication technologies in recent years, and the evolution of technology and paradigm revolution has ushered in the era of intelligent communication. A deeply mediatized society has subversively changed the information communication patterns of human society and influenced the forms of resource allocation. With the emergence of novel technological terms such as “cloud computing” “metaverse” and “virtual reality” current mainstream communication and media studies tend to categorize media into the virtual world, often ignoring its ubiquitous, profound, and complex materiality. Across different digital social contexts, the “materiality” of the communication activities for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture, such as the targeted objects, the communication venues, and the relied-upon bodies, profoundly influenced their occurrence, understanding, and continuation. Starting from the media materiality of TCM and regarding it as the “carrier” of excellent traditional Chinese culture, this paper explored the existing problems and countermeasures in the international communication of TCM culture in the digital era. It aimed to transcend media-centrism and strive to explore an innovative paradigm for the digital international communication path of TCM culture featuring “embodiment-embedment-elevation.”
4.Research progress on pharmacological mechanism of Gastrodiae Rhizoma in the treatment of hypertension
Xiyu HUANG ; Guosheng LUO ; Bin ZHU ; Zhexue HE ; Yongguang HUANG ; Jiafu ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1791-1796
As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for pacifying the liver and extinguishing wind, Gastrodiae Rhizoma contains main active ingredients such as gastrodin, gastrodia polysaccharides and gastrodigenin. It exerts the effects of extinguishing wind and relieving convulsions, calming liver yang, dispelling wind and unblocking collaterals, which is highly consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of hypertension. This paper systematically reviews the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of active ingredients of Gastrodiae Rhizoma, herb pair compatibility, and classic prescriptions in hypertension. It is found that Gastrodiae Rhizoma and its active ingredients can collaboratively exert antihypertensive effects by regulating hemodynamics, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and other pathways, alleviate hypertensive vascular injury, and ameliorate damage to target organs including the heart, brain and kidney induced by hypertension. Compatibility of Gastrodiae Rhizoma with medicinal materials such as Uncaria, Chuanxiong, and Danshen produces remarkable synergistic efficacy against hypertension. Classic prescriptions containing Gastrodiae Rhizoma represented by Tianma gouteng decoction and Banxia baizhu tianma decoction can inhibit inflammation, resist oxidation, and protect vascular endothelium, so as to ameliorate hypertensive vascular injury and lower blood pressure.
5.Peripheral Immune Response Patterns Under Vital Qi-Strengthening and Toxin-Eliminating Therapy and Their Value in Assessing Vital Qi Deficiency in Lung Cancer Metastasis: A Group-Based Trajectory Modeling
Fan XU ; Jianhui TIAN ; Yuan YAO ; Zhenyang CHENG ; Yanhong WANG ; Bin LUO ; Jialiang YAO ; Wang YAO ; Xinyi LU ; Yuchen BAO ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Youjun LIU ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Jianchun WU ; Minghua LI ; Wenfei SHI ; Yajing CUI ; Qingzhong LIU ; Yan LI ; Yun YANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(9):711-717
Objective On the basis of the theory of the tumor metastatic state, this work aims to explore the metastasis trajectories and peripheral immune response patterns in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving vital qi-strengthening and toxin-eliminating therapy (Fuzheng Juandu) and reveal the value of peripheral immunity in assessing vital qi deficiency during metastasis. Methods A retrospective study design was adopted. Patients with NSCLC admitted from January 1, 2018, to October 31, 2025 were enrolled. Data on metastasis status and peripheral immune indices were collected at the follow-up time points of one, two, three, and five years. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to fit metastasis trajectories, and the independent predictors of trajectory grouping were analyzed through multifactor and multiclassification logistic regression. Results A total of 184 patients with NSCLC were included, and three different groups of metastasis trajectories were identified, namely, the low-risk stable (46.74%, n=86), low-risk rising (13.59%, n=25), and high-risk stable (39.67%, n=73) groups. Univariate analysis revealed substantial differences in peripheral immune indices among the three trajectory groups. Multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage, absolute neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, absolute monocyte count, platelet volume, SAA:CRP ratio, and NLR were independent predictors of the low-risk rising group, whereas TNM stage, absolute monocyte count, basophil count, SII, and NLR were independent predictors of the high-risk stable group. Conclusion Under Fuzheng Juandu therapy, patients with NSCLC exhibit three distinct metastasis trajectories, each
6.Analysis of the Theory of "Spirit Turns but Does Not Reverse;If It Reverses,It Ceases to Turn" in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》) and Its Clinical Significance
Bin PENG ; Wenyi LUO ; Bing LI ; Shengxing WANG ; Ziling ZENG ; Lin TONG ; Huamin ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2139-2143
"Spirit turns but does not reverse; if it reverses, it ceases to turn" originates from the Plain Questions: Discussion on Essential Jade Plates (《素问·玉版论要篇》). It profoundly summarizes the objectivity of life as a phenomenon subject to the laws of the universe and nature, while also expressing the subjectivity of individuals possessing systematic, stable, and ordered biological rhythms. In light of relevant ancient philosophical insights, the theory of "spirit turns but does not reverse; if it reverses, it ceases to turn" embodies the principles of constant motion in life, change according to dao (道), orderly progression, and the rule that reversal disrupts continuity. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, one should adopt the therapeutic principle of regulating spirit to promote "spirit turning". Guiding along the trend and acting in accordance with the natural momentum must be adopted to maintain the operation of spirit turning. Adhering to constancy while recognizing variability, and prioritizing harmony above all, should be employed to ensure the orderly progress of spirit turning. Regulating qi movement serves as the driving force behind facilitating spirit turning. This will provide clinical insights and theoretical foundations for treating diseases through the concept of "regulating spirit".
