1.Protective Effect and Mechanisms of Taohong Siwutang Against Retinal Vasculitis Based on JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):49-56
ObjectiveBased on the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, this study explores the protective effect and mechanism of Taohong Siwutang against retinal vasculitis (RV) from the perspective of angiogenesis. MethodsSPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a RV model induced by experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), and the protective effect of Taohong Siwutang on RV was investigated. Fifty mice were randomly assigned to a blank group, model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Taohong Siwutang groups (3.315、6.63、13.26 g·kg-1,10 mice in each group). After modeling, gavage administration was performed for 20 consecutive days. A small-animal retinal imaging system and fluorescein sodium angiography were used to observe pathological changes in the retinal tissue and vessels. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess retinal histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate CD31-positive expression. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of JAK2, phosphorylated (p)-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in retinal tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the relative expression level of VEGFR2 mRNA in retinal vessels. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed relative optic disc swelling, multiple areas of inflammatory cell infiltration around retinal veins with partial vascular occlusion, vessel thickening and morphological alterations, uneven retinal thickness, wrinkling and bending of inner and outer layers, vascular dilation, and disordered cellular arrangement. Compared with the model group, the Taohong Siwutang groups showed markedly reduced CD31-positive expression and effectively improved perivascular inflammatory infiltration, vascular tortuous dilation, angiogenesis, vascular occlusion, and hemorrhage. Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, the expression of VEGFR2 and the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were significantly decreased in the Taohong Siwutang groups (P0.01). Real-time PCR results indicated that VEGFR2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the Taohong Siwutang groups compared with the model group (P0.05). ConclusionTaohong Siwutang can effectively alleviate angiogenesis in RV and, through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, reduce angiogenesis and improve retinal pathological injury, thereby exerting a protective effect on retinal vessels.
2.Protective Effect and Mechanisms of Taohong Siwutang Against Retinal Vasculitis Based on JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):49-56
ObjectiveBased on the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, this study explores the protective effect and mechanism of Taohong Siwutang against retinal vasculitis (RV) from the perspective of angiogenesis. MethodsSPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a RV model induced by experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), and the protective effect of Taohong Siwutang on RV was investigated. Fifty mice were randomly assigned to a blank group, model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Taohong Siwutang groups (3.315、6.63、13.26 g·kg-1,10 mice in each group). After modeling, gavage administration was performed for 20 consecutive days. A small-animal retinal imaging system and fluorescein sodium angiography were used to observe pathological changes in the retinal tissue and vessels. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess retinal histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate CD31-positive expression. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of JAK2, phosphorylated (p)-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in retinal tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the relative expression level of VEGFR2 mRNA in retinal vessels. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed relative optic disc swelling, multiple areas of inflammatory cell infiltration around retinal veins with partial vascular occlusion, vessel thickening and morphological alterations, uneven retinal thickness, wrinkling and bending of inner and outer layers, vascular dilation, and disordered cellular arrangement. Compared with the model group, the Taohong Siwutang groups showed markedly reduced CD31-positive expression and effectively improved perivascular inflammatory infiltration, vascular tortuous dilation, angiogenesis, vascular occlusion, and hemorrhage. Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, the expression of VEGFR2 and the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were significantly decreased in the Taohong Siwutang groups (P0.01). Real-time PCR results indicated that VEGFR2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the Taohong Siwutang groups compared with the model group (P0.05). ConclusionTaohong Siwutang can effectively alleviate angiogenesis in RV and, through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, reduce angiogenesis and improve retinal pathological injury, thereby exerting a protective effect on retinal vessels.
3.The development process, research status, and prospect of physical ablation in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Xiaoyu ZHOU ; Yirong AN ; Ran JU ; Haoze LENG ; Shiran TAO ; Jiawei TIAN ; Ming' ; e WU ; Haoyang ZHU ; Yi LÜ ; ; Nana ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):646-651
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common chronic respiratory disease around the world, and pharmacotherapy is the foremost treatment method currently. In recent decades, with the rapid development of bronchoscopic interventional therapy, endoscopic physical ablation technology presents a therapeutic effect in treating COPD, with few treatment-related side effects, showing excellent application prospects in treating COPD. Since ablation techniques in this field are emerging technologies with low patient acceptance, they are not widely used in the clinical treatment of COPD. This article reviews the development process of physical ablation techniques. Moreover, their current application status and the prospects in the field of COPD treatment are also summarized and analyzed. We hope to promote the application of physical ablation in the clinical treatment of COPD and provide practical references and a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of COPD.
4.Application research of linear calibration using two reference substances in the establishment of qualitative standards for multi-component analysis of Saposhnikovia divaricata
YAN Jingyi ; ZHOU Hongxu ; TAO Muke ; XIE LinJuan ; JU Miao ; ZHANG Yi
Drug Standards of China 2026;27(1):0092-0099
Objective: Establishment of a HPLC method for six chemical components in Saposhnikovia divaricata (prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, 5-O-methylvisamminoside, sec-O-glucosylhamaudol, psoralen, and imperatorin), comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the dual-standard linear calibration method and the relative retention time method, and investigation of the feasibility of the linear calibration using two reference substances for qualitative analysis of multiple components in Saposhnikovia divaricata.
Methods: A HPLC method was employed, using 21 different brands and models of C18 columns. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile (A) and 0.02% phosphoric acid aqueous solution (B), with gradient elution (0-20 min, 18%A; 20-45 min, 18%A-50%A; 45-60 min, 50%A). The column temperature was set at 30 ℃, the flow rate was 1 mL·min-1, and the detection wavelength was 254 nm.
Results: The results predicted by the linear calibration using two reference substances were accurate and superior to those of the relative retention time method, and the six components exhibited good linear relationships within their respective ranges.
Conclusion: The established linear calibration using two reference substances accurately predicts the retention times of the target components. This method is stable and reliable, providing a reference for the establishment of digital standards in traditional Chinese medicine.
5.Modern research progress on the pharmacological effects and clinical applications of Xuefu zhuyu decoction
Yihang SHEN ; Baojun JU ; Xiao LI ; Miaomiao MA ; Kang XU ; Gentao ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1762-1767
Xuefu zhuyu decoction is a classic formula for promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, characterised by its remarkable ability to treat different diseases with the same approach. Qi stagnation and blood stasis, the primary syndrome for which this formula is indicated, has been found through modern medical research to be intrinsically linked to a wide range of pathophysiological processes, including microcirculatory disorders, abnormalities in hemorheology, inflammatory responses and endothelial dysfunction; which opens up vast scope for the innovative application of traditional formulas. In terms of pharmacological effect and mechanism, the formula exerts a synergistic regulatory effect across multiple key pathological pathways, including the regulation of coagulation function, the maintenance of vascular structure and function, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, the mitigation of oxidative stress, and the modulation of programmed cell death (such as pyroptosis and ferroptosis). This systematically demonstrates its scientific rationale, which is based on integrated regulation through multiple constituents, multiple targets and multiple pathways. In terms of clinical application, the formula has expanded from cardiovascular diseases to multiple disciplines, including gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, urology, neurology, endocrinology, gynaecology and andrology, with evidence-based medical evidence continuing to accumulate. Current research still faces bottlenecks such as a relatively low level of clinical evidence, insufficient systems biology analysis of the mechanisms underlying the compound’s formulation, and a weak correlation between quality control indicators and therapeutic efficacy. Future efforts should focus on conducting multicentre randomised controlled trials for conditions where the formula demonstrates particular efficacy, deepening research into the relationship between integrated pharmacology and spectrum-efficacy relationship, and promoting the precise application and formulation innovation of classical herbal formulas.
6.Incidence and influencing factors of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jiajia LI ; Hui HU ; Jian ZHANG ; Ju ZHAO ; Qiumei YANG ; Qingqing TANG ; Ling YUAN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):86-90
Objective To analyze the incidence rate and risk factors of atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A total of 392 patients with COPD in the hospital were selected from December 2020 to December 2024. Patients' data (medical history, echocardiographic data, etc.) were recorded. The incidence rate of AF in patients was recorded and the patients were grouped according to whether or not they developed AF. The differences were compared between the two groups, and the risk factors of AF occurrence in elderly patients with COPD were analyzed. Results Among the 392 patients with COPD, 127 cases (32.40%) met the diagnostic criteria of AF. There were statistically significant differences in age, pulmonary infection, heart failure, diabetes, smoking history, disease duration, LAD, severe renal insufficiency and coronary heart disease between the AF group and the non-AF group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that age, pulmonary infection, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, disease course, LAD, severe renal insufficiency and coronary heart disease were all risk factors for elderly patients with COPD (OR=1.129, 4.246, 3.955, 4.125, 2.038, 1.112, 1.102, 4.397, and 3.865, P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence rate of AF is high in elderly patients with COPD. Age, pulmonary infection, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, course of disease, LAD, severe renal insufficiency, and coronary heart disease are all risk factors for AF.
7.Modern research progress on the pharmacological effects and clinical applications of Xuefu zhuyu decoction
Yihang SHEN ; Baojun JU ; Xiao LI ; Miaomiao MA ; Kang XU ; Gentao ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1762-1767
Xuefu zhuyu decoction is a classic formula for promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, characterised by its remarkable ability to treat different diseases with the same approach. Qi stagnation and blood stasis, the primary syndrome for which this formula is indicated, has been found through modern medical research to be intrinsically linked to a wide range of pathophysiological processes, including microcirculatory disorders, abnormalities in hemorheology, inflammatory responses and endothelial dysfunction; which opens up vast scope for the innovative application of traditional formulas. In terms of pharmacological effect and mechanism, the formula exerts a synergistic regulatory effect across multiple key pathological pathways, including the regulation of coagulation function, the maintenance of vascular structure and function, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, the mitigation of oxidative stress, and the modulation of programmed cell death (such as pyroptosis and ferroptosis). This systematically demonstrates its scientific rationale, which is based on integrated regulation through multiple constituents, multiple targets and multiple pathways. In terms of clinical application, the formula has expanded from cardiovascular diseases to multiple disciplines, including gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, urology, neurology, endocrinology, gynaecology and andrology, with evidence-based medical evidence continuing to accumulate. Current research still faces bottlenecks such as a relatively low level of clinical evidence, insufficient systems biology analysis of the mechanisms underlying the compound’s formulation, and a weak correlation between quality control indicators and therapeutic efficacy. Future efforts should focus on conducting multicentre randomised controlled trials for conditions where the formula demonstrates particular efficacy, deepening research into the relationship between integrated pharmacology and spectrum-efficacy relationship, and promoting the precise application and formulation innovation of classical herbal formulas.
8.Investigation of natural radionuclide activity in drinking water in Hohhot, China
Bo JU ; Yulong BAO ; Shuai ZHANG ; Xiang LIU ; Xiao XU ; Zhichao SUN ; Xiaojuan YANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):159-164
Objective To investigate the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in drinking water (tap water and well water) in urban and rural areas of Hohhot, assess the safety of drinking water, and to provide data support for local drinking water radioactivity monitoring and management. Methods Representative samples of well water and tap water were collected from nine banners/counties/districts in Hohhot. Activity concentrations were measured using a low-background gross α/β counter, an α spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and a radium/radon analyzer. Results A total of nine tap water samples and nine well water samples were analyzed. For the tap water samples, gross α activity concentrations ranged from 0.093 to 0.193 Bq/L, gross β from 0.091 to 0.225 Bq/L, uranium mass concentrations from 2.32 to 10.36 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.09 to 0.20 μg/L,210Po activity concentrations from below the minimum detectable limit to 0.41 mBq/L, and 226Ra activity concentrations from 8.70 to 13.35 mBq/L. For the well water samples, gross α activity concentrations ranged from 0.111 to 0.203 Bq/L, gross β from 0.111 to 0.270 Bq/L, uranium mass concentrations from 2.31 to 13.28 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.17 to 0.26 μg/L,210Po activity concentrations from 1.03 to 2.12 mBq/L, and 226Ra activity concentrations from 15.38 to 23.63 mBq/L. Conclusion The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in both well water and tap water in the Hohhot region were at environmental background levels and met national drinking water hygiene standards.
9.Multimodal Imaging Evaluation of Changes in Metabolic Microenvironment in the Brain of Neonatal Rats After Cerebral Hypoxia and Ischemia of Prematurity
Xiaozu ZHANG ; Haimo ZHANG ; Yijing WANG ; Tao JU ; Youcheng QIN ; Chang LIU ; Miao YU ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Xiaoli WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):501-506
Purpose Based on multimodal imaging combined with a variety of histological techniques,to visually evaluate the changes of rats brain metabolic microenvironment after cerebral hypoxia and ischemia of prematurity,and to discuss the effects of abnormal lactate metabolism in the brain on oligodendrocyte precursor cells,so as to provide a basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of premature white matter injury(PWMI).Materials and Methods A total of 36 SPF-grade healthy 3-day-old Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were randomly assigned to the sham surgery(Sham)group and the model(PWMI)group using a random number table method,with 18 rats in each group.A neonatal rat PWMI model was established by hypoxia-ischemia method.Twenty-four hours after modeling,laser speckle imaging was used to monitor cerebral blood flow and blood oxygen changes.Multimodal imaging was used to observe the changes in brain tissue microstructure and metabolism after PWMI.HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of nerve cells in the white matter of the brain.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the changes of lactate content and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the white matter region of the brain after PWMI in neonatal rats.PDGFR-α immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the dynamic changes of the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the subependymal zone after PWMI in neonatal rats.Results Twenty-four hours after modeling,the multimodal imaging results showed that the T2WI and diffusion-weighted imaging on the injured side of the PWMI group showed high intensity,and the relative cerebral blood flow,relative oxygen saturation,relative apparent diffusion coefficient and amide proton transfer(APT)Lorentzian difference value were lower than those in the Sham group(t=29.466,23.522,59.006,54.778,10.263,all P<0.001),and the lactate content was higher than that in the Sham group(t=-7.521,P<0.001).The results of HE staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that the arrangement of nerve cells in the white matter area of the injured side of the brain in the PWMI group was loose and disordered.The lactate content and lactate dehydrogenase activity were higher than those in the Sham group(t=-6.079,-10.548,both P<0.001).The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of PDGFR-α+cells in the subependymal zone of the damaged side of the PWMI group was higher than that of the Sham group at 24 hours after modeling,and lower than that in the Sham group at 11 days after modeling(t=-8.386,6.676,both P<0.001).The correlation analysis between the lactate content and APT Lorentzian difference value in the brain and the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the brain 11 days after modeling showed that the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the subependymal zone was positively correlated with the APT Lorentzian difference value(r=0.821,P=0.001 1),and negatively correlated with the lactate content in the brain(r=-0.880,P=0.000 2).Conclusion Multimodal imaging can monitor the early brain metabolism changes of PWMI in neonatal rats,especially the changes of lactate,and provide a visual basis for their early diagnosis.The level of lactate in the brain increases after cerebral hypoxia and ischemia in prematurity,and oligodendrocyte precursor cells increase transiently and then decrease,resulting in PWMI.
10.Comparison of the toxicity and safety of protein derivatives from novel fusion strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Hao-qi XU ; Jiang-tao DONG ; Jie ZHANG ; Fang WU ; Su LIANG ; Xiao-ling LIU ; Lan-ru GAO ; Ju WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Jiang-dong WU ; Le ZHANG ; Xi-ling DENG ; Wan-jiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):376-384
The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and safety of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion strain protein derivatives,referred to as B/R strain active proteins.In cellular experiments,RAW264.7 cells were treated with each vaccine preparation,and apoptosis rates were measured.In subsequent animal experiments,C57BL/6 mice were immunized via subcutaneous injection,and their survival and body weight changes were monitored and recorded at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks.The lungs and spleens were harvested to calculate organ coefficients,and pathological examinations were conducted.At the eighth week of immunization,the mice were infected with high concentrations of BCG,and pathological changes in the lungs and spleens were observed 4 weeks post-infection.The apoptosis rate at 6 hours was significantly higher in the experimental group than the PBS group(P<0.05).At 12 and 24 hours,the apoptosis rate in the experimental group remained higher than that in the PBS group,although this difference was not statistically significant.After immunization,mice in all four groups exhibited normal growth patterns,as indicated by stable body weight changes.At 4 and 12 weeks post-immunization,the lung coefficients in the protein group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at the same time points.Additionally,the lung coefficients in the BCG group were significantly elevated across all time periods(P<0.05).The spleen coefficients in the protein and BCG groups were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks,whereas the ICD B/R group showed higher spleen coefficients than the PBS group only at week 8(P<0.05).Pathological examination revealed normal lung and spleen tissues in the PBS group.However,during the 2-8 weeks immunization period,lung and spleen tissues in all experimental groups exhibited varying degrees of damage,which gradually diminished by 12-16 weeks.Notably,no tuberculosis nodules were observed in any experimental group.After infection with high concentrations of BCG,no overt pathological changes were observed on the surfaces of the lungs and spleens in any group.Microscopic examination revealed less severe pathological changes in the lungs and spleens of mice in the experimental groups than the PBS group.Furthermore,no statistically significant differences were observed between the protein group and the BCG group.Our findings suggested that the B/R strain active proteins'toxicity and safety profiles were comparable to those of BCG,and showed immunoprotective effects.This study provides an experimental foundation for the development of a novel tuberculosis vaccine.


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