1.Insomnia and quality of life as chain mediators between negative life events and depression severity in adolescents with depressive disorders
Xu ZHANG ; Lewei LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Feng GENG ; Daming MO ; Changhao CHEN ; Zhiwei LIU ; Xiangwang WEN ; Xiangfen LUO ; Huanzhong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):163-168
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in adolescent patients with depressive disorder, as well as the chain mediating role of insomnia symptoms and quality of life. Methods374 outpatient patients and hospitalized patients with adolescent depressive disorders were enrolled. The Adolescent Life Event Scale (ASLEC), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Center for Epidemiology Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to evaluate the negative life event situation, insomnia symptoms, quality of life level and depression severity of the subjects, respectively. In addition, the PROCESS 4.0 macroprogram was used to analyze the chain mediating effect of insomnia symptoms and quality of life between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorder. ResultsThe results of correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between negative life events and insomnia symptoms, quality of life, and depression severity (all P<0.05). In addition, the results of chain mediation showed that negative life events had a significant direct effect on depression severity, with an effect size of 0.12 (P<0.001). Insomnia symptoms and quality of life played a mediating role in the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorders, with indirect effect sizes of 0.062 (95%CI: 0.040-0.087) and 0.091 (95%CI: 0.059-0.123), respectively. It could also play a chain mediation role, and the effect size was 0.039 (95%CI: 0.024-0.057). ConclusionNegative life events experienced by patients with adolescent depressive disorder not only directly affect the severity of depressive symptoms, but may also indirectly exacerbate depression through insomnia symptoms and quality of life.
2.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
3.MCC950 Targeted Inhibition of TXNIP-NLRP3 Axis-mediated Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Hong ZHENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Hang LIU ; Xi-Zhang PAN ; Bing WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):418-430
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, representing a major global health burden with limited disease-modifying therapies. Podocyte injury serves as the core pathological hallmark of DN, and conventional treatments targeting metabolic disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities fail to reverse the progressive decline of renal function. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has established that high glucose-induced podocyte pyroptosis—a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death—is a key driving force in DN progression. Its core molecular mechanism hinges on the activation of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Under sustained hyperglycemic conditions, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via pathways including the polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, methylglyoxal (a glucose metabolite) mediates post-translational modification of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). These events collectively trigger the dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-regulating protein. The free TXNIP then translocates to the mitochondria, where it binds to The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and promotes inflammasome assembly. This assembly activates cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1), which cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT). GSDMD-NT oligomerizes to form membrane pores, leading to podocyte swelling, rupture, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). These cytokines amplify local inflammatory responses, induce mesangial cell proliferation, and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately exacerbating glomerulosclerosis. MCC950, a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-layered mechanism: it binds to the NACHT domain (NAIP, CIITA, HET-E and TP1 domain) of NLRP3 with nanomolar affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with key residues (Lys-42 and Asp-166) within the ATP-hydrolysis pocket to block ATP hydrolysis, thereby locking NLRP3 in an inactive conformational state. Additionally, MCC950 interferes with the protein-protein interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis to reduce ROS production. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MCC950 dose-dependently reduces proteinuria, restores the expression of podocyte-specific markers (nephrin and Wilms tumor 1 protein, WT1), and alleviates podocyte foot process fusion and glomerulosclerosis in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic models (characterized by absolute insulin deficiency) and db/db type 2 diabetic models (driven by insulin resistance). However, discrepancies in therapeutic outcomes exist across different models—some studies report exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced models—which may stem from differences in disease pathogenesis, intervention timing (early vs. mid-stage disease), and dosing duration. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, MCC950 faces significant translational challenges, including low oral bioavailability, insufficient podocyte targeting, potential hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions with statins (commonly prescribed to diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk management). Furthermore, off-target effects such as the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase 2 have been identified, raising concerns about its safety profile. Nevertheless, its unique mechanism of action—directly blocking podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis—endows it with substantial translational value. In the future, strategies to overcome these barriers are expected to advance its clinical application: targeted delivery via nanocarriers (e.g., PLGA-PEG nanoparticles or nephrin antibody-conjugated systems) to enhance renal accumulation and podocyte specificity; precise patient stratification based on biomarkers such as serum IL-18 and renal TXNIP/NLRP3 expression to identify “inflammatory-phenotype” DN patients most likely to benefit; and combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—whose metabolic benefits synergize with MCC950’s anti-inflammatory effects. These approaches hold great potential to break through clinical translation bottlenecks, offering a novel, precise anti-inflammatory treatment option for DN and addressing an unmet clinical need for therapies targeting the inflammatory underpinnings of the disease.
4.MCC950 Targeted Inhibition of TXNIP-NLRP3 Axis-mediated Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Hong ZHENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Hang LIU ; Xi-Zhang PAN ; Bing WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):418-430
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, representing a major global health burden with limited disease-modifying therapies. Podocyte injury serves as the core pathological hallmark of DN, and conventional treatments targeting metabolic disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities fail to reverse the progressive decline of renal function. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has established that high glucose-induced podocyte pyroptosis—a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death—is a key driving force in DN progression. Its core molecular mechanism hinges on the activation of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Under sustained hyperglycemic conditions, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via pathways including the polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, methylglyoxal (a glucose metabolite) mediates post-translational modification of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). These events collectively trigger the dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-regulating protein. The free TXNIP then translocates to the mitochondria, where it binds to The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and promotes inflammasome assembly. This assembly activates cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1), which cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT). GSDMD-NT oligomerizes to form membrane pores, leading to podocyte swelling, rupture, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). These cytokines amplify local inflammatory responses, induce mesangial cell proliferation, and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately exacerbating glomerulosclerosis. MCC950, a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-layered mechanism: it binds to the NACHT domain (NAIP, CIITA, HET-E and TP1 domain) of NLRP3 with nanomolar affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with key residues (Lys-42 and Asp-166) within the ATP-hydrolysis pocket to block ATP hydrolysis, thereby locking NLRP3 in an inactive conformational state. Additionally, MCC950 interferes with the protein-protein interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis to reduce ROS production. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MCC950 dose-dependently reduces proteinuria, restores the expression of podocyte-specific markers (nephrin and Wilms tumor 1 protein, WT1), and alleviates podocyte foot process fusion and glomerulosclerosis in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic models (characterized by absolute insulin deficiency) and db/db type 2 diabetic models (driven by insulin resistance). However, discrepancies in therapeutic outcomes exist across different models—some studies report exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced models—which may stem from differences in disease pathogenesis, intervention timing (early vs. mid-stage disease), and dosing duration. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, MCC950 faces significant translational challenges, including low oral bioavailability, insufficient podocyte targeting, potential hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions with statins (commonly prescribed to diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk management). Furthermore, off-target effects such as the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase 2 have been identified, raising concerns about its safety profile. Nevertheless, its unique mechanism of action—directly blocking podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis—endows it with substantial translational value. In the future, strategies to overcome these barriers are expected to advance its clinical application: targeted delivery via nanocarriers (e.g., PLGA-PEG nanoparticles or nephrin antibody-conjugated systems) to enhance renal accumulation and podocyte specificity; precise patient stratification based on biomarkers such as serum IL-18 and renal TXNIP/NLRP3 expression to identify “inflammatory-phenotype” DN patients most likely to benefit; and combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—whose metabolic benefits synergize with MCC950’s anti-inflammatory effects. These approaches hold great potential to break through clinical translation bottlenecks, offering a novel, precise anti-inflammatory treatment option for DN and addressing an unmet clinical need for therapies targeting the inflammatory underpinnings of the disease.
5.Mechanism of Yishen Qubi Tongluo Formula (益肾祛痹通络方) in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis:Based on Network Pharmacology,Molecular Docking and Experimental Verification
Liuping XU ; Canyu YANG ; Ying LU ; Lisha MO ; Qiang CHI ; Yuan XIA ; Shuijuan LIU ; Mingliang QIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):557-566
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yishen Qubi Tongluo Formula (益肾祛痹通络方, YQTF) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA). MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to retrieve and screen the active components and potential targets of YQTF as well as RA-related targets using databases including TCMSP, BATMAN, ETCM and GEO. The intersection of targets related to active components and RA-related targets was identified, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed, and a drug-active component-common target network of YQTF in the treatment of RA was established. The core components of YQTF were molecularly docked with key targets. Human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cell line MH7A was divided into blank group, model group, methotrexate group and YQTF group. The blank group was cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum, while the other three groups were stimulated with 10 μg/L of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for 24 h to establish the RA cell model. On this basis, the methotrexate group was treated with methotrexate suspension at a concentration of 20 μmol/L, and the YQTF group was treated with 10% YQTF-medicated serum. After 48 h of intervention, the levels of TNF-α and interleukin-17A(IL-17A)contents in cell supernatants were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and mRNA expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis identified 209 active components and 583 potential target genes of YQTF, as well as 818 RA-related targets. A total of 29 common targets were obtained from the intersection of drug-related targets and RA-related targets. Quercetin,β-sitosterol, kaempferol, stigmasterol and luteolin were the core active components of YQTF for the treatment of RA, while matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor protein p53 (TP53) and transcription factor AP-1 subunit JUN were the key targets. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the involved biological processes and pathways were mainly associated with antioxidant responses, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that MMP9 and PTGS2 exhibited high binding affinities with quercetin, β-sitosterol, kaempferol, stigmasterol and luteolin; TLR4 exhibited high binding activities with β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and luteolin; and TP53 showed high binding affinity with luteolin. The results of cell experiments showed that compared with the control group, the contents of TNF-α and IL-17A as well as the mRNA expressions of AKT and mTOR in the model group significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the above indicators significantly decreased in the YQTF group, while the contents of TNF-α and the mRNA expression of AKT significantly decreased in the methotrexate group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionThe mechanism of YQTF in the treatment of RA may be associated with reducing inflammatory cytokine secretion and inhibiting the activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.
6.Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Atopic Dermatitis
Junfeng LIU ; Xiumei MO ; Mei MO ; Hongyi LI ; Ying LIN ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Dacan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):244-252
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common pruritic and chronic inflammatory dermatosis in clinical practice and is one of the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). With the launch of biological agents and small molecule drugs and the development and implementation of guidelines of diagnosis and treatment, clinical pathways of treatment of moderate to severe AD, and consensus on the whole-process management of AD, the clinical efficacy of moderate to severe AD has been significantly improved. However, there are still many unmet clinical needs that require more effective methods to meet. In response to the Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Facilitating the Inheritance, Innovation, and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the spirit of the National Conference on TCM, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized more than 20 experts in TCM dermatology, Western medicine dermatology, interdisciplinary fields, and industries to discuss the difficulties and advantages of TCM in the treatment of AD. TCM treatment for AD can not only improve rash and relieve itching but also solve many concomitant syndromes. The abundant external treatment methods of TCM have advantages for different special populations and rash characteristics. The concept of treating disease before its onset in TCM is in line with the chronic disease management mode of prevention and treatment of atopic march and prevention of recurrence. In addition, TCM therapy can reduce the use of topical glucocorticoids and has good safety. Regarding the comorbidity of AD, equal emphasis on TCM and Western medicine and multidisciplinary joint treatment should be advocated to achieve maximum benefit for patients. The exchange of TCM and Western medicine has clarified the positioning and advantages of TCM intervention in AD, providing guidance for clinical and scientific research.
7.Short-term efficacy and safety analysis of subcutaneous immunotherapy for children with allergic rhinitis
Yuqin HU ; Lihua MO ; Xiancheng WANG ; Min ZHI ; Jianwen ZHONG ; Dabo LIU ; Xiangqian LUO
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(1):27-32
OBJECTIVE To explore the short-term efficacy,safety and related influencing factors of subcutaneous immunotherapy(SCIT)in children with allergic rhinitis(AR).METHODS Retrospective analyzed the clinical data of 147 children with AR who underwent SCIT at Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University from August 2020 to May 2024.The clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were collected,the visual analogue scale(VAS),total symptom score(TSS),total medication score(TMS)and combined symptom medication score(CSMS)were compared at the baseline and 3,6 and 12 months after treatment.The incidence of local adverse reactions(LRs)and systemic adverse reactions(SRs)during treatment was also documented.RESULTS A total of 147 children with AR aged 5-18 years were included in the study.A significant reduction was observed in VAS,TSS,TMS and CSMS at months 3,6 and 12 of follow up compared with baseline(all P<0.001),and the short-term onset time was months 3 after treatment.The level of VitD3 in the effective group was significantly higher than that in the ineffective group(P<0.001).Serum VitD3 level was negatively correlated with clinical symptom(R=-0.3,P=0.026).The total number of injections in 147 children was 3201.LRs occurred in 52 children(35.4%),the number of injections was 69(2.2%).SRs occurred in 21 children(14.3%),and the number of injections was 34(1.1%).No grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ SRs occurred.In the logistic regression analysis,body mass index(BMI)was a risk factor for LRs(OR:2.220,95%CI:1.009-4.887,P=0.048).CONCLUSION SCIT demonstrates significant early efficacy and a favorable safety profile safety in children with AR.Serum Vitamin D3 deficiency can affect the short-term efficacy of SCIT.Overweight and obese children are prone to develop local adverse reactions.
8.Retrospective analysis and prospective study on quantitative diagnostic criteria for Crohn's disease with dampness syndrome based on disease syndrome combination
Jie ZHENG ; Jiahao MO ; Minghui WU ; Zhibin HUANG ; Gang LIU ; Jiaming HE ; Yan CHEN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(2):165-170
Objective:To establish a quantitative diagnostic standard for Crohn's disease with dampness syndrome based on clinical data using a disease syndrome combination model and conduct bidirectional validation.Methods:256 patients with Crohn's disease from the Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, the Department of Gastroenterology at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, and the Outpatient Department of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to January 2022 were selected as the observation objects. They were divided into an operation group of 205 patients and a verification group of 51 patients in an 8:2 ratio using a random number table method. The frequency advantage method, χ2 test, and binary logistic regression analysis were used to screen for relevant standard factors. The conditional probability method was used to assign scores to relevant items, and the maximum likelihood method was used to determine the quantitative diagnostic threshold. A quantitative diagnostic standard for Crohn's disease with dampness syndrome based on disease syndrome combination was established, and it was retrospectively analyzed and prospectively verified. Results:On the basis of the 20 candidate quantitative diagnostic criteria items for Crohn's disease dampness syndrome, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the OR values between each item. The quantitative diagnostic criteria for Crohn's disease with dampness syndrome included tongue coating greasiness (7 points), body heaviness (13 points), waist and knee soreness (8 points), head weight (9 points), bland mouth (6 points), anal heaviness (8 points), uncomfortable bowel movements (8 points), and sticky stools (7 points), with a quantitative diagnostic threshold of 11. Conclusion:The scoring of relevant items in the quantitative diagnostic criteria for Crohn's disease with dampness syndrome is reasonable and has good diagnostic value, which can provide reference for further quantitative research on Crohn's disease syndromes.
9.Analysis of the Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Types and Medication Rules for Novel Coronavirus Infection Complicated with Asthma
Jin CHEN ; Yueyang LI ; Linsheng ZENG ; Chuanjun GUO ; Yuxiang LIU ; Zhizhun MO ; Zhongyi ZENG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(1):1-8
Objective To investigate the distribution of gender,age,and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome elements and syndrome types in patients suffering from novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma,and to explore the medication rules for the patients,thus to provide reference for the formulation of clinical diagnosis and treatment plans for novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma.Methods From December 2022 to January 2023,the information of gender,age,syndrome elements,TCM syndrome types and medication frequency of the herbal medicine was collected among the patients suffering from novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma who were treated in outpatient clinics of the respiratory department and emergency department of Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.The information data were statistically analyzed and then the network visualization of results was presented.Results A total of 63 cases were included,including 27 males and 36 females,with an average age of 51.8 years old.Thirteen TCM syndrome types were involved,of which the three with the leading occurrence frequency were wind-phlegm syndrome(17 cases),spleen deficiency with dampness accumulation syndrome(11 cases),and phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung syndrome(8 cases).There were four disease-location syndrome elements,and the top two were lung(36 cases)and spleen(12 cases).Eight disease-nature syndrome elements were involved,and the top three were wind(36 cases),phlegm(28 cases)and qi deficiency(24 cases).A total of 128 Chinese herbal medicines were used,and their properties and flavors were predomiated by being pungent,bitter,sweet and cold.Most of the Chinese herbal medicines had the meridian tropism of lung,spleen,liver and stomach meridians,and most of the Chinese herbal medicines had the therapeutic actions of resolving phlegm,easing cough and relieving asthma.The top four Chinese herbal medicines with higher medication frequency were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(51 times),Ephedrae Herba(47 times),blanching Armeniacae Semen Amarum(44 times),and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus(40 times).The core two-drug groups were Ephedrae Herba-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Ephedrae Herba-Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus,and blanching Armeniacae Semen Amarum-Pinelliae Rhizoma.The core three-drug groups were Pinelliae Rhizoma-blanching Armeniacae Semen Amarum-Ephedrae Herba,and Ephedrae Herba-Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.Conclusion Pathogenic phlegm retention in lung is the core pathogenesis of novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma,which is protracted through the disease.The pathogenic wind is the driving factor of the disease's development and progression,and in the middle and late stages of the disease,the complicated syndrome manifestations of pathogenic heat,qi deficiency,qi and yin deficiency,and blockage of upper orifice are commonly seen.Its therapeutic principles are to relieve exterior syndrome and clear heat,resolve phlegm,ease cough and relieve asthma,thus to restore the qi movement of the zang-fu organs,support the healthy qi,eliminate pathogens and strengthen body resistance.
10.Efficacy of Shilian Powder Combined with Shumai Capsules in Promoting Wound Healing in Rats with Diabetic Foot Ulcers through Regulating the PI3K/Akt/Relaxin/Apelin Pathway
Yanping ZENG ; Zixin SHAO ; Wei MO ; Yang LIU ; Tianhao LI ; Xiong LYU ; Jianlu BI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(2):461-468
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of external application with Shilian Powder combined with oral administration of Shumai Capsules for the treatment of rats with diabetic foot ulcer(DFU).Methods Eight male rats with successfully modeled foot ulcer(DF)were used as the control group.While 24 male rats with successfully modeled DFU were randomly divided into DFU group,Shumai Capsules group and Shilian Powder combined with Shumai Capsules group,with eight rats in each group.After the corresponding interventions,we determined the wound healing rate,histopathological changes of wound,levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in serum,levels of Apelin and Relaxin,and protein expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT)and VEGF in wound tissue,as well as mRNA expressions of PI3K,AKT,Relaxin and Apelin.Results Compared with the control group,the DFU group showed a significant decrease in wound healing rate,VEGF level in serum and wound,wound Relaxin level,protein and mRNA levels of wound AKT(P<0.05),and a significant increase in serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels,wound Apelin level,wound PI3K protein and mRNA levels(P<0.05),and the reduced wound granulation tissue and formation of new capillaries and increased inflammatory cell infiltration were seen under the microscope.Compared with the DFU group,the wound healing rate,VEGF level in serum and wound,wound Relaxin and Apelin levels,protein and mRNA levels of wound PI3K and AKT in the Shumai Capsules group and Shilian Powder combined with Shumai Capsules group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the increased wound granulation tissue and formation of new capillaries and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration were seen under the microscope.Compared with the Shumai Capsules group,the wound healing rate,wound VEGF level,wound Relaxin and Apelin levels,protein and mRNA levels of wound PI3K and AKT in Shilian Powder combined with Shumai Capsules group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the increased wound granulation tissue and formation of new capillaries and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration were seen under the microscope.Conclusion External application with Shilian Powder combined with oral administration of Shumai Capsules can promote the wound healing in rats with DFU,its mechanism is related to the activation of PI3K/AKT/Relaxin/Apelin signaling pathway.

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