7.Analysis of the Theory of "Spirit Turns but Does Not Reverse;If It Reverses,It Ceases to Turn" in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》) and Its Clinical Significance
Bin PENG ; Wenyi LUO ; Bing LI ; Shengxing WANG ; Ziling ZENG ; Lin TONG ; Huamin ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2139-2143
"Spirit turns but does not reverse; if it reverses, it ceases to turn" originates from the Plain Questions: Discussion on Essential Jade Plates (《素问·玉版论要篇》). It profoundly summarizes the objectivity of life as a phenomenon subject to the laws of the universe and nature, while also expressing the subjectivity of individuals possessing systematic, stable, and ordered biological rhythms. In light of relevant ancient philosophical insights, the theory of "spirit turns but does not reverse; if it reverses, it ceases to turn" embodies the principles of constant motion in life, change according to dao (道), orderly progression, and the rule that reversal disrupts continuity. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, one should adopt the therapeutic principle of regulating spirit to promote "spirit turning". Guiding along the trend and acting in accordance with the natural momentum must be adopted to maintain the operation of spirit turning. Adhering to constancy while recognizing variability, and prioritizing harmony above all, should be employed to ensure the orderly progress of spirit turning. Regulating qi movement serves as the driving force behind facilitating spirit turning. This will provide clinical insights and theoretical foundations for treating diseases through the concept of "regulating spirit".
8.Effects of MAGED4 overexpression on proliferation, migration, and adhesion of hepatocellular carcinoma
Sheng ZHANG ; Zhibi ZHANG ; Xiaoqing YU ; Xiaoqiong ZOU ; Yuhang LIU ; Hao LÜ ; Feng LI ; Yanjing WANG ; Bin LUO ; Xiaoxun XIE ; Qingmei ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1558-1567
ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of melanoma-associated antigen D4 (MAGED4) on the malignant biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), providing experimental evidence for its evaluation as a potential therapeutic target in HCC. MethodsGenes positively correlated with MAGED4 expression in HCC were screened using the LinkedOmics database, followed by GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Endogenously low-expressing SMMC-7721 and Huh7 cells were selected, with normal hepatic LO2 cells serving as controls. Stable overexpression cell lines were established via lentiviral infection (MAGED4 overexpression group), with RT-PCR and Western blot validating overexpression efficiency. The effects of MAGED4 overexpression on cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, migration, and adhesion were systematically analyzed using CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, scratch healing assays, Transwell migration assays, and cell adhesion assays. ResultsBioinformatics analysis indicated that MAGED4 co-expressed genes were significantly enriched in biological processes closely associated with tumor proliferation and metastasis, including cell-cell adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. A stable MAGED4 overexpression cell model was successfully established. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that MAGED4-overexpressing SMMC-7721 and Huh7 cells exhibited a mesenchymal-like morphology, whereas LO2 cells maintained an epithelial-like morphology. Compared with the empty-virus control groups, the MAGED4-overexpressing groups showed significantly increased proliferative activity (48 h: t=3.887, 22.070, 8.866, all P<0.05; 72 h: t=3.231, 23.840, 9.848, all P<0.05; 96 h: t=5.123, 49.800, 5.909, P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.05), wound healing rates (12 h: F=40.90, 44.00, 200.50, all P<0.001; 24 h: F=112.00, 34.89, 249.20, all P<0.001), and numbers of migrated cells (F=239.20, 59.79, 132.80, all P<0.001), along with significantly decreased numbers of adherent cells (F=73.65, 85.91, 138.00, all P<0.001), while no significant differences were observed in cell cycle phase distribution in all three cell lines. ConclusionMAGED4 enhances proliferation and migration while suppressing adhesion in both HCC and normal hepatocytes, however, induces mesenchymal-like morphological changes exclusively in HCC cells, suggesting that MAGED4 is capable of driving HCC progression and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
9.Association of combined cold and hypoxia exposure with pulmonary heart disease hospitalization risk and experimental pulmonary hypertension in rats
Huan CHEN ; Ya XIAO ; Huanhuan WEI ; Li HE ; Ce LIU ; Jiangtao LIU ; Hao ZHAO ; Zhaoru YANG ; Bin LUO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(9):1049-1058
