1.Mechanisms of Huanglian Jiedutang and Its Major Active Constituents in Inhibiting LPS-induced M1 Polarisation of BV2 Microglia
Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Kunjing LIU ; Xin LAN ; Zijin SUN ; Chunyu WANG ; Wenyuan MA ; Wei SHAO ; Jinhua HAN ; Liyang DONG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ; Youxiang CUI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):44-55
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJD) and its major active constituents (geniposide, baicalin, and berberine) can inhibit the inflammatory response of BV2 cells under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation via the high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and to explore differences in therapeutic efficacy among the three monomers, their combined formula, and HLJD under equal content ratios. MethodsBV2 microglial cells were used as the primary experimental model. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method to examine the effects of different concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 0.8%, 0.4%, 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.05%) on cell viability. IncuCyte was employed to monitor the growth of cells under different concentrations of HLJD (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 mg·L-1). Nitric oxide (NO) assay was used to screen the optimal HLJD concentration. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determined the content of geniposide, baicalin, and berberine in HLJD, and experimental groups were subsequently established according to the relative proportions of these constituents. CCK-8 assay evaluated cell viability under different treatments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) in the supernatant. Flow cytometry assessed the effects of treatments on M1-type polarization of BV2 cells. Western blot determined the expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank group, DMSO at concentrations ≤0.2% did not affect cell viability within 48 h. BV2 cell growth plateaued at 24 h after treatment with 200 mg·L-1 HLJD. Under stimulation with 2 mg·L-1 LPS, this concentration of HLJD effectively reduced NO release, and 6 h pre-treatment had a stronger inhibitory effect on NO than direct administration. HPLC results showed that 1 mg of HLJD freeze-dried powder contained approximately 24 μg of geniposide, 15 μg of baicalin, and 30 μg of berberine. Based on these ratios, experimental groups were blank, LPS (2 mg·L-1), HLJD (200 mg·L-1), monomer combination, geniposide (4.8 mg·L-1), baicalin (3 mg·L-1), and berberine (6 mg·L-1). The monomer combination group consisted of all three active constituents dissolved together. LPS and HLJD or its active constituents did not affect cell viability compared with the blank group. LPS significantly increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in the supernatant (P<0.01). HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01) while upregulating anti-inflammatory IL-10 (P<0.01), with the monomer combination showing the strongest effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, LPS significantly increased the proportion of CD80⁺CD86⁺ (M1-type) BV2 cells (P<0.01). HLJD and its constituents partially inhibited M1 polarization (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the monomer combination exhibiting the most pronounced effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, LPS upregulated HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB-related proteins (P<0.01), whereas HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced their expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the monomer combination having the strongest regulatory effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHLJD and its major active constituents (geniposide, baicalin, berberine) can inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 cells. The combination of the three active constituents demonstrates the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, significantly attenuating M1-type polarization of BV2 cells via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Renshentang in Treating AS via Regulation of Endothelial Cell Inflammation Based on TRPV1
Ce CHU ; Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yongqi XU ; Wanping CHEN ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG ; Hongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):46-53
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Renshentang treats atherosclerosis (AS) in mice, focusing on the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). MethodsAn AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into a simvastatin group (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) and low-, medium-, and high-dose Renshentang groups (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1), with 12 mice in each group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and treated simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet served as the normal group (n=9). After continuous administration for 12 weeks, mice were anesthetized and the aortas were collected. Oil Red O staining was used to observe lipid plaque formation in the aorta. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to examine pathological changes in the aortic root. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the levels of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as the expression of TRPV1, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the aortic root. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression in the aorta, and Western blot was used to detect TRPV1 protein expression. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in aortic plaque formation (P<0.01) and significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the aortic root (P<0.01). The expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, and p-Akt were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and eNOS mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Renshentang groups significantly reduced aortic plaque formation (P<0.01), significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01), and markedly increased the expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and eNOS mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang may inhibit endothelial inflammation and suppress the formation of AS by increasing TRPV1 protein expression and up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect against AS.
3.WANG Qingguo's Experience in Treatment of Headache Based on the Concept of "Achieving Harmony by Unblocking and Balancing"
Chuxin ZHANG ; Zilin REN ; Yang ZHAO ; Jinhua HAN ; Bomin ZHANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):935-940
This paper summarizes professor WANG Qingguo's experience in treatment of headache based on the "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing" concept. It is considered that although the pathogenesis of headache is generally attributed to "pain arises from obstruction" and "pain arises from malnourishment", clinical presentations often involve a complex mixture of deficiency and excess, as well as cold and heat patterns. Professor WANG proposes the diagnostic and therapeutic theory of "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing", advocating for equal emphasis on "freeing the flow of qi and blood" and "regulating the balance of yin and yang". He has summarized eight treatment methods for common headache patterns. For wind-cold attacking the collaterals, treatment should focus on dispersing and unblocking through modified Gegen Decoction (葛根汤). For wind-dampness binding, it is recommended to unblock and drain, using modified Qingshang Juantong Decoction (清上蠲痛汤). For damp-heat congestion, unblocking and clearing is the method, using modified Toufeng Shen Formula (头风神方). For liver-gallbladder qi constraint, unblocking and soothing is the treatment principle, and modified Sanpian Decoction (散偏汤) is suggested. For insufficiency of center qi, even supplementation method is recommended, and modified Yiqi Congming Decoction (益气聪明汤) can be used. For liver yang hyperactivity, unblocking and subduing are combined, using modified Xunlong Decoction (驯龙汤). For deficiency-cold in the liver and stomach, warming, harmonizing, unblocking, and descending are applied, using modified Wuzhuyu Decoction (吴茱萸汤). For blood deficiency with cold congelation, unblocking and nourishing are undertaken together, using modified Danggui Sini Decoction (当归四逆汤). The ultimate goal is to restore the dynamic balance of yin, yang, qi, and blood in the body, thereby allevia-ting pain by restoring clarity and function to the head orifices.
4.WANG Qingguo's Experience in Treatment of Headache Based on the Concept of "Achieving Harmony by Unblocking and Balancing"
Chuxin ZHANG ; Zilin REN ; Yang ZHAO ; Jinhua HAN ; Bomin ZHANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):935-940
This paper summarizes professor WANG Qingguo's experience in treatment of headache based on the "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing" concept. It is considered that although the pathogenesis of headache is generally attributed to "pain arises from obstruction" and "pain arises from malnourishment", clinical presentations often involve a complex mixture of deficiency and excess, as well as cold and heat patterns. Professor WANG proposes the diagnostic and therapeutic theory of "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing", advocating for equal emphasis on "freeing the flow of qi and blood" and "regulating the balance of yin and yang". He has summarized eight treatment methods for common headache patterns. For wind-cold attacking the collaterals, treatment should focus on dispersing and unblocking through modified Gegen Decoction (葛根汤). For wind-dampness binding, it is recommended to unblock and drain, using modified Qingshang Juantong Decoction (清上蠲痛汤). For damp-heat congestion, unblocking and clearing is the method, using modified Toufeng Shen Formula (头风神方). For liver-gallbladder qi constraint, unblocking and soothing is the treatment principle, and modified Sanpian Decoction (散偏汤) is suggested. For insufficiency of center qi, even supplementation method is recommended, and modified Yiqi Congming Decoction (益气聪明汤) can be used. For liver yang hyperactivity, unblocking and subduing are combined, using modified Xunlong Decoction (驯龙汤). For deficiency-cold in the liver and stomach, warming, harmonizing, unblocking, and descending are applied, using modified Wuzhuyu Decoction (吴茱萸汤). For blood deficiency with cold congelation, unblocking and nourishing are undertaken together, using modified Danggui Sini Decoction (当归四逆汤). The ultimate goal is to restore the dynamic balance of yin, yang, qi, and blood in the body, thereby allevia-ting pain by restoring clarity and function to the head orifices.
5.Construction of A Survival Prediction Model for Immunotherapy in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Based on PD-L1 Expression Combined with Nutritional Status Score
Jinhua LI ; Ping QI ; Jili MA ; Yaxia LYU ; Caihong FU ; Longxia ZHANG ; Hui QIAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(6):457-466
Objective To analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing immunotherapy and construct an individualized prognostic nomogram prediction model. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 385 patients with driver gene-negative, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who received first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify prognostic risk factors, and a prognostic nomogram model was established. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC), and calibration curves. The cutoff value of the nomogram was calculated to stratify patients by risk. Survival curves were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Age (HR=1.775, 95%CI: 1.265-2.490), degree of differentiation (HR=0.365, 95%CI: 0.257-0.519), low PD-L1 expression (HR=0.661, 95%CI: 0.455-0.960), high PD-L1 expression (HR=0.423, 95%CI: 0.297-0.603), SCC-Ag (HR=1.549, 95%CI: 1.109-2.163), and CONUT score (HR=2.527, 95%CI: 1.797-3.554) were independent risk factors affecting overall survival (OS) of patients with NSCLC undergoing immunotherapy. The nomogram prediction model constructed on the basis of these factors had a C-index of 0.767. Time-dependent ROC curves for survival showed that the AUCs for 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS were 0.830, 0.853, and 0.886, respectively. Calibration curves indicated that the nomogram-predicted survival rates were in good agreement with the actual outcomes. The cutoff value for the study’s nomogram prediction model was 136.60 points, and survival curves showed statistically significant differences between different risk groups (P<0.05). Conclusion The nomogram model established in this study can effectively predict the prognosis of patients with driver gene-negative locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC treated with first-line immunosuppressive therapy. It provides a new tool for assessing prognosis and aids clinicians in formulating individualized treatment plans.
6.Trends in pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality among the registered residents in Jinhua City of Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2024
Xiaolan ZHANG ; Xiaohong WANG ; Fan ZHOU ; Mengqian CHEN ; Zelin XU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(5):339-343
ObjectiveTo analyze trends in the incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer among the registered residents in Jinhua City of Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2024, and to predict incidence and mortality rates from 2025 to 2027, thereby providing a reference for refining prevention and control strategies. MethodsData on pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality among the registered residents in Jinhua City from 2016 to 2024 were collected. The Joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) to analyze the temporal trends of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality. Furthermore, a GM (1,1) model was constructed using Excel 2019 to predict incidence rates and mortality rates for the years 2025 to 2027. ResultsFrom 2016 to 2024, the crude incidence and crude mortality rates of pancreatic cancer among the registered residents in Jinhua City were 8.41/100 000 and 8.19/100 000, respectively, both showing upward trends (AAPC=3.55%, 95%CI: 1.69%-5.63%; AAPC=3.35%, 95%CI: 1.08%-5.93%), while the standardized incidence and mortality rates were 5.21/100 000 and 4.93/100 000, respectively, with no statistically significant trends (AAPC=1.12% and 0.52%, both P>0.05). The incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer were higher in men than in women. Both crude incidence and crude mortality rates rose steadily with increased age (both P<0.01). According to the GM (1,1) model, the crude mortality rate of pancreatic cancer among the registered residents in Jinhua City is projected to continue its upward trend from 2025 to 2027 (9.37/100 000, 9.60/100 000, and 9.83/100 000, respectively). ConclusionFrom 2016 to 2024, both the crude incidence and crude mortality rates of pancreatic cancer among registered residents in Jinhua City showed continuous upward trends, and the crude mortality rate is likely to continue rising from 2025 to 2027. Efforts to prevent and control pancreatic cancer should be strengthened, particularly among men and the very elderly.
7.Negative mental and behavior problems in children with short stature and their relationship with family function and quality of life
Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Jinhua ZHOU ; Min GU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):167-170
Objective To investigate negative mental and behavior problems in children with short stature and analyze their relationship with family function and quality of life. Methods A total of 347 cases of children with dwarfism received from 358 cases in Chengdu Jingjiang Hospital for Women and Children Health from January 2019 to December 2023 were selected as the dwarfism group were included in this study. The two groups were compared on negative mental and behavior problems [Mental Health Scale for Child and Adolescent (MHS-CA)], family function [Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale II-Chinese Version (FACES II-CV)] and quality of Life [Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedQL4.0)]. Correlation analysis was performed. Results MHS-CA scores, FACES II-CV scores and PedQL4.0 scores of the short stature group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). With MHS-CA score ≤ 57 as the critical value, 347 children with short stature were divided into healthy state group (256 cases) and unhealthy state group (91 cases). FACES II-CV scores and PedsQL4.0 scores of children in unhealthy state were lower than those of children in healthy state (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis found that mental health problems were positively correlated with family function and quality of life in children with short stature (r=0.217, 0.386, both P=0.000). Conclusion Mental health problems in children with short stature are significantly positively correlated with family function and quality of life.
8.Application advances of nanotechnology in kidney transplantation
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(6):859-865
Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment option for end-stage renal disease. Although early prognosis has significantly improved, the long-term survival rate has not increased substantially. There are still significant challenges in addressing organ shortage, maintaining the quality of donor kidneys, and preventing and managing postoperative complications. Nanotechnology, with its unique physicochemical and biological advantages, shows broad application prospects in maintaining graft function while achieving precise immune regulation and complication management, providing new opportunities for the diagnosis, treatment and management of kidney transplantation. The applications of nanotechnology include donor kidney protection, human leukocyte antigen typing of donors and recipients, early diagnosis of postoperative complications such as rejection and infection, and targeted treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury and rejection. This article systematically reviews and discusses the relevant research progress, evaluates the advantages and potential risks of nanotechnology in kidney transplantation, and explores the challenges and development directions for its clinical translation, aiming to provide references for promoting the precise and individualized management of kidney transplantation.
9.Patterns and Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Based on Theory of ''Supporting Healthy Qi and Eliminating Pathogens''
Pengfei ZHANG ; Huijuan ZHANG ; Jianqing LIANG ; Jinhua WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):228-237
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as the most common subtype of lung cancer, has a high incidence and mortality rate among global cancer cases. Although modern medicine has made remarkable progress in the treatment of NSCLC with advances in screening technologies and continuous optimization of therapeutic regimens, current treatments inevitably result in adverse outcomes such as high tumor recurrence rates, significant toxic side effects, and poor quality of life for patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds that the core pathogenesis of lung cancer lies in ''deficiency of healthy Qi and excess of pathogenic factors''. It originates from congenital insufficiency or acquired malnourishment, leading to an imbalance of Yin and Yang, deficiency of healthy Qi, and inability to eliminate pathogenic factors. The interactions among Qi stagnation, phlegm accumulation, blood stasis, and toxins give rise to disease. The root is deficiency, while the manifestation is excess. Therefore, the treatment of lung cancer in TCM is generally guided by the principle of "supporting the healthy Qi and eliminating the pathogens". A large number of clinical and pharmacological studies have shown that TCM and its active components can, through multiple targets and mechanisms, alleviate postoperative and chemoradiotherapy-related adverse reactions, inhibit tumor growth and recurrence, and improve the quality of life of patients with NSCLC. It is worth noting that although extensive studies have been conducted on the therapeutic patterns and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM and its active substances in NSCLC treatment, issues such as the diversity of medicinal materials, the complexity of chemical components, the scientific basis of herbal compatibility, and the flexibility of dosage indicate that there is still considerable room for further clinical and basic research. This review summarizes recent literature on the clinical syndromes, drug selection, medication patterns, and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM and its active components in the treatment of NSCLC, aiming to provide guidance for clinical medication in TCM therapy for NSCLC and to deepen the understanding and research of its therapeutic mechanisms.
10.Partial knockout of NtPDK1a/1b/1c/1d enhances the disease resistance of Nicotiana tabacum.
Qianwei REN ; Hujiao LAN ; Tianyao LIU ; Huanting ZHAO ; Yating ZHAO ; Rui ZHANG ; Jianzhong LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(2):670-679
The protein kinase A/protein kinase G/protein kinase C-family (AGC kinase family) of eukaryotes is involved in regulating numerous biological processes. The 3-phosphoinositide- dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), is a conserved serine/threonine kinase in eukaryotes. To understand the roles of PDK1 homologous genes in cell death and immunity in tetraploid Nicotiana tabacum, the previuosly generated transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 lines, in which 5-7 alleles of the 4 homologous PDK1 genes (NtPDK1a/1b/1c/1d homologs) simultaneously knocked out, were used in this study. Our results showed that the hypersensitive response (HR) triggered by transient overexpression of active Pto (PtoY207D) or soybean GmMEKK1 was significantly delayed, whereas the resistance to Pseudomonas syrangae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was significantly elevated in these partial knockout lines. The elevated resistance to Pst DC3000 and TMV was correlated with the elevated activation of NtMPK6, NtMPK3, and NtMPK4. Taken together, our results indicated that NtPDK1s play a positive role in cell death but a positive role in disease resistance, likely through negative regulation of the MAPK signaling cascade.
Nicotiana/virology*
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Disease Resistance/genetics*
;
Plant Diseases/immunology*
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Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics*
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Gene Knockout Techniques
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Plant Proteins/genetics*
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CRISPR-Cas Systems
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Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinases/genetics*
;
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Acetyl-Transferring Kinase
;
Tobacco Mosaic Virus/pathogenicity*


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