1.Overview of Diagnosis,Treatment and Mechanism Research of Functional Dyspepsia by Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Shengsheng ZHANG ; Zhaohong SHI ; Xiaofang LU ; Luqing ZHAO ; Danyan LI ; Shu ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yudi ZHUO ; Nian WANG ; Fan LIU ; Shuangyi LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):397-403
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prioritized disease category where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates distinct therapeutic advantages. The current western medicine treatment for FD is mainly based on proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic agents, with digestive enzymes, probiotics and antidepressants serving as adjuvant medication, yet such therapies still have certain limitations. TCM treatment for FD includes oral administration of Chinese herbal formulas and Chinese patent medicines, as well as external TCM therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion, acupoint application, hot medicinal compress therapy, rubbing with ointment, medicinal iontophoresis, auricular acupoint therapy and tui na (Chinese medical massage). The combined treatment of FD with integrated TCM and western medicine can significantly improve clinical effectiveness and reduce adverse reactions. The common mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both TCM and western medicine revolve around the core pathological processes of FD, mainly focusing on restoring gastrointestinal motility, regulating the levels of brain-gut peptides, modulating intestinal microecology, and ameliorating inflammatory status. The differential mechanisms lie in the precise targeting feature of western medicine versus the holistic-regulating and multi-target characteristics of TCM, and the two approaches exert a synergistic effect to enhance efficacy. This paper proposes to leverage the advantages of TCM in holistic regulation and the strengths of western medicine in targeted treatment, so as to provide personalized and comprehensive treatment regimens for FD patients.
2.Microscopic Mechanism of Ulcerative Colitis and New Ideas on Medicine Management Based on Theory of Mutual Interference Between Lucidity and Turbidity
Yuying XU ; Changpu ZHAO ; Lei LUO ; Renwu CHEN ; Zishun LI ; Meiling LI ; Rongzhi LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Guangjie SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):288-299
The chapter Zhouyu in Guoyu says "Qi of the heaven and the earth moves without losing its order." With lucidity ascending and turbidity descending, Qi moves in a normal state, and Yin and Yang consolidate the foundation of the body. The mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity leads to the disorder of Qi movement, thus causing diseases. It is a pathological state of disorder between ascending and descending, as well as between entering and exiting, gradually evolving into a state of turbidity affecting lucidity and transforming into pathogen, which can be used to interpret and analyze the core of disease pathogenesis. The theory of lucidity and turbidity is connected with the harmony of nutrient and defensive aspects, Qi circulation, and sweat pore associating with Qi movement, and it has common implications with immune responses and nutrient metabolism system, intestinal mucosal barrier function, and mitochondrial energy synthesis. Modern studies have shown that intestinal flora imbalance, bile acid receptor inactivation, macrophage polarization imbalance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, ferroptosis and other related microscopic pathological mechanisms are involved in the development and progression of ulcerative colitis. By delving into the common meaning of the classic theory of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical pathological mechanisms, this paper summarizes the correspondence between the micropathological mechanism and the theory of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity in the regulation and mamagement of ulcerative colitis. The combined use of sweet and warm medicinal materials consolidates the middle Qi and activates Qi circulation, thus ascending lucidity and descending turbidity. The combined use of pungent medicinal materials for dispersing and bitter medicinal materials for descending simultaneously raises warm and clear Qi. Wind-extinguishing medicinal materials facilitate the ascending of Qi and the opening of sweat pores. Accordingly, turbidity descends and lucidity ascends. The prescriptions incorporating these medication principles are in agreement with the therapeutic approach of following the normal flow of lucidity and turbidity. This paper clarifies the scientific connotation and micropathologic mechanism of ulcerative colitis from the perspective of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity, providing new theories and prescriptions for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ulcerative colitis.
