1.Neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B on Parkinson’s disease model mice by regulating the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiaoli WANG ; Hua RONG ; Siwen PAN ; Chunlei YU ; Tianjiao XU ; Yu SUN ; Huan CONG ; Yu PANG ; Gang CHEN ; Xiaoming LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):998-1002
OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B (ELB) on Parkinson’s disease (PD) model mice by regulating the IκB kinase β (IKKβ)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, positive control group (selegiline hydrochloride, 10 mg/kg), and ELB low-dose and high-dose groups (80, 160 mg/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Each group was given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically for 14 consecutive days. Starting from the 10th day of administration, the model group and all administration groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 30 mg/kg, for five consecutive days to establish the chronic PD model. After the last administration for 24 h, six mice were randomly selected from each group to test their behavioral abilities; detect the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in brain tissue and their mRNA expressions were measured, and positive expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), protein expressions of TH, α -synuclein ( α -syn), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in the brain tissue were detected. The ultrastructure of neurons in substantia nigra was observed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, rotarod endurance time and climbing score of each administration group (except for the ELB low-dose group) were increased significantly ( P <0.05), while the levels and mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, α -syn, and Iba-1, as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in brain tissue were decreased significantly (except for TNF-α in the ELB low-dose group). Conversely, the level and mRNA expression of IL-10 (except for the ELB low-dose group), TH positive expression and protein expressions were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Typical neurodegenerative pathological changes, such as neuronal karyopyknosis, mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization, and endoplasmic reticulum dilation, all showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS ELB may exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the activation of the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway, alleviating inflammatory responses, reducing abnormal α -syn aggregation and neuronal loss, and further improving motor dysfunction in PD mice.
2.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment Principles of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Spleen-mitochondria Correlation
Shiyi WANG ; Miao YU ; Xinyao HE ; Zi WANG ; Haijun LUAN ; Yibo SUN ; Haotong WANG ; Linlin WANG ; Lijian PANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):258-264
According to the Qi-blood-body fluid theory and the association between the spleen in visceral manifestation theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and mitochondria in modern cellular biology, it is proposed that the role of the spleen in generating and transforming Qi and blood is analogous to the energy-producing function of mitochondria—both serving as fundamental power sources for vital activities of the human body. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, playing a critical role in energy metabolism and the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Similarly, mitochondria are vital for maintaining physiological functions such as cellular energy supply, cell survival, and overall human metabolism. Furthermore, spleen deficiency is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Accordingly, mitochondrial energy conversion and substance metabolism are regarded as the microscopic essence of the spleen's function in transportation and transformation. Spleen deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the formation of pathological products such as phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis. This aligns with the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with Qi deficiency as the root cause and phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis as the manifestations. Therefore, the integrative treatment of COPD should follow the therapeutic principle of invigorating the spleen and reinforcing healthy Qi, while also resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to address both root cause and manifestations. This approach can improve the mitochondrial function, regulate energy metabolism, and reduce oxidative stress levels to alleviate COPD symptoms, slow down disease progression, and improve prognosis. By integrating the holistic concept of TCM with molecular mechanisms of modern medicine, this paper explores the pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of COPD from the spleen-mitochondria correlation. It not only provides a new direction for the modern development of TCM and the integration of Chinese and Western medicine but also offers a theoretical foundation for the integrated treatment of chronic, complex age-related diseases.
3.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment Principles of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Spleen-mitochondria Correlation
Shiyi WANG ; Miao YU ; Xinyao HE ; Zi WANG ; Haijun LUAN ; Yibo SUN ; Haotong WANG ; Linlin WANG ; Lijian PANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):258-264
According to the Qi-blood-body fluid theory and the association between the spleen in visceral manifestation theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and mitochondria in modern cellular biology, it is proposed that the role of the spleen in generating and transforming Qi and blood is analogous to the energy-producing function of mitochondria—both serving as fundamental power sources for vital activities of the human body. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, playing a critical role in energy metabolism and the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Similarly, mitochondria are vital for maintaining physiological functions such as cellular energy supply, cell survival, and overall human metabolism. Furthermore, spleen deficiency is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Accordingly, mitochondrial energy conversion and substance metabolism are regarded as the microscopic essence of the spleen's function in transportation and transformation. Spleen deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the formation of pathological products such as phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis. This aligns with the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with Qi deficiency as the root cause and phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis as the manifestations. Therefore, the integrative treatment of COPD should follow the therapeutic principle of invigorating the spleen and reinforcing healthy Qi, while also resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to address both root cause and manifestations. This approach can improve the mitochondrial function, regulate energy metabolism, and reduce oxidative stress levels to alleviate COPD symptoms, slow down disease progression, and improve prognosis. By integrating the holistic concept of TCM with molecular mechanisms of modern medicine, this paper explores the pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of COPD from the spleen-mitochondria correlation. It not only provides a new direction for the modern development of TCM and the integration of Chinese and Western medicine but also offers a theoretical foundation for the integrated treatment of chronic, complex age-related diseases.
4.Response to the letter to the editor: Inconsistencies in obesity criteria: implications for systematic reviews on endoscopic spine surgery
Wongthawat LIAWRUNGRUEANG ; Watcharaporn CHOLAMJIAK ; Peem SARASOMBATH ; Yudha Mathan SAKTI ; Pang Hung WU ; Meng-Huang WU ; Yu-Jen LU ; Lo Cho YAU ; Zenya ITO ; Sung Tan CHO ; Dong-Gune CHANG ; Kang Taek LIM
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(1):211-213
5.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of action of Jiawei qifang weitong granule in ameliorating precancerous lesions of gastric cancer
Wenlong CHEN ; Meiwen TANG ; Yeping YU ; Xinyuan CHEN ; Long PANG ; Changzhou XIONG ; Yingye LIANG ; Ting WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):1948-1953
OBJECTIVE To predict and verify the mechanism of Jiawei qifang weitong granule in ameliorating precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC). METHODS Transcriptomic data of PLGC-related were obtained from the GEO database to screen differentially expressed genes and conduct functional enrichment analysis. Targets related to gastric mucosal injury repair were screened via the GeneCards database. The active ingredient targets of Jiawei qifang weitong granule were predicted using the TCMSP and other databases. The intersection of differentially expressed genes, gastric mucosal repair targets and active ingredient targets was extracted. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed based on the STRING database, and the top 6 hub target genes with the highest connectivity were screened. A PLGC rat model was established by combining 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine with alternating fasting and full feeding. Model rats were divided into model group, weifuchun group (positive control, 0.40 g/kg), low-, medium- and high-dose Jiawei qifang weitong granule groups (9.73, 19.44, 38.90 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 unmodeled rats were set as control group. Rats in each group were intragastrically administered corresponding liquid medicine or normal saline once a day for 30 consecutive days. After the last administration, pathological morphological changes of rat gastric tissues were observed, and the mRNA expression levels of hub target genes as well as partial protein expression levels in gastric tissues were detected. RESULTS Transcriptomics and network pharmacology analyses revealed that the top 6 hub target genes ranked by connectivity included MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9), BCL2(B-cell lymphoma 2), IL10(interleukin 10),ICAM1(intercellular adhesion molecule 1), PTGS2 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2), and HIF1A (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α subunit). Animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, gastric mucosal pathological injury was significantly alleviated in medium- and high-dose Jiawei qifang weitong granule groups and weifuchun group. The pathological injury score of gastric mucosa, the mRNA expression levels of MMP9, PTGS2, ICAM1, BCL2 and HIF1A, as well as the protein expression levels of PTGS2 and BCL2 in gastric tissues were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the mRNA expression level of IL10 was significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Jiawei qifang weitong granule may ameliorate PLGC by targeted down-regulating the mRNA expression of MMP9, PTGS2, ICAM1, BCL2 and HIF1A, up-regulating IL10 mRNA expression, and regulating the imbalance between gastric mucosal inflammatory response and injury repair.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Treat Diabetic Microvascular Complications:A Review
Zhenlong ZHOU ; Yu DUAN ; Yutian PANG ; Ying JIA ; Mingwei LI ; Hongyu SHA ; Haichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):293-305
Diabetic microvascular complications (DMC) are major chronic complications of diabetes,primarily including diabetic kidney disease (DKD),diabetic retinopathy (DR),diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM),and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). These complications significantly impact patients' quality of life and prognosis. Modern medicine primarily focuses on symptomatic control in the treatment of DMC,with limited ability to reverse the disease progression. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS),as a central event under hyperglycemic toxicity,is not only a key cause of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction (reduced insulin synthesis and secretion) but also a core driver of damage in various target organs of DMC. It activates three signaling pathways of the unfolded protein response (UPR)-inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1),activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6),and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK),intertwining processes such as autophagy,apoptosis,oxidative stress,and calcium homeostasis imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers multi-target and multi-pathway therapeutic advantages and can curb the pathological progression of DMC by regulating ERS. This article systematically reviews the relationships of ERS with pancreatic β-cell function,insulin synthesis,and insulin secretion,and elucidates the core signaling pathways through which ERS mediates DMC. Furthermore,it categorizes and summarizes experimental evidence and mechanisms of single medicinal herbs and their extracts,TCM compound formulas,and modern TCM preparations in regulating ERS for the treatment of various DMC subtypes. Finally,this article proposes ERS as a molecular bridge for integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine in DMC treatment. Future research should leverage emerging technologies such as network pharmacology,multi-omics analysis,and nano-formulations to establish a synergistic network combining modern hypoglycemic drugs and TCM regulation of ERS. This approach is expected to achieve dual efficacy,enhance drug targeting and bioavailability,deepen the understanding of scientific connotation of TCM,and pave new avenues for the prevention and treatment of DMC.
7.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Treat Diabetic Microvascular Complications:A Review
Zhenlong ZHOU ; Yu DUAN ; Yutian PANG ; Ying JIA ; Mingwei LI ; Hongyu SHA ; Haichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):293-305
Diabetic microvascular complications (DMC) are major chronic complications of diabetes,primarily including diabetic kidney disease (DKD),diabetic retinopathy (DR),diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM),and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). These complications significantly impact patients' quality of life and prognosis. Modern medicine primarily focuses on symptomatic control in the treatment of DMC,with limited ability to reverse the disease progression. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS),as a central event under hyperglycemic toxicity,is not only a key cause of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction (reduced insulin synthesis and secretion) but also a core driver of damage in various target organs of DMC. It activates three signaling pathways of the unfolded protein response (UPR)-inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1),activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6),and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK),intertwining processes such as autophagy,apoptosis,oxidative stress,and calcium homeostasis imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers multi-target and multi-pathway therapeutic advantages and can curb the pathological progression of DMC by regulating ERS. This article systematically reviews the relationships of ERS with pancreatic β-cell function,insulin synthesis,and insulin secretion,and elucidates the core signaling pathways through which ERS mediates DMC. Furthermore,it categorizes and summarizes experimental evidence and mechanisms of single medicinal herbs and their extracts,TCM compound formulas,and modern TCM preparations in regulating ERS for the treatment of various DMC subtypes. Finally,this article proposes ERS as a molecular bridge for integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine in DMC treatment. Future research should leverage emerging technologies such as network pharmacology,multi-omics analysis,and nano-formulations to establish a synergistic network combining modern hypoglycemic drugs and TCM regulation of ERS. This approach is expected to achieve dual efficacy,enhance drug targeting and bioavailability,deepen the understanding of scientific connotation of TCM,and pave new avenues for the prevention and treatment of DMC.
8.Plasma and hepatic free fatty acid, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and ketone bodies metabolic profiles in progressive Gao-Binge model
Anqin LI ; Luxin PANG ; Yuanyuan CHAI ; Qinwei YU ; Zhenzhou JIANG ; Luyong WANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(2):196-206
To investigate the correlation between hepatic lipid accumulation and the metabolic profiles of free fatty acids(FFAs), tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and ketone body in alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), a chronic plus acute alcohol feeding model (Gao-Binge model) was employed using C57BL/6N mice to simulate different stages of AFLD. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to measure the levels of FFAs, TCA cycle intermediates, and ketone bodies in mouse liver tissue and plasma, followed by Pearson correlation analysis. The study revealed that both acute and chronic models showed significant increases in total FFAs, saturated FFAs and short-chain FFAs, as well as β-hydroxybutyric acid(HDBT) in plasma and liver, indicating FFA metabolic profile disturbances in the Gao-Binge model. Moreover, in both models, acetic acid (AA), 2-Methylbutyric acid (2-meBA), and HDBT displayed strong positive correlations with hepatic injury markers in plasma and liver samples (for instance, in the acute model plasma data, r = 0.834, 0.699, 0.818, P<0.05), while pyruvic acid (PRA) showed a strong negative correlation (r = −0.66, P<0.05). These findings suggest that FFAs, TCA cycle, and ketone body metabolism are disrupted in the alcoholic liver disease in mice model, and metabolites such as AA, 2-meBA, HDBT and PRA may serve as potential biomarkers for AFLD, which would be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
9.Ginkgolide B inhibits cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis of MH7A human fibroblast-like synoviocytes through PI3K/AKT pathway
Linchen LIU ; Xiaoyan XU ; Chunmeng WEI ; Jirong YU ; Qing SHI ; Junjun SUN ; Dandan PANG ; Feiran WEI ; Xing LIU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(2):216-224
To explore the inhibitory effect of ginkgolide B (GB) on MH7A human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and its potential mechanism. Firstly, 20 μg/L tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was pretreated with MH7A to establish a cell model of arthritis. After incubation of MH7A cells with various concentrations of GB, CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry (FCM) were separately used to detect cell viability, cell invasion, and cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle; Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot assay were performed to detect the apoptosis- and cycle-related gene transcriptions and protein expressions, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, GB dose- and time-dependently suppressed cell viability to a greater extent; GB significantly reduced cell invasive ability and increased cell apoptosis rate and proportion of G0/G1 phase in MH7A cells, along with increased transcription levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and p21 mRNA and decreased transcription levels of Bcl-2, myeloid cell leukemia 1(Mcl-1), protein kinase B (PKB; AKT), IP3K, Cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) mRNA; GB remarkably increased expression levels of Bax, p21, and cleaved-Caspase 3 protein and decreased expression levels of Bcl-2, Mcl-1, p-AKT, p-PI3K, Cyclin D1, and CDK4 protein, with decreased ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and Bcl-2/Bax. In conclusion, GB blocks the G1-to-S cell cycle transition, suppresses cell viability and cell invasion and induces cell apoptosis of MH7A human RA-FLS via suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
10.Application of Gas Chromatography Ion Mobility Spectrometry Technology Combined with Chemometric Methods in Identification of Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan Region
Xiurong TIAN ; Hao WANG ; Kejing PANG ; Penglong YU ; Xia LIU ; Mengyue SHEN ; Xianglin JIANG ; Yonghua LI ; Zhihong LI ; Hongqiong DING ; Qin YANG ; Xingying LI ; Qian XIONG ; Guochao WAN ; Yuexiang MA ; Zhenping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):184-192
ObjectiveTo establish a geographical origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan, providing a new technical reference for the protection of Haiyuan's geo-authentic medicinal materials and its designation as a national geographical indication agricultural product. MethodsSamples of Foeniculi Fructus were collected from eight producing areas, including Minqin (Gansu), Bozhou (Anhui), Qingdao (Shandong), Dezhou (Shandong), Urumqi (Xinjiang), Nujiang (Yunnan), Gutuo (Inner Mongolia), and Haiyuan (Ningxia). Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) was used to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in samples from these geographic origins. VOCs were qualitatively analyzed through dual matching with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mass spectral database and the IMS drift time database. Using the Reporter module and Gallery Plot visualization tools within the LAV analytical platform, VOC fingerprint profiles characterizing geographic origins were constructed. A non-targeted analytical strategy was adopted, and 97 VOCs detected via GC-IMS were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on their differential distribution patterns to construct an origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan region. Key discriminative markers were screened using variable importance in projection (VIP) values greater than 1. ResultsA total of 97 VOCs were identified, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, organic acids, terpenoids, ethers, alkenes, and benzenes. The PLS-DA model, based on VOCs data obtained by GC-IMS, effectively distinguished Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from those of other origins. During cross-validation, the model achieved a prediction parameter (Q2) of 0.976 and a goodness-of-fit parameter (R2) of 0.936, with no overfitting observed in permutation testing. Twelve key flavor markers with VIP > 1 were identified as characteristic indicators of Haiyuan origin. ConclusionA stable and highly predictive origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan was successfully established using GC-IMS technology, PLS-DA, and VIP-based marker screening. This model provides a novel technical strategy for accurately distinguishing Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from other regional varieties and offers new technical support for its protection as a geo-authentic medicinal material and a nationally designated geographical indication agricultural product in China.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail