1.Collection, storage and utilization of lung transplant tissue samples
Yixing LI ; Xue SHI ; Hongyi WANG ; Runyi TAO ; Ye SUN ; Ailing SU ; Liyan TONG ; Jinteng FENG ; Yanpeng ZHANG ; Shuo LI ; Yawen WANG ; Guangjian ZHANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):147-155
After continuous development and improvement, lung transplantation has become the preferred means to treat a variety of benign end-stage lung diseases. However, the field of lung transplantation still faces many challenges, including shortage of donor resources, preservation and maintenance of donor lungs, and postoperative complications. Lung tissue samples removed after lung transplantation are excellent clinical resources for the study of benign end-stage lung disease and perioperative complications of lung transplantation. However, at present, the collection, storage and utilization of tissue samples after lung transplantation are limited to a single study, and unified technical specifications have not been formed. Based on the construction plan of the biobank for lung transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, this study reviewed the practical experience in the collection, storage and utilization of lung transplant tissue samples in the aspects of ethical review, staffing, collection process, storage method, quality control and efficient utilization, in order to provide references for lung transplant related research.
2.Varieties and Prescription Characteristics of Chinese Patent Medicines for Stroke in China
Jingdan ZHANG ; Wanping SUN ; Xiaoxia LIN ; Shuo ZHANG ; Xue ZHANG ; Jiahui YAO ; Yiming LIU ; Ming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):270-274
ObjectiveTo explore the listed varieties and prescription characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for stroke in China, explore the medication rules of Chinese medicine for stroke, and provide guidance for further clinical research and development of Chinese patent medicines. MethodsExcel 2021 and the Ancient and Modern Medical Record Cloud Platform (V2.3.5) were used to systematically mine and analyze the varieties and prescriptions of Chinese patent medicines for stroke in China. ResultsA total of 244 Chinese patent medicines (two for different dosage forms of the same prescription), 1 736 approval documents for Chinese patent medicines, 792 manufacturers, and 83 varieties of protected Chinese patent medicines were finally included in the database. The top three dosage forms were capsules (75), pills (53), and tablets (42). There were 28 Chinese patent medicines for stroke in the National Essential Drug Catalogue (2018), 129 in the National Essential Medical Insurance, Industrial Injury Insurance and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue (2023), and 4 in the National Non-prescription Drug Catalogue. Among the 138 prescriptions screened out, Chinese patent medicines mainly treated stroke patients with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis. The top three most frequent medicinal herbs were Chuanxiong Rhizoma (63), Pheretima (47), and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (47). The medicinal herbs used were mainly warm, pungent, with the meridian tropism to the liver meridian. The correlation analysis showed that the herb pair with the highest support was Astragali Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and that with the highest confidence was Carthami Flos-Chuanxiong Rhizoma. Five herb combinations were identified based on the cluster analysis. ConclusionThe Chinese patent medicines for stroke mainly treat patients with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis. The medicinal herbs used in the prescriptions mainly have the functions of activating blood and resolving stasis, extinguishing wind and stopping convulsions. Drug compatibility usually focuses on activating blood and resolving stasis, as well as expelling phlegm and opening orifices. This review of the varieties and prescription characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for stroke helps optimize clinical decision-making, guide drug research and development, promote medical research and scientific progress, and provide more effective support and guarantee for the treatment of stroke patients.
3.Fu′s academic thoughts of promoting conception based on the "qi cycle in round" theory
Yan LIU ; Haoxian WANG ; Xiangyu LI ; Shuo SUN ; Jiuxian LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):336-342
FU Qingzhu Nyuke·Zhongzi is a concentrated manifestation of Fu′s academic thoughts of promoting conception (Zhongzi), which affects the treatment of infertility in later generations. However, the Zhongzi chapter is named after "symptoms" and is not divided into chapters according to "syndromes, "limiting the clinical application of Fu′s thoughts of Zhongzi. The "qi circle in round" theory is the crystallization of HUANG Yuanyu′s academic thinking, advocating for qi transformation, emphasizing middle qi, and considering the four phenomena. This theory highlights the role of middle qi in the rise, fall, and circulation of disease development. The "qi cycle in round" theory, a comprehensive view of Fu′s Zhongzi chapter, reveals that FU Qingzhu emphasizes the transformation of visceral qi in diagnosing and treating infertility, focusing on the spleen, liver, and kidneys. His prescription aims to restore the overall qi mechanism of the body, highlighting the circulation of middle earth and the dredging of meridians, aligning perfectly with the theory of the "qi cycle in round." Therefore, this article argues from the perspective of the "qi cycle in round, "deconstructing the pathogenesis of Fu′s infertility based on the dereliction of spleen earth, stagnation of liver wood, and kidney yin and yang deficiency. It reorganizes Fu′s formula system of Zhongzi by mediating middle earth, soothing liver depression, and regulating kidney function, summarizing the characteristics of Fu′s thoughts of Zhongzi with the aid of qi around the waist and navel, simultaneous treatment of conqenital and acquired essence, and restriction and generation of five phases. Based on the "qi cycle in round" theory, this study explores Fu′s academic thoughts of Zhongzi to strengthen the organic integration of Fu′s academic thoughts of Zhongzi with the theory of "qi cycle in round, "providing new perspectives for the study and inheritance of Fu′s academic thoughts of Zhongzi.
