1.Pharmacodynamic Substances and Mechanisms of Xinglou Chengqi Tang in Treating Post-stroke Complications: A Review
Yujin ZHANG ; Xiangzhuo LIU ; Zhouyang CHEN ; Zihao SONG ; Xinyi LIU ; Yizhi YAN ; Chaoya LI ; Yingyan FANG ; Shasha YANG ; Xueqin CHENG ; Zhou XIE ; Sijie TAN ; Peng ZENG ; Yue ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):327-337
Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability among adults in China, and its common complications include digestive system abnormalities, cognitive impairment, depression, stroke-associated pneumonia, and hemiplegia. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has great potential in treating post-stroke complications. Xinglou Chengqitang (XLCQT) is a representative prescription of alleviating the disease in the upper part by treating the lower part. It has definite therapeutic effect and high safety. Clinically, XLCQT is often used to treat stroke and its complications. However, the quantity and quality of clinical trials of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications need to be improved. Additionally, since the basic research is weak, the material basis and multi-target mechanism for the efficacy of this prescription are unknown. This article reviews XLCQT in terms of the pharmacodynamic basis, medicinal properties, safety evaluation, and progress in clinical research and mechanisms in treating post-stroke complications. This article summarizes 22 key active ingredients of XLCQT in treating acute stroke complicated with syndrome of phlegm heat and fu-organ excess. Among these key active ingredients, resveratrol, kaempferol, luteolin, chrysoeriol, apigenin, (+)-catechin, and adenosine have good pharmacokinetic properties and high bioavailability. The mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications are complex, including inflammatory response, brain-gut axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, intestinal flora, neurotrophic factors, autophagy, oxidative stress, and free radical damage. This review helps to deeply understand the pharmacodynamic basis and mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of XLCQT against post-stroke complications and the development of drugs.
2.Combined Therapy of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Review
Xuan WU ; Hui LI ; Jian HUANG ; Xikun YANG ; Yan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):279-288
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of viral hepatitis and represents a substantial disease burden in China. However, effective and safe agents capable of completely eliminating HBV DNA are still lacking. In modern medicine, anti-HBV strategies mainly target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), among other mechanisms, and multiple novel drugs are currently under clinical investigation. Traditional medicine has been shown to exert anti-HBV effects through direct pathways, such as blocking viral entry, as well as indirect pathways, including the regulation of programmed cell death. Studies have confirmed that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating HBV infection and its related complications offers complementary advantages, particularly in enhancing HBV clearance rates, improving liver function, preventing various complications, and delaying the progression from hepatic fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on advances in anti-HBV research involving TCM, Western medicine, and their integrated application, aiming to provide a basis for integrated HBV therapy and new drug development.
3.Regulatory effect of Jiedu Huayu granules on liver injury in mice with acute liver failure and its mechanism
Chengyu YA ; Tingshuai WANG ; Huiping YAN ; Yi WANG ; Qingrui ZHAO ; Shenglan ZENG ; Weiyu CHEN ; Rongzhen ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):143-150
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Jiedu Huayu granules in improving liver injury in mice with acute liver failure (ALF) by observing its effect on a mouse model of ALF after prophylactic administration, and to provide a basis for clinical medication. MethodsA total of 60 specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6J mice were divided into normal group, model group, Jiedu Huayu granules group (JDHY group), and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist (GW4064) group using a random number table, with 15 mice in each group. The model of ALF was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine combined with lipopolysaccharide. The mice in the JDHY group were given prophylactic administration of 0.3 g/mL drug solution of Jiedu Huayu granules by gavage for 3 days before modeling, those in the normal group and the model group were given 0.9% NaCl solution by gavage, and those in the GW4064 group were given intraperitoneal injection of GW4064 for 3 consecutive days before modeling. The mice were sacrificed after modeling, and serum and liver tissue samples were collected. A veterinary automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of total bilirubin (TBil), total bile acids (TBA), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in mice from each group; HE staining was used to observe liver pathological changes; RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of FXR, fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15), fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), small heterodimer partner (SHP), and bile salt export pump (BSEP) in mice, and Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of FXR, FGF15, FGFR4, SHP, and BSEP. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups, and the Dunett method was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significant increases in the serum levels of TBil, ALT, AST, TBA, and GGT (all P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the JDHY group and the GW4064 group had significant reductions in the serum levels of TBil, ALT, AST, TBA, and GGT (all P <0.01). HE staining showed that compared with the model group, the JDHY group and the GW4064 group had milder pathological injury, a reduction in the area of hepatocyte necrosis, and alleviation of cellular swelling and edema. Compared with the normal group, the model group had significant reductions in the mRNA and protein expression levels of FXR, FGF15, FGFR4, SHP, and BSEP in liver tissue (all P <0.01), and compared with the model group, the JDHY group and the GW4064 group had significant increases in the mRNA and protein expression levels of FXR, FGF15, FGFR4, SHP, and BSEP in liver tissue (all P <0.05). ConclusionJiedu Huayu granules may alleviate liver injury in mice with ALF through the FXR/SHP axis.
4.Effect of fatty liver on cardiac structure and function: a cross-sectional study based on health examination
Peiwen CHEN ; Xingxing REN ; Hongmei YAN ; Xinxia CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Hailuan ZENG ; Jingjing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):434-444
Objective To investigate the cross-sectional associations between different fatty liver classifications and cardiac structure and function in people undergo health examination. Methods A total of 6 545 adults who underwent health examinations at the Health Management Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between January 1 and December 31, 2017, were retrospectively included. Demographic characteristics and laboratory data were collected. The hepatic steatosis was graded by ultrasonography. And patients with fatty liver were further stratified according to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, as well as the degree of liver fibrosis. Cardiac morphology and function were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, and left ventricular geometric patterns were classified accordingly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between fatty liver classifications and cardiac abnormalities. Results There were 2 795 patients (42.7%) with fatty liver, of whom 832 (29.8%) had significant cardiac structural alterations and 1 500 (53.7%) had diastolic dysfunction. Severe fatty liver was risk factor for concentric remodeling and increased relative wall thickness (RWT), with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.27 (P=0.012) and 1.27 (P=0.009), respectively. Fatty liver accompanied by elevated ALT or AST was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR=1.45,1.56; P=0.001, 0.001), increased RWT (OR=1.48,1.57; P<0.001, <0.001), and diastolic dysfunction (OR=1.27, 1.32; P=0.035, 0.040), respectively. Fatty liver with liver fibrosis was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR=1.83, P=0.046) and diastolic dysfunction (OR=2.64, P=0.034). Conclusions Advanced fatty liver, including severe hepatic steatosis, accompanied by elevated liver enzymes or liver fibrosis, could increase risks of cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction, while systolic function is preserved. For patients with fatty liver, it is recommended to undergo regular ultrasonography examination.
5.Investigation on the mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets in reversing vascular endothelial cell dysfunction of rheumatoid arthritis via modulating NOD2/SMAD3/VEGFA signaling axis
Bing-bing CAI ; Ya-wen CHEN ; Tao LI ; Yuan ZENG ; Yan-qiong ZHANG ; Na LIN ; Xia MAO ; Ya LIN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):397-407
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and functional impairment. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathological progression of RA with dysfunction of endothelial cells to promote synovial inflammation, sustain pannus formation, subsequently leading to joint damage. Colquhounia Root Tablets (CRT), a Chinese patent drug, has shown a satisfying clinical efficacy in treating RA, while the underlying mechanism by which CRT inhibits RA-associated angiogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we applied a research approach combining transcriptomic data analysis, bio-network mapping, and
6.Pharmacodynamic Substances and Mechanisms of Da Chengqitang in Treating Stroke: A Review
Yizhi YAN ; Xinyi LIU ; Yang DUAN ; Miaoqing LONG ; Chaoya LI ; Qiang LI ; Yi'an CHEN ; Shasha YANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Peng ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):297-306
Stroke is the main cause of death and disability among adults in China and is characterized by high incidence, disability, mortality, and recurrence rates. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has great potential in treating stroke and its sequelae. The classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription Da Chengqitang (DCQT) has a long history and proven efficacy in treating stroke. Clinically, DCQT is often used to treat stroke and its sequelae. However, the number and quality of clinical trials of DCQT in treating stroke need to be improved. Because of the insufficient basic research, the active ingredients and multi-target mechanism of action of DCQT remain unclear. Our research group has previously confirmed that DCQT can effectively reverse neurological damage, reduce iron deposition, and downregulate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the rat model of hemorrhagic stroke. The treatment mechanism is related to the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated signaling pathway and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling-mediated microglia activation. To clarify the pharmacodynamic basis and anti-stroke mechanism of DCQT, this article reviews the research progress in the treatment of stroke with DCQT in terms of clinical trials, pharmacodynamic material basis, safety evaluation, and mechanisms of absorbed components. This article summarizes 45 major phytochemical components of DCQT, 11 of which are currently confirmed absorbed components. Among them, emodin, rhein, chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, synephrine, hesperidin, naringin, magnolol, and honokiol can be used as quality markers (Q-markers) of DCQT. The mechanism of DCQT in treating stroke is complex, involving regulation of inflammatory responses, neuronal damage, oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and anti-platelet aggregation. This article helps to deeply understand the pharmacodynamic basis and mechanism of DCQT in treating stroke and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of DCQT in treating stroke and the development of stroke drugs.
7.Evaluation of the efficacy,safety and cost-effectiveness of different formulations of short-acting rhGH in the treatment of patients with short stature
Zhuoting ZHENG ; Yilong LIU ; Xiaomao QIN ; Zhen ZENG ; Run YAN ; Enwu LONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1111-1116
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of two different formulations of short-acting recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in the treatment of patients with short stature. METHODS Data from patients with short stature treated with short-acting rhGH at the Leshan People’s Hospital from August 2016 to June 2023 were collected. Patients were divided into powder formulation group and aqueous formulation group based on the rhGH formulation used. The changes in growth-related efficacy indicators and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions were compared between two groups after 12 months of treatment; cost-effectiveness analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to compare the cost per unit of effect achieved; subgroup analysis was performed by dividing the patients into growth hormone deficiency (GHD) subgroup and idiopathic short stature (ISS) subgroup based on clinical diagnosis. RESULTS After 12 months of treatment, the height and the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in serum in aqueous formulation group and powder formulation group were significantly increased compared to before treatment (P<0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference in the changes of the above indicators between the two groups(P>0.05). The analysis results of GHD and ISS subgroups were consistent with the overall population. In the overall population, the cost-effectiveness ratio of powder formulation group (2 582 yuan/cm) was significantly better than that of aqueous formulation group (6 729 yuan/cm), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001), and the result was consistent in the GHD and ISS subgroups as well as in the sensitivity analysis. No serious adverse drug reactions occurred in either powder formulation or aqueous formulation group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of various adverse reactions between two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Short-acting rhGH powder and aqueous formulations have equivalent efficacy and safety, but the powder formulation has greater economic advantages.
8.Effects of increased secretory SERPINE1 expression by dexmedetomidine on the malignant biological behavior of thyroid carcinoma cells
Xueyan TONG ; Wenfeng JIANG ; Liangping ZENG ; Yan LIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1179-1185
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) increasing serpin peptidase inhibitor clade E member 1 (SERPINE1) protein on the malignant biological behavior of thyroid carcinoma (THCA) cells. METHODS THCA cells (KTC-1, TPC-1) were treated with 1, 10 and 100 nmol/L DEX, and their viabilities, clone formation rates, migration rates and invasion number were examined. Potential biological functions of DEX in THCA cells were analyzed through whole genome sequencing and gene ontology enrichment analysis. The core targets of DEX were mined through a protein-protein interaction network. The expression characteristics of DEX core targets and their relationship with patient prognosis were evaluated. The effects of DEX on mRNA and protein expressions of core targets and protein secretion in 2 types of THCA cells were detected, and the effects of this target on DEX-related effects were validated preliminarily by knocking down the core target. RESULTS Compared with the control group (0 nmol/L DEX), DEX at 1, 10 and 100 nmol/L significantly increased the viabilities of 2 types of THCA cells (except for the KTC-1 cells in the 1 nmol/L DEX group at 24 h), concentration-dependently elevated the rates of clone formation, migration rates (except for 2 types of THCA cells in 1 nmol/L DEX group), and the number of invasion (P<0.05). A total of 287 differently expressed genes (75 up- tongxueyan180@163.com regulated and 212 down-regulated) were enriched in signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, Wnt, and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes in the 2 kinds of DEX-treated or non-treated THCA cells. SERPINE1 was a core target of DEX for THCA, and its mRNA and protein expression in THCA tissues/cells were significantly elevated and associated with poor prognosis of the patients (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, mRNA and protein expression of SERPINE1 was significantly up-regulated in 2 types of cells in the 1, 10 and 100 nmol/L DEX groups, while the secretion of this protein in conditioned medium was also significantly increased, all of which showed concentration-dependence (P<0.05). After knocking down SERPINE1, the promoting effects of DEX on the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion abilities of two types of THCA cells were significantly inhibited (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS DEX can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of THCA cell, and the above effects may be associated with the expression of increased secretory SERPINE1 protein.
9.Evaluation of Hemolytic Performance of Cellulose Hemostatic Products
Qing-qing HOU ; Qin-lian JIAO ; Chun-xia QIAO ; Zi-ye WANG ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Wen-qian MA ; Zeng-xiang LIU ; Xiao-xia SUN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(9):1488-1495
Objective:To compare the differences in the evaluation of hemolysis performance of cellulose hemostatic materials using different detection methods and test media,and to explore a m ore reasonable testing plan for such products.Methods:Hemolysis tests were conducted on cellulose hemostatic materials using the absorbance measurement hemolysis method and hemoglobin concentration measurement hemolysis method in accordance with YY/T 1651.1-2019 standard.We compared the changes in hemolysis rate,pH value,and osmotic pressure under different experimental media.Results:Under the same experimental method,compared to SC,the hemolysis results using PBS as the extraction medium are smaller,and the changes in pH and osmotic pressure are closer to the normal range of human body changes.Conclusions:The changes in pH and osmotic pressure may be one of the reasons for the high hemolysis rate of cellulose hemostatic materials.Choosing PBS with buffering effect as the leaching medium may be more suitable for evaluating the hemolysis performance of cellulose hemostatic materials.
10.Ultrasound measurement of sciatic nerve cross-sectional area in early outcome assessment after endoscopic surgery for unilateral lumbar disc herniation
Linyu ZENG ; Ziming CHEN ; Junqing ZENG ; Yi YAN ; Daying ZHANG ; Lili GU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(1):35-40
Objective To investigate the correlation between early clinical outcomes following endoscopic surgery for unilateral lumbar disc herniation and variations in the cross-sectional area of the sciatic nerve.Methods Fifty-two patients(n=52)with unilateral lumbar disc herniation were recruited from June 2023 to June 2024 at the Pain Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University.The cross-sectional area(CSA)values of bilateral sciatic nerves were measured at the gluteal sciatic tuberosity-great femoral rotor level using ultrasound before and on the 4th day after surgery.The change in nerve cross-sectional area ΔCSA and sciatic nerve swelling rate(SR-SN)were calculated.Patient BMI(Body Mass Index),visual analog scale(VAS),Japanese Orthopaedic Association score(JOA),Oswestry Disability Index(ODI),and Treatment Improvement Rate(TIR)were collected preoperatively and on postoperative day 4.Changes in sciatic nerve cross-sectional area in unilateral lumbar disc herniation and its relationship to clinical outcomes were analyzed using the scoring scales as controls.Results Compared to the preoperative period,there was a significant decrease in VAS and ODI scores,as well as an increase in JOA score on the 4th postoperative day(P<0.01).Furthermore,surgical intervention led to substantial improve-ment in clinical outcomes for the patients.Prior to surgery,the CSA value of the affected side of the sciatic nerve was greater than that of the healthy side(P<0.01).Although CSA value decreased on the affected side after surgery,it remained higher than that of the healthy side(P<0.01).Additionally,there was a significant difference between SR-SN values on both sides with higher values observed on the affected side(P<0.01).Notably,△CSA on the affected side exhibited a negative correlation with postoperative VAS score,JOA score,and treatment improvement rate(P<0.05);The SR-SN on the affected side exhibited a positive correlation with BMI and negative correlations with postoperative VAS score,JOA score,and treatment improvement rate(P<0.05).However,no significant correlations were observed between △CSA,SR-SN,and ODI score on the affected side.(P>0.05).Conclusions In patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for lumbar disc herniation,a greater change in the cross-sectional area of the affected sciatic nerve before and after the operation is associated with more pronounced improvement in early symptoms.However,further investigation is required to explore the relationship between this change and recovery of both lumbar spine and lower limb function.

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