1.Research progress on anti-inflammatory effects of traditional Chinese medicine under the guidance of syndrome differentiation and treatment
Jianing BAO ; Xiaonan ZHANG ; Xufeng TAO ; Hong XIANG ; Deshi DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):528-532
Inflammation is the body’s response to damage, infection or other stimuli, but its excessive or continuous development can lead to a variety of diseases. Although modern medical anti-inflammatory therapies were widely used, it is often accompanied by limitations such as more adverse reactions. Based on the “holistic view” and “differential treatment”, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regards inflammation as a manifestation of the imbalance of yin and yang in the body and the conflict between good and evil. The application of anti-inflammatory TCM is not only aimed at the pathological state of “inflammation”, but also based on the overall consideration of “syndrome”. According to different types of syndrome, anti-inflammatory TCM can be divided into heat-clearing and detoxifying agents (such as Lonicera japonica and Isatis indigotica ), heat-clearing and drying dampness agents (such as Coptidis Rhizoma), blood-activating and stasis-dissolving agents (such as Salvia miltiorrhiza ) and vital qi-strengthening and pathogenic factor-expelling agents (such as Panax ginseng ). Four types of anti-inflammatory TCM restore the body’s immune balance through the systematic regulation of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway, exhibiting a good anti-inflammatory effect. Future research should focus on integrating systematic biology, applying artificial intelligence, carrying out high-quality evidence-based research, and combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, so as to reveal the overall regulatory law of anti-inf lammatory effects of TCM and promote clinical rational use.
2.Mechanistic study of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside in improving nephrotic syndrome via regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 pathway
Yifan TAO ; Chundong SONG ; Xu WANG ; Chong ZHANG ; Ying SU ; Xidong JIA ; Haoran JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):602-606
OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside (TWM) on nephrotic syndrome in rats. METHODS The nephrotic syndrome model was established by intravenous injection of adriamycin via the tail vein. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group (distilled water), prednisone group (10 mg/kg), and TWM high- and low-dose groups (10 and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Additionally, blank group (distilled water) without model induction was established. Each group consisted of 9 rats. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or distilled water by gavage, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. The histopathological morphology of kidney tissues in rats was observed; the levels of 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP) and serum biochemical indicators [albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), cholesterol (CHOL), and triglyceride (TG)] in rats were determined; the levels of oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA)] in kidney tissue of rats were determined; expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p)/nuclear factor erythriod 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related mRNA and protein in the renal tissues of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the rats in the model group exhibited disordered renal tissue structure, with a small amount of glomerular necrosis and edema of the renal tubular epithelial cells. 24 h-UTP, serum levels of SCr, BUN, CHOL and TG, MDA content, mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α and Keap1 as well as the expression of miR-155-5p in renal tissues were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Serum level of ALB, SOD level in renal tissue as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 were decreased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, TWM high-dose and low-dose groups exhibited significant improvements in renal injury, with notable reversals in the levels of the above quantitative indicators ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS TWM can alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage and thereby improve nephrotic syndrome in rats by regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
3.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
4.Development trajectories of clustered health risk behaviors and their association with self esteem and loneliness among junior high school students
XU Tao, LIU Lü ; hao, CHEN Jiajia, WANG Yongsheng, ZHANG Tiancheng, YANG Xuejing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):189-193
Objective:
To analyze the developmental trajectories of clustered health risk behaviors and their association with self-esteem and lonelinesss among junior high school students, so as to provide a reference for formulating comprehensive prevention and control measures of health risk behaviors among adolescents.
Methods:
In October 2023, 1 165 first year junior high school students from two schools of Jishou City in Hunan Province were selected by convenient sampling method for three follow up surveys (T1:October 2023; T2:April 2024; T3:October 2024). The Adolescent Health Risk Behavior Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self esteem Scale and Loneliness Scale were used to assess health risk behaviors, self esteem and loneliness, respectively. Latent growth curve modeling and latent growth mixture modeling were applied to analyze the developmental trajectories of clustered health risk behaviors among junior high school students. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association of the developmental trajectories of clustered health risk behaviors with self esteem and loneliness among junior high school students.
