1.Effect and Mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo Prescription on Pulmonary Fibrosis via Inhibiting Macrophage Polarization Through Wnt3a/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Yanxia LIANG ; Xuelian YU ; Wenwen WANG ; Guangsen LI ; Hongfei XING ; Maorong FAN ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):112-123
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether Bushen Tongluo prescription inhibits macrophage polarization by regulating the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby reducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and excessive extracellular matrix deposition, in order to elucidate the anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo prescription and provide a new theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. MethodsFifty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, model group, pirfenidone group, and high- and low-dose Bushen Tongluo prescription groups. Except for the blank group, the pulmonary fibrosis model was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Intervention was initiated on day 28 after modeling. The high- and low-dose Bushen Tongluo prescription groups were administered Bushen Tongluo prescription at doses of 30.88, 15.44 g·kg-1, respectively, by intragastric gavage. The pirfenidone group was administered pirfenidone capsules at 110 mg·kg-1 by intragastric gavage. The blank and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage, once daily for 90 days. After treatment, the level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in lung tissue and the collagen volume fraction were compared. The protein distribution and expression of E-cadherin, cytokeratin 19, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ), and collagen type Ⅲ (Col Ⅲ) in lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein distribution and expression of CD68, arginase-1 (Arg-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue were detected by immunofluorescence. The protein expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue was detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin was detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the airway walls, alveolar spaces, and interstitial tissue in the model group, with obvious fibrous tissue hyperplasia. The level of TGF-β1 in BALF was significantly increased. The protein expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 in lung tissue was decreased, whereas the protein expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Wnt3a, β-catenin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was increased. The fluorescence-positive area ratios of CD68, Arg-1, iNOS, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue were increased. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the airway walls, alveolar spaces, and interstitial tissue, decreased TGF-β1 levels in BALF, increased protein expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 in lung tissue, decreased protein expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ, decreased fluorescence-positive area ratios of CD68, Arg-1, iNOS, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue, and decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBushen Tongluo prescription can improve bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and reducing excessive extracellular matrix deposition. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway and the macrophage polarization mediated by this pathway.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates AMPK Signaling Pathway to Prevent and Treat Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review
Lijuan DAN ; Shuanglan CHEN ; Tianyuan WANG ; Xiaojie YOU ; Xiuyan LI ; Hongfei SONG ; Dong WANG ; Jie MU ; Qiao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):133-143
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent forms of liver diseases globally. Its progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, and there is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a regulatory hub for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, can coordinate key cellular processes such as adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial functions. Its activation exerts metabolic regulatory effects through pathways including inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation, regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting autophagy. Accordingly, AMPK emerges as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with low toxicity, high accessibility, and multi-component, multi-target synergistic effects, has demonstrated unique value in NAFLD treatment, particularly showing notable advantages in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. Sichuan is known as the treasure house of TCM, and the active components of its authentic medicinal materials such as Coptidis Rhizoma not only reflect regional characteristics in AMPK signaling regulation but also form a multi-level metabolic regulatory network through crosstalk with pathways such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). They can achieve specific regulation by directly activating AMPK and modulating upstream and downstream targets, exerting prominent effects in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This study systematically reviews the research findings on TCM for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD over the past five years, elaborating the mechanisms by which TCM treats NAFLD through regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. It aims to provide new perspectives and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, basic research, and drug development.
3.Assocation of family environment and depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students in Shanxi province
YANG Yang, YANG Le, QU Hongfei, YAO Dianrui, LI Zhenhao, GUO Dan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):86-91
Objective:
To explore the assocation of the family environment and depressive symptoms among primary and middle school students, so as to provide suggestions for further maximizing the utility of family environment in the growth of primary and secondary school students, as well as prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents.
Methods:
From June to July 2024, through a multistage cluster random sampling method, 8 800 primary and middle school students aged 10 to 18 from 36 schools in 3 cities (Datong, Lvliang, Linfen) in Shanxi Province. A self designed questionnaire was used to conduct a family environment survey, including family socioeconomic conditions, family structure, family parenting behavior, family member health behavior, etc; and the depression symptoms of primary and secondary school students were investigated by Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The χ 2 test and binary Logistic regression to method were used to analyze the association of the family environment with depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students, and to analyze gender and urban-rural heterogeneity in this association.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among primary and middle school students was 46.7% ( n = 4 111 ). Among them, the detection rates of depressive symptoms for male and female students were 45.7% and 47.7% respectively, and the detection rates for rural and urban students were 48.0% and 44.9% respectively. The results of binary Logistic regression model showed that in the family environment, factors such as the father s education level (junior high school: OR =0.84), self assessed family socio economic status (average: OR =0.78, good: OR =0.80), parental support and understanding (yes: OR = 0.55 ), family atmosphere (harmonious: OR =0.66), living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.31, living with parents and grandparents: OR =1.19), and family rearing style (combining punishment and reward: OR =1.42, punishment only: OR =1.25) were related to depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students in Shanxi Province ( P <0.05). From the perspective of gender heterogeneity, the living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.67, others: OR =1.67) had a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms in male students ( P <0.05). From the perspective of urban rural heterogeneity, the living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.38) had a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms in rural primary and middle school students ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The family environment has an important impact on depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students. Family functioning should be fully exerted to prevent depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students.
4.Differention and Treatment of Brain Metastasis from Lung Cancer Based on Theory of "Yang Qi Depletion and Latent Pathogens Transmitting to the Brain"
Huiying ZHAO ; Yanxia LIANG ; Guangsen LI ; Wenwen WANG ; Wenwen SU ; Fenggu LIU ; Hongfei XING ; Maorong FAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):968-972
5.Pinoresinol diglucoside activates the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway to protect osteoblasts
Peng YU ; Dongfang MENG ; Huiying LI ; Hongfei LIU ; Zike HE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):339-346
BACKGROUND:Pinoresinol diglucoside promotes bone formation and bone matrix synthesis and accelerates bone tissue repair.However,the mechanism of action and effects of this compound in osteoblasts need to be further explored. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of action of pinoresinol diglucoside on dexamethasone-treated osteoblasts based on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. METHODS:Different concentrations of dexamethasone groups and pinoresinol diglucoside groups were set to treat osteoblasts for 24 hours,and the optimal intervention concentrations were screened.Osteoblasts were treated with dexamethasone,pinoresinol diglucoside and inhibitor XAV-939.Then,control group,dexamethasone group,XVA-939 group,pinoresinol diglucoside group,pinoresinol diglucoside+XVA-939 group were set up.Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect cell activity.Alkaline phosphatase activity and caspase3/7 enzyme activity in cells were detected.Annexin V/PI staining and EdU assay were used to detect cell apoptosis and proliferation.Real-time qPCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt3a,β-catenin,c-myc,osteocalcin,and type I collagen,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After dexamethasone and pinoresinol diglucoside intervened in osteoblasts for 24 hours,10 μmol/L dexamethasone was found to be the optimal intervention concentration for cell inhibition,and cell proliferation was most pronounced at a concentration of pinoresinol diglucoside of 100 μmol/L.Compared with the dexamethasone group,alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly enhanced(P<0.05)and caspase3/7 enzyme activity was significantly reduced(P<0.05)in the pinoresinol diglucoside group.Annexin V/PI staining and cell proliferation assay by EdU method showed that pinoresinol diglucoside inhibited apoptosis and promoted proliferation of osteoblasts after dexamethasone intervention.The mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt3a,β-catenin,c-myc,osteocalcin,and type I collagen were significantly higher in the pinoresinol diglucoside group and pinoresinol diglucoside+XVA-939 group compared with the dexamethasone and XVA-939 groups(P<0.05).To conclude,pinoresinol diglucoside can inhibit osteoblast apoptosis after dexamethasone intervention,protect osteoblast activity and promote osteoblast proliferation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,which may play a role in delaying steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
6.Clinical Efficacy of Fuyuan Tongluo Prescription in Prevention and Treatment of Restenosis with Collateral Obstruction Syndrome After Interventional Operation of Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Fangfang WU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Guobin LIU ; Hongfei WANG ; Weijing FAN ; Renyan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):134-140
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the Fuyuan Tongluo prescription (composed of Astragali Radix, Carthami Flos, Spatholobi Caulis, Liquidambaris Fructus, Lycopodii Herba, Centellae Herba, etc.) in the treatment of restenosis with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional operation of lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans, and its impact on the primary patency rate. MethodsA total of 88 patients with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional surgery for lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n1=44) received dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. The observation group (n2=44) was treated with Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules in addition to aspirin and clopidogrel. Both groups received treatment for 24 weeks and were followed up for 36 weeks. The changes in primary patency rate, symptom scores, ankle-brachial index (ABI), coagulation function, and inflammatory markers before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. ResultsFor primary patency rate, after 36 weeks of treatment, the observation group had a significantly better primary patency rate than the control group (χ2=4.14,P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in primary patency rate between the two groups. Clinical efficacy comparison: Based on symptom quantification scores, and using the Nimodipine method as a reference, the overall efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group after 24 weeks of treatment (χ2=2.24,P<0.05). ABI levels: The observation group had a higher ABI than the control group after 24 and 36 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Coagulation function indicators: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in both groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05). Inflammatory markers: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, CRP levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels before and after treatment between the two groups. ConclusionAdding Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules to dual antiplatelet therapy can improve the primary patency rate of the affected vessels in patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans after interventional surgery. Longer use of Fuyuan Tongluo prescription can significantly improve clinical symptoms, demonstrating clinical application value.
7.Clinical Efficacy of Fuyuan Tongluo Prescription in Prevention and Treatment of Restenosis with Collateral Obstruction Syndrome After Interventional Operation of Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Fangfang WU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Guobin LIU ; Hongfei WANG ; Weijing FAN ; Renyan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):134-140
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the Fuyuan Tongluo prescription (composed of Astragali Radix, Carthami Flos, Spatholobi Caulis, Liquidambaris Fructus, Lycopodii Herba, Centellae Herba, etc.) in the treatment of restenosis with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional operation of lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans, and its impact on the primary patency rate. MethodsA total of 88 patients with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional surgery for lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n1=44) received dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. The observation group (n2=44) was treated with Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules in addition to aspirin and clopidogrel. Both groups received treatment for 24 weeks and were followed up for 36 weeks. The changes in primary patency rate, symptom scores, ankle-brachial index (ABI), coagulation function, and inflammatory markers before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. ResultsFor primary patency rate, after 36 weeks of treatment, the observation group had a significantly better primary patency rate than the control group (χ2=4.14,P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in primary patency rate between the two groups. Clinical efficacy comparison: Based on symptom quantification scores, and using the Nimodipine method as a reference, the overall efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group after 24 weeks of treatment (χ2=2.24,P<0.05). ABI levels: The observation group had a higher ABI than the control group after 24 and 36 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Coagulation function indicators: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in both groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05). Inflammatory markers: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, CRP levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels before and after treatment between the two groups. ConclusionAdding Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules to dual antiplatelet therapy can improve the primary patency rate of the affected vessels in patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans after interventional surgery. Longer use of Fuyuan Tongluo prescription can significantly improve clinical symptoms, demonstrating clinical application value.
8.Research progress in relationship between deubiquitinase OTUB2 and occurrence and development of tumor
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(6):1763-1770
Deubiquitinating enzymes are important hydrolases in the protein ubiquitin system,which regulate the dynamic balance of protein ubiquitination and deubiquitination by reversing ubiquitination,and play important roles in biological processes such as regulating protein stability,cell signal transduction,and cell apoptosis.As a member of the deubiquitinating enzyme family,ovarian tumor domain-containing protease(OTU)domain ubiquitin aldehyde binding 2(OTUB2)can play a key role in DNA damage,signal transduction,cell metabolism,and tumorigenesis by regulating the ubiquitination levels of various substrates.OTUB2 can be abnormally expressed in various cancers,and as a regulatory factor,it significantly affects the growth,development,proliferation,migration,and invasion of cancer cells,and is closely related to the prognosis of the patients,potentially becoming a novel cancer therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker.Currently,there are many studies on the molecular mechanisms of OTUB2,but there are few review reports focusing on its role in cancer.Based on the research results about OTUB2 at home and abroad,this article reviewed the biological function of OTUB2,related signaling pathways,and its latest progress in cancer research,analyzed the application of OTUB2 in cancer treatment and prognosis evaluation,and provided new ideas for future research on OTUB2.
9.Changes in characteristics of gut fungal microbiota and their correlation with clinical indicators in patients with polycystic kidney disease
Zhanjie HOU ; Yusong GE ; Bo TANG ; Yuanyuan LEI ; Li TANG ; Hongfei JIANG ; Jincheng JIAN ; Jinbo CHENG ; Shiming YANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(8):836-846
Objective To investigate the diversity and composition of gut fungi microbiota in patients with polycystic kidney disease(PKD)and its correlation with clinical indicators.Methods A total of 44 PKD patients,44 patients with non-polycystic chronic kidney disease(NPCKD)and 22 healthy controls(HC)admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were recruited.ITS1 DNA sequencing was applied to analyze the gut fungal composition.Bioinformatics analysis was used to compare the diversity and structural differences of fungi among the 3 groups.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between gut fungi and clinical indicators.Results There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics(gender,age,body mass index,etc.)among the 3 groups,but statistical differences were seen in terms of serum indicators(such as serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen,uric acid,estimated glomerular filtration rate,etc.)(P<0.01).Alpha diversity analysis showed no significant difference was seen between the PKD and HC groups,but the PKD group had significant differences to the NPCKD group(P<0.01).Beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences among the 3 groups and in pairwise comparisons(P=0.001).Fungi composition analysis found that the abundance of Candida was significantly higher in the PKD group than the other 2 groups(P<0.01),while the abundances of Aspergillus and Cladosporium were significantly lower in the PKD group than the HC group(P<0.05).Linear discriminant analysis(LEFSe)indicated that Candida was significantly enriched,while Aspergillus and Cladosporium were significantly reduced in the PKD group.Correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of Cladosporium was negatively correlated with cyst diameter and immunoglobulin light chain Kappa/Lambda ratio in the PKD group(P<0.05),while the abundance of Candida was positively correlated with liver/kidney cyst diameter(P<0.01).Conclusion PKD patients exhibit characteristic changes in gut fungi diversity and composition.The abundances of Cladosporium and Candida are closely associated with clinical indicators of PKD patients.
10.Data Mining Analysis of TCM Compound Patents for Treatment of Myocardial Infarction
Fang GUAN ; Yalong KANG ; Juanjuan TAN ; Hongfei QI ; Yang LI ; Man QIN ; Ruonan WANG ; Haifang WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):58-63
Objective To analyze the medication law and compatibility characteristics of TCM compounds for the treatment of myocardial infarction in the national patent database.Methods TCM compounds for treating myocardial infarction were retrieved from CNIPA patent publication website.A prescription database was built using Excel 2019 software to statistically analyze the frequency of medicinal use and their properties,taste and meridian tropism;SPSS Modeler 18.0 software was used to analyze the association rules of drugs;a network of Chinese materia medica co-occurrence was constructed using Cytoscape 3.10.0,and systematic clustering analysis was performed on the Chinese materia medica in the core network.Results A total of 146 patents of TCM compounds were included,involved 440 kinds of Chinese materia medica.High frequency drugs included Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.The main property was warm,the main tastes were bitter,sweet and pungent,and the medicines mostly belongs to the liver meridian,heart meridian and spleen meridians.Commonly used medicinal pairs included Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Astragali Radix-Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix Rubra-Angelicae Sinensis Radix,etc.Commonly used tripartite combinations included Paeoniae Radix Rubra-Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Carthami Flos-Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Carthami Flos-Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix,etc.Clustering analysis showed four types of combinations.Conclusion TCM compound patents for the treatment of myocardial infarction is based on promoting blood circulation,removing blood stasis,and relieving pain,while also using methods such as eliminating phlegm,tonifying qi,warming yang,and nourishing yin.It can provide references for clinical medication.


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