3.Updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition (Volume Ⅰ)
LI Hao ; SHEN Mingrui ; ZHANG Pang ; ZHAI Weimin ; NI Long ; HAO Bo ; ZHAO Yuxin ; HE Yi ; MA Shuangcheng ; SHU Rong
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):017-022
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia is the legal technical standard which should be followed during the research, production, use, and administration of drugs. At present, the new edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia is planned to be promulgated and implemented. This article summarizes and analyzes the main characteristics and the content of updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition(Volume Ⅰ), to provide a reference for the correct understanding and accurate implementation the new edition of the pharmacopoeia.
4.Ca2+ Release From The Endoplasmic Reticulum Mediates Electric Field Guided Cell Migration of Dictyostelium discoideum
Yi-Fan WANG ; Shu-Qin YUAN ; Run-Chi GAO ; San-Jun ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1252-1263
ObjectiveAs a second messenger in intracellular signal transduction, Ca2+ plays an important role in cell migration. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracellular Ca2+ influx can promote electric field-guided cell migration, known as electrotaxis. However, the effect of intracellular Ca2+ flow on electrotaxis is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effect of Ca2+ flux on the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. MethodsThe electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum was investigated by applying a direct current (DC) electric field. Cell migration was recorded using a real-time imaging system. Calcium channel inhibitors, the extracellular Ca2+ chelator EGTA, Ca2+-free DB buffer, and caffeine were applied to investigate the impact of intra- and extracellular Ca2+ flow on electrotaxis. The involvement of G proteins and ERK2 in directed cell migration mediated by endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release was explored using mutants. ResultsDictyostelium discoideum migrated toward the cathode in the electric field in a voltage-dependent manner. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration of the cells was significantly increased in the electric field. Inhibition of both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release suppressed cell electrotaxis migration. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release induced by caffeine significantly impaired the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. Deletion of Gα2, Gβ, Gγ, and Erk2 notably reduced the electrotaxis of the cells. Enhancing Ca2+ release mediated by caffeine restored the electrotaxis of the Gα2-, Gβ -, and Erk2- mutant cells partially or completely, but did not restore electrotaxis in the Gγ- mutant cells. ConclusionCa2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum regulates electrotaxis migration in Dictyostelium discoideum and is involved in the regulation of cell electrotaxis by G proteins and ERK2.
5.Effect and mechanisms of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on aging spleen in elderly tree shrews
Li YE ; Chuan TIAN ; Xiaojuan ZHAO ; Mengdie CHEN ; Qianqian YE ; Qiang LI ; Zhuyin LIAO ; Ye LI ; Xiangqing ZHU ; Guangping RUAN ; Zhixu HE ; Liping SHU ; Xinghua PAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4000-4010
BACKGROUND:Spleen has the functions of blood storage,hematopoiesis,and immunity.With the increase of age,the structural degeneration and functional decline of spleen lead to the impairment of immune system function,thus accelerating the aging process of the body.The treatment of spleen aging in tree shrews with highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells has not been reported. OBJECTIVE:To explore the intervention effect and mechanism of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on spleen aging in tree shrews. METHODS:Highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were isolated,cultured,and obtained from the umbilical cord tissue of newborn tree shrews by caesarean section.The differentiation abilities of adipogenesis,osteogenesis,and chondrogenesis were detected by three-line differentiation kit.Cell cycle and surface markers were detected by flow cytometry.The second generation of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were transfected with Genechem Green Fluorescent Protein with infection complex values of 100,120,140,160,180,and 200,respectively,to screen the best transfection conditions.After transfection,the fourth generation of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was injected into the tail vein of tree shrews in the elderly treatment group.The young control group and the aged model group were not given special treatment.After 4 months of treatment,the spleen tissue was taken and the structure of the spleen was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.β-Galactosidase staining was used to detect the activity of aging-related galactosidase.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression levels of p21 and p53 proteins.Ki67 and PCNA immunofluorescence staining was used to detect cell proliferation activity.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression levels of spleen autophagy protein molecules Beclin 1 and APG5L/ATG5.Reactive oxygen species fluorescence staining was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species in spleen tissue.CD3 immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the change of the proportion of total T lymphocytes.The secretion levels of interleukin 1β and transforming growth factor β1 in spleen were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The distribution of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells labeled with green fluorescent protein in spleen tissue was observed by DAPI double staining of nucleus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells grew in a short spindle shape with fish-like growth,with a large proportion of G0/G1 phase,and had the potential to differentiate into adipogenesis,osteogenesis,and chondrogenesis.(2)Multiplicity of infection=140 and transfection for 72 hours were the best conditions for labeling tree shrews highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with Genechem Green Fluorescent Protein.(3)Compared with the aged model group,in the aged treatment group,the spleen tissue cells of tree shrews were arranged closely,and the area of white pulp was increased(P<0.01);the boundary between red pulp and white pulp was clear;the proportion of germinal centers did not show statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The activity level of galactosidase related to spleen tissue aging was decreased(P<0.001),and the expression levels of aging protein molecules p21 and p53 were down-regulated(P<0.001).The expression levels of proliferation-related molecules Ki67 and PCNA were up-regulated(P<0.001,P<0.05);expression levels of autophagy-related molecules Beclin 1 and APG5L/ATG5 were up-regulated(P<0.001),and the content of reactive oxygen species decreased(P<0.001),and the proportion of CD3+T cells increased(P<0.05).The secretion level of interleukin 1β in the aging-related secretion phenotype decreased(P<0.001);no significant difference was found in transforming growth factor β1 level(P>0.05).Compared with the young control group,the above indexes were significantly different in the elderly treatment group(P<0.05).(4)Green fluorescent cells labeled with green fluorescent protein were observed in spleen tissue of tree shrews the elderly treatment group by frozen tissue section observation.The results show that intravenous infusion of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can migrate to spleen tissue,inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species,down-regulate the expression of aging-related proteins,induce autophagy,promote cell proliferation,reduce chronic inflammation,and then improve the structure and function of spleen tissue.
6.Investigation of Component Difference of Astragali Radix Before and After Rice Stir-frying by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Combined with Chemometrics
Miaoshi YAO ; Yimeng ZHAO ; Zekun WANG ; Minglu LI ; Chenxi LIU ; Chen CHEN ; Yajun CHEN ; Yachun SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):189-197
ObjectiveA qualitative analysis method was established for the composition of Astragali Radix(AR) before and after rice stir-frying. On the basis of systematic characterization of the chemical compositions in AR and stir-fried AR with rice(ARR), the structures of their major compounds were deduced and identified, and the differential compositions between them were analyzed. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to detect the samples of AR and ARR in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. The compounds were analyzed and identified through self-constructed databases, literature, and reference standards, etc. And the data were analyzed by chemometrics, in order to screen for the differential components between AR and ARR. ResultsA total of 123 compounds were identified in AR and ARR, including 41 flavonoids, 19 terpenoids, 26 organic acids, 8 amino acids, 5 nucleotides, 5 carbohydrates and 19 other compounds. Among them, there were 95 common components in both, 18 unique components in AR, and 10 unique components in ARR. Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) results both showed that there were significant differences in the chemical constituents of AR before and after rice stir-frying, and a total of 26 constituents with differences in the content were screened out, including L-canavanine, L-pyroglutamic acid, L-phenylalanine, cis-caffeic acid, and malonylastragaloside Ⅰ. Among them, 19 constituents of ARR were down-regulated and 7 constituents were up-regulated by comparing with AR. ConclusionThis study clarifies that the chemical composition of AR and ARR is mainly composed of flavonoids, terpenoids, and organic acids, and analyzes the components with significant differences in content between the two in combination with chemometrics, and the differential components are dominated by amino acids, organic acids and terpenoids, which can provide reference for the subsequent quality control and material basis research.
