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.Staged Efficacy of Qijia Rougan Prescription Combined with Entecavir for Chronic Hepatitis B-related Hepatic Fibrosis with Qi Deficiency and Collateral Stasis Syndrome Based on "Zhu Ke Jiao" Theory
Baixue LI ; Xin WANG ; Jibin LIU ; Li WEN ; Cen JIANG ; Wenjun WU ; Dong WANG ; Shuwan LIU ; Huabao LIU ; Yongli ZHENG ; Liang HUANG ; Yue SU ; Song ZHANG ; Yanan SHANG ; Hang ZHOU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):180-188
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate and evaluate the staged efficacy and safety of the representative empirical prescription of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory, Qijia Rougan prescription, combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled clinical study was conducted, and 101 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatic fibrosis (CHB-HF) who met the diagnosis and inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an observation group (Qijia Rougan prescription + entecavir) and a control group (entecavir). The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), portal vein diameter, hepatitis B serology, biochemical indicators, hepatic fibrosis markers in serum [hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP), and type Ⅳ collagen (Ⅳ-C)], and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores were used as efficacy evaluation indicators. Efficacy assessments and explorations of different staged subgroups of Qijia Rougan prescription were conducted according to LSM values based on the Metavir pathological staging standard. ResultsA total of 98 cases were included for statistical analysis, with 49 cases in the observation group and 49 in the control group. The general data of the patients in both groups were comparable. Compared with the same group before treatment, the observation group showed a significant reduction in LSM and FIB-4 (P<0.01), as well as notable improvements in LN, Ⅳ-C, and various TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in LSM, FIB-4, and various TCM syndrome score indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that the observation group performed better than the control group. Subgroup analysis of the regression of hepatic fibrosis stages showed that compared to the same group before treatment, the observation group had better improvement in regression of stages F2 and F3 (P<0.05). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group exhibited superior improvement in regression of stage F3 (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionCompared with entecavir alone, the combination of Qijia Rougan prescription and entecavir significantly improves the degree of hepatic fibrosis and clinical TCM symptoms in patients. The optimal intervention period is primarily during stage F3, which is a potential “interception” point of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Parkinson's Disease Based on Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway: A Review
Liuping YUE ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Yijun WU ; Huan YU ; Xinzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):307-317
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor dysfunction. The main pathological features include the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, abnormal aggregation of alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn), and the formation of Lewy bodies. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In recent years, the PD incidence has gradually increased, while current treatment methods are limited to symptom alleviation, incapable of halting disease progression, and prone to adverse effects, thus making it urgent to search for medicines effective for PD. Modern research indicates that the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway is closely related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, playing a crucial role in the pathophysiological development of PD. A large number of studies have further confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate diseases through a holistic view of Syndrome differentiation and microscopic molecular pathways. With unique advantages, such as multiple targets, multiple pathways, and fewer adverse reactions, TCM provides a new strategy for PD treatment. This article elucidates the mechanism of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of PD, while summarizing the latest research on PD intervention by TCM monomers, active ingredients, and compounds, as well as acupuncture via the precise targeted regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, aiming to provide a reference for clinical medicine development to prevent and treat PD.
4.Evaluation of Anti-osteoporosis Activity and Hepatotoxicity of Xianling Gubao Based on Zebrafish Model
Qiuman LI ; Yue QIAN ; Zixuan ZHU ; Yuan SONG ; Qian DENG ; Shengyun DAI ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):87-94
ObjectiveTo investigate the association and translational mechanism between the hepatotoxicity of Xianling Gubao (XLGB) and its treatment of osteoporosis based on a zebrafish model. MethodsZebrafish were randomly selected four days after fertilization (4 dpf) and exposed to different concentrations of XLGB (0.7,0.35 mg·L-1) for 96 h. At the endpoint of the exposure, the mortality rates of zebrafish in the treatment groups of different concentrations were counted, and the "dose-toxicity" curves were plotted. The 10% sublethal concentration (LC10) was calculated. The liver area, acridine orange staining, and pathological tissue sections of transgenic zebrafish [CZ16 (gz15Tg.Tg (fabp 10a: ds Red; ela31: EGFP)] were used as indicators to confirm the hepatic damage caused by the sublethal concentration of XLGB. By using the prednisolone (PNSL)-induced osteoporosis model of zebrafish, the anti-osteoporosis activity of XLGB was evaluated by using the area of skull stained by alizarin red and the cumulative optical density value as indicators. Then, the toxicity difference of XLGB on the liver of zebrafish in healthy and osteoporotic states was compared, and the mechanism of the translational action of the toxicity of XLGB was predicted based on network pharmacology and real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). ResultsThe LC10 of XLGB on zebrafish (8 dpf) was 0.7 mg·L-1. Compared with the blank group, the sublethal concentration (LC10=0.7 mg·L-1, 1/2 LC10=0.35 mg·L-1) of XLGB induced an increase in the number of apoptosis of hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner, and the tissue arrangement of the liver was disordered and loose. The vacuoles were obvious, and the fluorescence area of the liver was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the mineralized area and cumulative optical density value of zebrafish skull in the PNSL model group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and those in the 0.7,0.35 mg·L-1 XLGB treatment group were significantly increased compared with the model group (P<0.01). Most importantly, 0.7 mg·L-1 XLGB had no significant effect on the liver of zebrafish in the osteoporosis disease model compared with the blank group. The results of network pharmacology and real-time PCR experiments showed that the toxic transformation of XLGB might be related to the differences in the expression levels of key targets, such as tumor protein 53 (TP53), cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-3(Caspase-3), interleukin(IL)-6, and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) in different organismal states. ConclusionUnder certain conditions, XLGB has hepatotoxicity in normal zebrafish, but under osteoporotic conditions, XLGB not only exerts significant anti-osteoporosis activity but also alleviates hepatotoxicity significantly, which provides a reference for the safe clinical use of XLGB and real evidence for the theories of traditional Chinese medicine of attacking poison with poison and of treating disease with corresponding drugs without damage to the body.
5.Comparison of unicondylar knee arthroplasty and high tibial osteotomy in treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis
Lei SHI ; Song SHI ; Yue LU ; Ran TAO ; Hongdong MA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):503-509
BACKGROUND:The treatment of early knee osteoarthritis can be achieved through two knee preservation treatments:Unicondylar knee arthroplasty and high tibial osteotomy.However,further exploration is needed to determine whether there are differences in knee joint recovery between the two knee preservation surgeries at different stages after surgery. OBJECTIVE:To compare the efficacy and related complications of unicondylar knee arthroplasty and high tibial osteotomy in the treatment of varus osteoarthropathy of the knee,and to provide a reference for clinical decision. METHODS:A total of 103 patients with varus osteoarthritis of the knee underwent surgical treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from September 2018 to September 2022 were selected.Among them,86 patients were followed up for more than 1 year.According to different surgical methods,the patients were divided into unicondylar knee arthroplasty group(49 cases)and high tibial osteotomy group(37 cases).Knee function,pain,and line of force correction were evaluated before surgery,4 weeks,3 months,6 months,and 1 year after surgery in both groups.Hospital for special surgery knee score,functional score of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index,changes of lateral space of the knee joint,range of motion,proprioception(position sense),and postoperative activity recovery speed were evaluated comprehensively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were no significant differences in preoperative hospital for special surgery knee score,Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score and lateral knee compartment size between the two groups.(2)The hospital for special surgery knee score of patients undergoing unicondylar knee arthroplasty was better than that of patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy within 4 weeks after surgery(P<0.05).At 3 and 6 months after surgery,compared with the improvement of the two groups,the hospital for special surgery knee score in the unicondylar knee arthroplasty group was lower than that in the high tibial osteotomy group,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).The range of motion flexion value and position perception of patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy were significantly better than those undergoing unicondylar knee arthroplasty 6 months after surgery(P<0.05).(3)The unicondylar knee arthroplasty group was better than the high tibial osteotomy group in terms of the speed of knee movement recovery(P<0.05).(4)However,there was no significant difference between the two groups in the change of hospital for special surgery knee score,range of motion,and the width of lateral knee space during 1-year follow-up.(5)All patients were followed up for more than 1 year,and no adverse complications were found during the follow-up.(6)It is indicated that the short-term effect of knee functional recovery in patients with high tibial osteotomy is better than that in patients with unicondylar knee arthroplasty,but there is no significant difference in medium-and long-term efficacy between the two kinds of surgery for medial knee arthritis.
6.Association between thyroid function levels and phenotypes associated with sarcopenia
Jiatong LI ; Yue JIN ; Runjia LIU ; Bowen SONG ; Xiaoqian ZHU ; Nianhu LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1312-1320
BACKGROUND:Several observational studies have found a close relationship between thyroid function levels and sarcopenia,but the causal relationship between thyroid function levels and the onset of sarcopenia is not yet clear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between thyroid function levels and sarcopenia using a two sample Mendelian randomization method. METHODS:A two sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using genome-wide association study data on thyrotropin,free triiodothyronine,free tetraiodothyronine,subclinical hyperthyroidism,subclinical hypothyroidism,and four related phenotypes of sarcopenia-lefthand grip strength,right hand grip strength,limb lean mass,and gait speed.The inverse-variance weighted method,weighted median method,simple mode method,weighted median estimator method,and MR Egger regression method were used as analysis methods,while heterogeneity test,pleiotropy test,MR-PRESSO,leave-one-out method,funnel plot and other methods were used for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone increased left-(β=0.02,SE=0.01,P=0.01)and right-handed grip strength(β=0.02,SE=0.01,P=0.01),an increase in free triiodothyronine decreased left-(β=-0.06,SE=0.02,P=9.5×10-5)and right-handed grip strength(β=-0.07,SE=0.02,P=9.3×10-5),and subclinical hyperthyroidism decreased gait speed(β=-4.4×10-3,SE=1.7×10-3,P=0.01).The sensitivity analysis results were basically consistent with the main analysis results.To conclude,an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone is a protective factor for sarcopenia,and elevation of free triiodothyronine and subclinical hyperthyroidism may increase the risk of sarcopenia.
7.Historical evolution and contemporary mission of the Declaration of Helsinki
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(4):420-427
Since it was first issued in 1964, the Declaration of Helsinki has undergone numerous revisions, aiming to address the ethical challenges in the field of medical research. This paper systematically reviewed the origins and historical evolution of the declaration, as well as sorted out the key revision contents at different stages and their ethical logic in detail. In the face of the challenges of technological revolution and globalization, the 2024 revision provided directional guidance to meet the needs of future medical research while reinforcing ethical norms. Its historical evolution is not only a microcosm of the development of ethics but also reflects the shared responsibility of medical research in the context of globalization.
8.Predicting Postoperative Motor Function in High-risk Glioma Based on The Morphology Change of Motor Fiber Tracts
Qiang MA ; Song-Lin YU ; Chu-Yue ZHAO ; Xi-Jie WANG ; Song LIN ; Zhen-Tao ZUO ; Tao YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1018-1026
ObjectiveGliomas in the motor functional area can damage the corticospinal tract (CST), leading to motor dysfunction. Currently, there is a lack of unified methods for evaluating the extent of CST damage, especially in patients with high surgical risk where the minimum distance from the lesion to the CST is less than 10 mm. This study aims to further clarify the classification method and clinical significance of CST morphological changes in these patients. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 109 high-risk functional area glioma patients who underwent neurosurgical treatment with preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) imaging and intraoperative neurostimulation guidance between 2014 and 2024. All patients had a lesion-to-tract distance (LTD) of less than 10 mm between the CST and the lesion. Preoperative DTI evaluation of CST involvement-induced morphological changes were reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 17 cases (15.6%) with symmetric CST morphology compared to the healthy side (CST symmetry), 48 cases (44.0%) with significant CST morphology changes compared to the healthy side (CST deformation), and 44 cases (40.4%) with CST overlap with the tumor (CST overlap). Then we classified patients according to preoperative assessment of tumor-induced morphological changes, and analyze postoperative motor function for each category. ResultsPostoperative pathology showed a significantly higher proportion of high-grade gliomas (HGG) in the CST overlap group compared to the other two groups (P=0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that CST overlap was a predictor of HGG (P=0.000). The rate of total tumor resection in the CST deformation group and overlap group was lower than in the CST symmetric group (P=0.008). There was a total of 41 postoperative hemiplegic patients, with 4 cases (23.5%) in the CST symmetric group, 11 cases (22.9%) in the CST deformation group, and 26 cases (59.1%) in the CST overlap group. CST overlap with the tumor predicted postoperative hemiplegia (P=0.016). Two-way ANOVA analysis of the affected/healthy side and CST morphology groups showed significant main effects of CST grouping and healthy-affected side (P=0.017 and P=0.010), with no significant interaction (P=0.31). The fractional anisotropy (FA) value in the CST overlap group and the affected side was lower. A decrease in the FA value on the affected side predicted postoperative hemiplegia (sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 71.9%). ConclusionWe have established a method to predict postoperative hemiplegia in high-risk motor functional area glioma patients based on preoperative CST morphological changes. CST overlap leads to a decrease in CST FA values. This method can be used for precise patient management and aid in accurate preoperative surgical planning.
9.Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Medication Rule of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Single Center
Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Ying DING ; Long WANG ; Shanshan XU ; Yijin WANG ; Yue WANG ; Feiyu YAO ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):176-184
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical treatment plan and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication rule of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. MethodsThe gender and age of children firstly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected, and the use of immunosuppressive agents and related frequencies were counted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, an independent TCM prescription database for children with nephrotic syndrome was established. Excel was used to analyze the relevant information of the literature. The frequency counting, association rule analysis, and cluster analysis were carried out on TCM in the prescription, and the high-frequent drugs were analyzed. Results(1) General information: A total of 711 children were included, consisting of 522 males (73.42%) and 189 females (26.58%). The ratio of male to female was about 2.76∶1. The disease mainly occurred in infants and preschool age, and the average age of onset was (4.74 ± 3.48) years old. (2) Clinical treatment plan and use of immunosuppressive agents: Of the 711 children with PNS, 237 were treated with hormone alone (32.33%), and 474 (66.67%) received immunosuppressive agents combined with hormones. In the initial treatment, hormone combined with Tacrolimus (TAC) was the preferred treatment (32.91%). For children with refractory PNS who exhibited poor clinical efficacy, Rituximab (RTX) was mostly used for treatment, with a ratio of up to 23.63%. (3) TCM syndrome and medication rule: In PNS syndrome differentiation, Qi and Yin deficiency was identified as the main syndrome. This involved a total of 477 cases, accounting for 67.09%. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney was observed in 118 cases, accounting for 16.60%. A total of 711 children were included, of which 706 children were treated with TCM. This involved a total of 706 prescriptions, 226 TCM, and 9 793 frequencies. There were 30 herbs used more than 95 times. The top five TCM were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (81.16%), Radix Astragali (71.81%), Poria (68.84%), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (63.60%), and Fructus Corni (57.37%). The drug association rules and network diagram showed that the combination of ''Radix Astragali-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Poria'' was the closest, and five types of combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionIn the diagnosis and treatment of PNS in children, TAC combined with hormones shows good clinical efficacy and high safety. For children with refractory PNS, RTX combined with hormones can be used. TCM medication for PNS should follow the basic principles of strengthening the body and vital Qi and make good use of drugs such as Radix Astragali, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and cornus to regulate the Yin and Yang balance and achieve better clinical efficacy.
10.Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Medication Rule of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Single Center
Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Ying DING ; Long WANG ; Shanshan XU ; Yijin WANG ; Yue WANG ; Feiyu YAO ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):176-184
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical treatment plan and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication rule of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. MethodsThe gender and age of children firstly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected, and the use of immunosuppressive agents and related frequencies were counted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, an independent TCM prescription database for children with nephrotic syndrome was established. Excel was used to analyze the relevant information of the literature. The frequency counting, association rule analysis, and cluster analysis were carried out on TCM in the prescription, and the high-frequent drugs were analyzed. Results(1) General information: A total of 711 children were included, consisting of 522 males (73.42%) and 189 females (26.58%). The ratio of male to female was about 2.76∶1. The disease mainly occurred in infants and preschool age, and the average age of onset was (4.74 ± 3.48) years old. (2) Clinical treatment plan and use of immunosuppressive agents: Of the 711 children with PNS, 237 were treated with hormone alone (32.33%), and 474 (66.67%) received immunosuppressive agents combined with hormones. In the initial treatment, hormone combined with Tacrolimus (TAC) was the preferred treatment (32.91%). For children with refractory PNS who exhibited poor clinical efficacy, Rituximab (RTX) was mostly used for treatment, with a ratio of up to 23.63%. (3) TCM syndrome and medication rule: In PNS syndrome differentiation, Qi and Yin deficiency was identified as the main syndrome. This involved a total of 477 cases, accounting for 67.09%. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney was observed in 118 cases, accounting for 16.60%. A total of 711 children were included, of which 706 children were treated with TCM. This involved a total of 706 prescriptions, 226 TCM, and 9 793 frequencies. There were 30 herbs used more than 95 times. The top five TCM were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (81.16%), Radix Astragali (71.81%), Poria (68.84%), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (63.60%), and Fructus Corni (57.37%). The drug association rules and network diagram showed that the combination of ''Radix Astragali-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Poria'' was the closest, and five types of combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionIn the diagnosis and treatment of PNS in children, TAC combined with hormones shows good clinical efficacy and high safety. For children with refractory PNS, RTX combined with hormones can be used. TCM medication for PNS should follow the basic principles of strengthening the body and vital Qi and make good use of drugs such as Radix Astragali, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and cornus to regulate the Yin and Yang balance and achieve better clinical efficacy.

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