1.Diabetic Kidney Disease and Gut-kidney Axis: A Review
Yingchao WANG ; Yexin CHEN ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Xingru PAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):310-320
With the rising incidence of diabetes, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become a significant global health burden. Although current prevention and treatment strategies can partially delay the progression of DKD, the risk of patients advancing to end-stage renal disease remains high. Since the concept of the "gut-kidney axis" was first introduced at the International Congress on Dialysis in 2011, research on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of DKD has received increasing attention. This review summarizes the current research on gut microbiota, explores the mechanisms through which it contributes to DKD development, and outlines clinical approaches for DKD prevention and treatment based on the "gut-kidney axis" theory. Evidence indicates that dietary interventions, intake of probiotics or prebiotics, use of metformin and novel antidiabetic drugs, and application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas can effectively improve gut microbiota composition, influence metabolite production, and restore the intestinal mucosal barrier. These interventions can further regulate intestinal innate immunity and inflammatory responses, thereby modulating the progression of DKD. Despite challenges posed by the traditional oral administration of water-decocted TCM compound formulas and the complexity of their ingredients, increasing evidence suggests that TCM may indirectly affect the occurrence and development of DKD by modulating gut microbiota. This finding provides a new perspective on the potential mechanisms of TCM in DKD treatment and may offer novel strategies for DKD prevention and therapy.
2.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Qigui Didang Decoction in Treatment of Stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ Diabetic Kidney Disease with Kidney Collateral Stasis Syndrome in Real World
Yingchao WANG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiannan ZHOU ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):162-169
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of Qigui Didang decoction in the treatment of kidney collateral stasis syndrome in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a real-world setting. MethodsPatients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome admitted to Beijing Aerospace General Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected for clinical study. According to treatment methods, patients were divided into the Qigui Didang decoction group (Qigui Didang decoction + conventional treatment) and the control group (conventional treatment alone). A 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to reduce bias caused by confounding factors. Clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, renal function indicators, mRNA expression related to pathway mechanisms, glycolipid metabolism indices, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 120 patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome were included, including 62 cases in the Qigui Didang Decoction group and 58 cases in the control group. Before matching, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in DKD stage, baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). After matching, 47 cases were included in each group, and there was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups. After matching, the total clinical effective rate of the Qigui Didang decoction group was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ2=4.681, P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the Qigui Didang decoction group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, serum creatinine (SCr), 24 h-UTP, and UACR levels were significantly decreased, while eGFR was significantly increased in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the mRNA expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) was significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor suppressor protein p53 (p53) was significantly downregulated in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2 hPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionQigui Didang decoction combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve renal function, glycolipid metabolism, and TCM syndromes in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome, with good safety. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB/p53 signaling pathway.
3.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Qigui Didang Decoction in Treatment of Stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ Diabetic Kidney Disease with Kidney Collateral Stasis Syndrome in Real World
Yingchao WANG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiannan ZHOU ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):162-169
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of Qigui Didang decoction in the treatment of kidney collateral stasis syndrome in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a real-world setting. MethodsPatients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome admitted to Beijing Aerospace General Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected for clinical study. According to treatment methods, patients were divided into the Qigui Didang decoction group (Qigui Didang decoction + conventional treatment) and the control group (conventional treatment alone). A 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to reduce bias caused by confounding factors. Clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, renal function indicators, mRNA expression related to pathway mechanisms, glycolipid metabolism indices, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 120 patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome were included, including 62 cases in the Qigui Didang Decoction group and 58 cases in the control group. Before matching, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in DKD stage, baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). After matching, 47 cases were included in each group, and there was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups. After matching, the total clinical effective rate of the Qigui Didang decoction group was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ2=4.681, P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the Qigui Didang decoction group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, serum creatinine (SCr), 24 h-UTP, and UACR levels were significantly decreased, while eGFR was significantly increased in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the mRNA expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) was significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor suppressor protein p53 (p53) was significantly downregulated in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2 hPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionQigui Didang decoction combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve renal function, glycolipid metabolism, and TCM syndromes in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome, with good safety. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB/p53 signaling pathway.
