1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Promotes Neoangiogenesis in Treatment of Vascular Dementia by Benefiting Qi, Activating Blood Circulation, and Resolving Blood Stasis: A Review
Zhenlong ZHOU ; Yu DUAN ; Hongyu SHA ; Haichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):318-328
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a cognitive dysfunction syndrome caused by cerebrovascular disease and is the second most common type of dementia worldwide, following Alzheimer's disease. The pathological mechanisms of VaD are complex, involving multiple biological processes, including angiogenesis, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Among these, angiogenesis is a key process in VaD pathology and is primarily regulated through the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gradually gained attention in the treatment of VaD, particularly the therapeutic approach of benefiting Qi, activating blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis, which has demonstrated unique advantages in clinical practice. This method, based on the TCM theory of Qi and blood, emphasizes improving the pathological state of ''blood stasis'' by harmonizing the circulation of Qi and blood, and its scientific basis has been increasingly elucidated by modern pharmacological studies. This article systematically integrates the TCM concept of ''removing stasis to promote regeneration'' with the modern medical mechanism of neoangiogenesis and reviews the current research on promoting neoangiogenesis through the benefiting Qi, activating blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis in VaD treatment. It covers research progress on single Chinese medicine and compound formulas that promote neoangiogenesis, reduce apoptosis, and improve cerebral hemodynamics through multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic effects. Furthermore, this article explores the therapeutic approach of combining acupuncture and moxibustion with Chinese medicine formulas, breaking through the traditional single-treatment model. The synergistic treatment of acupuncture and herbal medicine not only enhances neoangiogenesis but also improves cognitive function and quality of life in VaD patients via multiple pathways. By comparing the advantages and limitations of modern medicine and TCM in VaD treatment, this article notes that while modern medicine excels in elucidating pathological mechanisms and targeted therapies, it is limited in overall regulation and multi-target interventions. TCM, through the comprehensive effects of multiple components and targets, is better suited to address the complex pathological features of VaD. However, current research on TCM for VaD still has limitations, including incompletely clarified mechanisms and insufficient clinical studies. Therefore, future research should further integrate multidisciplinary approaches, such as modern pharmacology and molecular biology, to deeply explore TCM resources and investigate diverse interdisciplinary collaborative treatment models, providing new ideas and strategies for VaD therapy.
2.Effect of RUNX3 on the activation, proliferation, and migration capabilities of hepatic stellate cells
Hui LING ; Xianchen WANG ; Junbo YOU ; Jiahao FAN ; Xiao CUI ; Jiming SHA ; Liquan YU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):277-284
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of targeted silencing of Runt-related Transcription Factor 3 (RUNX3) on the proliferation and migration of Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs), as well as subsequent collagen deposition. MethodsMouse hepatic stellate cell line (JS-1) was selected and then morphologically observed and identified under a microscope. After the cells had fully adhered, they were treated with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) for 24 hours to induce hepatic stellate cell activation. Furthermore, a RUNX3 silencing model was established using RUNX3 lentiviral infection. The experiment was divided into four groups: Control group, TGF-β1 group, TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, and TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group. Protein expression changes of RUNX3, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Alpha 1 type I collagen (Collagen I) were detected using Western blot method. Cellular immunofluorescence assays were employed to investigate the deposition changes of α-SMA and RUNX3 in hepatic stellate cells. RT-qPCR was utilized to examine the mRNA expression changes of RUNX3, α-SMA, and Collagen I. The proliferative capacity of hepatic stellate cells was assessed using Edu staining. The migratory ability of hepatic stellate cells was evaluated through wound healing assays and Transwell migration experiments. ResultsCompared with Control group, a significant elevation in RUNX3 was observed in the TGF-β1-induced activated HSCs (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related markers and α-SMA and Collagen I were significantly upregulated (P<0.001). Additionally, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly enhanced (P<0.001). In contrast, when compared to TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group exhibited a notable decrease in RUNX3 and other related indicators, such as the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA and Collagen I (P<0.05). Concurrently, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly inhibited in TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group (P<0.01). ConclusionSilencing RUNX3 can inhibit the deposition of collagen and the proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells. Conversely, RUNX3 promotes the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs, thereby facilitating the activation of HSC.
