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.Modified Ditan Tang Regulates Biorhythm-related Genes in Rat Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Zhiwen PANG ; Yu LIU ; Nan SONG ; Jie WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Zhen HUA ; Yupeng PEI ; Qun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):115-124
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Ditan tang on genes related to the transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) of biorhythm in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its mechanism for prevention and treatment of NAFLD. MethodsSixty-five healthy SPF male SD rats were randomly assigned into blank (n=20), model (n=15), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.68, 5.36, and 10.72 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) modified Ditan tang (n=10) groups. Other groups except the blank group were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The modified Ditan tang groups were treated with the decoction at corresponding doses by gavage, and the blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline from the 9th week for 4 weeks. The levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. TG and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) assay kits were used to measure the levels of TG and NEFA in the liver. The pathological changes in the hypothalamus and liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the lipid deposition in the liver was observed by oil red O staining. The levels of brain-muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1/ARNTL) in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein levels of BMAL1, circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK), period circadian clock 2 (PER2), and cryptochrome1 (Cry1) in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, AST, and ALT (P<0.01) and a lowered level of HDL-C (P<0.05) in the serum, elevated levels of TG and NEFA in the liver (P<0.01), pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells, and a large number of vacuoles in the brain area. In addition, the model group showed lipid deposition in the liver, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 (P<0.01) in the hypothalamus and liver. Compared with the model group, all the three modified Ditan tang groups showed lowered levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, and AST (P<0.05, P<0.01) and an elevated level of HDL-C (P<0.05) in the serum, and lowered levels of TG and NEFA (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the liver. Furthermore, the three groups showed alleviated pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells, reduced lipid deposition in the liver, down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the hypothalamus and liver. ConclusionModified Ditan tang can reduce lipid deposition in the liver and regulate the expression of CLOCK, BMAL1, Cry1, and PER2 in the TTFL of NAFLD rats.
9.Analysis of short-term efficacy of intermediate-risk and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer treated with intravesical instillation of domestic BCG
Xiangyu PANG ; Yu YAO ; Yi YUAN ; Lijiang SUN ; Guiming ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(4):250-256
Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy, safety and factors affecting recurrence of intermediate-risk and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treated with intravesical instillation of domestic Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infusion.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. We collected the data of 163 patients with NMIBC treated with domestic BCG after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) from October 2016 to October 2020 in the Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. There were 140 males and 23 females, the age was(67.3±10.3) years old. 23 cases had only been received BCG and 140 cases received other chemotherapy drugs before. The induction scheme of instillation was started after the TURBT at once a week for 6 consecutive weeks, continue instillation at every two weeks for 3 doses, then maintenance instillation once a month for 10 consecutive times, for a total of 19 instillations. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate recurrence-free survival. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze factors and stepwise regression (backward method) was employed to identify independent risk factors for recurrence after BCG instillation. The incidence of adverse reactions was recorded. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation( ± s), measurement data with skewed distribution were expressed as M( Q1, Q3), and count data were expressed as frequency and percentage(%). Results:A total of 23 cases experienced recurrence within the 13-month of instillation, of which 7 cases were found to have progressed by pathological biopsy, and the cumulative recurrence-free rate was 85.9%. The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that the history of re-TURBT ( P=0.010) was an independent predictor for recurrence after BCG intravesical instillation. Adverse events occurred in 110 cases. The main symptoms of the 65 cases were urgency of urination, pollakiuria and dysuria with urinary irritation, urinary tract infection in 15 cases, hematuria in 10 cases, and other symptoms in 20 cases. Instillation was terminated in 7 cases due to side effects, no serious adverse events such as spread of tuberculous bacteria were observed in the cases. Conclusions:Patients with NMIBC treated with intravesical instillation of domestic BCG have significant short-term efficacy, while patients who have previously received re-TURBT is an independent predictor for recurrence. The domestic BCG have the characteristic of slight side effect, good efficacy and safety.
10.A SINGLE CASE OF COINFECTION WITH SEVERE FEVER WITH THROMBOCYTOPENIA SYNDROME AND SCRUB TYPHUS IN DALIAN,CHINA
Ke-Ya WU ; Ling-Yan KONG ; Jun XING ; Wei PANG ; Yi ZHOU ; Yu-Hong LIANG ; Sheng-Hao JIN ; Shang QI
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(1):48-51
This article reports a first case of combined infection with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)and scrub typhus in Dalian City.The patient was admitted to the hospital due to recurrent fever for 7 days and loss of consciousness for 1 day.Pathogen metagenomic sequencing(mNGS),SFTSV quantitative PCR,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)IgM tests were performed,showing positive results for Orientia tsutsugamushi and SFTSV nucleic acids.Based on clinical manifestations and epidemiological history,the patient was diagnosed with combined infections.

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