1.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
2.Inheritance and Current Research Status of Major Spleen-Stomach Theories in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ling HU ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG ; Beihua ZHANG ; Yunkai DAI ; Xu CHEN ; Shiqi LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):87-94
This paper systematically reviews the core concepts and lines of theoretical inheritance of major spleen-stomach theories in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including spleen deficiency theory, spleen-stomach damp-heat theory, and liver-spleen disharmony theory. It is found that these theories have all undergone a developmental trajectory characterized by classical foundation, refinement of therapeutic methods, systematization of pathogenesis, and modern innovation. The evolution of spleen-stomach theory has achieved a shift from a singular focus on tonifying the spleen to regulating dynamic middle-jiao (焦) balance, and from localized spleen-stomach regulation to the circular movement of qi involving all five zang organs. In terms of modern disease-syndrome integrative research, spleen deficiency syndrome is shown to be closely associated with impairment of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier, metabolic disorders, and gene polymorphisms related to Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases. Spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome is closely linked to hyperactive energy metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, and abnormal expression of aquaporins. Liver-spleen disharmony syndrome is mainly associated with dysregulation of the brain-gut axis and microbiota-related metabolic disorders. It is proposed that future research on spleen-stomach diseases and syndromes should further elucidate their potential multidimensional differential biological characteristics, thereby promoting the modernization of the TCM discipline of spleen-stomach studies.
3.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
4.Research progress and clinical application prospects of heparin-binding protein in organ transplantation
Chengchang ZHANG ; Ruozhu LI ; Yeqiming WANG ; Chen DAI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):51-60
Heparin-binding protein (HBP) is a pro-inflammatory granule protein released by activated neutrophils, known for its role in modulating vascular permeability and its pathological significance in infectious diseases. In recent years, HBP has garnered attention due to its immune-activating effects in contexts such as sepsis, acute lung injury and organ transplantation. It has been proposed as a potential biomarker for early detection of infection and inflammation. While preliminary progress has been made in animal studies, clinical evidence remains limited. Therefore, this article focuses on the mechanism of action of HBP in transplantation-related complications, explores its potential pathways for predicting infection risk, mediating ischemia-reperfusion injury and rejection, and evaluates the feasibility of intervention strategies such as neutralizing antibodies, heparin derivatives and albumin. The pivotal role of HBP in regulating inflammatory responses post-transplant may offer a novel target for postoperative infection monitoring and personalized therapeutic interventions.
5.Analysis of the application status of prescription pre-review systems in Yunnan province
Fan XU ; Wenjie YIN ; Kejia LI ; Zhengfu LI ; Jie CHEN ; Meixian WU ; Ruixiang CHEN ; Songmei LI ; Guowen ZHANG ; Te LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):6-10
OBJECTIVE To investigate the application status of prescription pre-review systems in healthcare institutions of Yunnan province, evaluate their system functions and management capabilities, and provide a practical basis for promoting rational drug use. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted among public healthcare institutions at or above the secondary level in Yunnan province to investigate the deployment status of the systems. A capability maturity assessment framework was constructed, encompassing 6 dimensions and 39 indicators, including real-time prescription review, prescription correlation review, rule setting, evidence-based information support, prescription authority management, and system operation management. This framework was then used to evaluate the institutions that had implemented the pre-review systems. RESULTS A total of 100 valid questionnaires were collected, with 37 institutions having adopted prescription pre-review systems, mainly tertiary hospitals. The system predominantly adopted a modular architecture and was embedded into the hospital information system through application programming interfaces and middleware, providing certain capabilities for real-time prescription risk identification. Evaluation results indicated that basic functions such as reviewing indications, contraindications, and drug compatibility performed well, while deficiencies remained in functions related to parenteral nutrition prescription, review of drug dosage for specific diseases, individual patient characteristic recognition, and rule setting. Moreover, the construction of review centers and establishment of management systems were also not well-developed. CONCLUSIONS The overall application rate of prescription pre-review systems in Yunnan province remains low. System functions and management mechanisms require further improvement. It is recommended to enhance information infrastructure in lower-level institutions and explore regionally unified review models to promote standardized and intelligent development of prescription review practices.