3.A Review and Evaluation of Integrated Disease and Syndrome Animal Models for Hemorrhoids in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Yu BU ; Jinting HOU ; Yuanyuan LI ; Jingtao SHA ; Chenlu XIE ; Wengang WANG ; Xingwei SUN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):357-366
Hemorrhoids are common anorectal diseases with complex pathogenesis, and there is still a lack of ideal experimental animal models for research on their prevention and treatment. In this paper, Chinese and English databases are searched with the keywords "hemorrhoids" and "animal model", and 36 relevant studies are finally included. The shortcomings of existing hemorrhoid animal models in integrating the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and Western medicine are systematically analyzed, and the consistency of various models with clinical practice is evaluated. The studies are divided into four categories according to modeling methods: chemical modeling, physical modeling, biological modeling, and combined modeling. The clinical consistency of modeling is evaluated in combination with the diagnostic points of hemorrhoids in traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The results show that there are significant differences in the reproduction of clinical indicators by different modeling methods. According to clinical consistency, the models can be divided into three grades: high-consistency models are mainly based on combined modeling methods (such as induction by carrageenan combined with norepinephrine hydrochloride), which can more comprehensively simulate core pathological changes such as venous congestion and local inflammation; moderate-consistency models adopt single chemical or physical intervention (such as local inflammation induced by croton oil or vein ligation), which can only reproduce part of the pathological process; low-consistency models mostly adopt direct stimulation, with limited research value for pathological characteristics. Existing animal models have obvious advantages in replicating Western medical structural lesions of hemorrhoids, but they still have obvious defects in simulating the chronic disease course and stably reproducing the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes, and a unified standard has not yet been formed for the traditional Chinese medicine evaluation system of models. In conclusion, it is still necessary to further explore the construction of high-quality integrated disease and syndrome animal models for hemorrhoids in traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Future research should integrate the theories of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, adopt multi-factor chronic modeling strategies, and establish a standardized comprehensive evaluation system covering macroscopic signs and microscopic indicators. This paper provides a reference for constructing standardized integrated disease and syndrome animal models of hemorrhoids that conform to the pathological changes of Western medicine and take into account the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes, with the aim of providing more effective experimental tools for research on the pathogenesis of hemorrhoids and their integrated prevention and treatment with traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Treat Diabetic Microvascular Complications:A Review
Zhenlong ZHOU ; Yu DUAN ; Yutian PANG ; Ying JIA ; Mingwei LI ; Hongyu SHA ; Haichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):293-305
Diabetic microvascular complications (DMC) are major chronic complications of diabetes,primarily including diabetic kidney disease (DKD),diabetic retinopathy (DR),diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM),and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). These complications significantly impact patients' quality of life and prognosis. Modern medicine primarily focuses on symptomatic control in the treatment of DMC,with limited ability to reverse the disease progression. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS),as a central event under hyperglycemic toxicity,is not only a key cause of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction (reduced insulin synthesis and secretion) but also a core driver of damage in various target organs of DMC. It activates three signaling pathways of the unfolded protein response (UPR)-inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1),activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6),and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK),intertwining processes such as autophagy,apoptosis,oxidative stress,and calcium homeostasis imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers multi-target and multi-pathway therapeutic advantages and can curb the pathological progression of DMC by regulating ERS. This article systematically reviews the relationships of ERS with pancreatic β-cell function,insulin synthesis,and insulin secretion,and elucidates the core signaling pathways through which ERS mediates DMC. Furthermore,it categorizes and summarizes experimental evidence and mechanisms of single medicinal herbs and their extracts,TCM compound formulas,and modern TCM preparations in regulating ERS for the treatment of various DMC subtypes. Finally,this article proposes ERS as a molecular bridge for integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine in DMC treatment. Future research should leverage emerging technologies such as network pharmacology,multi-omics analysis,and nano-formulations to establish a synergistic network combining modern hypoglycemic drugs and TCM regulation of ERS. This approach is expected to achieve dual efficacy,enhance drug targeting and bioavailability,deepen the understanding of scientific connotation of TCM,and pave new avenues for the prevention and treatment of DMC.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Treat Diabetic Microvascular Complications:A Review
Zhenlong ZHOU ; Yu DUAN ; Yutian PANG ; Ying JIA ; Mingwei LI ; Hongyu SHA ; Haichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):293-305
Diabetic microvascular complications (DMC) are major chronic complications of diabetes,primarily including diabetic kidney disease (DKD),diabetic retinopathy (DR),diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM),and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). These complications significantly impact patients' quality of life and prognosis. Modern medicine primarily focuses on symptomatic control in the treatment of DMC,with limited ability to reverse the disease progression. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS),as a central event under hyperglycemic toxicity,is not only a key cause of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction (reduced insulin synthesis and secretion) but also a core driver of damage in various target organs of DMC. It activates three signaling pathways of the unfolded protein response (UPR)-inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1),activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6),and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK),intertwining processes such as autophagy,apoptosis,oxidative stress,and calcium homeostasis imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers multi-target and multi-pathway therapeutic advantages and can curb the pathological progression of DMC by regulating ERS. This article systematically reviews the relationships of ERS with pancreatic β-cell function,insulin synthesis,and insulin secretion,and elucidates the core signaling pathways through which ERS mediates DMC. Furthermore,it categorizes and summarizes experimental evidence and mechanisms of single medicinal herbs and their extracts,TCM compound formulas,and modern TCM preparations in regulating ERS for the treatment of various DMC subtypes. Finally,this article proposes ERS as a molecular bridge for integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine in DMC treatment. Future research should leverage emerging technologies such as network pharmacology,multi-omics analysis,and nano-formulations to establish a synergistic network combining modern hypoglycemic drugs and TCM regulation of ERS. This approach is expected to achieve dual efficacy,enhance drug targeting and bioavailability,deepen the understanding of scientific connotation of TCM,and pave new avenues for the prevention and treatment of DMC.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Coronary Heart Disease by Intervening in Cardiovascular Cell Apoptosis: A Review
Zhenlong ZHOU ; Yu DUAN ; Hongyu SHA ; Haichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):289-298
Coronary heart disease (CHD), as a globally prevalent disease with high mortality, is closely associated with cardiovascular cell apoptosis in its pathogenesis. Although current therapies such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can alleviate local stenosis and significantly improve revascularization, challenges such as postoperative reperfusion injury and microcirculation dysfunction persist. Due to the limitations of single-target therapy in modern medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has attracted increasing attention for its multi-component and multi-target interventions. Modern medical research indicates that cardiovascular cell apoptosis contributes to CHD progression through multiple pathways, including the mitochondrial pathway, death receptor pathway, and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. In TCM theory, CHD falls under the categories of chest obstruction, heart pain, and real heart pain. The Synopsis of the Golden Chamber (Jin Gui Yao Lue) proposes the pathogenesis theory of Yang deficiency and Yin excess, emphasizing the therapeutic principles of activating blood, regulating Qi movement, resolving stasis, and unblocking collaterals. TCM demonstrates unique advantages in ameliorating myocardial ischemia and combating atherosclerosis. However, existing studies are largely confined to clinical observations, lacking in-depth exploration of TCM mechanisms in inhibiting cardiovascular cell apoptosis. This article systematically reviews the regulatory mechanisms of cardiovascular cell apoptosis in CHD and TCM intervention strategies, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the scientific rationale behind TCM's role in suppressing apoptosis and improving cardiac function, while offering insights for developing innovative treatment approaches combining TCM and modern medicine. Future studies should leverage modern molecular biological technologies to further uncover the scientific essence of TCM regulation of apoptotic pathways. Integrating TCM's holistic regulation and multi-target intervention strengths with modern medicine's targeted therapies can advance both fundamental research and clinical translation, ultimately providing superior strategies for the prevention and treatment of CHD.