4.Analysis on the Current Situation of Outcome Indicators in Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Limeng LI ; Huanan LI ; Shidong ZHANG ; Chuhan XU ; Yingxue HUANG ; Meijie HAN ; Zhichao SU ; Tao TAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):51-57
Objective To study the current status of the randomized controlled trial(RCT)outcome indicators of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS);To provide guidance and references for clinical research and protocol design.Methods RCT of acupuncture and moxibustion for CFS were retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science databases from January 1,2015 to December 9,2024.Through literature screening and data extraction,Excel 2019 was used to make a descriptive analysis of the basic characteristics,diagnostic criteria,intervention measures,classification of outcome indicators,use frequency and evaluation time points of the included studies.Origin2021 software was used to draw bubble charts for visual display.Results Totally 119 RCT were included,involving 8 445 subjects,5 diagnostic criteria of Western medicine,5 diagnostic criteria of TCM,and 6 outcome indicators,namely clinical symptoms/signs,symptoms/syndrome of TCM,physical and chemical examination,quality of life,safety evaluation,and patient satisfaction.A total of 58 outcome indicators were reported,with a cumulative frequency of 430 times.Conclusion The RCT of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of CFS have some problems,such as incomplete baseline assessment,lack of sample size calculation basis,high risk of bias,ignorance of primary and secondary indicators in the selection of outcome indicators,numerous indicators selection and measurement points,lack of long-term follow-up,inconsistent evaluation criteria for TCM syndrome efficacy,and insufficient attention to health economics evaluation and safety outcome indicators.
5.Clinical efficacy and safety of bumetanide in the prevention and treatment of pleural effusion after routine hepatobiliary surgery
Zhichao XIE ; Zhiguo ZHANG ; Sansheng MA ; Yichuang HUANG ; Lingyun LIU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(10):1563-1568
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of bumetanide in comparison with other diuretics for the prevention and management of postoperative pleural effusion in patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.Methods A total of 168 patients undergoing routine hepatobiliary surgery were randomly assigned to either the bumetanide group or the control group(other diuretics).Patients in the bumetanide group received bumetanide injection at a dose of 1 mg intravenously once daily.In contrast,the control group received one of the following treatments:furosemide injection at 20 mg intravenously once daily,furosemide tablets at 40 mg orally twice daily,or a combination of furosemide tablets(40 mg orally twice daily)and spironolactone tablets(60 mg orally twice daily).All treatments were administered for three days postoperatively.The incidence of postoperative pleural effusion,length of hospital stay,and drug-related adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Additionally,multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for moderate-to-severe pleural effusion after surgery.Results A total of 82 patients were enrolled in the bumetanide group and 86 in the control group.No significant differences were observed in the general demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups(P>0.05),except for sex and ALT levels(P<0.05).The incidence of moderate-to-severe pleural effusion was higher in the control group than in the bumetanide group,with rates of 9.3%and 1.2%,respectively(all P<0.05).Additionally,the length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the control group(19.94±0.90 days)compared to the bumetanide group(17.15±1.06 days)(all P<0.05).Thora-centesis was performed in 2 cases in the bumetanide group and 8 cases in the control group,but this difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The primary adverse drug reactions in both groups included hypokalemia,hypochloremia,hyponatremia,and hypocalcemia.The overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 35.4%in the bumetanide group and 34.9%in the control group,showing no significant difference(P>0.05).Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a history of hepatitis B,cirrhosis,and the use of bumetanide were independent predictors of moderate-to-severe pleural effusion during routine hepatobiliary surgery(all P<0.05).Conclusions Bumetanide demonstrates superior efficacy compared to other conventional diuretics in the prevention and manage-ment of postoperative pleural effusion in hepatobiliary surgery,suggesting potential clinical application value.
6.Analysis on the Current Situation of Outcome Indicators in Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Limeng LI ; Huanan LI ; Shidong ZHANG ; Chuhan XU ; Yingxue HUANG ; Meijie HAN ; Zhichao SU ; Tao TAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):51-57
Objective To study the current status of the randomized controlled trial(RCT)outcome indicators of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS);To provide guidance and references for clinical research and protocol design.Methods RCT of acupuncture and moxibustion for CFS were retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science databases from January 1,2015 to December 9,2024.Through literature screening and data extraction,Excel 2019 was used to make a descriptive analysis of the basic characteristics,diagnostic criteria,intervention measures,classification of outcome indicators,use frequency and evaluation time points of the included studies.Origin2021 software was used to draw bubble charts for visual display.Results Totally 119 RCT were included,involving 8 445 subjects,5 diagnostic criteria of Western medicine,5 diagnostic criteria of TCM,and 6 outcome indicators,namely clinical symptoms/signs,symptoms/syndrome of TCM,physical and chemical examination,quality of life,safety evaluation,and patient satisfaction.A total of 58 outcome indicators were reported,with a cumulative frequency of 430 times.Conclusion The RCT of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of CFS have some problems,such as incomplete baseline assessment,lack of sample size calculation basis,high risk of bias,ignorance of primary and secondary indicators in the selection of outcome indicators,numerous indicators selection and measurement points,lack of long-term follow-up,inconsistent evaluation criteria for TCM syndrome efficacy,and insufficient attention to health economics evaluation and safety outcome indicators.
7.Clinical efficacy and safety of bumetanide in the prevention and treatment of pleural effusion after routine hepatobiliary surgery
Zhichao XIE ; Zhiguo ZHANG ; Sansheng MA ; Yichuang HUANG ; Lingyun LIU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(10):1563-1568
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of bumetanide in comparison with other diuretics for the prevention and management of postoperative pleural effusion in patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.Methods A total of 168 patients undergoing routine hepatobiliary surgery were randomly assigned to either the bumetanide group or the control group(other diuretics).Patients in the bumetanide group received bumetanide injection at a dose of 1 mg intravenously once daily.In contrast,the control group received one of the following treatments:furosemide injection at 20 mg intravenously once daily,furosemide tablets at 40 mg orally twice daily,or a combination of furosemide tablets(40 mg orally twice daily)and spironolactone tablets(60 mg orally twice daily).All treatments were administered for three days postoperatively.The incidence of postoperative pleural effusion,length of hospital stay,and drug-related adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Additionally,multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for moderate-to-severe pleural effusion after surgery.Results A total of 82 patients were enrolled in the bumetanide group and 86 in the control group.No significant differences were observed in the general demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups(P>0.05),except for sex and ALT levels(P<0.05).The incidence of moderate-to-severe pleural effusion was higher in the control group than in the bumetanide group,with rates of 9.3%and 1.2%,respectively(all P<0.05).Additionally,the length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the control group(19.94±0.90 days)compared to the bumetanide group(17.15±1.06 days)(all P<0.05).Thora-centesis was performed in 2 cases in the bumetanide group and 8 cases in the control group,but this difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The primary adverse drug reactions in both groups included hypokalemia,hypochloremia,hyponatremia,and hypocalcemia.The overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 35.4%in the bumetanide group and 34.9%in the control group,showing no significant difference(P>0.05).Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a history of hepatitis B,cirrhosis,and the use of bumetanide were independent predictors of moderate-to-severe pleural effusion during routine hepatobiliary surgery(all P<0.05).Conclusions Bumetanide demonstrates superior efficacy compared to other conventional diuretics in the prevention and manage-ment of postoperative pleural effusion in hepatobiliary surgery,suggesting potential clinical application value.
8.Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on the Core Pathogenesis Evolution of "Constraint,Heat,Deficiency,Stasis,and Toxin"
Zhichao RUAN ; Jiangteng LIU ; Hua ZHANG ; Weijun HUANG ; Qiang FU ; Shidong WANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):680-684
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a rich theoretical foundation and clinical experience for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome(CKM), demonstrating unique advantage. Building on previous work in managing diabetes, its complications, and chronic kidney disease, our team has proposed a five-phase evolution theory of "constraint, heat, deficiency, stasis, and toxin" as the core pathogenesis. These phases correspond to the pathological progression of constraint of phlegm-dampness, constraint transforming into heat, heat damaging qi and yin, stasis accumulated in the collateral vessels, and toxin induced by deficiency and stasis. In the prevention and treatment of CKM by TCM, it is emphasized to integrate the concept of "treating disease before it arises" with constitution theory, and incorporate the "2-5-8" prevention and treatment strategy, which combines prevention with treatment, tailors interventions to different phases, and employs comprehensive treatment modalities. Our goal is to leverage TCM's holistic advantages in preventing and treating CKM.
9.Study on the Regularity of Essential Oils from Traditional Chinese Medicine with Hot Property in Enhancing Skin Permeabil-ity of Different Components
Zhichao SONG ; Senlan HUANG ; Xixi ZHU ; Shanshan LU ; Wenjun LIU ; Yeqing QU ; Jun CHEN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(1):58-65
OBJECTIVE To study regularity of different components whose skin permeability is enhanced by essential oils(EOs)from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)with hot property.METHODS Five EOs from TCM with hot property,namely Galangal oil,Dried Ginger oil,Cinnamon oil,Pepper oil,and Evodia oil were prepared and used in further studies.The in vitro skin cytotoxici-ty of these EOs and chemical penetration enhancer(PE)Azone were compared.HPLC method was established to determine 9 TCM components that are usually used in permeation studies.And the in vitro permeation experiments were carried out using the modified Franz diffusion cell method to evaluate the penetration enhancement effects of five EOs.RESULTS The cytotoxicity test revealed the IC50 value of EOs was 3.63-8.15 times of that of Azone,the classical chemical PE.HPLC method showed perfect specificity and 9 TCM components performed well in linear relationship,precision,repeatability,stability,and average recovery rate.The results of multiple linear regression showed a significant association between the penetration enhancement effects of EOs from TCM with hot prop-erty and log P values of the TCM components.EOs from TCM with hot property showed satisfactory penetration enhancement effects for hydrophobic components with log P values in the range of 2.6-3.5,e.g.resveratrol,tetrahydropalmatine and quercetin.CONCLU-SION EOs from TCM with hot property should be reasonably selected as PE according to the oil-water partition coefficient of the in-gredients.
10.Effect of preoperative continuous fascia iliaca compartment block on perioperative opioids dosage and quality of postoperative recovery in elderly patients with frail
Changsheng GAO ; Fuxiang HUANG ; Yinqiang OU ; Minling XU ; Zhichao CHEN ; Yongle LI
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(7):597-602
Objective:To investigate the effect of preoperative continuous fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) on perioperative opioids dosage and quality of postoperative recovery in elderly patients with frail.Methods:A prospective study method was used. Sixty elderly frail patients underwent selective unilateral femoral head replacement surgery from November 2022 to October 2024 in Sihui People′s Hospital were selected. The patients were divided into control group and FICB group by random digits table method with 30 cases each. The patients in control group did not receive continuous FICB before surgery, and the patients in FICB group received continuous FICB 1 d before surgery. The perioperative use of opioids and analgesic effect, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, quality of recovery-40 (QoR-40) score at discharge and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 57 patients completed the study, with 29 cases in the FICB group and 28 cases in the control group. There were no statistical differences in operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). The sufentanil dosage of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), perioperative nalbuphine dosage, frequency of perioperative visual analog score (VAS)>4 scores, rate of preoperative rescue analgesia, rate of postoperative rescue analgesia and pressing frequency of PCA in FICB group were significantly lower than those in control group: (94.1 ± 5.4) μg vs. (102.1 ± 6.1) μg, 0 (0, 0) mg vs. 10.0 (0, 20.0) mg, 3.0 (2.0, 5.0) times vs. 5.0 (4.0, 6.0) times, 3.4% (1/29) vs. 32.1% (9/28), 13.8% (4/29) vs. 39.3% (11/28) and 2.0 (1.0, 3.0) times vs. 4.0 (3.0, 5.0) times, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or <0.05). The total QoR-40 score and physical comfort, pain scores in FICB group were significantly higher than those in control group: 156(153, 161) scores vs. 153 (148, 159) scores, 47 (45, 50) scores vs. 45 (43, 47) scores and 30 (29, 31) scores vs. 28 (25, 30) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01); there were no statistical differences in emotional state, physical independence and psychological support scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidences of dizziness and nausea vomiting in FICB group were significantly lower than those in control group: 13.8% (4/29) vs. 42.9% (12/28) and 10.3% (3/29) vs. 35.7% (10/28), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05); there were no statistical difference in the incidences of delirium, pulmonary infection and deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Preoperative continuous FICB can reduce perioperative opioids dosage in elderly patients with frail, and improve early stage postoperative recovery quality.

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