Results:
The overall developmental trajectories among junior high school students showed a declining trend (intercept=0.15, slope=-1.65, both P <0.05), with three heterogeneous categories:low risk improvement group ( n =862, 74.0%), moderate risk stable group ( n =260, 22.3%), and high risk deterioration group ( n =43, 3.7%). After adjusting the status of the left behind individuals,using the low risk improvement group as the reference category in multinomial Logistic regression analysis, results indicated that higher loneliness scores among junior high school students increased the risks of belonging to the moderate risk stable group ( OR=1.02, 95%CI =1.00- 1.04 ) and the high risk deterioration group ( OR=1.04, 95%CI =1.00-1.08), while higher self esteem scores reduced the risks of belonging to the moderate risk stable group ( OR=0.93, 95%CI =0.91-0.96) and the high risk deterioration group ( OR=0.88, 95%CI =0.83-0.94) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The overall trend of clustered health risk behaviors among junior high school students gradually improves, and the self esteem and loneliness are significant correlative factors. Targeted intervention measures should be developed for the junior high school students, with a focus on enhancing their self esteem and alleviating loneliness.
5.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
6.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
7.Artificial intelligence-based quality control of hand hygiene for hospital-acquired infection
Xuchen YANG ; Jingwen LI ; Wan ZHANG ; Shasha FENG ; Min ZENG ; Jianan SHI ; Youqiong CHEN ; Tao ZHENG ; Xun YAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):241-247
Objective To explore an artificial intelligence (AI)-based method for automated hand hygiene monitoring and to compare the effectiveness of three algorithms (UniFormerV2, TDN, C3D) in recognizing hand hygiene steps in surgical settings, thereby aiding hospital infection control. Methods From April to October 2024, we non-invasively collected 641 video recordings of healthcare staff performing hand hygiene at four-bay scrub sinks in two tertiary hospitals using overhead HD cameras. The dataset was annotated by five trained experts for model training and validation. Results Following training on 385 samples, internal validation (n=119) showed the C3D model achieved 81% accuracy, 87% recall, and an 83% F1-score. The TDN model achieved 93%, 91%, and 92% for the same metrics. The UniFormerV2 model outperformed both, with an accuracy, recall, and F1-score of 93%—an improvement of over 10 percentage points compared to traditional CNNs (TDN, C3D). It also achieved an 84% accuracy in external validation, demonstrating strong generalization. Conclusion The UniFormerV2 model is more accurate than CNN-based models for hand hygiene step recognition and shows robust performance in external validation. It presents a viable tool for healthcare facilities to enhance hand hygiene management, ultimately improving medical quality and patient safety.
8.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.
9.Polygonati Rhizoma Polysaccharides Improve Cognitive and Emotional Functions of Ovariectomy-AD Model Rats Through Modulating ERα/PI3K/Akt Pathway
Gengchao ZHANG ; Li YANG ; Yuan ZHANG ; Tao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):154-162
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effectiveness and mechanisms of Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharides (PRP) on improving cognitive and emotional functions in the ovariectomy (OVX)-Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats. MethodsAfter being randomly divided into blank group, model group, estradiol group (0.18 mg·kg-1·d-1), low-PRP group (200 mg·kg-1), medium-PRP group (400 mg·kg-1), and high-PRP group (800 mg·kg-1), 60 SPF female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to OVX. One week later, vaginal smear examination as well as D-galactose intraperitoneal injection (150 mg·kg-1·d-1, once daily, for eight weeks) were adopted to establish the OVX-AD model, and drug intervention was initiated nine weeks after surgery. Upon completion of the treatment course, cognitive and emotional functions, as well as hippocampal CA3 region damage were assessed in all rats by open-field test, new object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and transmission electron microscopy. Indicators of inflammation [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor-necrosis-factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), oxidative-stress (superoxide-dismutase (SOD), glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical methods. The mRNA and protein expression levels of estrogen-receptor α (ERα)/phosphoinositide 3kinase (PI3K)/protein-kinase-B (Akt) signaling pathway, apoptosis [Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2)] and the indicators of pathological sedimentary proteins [amyloid β-protein1-42 (Aβ1-42), microtubule-associated protein Tau, phosphorylated site 404 of microtubule-associated protein Tau [p-Tau (Ser404)] were detected by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and western blot analysis. ResultsCompared with those in blank group, the rats in model group exhibited marked ultra-structural damage to hippocampal CA3 neurons, along with the reduction of activity time and shuttle frequency in central area, the index and exploration frequency of new object recognition, and the platform crossings and time spent in target quadrant, as well as the prolonged latency (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the contents and expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, Aβ1-42, Tau, and p-Tau (Ser404) were significantly increased, and the activity and expression of SOD, GSH-Px, ERα, PI3K, Akt, and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared to those in model group, the rats in estradiol group and groups with different doses of PRP noticeably presented with amelioration of neuronal damage, along with increased activity time and shuttle frequency in the central zone, elevated new object recognition index and exploration frequency, shortened latency, prolonged activity time, and increased platform crossings in the target quadrant (P<0.05, P<0.01). What is more, the contents and expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, Aβ1-42, Tau, and p-Tau (Ser404) were significantly reduced, whereas the activity and expression levels of SOD, GSH-Px, ERα, PI3K, Akt, and Bcl-2 were markedly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionPRP can improve the cognitive and emotional functions of AD model rats, and its mechanisms are probably related to modulating the ERα/PI3K/Akt pathway as well as inhibiting Aβ, Tau, neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, resulting in alleviation of neuronal damage.