7.Microscopic Mechanism of Chronic Liver Disease and Novel Thinking of Medicine Management Based on Theory of "Yang Transforming Qi While Yin Constituting Form-sweat Pore"
Yuying XU ; Changpu ZHAO ; Rongzhi LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Fei WANG ; Chenyuan HAO ; Guangjie SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):244-255
The theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form" in the Huangdi's Internal Classic is derived from the application, transformation, movement, and balance of Tao. It is highly condensed, revealing the true meaning of Tao and guiding the changes and progress of all natural things, including diseases. Therefore, the appearance of various physical diseases is the manifestation of Yin-Yang Qi transformation. Sweat pore, formed by the Qi transformation of Yin and Yang, is the nourishing and regulating system. It serves as the hub and channel, assisting in the flow and transformation of Qi, facilitating the exchange of material, energy, and information with the outside world. With sweat pore as the hub and based on the macro-control and holistic thinking of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form", this paper explores the microscopic mechanisms underlying chronic liver disease. In combination with the roles of mitochondria, exosomes, and the ultraliver sieve structure in the formation and progression of chronic liver disease, this paper elucidates the close internal relationship between the disease's initial quality, symptom signs, and its physiological and pathological functions under the guidance of this theory. Modern studies have shown that autophagy, intestinal flora disorders, glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances, activation of inflammatory factors, ferroptosis, and other microscopic pathological mechanisms are involved in the occurrence and development of chronic liver disease. The common connotation of the Yin-Yang concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the pathological mechanisms in modern medicine is deeply analyzed. The corresponding relevant microscopic mechanisms and the guiding role of the theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form-sweat pore" in the management of chronic liver disease are summarized. Wind medicine promotes growth and transformation through sweat pore. The combination of pungent and sweet medicines facilitates Yang and disperse Yin. The formulas, combining the characteristics of wind medicine and pungent and sweet medicines, fit the principle of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form-sweat pore". This paper combines both macro and micro perspectives to explain the scientific connotation and microscopic mechanisms of chronic liver disease based on the theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form-sweat pore", and explore the prevention and treatment of chronic liver disease through the principles, methods, prescriptions, and medicines featured by combination of pungent and sweet medicines, facilitating Yang, activating sweat pore, and dispersing Yin, providing new ideas and reference for the clinical treatment of chronic liver disease.
8.Study on quality evaluation of Mongolian medicine Sanzi powder:fingerprint,chemical pattern recognition and multi-component quantification analysis
Jun LI ; Rongjie LI ; Fengye ZHOU ; Qian ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Bohan ZHANG ; Shu WANG ; Xitong ZHAO ; Jianping CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):414-420
OBJECTIVE To establish fingerprint, chemical pattern recognition and multi-component quantification analysis of Sanzi powder, and evaluate its quality. METHODS HPLC method was adopted. The fingerprints of 15 batches of Sanzi powder were established by using the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012 edition). Cluster analysis, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis were also conducted. The variable importance in projection (VIP) value greater than 1 was used as the index to screen the differential markers, and the contents of the differential markers were determined by the same HPLC method. RESULTS A total of 21 common peaks in the HPLC fingerprints of 15 batches of Sanzi powder were calibrated, and the similarities of them were 0.994- 0.999; 6 common peaks were identified, including gallic acid (peak 3), garminoside (peak 10), corilagin (peak 11), chebulinic acid (peak 16), ellagic acid (peak 18), crocin Ⅰ (peak 19). According to the results of cluster analysis, YKD2024LH005,No.YKD2023LH062) principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis, 15 batches of samples could be clustered into two categories: S1, S5, S7, S9, S14 were clustered into one category; S2-S4, S6, S8, S10-S13, S15 were clustered into one category. VIP values of 11 differential components such as corilagin, chebulinic acid and ellagic acid were higher than 1. Among 15 batches of samples, the contents of corilagin, chebulinic acid and ellagic acid ranged 2.667-5.152, 9.506- 13.522, 0.891-1.811 mg/g. CONCLUSIONS Established HPLC fingerprint and multi-component quantification analysis of Sanzi powder are rapid and simple, and can be used for quality evaluation of Sanzi powder by combining with chemical pattern recognition. Eleven components such as corilagin, chebulinic acid and ellagic acid are differential markers affecting the quality of Sanzi powder.
