1.Ancient and Modern Application and Key Information Analysis of Classic Formula Erchentang
Qing TANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Hejia WAN ; Chengxin LUO ; Bingqi WEI ; Yamin KONG ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):262-270
Erchentang is a classic formula widely used by medical practitioners throughout history. In this paper,ancient and modern literature of Erchentang were collected, and bibliometrics was employed to analyze its historic evolution,prescription meaning,herbs origin, processing method,preparation methods, and clinical application. A total of 84 pieces of data were collected, and 58 pieces of data involving 53 ancient medical Chinese books were screened, sorted, and processed. Combined with research of modern scholars,the research has found that the Erchentang originated from the Taiping Huimin Huiye Shijie Fang compiled by the Imperial Medical Bureau of the Song Dynasty. The basic information about the origin of the drugs is quite clear. Pinelliae rhizoma in the formula is the dried tuber of Pinellia ternata. Citri exocarpium rubrum is the dried mature peel of Citrus reticulata and its cultivated varieties, with the inner white membrane removed. Poria is the whitest dry sclerotia of Poria cocos; Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma is the dried root and rhizome of the Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The dosage is 5.70 g Pinelliae rhizome and Citri exocarpium rubrum, 3.43 g Poria, and 1.69 g Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma praeparata cum melle. During the decoction process, the above-mentioned herbs should be chopped, with 300 mL water, 7 g ginger in thick slices, and 2 g Mume fructus added, and it was then simmered together to 180 mL. After removing the medicinal residue, it can be taken warmly. Erchentang has the effect of drying dampness and resolving phlegm, regulating Qi and harmonizing the middle. It can be used in treating the syndrome of phlegm and dampness,as well as symptoms such as frequent cough,white phlegm,fullness in chest and diaphragm,nausea and vomiting,limb drowsiness,anorexia,dizziness,palpitations,white and greasy tongue coating, and slippery pulse. The above results provide reference for future research and development of Erchentang.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Ischemic Stroke by Intervening in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells: A Review
Wenxiu QIN ; Gang WEI ; Qingjie KONG ; Huiying SUN ; Junfeng XU ; Ying GAO ; Jian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):336-346
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a physical and biochemical barrier that precisely regulates brain homeostasis and plays a central role in controlling the transport of endogenous and exogenous drugs and related metabolites across the blood-brain interface. These functions of the BBB are mediated by its major components, including brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), tight junction protein complexes, and influx and efflux transporter proteins. One of the pathological features of ischemic stroke (IS) is BBB disruption, which plays an important role in the development of post-stroke brain injury and subsequent neurological dysfunction. Therefore, given the increasing incidence of IS, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies to prevent BBB dysfunction and thereby protect injured brain tissue after IS. This study describes the pathological mechanisms by which BMEC injury after IS leads to BBB dysfunction and elucidates the association between BMECs and IS, including the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotoxic effects, and cerebral edema. In addition, this article summarizes Chinese herbal medicines that may prevent and treat IS by targeting BMECs. These include monomeric compounds and single herbs such as flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, phthalides, terpenoids, and Styrax. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas and preparations include oral formulations such as Buyang Huanwu decoction, Sailuotong, Naoxintong capsules, Dandeng Tongnao capsules, and Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills, as well as injectable preparations such as Tongluo Jiunao injection, Xingnaojing injection, Danshen polyphenolic acid for injection, Yiqi Fumai injection, and Shuxuetong injection. This study aims to explore the protective effects of TCM against IS through targeted regulation of BMEC function, providing new insights into the mechanisms of IS and endovascular therapeutic strategies.
3.Dobutamine Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Patients With Anomalous Inter-Arterial Coronary Arteries
Pak Lun LAM ; Christie Ho Ting WONG ; Sonia Hiu Yin LAM ; Thomas Wei Lam YIP ; Yuen Hei MAK ; Carmen Wing Sze CHAN ; Stephen Chi Wai CHEUNG
Cardiovascular Imaging Asia 2026;10(1):11-19
Objective:
This study aims to review the application of dobutamine stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (DSCMR) for patients with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries.
Materials and Methods:
Consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries and DSCMR performed in a quaternary referral center from January 2020 to December 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Examination details, including medication and complications, were reviewed. Radiological findings, such as wall motion abnormality, perfusion defect and late myocardial enhancement were evaluated. Post-examination management and outcomes were assessed.
Results:
A total of 31 patients (17 females [54.8%]; age 53.6±11.7 years) with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries were included. Most patients (n=25, 80.6%) had anomalous right coronary artery. There were significant differences in peak heart rate (p<0.001) and blood pressure (p<0.001) when compared to the baseline. Only one patient (3.2%) experienced minor adverse event with chest pain during the examination. Her cardiac enzymes and electrocardiogram were normal. All other patients (n=30, 96.8%) had no examination-related complications. Left ventricular stroke volume (78.3 [interquartile range, IQR 15.8] mL) and ejection fraction (63.2% [IQR 9.2%]) were normal. No wall motion abnormality, perfusion defect nor late myocardial enhancement were identified. Median follow-up after DSCMR was 21.0 (IQR 28.0) months. One patient underwent reimplantation of right coronary artery due to recurrent syncope. Conservative management was adopted for all other patients (n= 30, 96.8%). Most (n=28, 90.3%) were asymptomatic post-examination. No major adverse cardiovascular events were reported.
Conclusion
DSCMR can be safely performed for patients with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries and can help guide management plan.
4.Secondary stent placement for sealing distal tears in aortic intramural hematoma and enhancing distal aortic remodeling: A retrospective study in a single center
Bailang CHEN ; Zanxin WANG ; Xianmian ZHUANG ; Haibing LIU ; Minxin WEI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):944-951
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of second-stage endovascular therapy for patients with aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) who developed progression of the distal hematoma into dissection-like changes after an initial procedure. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital from July 2020 to December 2022. These patients had previously undergone a first-stage procedure to treat the proximal lesion of an IMH. However, follow-up examinations revealed a persistent distal hematoma, the presence of a distal entry tear, and progression of the hematoma into localized or extensive dissection-like changes, which could be accompanied by localized contrast enhancement. These patients then underwent a second-stage stent-graft intervention. The initial procedures included open surgery with total aortic arch replacement or endovascular stent-graft placement to seal the proximal entry tear. In the second-stage procedure, the aorta was divided into three zones based on its anatomy, and zonal stent-graft placement was performed to seal the entry tear and promote thrombosis of the false lumen. Results A total of 18 patients (15 males, 3 females) were included, with a mean age of (53.5±10.6) years (range, 39 to 76 years). The median operation time was 38.0 (29.5, 58.5) min, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 20.0 (20.0, 30.0) mL. The technical success rate was 100.0%. Intraoperative and postoperative imaging confirmed successful exclusion of the distal entry tear of the IMH, with no endoleak, stenosis or occlusion of visceral branches. There were no major perioperative complications, such as death, paraplegia, or visceral ischemia. During follow-up, complete thrombosis or resolution of the false lumen was observed in all patients. Conclusion For patients with residual entry tears and new-onset dissection-like changes in the distal aorta after the first-stage procedure for IMH, second-stage stent-graft placement can effectively seal the entry tear, promote false lumen thrombosis and hematoma resolution, and improve distal aortic remodeling, demonstrating favorable short- to mid-term outcomes.
5.Effects of chronic exposure to low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields on contractility and morphology of the quadriceps muscle in healthy adults
Xuanqiang WANG ; Wenyang ZHANG ; Yang LI ; Weiqian KONG ; Wei LI ; Le WANG ; Zhongshan LI ; Shi BAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1634-1642
BACKGROUND:Changes in skeletal muscle mass have been indicated in studies addressing the effects of low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields on the structure and morphology of the skeletal muscle,but no relevant studies have been conducted on the morphologic changes that occur after chronic exposure to the low-frequency pulsed magnetic field. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of chronic exposure to low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields on the maximal voluntary contraction and morphologic indicators of the quadriceps muscle of the leg,thereby providing a reference of muscle morphologic changes for the use of this technique as a strategy for muscle function improvement. METHODS:Seventy healthy subjects were recruited and randomly divided into a test group that received magnetic field stimulation and a control group that underwent sham treatment,with 35 subjects in each group,and the total duration of the trial was 4 weeks.The test group underwent low-frequency pulsed magnetic stimulation for 15 minutes every 48 hours,while the control group underwent sham treatment,with the same intervention interval and duration as the test group.After 4 weeks of intervention,changes in the maximum voluntary contraction value of the quadriceps muscle in different groups were observed,and B-mode ultrasonography was utilized as a means of assessment to observe changes in muscle thickness,muscle cross-sectional area,and pinnation angle indexes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After 4 weeks of chronic exposure to low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields,68 subjects completed the test.The maximum voluntary contraction value of the quadriceps muscle in the test group increased significantly(P=0.000),and the increment was significantly higher than that of the control group(P=0.008).Three indexes related to muscle morphology in the test group were significantly higher than the pre-test values(P=0.000),while in the control group,muscle thickness showed a significant reduction(P=0.020),there was no significant change in the pinnation angle,but a significant increase in the cross-sectional area(P=0.000).Intergroup comparisons revealed that the three indicators related to muscle morphology,including muscle thickness(P=0.012),pinnation angle(P=0.003),and cross-sectional area(P=0.049),were significantly higher in the test group than in the control group.The above data confirmed that the maximum voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscle was significantly increased in healthy adults after 4 weeks of chronic exposure to the low-frequency pulsed magnetic field,and significant increases in the three muscle morphometric indices of muscle thickness,cross-sectional area,and pinnation angle were observed in the test group,providing a basis of muscle tissue morphology for the use of this technique as an exercise alternative and medical treatment strategy for muscle improvement.
6.Diagnostic efficacy of spectral CT virtual non-contrast imaging combined with iodine mapping for differenti-ating early postoperative intracerebral hemorrhage from contrast extravasation after endovascular therapy
Yun TAN ; Zhongyi KONG ; Ximing CAO ; Zhenbang WANG ; Junhui ZHENG ; Wei LUO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(21):3449-3454
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of dual-layer spectral CT(DLCT)virtual non-contrast(VNC)imaging combined with iodine maps in differentiating early post-endovascular therapy(EVT)intracranial hemorrhage from contrast extravasation.Methods Retrospective analysis of 97 patients who underwent DLCT immediately after EVT was conducted.Taking 24-hour follow-up CT/MRI as the gold standard,patients were divided into hemorrhage and non-hemorrhage groups,and their clinical data were compared.VNC CT values and iodine concentration(IC)were measured.Spearman's rank correlation was used to analyze the relationship between VNC CT and IC values,and ROC curve analysis using R software to evaluate the diagnostic performance of VNC,iodine maps,and their combination.Results Among 97 patients,51(52.6%)showed no intracranial hyperdense lesions,while 46(47.4%)with abnormal densities were analyzed.Using 24-hour postoperative CT/MRI as reference stan-dard,among the 46 patients ultimately included in the analysis,38 cases(82.6%)were non-hemorrhagic and 8 cases(17.4%)hemorrhagic.No significant differences existed in age,sex,or treatment methods(all P>0.05).VNC CT values and IC showed significantly negative correlation(r=-0.537,P<0.01).ROC analysis revealed AUCs of 0.917(95%CI:0.786~0.999)for VNC,0.878(95%CI:0.719~0.999)for IC,and 0.919(95%CI:0.812~0.999)for the combination of the two(P<0.05 for combined vs.individual methods).Optimal thresholds were 53.6 HU for VNC and 0.605 mg/ml for IC.Based on the final analysis of 46 enrolled patients,the sensitivity of VNC,iodine map,and their combination in differentiating early cerebral hemorrhage from contrast extravasation was 88.9%,94.3%,and 91.4%,respectively;the specificity 94.3%,77.8%,and 88.9%,respectively;and the accuracy 90.9%,90.9%,and 93.2%,respectively.Conclusion The DLCT VNC-iodine map combination significantly im-proves differentiation between post-EVT hemorrhage and contrast extravasation,and it is recommended for routine clinical application.
7.Differentially-expressed circRNA_06886 and its target genes in prefrontal cortex of schizophrenia mice
Xiaoli ZHU ; Shengdong CHEN ; Wei WANG ; Lingming KONG ; Haoyue WANG ; Lei ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(9):783-789
Objective:To investigate the effect of olanzapine (OLZ) on the differentially-expressed circRNAs in prefrontal cortex of schizophrenia mouse models and predict the target genes.Methods:SPF grade C57BL/6 mice, 7~8 weeks-old, 20 male mice and 45 female mice were recruited and breeded offspring.Forty-four double-stimulation induced schizophrenia-like mouse models, the offspring mice exposed to dual stress were divided into the schizophrenia group(SZ group, n=23) and the olanzapine intervention group (SZ+ OLZ group, n=21), while the mice raised under normal conditions served as the control group (NC group, n=22). Whole transcriptome sequencing was used to sequence the expression level of RNAs from the prefrontal cortex of the mice. RT-qPCR was applied to verify the differentially-expressed circRNAs, then the target genes of miRNAs which have binding site to verified circRNAs were predicted. Results:RNA-seq results showed that there were 137 differentially-expressed circRNAs compared with NC group, 62 were significantly high-expressed and 75 were low-expressed. circRNA_06886 showed significant low-expressed in SZ group compared with NC group( Z=-3.259, P<0.01), and significant high-expressed in SZ+ OLZ group compared with SZ group( Z=-4.765, P<0.01). Bioinformatics analysis of miRNA target genes showed that the target genes were involved in the pathways related to neural pathways such as dopamine, glutamate and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusions:There are differentially expressed circRNAs in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenia mouse models, and circRNA_06886 is low-expressed in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenia mice, Camk2b-201 and Plcb1-003 are the potential genes of circRNA_06886 involved in the regulation of schizophrenia pathogenesis by dopamine pathway.
8.Molecular Mechanism of miR-146b Regulating ERK1/2-AP-1 Signaling Pathway Involved in the Rat Model of Diabetes Complicated with Cerebral Infarction
Lingli LIU ; Ruoxuan WEI ; Wei CHEN ; Caixia KONG ; Zhihong LIU
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(2):135-139
Objective To explore whether miR-146b can participate in the brain injury process of diabetic rats with cerebral infarction(DM-CI)by regulating the extracellular regulatory protein kinase(ERK1/2)-activated protein-1(AP-1)signaling pathway.Methods 80 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,DM-CI group,low miR-146b expression group and ERK1/2 inhibition group,with 20 rats in each group.The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score measures brain function in rats.The mRNA levels of miR-146b,ERK1/2 and AP-1 in rat brain tissue were detected by RT-qPCR.Western blotting detected ERK1/2,AP-1 protein levels in rat brain tissue.TTC staining was used to detect cerebral infarction volume in rats.H&E staining was used to detect brain histopathological changes.Random blood glucose levels were detected by glucose meter in rats.Results Compared with sham operation group,mRNA expression levels of miR-146b,ERK1/2 and AP-1 in brain tissue of rats in DM-CI group were significantly increased,with statistically differences(t=10.86,15.62,9.87,all P<0.05).ERK1/2 and AP-1 protein levels increased,with statistically differences(t=11.18,23.81,P<0.05).NIHSS score increased and random blood glucose level increased(t=44.49,30.02,all P<0.05),and increased cerebral infarction volume(t=51.05,P<0.05),the structure of brain tissue was disorganized and loose,and edema can be seen in the pericellular space.Compared with the DM-CI group,the mRNA expression levels of miR-146b,ERK1/2 and AP-1 in the brain tissue of rats with low expression of miR-146b were decreased,with statistically differences(t=38.00,20.03,24.25,all P<0.05).the protein expression of EPK1/2 and AP-1 decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=12.30,26.70,all P<0.05).NIHSS score and random blood glucose level were decreased,with statistically differences(t=38.11,33.77,all P<0.05),cerebral infarction volume decreased(t=16.70,P<0.05),the degree of brain tissue in jury and edema was improved,and the expression levels of ERK1/2 and AP-1 protein and mRNA in brain tissue of rats inhibited by ERK1/2 were decreased,with statistically differences(t=13.61~38.00,all P<0.05),the NIHSS score of rats was decreased,and the random blood glucose level was decreased,with statistically differences(t=16.48,26.61,all P<0.05).Conclusion MiR-146b may be involved in brain functional and structural damage in DM-CI rats by regulating ERK1/2-AP-1 signaling pathway.
9.Exploration on the Mechanism of Huatan Quyu Decoction in Treating Vascular Dementia Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Wanyu ZHAO ; Yongjun FANG ; Yali HU ; Pengfang WEI ; Sen QIAO ; Jingyuan KONG ; Xiaona ZHU ; Hui LIU ; Yuqian TIAN ; Yongmei YAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):98-105
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Huatan Quyu Decoction on learning and memory abilities in rats with vascular dementia(VD).Methods Totally 112 male SD rats were randomly selected with 16 rats as the sham-operation group,the remaining rats were used to prepare VD models by segmental ligation of the common carotid artery.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,Huatan Quyu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(6.1,12.1,24.2 g/kg),donepezil hydrochloride group(0.5 mg/kg)and combination group(Huatan Quyu Decoction 12.1 g/kg+donepezil hydrochloride 0.5 mg/kg),with 16 rats in each group.Each group was given the corresponding treatment measures for 4 weeks.The Morris water maze test was used to assess learning and memory abilities,neurological function was evaluated using Garcia score,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of the hippocampal tissue,ELISA was employed to detect the serum content of Aβ,immunohistochemistry was utilized to observe the β-catenin,LRP6 and GSK-3β protein expression in brain tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the escape latency of the model group rats was prolonged(P<0.01),the number of crossing platforms was reduced(P<0.01),and the neurological deficit score was decreased(P<0.01),the arrangement of hippocampal tissue cells was disorderly,and the tissue was severely damaged,the serum Aβ content increased(P<0.01),the expressions of β-catenin and LRP6 protein in brain tissue decreased,and the expression of GSK-3β protein increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the escape latency of rats in each administration group was shortened,the number of crossing platforms increased,the neurological deficit score increased,the number of hippocampal cells was relatively more,the arrangement was more orderly,and the structure was relatively complete,the serum Aβ content decreased,the expressions of β-catenin and LRP6 proteins increased,and the expression of GSK-3β protein decreased.Among them,Huatan Quyu Decoction high-dosage group had a significantly better effect than Huatan Quyu Decoction low-and medium-dosage groups(P<0.01),and there was no statistical significance in various indicators compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group(P>0.05).Compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group,the combination group showed significant improvements in learning and memory abilities(P<0.01),the neurological deficit score significantly increased(P<0.01),the number of hippocampal cells significantly increased,arranged neatly,and structurally intact,the serum Aβ content significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of β-catenin and LRP6 proteins significantly increased,and the expression of GSK-3β protein significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Huatan Quyu Decoction can repair cognitive function in VD rats,improve learning and memory abilities,and alleviate VD symptoms by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to reduce serum Aβ content,decrease the apoptosis of nerve cells and alleviate the degree of pathological damage in hippocampal tissue.
10.Related factors of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and old-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jiayu WANG ; Yangfan CHAI ; Qirun LI ; Jun MA ; Ying GAO ; Wei LIU ; Youyuan HUANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Jia JIA ; Shuyu WANG ; Wenbo WANG ; Liguang DONG ; Anping WANG ; Yingkui SI ; Guilan KONG ; Jian ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(1):13-19
Objective:To investigate the related factors of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and old-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods:A total of 970 patients with T2DM(585 middle-aged group and 385 old-aged group)were selected from residents of a large community in Beijing from September to December 2018.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)was used to assess the cognitive func-tion.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors.Results:The detection rates of cognitive impairment were 12.0%and 13.5%in middle-aged and old-aged patients with T2DM,respectively.Among mid-dle-aged patients with T2DM,work(OR=0.22,95%CI:0.03-0.77)and education at the junior college or un-dergraduate level and above(OR=0.18,95%CI:0.04-0.55)were protective factors for cognitive impair-ment.Myocardial infarction(OR=4.13,95%CI:1.26-13.63)was a risk factor for cognitive impairment.Among old-aged patients with T2DM,drinking tea 1-2 times a week(OR=0.11,95%CI:0.01-0.58)and education at the junior college or undergraduate level and above(OR=0.19,95%CI:0.05-0.54)were protective factors for cognitive impairment.Stroke(OR=3.64,95%CI:1.55-8.39)and good sleep self-assessment(OR=2.75,95%CI:1.13-7.35)were risk factors for cognitive impairment.Conclusion:Cognitive impairment in middle-aged pa-tients with T2DM is related to work,education level and myocardial infarction,and cognitive impairment in old-aged patients with T2DM is related to lifestyle,education level and stroke.

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