1.Discussion on Theory of "Gaozhuo" and Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Microcirculatory Disorders in Diabetic Retinopathy
Kai WU ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qianhong LIU ; Fangfang LI ; Rong YU ; Xiaolei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):245-252
Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo, while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR, encompassing two stages: Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis, thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo", microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction, deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically, treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, resolving turbidity, and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies, such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang, modified Buyang Huanwutang, modified Danggui Buxuetang, Zhuixue Mingmu decoction, Tangmuqing, Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription, Danhong Huayu decoction, and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.
2.Clinical Efficacy of Qi-regulating and Phlegm-removing Method(Liu Junzitang Combined with Linggang Wuwei Jiangxintang) in Treating AECOPD with Increased EOS
Renjie HUANG ; Wangqin YU ; Wuyinuo TANG ; Hong SONG ; Lyuyuan HE ; Wenbo LIN ; Guanyi WU ; Hang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):149-156
ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of the Qi-regulating and phlegm-removing method(Liu Junzitang Combined with Linggang Wuwei Jiangxintang) for treating acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with increased eosinophils (EOS). MethodsSixty-eight AECOPD patients with increased EOS who were hospitalized in the Department of Pulmonary Diseases of Jinhua Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from April 2023 to April 2024 were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Both groups received conventional Western medicine, with the EG additionally receiving Liujunzitang and Linggan Wuwei Jiangxintang. The therapeutic efficacy indicators were measured after the treatment. The main therapeutic efficacy indicators included partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The secondary efficacy indicators included the TCM symptom scores, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale score, and the length of hospital stay. The indicators were measured at baseline and on days 3 and 7 of intervention. The safety was evaluated based on the adverse events. ResultsBaseline characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups. Compared with CG, EG showed no significant difference in PaO2 (P=0.773), PaCO2 (P=0.632) and or CAT score (P=0.336) at on day 3 but better PaO2 (P=0.004), PaCO2 (P=0.008), and CAT score (P=0.013) were significantly better at on day 7. Compared with CGAfter treatment, EG had lower TCM syndrome scores of than CG EG on day 3 (P=0.005) and day 7 were significantly decreased (P0.001). There was no significant difference in mMRC score between the two groups on day 3 (P=0.514) and day 7 (P=0.176) as wasor the length of hospital stay (P=0.915). The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) showed that compared with CG, EG had significant improvements over time in PaO2, PaCO2, TCM syndrome symptom scores, CAT score, and mMRC score. ConclusionRegulating qi Qi and removing phlegm combined with conventional Western medicine can significantly alleviateimprove the clinical symptoms and improve the lung function of AECOPD patients with increased EOS increased AECOPDwhich has and demonstrates good safety.
3.Analysis of Toxicity Characteristics and Rational Drug Use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix
Qiongyi FU ; Yupu QI ; Yu HUAN ; Yagang SONG ; Xiangxiang WU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):222-231
ObjectivePolygoni Multiflori Radix is a commonly used tonic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in clinical practice, but liver injury has often been reported in recent years. Some related preparations containing Polygoni Multiflori Radix have been reported by the National Medical Products Administration many times for the risk of liver injury. This has caused extensive discussion on the potential toxicity of TCM in China and abroad, which has limited the clinical use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix to some extent. To understand the adverse reactions of Polygoni Multiflori Radix, the safe and rational use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix in clinical practice was discussed. MethodsThe pharmacovigilance thought of modern Chinese medicine and the TCM pharmacovigilance system framework of ''identification of poison, use of poison, anti-poison, and detoxification'' were employed to mine the relevant toxicity records, usage and dosage, processing compatibility, and contraindication of taking Polygoni Multiflori Radix in ancient books. The drug safety information of Polygoni Multiflori Radix was summarized by comparing with modern reports. ResultsA total of 74 ancient books related to Polygoni Multiflori Radix were included, suggesting that the toxicity of Polygoni Multiflori Radix was recognized in ancient times. The main chemical components of Polygoni Multiflori Radix had both efficacy and toxicity, and the adverse reactions may be related to long-term use, excessive use, and individual differences. The results showed that the toxic components of Polygoni Multiflori Radix could be reduced by peeling, steaming with black beans, and processing without iron tools. The toxic effects of Polygoni Multiflori Radix could be reduced by the compatibility of Polygoni Multiflori Radix with Poria, Psoraleae Fructus, and Cistanches Herba. ConclusionReasonable dosage, standard processing, correct compatibility, and syndrome differentiation are the key points to standardize the use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions. Clinically, the toxicity classification of TCM should be strengthened, and the susceptible population should be prioritized. The detection indicators and early warning mechanisms should be improved, and precise drug dosage and course of treatment should be guaranteed. These measures can ensure the safe use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix.