4.Discussion on integrating the red doctor spirit into the ideological and political education of medical students
Guanpeng SONG ; Yanbin SUN ; Shuo ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(7):903-908
The red doctor spirit, as an essential component of the Chinese Communist Party’s red health culture, is deeply rooted in the historical fertile soil of revolutionary practice. It serves as a crucial spiritual force driving the development of China’s healthcare undertakings and the reform of medical education. Anchored in firm political belief and a noble professional mission, it follows a dual path of constructing medical ethics and promoting humanistic care, thereby laying a solid cultural foundation for the modern medical education system in China. Integrating the spirit of red medicine into the ideological and political education system for medical students helps guide them in strengthening their ideals and beliefs, fulfilling their professional mission of healing the wounded and rescuing the dying, cultivating a rigorous and pragmatic work style, and establishing a professional spirit of pursuing excellence. Through the dual advancement of ideological guidance and practical instruction, the professional sense of responsibility among medical students can be further enhanced, providing sustained spiritual momentum for the cultivation of medical talents in the new era and the implementation of the “healthy China” strategy.
5.The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region for Locomotion Control
Xing-Chen GUO ; Yan XIE ; Xin-Shuo WEI ; Wen-Fen LI ; Ying-Yu SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1804-1816
Locomotion, a fundamental motor function encompassing various forms such as swimming, walking, running, and flying, is essential for animal survival and adaptation. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), located at the midbrain-hindbrain junction, is a conserved brain area critical for controlling locomotion. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the MLR’s structure and function across species, from lampreys to mammals and birds, with a particular focus on insights gained from optogenetic studies in mammals. The goal is to uncover universal strategies for MLR-mediated locomotor control. Electrical stimulation of the MLR in species such as lampreys, salamanders, cats, and mice initiates locomotion and modulates speed and patterns. For example, in lampreys, MLR stimulation induces swimming, with increased intensity or frequency enhancing propulsive force. Similarly, in salamanders, graded stimulation transitions locomotor outputs from walking to swimming. Histochemical studies reveal that effective MLR stimulation sites colocalize with cholinergic neurons, suggesting a conserved neurochemical basis for locomotion control. In mammals, the MLR comprises two key nuclei: the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) and the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). Both nuclei contain glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, with the PPN additionally housing cholinergic neurons. Optogenetic studies in mice by selectively activating glutamatergic neurons have demonstrated that the CnF and PPN play distinct roles in motor control: the CnF drives rapid escape behaviors, while the PPN regulates slower, exploratory movements. This functional specialization within the MLR allows animals to adapt their locomotion patterns and speed in response to environmental demands and behavioral objectives. Similar to findings in lampreys, the CnF and PPN in mice transmit motor commands to spinal effector circuits by modulating the activity of brainstem reticular formation neurons. However, they achieve this through distinct reticulospinal pathways, enabling the generation of specific behaviors. Further insights from monosynaptic rabies viral tracing reveal that the CnF and PPN integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to produce context-appropriate behaviors. For instance, glutamatergic neurons in the PPN receive signals from other midbrain structures, the basal ganglia, and medullary nuclei, whereas glutamatergic neurons in the CnF rarely receive inputs from the basal ganglia but instead are strongly influenced by the periaqueductal grey and inferior colliculus within the midbrain. These differential connectivity patterns underscore the specialized roles of the CnF and PPN in motor control, highlighting their unique contributions to coordinating locomotion. Birds exhibit exceptional flight capabilities, yet the avian MLR remains poorly understood. Comparative studies suggest that the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) in birds is homologous to the mammalian PPN, which contains cholinergic neurons, while the intercollicular nucleus (ICo) or nucleus isthmi pars magnocellularis (ImC) may correspond to the CnF. These findings provide important clues for identifying the avian MLR and elucidating its role in flight control. However, functional validation through targeted experiments is urgently needed to confirm these hypotheses. Optogenetics and other advanced techniques in mice have greatly advanced MLR research, enabling precise manipulation of specific neuronal populations. Future studies should extend these methods to other species, particularly birds, to explore unique locomotor adaptations. Comparative analyses of MLR structure and function across species will deepen our understanding of the conserved and evolved features of motor control, revealing fundamental principles of locomotion regulation throughout evolution. By integrating findings from diverse species, we can uncover how the MLR has been adapted to meet the locomotor demands of different environments, from aquatic to aerial habitats.