10.Effect of mesaconate combined with LR on prolonging the golden treatment time window and its resuscitation efficacy for hemorrhagic shock rats under high-altitude conditions
Yuanqun ZHOU ; Xinming XIANG ; Xingnan OUYANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Qinghui LI ; Liangming LIU ; Tao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):720-726
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of endogenous metabolite mesaconate combined with Sodium lactate Ringer’s injection (LR) on prolonging the golden treatment time window and its resuscitation efficacy in rats with hemorrhagic shock under high-altitude conditions. METHODS Rats were divided into the shock group, LR group, and 5, 20, 50 mg/kg mesaconate+LR groups, with 20 rats in each group, to investigate the effect of additional use of mesaconate on the golden treatment time window. After establishing a model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock under high-altitude conditions in all groups by housing in a hypobaric hypoxia chamber combined with splenic artery transection, rats in the shock group received no resuscitation, while rats in the LR group and mesaconate+LR groups underwent low-pressure resuscitation with LR or mesaconate combined with LR. Blood pressure control, fluid infusion volume, blood loss rate and survival status were observed in each group. Rats were further divided into the normal group, shock group and mesaconate (50 mg/kg)+LR group, with 10 or 20 rats in each group, to evaluate the resuscitation effects after extending the golden treatment time window by additionally using mesaconate. Except for the normal group, the other groups underwent the same procedure to establish an uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock model under high-altitude conditions. Rats in the shock group received no resuscitation. In the mesaconate+LR group, after 3 h of low-pressure resuscitation, bleeding control was performed by ligation of the spleen artery, and the infusion volume and blood loss rate were recorded; subsequently, the rats received LR resuscitation with twice the volume of blood loss. Then, blood gas indicators of the mesaconate+LR group were measured at different time points. Survival rates, indicators related to sublingual microcirculatory perfusion, liver and kidney blood flow, indicators related to the function of vital organs, and lung and brain water content were observed in all groups. RESULTS LR infusion alone could effectively maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) within 50-60 mmHg for approximately 1 h. The administration of mesaconate combined with LR during hypotensive resuscitation could maintain MAP within 50-60 mmHg for over 3 h, with significantly reduced fluid infusion volume and blood loss rate in 50 mg/kg mesaconate+LR group, compared to the LR group ( P <0.05). In the LR group, rats maintained low pressure for up to 1 hour with a survival rate of 52.94%, and no rats survived beyond 2 h. In the 5, 20 and 50 mg/kg mesaconate+LR groups, rats maintained low pressure for up to 1 h with a survival rate exceeding 80%; in the 20 and 50 mg/kg mesaconate+LR groups, rats maintained low pressure for up to 3 h with a survival rate exceeding 70%. After complete resuscitation with mesaconate combined with LR, the 72 h survival rate of rats was 43.75%, and significant improvements in blood gas parameters were observed compared to the end of the shock phase ( P <0.05). Compared to the shock group, the mesaconate+LR group showed significant recovery in sublingual microcirculatory indicators, and liver/kidney blood flow after complete resuscitation ( P <0.05), with significant reductions in heart, liver and kidney function-related indicators and lung water content ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Mesaconate combined with LR significantly extends the golden treatment time window for hemorrhagic shock in rats under high-altitude conditions, improves blood gas parameters, sublingual microcirculatory perfusion, and liver/kidney blood flow, mitigates vital organ impairment and pulmonary edema, and increases the survival rate of shocked rats.


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