6.Effect and Mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang Against Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Rats with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Induced by Monocrotaline
Lei QI ; Huifei ZHANG ; Ling GONG ; Jifu HE ; Wenjing CHEN ; Weipin NIU ; Xiao LI ; Yuehua JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):11-19
ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rat model to systematically evaluate the protective effect of Xiao Qinglongtang (XQLT) on right cardiac function in model rats and further elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal group, model group, XQLT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XQLT-L/M/H), and the beraprost sodium tablet group (BST). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were given a single subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg·kg-1) to induce PAH. Three weeks after injection, rats in the XQLT-L/M/H groups were administered XQLT intragastrically at 3.07, 6.14, 12.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. Rats in the BST group received beraprost sodium at 12.6 μg·kg-1·d-1, and rats in the model group received an equal volume of saline. All treatments lasted for 3 weeks. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by right ventricular catheterization. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The right ventricle was weighed to calculate the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe myocardial morphology. Serum metabolomic changes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics was used to detect differentially expressed (DE) proteins in the right ventricle, and Western blot was used to measure the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110α (PIK3CA), L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), and quinone oxidoreductase (CRYZ). UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical components of XQLT. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.05), along with pathological changes in myocardial morphology. Compared with the model group, all XQLT-treated groups exhibited reductions in RVSP and RVHI as well as significant improvements in cardiac function and myocardial morphology. Among the XQLT groups, XQLT-M showed the most pronounced effects (P<0.05), comparable to the BST group. Serum metabolomics revealed 105 differential metabolites in the XQLT groups versus the model group [variable importance in projection (VIP) >1, P<0.05], including 58 upregulated and 47 downregulated metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that XQLT intervention downregulated phenylalanine metabolism (P<0.01) and upregulated unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (P<0.05). Proteomics analysis showed that 982 DE proteins were identified in the MCT groups versus the normal group, including 455 upregulated and 527 downregulated proteins (|fold change (FC)| >1.3, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 237 DE proteins were identified in the XQLT groups, including 124 upregulated and 113 downregulated proteins (|FC| >1.3, P<0.05), with 57 overlapping DE proteins. KEGG enrichment suggested that XQLT mainly modulated pathways related to mineral absorption, ribosomal biogenesis, peroxisomes, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, spliceosomes, and thyroid hormone signaling. Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the model group, XQLT increased the expression of UCP3, PIK3CA, and L1CAM, while decreasing the expression of CRYZ (P<0.05). ConclusionXQLT exerts a protective effect on right heart function in MCT-induced PAH rats, and its mechanism is associated with maintaining myocardial homeostasis and alleviating right ventricular remodeling.
7.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
8.Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang and Its Single Active Ingredient in Treatment of Dyspepsia Caused by Chronic Cholecystitis: A Review
Wenwen YANG ; Yubei LU ; Lin CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Ying GAO ; Yajuan ZHANG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Jianfei YANG ; Xiaoli SHI ; Huanhuan LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):289-298
Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang was first recorded in the Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun). This prescription is composed of Bupleuri Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Trichosanthis Radix, Ostreae Concha, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. It has the effects of soothing Lesser Yang, warming the spleen, and stimulating the generation of body fluid. It is mainly used to treat digestive tract diseases such as chronic cholecystitis (CC), irritable bowel syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dyspepsia caused by CC presents a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, poor appetite, postprandial fullness, aversion to greasy food, soft stool, and bitter mouth, being a type of biliary dyspepsia. In modern medicine, dyspepsia caused by CC is mainly managed by medical treatment and surgical treatment. Internal medicine mainly focuses on reducing inflammation, promoting the function of gallbladder, resolving stones, alleviating spasms, and relieving the pain for CC, demonstrating definite short-term efficacy but suffering from single effects, high recurrence rate, and poor compliance. Although surgical treatment can cure cholecystitis, it is accompanied by the increased incidence of adverse events such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. Modern clinical studies have confirmed that Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang can significantly alleviate the symptoms such as abdominal pain and dyspepsia of CC patients. Pharmacological studies have found that Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang mainly contains active ingredients such as Bupleuri Radix saponins, baicalin, cinnamaldehyde, gingerol, Trichosanthis Radix polysaccharide, Ostreae Concha polysaccharide, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma total flavonoids. Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang can ameliorate the symptoms of dyspepsia caused by CC by inhibiting inflammatory responses, improving gallbladder contraction and gastrointestinal motility, regulating the bile acid-intestinal flora axis and the brain-gut axis, and modulating blood lipids through multiple targets. By reviewing the previous literature, this article summarizes the research progress in the treatment of dyspepsia caused by CC with Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang and its main active ingredients as well as the pathogenesis of this disease and puts forward the shortcomings and improvement strategies for the current research. The review aims to provide a reference for the further research on Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang in the treatment of dyspepsia caused by CC.
9.Severe Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Case Report
Jianhua LI ; Wei HUANG ; Qing ZHANG ; Weiyuan LUO ; Yanqiong WU ; Xiukai CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):115-119
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma(IVLBCL) is a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma with diverse and nonspecific clinical manifestations, often leading to misdiagnosis. This article reports a case of IVLBCL in a middle-aged male patient who initially presented with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH). The patient exhibited progressive hypoxemia and PAH, showing poor response to standard PAH therapy. Laboratory tests indicated a hyperinflammatory state and significantly elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, while imaging revealed diffuse bilateral lung lesions. Random skin biopsy identified atypical B lymphocytes within subcutaneous capillaries, confirming the diagnosis of IVLBCL. Following treatment with the ZR-CHOP regimen, the patient's symptoms and laboratory parameters improved markedly. By reviewing relevant literature, this article systematically outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic process of this case, aiming to provide insights for the clinical recognition of such rare presentations.
10.Analysis of HPV Infection Characteristics and Influencing Factors for Lesion Grade in Patients with Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion and Cervical Cancer
Jingjing HAN ; Lijie ZHANG ; Ruyu CAI ; Haili LI ; He WANG ; Le DANG ; Hongda CHEN ; Ming'e LI ; Lan ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):156-165
To summarize the distribution characteristics of human papillomavirus(HPV) infection types in patients with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion(SIL) and cervical cancer(CC), and to explore the impact of HPV vaccination, HPV infection types, and general clinical data on different grades of cervical lesions. Clinical data of women attending the gynecological colposcopy clinic of Shenzhen People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. Patients with HPV genotyping records and histopathologically diagnosed SIL or CC were included and divided into three groups based on pathological results: low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(LSIL) group, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL) group, and CC group. The distribution of high-risk HPV subtypes was analyzed among the three groups, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify influencing factors for high-grade cervical lesions. A total of 4162 patients were included, comprising 4057 cervical SIL patients(3317 LSIL and 740 HSIL) and 105 CC patients. The overall mean age was(39.9±11.2) years. The HPV infection rate was 95.1%(3959/4162), and 25.0%(1040/4162) of patients had received HPV vaccination. Among high-risk HPV infections, HPV 52, HPV 16, HPV 58, and HPV 18 were the most common subtypes. HPV 52 had the highest infection rate in the LSIL group(27.6%), while HPV 16 was the most prevalent in the HSIL group(45.3%) and CC group(64.9%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that HPV vaccination( HPV infection is common in patients with SIL and CC, but the distribution of high-risk HPV subtypes varies among different grades of cervical lesions. It is recommended to strengthen cervical cancer screening and monitoring of key high-risk HPV infections in older and multiparous women in Shenzhen, and to continue promoting HPV vaccination.

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