1.Relationship Between Severe Pneumonia and Signaling Pathways and Regulation by Chinese Medicine: A Review
Cheng LUO ; Bo NING ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Yuzhi HUO ; Xinhui WU ; Yuanhang YE ; Fei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):294-302
Severe pneumonia is one of the most common and critical respiratory diseases in clinical practice. It is characterized by rapid progression, difficult treatment, high mortality, and many complications, posing a significant threat to the life and health of patients. The pathogenesis of severe pneumonia is highly complex, and studies have shown that its occurrence and development are closely related to multiple signaling pathways. Currently, the treatment of severe pneumonia mainly focuses on anti-infection, mechanical ventilation, and glucocorticoids, but clinical outcomes are often not ideal. Therefore, finding safe and effective alternative therapies is particularly important. In recent years, with the deepening of research into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it has gained widespread attention in the treatment of severe pneumonia. This paper reviewed the relationship between severe pneumonia and relevant signaling pathways in recent years and how TCM regulated these pathways in the treatment of severe pneumonia. It was found that TCM could regulate the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways, playing a role in reducing the inflammatory response, inhibiting cell apoptosis and pyroptosis, improving oxidative stress, and other effects in the treatment of severe pneumonia. Among these pathways, it was found that all of them regulated inflammation to treat severe pneumonia. Therefore, reducing inflammation is the core mechanism by which Chinese medicine treats severe pneumonia. This review provides direction for the clinical treatment of severe pneumonia and offers a scientific basis for the research and development of new drugs.
2.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Granule (补肾活血颗粒) on Dopamine Homeostasis and ERK/CREB/VMAT2 Signaling Pathways in the Striatum in Parkinson's Disease Model Mice
Hehao SUN ; Yingfan CHEN ; Peng WANG ; Xiaohan GENG ; Yuzhi ZHANG ; Qian ZHANG ; Min LI ; Shaodan LI ; Minghui YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2484-2493
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Bushen Huoxue Granule (补肾活血颗粒, BHG) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) from the perspecitve of dopamine (DA) homeostasis. MethodsSeventy-two mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, madopar group and BHG low-, medium- and high-dose groups, with 12 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, all mice were administered intraperitoneal injections of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days to induce a PD model. On the day following the injection, BHG low-, medium- and high-dose groups were administered BHG at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/(g·d) by oral gavage, respectively, while the madopar group received madopar tablets at dose of 0.093 8 mg/(g·d) by oral gavage. The blank group and the model group were given 0.2 ml/10 g of distilled water by gavage. All treatments were given once daily for 14 days. Open field test, pole climbing test and grip test were used to evaluate the behavior of mice in each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in striatum. Nissl staining was used to detect the activity of striatal neurons. The contents of DA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in striatum were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The number and volume of synaptic vesicles were observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) in striatum was detected by immunofluorescence. Western Blot was used to detect the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) and VMAT2 in striatum. ResultsCompared to the blank group, mice in the model group showed a significant decline in total distance and average speed in the open field test, along with an increase in total resting time; in the pole test, both the time required for the mice to turn completely downward (T-turn) and the total time taken to reach the bottom of the pole (T-total) were prolonged; forelimb grip strength was reduced; in the striatum, the mean optical density of TH, the average fluorescence intensity of VMAT2 protein, and DA content all decreased, while the number of striatal neurons was reduced, and the DOPAC/DA ratio was elevated; the levels of p-ERK/ERK, p-CREB/CREB, and VMAT2 in the striatum significantly decreased (P<0.01); transmission electron microscopy revealed that both the number and volume of synaptic vesicles in striatal neurons were markedly reduced. Compared to the model group, mice in the madopar group and BHG low-, medium- and high-dose groups showed significant improvements in all the above indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to madopar group, the BHG high-dose group exhibited increased DA content and elevated p-CREB/CREB ratio in the striatum (P<0.05). Compared to the BHG low-dose group, the BHG high-dose group showed increased total distance and mean velocity, decreased total resting time, T-turn, and T-total, as well as enhanced forelimb grip strength; moreover, the average fluorescence intensity of VMAT2 protein, DA content, p-ERK/ERK, p-CREB/CREB, and VMAT2 levels in the striatum were all significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionBHG may restore DA homeostasis and alleviate the damage of dopaminergic neurons by regulating ERK/CREB/VMAT2 signaling pathway.
3.Status Quo and Development Strategy on the Arctium lappa L.Industry
Xue ZHANG ; Xiangkun HAN ; Xinya LIU ; Yuzhi WANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):81-87
By systematically summarizing the basic situation of the Arctium lappa L.industry in our country,the strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats(SWOT)analysis method,and the multi-expert review method were used to analyze,screen,and test the elements obtained.It is determined that the development of Arctium lappa L.industry should adopt the S-O strategy of relying on internal advantages to use external opportunities and judging from the orientation,the external opportunities are more pronounced,to take the opportunity of pioneering strategy.Based on utilizing external opportunities and exerting our advantages,we should adopt the strategy of product diversification,the strategy of expanding the international market,and the strategy of promoting science and technology to promote the efficient development of Arctium lappa L.industry.
4.Effect of 1 064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser of dual-mode with auxiliary functional product introduction in treatment of melasma
Kepei ZHANG ; Ziwei GUO ; He XIAO ; Yuzhi WANG ; Kaihua YUAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(6):598-604
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1 064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser of dual-mode with auxiliary functional product introduction in treatment of melasma.Methods:A prospective study was conducted from March 2022 to September 2023 at the Department of Cosmetic Dermatology, Guangzhou Zesee Plastic Surgery Hospital, including 46 female patients with melasma, aged 26-53 (38.5±7.0) years. Patients were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table: experimental group (1 064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser dual-mode treatment followed by the introduction of functional product) and control group (1 064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser of dual-mode treatment followed by the introduction of 0.9% NaCl), with 23 patients in each group. By using the melasma area and severity index (MASI) score, the physician′s global assessment and the patient′s satisfaction evaluation as evaluation indicators, the treatment effects were assessed at different time points. Adverse reactions were recorded in both groups.Results:At 4 and 12 weeks after the third treatment, the MASI scores in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group ( P<0.001). At 4 weeks after the third treatment, the rate of moderate or above improvement in pigment spots was 95.7% (22/23) in the experimental group, which was higher than the 69.6% (16/23) in the control group ( P=0.011). At 12 weeks after the third treatment, the rate of moderate or above improvement in the experimental group was 30.4% (7/23), which was higher than the 8.7% (2/23) in the control group ( P=0.006). At 24 weeks after the third treatment, the rate of moderate or above improvement in the experimental group was 13.0% (3/23), which was higher than the 0% (0/23) in the control group ( P=0.015). At 4 weeks after the third treatment, the satisfactory rate in the experimental group was 73.9% (17/23), which was higher than the 43.5% (10/23) in the control group ( P=0.009). At 12 weeks after the third treatment, the satisfactory rate in the experimental group was 69.6% (16/23), which was higher than the 39.1% (9/23) in the control group ( P=0.040). At 24 weeks after the third treatment, the satisfactory rate in the experimental group was 56.5% (13/23), which was higher than the 4.4% (1/23) in the control group ( P=0.002). One patient in the experimental group experienced mild itching on the cheek on the second day post-treatment. In the control group, two patients experienced mild itching and erythema on the second day post-treatment. No serious adverse reactions, such as blisters, scabs, or pigmentation, were observed in either group during the treatment or follow-up periods. Conclusion:The 1 064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser of dual-mode with auxiliary functional product introduction in treatment of melasma has a better efficacy, with a shorter recovery period and fewer adverse reactions.
5.Analysis on Clinical Characteristics and Medication Patterns of 2 999 Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with Wangbi Tablets Based on the Real World
Kuayue ZHANG ; Chao LI ; Zhuoyun WU ; Yawei DONG ; Yuzhi LIU ; Jiaming LIN ; Yuefeng CHEN ; Baohong MI ; Chunzhu GONG ; Fuhui LIN ; Weiheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):156-163
Objective To study the clinical characteristics and medication patterns of Wangbi Tablets in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)in the real world and to analyze the advantages and specific features of Chinese patent medicines in treating advantage disease.Methods A prospective case registry study was conducted,registering 3 000 patients from 30 TCM and Western medicine hospitals across China from April 2019 to December 2021.Data on gender,age,BMI,Chinese medicine staging(CMS),K-L grading,medication duration,VAS score,medical history and combined medication were collected for descriptive analysis.Comparisons were made between different stages and between single-use and combined-use groups.The Apriori algorithm was used for association analysis of combined medications.Results A total of 2 999 patients were included,with 2 063 females(68.79%)and 936 males(31.21%).The average age was(56.89±8.90)years.The average BMI was(23.80±2.88)kg/m2.The proportion of patients in CMS I was 512(17.07%),with a VAS median score of 8,while the proportion of patients in CMS Ⅱ was 2 181(72.73%),with a VAS median score of 6.The proportion of patients in CMS Ⅲ was 306(10.20%),with a VAS median score of 3;316 cases(10.54%)were classified as K-L grade I,2 477 cases(82.59%)as grade Ⅱ,204 cases(6.80%)as grade Ⅲ,and 2 cases(0.07%)as grade Ⅳ.Medication analysis indicated that the single-use group(1507 cases,50.25%)was larger than the combined-use group(1 492 cases,49.75%).In terms of the number of drugs used in combination,one(39.01%)and two(38.14%)were the main types;in terms of medication types,combination therapy with Western medicine(62.27%)and simultaneous use of Western medicine and other Chinese materia medica(26.14%)were the main methods;the top three drugs with the highest frequency of combination use were glucosamine capsules,imrecoxib tablets and sodium hyaluronate injection.The top three drug combinations with the highest support were"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets","glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+sodium hyaluronate injection".Inter-group comparisons showed that the medication duration for Wangbi Tablets in CMS I was longer than in CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ(P<0.01).The proportion of patients on monotherapy in CMS I(62.11%)was higher than in CMS Ⅱ(46.54%)and CMS Ⅲ(56.86%)(P<0.001).Among patients in CMS I(16.41%)and CMS Ⅲ(21.24%),the highest proportion used one combined medication,whereas in CMS Ⅱ,the highest proportion was for those using two combined medications(20.50%).In all three groups,CMS I(19.53%),CMS Ⅱ(33.70%)and CMS Ⅲ(30.72%),the highest proportion of combined medications was Western medicine.Conclusion More than half of the patients treated KOA with Wangbi Tablets alone.Approximately one-fifth of the patients were in CMS I,with a median pain score of 8.The average duration of medication for patients in CMS I,CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ decreases,and there is no obvious pattern in the medication method at different stages;combination therapy is represented by"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets".
6.Animal Models of Carotid Vulnerable Plaques Based on Clinical Disease and Syndrome Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Yuzhi JIA ; Qingyong HE ; Ziyi WANG ; Suwen CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Jing GAO ; Peihao WANG ; Junqiao AN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):235-240
The rupture of carotid vulnerable plaques is the core pathological basis for major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, the insufficient alignment between existing animal models and the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine has limited research progress. In this study, biomedical databases in China and abroad were systematically searched, and the modeling mechanisms and evaluation systems of carotid vulnerable plaque animal models were systematically assessed based on diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine. Analysis of the clinical correspondence indicated that existing animal models can be categorized into four types: simple high-fat diet, surgical induction combined with high-fat feeding, genetic engineering combined with high-fat feeding, and drug induction combined with high-fat feeding. Among these, the compound strategy of surgical induction combined with high-fat feeding has become the current mainstream approach, showing good concordance with western medicine. The study found that the double balloon injury rabbit model and the ApoE-/- mouse carotid artery tandem constriction combined with high-fat feeding model demonstrated a high degree of clinical correspondence with both traditional Chinese and western medicine in terms of vulnerable plaque imaging and pathological features. Nevertheless, existing models still face significant technical limitations in faithfully simulating plaque pathology and in translating findings to clinical applications. To address these challenges, integrating complex comorbidity mechanism construction, multimodal dynamic mechanism monitoring, and collaborative evaluation systems of traditional Chinese and western medicine could enable the development of highly concordant carotid vulnerable plaque disease-syndrome combination animal models. Such models would provide a reproducible experimental platform for targeted drug development to regulate plaque stability and for individualized precision treatment, as well as a theoretical basis for innovation in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
7.Identification of immunodiagnostic biomarkers and drug screening for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Jie HAN ; Chengzhen PAN ; Yuzhi SHANG ; Chi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(35):7690-7700
BACKGROUND:The pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is not yet fully understood.A deep comprehension of the pathology and molecular mechanisms of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,as well as the search for diagnostic markers with high specificity and sensitivity,are crucial for the prevention and treatment of this condition.OBJECTIVE:To identify immune diagnostic markers for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head and predict potential drug targets through drug enrichment analysis and molecular docking techniques.METHODS:The study utilized gene expression profile data(GSE123568 and GSE74089)from the GEO databases(a public gene expression database built by the U.S.National Center for Biotechnology Information).R software was used for data normalization and differential gene screening,followed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)to identify disease-related genes.Immune-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards database and intersected with the differential genes and WGCNA gene sets to select immune-related genes for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Mendelian randomization was used to validate the potential causal relationship between these immune-related genes and steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was conducted to analyze the immune-related pathways involved,and protein-protein interaction networks were used to assess functional associations.Finally,drug enrichment analysis and molecular docking were performed to predict potential drugs targeting these immune-related genes.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Three key immune-related genes-RNASEL,SECTM1,and HSPA6-were identified.These genes were highly expressed in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head and exhibited good diagnostic potential,which were involved in multiple immune-related signaling pathways.Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed their potential causal relationship with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Drug enrichment analysis and molecular docking identified nine potential drugs,including β-ecdysterone,showing the possibility of intervening in the pathological process of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by regulating the HSPA6 protein.These findings provide new biomarkers and drug targets for the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.They also highlight the potential application of bioinformatics in Chinese biomedical research,facilitating the integration and translational use of international data in local disease studies.
8.Status Quo and Development Strategy on the Arctium lappa L.Industry
Xue ZHANG ; Xiangkun HAN ; Xinya LIU ; Yuzhi WANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):81-87
By systematically summarizing the basic situation of the Arctium lappa L.industry in our country,the strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats(SWOT)analysis method,and the multi-expert review method were used to analyze,screen,and test the elements obtained.It is determined that the development of Arctium lappa L.industry should adopt the S-O strategy of relying on internal advantages to use external opportunities and judging from the orientation,the external opportunities are more pronounced,to take the opportunity of pioneering strategy.Based on utilizing external opportunities and exerting our advantages,we should adopt the strategy of product diversification,the strategy of expanding the international market,and the strategy of promoting science and technology to promote the efficient development of Arctium lappa L.industry.
9.Analysis on Clinical Characteristics and Medication Patterns of 2 999 Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with Wangbi Tablets Based on the Real World
Kuayue ZHANG ; Chao LI ; Zhuoyun WU ; Yawei DONG ; Yuzhi LIU ; Jiaming LIN ; Yuefeng CHEN ; Baohong MI ; Chunzhu GONG ; Fuhui LIN ; Weiheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):156-163
Objective To study the clinical characteristics and medication patterns of Wangbi Tablets in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)in the real world and to analyze the advantages and specific features of Chinese patent medicines in treating advantage disease.Methods A prospective case registry study was conducted,registering 3 000 patients from 30 TCM and Western medicine hospitals across China from April 2019 to December 2021.Data on gender,age,BMI,Chinese medicine staging(CMS),K-L grading,medication duration,VAS score,medical history and combined medication were collected for descriptive analysis.Comparisons were made between different stages and between single-use and combined-use groups.The Apriori algorithm was used for association analysis of combined medications.Results A total of 2 999 patients were included,with 2 063 females(68.79%)and 936 males(31.21%).The average age was(56.89±8.90)years.The average BMI was(23.80±2.88)kg/m2.The proportion of patients in CMS I was 512(17.07%),with a VAS median score of 8,while the proportion of patients in CMS Ⅱ was 2 181(72.73%),with a VAS median score of 6.The proportion of patients in CMS Ⅲ was 306(10.20%),with a VAS median score of 3;316 cases(10.54%)were classified as K-L grade I,2 477 cases(82.59%)as grade Ⅱ,204 cases(6.80%)as grade Ⅲ,and 2 cases(0.07%)as grade Ⅳ.Medication analysis indicated that the single-use group(1507 cases,50.25%)was larger than the combined-use group(1 492 cases,49.75%).In terms of the number of drugs used in combination,one(39.01%)and two(38.14%)were the main types;in terms of medication types,combination therapy with Western medicine(62.27%)and simultaneous use of Western medicine and other Chinese materia medica(26.14%)were the main methods;the top three drugs with the highest frequency of combination use were glucosamine capsules,imrecoxib tablets and sodium hyaluronate injection.The top three drug combinations with the highest support were"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets","glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+sodium hyaluronate injection".Inter-group comparisons showed that the medication duration for Wangbi Tablets in CMS I was longer than in CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ(P<0.01).The proportion of patients on monotherapy in CMS I(62.11%)was higher than in CMS Ⅱ(46.54%)and CMS Ⅲ(56.86%)(P<0.001).Among patients in CMS I(16.41%)and CMS Ⅲ(21.24%),the highest proportion used one combined medication,whereas in CMS Ⅱ,the highest proportion was for those using two combined medications(20.50%).In all three groups,CMS I(19.53%),CMS Ⅱ(33.70%)and CMS Ⅲ(30.72%),the highest proportion of combined medications was Western medicine.Conclusion More than half of the patients treated KOA with Wangbi Tablets alone.Approximately one-fifth of the patients were in CMS I,with a median pain score of 8.The average duration of medication for patients in CMS I,CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ decreases,and there is no obvious pattern in the medication method at different stages;combination therapy is represented by"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets".
10.Analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided intercostal muscle plane block of external oblique muscle in endoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Xiuxiu ZHAO ; Yong ZHANG ; Qian ZHAO ; Yuzhi JIANG ; Hongwei SHI ; Hongguang BAO ; Hongyu WANG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(1):28-32
Objective:To evaluate the analgesic effect of intercostal muscle plane block of external oblique muscle in patients undergoing endoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.Methods:A total of 48 patients undergoing endoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy under elective general anesthesia in Nanjing First Hospital from February to July 2023 were prospectively selected and divided into two groups ( n=24) according to random number table method: abdominal external oblique intercostal muscle plane block combined with general anesthesia group (EG group) and general anesthesia group (G group). The EG group was blocked in the intercostal muscle plane of the external oblique muscle before general anesthesia induction, and 0.375% ropivacaine 20 ml was injected on both sides, respectively. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) was performed in both groups after operation, and the pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was less than 4 points. When the VAS score was ≥4, 1 mg oxycodone was injected intravenously for relief and analgesia. VAS scores at 30 min (T 0), 6 h (T 1), 12 h(T 2), 24 h(T 3), 48 h(T 4) after extubation, intraoperative drug and fluid dosage, postoperative sleep quality, analgesic satisfaction score, remedial analgesia and the occurrence of adverse reactions were recorded. Results:The scores of rest and exercise VAS at T 0, T 1, T 2, T 3 and T 4 in the EG group were significantly lower than those in the G group (all P<0.05). The dosage of norepinephrine, propofol, remifentanil and total fluid infusion in the EG group were significantly lower than those in the G group (all P<0.05). The sleep quality and analgesic satisfaction of the EG group were better than those of the G group (all P<0.05), the first time of PCIA compression after surgery was longer than that of the G group ( P<0.05), the number of effective compressions, the amount of oxycodone relief and analgesia, the proportion of nausea and vomiting, and the stay time of anesthesia intensive care unit (AICU) were lower than those of the G group (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in total hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Compared with general anesthesia alone, abdominal external oblique intercostal muscle plane block combined with general anesthesia in patients with endoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy has significant postoperative analgesia effect, which can not only reduce postoperative VAS score and opioid consumption, but also improve sleep quality and increase postoperative analgesia satisfaction. Ultrasound-guided intercostal muscle plane block of external oblique muscle can be used as a better analgesic method in endoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail