1.Influence of Gene Mutation on the Effectiveness of Arsenic-Containing Herbal Compound Formula in Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes of Different TCM Patterns
Zichun WANG ; Zhuo CHEN ; Dexiu WANG ; Haiyan XIAO ; Weiyi LIU ; Ruibai LI ; Chi LIU ; Fengmei WANG ; Shanshan ZHANG ; Mingjing WANG ; Liu LI ; Xiaoqing GUO ; Hongzhi WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1463-1472
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of gene mutation on the effectiveness of arsenic-containing Chinese herbal compound formulas in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) of different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns, so as to provide the basis for the clinical application. MethodsClinical data of 442 MDS patients who were treated with arsenic-containing herbal compound formulas were retrospectively collected, including the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Based on the TCM four examinations, the patients were divided into the spleen-kidney deficiency group as well as the qi-yin deficiency group, and according to the results of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) test, they were divided into the group with and without gene mutation respectively. The influence of gene mutation on the clinical effectiveness of patients with different TCM patterns was analyzed, the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients with different outcomes of the two TCM patterns were compared, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted on the influencing factors of the effective rate of MDS patients with gene mutation. ResultsA total of 190 cases were included in the spleen-kidney deficiency group (119 cases with gene mutation) and 43 cases in the qi-yin deficiency group (23 cases with gene mutation). No statistically significant differences were noted in effectiveness assessment, total effective rate, and total response rate between the spleen-kidney deficiency group and the qi-yin deficiency group (P>0.05). In the spleen-kidney deficiency group, the total effective rate of MDS with gene mutation was 65.55% (78/119), which was lower than 80.28% (57/71) of MDS without gene mutation, with statistical significance (P = 0.033), while no statistical differences in effectiveness assessment and total response rate were noted (P>0.05). In the qi-yin deficiency group, no statistical differences were observed in effectiveness assessment, total effective rate, and total response rate of the patients in with or without gene mutation (P>0.05). In the spleen-kidney deficiency group with gene mutation, the rate of complex karyotype (P = 0.031) and the mutation rate of CBL gene (P = 0.032) in the ineffective population were higher than those in the effective population, while the mutation rate of DDX41 gene in the effective population was higher than that in the ineffective population (P = 0.033). No statistically significant differences were found in other gene mutations, age, gender distribution, number of gene mutations, bone marrow hyperplasia degree, blast cell range, reticular fiber tissue proliferation or not, and prognosis of chromosomal abnormalities between the effective and ineffective populations (P>0.05). In the qi-yin deficiency group with gene mutation, no statistically significant differences were found in various items between populations with different outcomes (P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that complex karyotype, CBL mutation, and DDX41 mutation were independently associated with the effective rate of MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency and gene mutation (P<0.05). DDX41 mutation was an independent protective factor in the spleen-kidney deficiency group (OR>1), while complex karyotype and CBL mutation were independent risk factors (OR<1). ConclusionThe arsenic-containing TCM compound formulas exhibited better effectiveness in MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency pattern without mutation; and in MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency pattern without complex karyotypes, CBL mutation, and with DDX41 mutations. Furthermore, DDX41 mutation was an independent protective factor in the spleen-kidney deficiency group, while complex karyotype and CBL mutation were independent risk factors. In MDS with qi-yin deficiency pattern, gene mutation-related factors showed no significant impact on the effectiveness of arsenic-containing TCM compound formulas.
2.Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Flavonoids in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Mingjie FAN ; Longfei LIN ; Ruying TANG ; Zhuo XU ; Qian LIAO ; Hui LI ; Yuling LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):244-251
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis as its pathological basis. Although current therapeutic drugs can alleviate symptoms, they are often accompanied by a high risk of side effects. In recent years, the use of flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of RA has garnered significant attention. Studies have shown that the mechanisms by which flavonoids treat RA include inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors, regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways, alleviating oxidative stress, modulating immune system functions, inhibiting bone destruction, and suppressing angiogenesis. Due to their notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities, flavonoids hold promise as potential therapeutic agents for RA. A substantial number of articles in this field have been published. By reviewing Chinese and international literature and applying bibliometric and visual analysis using CiteSpace, this paper explored research hotspots and frontiers in this field, systematically reviewed the structures and anti-RA mechanisms of TCM flavonoids, provided a theoretical basis for their use in RA treatment and clinical applications, and offered new perspectives and references for the discovery of novel TCM-based anti-RA drugs.
3.Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Flavonoids in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Mingjie FAN ; Longfei LIN ; Ruying TANG ; Zhuo XU ; Qian LIAO ; Hui LI ; Yuling LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):244-251
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis as its pathological basis. Although current therapeutic drugs can alleviate symptoms, they are often accompanied by a high risk of side effects. In recent years, the use of flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of RA has garnered significant attention. Studies have shown that the mechanisms by which flavonoids treat RA include inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors, regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways, alleviating oxidative stress, modulating immune system functions, inhibiting bone destruction, and suppressing angiogenesis. Due to their notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities, flavonoids hold promise as potential therapeutic agents for RA. A substantial number of articles in this field have been published. By reviewing Chinese and international literature and applying bibliometric and visual analysis using CiteSpace, this paper explored research hotspots and frontiers in this field, systematically reviewed the structures and anti-RA mechanisms of TCM flavonoids, provided a theoretical basis for their use in RA treatment and clinical applications, and offered new perspectives and references for the discovery of novel TCM-based anti-RA drugs.
4.Iron metabolism and arthritis: Exploring connections and therapeutic avenues
Dachun ZHUO ; Wenze XIAO ; Yulong TANG ; Shuai JIANG ; Chengchun GENG ; Jiangnan XIE ; Xiaobei MA ; Qing ZHANG ; Kunhai TANG ; Yuexin YU ; Lu BAI ; Hejian ZOU ; Jing LIU ; Jiucun WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(14):1651-1662
Iron is indispensable for the viablility of nearly all living organisms, and it is imperative for cells, tissues, and organisms to acquire this essential metal sufficiently and maintain its metabolic stability for survival. Disruption of iron homeostasis can lead to the development of various diseases. There is a robust connection between iron metabolism and infection, immunity, inflammation, and aging, suggesting that disorders in iron metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of arthritis. Numerous studies have focused on the significant role of iron metabolism in the development of arthritis and its potential for targeted drug therapy. Targeting iron metabolism offers a promising approach for individualized treatment of arthritis. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which the body maintains iron metabolism and the impacts of iron and iron metabolism disorders on arthritis. Furthermore, this review aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets and active substances related to iron metabolism, which could provide promising research directions in this field.
5.A retrospective study on two different surgical robots to assist total knee arthroplasty
Hong-Ping WANG ; Ming-You WANG ; Zhuo-Dong TANG ; Qi-Feng TAO ; Yu-Ping LAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(9):870-877
Objective To compare early clinical and imaging results of domestic HURWA and imported Brainlab Knee3 surgical robot-assisted knee replacement.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 93 patients with knee os-teoarthritis(KOA)who underwent robot-assisted descending total knee arthroplasty(TKA)from January 2021 to July 2023,and they were divided into BRATKA group and HRATKA group according to use of robotic system.There were 40 patients in BRATKA group,including 16 males and 24 females,aged from 55 to 90 years old with an average of(64.3±7.0)years old;27 patients with grade Ⅲ and 13 patients with grade Ⅳ according to Kellgren-Lawrence(K-L);18 patients on the right side and 22 patients on the left side;the courses of disease ranged from 1 to 30 years with an average of(15.3±7.6)years;imported Brainlab Knee3 surgical robot assisted system was adopted.There were 53 patients in HRATKA group,including 18 males and 35 females,aged from 52 to 81 years old with an average of(64.4±8.5)years old;30 patients with grade Ⅲ and 23 patients with grade Ⅳ;21 patients on the right side and 32 patients on the left side;the courses of disease ranged from 1 to 32 years with an average of(16.4±7.9)years;HURWA surgical robot assisted system was adopted.Operation time,perioperative total blood loss,incision length and postoperative complications were compared between two groups.Deviation angle of hip-knee-an-kle angle(HKAA)before operation and on the first day after operation was compared between two groups.Later tibal compo-nent(LTC),frontal femoral component(FFC),later femoral component(LFC)and frontal tibal component(FTC)at 1 day af-ter on the first day after operation was compared between two groups.Knee Society score(KSS),visual analogue scale(VAS)and range of motion(ROM)of knee joint were compared between two groups before operation and on the 3rd and 90th day af-ter operation.Results Both groups were followed up for 11 to 18 months with an average of(14.4±2.1)months,and the wounds of all patients healed well.Operation time and incision length of BRATKA group were(132.1±34.6)min and(12.9±1.9)cm,while(94.1±10.8)min and(14.8±2.1)cm in HRATKA group,respectively,and the differences between two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no significant difference in perioperative total blood loss and preoperative deviation angle of HKAA between two groups(P>0.05).Deviation angle of HKAA,FFC angle and LFC angle in BRATKA group were(1.90±0.91)°,(87.90±1.51)°and(9.00±3.2)°,respectively;while(0.93±1.04)°,(89.03±0.96)° and(7.63±0.59)° in HRATKA group,respectively,and the differences between two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no significant dif-ferences in FTC and LTC between two groups(P>0.05).There were no significant differences in VAS of knee rest and exercise,KSS score and ROM of knee joint between two groups before operation and 3 days and 90 days after operation(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in complications between two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Postoperative imaging of two robot systems showed good lower limb force line.The domestic HRATKA group had better LFC,FFC angle and HKA deviation angle than the imported BRATKA group,but there were no significant difference in postoperative knee function and pain relief.
6.Molecular basis underlying gray matter volume changes in patients with AIWG:a transcriptome-neuroimaging study
Suzhen ZHANG ; Xinping KUAI ; Tianhao GAO ; Xuan LI ; Kaiming ZHUO ; Qiong XIANG ; Deng-Tang LIU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2024;50(9):540-545
Objective To investigate the gray matter volume(GMV)changes and molecular basis underlying antipsychotic-induced weight gain(AIWG).Methods One hundred twenty-nine first-episode schizophrenia patients from October 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study.Patients with≥7%weight gain(weight gain,WG)and patients with<3%weight changes(weight stable,WS)were studied.All patients underwent T1-weighted MRI scanning at baseline and after 8 week treatment.Transcriptome-neuroimaging correlations were used to investigate brain gene profiles from the Allen Human Brain Atlas and GMV changes induced by AIWG.Results Thirty-three patients with WG and 27 with WS completed the GMV measures.Compared with baseline,the WG group showed reduced GMV in right hippocampus,left basal ganglia,and right inferior parietal lobule,etc.and increased GMV in bilateral thalamus(P<0.05).The WS group showed reduced GMV in bilateral orbital gyrus,bilateral inferior frontal gyrus and bilateral hippocampus(P<0.05).These GMV changes in WG group were spatially correlated with expression levels of 354 genes,which were exclusively enriched in Cushing syndrome,neuroinflammation and glutamatergic signaling,and Pnoc+.Conclusion The study has demonstrated increased GMV in thalamus in schizophrenia patients with AIWG which may be associated with Cushing syndrome and Pnoc+.These findings may provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of AIWG.
7.Recent advance in role of c-abl kinase in pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Xiangheng TANG ; Xiaoqin ZHUO ; Huayucheng TANG ; Jing HU
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2024;23(7):724-728
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, seriously threatening the health and development of human beings. AD pathogenesis is related to amyloid β-protein accumulation, microtubule-associated protein Tau accumulation and hyperphosphorylation in the brain. C-abl kinase can affect signal pathways related to Aβ and Tau proteins, promote neuroinflammatory response and respond to oxidative stress signals; and its overexpression can lead to neuronal damage, resulting in clinical manifestations such as cognitive and memory decline. This paper reviews the relationship between c-abl kinase and AD pathogenesis, and feasibility and limitations of c-abl kinase inhibitors in AD, in order to provide new ideas for AD treatment.
8.A Real-world Study on Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method in the Treatment of Higher-risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Jian LIU ; Rui LI ; Xiupeng YANG ; Hongzhi WANG ; Yonggang XU ; Zhuo CHEN ; Dexiu WANG ; Haiyan XIAO ; Xudong TANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(9):145-151
Objective To explore the performance of routine blood test parameters,bone marrow parameters and the risk factors of leukemia conversion in higher-risk patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)treated with Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method in the real world.Methods The clinical data of 162 patients with higher-risk MDS who were admitted to the Department of Hematology,Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from September 2017 to September 2022 were collected,and their clinical data,blood routine parameters,and bone marrow parameters were analyzed.Results A total of 162 higher-risk MDS patients were included,and the overall effective rate of the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment,mainly using Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method being 48.8%.Patients with higher-risk MDS who were younger than 70 years old were more likely to obtain curative effect when treated with Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method combined with chemotherapy(P<0.05).After treatment with Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method,PLT levels in higher-risk MDS patients were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and PLT levels in the ineffective group increased more significantly(P<0.05).After treatment,the HGB level in the effective group significantly increased(P<0.05).After treatment,the proportion of bone marrow granulocytes,megakaryocytes and lymphocytes in higher-risk MDS patients were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method,mainly using arsenic containing TCM compound,can treat higher-risk MDS.It can increase the HGB content and PLT level of patients,increase the proportion of bone marrow granulocytes,megakaryocytes and lymphocytes,and also play a certain role in reducing the proportion of bone marrow primitive cells,namely demethylation.
9.Correlation Between Expression of HIF-1α and Prognosis of Arsenic-containing Chinese Herbal Compound in Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Peizhen JIANG ; Xiupeng YANG ; Dexiu WANG ; Wenru WANG ; Yan LYU ; Weiyi LIU ; Zhuo CHEN ; Hongzhi WANG ; Xiaoqing GUO ; Shanshan ZHANG ; Yonggang XU ; Xudong TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):101-107
ObjectiveMyelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders,and this study aims to investigate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) in the bone marrow cells of patients with MDS and its correlation with the clinical features of MDS,the therapeutic efficacy of arsenic-containing Chineseherbal compound,and the survival prognosis. MethodAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,27 MDS patients treated with arsenic-containing Chinese herbal compound in the Department of Hematology,Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2022 to September 2022 were included,and their bone marrow samples were collected by myelotomy. HIF-1α expression level in bone marrow cells was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to analyze its correlation with clinical features,and logistic and Cox regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the efficacy and prognostic survival of MDS patients. ResultThe HIF-1α mRNA expression level was lower in bone marrow cells of MDS patients than in healthy subjects. HIF-1α was positively correlated with the degree of myelodysplasia(r=0.384,P<0.05) and bone marrow granulocytic system%(G%)(r=0.560,P<0.01). Logistic regression showed that HIF-1α was a risk factor for the prognosis in the follow-up of the efficacy of treatment(P<0.05)and Cox regression showed that HIF-1α was an independent factor affecting the survival prognosis of MDS patients [odds ratio(OR)=398.968,95% confidence interval(CI)(1.281,116 858.743),P<0.05]. ConclusionThe level of HIF-1α expression in bone marrow cells of MDS patients was closely related to the degree of clinical myelodysplasia and G%,and HIF-1α was a risk factor for the efficacy for and survival prognosis of MDS patients.
10. Advances of pathogenesis and drug development in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Yu-Jun ZHOU ; Qiu-Yu CHEN ; Zhuo SUN ; Jing-Shu TANG ; Jia-Qi LAN ; Lei WU ; Ying PENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):201-207
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. ALS patients develop progressive muscle atrophy, muscle weak and paralysis, finally died of respiratory failure. ALS is characterized by fast aggression and high mortality. What' s more, the disease is highly heterogeneous with unclear pathogenesis and lacks effective drugs for therapy. In this review, we summarize the main pathological mechanisms and the current drugs under development for ALS, which may provide a reference for the drug discovery in the future.

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