7.Identification and in vitro validation of causative proteins in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: A study based on proteome-wide Mendelian randomization
Jianyi CHEN ; Wentao HUANG ; Yang LI ; Zewei ZHUO ; Qinming LI ; Yu LONG ; Weihong SHA ; Hao CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(9):2067-2074
ObjectiveTo identify protein biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) through an integrative multi-omics analysis. MethodsLarge-scale plasma protein quantitative trait locus data were integrated with MAFLD genome-wide association study data, and a proteome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis was performed. Summary data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR)/heterogeneity in dependent instruments (HEIDI) test and colocalization analysis were used to assess significant proteins. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data with homogeneity of variance between two groups, and the Welch-corrected t-test was used for comparison of continuous data with heterogeneity of variance. The transcriptomic validation results were compared with the Mendelian randomization results to evaluate the changing trends of gene expression, and boxplots were used to display the expression distribution of candidate genes between groups. ResultsAmong 7 130 proteins analyzed, 40 showed a causal relationship with MAFLD, among which 26 increased the risk of MAFLD and 14 exerted a protective effect against MAFLD (FDR<0.05). Nine proteins were supported by SMR/HEIDI (PSMR<0.05, PHEIDI>0.05), and 14 showed a strong colocalization signal (PPH4>0.9). The transcriptomic analysis identified 5 differentially expressed proteins (all P<0.05), i.e., adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation factor-like GTPase 2, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2, casein kinase 1 delta (CSNK1D), leucine-rich repeat neuronal 1, and moesin (MSN). In vitro validation showed upregulated expression levels of MSN (1.612±0.346 vs 0.569±0.077, P<0.05), 14-3-3 protein theta (YWHAQ) (1.267±0.126 vs 0.313±0.029, P<0.05), and CSNK1D (0.871±0.025 vs 0.431±0.080, P<0.05) and a downregulated expression level of histone deacetylase 8 (0.637±0.059 vs 1.097±0.260, P<0.05) in the MAFLD cell model. Functional annotation showed that CSNK1D participated in circadian and metabolic regulation, YWHAQ modulated the Hippo pathway and lipid signal transduction, and MSN was associated with cytoskeletal remodeling and fibrogenic responses. ConclusionThe integrative proteogenomic analysis in this study shows that CSNK1D, YWHAQ, and MSN may be key mediators in the pathogenesis of MAFLD. These proteins have the potential to serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, providing new directions for research on disease mechanisms and the development of intervention strategies.
8.Diagnostic value of exhaled volatile organic compounds in pulmonary cystic fibrosis: A systematic review
Xiaoping YU ; Zhixia SU ; Kai YAN ; Taining SHA ; Yuhang HE ; Yanyan ZHANG ; Yujian TAO ; Hong GUO ; Guangyu LU ; Weijuan GONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):223-229
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed databases up to August 7, 2024. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected for data extraction and quality assessment. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and the risk of bias and applicability of included prediction model studies were assessed by the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST). Results A total of 10 studies were included, among which 5 studies only identified specific exhaled VOCs in CF patients, and another 5 developed 7 CF risk prediction models based on the identification of VOCs in CF. The included studies reported a total of 75 exhaled VOCs, most of which belonged to the categories of acylcarnitines, aldehydes, acids, and esters. Most models (n=6, 85.7%) only included exhaled VOCs as predictive factors, and only one model included factors other than VOCs, including forced expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF75) and modified Medical Research Council scale for the assessment of dyspnea (mMRC). The accuracy of the models ranged from 77% to 100%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.771 to 0.988. None of the included studies provided information on the calibration of the models. The results of the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) showed that the overall bias risk of all predictive model studies was high, and the overall applicability was unclear. Conclusion The exhaled VOCs reported in the included studies showed significant heterogeneity, and more research is needed to explore specific compounds for CF. In addition, risk prediction models based on exhaled VOCs have certain value in the diagnosis of CF, but the overall bias risk is relatively high and needs further optimization from aspects such as model construction and validation.
9.Trends in the global burden of neonatal infections from 1990 to 2021: Joinpoint regression analysis based on the GBD database
Yu DAI ; Shushu LI ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Shuping HAN ; Li SHA
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(9):634-639
Objective:To systematically evaluate the global disease burden of neonatal sepsis and other neonatal infections(NSNIs),providing scientific basis for their prevention and control.Methods:Using the Global Burden of Disease(GBD)2021 database,this article calculated the incidence,mortality,and age-standardized rates for NSNIs. Trends were evaluated with Joinpoint regression model,and compared at different socio-demographic index(SDI)levels.Results:From 1990 to 2021,the global age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR)of NSNIs decreased from 78.98 to 62.70 per 100 000 with an with average annual percentage change(AAPC)of -0.73%( P<0.01). The age-standardized mortality rate(ASMR)declined from 4.77 to 3.76 per 100 000 with an AAPC of -0.76%( P<0.01). In particular,the disease burden was consistently higher among male neonates. Low birth weight was the primary risk factor globally,followed by preterm birth. Regions with lower SDI levels exhibited higher ASIR and ASMR,and household solid fuel air pollution contributed more to NSNIs-related mortality. Conclusion:Although the overall disease burden of NSNIs has declined,male neonates and low-SDI regions still face substantial challenges. Continuous efforts to improve air quality are warranted,and low-SDI regions should further strengthen healthcare infrastructure to enhance diagnostic and treatment quality.
10.Optimal Timing of Moxibustion Intervention for Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects Based on a Chronic Inflammatory Pain Model
Ruizhu ZHOU ; Liuxuan HE ; Shuai HOU ; Sha YANG ; Haiyan YIN ; Shuguang YU
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(1):137-142
Objective Based on a complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA)-induced chronic inflammatory pain model,we compared and analyzed the differences in anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of moxibustion intervention initiated at different timepoints,aiming to identify the optimal timing for moxibustion intervention.The goal is to establish standardized intervention protocols for basic research on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of moxibustion.Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups based on the moxibustion initiation timepoints of 4,7,and 10 d after modeling.Then,the mice in each group were randomly assigned to 3 subgroups,including a control group,a model group,and a moxibustion group,with 8 mice in each subgroup.Chronic inflammatory pain was induced by injecting 20 μL of CFA into the sole of the right hind paw.Moxibustion applied at the"Zusanli"acupoint for 30 minutes started on the 4th,7th,and 10th days after modeling,and the intervention continued for 7 days.The latency of paw withdrawal to thermal radiation was measured to evaluate the pain threshold before modeling,after modeling,and on the 1st,4th,and 7th days of treatment.Foot volume was measured to assess toe swelling before modeling,after modeling,and on the 1st and 7th days of treatment.Results Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited a reduced pain threshold(P<0.0001)and increased paw volume(P<0.0001).Compared with the model group,the subgroups receiving moxibustion intervention initiated on the 4th,7th,and 10th days post-modeling exhibited an increased pain threshold(P<0.05,P<0.0001).However,the paw volume of the subgroups receiving moxibustion intervention initiated on the 4th day post-modeling increased(P<0.0001),while those of the subgroups receiving moxibustion intervention initiated on the 7th and 10th days post-modeling decreased(P<0.0001).Among the intervention subgroups receiving moxibustion initiated on days 4,7,and 10,the day 7 intervention-initiating subgroup showed significant increase in pain threshold(P<0.05,P<0.0001),and the day 7 and day 10 intervention-initiating subgroups showed significantly reduced paw volume(P<0.0001).Conclusion Considering both the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of moxibustion,day 7 post-modeling may be the optimal time for moxibustion to achieve effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic outcomes.

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