Background Pulmonary heart disease (PHD) is a critical cardiopulmonary disease in high-altitude areas, with pulmonary hypertension (PH) as its central pathological basis. Cold and hypoxia are vital environmental characteristics of high-altitude regions; however, their joint effect on the hospitalization risk for PHD and the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. Objective To evaluate the associations of cold, hypoxia, and their joint exposure with PHD hospitalization risk, and to investigate PH-related pathological changes induced by combined cold and hypoxic exposure and the intervention effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in rats. Methods Based on hospitalization data for 92986 PHD cases from 333 hospitals in Gansu Province (2018–2022), a generalized additive model (GAM) with a quasi-Poisson distribution was used to assess the associations between daily mean temperature, atmospheric oxygen content (AOC) and the daily number of PHD hospitalizations. Four joint exposure categories were constructed using the fifth percentile of temperature (P5, −7.90℃) and AOC grades (high or low) to assess the associations between different exposure combinations and daily PHD hospital admissions. To further investigate PH-related pathological changes and the intervention effects of GABA, 24 specific-pathogen-free male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): normal temperature and normoxia control group (NC), combined cold and hypoxia exposure group (CH), combined exposure plus low-dose GABA intervention group (CHL), and combined exposure plus high-dose GABA intervention group (CHH). After 5 weeks, pulmonary hemodynamics and vascular remodeling were evaluated. Gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results Each 1 g·m−3 decrease in AOC and each 1 ℃ decrease in daily mean temperature were associated with 2.6% (RR=1.026, 95%CI: 1.024, 1.027) and 1.8% (RR=1.018, 95%CI: 1.015, 1.020) increases in PHD hospitalization risk, respectively. Compared with the non-low-temperature and high-AOC group, the low-temperature and low-AOC group had the highest risk estimate (RR=1.673, 95%CI: 1.567, 1.785). Animal experiments demonstrated that, compared with the NC group, rats in the CH group showed shortened pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAT) and increased mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), pulmonary arterial wall thickness, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression (P<0.05). The Observed Species and Chao1 indices of the gut microbiota were significantly lower in the CH group than in the NC group (P<0.05), while levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in lung tissue were elevated (P<0.05). GABA intervention improved selected hemodynamic, vascular remodeling, and inflammatory indices. Conclusion Decreases in daily mean temperature and AOC are associated with an increased risk of PHD hospitalization, with the highest risk estimate observed in the low-temperature and low-AOC group. Animal experiments suggest that combined cold and hypoxic exposure induce PH-related pathological changes accompanied by alterations in the gut microbiota and pulmonary inflammation. GABA may partially ameliorate these changes.
10.Research advances and prospects on effects of combined exposure to high-altitude hypoxia and fine particulate matter on pulmonary heart disease
Li HE ; Ce LIU ; Hao ZHAO ; Bin LUO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(9):1069-1076
Pulmonary heart disease (PHD) is a significant public health concern affecting cardiopulmonary health in high-altitude regions. This review summarized the potential synergistic mechanisms by which combined exposure to high-altitude hypoxia and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may contribute to the development and progression of PHD. In high-altitude environments, PM2.5 may exhibit unique exposure and toxicity profiles. Intense ultraviolet radiation and elevated atmospheric oxidative capacity can promote the photochemical aging of PM2.5, thereby enhancing its biological activity and oxidative injury potential. Meanwhile, hypoxia-induced compensatory hyperventilation may increase the respiratory deposition dose of PM2.5 compared with that under low-altitude conditions. In addition to acting synergistically with PM2.5 to promote pulmonary vascular injury, hypoxia may further augment right ventricular afterload through sympathetic activation, endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial metabolic reprogramming. Existing in vitro and animal studies suggest that hypoxia and PM2.5 may jointly promote endothelial injury, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and right ventricular decompensation via superimposed “pseudohypoxia” signaling and a positive feedback loop involving oxidative stress and inflammation. However, current research has predominantly focused on the independent effects of hypoxia or PM2.5, whereas the synergistic effects of combined exposure remain insufficiently elucidated. Future studies should establish combined hypoxia-PM2.5 exposure models, clarify dose-response relationships and pathogenic mechanisms, and explore targeted intervention strategies. Such evidence may support the prevention and control of PHD in high-altitude regions and the refinement of environmental health standards.

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