9.Saikosaponin A affects differentiation and function of M1/M2 macrophages by regulating NF-κB and STAT6 signaling pathways
Zhao CUI ; Yating SHU ; Fan LEI ; Meiyu PENG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(18):2197-2210
Objective To investigate the effect of Saikosaponin A(SSA)on the differentiation,apoptosis and function of mouse bone marrow derived macrophages(BMDM)-derived M1/M2 macrophages,and to explore its molecular mechanism.Methods BMDM was induced to differentiate into M1/M2 macrophages in vitro,and SSA was added at the same time:CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of BMDM and M1/M2 macrophages.The morphology of M1/M2 macrophages was observed by inverted fluorescence microscopy.Flow cytometry(FCM)and ELISA were used to detect the levels of surface markers and cytokines in M1/M2 macrophages.Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(qPCR)was used to detect the mRNA levels of IL-6,TNF-α and arginase-1(Arg-1).FCM was used to detect the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages to fluorescent microsphere particles.Immunofluorescence(IF)assay and Western blotting were used to detect the molecular mechanism of SSA regulating M1/M2 macrophages.Results No significant effect on viability of M1/M2 macrophages was observed at SSA concentration of 10.0 mg/L,and obvious inhibition was seen at a concentration of 15.0 mg/L(P<0.01).Treatment of 10.0 mg/L SSA induced obvious morphologic changes in M1/M2 macrophages,with M1 macrophages in irregular shape,a few having pseudopods,and some showing unclear boundaries;while some M2 macrophages presenting round or irregular(P<0.001)with unclear boundaries.SSA treatment also resulted in significantly decreased proportion of M1/M2 macrophages after BMDM differentiation(P<0.05),with reduced contents of IL-6 and TNF-α secreted by M1 macrophages and their mRNA levels(P<0.05),but increased secretion of Arg-1 and mRNA levels by M2 macrophages(P<0.05).SSA treatment also inhibited the phagocytosis ability of peritoneal macrophages to fluorescent microsphere particles(P<0.01)in a concentration-dependent manner.SSA decreased the phosphorylation of NF-kappaB(p-NF-κB)(P<0.01)and enhanced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(p-STAT6)in M2 macrophages(P<0.05).Conclusion SSA may affect the differentiation and function of M1/M2 macrophages by regulating NF-κB and STAT6 signaling pathways.
10.Construction of Artificial Cells with the Ability to Secrete and Receive Quorum Sensing Signals and Study on Their Signal Transduction
Hang DU ; Jing-Jing ZHAO ; Shu-Bin LI ; Xiao-Jun HAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):681-688
The bottom-up construction of artificial cells to mimic signal transduction is of great significance for a deep understanding of the communication networks of complex living systems.The dynamic coupling of signal secretion and response among artificial cells poses an important challenge.In this work,two types of artificial cells were constructed through a bio-artificial hybrid strategy.One was an artificial cell as an AI-2 signal sender(sender),which contained bacteria capable of autonomously synthesizing AI-2 signaling molecules.The other was an artificial cell as an AI-2 signal receiver(receiver),which contained bacteria expressing green fluorescent protein in response to the corresponding AI-2 signal.When the ratio of senders to receivers was 4∶1,the fluorescent signal of the receivers gradually increased over time and reached a plateau at 240 minutes.The artificial cells capable of sending and receiving quorum sensing signaling molecules constructed in this work laid a foundation for the study of complex signal communication within artificial cell populations.

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