4.Inhibition of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Mechanism in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Rats by Banxia Xiexintang via Regulating IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ Signaling Pathway
Wenyu WU ; Xinyu ZENG ; Hao LI ; Weiqi SUN ; Jiahui REN ; Yang YU ; Tingting ZHOU ; Aili XU ; Wei WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):1-10
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the action mechanism by which Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats by regulating the interleukin-17(IL-17)/extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ)signaling pathway, thereby providing new theoretical evidence for the treatment of CAG with classic traditional Chinese medicine formulas. MethodsA CAG rat model was established by using the combined factor method. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.549, 1.098, 2.196 g·kg-1, respectively) of BXT, and the positive drug group (vitacoenzyme, 0.3 g·kg-1). A normal control group was also set up. After 8 weeks of intervention, the pathological changes of gastric tissue were evaluated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and C/EBPβ in serum, as well as the contents of EMT markers in gastric mucosal tissue including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. The immunohistochemistry method was employed to determine the localization and protein expression levels of IL-17, p-ERK, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and its phosphorylated form (p)-ERK in gastric mucosa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of ERK, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosa. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, the rats in the model group showed gastric mucosal glandular atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein and their related mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased, while the content of E-cadherin was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with different doses of BXT, the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa was improved to varying degrees. The protein and mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBP β in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosa tissue were decreased, while the content of E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBXT can effectively improve the pathological damage of gastric mucosal tissue in CAG rats. Its action mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum, regulating the IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ signaling pathway and inhibiting the EMT process.
5.Exploration of Mechanism of Gegen Qinliantang in Improving Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance Based on Transcriptomics
Weinan LIU ; Jiaxiang YU ; Hanwen ZHANG ; Jiayi JING ; Jinning TONG ; Wenshun ZHANG ; Yi WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):29-40
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Gegen Qinliantang(GQT) improves skeletal muscle insulin resistance. MethodsThe db/m mice were used as the normal group, while db/db mice were assigned to a model group, low-dose (3.12 g·kg-1), medium-dose (6.24 g·kg-1), and high-dose (12.48 g·kg-1) GQT groups, and a Western medicine group (semaglutide, 0.045 mg·kg-1),n=6 in each group. All groups received corresponding interventions. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate insulin resistance and therapeutic efficacy. Serum lipid levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer, and apoptosis in skeletal muscle was assessed via TUNEL assay. Transcriptome sequencing combined with gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to validate gene expression. Molecular docking was applied to evaluate the binding patterns between active components of GQT and key regulatory genes to elucidate pharmacological mechanisms. ResultsCompared with the model group, the medium-dose and high-dose GQT groups showed significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels (P<0.01). Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were markedly decreased (P<0.01), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased (P<0.01). IPGTT, IPITT, and HE staining demonstrated that GQT enhanced insulin sensitivity and restored skeletal muscle morphology. GQT also alleviated apoptosis in skeletal muscle tissue. Transcriptome analysis revealed that GQT primarily affected biological processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, metabolic pathways, cellular processes, and protein binding. Real-time PCR results showed that CBR2, CDK6, F830016B08Rik, IL-1β, Rab27b, and COLEC12 were key regulatory genes. Molecular docking demonstrated that CBR2, IL-1β, Rab27b, and COLEC12 formed stable binding with the main active components of GQT. The therapeutic effects of high- and medium-dose GQT were comparable to those of the semaglutide group. ConclusionGQT improves skeletal muscle insulin resistance, potentially by regulating apoptosis as part of its underlying biological mechanism.
6.Efficacy and Application Characteristics of Cold Chinese Medicines Based on Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition)
Lu YUE ; Yilong HU ; Jingying YANG ; Xiangxiang WU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Ming BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):241-248
ObjectiveTo provide a reference for the rational clinical use of cold Chinese medicines by sorting and analyzing their properties, flavors, meridian tropism, primary therapeutic indications, methods of administration, dosages, and precautions as recorded in the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (Chinese Pharmacopoeia). MethodsCold Chinese medicines for internal and external use included in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia were entered one by one, and their efficacy, properties, flavors, meridian tropism, methods of administration, dosages, and usage precautions were statistically classified and summarized to guide clinical medication use. ResultsA total of 259 cold Chinese medicines for internal use were included and categorized into 18 efficacy groups, mainly comprising heat-clearing drugs, water-excreting and dampness-draining drugs, and phlegm-resolving, cough- and asthma-relieving drugs. Their predominant flavors were bitter, sweet, and pungent, and they primarily entered the liver, lung, and stomach meridians. The main methods of administration included decocting first, grinding into powder for oral use, or preparing into pills or powders, with most dosages ranging from 9 to 15 g. A total of 83 cold Chinese medicines for external use were included, involving 16 efficacy categories. Their main flavors were bitter, sweet, and pungent, primarily entering the liver, lung, and large intestine meridians. The main external application methods were grinding into powder for topical use or preparing decoctions for fumigation and washing, with most dosages ranging from 9 to 15 g. Whether for internal or external use, cold Chinese medicines should be used with caution or contraindicated in pregnant women. ConclusionThe cold Chinese medicines included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia are mainly suitable for patients with carbuncles, swellings, and coughs. However, in clinical practice, it is necessary to strictly follow the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment, pay attention to administration methods and dosages, and use cold medicines rationally and effectively to improve clinical efficacy.
7.Construction of Laboratory Animal Science and Technology Ethics Governance System in China and Its Preliminary Practice in Guangdong Province
Xiaoqin LI ; Wenlan YU ; Yizhu DUAN ; Zhonghua LIU ; Guodong WU ; Wenqi SHI ; Hongkun FU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):127-137
The welfare and ethics of laboratory animals are the ethical principles and behavioral norms that need to be followed in conducting animal-based scientific research, breeding and managing laboratory animals, and supervising and regulating such activities. The level of protection of laboratory animal welfare and ethics is closely related to the development of science and technology, which has become a widely recognized international consensus. At present, Guangdong Province is accelerating the construction of a high-level science and technology innovation province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Science and Technology Innovation Center. Guangdong Province should rely on its advanced governance capacity in the field of laboratory animal science and technology ethics to promote the high-quality development of its laboratory animal science and technology sector. Based on the management laws, regulations, and institutional mechanisms of laboratory animals in China, this paper explores the optimization of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system, which includes the institutional guarantees, responsibility systems, ethical review and supervision mechanisms, and education and outreach. Through methods such as literature research, questionnaire surveys, and interview investigations, an empirical study of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in Guangdong Province has been conducted. Analysis of literature and research results shows that Guangdong Province has basically established a laboratory animal management system, collaboration mechanism, supervision mechanism, and education and training system that meet the current requirements of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in China. However, there are still problems such as an incomplete laboratory animal science and technology ethics supervision mechanism, an underdeveloped operation mechanism of review institutions, insufficient attention paid by laboratory animal units to the ethical review of animal experiments, inconsistent ethical review standards, and a lack of professional ethical education and training for ethics review personnel. Therefore, optimization measures such as improving the laboratory animal science and technology ethics review system, strengthening supervision and inspection, further strengthening the accountability of responsible entities, formulating review norms, and enhancing hierarchical and classified education and training are proposed, to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the normalized and long-term governance of laboratory animal science and technology ethics in Guangdong Province.
8.Theory and practice of medical humanistic care: a decade of implementation by the medical humanities team at Harbin Medical University
Yu WANG ; Xuesong WU ; Mei YIN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):182-187
On October 9, 2024, the General Office of the National Health Commission, the General Office of the Ministry of Education, the General Department of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the General Department of the National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention jointly issued the Action Plan for Enhancing Medical Humanistic Care (2024-2027), stating that medical humanistic spirit is a concrete manifestation of humanistic spirit in the medical field. Aiming at caring for and respecting patients, this spirit reflects the attitude of medicine towards life. The cultivation of medical humanistic care competencies should serve as a core element of modern medical education, running through the entire process of the medical students’ training system and the full stage of medical workers’ career development. The humanities team of Harbin Medical University pioneered the “consistent system” concept of medical humanities education, inherited the “four-stage” with clinical practice as the primary approach, and closely focused on “three combinations, two considerations, and one assessment.” Through deeply integrating medicine with the humanities, as well as theory with practice, they have embarked on a distinctive implementation path of medical humanities, laying a solid foundation for the cultivation of high-quality medical talents with both skills and expertise in practice.
