1.Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyutang in Intervening in Ferroptosis in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on ACSL4 Signalling Pathway
Yi LIU ; Yang YANG ; Chang SU ; Peng TIAN ; Mingyun WANG ; Ruqian ZHONG ; Xuejiao XIE ; Qing YAN ; Qinghua PENG ; Qiuyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):27-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis mediated by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) signalling pathway in rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome and the intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyutang. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham-operation group, model group, trimetazidine group (5.4 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose group (3.51, 7.02,14.04 g·kg-1) of Xuefu Zhuyutang. The coronary artery left anterior descending ligation method was used to prepare a model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome, and continuous treatment for 7 d was conducted, while the sham-operation group was only threaded and not ligated. The general macroscopic symptoms of the rats were observed, and indicators such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and blood rheology were detected. The pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the changes in mitochondria in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The level of iron deposition in myocardial tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE were detected in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A biochemical colourimetric assay was used to detect the levels of Fe2+, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and T-GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in myocardial tissue. DCFH-DA fluorescence quantitative assay was employed to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), ACSL4, and ly-sophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase3 (LPCAT3) in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the rats in the model group were poor in general macroscopic symptoms. The electrocardiogram showed widened QRS wave amplitude and increased voltage, bow-back elevation of the ST segments, elevated T waves, J-point elevation, and accelerated heart rate. Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01). Blood rheology showed that the viscosity of the whole blood (low, medium, and high rate of shear) was significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed an abnormal structure of myocardial tissue. There was a large area of myocardial necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and a large number of connective tissue between myocardial fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria were severely atrophy or swelling. The cristae were reduced or even broken, and the matrix was flocculent or even vacuolated. Prussian blue staining showed that there were a large number of iron-containing particles, and the iron deposition was obvious. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in the serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS in myocardial tissue was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of GSH was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and T-GSH/GSSG was decreased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 in myocardial tissue were both significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general macroscopic symptoms and electrocardiogram results of rats in low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang were alleviated, and the differences in LVEF/LVFS ratios were all significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The differences in whole-blood viscosity (low, medium, and high rate of shear) were all significantly decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the morphology, structure, and mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were improved. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in serum was reduced to different degrees in low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS was significantly reduced in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSH and T-GSH/GSSG was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 were significantly increased to varying degrees in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were decreased to different degrees in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXuefu Zhuyutang can regulate iron metabolism and anti-lipid oxidation reaction to mediate ferroptosis through the ACSL4 signalling pathway, thus exerting a protective effect on rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome.
2.Assessing distribution characteristics and clinical significance of vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis based on whole spine MRI
Jiajun ZHOU ; Fei MA ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Baoqiang HE ; Yang LI ; Yehui LIAO ; Qiang TANG ; Chao TANG ; Qing WANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1883-1889
BACKGROUND:Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are the most common complication in patients with osteoporosis.As a new imaging technique,spine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is much more sensitive than X-ray film in the diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.However,total spine MRI is costly and takes a long time to scan.Therefore,there is no consensus on whether all patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures need to undergo total spine MRI scan and which patients need to undergo total spine MRI. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the distribution characteristics of vertebral fractures and explore their clinical significance by observing the whole spine MRI data of osteoporotic vertebral fractures patients. METHODS:Data of cases and MRI images of all patients diagnosed with fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures who visited the Department of Orthopedics,Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.903 patients were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.General information(age,gender,and body mass index),medical history characteristics(duration of illness,history of trauma surgery,percussion pain area,and pain score)were collected.The characteristics of vertebral fractures were analyzed through whole spine magnetic resonance imaging.Firstly,based on the number of vertebral fractures in patients,they were divided into the single vertebral fracture group(484 cases)and the multi-vertebral fracture group(419 cases),and the differences were analyzed between the two groups.Then,based on whether the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was greater than or equal to 5,the multi vertebral fracture group was further divided into two subgroups.Among them,Group A(the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was less than 5)contained 306 cases;Group B(with the farthest interval between fractured vertebral bodies greater than 5)included 113 cases.The differences were analyzed between two subgroups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among 903 patients,419 patients(46.4%)had more than two fractured vertebrae.There were 654 patients(72.4%)with thoracolumbar fractures,and 54 patients(6%)with fractures in the thoracic plus lumbar region and the entire thoracic to lumbar region.In group B,96.5%of patients had multiregional percussion pain.(2)Compared with the patients in the single vertebral fracture group and the multi-vertebral fracture group,there were significant differences in bone mineral density,whether the medical history was greater than or equal to 1 month,the history of low energy injury,and the distribution and number of axial percussion pain areas in the spine during physical examination between the two groups(P<0.05).Age,gender,body mass index,whether there was underlying disease,pain visual analog scale score,whether there was a history of elderly thoracolumbar fracture,and whether there was a history of thoracolumbar surgery,and the number of fractured vertebrae had no statistical significance(P>0.05).(3)There were statistically significant differences between the Groups A and B in bone mineral density,the distribution and quantity of percussion pain area,and the history of low energy injury(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in age,gender,history of old fractures,visual analog scale score,body mass index,whether the medical history was longer than or equal to 1 month,history of underlying diseases,and history of thoracolumbar surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)Patients with multiple low-energy trauma history,history of more than 1 month,multiple percussion pain,and the lower bone mineral density should be alert to the occurrence of multiple vertebral fracture and jump fracture.We recommend the whole spinal MRI for these patients.
3.Randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, multicenter, equivalence clinical trial of Jiuwei Xifeng Granules(Os Draconis replaced by Ostreae Concha) for treating tic disorder in children.
Qiu-Han CAI ; Cheng-Liang ZHONG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Xin-Min LI ; Zhi-Chun XU ; Hui CHEN ; Ying HUA ; Jun-Hong WANG ; Ji-Hong TANG ; Bing-Xiang MA ; Xiu-Xia WANG ; Ai-Zhen WANG ; Meng-Qing WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Yi-Qun TENG ; Yi-Hui SHAN ; Sheng-Xuan GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1699-1705
Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Double-Blind Method
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Tic Disorders/drug therapy*
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Treatment Outcome
4.Liuwei Dihuang Pills improve chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury in mice by promoting the proliferation of female germline stem cells.
Bo JIANG ; Wen-Yan ZHANG ; Guang-di LIN ; Xiao-Qing MA ; Guo-Xia LAN ; Jia-Wen ZHONG ; Ling QIN ; Jia-Li MAI ; Xiao-Rong LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2495-2504
This study primarily investigates the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pills on the activation and proliferation of female germline stem cells(FGSCs) in the ovaries and cortex of mice with premature ovarian failure(POF), and how it improves ovarian function. ICR mice were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Liuwei Dihuang Pills group, Liuwei Dihuang Pills double-dose group, and estradiol valerate group. A mouse model of POF was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide. After successful modeling, the mice were treated with Liuwei Dihuang Pills or estradiol valerate for 28 days. Vaginal smears were prepared to observe the estrous cycle and body weight. After the last administration, mice were sacrificed and sampled. Serum levels of estradiol(E_2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe ovarian morphology and to count follicles at all stages to evaluate ovarian function. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of mouse vasa homolog(MVH), a marker of ovarian FGSCs. Immunofluorescence staining, using co-labeling of MVH and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), was used to detect the expression and localization of specific markers of FGSCs. Western blot was employed to assess the protein expression of MVH, octamer-binding transcription factor 4(Oct4), and PCNA in the ovaries. The results showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited disordered estrous cycles, decreased ovarian index, increased atretic follicles, and a reduced number of follicles at all stages. FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated, while AMH and E_2 levels were significantly reduced, indicating the success of the model. After treatment with Liuwei Dihuang Pills or estradiol valerate, hormone levels improved, the number of atretic follicles decreased, and the number of follicles at all stages increased. MVH marker protein and PCNA proliferative protein expression in ovarian tissue also increased. These results suggest that Liuwei Dihuang Pills regulate estrous cycles and hormone disorders in POF mice, promote the proliferation of FGSCs, improve follicular development in POF mice, and enhance ovarian function.
Animals
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Female
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Mice
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Mice, Inbred ICR
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Ovary/cytology*
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Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/genetics*
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Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism*
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Humans
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Anti-Mullerian Hormone/blood*
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Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects*
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Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism*
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Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects*
5.Effects of combined use of active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of BV2 cells.
Tian-Qing XIA ; Ying CHEN ; Jian-Lin HUA ; Qin SU ; Cun-Yan DAN ; Meng-Wei RONG ; Shi-Ning GE ; Hong GUO ; Bao-Guo XIAO ; Jie-Zhong YU ; Cun-Gen MA ; Li-Juan SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3835-3846
This study aims to explore the effects and action mechanisms of the active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), namely tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) and hydroxy-safflor yellow A(HSYA), on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of microglia(MG). Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective monomer ingredients of BYHWD and determine the safe concentration range for each component. Inflammation and oxidative stress models were established to further screen the best ingredient combination and optimal concentration ratio with the most effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OGD/R BV2 cell models were constructed, and BV2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, an HSYA group, a TMP group, and an HSYA + TMP group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6). Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), nitric oxide(NO), and malondialdehyde(MDA), were also measured. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of both inflammation-related pathway [Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)] and oxidative stress-related pathway [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)]. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1). The most effective ingredients for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in BYHWD were TMP and HSYA. Compared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, along with significantly higher protein expression of NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and HO-1 and significantly lower SOD levels. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Compared to the model group, both the HSYA group and the TMP group showed significantly reduced levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, lower expression of NF-κB and TLR4 proteins, higher levels of SOD, and significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was significantly reduced, while the expression of the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 was significantly increased. The results of the HSYA group and the TMP group had statistically significant differences from those of the model group. Compared to the HSYA group and the TMP group, the HSYA + TMP group showed further significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA levels, along with significant reductions in NF-κB and TLR4 protein expression, an increase in SOD levels, and elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was reduced, while the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 expression increased significantly in the HSYA + TMP group compared to the TMP or HSYA group. The differences in the results were statistically significant between the HSYA + TMP group and the TMP or HSYA group. The findings indicated that the combined use of HSYA and TMP, the active ingredients of BYHWD, can effectively inhibit OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of MG, showing superior effects compared to the individual use of either component.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Animals
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Mice
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Glucose/metabolism*
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Cell Line
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Inflammation/genetics*
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Oxygen/metabolism*
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Pyrazines/pharmacology*
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Microglia/metabolism*
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
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NF-kappa B/immunology*
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Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*
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Humans
6.Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix alleviates CpG1826-induced cytokine storm secondary lung injury in mice by inhibiting mPTP/NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway.
Qing-Rui ZHONG ; Hong-Kai HUANG ; Yue-Jia LAN ; Huan WANG ; Yong ZENG ; Jia-Si WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4141-4152
This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of the Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix on cytokine storm secondary lung injury(CSSLI) induced by CpG1826 in mice, and to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms by which its major active components, i.e., coptisine and wogonin, alleviate CSSLI by inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore(mPTP)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome pyroptosis pathway. In vivo, a mouse model of CSSLI was established by CpG1826 induction. Pulmonary edema was assessed by lung wet-to-dry weight ratio(W/D), lung injury was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and ultrastructural changes in lung tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The levels of interleukin(IL)-1β, high mobility group box 1 protein(HMGB1), IL-18, and IL-1α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The results showed that the decoction of the Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix significantly reduced pulmonary edema, alleviated lung injury, and decreased the concentrations of related cytokines in BALF more effectively than either single herb alone, thereby improving CSSLI. In vitro, a CpG1826-induced CSSLI model was established in mouse alveolar macrophage MH-S cells. Calcein-AM quenching was used to screen for the most effective monomer components from the herb pair in inhibiting mPTP opening. Coptisine(5, 10, 20 μmol·L~(-1)) and wogonin(10, 20, 40 μmol·L~(-1)) markedly inhibited mPTP opening, with optimal effects and a clear dose-dependent pattern. These components suppressed mPTP opening, thereby reducing the release of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS), effectively reversing the CpG1826-induced decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP). Further studies revealed that both coptisine and wogonin inhibited pyroptosis and downregulated the expression of key proteins in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/gasdermin D(GSDMD) pathway. In conclusion, the Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix improves CpG1826-induced CSSLI in mice, and this effect is associated with the inhibition of the mPTP/NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway, providing scientific evidence for its clinical application and further development.
Animals
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Mice
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Pyroptosis/drug effects*
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology*
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Male
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Lung Injury/immunology*
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Cytokines/immunology*
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Scutellaria baicalensis/chemistry*
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Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/adverse effects*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Coptis chinensis
7.Research progress on prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with traditional Chinese medicine based on gut microbiota.
Rui REN ; Xing YANG ; Ping-Ping REN ; Qian BI ; Bing-Zhao DU ; Qing-Yan ZHANG ; Xue-Han WANG ; Zhong-Qi JIANG ; Jin-Xiao LIANG ; Ming-Yi SHAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4190-4200
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, is characterized by high mortality and recurrence rates. Common treatments include hepatectomy, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, interventional therapy, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). While exhibiting specific advantages, these approaches are associated with varying degrees of adverse effects. To alleviate patients' suffering and burdens, it is crucial to explore additional treatments and elucidate the pathogenesis of HCC, laying a foundation for the development of new TCM-based drugs. With emerging research on gut microbiota, it has been revealed that microbiota plays a vital role in the development of HCC by influencing intestinal barrier function, microbial metabolites, and immune regulation. TCM, with its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, has been increasingly recognized as a vital therapeutic treatment for HCC, particularly in patients at intermediate or advanced stages, by prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Recent global studies demonstrate that TCM exerts anti-HCC effects by modulating gut microbiota, restoring intestinal barrier function, regulating microbial composition and its metabolites, suppressing inflammation, and enhancing immune responses, thereby inhibiting the malignant phenotype of HCC. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to the development and progression of HCC and highlight the regulatory effects of TCM, addressing the current gap in systematic understanding of the "TCM-gut microbiota-HCC" axis. The findings provide theoretical support for integrating TCM with western medicine in HCC treatment and promote the transition from basic research to precision clinical therapy through microbiota-targeted drug development and TCM-based interventions.
