1.Mechanistic Study on Tougu Xiaotong Capsules in Regulating PANoptosis to Delay Degeneration of Chondrocytes in Knee Osteoarthritis
Jinxia YE ; Yixin LIN ; Xiaoqing LEI ; Yanfeng HUANG ; Changlong FU ; Desen LI ; Wenyi WANG ; Lan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):149-161
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tougu Xiaotong capsules (TGXTC) on the regulation of chondrocyte PANoptosis, delay of chondrocyte degeneration, and improvement of the symptoms in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsIn vivo experiments: 50 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into five groups (n=10 per group): sham operation group, model group, low-dose TGXTC group (7.2 g·kg-1), high-dose TGXTC group (14.4 g·kg-1), and diclofenac sodium group (0.05 g·kg-1). Except for the sham group, KOA models were established in all other groups using the modified Hulth method. Following successful model induction, the TGXTC groups received daily oral gavage of 7.2 or 14.4 g·kg-1 for 6 weeks, while the diclofenac sodium group received 0.05 g·kg-1 solution daily over the same duration. Model evaluation was performed using Lequesne MG score; micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to scan the knee, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphology of cartilage, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine ultrastructural changes of PANoptosis. Multiple immunofluorescence (IF) co-localization assays was performed to detect the co-localization of cleaved Caspase-3, receptor-interacting protein 3 (RlPK3), and the N-terminal domain of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N) in cartilage tissue, while western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of cleaved Caspase-3, RIPK3, and GSDMD-N. In vitro experiments: The knee cartilages of 4-week-old SD rats were isolated, and a chondrocyte in vitro culture system was established through mechanical digestion with 0.2% type Ⅱ collagenase. Second-generation chondrocytes were divided into three groups: the control group, the model group (pretreated with 10 mg·L-1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h followed by treatment with 1 μmol·L-1 nigericin for 4 h), and the TGXTC treatment group (pretreated with 10 mg·L-1 LPS for 24 h, followed by exposure to 1 μmol·L-1 nigericin for 4 h and subsequently treated with 100 mg·L-1 TGXTC for an additional 24 h). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis of chondrocytes were evaluated via fluorescence microscopy following staining with ROS detection, AO/EB and YO-PRO-1/PI staining kits. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to investigate the ultrastructural changes associated with PANoptosis in cartilage tissue of KOA mice. Inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β and IL-18) were measured using ELISA. Western blot was conducted to assess protein expressions related to PANoptosis, including cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-8, RIPK3, ZBP1, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the Lequesne MG scores were significantly up-regulated(P<0.01) in the model group, and the pathological changes of cartilage were significantly, with joint spaces narrower, osteophyte formation increased, secere abrasion of cartilage surface. Ultrastructural analysis revealed pronounced chondrocyte apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, along with markedly elevated expression of cleaved Caspase-3, RlPK3, and GSDMD-N in cartilage tissue (P<0.01). In addition, The mean fluorescence intensities of ROS, orange-red fluorescence in AO/EB staining, green fluorescence and red fluorescence in YO-PRO-1/PI staining were increased of chondrocyte in the model group (P<0.01) . The levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatant were increased (P<0.01). The expression of PANoptosis related proteins (cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-8, RIPK3, ZBP1, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3) were also significantly upregulated(P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the TGXTC group demonstrated a significant improvement in various parameters of mice. These included a reduction in the Lequesne MG score, an increase in joint space, a decrease in osteophyte formation, diminished cartilage damage, reduced release of ROS, and alleviation of apoptotic, necroptotic, and pyroptotic processes in chondrocytes. Additionally, mitochondrial swelling and endoplasmic reticulum dilation were also mitigated. The levels of ROS as well as IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of proteins associated with PANoptosis in cartilage tissue showed marked reductions (P<0.05). Similar results were observed in chondrocytes: cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-8, RIPK3, ZBP1, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3 exhibited significant decreases as well (P<0.05). ConclusionTGXTC may mitigate chondrocytes degeneration and alleviate KOA symptoms by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing the activation of PANoptosis pathways.
2.Mechanistic Study on Tougu Xiaotong Capsules in Regulating PANoptosis to Delay Degeneration of Chondrocytes in Knee Osteoarthritis
Jinxia YE ; Yixin LIN ; Xiaoqing LEI ; Yanfeng HUANG ; Changlong FU ; Desen LI ; Wenyi WANG ; Lan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):149-161
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tougu Xiaotong capsules (TGXTC) on the regulation of chondrocyte PANoptosis, delay of chondrocyte degeneration, and improvement of the symptoms in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsIn vivo experiments: 50 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into five groups (n=10 per group): sham operation group, model group, low-dose TGXTC group (7.2 g·kg-1), high-dose TGXTC group (14.4 g·kg-1), and diclofenac sodium group (0.05 g·kg-1). Except for the sham group, KOA models were established in all other groups using the modified Hulth method. Following successful model induction, the TGXTC groups received daily oral gavage of 7.2 or 14.4 g·kg-1 for 6 weeks, while the diclofenac sodium group received 0.05 g·kg-1 solution daily over the same duration. Model evaluation was performed using Lequesne MG score; micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to scan the knee, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphology of cartilage, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine ultrastructural changes of PANoptosis. Multiple immunofluorescence (IF) co-localization assays was performed to detect the co-localization of cleaved Caspase-3, receptor-interacting protein 3 (RlPK3), and the N-terminal domain of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N) in cartilage tissue, while western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of cleaved Caspase-3, RIPK3, and GSDMD-N. In vitro experiments: The knee cartilages of 4-week-old SD rats were isolated, and a chondrocyte in vitro culture system was established through mechanical digestion with 0.2% type Ⅱ collagenase. Second-generation chondrocytes were divided into three groups: the control group, the model group (pretreated with 10 mg·L-1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h followed by treatment with 1 μmol·L-1 nigericin for 4 h), and the TGXTC treatment group (pretreated with 10 mg·L-1 LPS for 24 h, followed by exposure to 1 μmol·L-1 nigericin for 4 h and subsequently treated with 100 mg·L-1 TGXTC for an additional 24 h). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis of chondrocytes were evaluated via fluorescence microscopy following staining with ROS detection, AO/EB and YO-PRO-1/PI staining kits. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to investigate the ultrastructural changes associated with PANoptosis in cartilage tissue of KOA mice. Inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β and IL-18) were measured using ELISA. Western blot was conducted to assess protein expressions related to PANoptosis, including cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-8, RIPK3, ZBP1, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the Lequesne MG scores were significantly up-regulated(P<0.01) in the model group, and the pathological changes of cartilage were significantly, with joint spaces narrower, osteophyte formation increased, secere abrasion of cartilage surface. Ultrastructural analysis revealed pronounced chondrocyte apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, along with markedly elevated expression of cleaved Caspase-3, RlPK3, and GSDMD-N in cartilage tissue (P<0.01). In addition, The mean fluorescence intensities of ROS, orange-red fluorescence in AO/EB staining, green fluorescence and red fluorescence in YO-PRO-1/PI staining were increased of chondrocyte in the model group (P<0.01) . The levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatant were increased (P<0.01). The expression of PANoptosis related proteins (cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-8, RIPK3, ZBP1, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3) were also significantly upregulated(P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the TGXTC group demonstrated a significant improvement in various parameters of mice. These included a reduction in the Lequesne MG score, an increase in joint space, a decrease in osteophyte formation, diminished cartilage damage, reduced release of ROS, and alleviation of apoptotic, necroptotic, and pyroptotic processes in chondrocytes. Additionally, mitochondrial swelling and endoplasmic reticulum dilation were also mitigated. The levels of ROS as well as IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of proteins associated with PANoptosis in cartilage tissue showed marked reductions (P<0.05). Similar results were observed in chondrocytes: cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-8, RIPK3, ZBP1, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3 exhibited significant decreases as well (P<0.05). ConclusionTGXTC may mitigate chondrocytes degeneration and alleviate KOA symptoms by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing the activation of PANoptosis pathways.
3.Optimization of Quality Standards for Polygalae Radix Based on Characteristic Chromatograms and QAMS for Xanthones
Humin XIE ; Xiaoqing CUI ; Weihong FENG ; Yu LU ; Xiaoqian LIU ; Xiaoli SUN ; Yanrong LI ; Zhimin WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):196-204
ObjectiveTo address the limitations of the current quality standard for Polygalae Radix(PR), which relies on a single component for quality assessment and struggles to holistically control its intrinsic quality, by constructing a comprehensive quality evaluation system integrating "macro-characterization of chemical profile, synchronous quantification of multiple index components, and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for key component groups". This study aims to facilitate the scientific revision of the quality standard for PR. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) characteristic chromatograms were established for 11 batches of PR medicinal materials(YZ), 10 batches of PR decoction pieces(YP), and 10 batches of licorice-processed PR decoction pieces(ZYZ), followed by similarity evaluation and identification of common peaks. HPLC-QAMS was developed for xanthones(sibiricaxanthone B, polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ) in the characteristic chromatograms. Simultaneously, the external standard method(ESM) was used to determine the contents of the corresponding xanthones and 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose in YZ, YP, and ZYZ, followed by multivariate statistical analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. ResultsThe similarity between the characteristic chromatograms of 31 batches of PR samples and the reference chromatogram was>0.9. A total of 13 common peaks were identified, and 10 of these peaks were characterized through reference standard comparison. The successfully constructed QAMS method showed that the relative correction factors(RCFs) of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ to polygalaxanthone Ⅲ were 0.76 and 0.88, and their relative retention times(RRTs) were 0.85 and 0.97, respectively. The results calculated by the QAMS method showed no significant difference from those obtained by the ESM. According to the limit standard for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia), the pass rate of 31 batches of samples was only 19.35%. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated certain compositional differences between different batches of YZ and YP, as well as between YP and ZYZ, with 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose identified as the main differentiating component. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that the content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ was positively correlated with the contents of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, but showed no association with the content of 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose. ConclusionIt is recommended that the content limit for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in YZ,YP and ZYZ be revised to not less than 0.07%, or the total content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ be not less than 0.18%. The newly established triple quality control model of "holistic control via characteristic chromatograms, precise quantification of oligosaccharide esters, and efficient detection of xanthones by QAMS" provides a systematic and precise solution for quality evaluation of PR and similar Chinese herbal medicines.
4.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
5.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
6.Thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)improves cardiac function of acute myocardial ischemia rats
Xiaoqing CHEN ; Luyao BIAN ; Xingyu LU ; Tao YANG ; Li Xiang HAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):882-891
BACKGROUND:Acupuncture at Xinshu(BL 15)can significantly improve cardiac function and protect myocardial cells in acute myocardial ischemia,but the effect and mechanism of thread embedding treatment at Xinshu(BL 15)on cardiac function in acute myocardial ischemia are yet unclear.Nuclear factor κB activation often appears as an intranuclear translocation of the P65 isoform,and activation of the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway is marked by elevated P65 levels.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)on cardiac function and the expression levels of interleukin-10,tumor necrosis factor-α,P65 genes and proteins in rats with acute myocardial ischemia.METHODS:Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group,and a non-meridian/non-acupoint group using a random number table method,with eight rats in each group.Rat models of acute myocardial ischemia were established in the latter three groups.The Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group had thread embedding at Xinshu(BL 15)for 14 days,followed by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol hydrochloride into the back to establish an acute myocardial ischemia rat model.The non-meridian/non-acupoint group had local thread embedding for 14 days,and the rest procedures were the same as above.In the model group,Xinshu(BL 15)was only marked,and the rest procedures were the same as above.In the blank group,Xinshu(BL 15)was only marked,and then an equal amount of physiological saline was injected subcutaneously into the back.After 24 hours of modeling,electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound were performed.Abdominal aorta blood was extracted for detection of serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Subsequently,the rats were euthanized and samples were collected.Hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining were used to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissue and the apoptosis of myocardial cells.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-10,and P65 in myocardial tissue respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Electrocardiogram:Compared with the blank group,the model group,non-meridian/non-acupoint group,and Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group had significantly elevated ST segment in lead Ⅱ of the electrocardiogram.(2)Cardiac ultrasound:Compared with the model group,the Left ventricular end-systolic dimension in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group were significantly reduced(P<0.05),while left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening rate were significantly increased(P<0.05).(4)Serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme:Compared with the model group,the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group showed a significant decrease in serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme levels(P<0.05).(4)Hematoxylin-eosin staining:Compared with the model group,the arrangement of myocardial fibers in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was basically neat,with less edema and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration.(5)TUNEL staining:Compared with the model group,the fluorescence intensity of myocardial cell apoptosis in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was significantly reduced,and its apoptosis rate was significantly reduced(P<0.05).(6)RT-qPCR and western blot:Compared with the model group,the myocardial tissue interleukin-10 level in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while tumor necrosis factor-α and P65 levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05).These findings indicate that thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)can improve cardiac function in rats with acute myocardial ischemia,and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.
7.Thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)improves cardiac function of acute myocardial ischemia rats
Xiaoqing CHEN ; Luyao BIAN ; Xingyu LU ; Tao YANG ; Li Xiang HAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):882-891
BACKGROUND:Acupuncture at Xinshu(BL 15)can significantly improve cardiac function and protect myocardial cells in acute myocardial ischemia,but the effect and mechanism of thread embedding treatment at Xinshu(BL 15)on cardiac function in acute myocardial ischemia are yet unclear.Nuclear factor κB activation often appears as an intranuclear translocation of the P65 isoform,and activation of the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway is marked by elevated P65 levels.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)on cardiac function and the expression levels of interleukin-10,tumor necrosis factor-α,P65 genes and proteins in rats with acute myocardial ischemia.METHODS:Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group,and a non-meridian/non-acupoint group using a random number table method,with eight rats in each group.Rat models of acute myocardial ischemia were established in the latter three groups.The Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group had thread embedding at Xinshu(BL 15)for 14 days,followed by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol hydrochloride into the back to establish an acute myocardial ischemia rat model.The non-meridian/non-acupoint group had local thread embedding for 14 days,and the rest procedures were the same as above.In the model group,Xinshu(BL 15)was only marked,and the rest procedures were the same as above.In the blank group,Xinshu(BL 15)was only marked,and then an equal amount of physiological saline was injected subcutaneously into the back.After 24 hours of modeling,electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound were performed.Abdominal aorta blood was extracted for detection of serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Subsequently,the rats were euthanized and samples were collected.Hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining were used to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissue and the apoptosis of myocardial cells.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-10,and P65 in myocardial tissue respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Electrocardiogram:Compared with the blank group,the model group,non-meridian/non-acupoint group,and Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group had significantly elevated ST segment in lead Ⅱ of the electrocardiogram.(2)Cardiac ultrasound:Compared with the model group,the Left ventricular end-systolic dimension in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group were significantly reduced(P<0.05),while left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening rate were significantly increased(P<0.05).(4)Serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme:Compared with the model group,the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group showed a significant decrease in serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme levels(P<0.05).(4)Hematoxylin-eosin staining:Compared with the model group,the arrangement of myocardial fibers in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was basically neat,with less edema and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration.(5)TUNEL staining:Compared with the model group,the fluorescence intensity of myocardial cell apoptosis in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was significantly reduced,and its apoptosis rate was significantly reduced(P<0.05).(6)RT-qPCR and western blot:Compared with the model group,the myocardial tissue interleukin-10 level in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while tumor necrosis factor-α and P65 levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05).These findings indicate that thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)can improve cardiac function in rats with acute myocardial ischemia,and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.
8.Influence of Gene Mutation on the Effectiveness of Arsenic-Containing Herbal Compound Formula in Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes of Different TCM Patterns
Zichun WANG ; Zhuo CHEN ; Dexiu WANG ; Haiyan XIAO ; Weiyi LIU ; Ruibai LI ; Chi LIU ; Fengmei WANG ; Shanshan ZHANG ; Mingjing WANG ; Liu LI ; Xiaoqing GUO ; Hongzhi WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1463-1472
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of gene mutation on the effectiveness of arsenic-containing Chinese herbal compound formulas in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) of different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns, so as to provide the basis for the clinical application. MethodsClinical data of 442 MDS patients who were treated with arsenic-containing herbal compound formulas were retrospectively collected, including the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Based on the TCM four examinations, the patients were divided into the spleen-kidney deficiency group as well as the qi-yin deficiency group, and according to the results of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) test, they were divided into the group with and without gene mutation respectively. The influence of gene mutation on the clinical effectiveness of patients with different TCM patterns was analyzed, the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients with different outcomes of the two TCM patterns were compared, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted on the influencing factors of the effective rate of MDS patients with gene mutation. ResultsA total of 190 cases were included in the spleen-kidney deficiency group (119 cases with gene mutation) and 43 cases in the qi-yin deficiency group (23 cases with gene mutation). No statistically significant differences were noted in effectiveness assessment, total effective rate, and total response rate between the spleen-kidney deficiency group and the qi-yin deficiency group (P>0.05). In the spleen-kidney deficiency group, the total effective rate of MDS with gene mutation was 65.55% (78/119), which was lower than 80.28% (57/71) of MDS without gene mutation, with statistical significance (P = 0.033), while no statistical differences in effectiveness assessment and total response rate were noted (P>0.05). In the qi-yin deficiency group, no statistical differences were observed in effectiveness assessment, total effective rate, and total response rate of the patients in with or without gene mutation (P>0.05). In the spleen-kidney deficiency group with gene mutation, the rate of complex karyotype (P = 0.031) and the mutation rate of CBL gene (P = 0.032) in the ineffective population were higher than those in the effective population, while the mutation rate of DDX41 gene in the effective population was higher than that in the ineffective population (P = 0.033). No statistically significant differences were found in other gene mutations, age, gender distribution, number of gene mutations, bone marrow hyperplasia degree, blast cell range, reticular fiber tissue proliferation or not, and prognosis of chromosomal abnormalities between the effective and ineffective populations (P>0.05). In the qi-yin deficiency group with gene mutation, no statistically significant differences were found in various items between populations with different outcomes (P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that complex karyotype, CBL mutation, and DDX41 mutation were independently associated with the effective rate of MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency and gene mutation (P<0.05). DDX41 mutation was an independent protective factor in the spleen-kidney deficiency group (OR>1), while complex karyotype and CBL mutation were independent risk factors (OR<1). ConclusionThe arsenic-containing TCM compound formulas exhibited better effectiveness in MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency pattern without mutation; and in MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency pattern without complex karyotypes, CBL mutation, and with DDX41 mutations. Furthermore, DDX41 mutation was an independent protective factor in the spleen-kidney deficiency group, while complex karyotype and CBL mutation were independent risk factors. In MDS with qi-yin deficiency pattern, gene mutation-related factors showed no significant impact on the effectiveness of arsenic-containing TCM compound formulas.
9.Research progress on the association between individual psychological factors and adolescent smartphone addiction
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):1055-1059
Abstract
Smartphone addiction adversely effects the physical and mental health of adolescents. Individual psychological factors serve as direct contributors to smartphone addiction in adolescents, and smartphone addiction also affects the individual mental well being. Research suggests that psychological factors such as anxiety and depression, social anxiety and loneliness, self control, sensation seeking, and mindfulness interact with adolescent smartphone addiction. The article reviews the research progress on the relationship between these individual psychological factors and adolescent smartphone addition, so as to provide a reference for understanding and addressing adolescent smartphone addiction from an individual psychological perspective.
10.TCM Treatment of Lung Cancer Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Chengzhi WANG ; Yifan LIU ; Zhenyao YANG ; Wenjun LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):291-298
As a common malignant tumor of the respiratory system, the incidence and mortality of lung cancer are still rising year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, the prognosis is poor, and it seriously affects human physical and mental health. Although existing Western medical treatments can inhibit tumor growth to a certain extent and relieve patients' painful symptoms, problems such as postoperative recurrence and metastasis, numerous adverse reactions, and the tendency to develop drug resistance make the overall therapeutic effect unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is urgent to seek more efficient and safer treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway can regulate the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of lung cancer cells, and is extensively involved in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, thus being regarded as an important target for anti-lung cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exerts anti-lung cancer effects through multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets, with advantages such as preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis, alleviating the adverse reactions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improving quality of life. TCM has therefore become a key approach in current anti-lung cancer treatment. Studies have found that active components of Chinese medicine, including flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and terpenes, as well as Chinese medicine compound prescriptions such as Guiqi Yiyuan extract, Qingzao Jiufei decoction, and Yiqi Fuzheng formula, have significant regulatory effects on AMPK and its interacting signaling pathways. These effects include inducing autophagy and apoptosis of lung cancer cells, modulating macrophage polarization, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance, and blocking the cell cycle, thereby exerting anti-lung cancer activity. This article reviews and summarizes recent studies on the anti-lung cancer effects of TCM, and discusses the mechanisms by which TCM regulates the AMPK signaling pathway in the treatment of lung cancer, with the aim of providing ideas and references for the development of new clinical anti-lung cancer drugs.


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