1.Overview of Diagnosis,Treatment and Mechanism Research of Functional Dyspepsia by Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Shengsheng ZHANG ; Zhaohong SHI ; Xiaofang LU ; Luqing ZHAO ; Danyan LI ; Shu ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yudi ZHUO ; Nian WANG ; Fan LIU ; Shuangyi LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):397-403
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prioritized disease category where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates distinct therapeutic advantages. The current western medicine treatment for FD is mainly based on proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic agents, with digestive enzymes, probiotics and antidepressants serving as adjuvant medication, yet such therapies still have certain limitations. TCM treatment for FD includes oral administration of Chinese herbal formulas and Chinese patent medicines, as well as external TCM therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion, acupoint application, hot medicinal compress therapy, rubbing with ointment, medicinal iontophoresis, auricular acupoint therapy and tui na (Chinese medical massage). The combined treatment of FD with integrated TCM and western medicine can significantly improve clinical effectiveness and reduce adverse reactions. The common mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both TCM and western medicine revolve around the core pathological processes of FD, mainly focusing on restoring gastrointestinal motility, regulating the levels of brain-gut peptides, modulating intestinal microecology, and ameliorating inflammatory status. The differential mechanisms lie in the precise targeting feature of western medicine versus the holistic-regulating and multi-target characteristics of TCM, and the two approaches exert a synergistic effect to enhance efficacy. This paper proposes to leverage the advantages of TCM in holistic regulation and the strengths of western medicine in targeted treatment, so as to provide personalized and comprehensive treatment regimens for FD patients.
2.Study on the effect and mechanism of modified Yanghe decoction on bone destruction in rats with breast cancer bone metastasis
Shun LU ; Ang CAI ; Tingting FAN ; Weihua HE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):431-437
OBJECTIVE To explore the improvement effect and potential mechanism of modified Yanghe decoction on bone destruction in rats with breast cancer bone metastasis based on the receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)/RIPK3 pathway. METHODS The rat model of breast cancer bone metastasis was established by injecting a suspension of breast cancer cells into the bone marrow cavity. The rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into a model group (intragastric administration of equal volume of normal saline), modified Yanghe decoction low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (intragastric administration of corresponding decoction at 1.30, 2.60 and 5.20 g/kg, calculated by the dosage of crude drug), high-dose modified Yanghe decoction+si-RIPK1 group (intragastric administration of corresponding decoction at 5.20 g/kg, calculated by the dosage of crude drug; simultaneous injection of small interfering RNA for RIPK1 via the tail vein), and high-dose modified Yanghe decoction+si-NC group (intragastric administration of corresponding decoction at 5.20 g/kg, calculated by the dosage of crude drug; simultaneous injection of small interfering RNA for negative control via the tail vein), with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 healthy rats were selected as the control group and were given the same volume of normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. Body weight was measured before administration and at the end of the last administration. The mechanical pain threshold and thermal pain threshold were measured, and the bone destruction, pathological changes and osteoclast formation of the tibia were observed. The positive expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in the tibial tissue, as well as the phosphorylation levels of RIPK1, RIPK3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) were detected. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the tumor cells of tibia tissues in rats of the model group showed significant proliferation and diffuse infiltration into the bone marrow cavity. Extensive areas of tumor necrosis of cells, severe bone destruction, thinning of the bone cortex, and damage to the bone trabeculae were observed. The body weight (before administration and at the end of the last administration), mechanical pain threshold, thermal pain threshold, and the phosphorylation levels of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL were decreased significantly; the tumor volume, the proportion of bone destruction area, the number of osteoclasts, and the positive expressions of RANK and RANKL were increased/up-regulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the above pathological changes in the tibial tissues of rats in modified Yanghe decoction low-, medium- and high-dose groups were all alleviated, and all quantitative indicators showed dose-dependent improvement (P<0.05). After silencing RIPK1, the aforementioned beneficial effects of high-dose modified Yanghe decoction were significantly weakened (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONSModified Yanghe decoction can alleviate bone destruction in rats with breast cancer bone metastasis. The above effect is related to the activation of the RIPK1/RIPK3 pathway.
3.Mechanisms of Liuwei Buqi Prescription in Regulating Macrophage Efferocytosis for Treatment of Lung-kidney Qi Deficiency Syndrome in COPD Based on Nrf2/MARCO Signaling Pathway
Jiankang JIANG ; Hui WANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Zegeng LI ; Jiabing TONG ; Fan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):222-229
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Liuwei Buqi prescription (LWBQ) regulates alveolar macrophage efferocytosis and improves inflammatory responses in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by lung-kidney Qi deficiency based on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) pathway. MethodsSuccessfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, low-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-L, 2.25 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-M, 4.5 g·kg-1·d-1), high-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-H, 9 g·kg-1·d-1), and aminophylline group (AMIN, 50 mg·kg-1·d-1), with 8 rats in each group. Another 8 healthy rats were included as the blank group. Except for the blank group, rats in the remaining groups were subjected to smoke exposure combined with forced swimming, intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation, and subcutaneous hydrocortisone injection to establish a COPD model with lung-kidney Qi deficiency. After successful modeling, rats were administered different doses of LWBQ or AMIN by gavage. Body weight, fur condition, and oral secretions were observed. Pulmonary function was measured using an animal lung function analyzer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum (SER). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to examine pathological changes in lung tissue. Giemsa staining was performed to detect eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils in BALF. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis in lung tissue. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to determine the protein and mRNA expression levels of efferocytosis-related proteins growth arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6), milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), and pathway-related proteins Nrf2 and MARCO in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reduced food intake, nasal and oral secretions with sputum, and decreased body weight (P<0.01), decreased peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P<0.01), increased forced vital capacity (FVC) (P<0.01), and decreased forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s/forced vital capacity [FEV0.3/FVC (%)] (P<0.01). The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α in BALF and SER were increased (P<0.01). Lung tissue exhibited structural destruction, hyperplasia, inflammatory exudation, increased apoptotic cells, and increased mean optical density (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of GAS6, MFG-E8, and MARCO, as well as Nrf2 mRNA expression, were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the LWBQ groups showed increased food intake, reduced nasal and oral secretions with sputum, and increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). PEF was increased (P<0.01). FVC was increased in rats treated with low- and medium-dose LWBQ (P<0.01), and FEV0.3/FVC (%) was increased in rats treated with medium- and high-dose LWBQ (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α in BALF and SER were decreased (P<0.01). Lung tissue structure was relatively intact, with improvement in hyperplasia and inflammatory exudation. The number of apoptotic cells in lung tissue was reduced, and mean optical density was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of efferocytosis-related proteins GAS6 and MFG-E8 and pathway-related proteins Nrf2 and MARCO were increased (P<0.01). ConclusionLWBQ can alleviate pulmonary and systemic inflammation, improve lung function, and reduce lung tissue damage in rats with COPD characterized by lung-kidney Qi deficiency. The mechanism may be related to enhancement of alveolar macrophage efferocytosis through regulation of the Nrf2/MARCO pathway.
4.Analysis of knowledge related to human papillomavirus and vaccination willingness among college students in Guizhou Province
REN Li, WU Yuqian, ZHU Liwan,LI Fenxiang, FAN Shujun, GAN Jianzhe, DONG Shuwen, LU Yong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):212-216
Objective:
To explore human papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccination related knowledge and vaccination willingness of college students in Guizhou Province and their related factors, so as to provide a basis for formulating targeted intervention strategies.
Methods:
From May to June 2025, by applying convenience sampling method,4 567 college students were selected from 8 universities in Guizhou Province to conduct a questionnaire survey. Awareness of HPV and vaccination related knowledge, vaccination willingness as well as related factors among college students were also analyzed. The t test and Chi square test were used for comparison between groups, and multifactor Logistic regression was employed to analyze the related factors of HPV vaccination willingness among college students.
Results:
The HPV and vaccine knowledge score of college students in Guizhou Province was ( 10.50 ±2.09), and the score of girls (10.81±1.82) was higher than that of boys (10.19±2.30) ( t=10.09, P <0.01). The HPV vaccination willingness rate of college students was 65.6%, and the rate was higher in girls than in boys (67.1%,64.1%, χ 2=4.75, P <0.05). Multi factor Logistic regression analysis showed that ethnicity and HPV testing were related factors that affected college students willingness to vaccinate (minority: OR boy =1.23, OR girl =1.35; previous HPV testing: OR boy =0.56, OR girl =0.59); boys willingness to vaccinate was related to the number of sexual partners ( OR =0.60), family history of cancer ( OR =0.65), and sexual behavior related HPV knowledge scores ( OR =0.89), while girls willingness to vaccinate was related to bisexual sexual orientation ( OR =0.59), previous HIV testing ( OR =0.60), and HPV and vaccine basic knowledge scores ( OR =0.86) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
College students in Guizhou Province have higher HPV vaccine related knowledge scores and are more willing to vaccinate, and those above are higher in girls than in boys. Health education content should be optimized based on gender differences, and promote the willingness and behavior of HPV vaccination among college students.
5.Analysis of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease among individuals aged≥60 years globally and in China from 1990 to 2021
Jiali LI ; Chunzhen REN ; Fan LIU ; Keyan WANG ; Zhijiang BI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Lixin KE ; Haibo WANG ; Wenxi PENG ; Zhifei WANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Peng XU ; Yingdong LI ; Xiuxiu DENG ; Xinke ZHAO ; Cuncun LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):281-290
Objective To systematically analyze the characteristics of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in the elderly (≥60 years) globally and in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict its future trends from 2022 to 2040, with the aim of providing data support for optimizing comprehensive prevention and control strategies for HHD. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the number of prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of HHD in the elderly were extracted for the world, China, and five regions categorized by sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized DALYs rate of HHD in the elderly. A three-factor decomposition method was applied to evaluate the relative contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes to the variations in the elderly HHD burden. Additionally, a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the elderly HHD burden from 2022 to 2040. Results In 2021, the number of prevalent elderly HHD cases reached 10 283 000 globally and 3 412 400 in China, representing increases of 179.20% and 159.20% respectively, compared with 1990. The DALYs of elderly HHD were 18 812 700 person-years globally and 4 731 400 person-years in China, rising by 76.08% and 29.45% respectively from 1990. Meanwhile, the growth rates of the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD varied across different SDI regions. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate of elderly HHD in China, as well as the age-standardized DALYs rate of elderly HHD both globally and in China, showed significant downward trends (all average annual percentage changes<0, all P<0.001). In 2021, the 70-74 years age group accounted for the highest proportion of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD, both globally and in China. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth was the dominant factor driving the increase in the elderly HHD burden across all regions. The prediction model results indicated that the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD would continue to rise globally and in China from 2022 to 2040, with the growth rate of the elderly HHD burden in China between 2021 and 2040 expected to exceed the global average. Conclusion Over the past 32 years, although the age-standardized disease rates of elderly HHD have mainly shown a downward trend globally and in China, the absolute number of the disease burden has increased substantially. The projection model indicates a continued upward trajectory, with the growth rate in China higher than the global average. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement precise prevention and control strategies to effectively mitigate the disease burden of elderly HHD.
6.Interpretation of perioperative immunotherapy for lung cancer in 2024 WCLC/ESMO
Jiahe LI ; Xiaopeng REN ; Jiayu LU ; Chenyuan ZHANG ; Ruitao FAN ; Xuxu ZHANG ; Xinyao XU ; Guizhen LI ; Jipeng ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Qiang LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):300-307
The 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meeting, two of the most prestigious events in oncology, have concluded sequentially. As the most authoritative annual gatherings in lung cancer and the entire oncology field, the WCLC and ESMO conferences brought together top oncology experts and scientists from around the world to share, discuss, and publish the latest cutting-edge advancements in oncology. In both conferences, lung cancer immunotherapy remained a hot topic of considerable interest. This article aims to summarize and discuss the important research progress on perioperative immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer reported at the two conferences.
7.Mechanism of Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pills in regulating gut microbiota and ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway to improve chronic heart failure in rats
Lifei LYU ; Tingting ZHU ; Fan DING ; Yingdong LU ; Xiangning CUI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):354-369
Objective:
This study explored the regulatory effects of QiShen Yiqi Dropping Pills (QSYQ) on chronic heart failure (CHF) in rats and their related mechanisms based on the gut microbiota and reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway.
Methods:
Sixty-five SPF-grade male SD rats were used to establish a CHF model through subcutaneous multiple injections of isoproterenol (ISO) combined with exhaustion and food control methods. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model, captopril (5.30 mg/kg), and QSYQ low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 g/kg, respectively), with 11 rats per group, plus a blank group of seven rats. The medication groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the blank and model groups were administered an equivalent volume of purified water continuously for four weeks. Rat heart function was assessed via transthoracic echocardiography, and myocardial tissue pathology changes were observed through hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Automated biochemical analyzers were used to determine creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) content. Myocardial ROS levels were examined using flow cytometry; myocardial TXNIP and NLRP3 expression were detected using immunohistochemistry. Real-time qPCR and Western blotting were used to examine myocardial mRNA and protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-related spot-like protein (ASC), caspase-1, and IL-1β, as well as myocardial thioredoxin (Trx) and colonic tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1, ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-5. Differences in the gut microbiota of the blank, model, and QSYQ high-dose groups were determined using high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing.
Results:
Compared to the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01); increased serum BNP, LPS, IL-18, and IL-1β (P<0.01) levels; increased CK, LDH, and CK-MB (P<0.01) contents; visible myocardial tissue fibrous edema, wavy appearance, cytoplasmic loosening, round vacuolar degeneration, local tissue fibrous dissolution replaced by proliferative connective tissue, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration; significantly increased myocardial ROS levels (P<0.01); and significantly increased myocardial TXNIP and NLRP3 expression (P<0.01). TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively), whereas Trx, ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the QSYQ high-dose group showed the most significant changes (P<0.05, P<0.01), with significant increases in LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01); significant decreases in serum BNP, LPS, IL-18, and IL-1β levels (P<0.01); significant reductions in CK, LDH, and CK-MB content (P<0.01); improved myocardial tissue damage; significantly decreased myocardial ROS levels (P<0.01); and significantly reduced myocardial TXNIP and NLRP3 expression (P<0.01). TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas Trx, ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). 16S rDNA sequencing results confirmed that the gut microbiota of rats changed after modeling and drug intervention, with significant differences in both α- and β-diversity. Compared to the blank group, at the family level, the abundance of Oscillospiraceae decreased (P<0.05), whereas the abundance of Lactobacillaceae increased. At the species level, the abundance of Segatella copri and Treponema succinifaciens increased, whereas the abundance of Kineothrix alysoides (P<0.05), Ruminococcus callidus, and Prevotellamassilia timonensis decreased. Compared to the model group, at the family level, the abundance of Oscillospiraceae increased (P<0.05) in the QSYQ high-dose group, whereas the abundance of Lactobacillaceae decreased. At the species level, the abundance of Segatella copri and Treponema succinifaciens decreased, whereas the abundance of Kineothrix alysoides increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
QSYQ can regulate the relative abundance of symbiotic bacteria Kineothrix alysoides in the intestines, reduce serum LPS levels, inhibit the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway, and improve inflammatory responses, thereby exerting therapeutic effects on CHF.
8.Ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter for identifying metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a prospective study
Yun-Lin HUANG ; Chao SUN ; Ying WANG ; Juan CHENG ; Shi-Wen WANG ; Li WEI ; Xiu-Yun LU ; Rui CHENG ; Ming WANG ; Jian-Gao FAN ; Yi DONG
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):134-144
Purpose:
This study assessed the performance of the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) in diagnosing and grading hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) served as the reference standard.
Methods:
Patients with hepatic steatosis were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent UGAP measurements. MRI-PDFF values of ≥5%, ≥15%, and ≥25% were used as references for the diagnosis of steatosis grades ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated.
Results:
Between July 2023 and June 2024, the study included 88 patients (median age, 40 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36 to 46 years), of whom 54.5% (48/88) were men and 45.5% (40/88) were women. Steatosis grades exhibited the following distribution: 22.7% (20/88) had S0, 50.0% (44/88) had S1, 21.6% (19/88) had S2, and 5.7% (5/88) had S3. The success rate for UGAP measurements was 100%. The median UGAP value was 0.74 dB/cm/MHz (IQR, 0.65 to 0.82 dB/ cm/MHz), and UGAP values were positively correlated with MRI-PDFF (r=0.77, P<0.001). The AUCs of UGAP for the diagnoses of ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3 steatosis were 0.91, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, 98.4% (60/61) of patients had valid controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values. UGAP measurements were positively correlated with CAP values (r=0.65, P<0.001).
Conclusion
Using MRI-PDFF as the reference standard, UGAP demonstrates good diagnostic performance in the detection and grading of hepatic steatosis in patients with MASLD.
9.Protective Effect of Shengxiantang on Myocardial Microvascular Injury in Rats with Chronic Heart Failure
Hui GAO ; Zeqi YANG ; Fan GAO ; Hongjing LI ; Aiyangzi LU ; Xingchao LIU ; Qiuhong GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):35-42
ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect of Shengxiantang on cardiac function and myocardial microvascular injury in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). MethodsThe CHF rat model was prepared by aortic arch constriction (TAC). Of the 72 SD rats, 8 were randomly selected as the sham operation group, where the chest was opened without ligating the aortic arch. The 40 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, the Shengxiantang low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.1, 10.2, 20.4 g·kg-1), and the trimetazidine group (6.3 mg·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. Drug administration began 4 weeks after modeling. The administration groups received the corresponding drugs by gavage, while the sham operation and model groups were given the same amount of distilled water for 8 consecutive weeks. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Ultrastructural changes of microvessels were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of ATP synthase subunit (ATP5D) and F-actin in myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of occludin, claudin, vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cadherin), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Microvessel density was measured by immunofluorescence staining. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular shortening fraction (FS) in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular systolic diameter (LVIDs), left ventricular end-diastolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left ventricular end-systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWs), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVVOLd), and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVVOLs) were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of NO and VEGF were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the levels of ET-1 and vWF were significantly increased (P<0.01). Under electron microscopy, the microvascular basement membrane was incomplete and the tight junctions were blurred. The expression levels of ATP5D, F-actin, occludin, claudin, ZO-1, and VE-Cadherin were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the relative density of microvessels was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). After intervention with Shengxiantang, the EF and FS of CHF rats significantly increased (P<0.01), while the LVIDd, LVIDs, LVPWd, LVPWs, LVVOLd, and LVVOLs significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of NO and VEGF significantly increased (P<0.01), while the levels of ET-1 and vWF significantly decreased (P<0.01). Under electron microscopy, the microvascular basement membrane was relatively complete and the tight junctions were more continuous. The expression levels of ATP5D, F-actin, occludin, claudin, ZO-1, and VE-Cadherin significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the relative density of microvessels significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionShengxiantang can effectively improve the cardiac function of CHF rats, reduce microvascular endothelial injury, strengthen the connection between endothelial cells, and increase microvessel density, thereby protecting myocardial microvascular injury.
10.Protective Effect of Shengxiantang on Myocardial Microvascular Injury in Rats with Chronic Heart Failure
Hui GAO ; Zeqi YANG ; Fan GAO ; Hongjing LI ; Aiyangzi LU ; Xingchao LIU ; Qiuhong GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):35-42
ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect of Shengxiantang on cardiac function and myocardial microvascular injury in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). MethodsThe CHF rat model was prepared by aortic arch constriction (TAC). Of the 72 SD rats, 8 were randomly selected as the sham operation group, where the chest was opened without ligating the aortic arch. The 40 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, the Shengxiantang low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.1, 10.2, 20.4 g·kg-1), and the trimetazidine group (6.3 mg·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. Drug administration began 4 weeks after modeling. The administration groups received the corresponding drugs by gavage, while the sham operation and model groups were given the same amount of distilled water for 8 consecutive weeks. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Ultrastructural changes of microvessels were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of ATP synthase subunit (ATP5D) and F-actin in myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of occludin, claudin, vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cadherin), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Microvessel density was measured by immunofluorescence staining. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular shortening fraction (FS) in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular systolic diameter (LVIDs), left ventricular end-diastolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left ventricular end-systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWs), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVVOLd), and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVVOLs) were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of NO and VEGF were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the levels of ET-1 and vWF were significantly increased (P<0.01). Under electron microscopy, the microvascular basement membrane was incomplete and the tight junctions were blurred. The expression levels of ATP5D, F-actin, occludin, claudin, ZO-1, and VE-Cadherin were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the relative density of microvessels was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). After intervention with Shengxiantang, the EF and FS of CHF rats significantly increased (P<0.01), while the LVIDd, LVIDs, LVPWd, LVPWs, LVVOLd, and LVVOLs significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of NO and VEGF significantly increased (P<0.01), while the levels of ET-1 and vWF significantly decreased (P<0.01). Under electron microscopy, the microvascular basement membrane was relatively complete and the tight junctions were more continuous. The expression levels of ATP5D, F-actin, occludin, claudin, ZO-1, and VE-Cadherin significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the relative density of microvessels significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionShengxiantang can effectively improve the cardiac function of CHF rats, reduce microvascular endothelial injury, strengthen the connection between endothelial cells, and increase microvessel density, thereby protecting myocardial microvascular injury.


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