Humans
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology*
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Liver Neoplasms/microbiology*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Animals
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
8.Mechanism of Yiguanjian in regulating Th17/Treg balance for treating dry eye in rats.
Xiao-Long ZHANG ; Yuan ZHONG ; Qing-Hua PENG ; Jun PENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4668-4678
This study investigated the therapeutic effects of Yiguanjian on dry eye in rats and its mechanisms involving the T helper cell 17(Th17)/regulatory T cell(Treg) balance. The rat model of dry eye was established by administrating 0.2% benzalkonium chloride solution in eye drops. After successful modeling, the rats were treated with Yiguanjian for 4 consecutive weeks. The Schirmer test was carried out to assess the lacrimal gland function, corneal fluorescence staining to detect corneal injury, hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe corneal histopathology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure serum levels of interleukin(IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-21, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), RT-qPCR to analyze mRNA levels of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma t(RORγt) and forkhead box protein p3(Foxp3) in the corneal tissue, immunofluorescence double staining to evaluate RORγt and Foxp3 expression in the lacrimal gland tissue, and Western blot to quantify the protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3), Janus kinase 2(Jak2), phosphorylated Jak2(p-Jak2), RORγt, and Foxp3 in the corneal tissue. The results demonstrated that Yiguanjian increased tear secretion(P<0.01), alleviated corneal damage and pathological changes, and lowered the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-21, and TNF-α(P<0.05) in model rats. Additionally, Yiguanjian decreased the ratio of RORγt to Foxp3 in the corneal and lacrimal gland tissue(P<0.01), downregulated the protein levels of STAT3, Jak2, and RORγt(P<0.05), upregulated the protein level of Foxp3(P<0.05), and inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 and Jak2(P<0.01). These findings indicate that Yiguanjian ameliorates ocular surface dysfunction in dry eye rats by restoring Th17/Treg balance in the corneal and lacrimal gland tissue and suppressing systemic inflammatory cytokine release, thus mitigating ocular surface inflammation.
Animals
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Rats
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Th17 Cells/immunology*
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Dry Eye Syndromes/genetics*
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Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/immunology*
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Lacrimal Apparatus/immunology*
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Humans
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STAT3 Transcription Factor/immunology*
9.Analysis of syncopal DRVR in blood donors: multicenter hemovigilance data (2020—2023)
Junhong YANG ; Qing XU ; Wenqin ZHU ; Fei TANG ; Ruru HE ; Zhenping LU ; Zhujiang YE ; Fade ZHONG ; Gang WU ; Guoqiang FENG ; Xiaojie GUO ; Jia ZENG ; Xia HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1071-1076
Objective: Data on syncopal donation-related vasovagal reaction (DRVR) collected from 74 blood centers between 2020 and 2023 was statistically analyzed to provide a reference for developing preventive strategies against syncopal DRVR. Methods: Data on blood donation adverse reactions and basic information of donors from 2020 to 2023 were collected through the information management system at monitoring sentinel sites. Statistical analysis was performed on the following aspects of syncopal DRVR: characteristics of donors who experienced syncope, reported incidence, triggers, duration, presence and occurrence time of syncope-related trauma, clinical management including outpatient and inpatient treatment, and severity grading. Results: From 2020 to 2023, 45 966 donation-related adverse reactions were recorded. Of these, 1 665 (3.72%) cases were syncopal DRVR. The incidence of syncopal DRVR decreased with age, being the highest in the 18-22 age group. Incidence was significantly higher in female donors than male donors, in first-time donors than repeat donors, and in university and individual donors than group donors (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among different blood donation locations (P>0.05). The top three triggers were tension, fatigue, and needle phobia or fear of blood. Among syncopal DRVR cases, 60.36% occurred during blood collection, 87.63% lasted for less than 60 seconds, and 5.05% were accompanied by trauma. Notably, 57.14% of these traumas occurred after donor had left the blood collection site. Syncope severity was graded based on required treatment: grade 1 (fully recovered without treatment, 95.50%); grade 2 (recovered after outpatient treatment, 4.02%); and grade 3 (recovered after inpatient treatment, 0.48%). Conclusion: By analyzing the data of syncopal DRVR cases, it is possible to provide a reference for formulating blood donor safety policies.
10.Correlation Between the Spinopelvic Parameters and Morphological Characteristics of Pedicle-Facet Joints in Different Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Baoqiang HE ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Yang LI ; Jiajun ZHOU ; Min KANG ; Yehui LIAO ; Minghao TIAN ; Qiang TANG ; Fei MA ; Qing WANG ; Chao TANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):231-242
Objective:
Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed.
Results:
Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA.
Conclusion
This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.

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