9.Preparation,characterization,and in vitro antitumor activity of Gambogic acid-loaded intelligent responsive liposome-hydrogel nanopreparation
Yu CHEN ; Shengnan HUANG ; Ziang WANG ; Yunlong ZHAO ; Gaojian WEI ; Sinan WU ; Yanbin GUAN ; Xiali ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):613-619
OBJECTIVE To prepare an intelligent responsive liposome-hydrogel nanopreparation co-loaded with gambogic acid (GA), and characterize its antitumor activity in vitro . METHODS GA-ICG-Lip-gel was prepared by ethanol injection and cold dissolution, incorporating GA and the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG). The appearance and microscopic morphology of GA-ICG-Lip-gel were observed, its encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity were measured, and its photothermal conversion performance, photothermal stability, and infrared imaging properties were investigated, along with the determination of its in vitro release profile. Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were used as objects to investigate the effects of GA-ICG-Lip-gel (or with near-infrared light irradiation) on cell viability, migration ability, and the cellular uptake capacity of GA-ICG-Lip-gel. RESULTS GA-ICG-Lip-gel existed in a solution state at room temperature and transformed into a gel state at 37 ℃. Its microstructure was dense with small pores, and its encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were (96.07±0.86) % and (6.28±1.16) %, respectively. After exposure to near-infrared light, the temperature of GA-ICG-Lip-gel rose above 42 ℃, with no significant attenuation observed in the heating curve. The heating efficiency was dependent on both the irradiation time and drug concentration. Compared to media without gelatinase, the cumulative release rate of GA-ICG-Lip-gel increased in media containing gelatinase. In vitro studies showed that GA-ICG-Lip-gel could be efficiently taken up by MCF-7 cells; GA-ICG-Lip-gel significantly inhibited the viability and migration ability of MCF-7 cells ( P <0.05), and this inhibitory effect was further enhanced under near-infrared light irradiation. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully prepares GA-ICG-Lip-gel, which exhibits favorable photothermal conversion properties and temperature/enzyme dual-responsive drug release characteristics, and demonstrates significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells.
10.Establishment of graded management standards for off-label use of Shenqi fuzheng injection
Min WU ; Mei YU ; Shengnan YIN ; Dongmei LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):650-654
OBJECTIVE To establish the graded management standards for off-label use of Shenqi fuzheng injection. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted in databases including CNKI, PubMed and the Cochrane Library to retrieve guidelines/consensuses, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Shenqi fuzheng injection. The quality of evidence was evaluated using AGREE Ⅱ, AMSTAR Ⅱ, and the Risk of Bias 1.0 tool recommended by Cochrane Collaboration, and the graded management standard for off-label use of Shenqi fuzheng injection was developed by using the Thomson grading system. RESULTS A total of 534 articles were involved, including 11 guidelines, 22 systematic reviews/meta-analysis, and 501 RCTs. They covered 79 off-label indications for Shenqi fuzheng injection: cancer-related fatigue, colorectal cancer and breast cancer, all with high-quality evidence were classified under grade A management (grade Ⅰ commendation), allowing all physicians across the hospital to prescribe relevant treatments; five diseases, such as ovarian cancer, liver cancer, leukemia, heart failure and cerebral infarction, were classified under grade B management (grade Ⅱa commendation), with prescription restricted to physicians with intermediate or higher professional titles in specific departments; eleven diseases, including sepsis, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer, etc., were classified under grade C management (grade Ⅱb commendation), requiring strict evaluation by senior physicians before prescription; the use of Shenqi fuzheng injection for other conditions was explicitly prohibited due to a lack of sufficient evidence. CONCLUSIONS Off-label use of Shenqi fuzheng injection is prevalent. The graded management standard established by evidence-based medical approach provides a scientific basis for standardizing the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine injections and offers an operable paradigm for implementing differentiated drug use supervision in medical institutions.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail