1.Mechanism Investigation of Qi-invigorating and Blood-activating Drug Combination in Yitangkang Compound Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Using Multimodal Research Approach
Chenghao YU ; Tingting LI ; Mingbo ZHANG ; Honghe XIAO ; Yufeng YANG ; Yan SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):94-106
ObjectiveThrough multimodal research methods including medication rule mining, network pharmacology, molecular docking and dynamics simulation, and in vivo animal experiments, this study aims to speculate and verify the core composition (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and efficacy (Qi-invigorating and blood-activating) of the drug combination in Yitangkang Compound for improving diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), investigate the interaction relationship and binding strength between core active ingredients of the drug combination and key signaling pathway targets, and further explore the mechanism by which the Qi-invigorating and blood-activating drug combination regulates the calcium signaling pathway to improve cardiac function in DCM rats. MethodsThe Ancient and Modern Medical Cases Cloud Platform was used to construct a DCM prescription database, and the "Analysis Method" module of the platform was applied to mine and summarize medication rules, thereby determining the core composition of the Qi-invigorating and blood-activating drug combination in Yitangkang. Drug-active ingredient-signaling pathway-core target-disease analysis and visualization were conducted by combining network pharmacology with the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform (TCMSP) database, SwissTargetPrediction platform, GeneCards database, MetaScape database, CytoScape software, etc. Then, molecular docking was performed via the CB-Dock2 platform, and molecular dynamics simulation of the high-binding-strength docking complexes was carried out by Gromacs software. Finally, in vivo animal experiments were carried out. Twenty-eight Sprague Dawley (SD) rats meeting the research criteria were divided into a normal group, a model group, a drug combination group (3.3 g·kg-1), and a Yitangkang group (20 g·kg-1). A type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model was established by high-fat diet feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), followed by continuous feeding for eight weeks until the DCM model was successfully established. During this period, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound and drug combination were administered for prevention and treatment intervention. Meanwhile, changes in blood glucose, body weight, and heart index of each group were monitored. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, and electrophysiological signals were detected by an electrocardiogram. The heart tissue was observed for pathological changes by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining, and the expression of L-type calcium channel (CACNA1C), calmodulin (CALM1), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱδ (CAMK2D), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) proteins in the calcium signaling pathway of myocardial tissue was detected by Western blot. ResultsIn 62 DCM prescriptions, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma were used most frequently. Their meridian tropism mainly involved the spleen, heart, and lung, and their sweet and warm properties were prominent. The drugs for tonifying or blood-activating and stasis-resolving ranked top. In association rule analysis, (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)-Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma had the highest lift. Network pharmacology obtained 75 active ingredients of the drug combination, 714 drug combination action targets, 2 702 disease targets, and 286 intersection targets. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network predicted nine interaction component-targets (nine active ingredients and four calcium signaling pathway target genes). Molecular docking showed the four complexes with the lowest binding energy were 2f3z-ginsenoside Re, 1cll-quercetin, 9blh-(6S)-6-(hydroxymethyl)-1,6-dimethyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-naphtho[8,7-g]benzofuran-10,11-dione, and 5vv0-miltionone Ⅱ. Dynamics simulation showed the CALM1-quercetin complex had the strongest binding affinity. The animal experiment results revealed that compared with the normal group, the model group showed significant changes in blood glucose, body weight, myocardial tissue morphology, heart index, cardiac function, electrophysiological indexes, and the expression levels of CACNA1C, CALM1, CAMK2D, and NOS1 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yitangkang group had a certain improvement effect on the above indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Yitangkang group, the drug combination group showed no significant difference in improving myocardial tissue morphology, heart index, cardiac function, electrophysiological indexes, and the expression of CACNA1C, CALM1, CAMK2D, and NOS1 proteins, except for blood glucose and body weight. ConclusionGinseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma are the core Qi-invigorating and blood-activating drug combination in Yitangkang Compound. They have a good preventive and therapeutic effect on STZ-induced DCM in rats, and their mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the calcium signaling pathway.
2.Research progress of 3D printed patient-specific instrumentation in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Yufeng HE ; Xiao YU ; Tianjiao YAN ; Guangtao JIANG ; Xiaoqiang ZHOU ; Zhengquan XU ; Xiangxin ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(3):211-216
Three-dimensional printed patient-specific instrumentation (3D-PSI) provides a precise and individualized treatment solution for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Currently, this technology is being applied in clinical practice and has demonstrated certain potential. Compared to conventional instrumentation (CI), 3D-PSI offers a broader range of indications, higher-quality preoperative planning, shorter surgical time, a smoother learning curve, more precise osteotomy and prosthesis placement, and better postoperative functional recovery. However, it still has limitations in the rotational alignment of the tibial component. Additionally, the higher cost for patients and increased hospital equipment investment make it less beneficial for surgeons already proficient in CI techniques. Further reliable evidence is needed to compare 3D-PSI with computer navigation and robotic technologies. This review summarizes the advantages and limitations of 3D-PSI assisted UKA and compares 3D-PSI with different auxiliary technologies.
3.In vivo measurement of radionuclides and radiation levels around patients after BNCT treatment
Ye CAO ; Diyun SHU ; Yufeng XIAO ; Youqun LAI ; Jinsheng CHENG ; Senxing ZHENG ; Jilong YUAN ; Xiaohua MIU ; Jianji PAN ; Yuanhao LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(7):668-673
Objective:To explore the in vitro radiation levels and in vivo neutron activation after patients receiving boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Methods:Totally 29 BNCT treatments were performed for 21 patients with head and neck and brain cancer using the NeuPex accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (AB-BNCT) system in Xiamen Humanity Hospital from October, 2022 to April, 2024. The ambient dose equivalent rate around the patients was measured with an X/gamma dose rate survey meter. The gamma radiation dose rates were measured at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 m from the irradiation position, at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 m from the opposite side of the irradiation position, and at the navel and the affected knee, respectively. Meanwhile, a portable high-purity germanium gamma spectrometer was used to measure the spectrum of activated nuclides in the bodies of patients who had underwent the treatment, and the types of radionuclides generated by neutron activation during each BNCT treatment were analyzed.Results:The radionuclides 24Na, 38Cl, and 49Ca were mainly produced in the bodies of patients treated with BNCT. 20 minutes after BNCT treatment, the ambient dose equivalent rate at a distance of 1.0 m from the irradiation position was lower than 2.5 μSv/h. Conclusions:The dose delivered to the staff and family members by the patients undergoing BNCT is relatively low, and the resulting radiation risk is low. According to the ALARA principle, it is recommended that certain control actions be taken for patients having received BNCT treatment to minimize the exposure doses of both patients and staff as much as possible.
4.Data mining analysis of animal models of pulmonary fibrosis
Yin ZENG ; Linlin LI ; Xiangming MA ; Yufeng XIAO ; Jue HU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):549-560
Objective To study the characteristics of animal models of pulmonary fibrosis so as to provide a reference for the standardization of such models,and to guide research on the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.Methods Studies using experimental pulmonary fibrosis in animals published in the past 10 years were retrieved from the CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,and PubMed databases.Factors including animal species,sex,modeling method,and detection index were summarized,and the data were analyzed using Excel.Results A total of 292 eligible studies were included.The animals mainly included SD rats,Wistar rats,and C57BL/6 mice,and most were male.The most common modeling drugs were bleomycin,paraquat,and silica suspension,mainly administered by intratracheal injection,with a typical modeling cycle of 28 d.The detection indexes mainly comprised lung tissue pathology and measurements of protein expression,cytokine levels,and biochemical indexes.Conclusions SD rats and C57BL/6 mice were the most commonly used animals for experimental pulmonary fibrosis,and intratracheal injection of bleomycin(5 mg/kg)was the most frequently used modeling method.This approach allows for the straightforward and effective replication of pathological features resembling human pulmonary fibrosis,and may serve as a reference for future experimental studies using animal models of pulmonary fibrosis.
5.In vivo measurement of radionuclides and radiation levels around patients after BNCT treatment
Ye CAO ; Diyun SHU ; Yufeng XIAO ; Youqun LAI ; Jinsheng CHENG ; Senxing ZHENG ; Jilong YUAN ; Xiaohua MIU ; Jianji PAN ; Yuanhao LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(7):668-673
Objective:To explore the in vitro radiation levels and in vivo neutron activation after patients receiving boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Methods:Totally 29 BNCT treatments were performed for 21 patients with head and neck and brain cancer using the NeuPex accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (AB-BNCT) system in Xiamen Humanity Hospital from October, 2022 to April, 2024. The ambient dose equivalent rate around the patients was measured with an X/gamma dose rate survey meter. The gamma radiation dose rates were measured at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 m from the irradiation position, at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 m from the opposite side of the irradiation position, and at the navel and the affected knee, respectively. Meanwhile, a portable high-purity germanium gamma spectrometer was used to measure the spectrum of activated nuclides in the bodies of patients who had underwent the treatment, and the types of radionuclides generated by neutron activation during each BNCT treatment were analyzed.Results:The radionuclides 24Na, 38Cl, and 49Ca were mainly produced in the bodies of patients treated with BNCT. 20 minutes after BNCT treatment, the ambient dose equivalent rate at a distance of 1.0 m from the irradiation position was lower than 2.5 μSv/h. Conclusions:The dose delivered to the staff and family members by the patients undergoing BNCT is relatively low, and the resulting radiation risk is low. According to the ALARA principle, it is recommended that certain control actions be taken for patients having received BNCT treatment to minimize the exposure doses of both patients and staff as much as possible.
6.Data mining analysis of animal models of pulmonary fibrosis
Yin ZENG ; Linlin LI ; Xiangming MA ; Yufeng XIAO ; Jue HU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):549-560
Objective To study the characteristics of animal models of pulmonary fibrosis so as to provide a reference for the standardization of such models,and to guide research on the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.Methods Studies using experimental pulmonary fibrosis in animals published in the past 10 years were retrieved from the CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,and PubMed databases.Factors including animal species,sex,modeling method,and detection index were summarized,and the data were analyzed using Excel.Results A total of 292 eligible studies were included.The animals mainly included SD rats,Wistar rats,and C57BL/6 mice,and most were male.The most common modeling drugs were bleomycin,paraquat,and silica suspension,mainly administered by intratracheal injection,with a typical modeling cycle of 28 d.The detection indexes mainly comprised lung tissue pathology and measurements of protein expression,cytokine levels,and biochemical indexes.Conclusions SD rats and C57BL/6 mice were the most commonly used animals for experimental pulmonary fibrosis,and intratracheal injection of bleomycin(5 mg/kg)was the most frequently used modeling method.This approach allows for the straightforward and effective replication of pathological features resembling human pulmonary fibrosis,and may serve as a reference for future experimental studies using animal models of pulmonary fibrosis.
7.Interpretation and Elaboration for the ARRIVE Guidelines 2.0—Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (V)
Zhengwen MA ; Xiaying LI ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Yao LI ; Jian WANG ; Jin LU ; Guoyuan CHEN ; Xiao LU ; Yu BAI ; Xuancheng LU ; Yonggang LIU ; Yufeng TAO ; Wanyong PANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(1):105-114
Improving the reproducibility of biomedical research results is a major challenge. Transparent and accurate reporting of the research process enables readers to evaluate the reliability of the research results and further explore the experiment by repeating it or building upon its findings. The ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines, released in 2019 by the UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), provide a checklist that is applicable to any in vivo animal research report. These guidelines aim to improve the standardization of experimental design, implementation, and reporting, as well as enhance the reliability, repeatability, and clinical translation of animal experimental results. The use of the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines not only enriches the details of animal experimental research reports, ensuring that information on animal experimental results is fully evaluated and utilized, but also enables readers to understand the content expressed by the author accurately and clearly, promoting the transparency and completeness of the fundamental research review process. At present, the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines have been widely adopted by international biomedical journals. This article is based on the best practices following the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines in international journals, and it interprets, explains, and elaborates in Chinese the fifth part of the comprehensive version of the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines published in PLoS Biology in 2020 (the original text can be found at
8.Panax notoginseng saponins alleviate oral submucous fibrosis by inhibiting arecoline-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells via activating Nrf2/GCLC signaling pathway
Hong ZOU ; Shuo QI ; Fangping DENG ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Shuxin FU ; Mengqi GUO ; Yufeng XIAO ; Qun TANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(5):908-916
AIM:To investigate the anti-fibrotic effect of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)in arecoline(ANE)-induced oral submucous fibrosis,and to analyze the effect of PNS on nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/glu-tamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit(GCLC)signaling pathway.METHODS:CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of PNS and arecoline on the survival rate of human immortalized keratinocyte cell line Ha-CaT.The results of CCK-8 were used to select 75 mg/L arecoline,and 25,50 and 100 mg/L PNS as subsequent experi-mental concentrations.The cells were set as blank control group,model group,and low,medium and high doses(25,50 and 100 mg/L)of PNS groups.The protein and mRNA expressions of collagen type I(COL-I),E-cadherin,Nrf2,GCLC and glutathione reductase(GR)in each group were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR.Immunofluorescence method was used to detect the entry of Nrf2 into the nucleus.Biochemical kits were used to detect the content of glutathione(GSH),nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)and malondialdehyde(MDA),and superoxide dis-mutase(SOD)activity in each group of cells.DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect the content of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS).RESULTS:Compared with the blank control group,the protein and mRNA expression of COL-I in the model group was up-regulated,and the protein and mRNA levels of E-cadherin,Nrf2,GCLC,nuclear Nrf2 and GR were down-regulated.The content of NADPH,MDA and ROS in the cells increased,and the content of GSH and the activity of SOD was significantly reduced.Compared with the model group,the protein and mRNA expression of COL-I was down-regulated,and the protein and mRNA expression of E-cadherin,Nrf2,GCLC,nuclear Nrf2 and GR were up-regulated in PNS 50 and 100 mg/L groups.Compared with the model group,the content of NADPH,MDA and ROS in cells decreased,and the content of GSH and the activity of SOD was significantly enhanced(P<0.05 or P<0.01).CON-CLUSION:Panax notoginseng saponins have anti-fibrosis effects in HaCaT cells,and their mechanism may be related to the activation of Nrf2/GCLC signaling pathway,thereby resisting oxidative stress and improving oral submucosal fibrosis.
9.Treating primary hypotension using the tonifying qi and ascending yang method based on the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory
Xuhua JIAO ; Yufeng LI ; Min XIAO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1591-1596
Primary hypotension is a common and frequently occurring blood vessel disease,characterized by insidious onset,lingering condition,complex etiology,and diverse symptoms.Its pathogenesis is primarily characterized by deficiency,and its onset involves multiple zang-fu organs.The"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory is derived from the Huangdi Neijing.This theory summarizes the fundamental laws of the movement and changes in yin and yang.From this perspective,the paper hypothesizes that the basic pathogenesis of primary hypotension stems from an insufficiency of yang in transforming qi and a malfunction of yin in shaping up body.The essence of the condition lies in an overall yang deficiency that fails to provide warmth and transformation,coupled with qi deficiency,which cannot control and regulate bodily functions.This leads to poor blood circulation and inadequate protection,causing yin to malfunction in forming the physical components of the body.As a result,normal physiological functions of the zang-fu organs are disrupted,the production of beneficial physiological substances is obstructed,and metabolic waste products accumulate.The primary therapeutic approach should be focused on tonifying qi and ascending yang;tonifying qi will provide the impetus for blood circulation,whereas ascending yang will facilitate yang transformation qi.The zang-fu organs should also be protected and nourished to ameliorate the internal environment of yang deficiency and yin excess,as well as to eliminate pathological product accumulation to dredge the channels of blood circulation.Using the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up the body"theory to guide the treatment of primary hypotension can help deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and broaden the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
10.Treating primary hypotension using the tonifying qi and ascending yang method based on the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory
Xuhua JIAO ; Yufeng LI ; Min XIAO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1591-1596
Primary hypotension is a common and frequently occurring blood vessel disease,characterized by insidious onset,lingering condition,complex etiology,and diverse symptoms.Its pathogenesis is primarily characterized by deficiency,and its onset involves multiple zang-fu organs.The"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory is derived from the Huangdi Neijing.This theory summarizes the fundamental laws of the movement and changes in yin and yang.From this perspective,the paper hypothesizes that the basic pathogenesis of primary hypotension stems from an insufficiency of yang in transforming qi and a malfunction of yin in shaping up body.The essence of the condition lies in an overall yang deficiency that fails to provide warmth and transformation,coupled with qi deficiency,which cannot control and regulate bodily functions.This leads to poor blood circulation and inadequate protection,causing yin to malfunction in forming the physical components of the body.As a result,normal physiological functions of the zang-fu organs are disrupted,the production of beneficial physiological substances is obstructed,and metabolic waste products accumulate.The primary therapeutic approach should be focused on tonifying qi and ascending yang;tonifying qi will provide the impetus for blood circulation,whereas ascending yang will facilitate yang transformation qi.The zang-fu organs should also be protected and nourished to ameliorate the internal environment of yang deficiency and yin excess,as well as to eliminate pathological product accumulation to dredge the channels of blood circulation.Using the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up the body"theory to guide the treatment of primary hypotension can help deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and broaden the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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