1.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
2.Risk factors for postoperative delirium after pneumonectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Lei YE ; Guanghong WU ; Jiefang DING ; Qin WANG ; Guanghui XIA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):624-630
Objective To systematically evaluate the risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched from the inception to November 7, 2024 for cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies on POD in patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the literature. RevMan 5.4.1 software was used for meta-analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. Results A total of 12 studies were included, with 5 574 patients. The NOS scores of the literature were all≥6 points. Meta-analysis results showed that age (≥60 years) [OR=2.43, 95%CI (2.01, 2.93), P<0.01], American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (Ⅳ) [OR=8.74, 95%CI (5.23, 14.61), P<0.01], history of diabetes [OR=12.81, 95%CI (10.45, 15.71), P<0.01], history of cerebrovascular disease [OR=3.00, 95%CI (2.46, 3.67), P<0.01], depression [OR=7.27, 95%CI (5.46, 9.67), P<0.01], squamous cell carcinoma [OR=4.79, 95%CI (1.83, 12.51), P<0.01], malnutrition [OR=5.25, 95%CI (3.35, 8.25), P<0.01], sleep disorders [OR=2.79, 95%CI (2.28, 3.42), P<0.01], and duration of one-lung ventilation during surgery [OR=1.32, 95%CI (1.11, 1.57), P<0.01] were all risk factors for POD, while high body mass index (BMI) [OR=0.96, 95%CI (0.95, 0.97), P<0.01] was a protective factor for POD. Conclusion Age (≥60 years), ASA classification (Ⅳ), history of diabetes, history of cerebrovascular disease, depression, squamous cell carcinoma, malnutrition, sleep disorders, and duration of one-lung ventilation during surgery are independent risk factors for POD, while high BMI is a protective factor.
3.Effect of Shengui Jiangtang Formula on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice via PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 Signaling Pathway and Underlying Mechanisms
Zairan WANG ; Yifei ZHU ; Jiahe TANG ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):42-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Shengui Jiangtang Formula on insulin resistance and glucose-lipid metabolism in spontaneous type 2 diabetic db/db mice based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathway, and to provide theoretical foundation for its clinical application through fundamental experiments. MethodsA randomized controlled design was employed in this study. Thirty spontaneous type 2 diabetic db/db mice meeting the inclusion criteria (fasting blood glucose >7.0 mmol·L-1 and random blood glucose on a different day≥11.1 mmol·L-1) were selected as the subjects. After stratified block randomization by body weight and blood glucose levels, they were randomly assigned to a model group, a metformin group, and a Shengui Jiangtang formula group, with n=10 per group. Ten db/m mice were used as the normal group. During the 5-week intervention, general indicators (including general condition, fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, and food intake) were recorded weekly. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at week 5. After 5 weeks, serum was collected to measure glucose-lipid metabolism parameters. Liver tissues were analyzed as follows: Histopathology was observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Oil red O staining. The expression of proteins and genes related to the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway was quantitatively analyzed using Western blotting (Western blot) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsGeneral observations: The mice in the normal group were generally healthy, exhibited agile responses and had smooth and glossy fur. Compared with the normal group, the mice in the model group displayed typical symptoms of polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria, along with listlessness and rough fur. Their food intake, initial body weight, liver weight, and liver index were all significantly higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01). After 5 weeks of drug intervention, neither the Shengui Jiangtang Formula group nor the metformin group significantly affected the food intake of the model mice. Compared with the model group, no statistically significant difference was observed in liver weight or liver index in the Shengui Jiangtang formula group. Serum biochemical indicators: Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly elevated levels of FBG, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated serum protein, and blood lipids. After drug intervention, compared with the model group, the Shengui Jiangtang formula group significantly reduced FBG in the model mice (P<0.01). The blood glucose levels at all time points during the OGTT in the Shengui Jiangtang Formula group were lower than those in the model group, with statistically significant differences in the 0 min blood glucose and the area under the curve for glucose compared to the model group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the formula significantly reduced fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and glycosylated serum protein levels (P<0.05). It also showed a tendency to decrease blood lipids, liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), and blood urea nitrogen levels, and a tendency to increase creatinine levels, although these differences were not statistically significant. Liver histomorphology: HE staining indicated that Shengui Jiangtang formula improved the morphological structure of hepatocytes and attenuated steatosis in diabetic mice. Liver PAS staining showed that it increased hepatic glycogen content and promoted hepatic glycogen synthesis in diabetic mice. Oil red O staining demonstrated that it reduced lipid deposition within hepatocytes. Western blot: Compared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased protein expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and p-FoxO1, and increased FoxO1 protein expression. Compared with the model group, both the metformin and Shengui Jiangtang Formula groups showed increased protein expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and p-FoxO1, and decreased FoxO1 protein expression. Real-time PCR: Compared with the normal group, the mRNA expression of PI3K and Akt was downregulated (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression of FoxO1 was downregulated (P<0.05) in the model group. ConclusionShengui Jiangtang Formula can improve insulin resistance and glucose-lipid metabolic disorders in db/db mice. It alleviates hepatic steatosis, promotes hepatic glycogen synthesis, and reduces lipid deposition in these mice. The mechanism by which Shengui Jiangtang Formula improves insulin resistance may be associated with the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.
4.Molecular Mechanisms and Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Diabetic Foot Ulcers Based on Regulation of Inflammation-oxidative Stress Axis
Haiyan WANG ; Zixiang TANG ; Lingling QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):61-68
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most severe and costly complications of diabetes, with its refractory nature largely attributed to the persistent vicious cycle of inflammation and oxidative stress. Conventional single-target therapeutic strategies often fail to effectively break this cycle. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), leveraging its unique philosophy of ''holistic regulation and multi-target intervention'', has demonstrated significant advantages in promoting DFU healing. This review introduced a ''systemic intervention'' perspective to systematically elucidate how TCM, through multi-component synergistic networks, precisely deconstructs and intervenes in this pathological loop. Firstly, this study provided an in-depth analysis of how, under hyperglycemic conditions, the crosstalk between the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathways, the imbalance in macrophage polarization and the disruption of redox homeostasis interact to form a self-sustaining vicious cycle that impedes wound repair. Subsequently, the core content systematically discussed the strategies by which TCM breaks this deadlock: (1) Active ingredients from single herbs (e.g., luteolin and astragaloside Ⅳ) can precisely modulate key nodes such as the phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and TLR4/NF-κB pathways, thereby suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress. (2) Classical compound formulas (e.g., Simiao Yong'an decoction and Taohong Siwu decoction) synergistically improve microcirculation and the immune microenvironment through multi-component cooperation. (3) External preparations (e.g., Shengji Yuhong Ointment and Jinhuang powder) potently exert local anti-inflammatory and pro-repair effects by activating pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1). Collectively, these three modalities embody a synergistic mechanism characterized by ''internal treatment modulating the internal milieu to address the root cause, and external treatment targeting the lesion to alleviate symptoms''.” Existing clinical evidence has confirmed that the aforementioned multi-target interventions can effectively promote healing and improve symptoms. However, this field still faces persistent challenges, including an unclear material basis for the efficacy of compound formulas, and insufficient standardization in quality control and clinical protocols. These challenges stem from the inherent tension between the complex systems-based characteristics of TCM and the requirements of modern standardization. Future efforts urgently require to leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as network pharmacology, spatial multi-omics, and artificial intelligence to propel the paradigm shift in the prevention and treatment of DFU with TCM from ''empirical multi-target approaches'' toward ''precise systems regulation''. This will provide a theoretical foundation for developing innovative strategies for managing difficult-to-heal wounds based on an integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine approach.
5.Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Improving Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Xueqing LIU ; Xinyu ZHONG ; Tingting WANG ; Ning WANG ; Man LIU ; Li WU ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):69-78
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes and one of its most common complications. Prolonged hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and pathological angiogenesis, ultimately disrupting the blood-retinal barrier(BRB) and leading to visual impairment or even blindness. Recent studies show that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of DR's pathological changes. Meanwhile, Chinese herbal monomers have been shown to modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby intervening in the development of DR. In terms of inhibiting oxidative stress, saponin compounds such as platycodin-D and ginsenoside Rb1 downregulate the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), thereby ameliorating retinal oxidative stress. Flavonoids such as total flavonoids from Pueraria lobata flower and puerarin upregulate the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), effectively clearing lipid peroxides. Regarding the suppression of inflammation, phenolic compounds like resveratrol and chlorogenic acid inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, reducing the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and mitigating inflammatory responses. In the context of inhibiting apoptosis, polysaccharides such as Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide and Angelica sinensis polysaccharide downregulate the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and suppress the activity of the executioner Caspase-3, thereby reducing the apoptosis rate. As for the inhibition of neovascularization, compounds including bilobalide and physcion significantly decrease the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to a reduction in retinal pathological angiogenesis. Furthermore, Chinese herbal compound prescriptions such as Tongluo Zhujing pills, Yiqi Huoxue Yangyin decoction, Qiming granules, and Danlou tablets can also intervene in the onset and progression of DR through the mechanisms described above. In summary, both Chinese herbal monomers and Chinese herbal compound prescriptions can modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress, alleviate inflammation, and participate in maintaining BRB integrity, suppressing retinal neovascularization, and preventing neurodegeneration, thereby delaying the progression of DR. Therefore, this paper reviews and summarizes recent studies at home and abroad on how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) works to treat DR, and the relationship between the Nrf2 pathway and DR. It aims to provide research ideas for preventing and treating DR.
6.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Asymptomatic Renal Hematuria Population Based on Association of Age-Constitution-Syndrome
Guangjian WANG ; Cong QIN ; Yibo WU ; Guodong YUAN ; Suzhi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):247-255
For a long time, simple asymptomatic renal hematuria has not been taken seriously. Current studies have confirmed that renal hematuria is a risk factor for the progression of renal function, but there is no effective treatment available. Because asymptomatic renal hematuria is highly concealed and lacks typical symptoms, individualized syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is difficult, making it a challenge in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Although TCM has a long history and solid theoretical basis in the treatment of hematuria, it urgently needs to break through the bottleneck of traditional syndrome differentiation. Based on classical TCM theories, research achievements in modern constitution studies, and relevant clinical and pathological evidence, this article focuses on the decisive influence of age on constitution distribution and its regular association with the evolution of core syndromes, and constructs a three-dimensional diagnostic and therapeutic system of "age-constitution-syndrome". It reveals that the syndrome manifestations of asymptomatic renal hematuria are profoundly shaped by constitution, and that constitution shows a group distribution pattern with age-children often present with deficiency of lung and spleen Qi combined with wind-heat, young and middle-aged individuals often present with deficiency of liver and kidney Yin combined with deficient fire and stasis heat, and elderly individuals often present with deficiency of spleen and kidney combined with cold-dampness and stasis obstruction. By analyzing the common pathogenic mechanisms, outcome characteristics, and internal mechanisms among different age groups, this study provides a basic syndrome framework and core intervention strategies for specific populations in clinical practice, offering a new evidence-based approach to addressing the dilemma of “no identifiable syndrome”.
7.Advances in detection techniques for congenital blood group chimerism
Shuo ZHANG ; Hongyan YANG ; Yuhan GAO ; Ranran QIN ; Xinrui WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Yifan LI ; Ruiqin HOU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):402-407
Congenital blood group chimerism refers to the coexistence of two or more distinct blood types within an individual, resulting from the presence of hematopoietic cell populations with different genotypes. Consequently, red blood cells in such individuals may express different blood group antigens. Based on the timing and mechanism of formation, blood group chimerism can be classified as either congenital or acquired. Although congenital blood group chimerism is rare and involves complex mechanisms, it holds significant implications in transfusion medicine, transplantation, and obstetrics. This article reviews the formation mechanisms, detection methods, and clinical significance of congenital blood group chimerism in transfusion medicine. Particular emphasis is placed on the principles, advantages, and limitations of various detection techniques. Furthermore, the potential applications of these technologies in clinical diagnosis are discussed, providing a technical foundation for the development of precise transfusion strategies.
8.A systematic review of application value of machine learning to prognostic prediction models for patients with lumbar disc herniation
Zhipeng WANG ; Xiaogang ZHANG ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Xiyun ZHAO ; Yuanzhen LI ; Chenglong GUO ; Daping QIN ; Zhen REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):740-748
OBJECTIVE:Based on different algorithms of machine learning,the prediction model of lumbar disc herniation has become a trend and hot spot in the development of precision medicine.However,there is limited evidence on the reporting quality and methodological quality of prediction models of lumbar disc herniation outcomes using machine learning.This article is aimed to explore the performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation by comprehensively analyzing the report quality and risk of bias of previous studies that developed and validated prognosis prediction models based on machine learning through a comprehensive literature search,in order to explore the performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation.METHODS:The databases of CNKI,WanFang,VIP,SinOMED,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,and The Cochrane Library were searched by computer.Studies on the use of machine learning to develop(and/or validate)prognostic prediction models for lumbar disc herniation were collected from the inception of the database to December 31,2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature,extracted data,and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.The reporting quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed by the Multivariable Transparent Reporting of Predictive Models(TRIPOD)statement and the Predictive Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool(PROBAST).The results of the evaluation were analyzed using descriptive statistics and visual charts.RESULTS:(1)A total of 23 articles were included,and the TRIPOD compliance of each study ranged from 11%to 87%,with a median compliance of 54%.The quality of reporting of titles,detailed descriptions of treatment measures,blinding of predictors,handling of missing data,details of risk stratification,specific procedures for enrollment,model interpretation,and model performance was mostly poor,with TRIPOD adherence rates ranging from 4%to 35%.(2)Of all included studies,61%had a high risk of bias and 39%had an unclear overall risk of bias.The area under the curve,accuracy,sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate the performance of the model.The areas under the curve of 20 models were reported,ranging from 0.561 to 0.999.Three models reported the accuracy of the model,ranging from 82.07%to 89.65%.(3)Among all included studies,the statistical analysis domain was most often assessed as having a high risk of bias,mainly due to the small number of valid samples,the selection of predictors based on univariate analysis and the lack of calibration and discrimination assessment of the model in the study.CONCLUSION:These results indicate that machine learning can achieve good predictive ability in the development and validation of prognostic models for lumbar disc herniation.The commonly used algorithms include regression algorithm,support vector machine,decision tree,random forest,artificial neural network,naive Bayes and other algorithms.Reasonable algorithms combined with clinical practice can improve the accuracy of prognosis prediction of lumbar disc herniation.However,the reporting and methodological quality of prognosis prediction models based on machine learning are poor,the prediction performance of different models varies greatly,and the generalization and extrapolation of research models are unclear.There is an urgent need to improve the design,implementation and reporting of such studies.To promote the application of machine learning in the clinical practice of lumbar disc herniation prediction models,it is necessary to comprehensively consider various predictors related to the prognosis of the disease before modeling,and strictly follow the relevant standards of PROBAST tool during modeling.
9.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Mechanisms of Inflammatory Injury in Diabetic Cardiomypathy from Theory of "Gaozhuo"
Xiaoyue WANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Yixin XIANG ; Sihao ZHANG ; Qin XIANG ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):235-244
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and is a major threat to global health. As a key mechanism in the occurrence and progression of DCM, the inflammatory response persists throughout the entire course of the DCM. The Gaozhuo theory suggests that the basic pathogenesis of inflammatory injury in DCM is the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and Gaozhuo invasion, and divides the pathological process into three phases: Gaozhuo invasion, turbid heat damage to the channels, and turbid blood stasis and heat junction. Among them, the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo represent the process of inflammatory factor formation induced by glucose metabolism disorders. Turbid heat damage to the channels refers to the process of myocardial inflammatory injury mediated by inflammatory factors, and turbid blood stasis and heat junction are the process of myocardial injury developing toward myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling. As the disease continues to progress, it eventually develops into a depletion of the heart Yang, leading to the ultimate regression of heart failure. According to the theory of Gaozhuo, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) should regulate inflammatory injury in DCM by strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney to address the root cause, and resolving dampness and lowering turbidity to treat the symptoms. If the turbidity has been stored for a long time and turns into heat, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney, and clearing heat and resolving turbidity should be the therapy. If the turbidity, stasis, and heat are knotted in the heart and collaterals, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney, and resolving stasis and lowering turbidity should be the therapy. TCM compounds and monomers can regulate the inflammatory response in DCM. TCM compounds can be divided into the categories for benefiting Qi to resolve turbidity, benefiting Qi and clearing heat to resolve turbidity, and benefiting Qi and activating blood to reduce turbidity. The compounds can inhibit upstream signals of inflammation and expression of inflammatory factors, improve the inflammatory damage to myocardium and blood vessels, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiac systole and diastole, and thus slow down the onset and progression of DCM.
10.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Mechanisms of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Combined with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on Theory of "Gaozhuo"
Yixin XIANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiaoyue WANG ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qin XIANG ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):253-260
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is the key link in the progression of NAFLD to liver fibrosis. According to the theory of "Gaozhuo", spleen deficiency and Qi stagnation, along with Gaozhuo invasion, are the causes of NAFLD progression to liver fibrosis, which reveals the pathogenesis essence of HSC activation in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Among them, spleen deficiency and Qi stagnation are the root causes of the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo. Spleen deficiency indicates the insulin sensitivity decrease and glucose metabolism disorders, and Qi stagnation means the dysregulation of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism, which creates the preconditions for HSC activation. Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of HSC activation, including three stages: Internal retention of Gaozhuo, turbidity and stasis stagnation, and toxic stasis and consolidation. Internal retention of Gaozhuo refers to the abnormal metabolism and deposition of hepatic lipids, as well as the microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation is the process by which lipotoxicity stimulates the transformation of HSC into myofibroblast (MFB), and toxic stasis and consolidation represent the secretion of a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) by MFB to promote the fibrosis. According to the theory of Gaozhuo and the activation process of HSC, syndromes for T2DM combined with NAFLD can be classified into spleen deficiency and Qi stagnation with internal retention of Gaozhuo, spleen Qi deficiency with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and spleen Qi deficiency with toxic stasis and consolidation. Clinically, the treatment principle is to strengthen the spleen and promote Qi, resolve turbidity, and eliminate blood stasis. Both TCM compounds and monomers can effectively inhibit the HSC activation. TCM compounds can be classified into categories for regulating spleen and harmonizing liver, resolving turbidity and removing stasis, and detoxifying and removing stasis. They mainly work by improving lipid metabolism, reducing lipid accumulation in the liver, alleviating inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSC, and reducing ECM deposition, thereby delaying the progression of liver fibrosis.

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