6.Mechanism of Cuscutae Semen-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in Regulating IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Pathway to Treat Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Based on Network Pharmacology and Cell Experiment Validation
Haoxian WANG ; Jiuxian LI ; Yan LIU ; Shuo SUN ; Xiangyu LI ; Ke ZHANG ; Yuyu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):22-30
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of action of Cuscutae Semen-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cell experiment verification. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and UniPort databases were used to screen and organize the active ingredients and corresponding targets of Cuscutae Semen-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The potential therapeutic targets of RSA were screened in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), GeneCards database, DrugBank database, DisGeNET database, and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The potential core targets of Cuscutae Semen-Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for treating RSA were further screened by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and topological analysis. Meanwhile, the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was chosen to perform enrichment analysis on intersection targets. On this basis, AutoDock software was used for molecular docking, and the data were imported into PyMOL software for visualization and composition. Finally, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) experiment, Transwell cell invasion assay, and Western blot were used to detect the effects of serum containing Cuscutae Semen-Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on HTR-8/SVneo cells and observe the effects on the interleukin (IL)-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) signaling pathway and related proteins. ResultsThrough network pharmacology analysis, a total of 69 active ingredients, 73 potential therapeutic targets, and 17 core targets, including IL-6, IL-10, and STAT3, were collected. The 73 common targets were enriched in 614 Gene Ontology (GO) entries and 57 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways. The molecular docking results indicated that IL-6 and STAT3 had good binding ability with the main active ingredients, including matrine, cryptotanshinone, and tanshinone ⅡA. The cell experiment results showed that, compared with those of the control group, after 24 hours of treatment with the drug-containing serum, the survival and invasion rates of HTR-8/SVneo cells were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the expression of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and related proteins IL-10 and c-Myc was significantly elevated (P<0.05). Moreover, the trend of action in the drug-containing serum group was consistent with that of pathway agonists. ConclusionCuscutae Semen-Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma may enhance the survival rate and invasive activity of HTR-8/SVneo cells to further prevent and treat RSA by activating the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and upregulating the expression of downstream factors IL-10 and c-Myc in the pathway.
7.Kidney-tonifying and Blood-activating Prescription Regulates Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway to Improve Uterine Spiral Artery Remodeling in Mouse Model of Recurrent Miscarriage
Jiuxian LI ; Yunan LIU ; Shuo SUN ; Jianhua SUN ; Xiangyu LI ; Ping CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):37-44
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating prescription on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and uterine spiral artery remodeling in a mouse model of recurrent miscarriage and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodA mouse model of normal pregnancy was established by mating CBA/J mice with BALB/c mice. A mouse model of recurrent miscarriage was established by mating CBA/J mice with DBA/2 mice. The modeled mice of recurrent miscarriage were randomized into model, dydrogesterone, and low- and high-dose Chinese medicine groups. The mice in normal pregnancy were used as the control group. Each group consisted of 10 mice, and the drug administration lasted for 14 days. After the treatment, the embryo absorption rate of each group was recorded. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe the pathological morphology of the uterine decidua, and the physiological transformation rate of spiral arteries (SPA) was evaluated. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were performed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. ResultCompared with the control group, the model group presented increased embryo absorption rate (P<0.05), decreased physiological transformation rate of uterine SPA (P<0.05), cellular swelling, degeneration, and disordered arrangement in the uterine decidua tissue, and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of key factors involved in SPA remodeling (MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF) and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (Wnt2, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, c-Myc) (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both the low- and high-dose Chinese medicine reduced embryo absorption rate (P<0.05), increased SPA physiological transformation rate (P<0.05), improved uterine decidua tissue morphology, and increased decidua vessel count. Furthermore, they up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, and proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionRecurrent miscarriage is associated with impaired uterine spiral artery remodeling. The kidney-tonifying and blood-activating prescription can promote uterine spiral artery remodeling by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and promoting the expression of VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9, thus treating recurrent miscarriage.
8.Research status of H2S-miRNA crosstalk in neurological diseases
Shuo CAO ; Yun-Jia SONG ; Qing ZHONG ; Rong ZHANG ; Xu-Tao SUN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1684-1688
Hydrogen sulfide(H2S)is an emerging endogenous neuromodulator that holds significant potential in the realm of neurological diseases.Its role encompasses reducing neuronal damage,inhibiting excessive activation of striatal astrocytes,and regulating cerebrovascular function,among other physiopathological pathways.Conversely,microRNAs(miRNAs)are widely recognized as pivotal regulators of neurological diseases.They primarily target the 3'untranslated region of the target gene mRNA,impeding mRNA translation and hindering its expression to impart neuroprotective effects.Recent findings have underscored the crucial involvement of H2S and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease,stroke,and spinal cord diseases,thereby garnering significant attention.This paper comprehensively summarizes the protective effects arising from the interplay between H2S and miRNAs in neurological diseases,while also delving into the potential therapeutic efficacy they hold for such conditions.
9.Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii Multiglycoside in Mouse Models of Psoriasis Keratinocytes.
Shuo ZHANG ; Hong-Jin LI ; Chun-Mei YANG ; Liu LIU ; Xiao-Ying SUN ; Jiao WANG ; Si-Ting CHEN ; Yi LU ; Man-Qi HU ; Ge YAN ; Ya-Qiong ZHOU ; Xiao MIAO ; Xin LI ; Bin LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(3):222-229
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the role of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TGW) in the treatment of psoriatic dermatitis from a cellular immunological perspective.
METHODS:
Mouse models of psoriatic dermatitis were established by imiquimod (IMQ). Twelve male BALB/c mice were assigned to IMQ or IMQ+TGW groups according to a random number table. Histopathological changes in vivo were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ratios of immune cells and cytokines in mice, as well as PAM212 cell proliferation in vitro were assessed by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS:
TGW significantly ameliorated the severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse skin lesions and restrained the activation of CD45+ cells, neutrophils and T lymphocytes (all P<0.01). Moreover, TGW significantly attenuated keratinocytes (KCs) proliferation and downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor α, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, it reduced the number of γ δ T17 cells in skin lesion of mice and draining lymph nodes (P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
TGW improved psoriasis-like inflammation by inhibiting KCs proliferation, as well as the associated immune cells and cytokine expression. It inhibited IL-17 secretion from γ δ T cells, which improved the immune-inflammatory microenvironment of psoriasis.
Male
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Tripterygium
;
Psoriasis/drug therapy*
;
Keratinocytes
;
Skin Diseases/metabolism*
;
Cytokines/metabolism*
;
Imiquimod/metabolism*
;
Dermatitis/pathology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Skin/metabolism*
10.Impact of Hypoxia Microenvironment on Breast Cancer and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xinnan WANG ; Wenxiu HU ; Shuo SUN ; Wenjie ZHANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Youzhi SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):232-241
The tumor microenvironment includes blood vessels, lymph, nerves, non-malignant cells, and their metabolites at and near the tumor lesion site, which interact with cancer cells and promote cancer progression. Rapid proliferation of cancer cells increases oxygen consumption, or abnormalities in the structure and function of blood vessels in solid tumors lead to a decrease in oxygen supply, forming a hypoxia microenvironment. The existence of a hypoxia microenvironment is a typical pathophysiological feature of locally advanced solid tumors, widely present in various types of human malignant tumors. Hypoxia microenvironment is a sign of tumor microenvironment and an important and complex system in the breast tumor microenvironment. Its formation and development are closely related to the growth of breast cancer, occupying an important position in the research and treatment of breast cancer. With its advantages of multiple pathways and multiple targets, the effective monomer and compound of traditional Chinese medicine can better regulate the hypoxia microenvironment of breast cancer, inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of breast cancer cells in the hypoxia environment, induce apoptosis, reverse their drug resistance, intervene in the metabolic reprogramming of breast cancer cells in the hypoxia environment, and inhibit their angiogenesis, thereby improving the quality of life of patients to a certain extent and prolonging the survival cycle of patients. This paper first summarized and discussed the effects of hypoxia microenvironment on proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, immune function, metabolic reprogramming, non-coding RNA, iron death, and autophagy of breast cancer cells, which affected the occurrence and development of breast cancer, and it elaborated the mechanism behind it. Then, the paper elucidated the regulatory effect and mechanism of targeting the hypoxia microenvironment based on the two modes of effective monomer and compound of traditional Chinese medicine, so as to analyze and extract the deficiencies and directions of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating the hypoxia microenvironment and provide a theoretical reference for the effective treatment of breast cancer.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail