1.Potential Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Scientific Regulation
Ting WANG ; Can TU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhaojuan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):1-9
In recent years, with the extensive application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) both domestically and internationally, safety concerns associated with TCM have been frequently reported. Notably, some TCM substances traditionally regarded as ''non-toxic'' have exhibited significant adverse reactions during clinical use, drawing substantial attention to TCM safety. This study first analyzed the risk factors contributing to the potential toxicity of TCM from perspectives such as drug properties, individual constitution, and clinical medication practices. Subsequently, it proposed research strategies and methodologies for investigating potential TCM toxicity: ① conduct studies under the guidance of TCM theory, adhering to the principle of diversity and unity. ② adopt an integrated research paradigm of ''originating from clinical practice-syndrome-based foundation-returning to clinical practice-serving supervision''. ③ implement a three-tier technical system of ''Mathematical modeling-high-throughput screening via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-systems biology'' to systematically elucidate the causes, material basis, and mechanisms of toxicity. Finally, scientific regulatory recommendations for potential TCM toxicity are proposed: ① establish a multidimensional prevention and control system addressing drug properties, physical constitution factors, and clinical medication practices. ② address the impact of modern processing techniques on the safety of new TCM drugs. ③ strengthen the revision of standards for Chinese medicinal materials to ensure their safety. ④ account for disease-syndrome combination animal models and interspecies differences in safety assessment outcomes. This study aims to overcome critical challenges in TCM regulation by advancing evaluation through research and driving research through evaluation. By establishing a high-level scientific regulatory framework, it seeks to not only safeguard clinical medication safety but also propel the high-quality development of the TCM industry, thereby providing scientific support for the inheritance and innovative evolution of TCM.
2.Mechanism of Shenmai Injection to Improve Cisplatin Resistance in NSCLC Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Through PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway
Shengnan GUO ; Hao CAO ; Dan WANG ; Wenjun LIU ; Jianguang WANG ; Jialu LYU ; Chun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):70-78
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shenmai injection in improving cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on the endoplasmic reticulum stress through protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsBALB/c nude mice bearing cisplatin-resistant human lung cancer cell line (A549/cisplatin) were randomly divided into four groups: Blank control group (0.9% sodium chloride), cisplatin group (5 µg·g-1cisplatin), Shenmai injection group (5.2 mg·g-1 Shenmai injection), and combination therapy group (5.2 mg·g-1 Shenmai injection +5 µg·g-1cisplatin). The drug intervention lasted for 4 weeks, and the changes in body weight and tumor volume were monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe tumor tissue pathology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to assess the morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum. Immunohistochemical assay was conducted to measure the positive expressions of PERK, ATF4, and CHOP in tumor tissues. Western blot quantified the protein expression of immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BIP), PERK, phosphorylated PERK (p-PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), phosphorylated eIF2α (p-eIF2α), ATF4, CHOP, B-cell lymphoma -2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 Associated X protein (Bax). A549/cis cells were divided into blank group: Blank control group (normal culture medium), cisplatin group (23.3 µmol·L-1 cisplatin), Shenmai Injection group (20 g·L-1 Shenmai injection), and combination therapy group (20 g·L-1 Shenmai injection+23.3 µmol·L-1 cisplatin). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect cell viability, TEM was used to observe the morphology of endoplasmic reticulum, and Western blot was used to detect endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the cisplatin group, the combination therapy group showed increased body weight (P<0.05), decreased tumor volume (P<0.05), and expanded endoplasmic reticulum in tumor cells. The positive expressions of PERK, ATF4, and CHOP increased (P<0.05). Western blot revealed elevated protein expression levels of BIP, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax (P<0.05), while Bcl-2 expression decreased (P<0.05). As shown in the in vitro experiment, compared with the cisplatin group, the combination therapy group exhibited a reduced cell survival rate (P<0.05). TEM revealed increased endoplasmic reticulum dilation and vesicular degeneration. Western blotting showed increased protein levels of BIP, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP and Bax (P<0.05), with decreased Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05). ConclusionShenmai injection combined with cisplatin has a synergistic antitumor effect in NSCLC, which may be attributed to the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response mediated by the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiaoqi JING ; Minna GUO ; Haihua WANG ; Juan LI ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):208-216
This article systematically reviews and verifies the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma(CARR) by consulting relevant ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Through textual research, Baiwei has been the official name for CARR, though it also bears alternative names such as Chuncao, Popo Zhenxianbao, Longdan Baiwei. The mainstream base is the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum atratum. Historical records indicate primary producing areas include Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Shanxi. Since the late Ming dynasty, varieties from Juxian, Yishui and Rizhao in Shandong have been highly regarded as authentic, commonly known as eastern Baiwei. Since modern times, its quality has been summarized as fine, slender, and straight fibrous roots, pale yellow exterior, whiter interior, and dryness with easy breakability are considered superior. The harvesting time before the Song dynasty was on the third day of the third lunar month, but after the Song dynasty, harvesting was possible in both spring and autumn. The initial processing methods of CARR in ancient times included drying in the shade, removing Lu(the little rhizomes which are on tap of roots), and removing mustaches, modern methods involve washing and sun-drying. During the Northern and Southern dynasties, processing methods included steaming. In the Song dynasty, drying and light stir-frying were predominant, while wine washing emerged in the Ming dynasty. Modern practices primarily involve using raw, stir-frying or honey processing. Regarding the medicinal properties of CARR, both ancient and modern texts agree it has a bitter and salty taste and is non-toxic. Records prior to the Qing dynasty predominantly describe its nature as extremely cold, while mainstream herbal texts after the Qing dynasty generally characterize it as cold. Before the Ming dynasty, there were no records of its meridian tropism. It was not until the Qing dynasty that it was recorded in the lung meridian. Modern records mainly refer to the stomach, liver, and kidney meridians. Throughout history, its main functions have been to clear heat, diuresis, nourish Yin, and replenish essence, primarily treating Yin deficiency and fever syndrome. Based on the research results, it is suggested that when developing famous classical formulas containing CARR, the dried roots and rhizomes of C. atratum can be selected as its medicinal source. If there are no specific processing requirements, raw products can be selected as medicine. If the processing requirements are specified, corresponding processed products can be selected as medicine according to the original formula requirements.
4.Molecular Mechanisms of Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Its Active Ingredients against Colorectal Cancer: A Review
Jianing GUO ; Xiaochen NI ; Kaiyuan ZHANG ; Wei FAN ; Chuhang WANG ; Chao XU ; Jianbo HUANG ; Tao JIANG ; Guangji ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):307-314
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, with its incidence ranking high among cancers. It stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In the early stages, CRC lacks specific symptoms, and most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, making it a major research focus in the field of gastrointestinal tumors. Currently, clinical CRC treatments face several common challenges, including high surgical risks, frequent metastasis and recurrence, drug resistance, and significant side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. With the development and application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it has been found that TCM and its active ingredients can effectively inhibit CRC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis, and promote apoptosis and autophagy, thereby slowing the progression of CRC. This has become a key focus of CRC treatment research. Salvia Miltiorrhiza has multiple pharmacological effects, including activating blood circulation to dispel blood stasis, unlocking meridians to relieve pain, clearing heat to calm irritability, and cooling blood to reduce abscesses. It contains a variety of chemical components, including diterpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, nitrogen-containing compounds, steroids, and lactone compounds. This review summarized the molecular mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients in the treatment of CRC. It is found that these ingredients exert anti-CRC effects through various molecular mechanisms, including cell cycle arrest, promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of cell invasion and migration, induction of autophagy, suppression of tumor angiogenesis, and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. The review aims to provide new insights for the drug development and clinical application of Salvia miltiorrhiza in CRC treatment.
5.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
6.Major changes in the UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) (Part 1): integrating and transforming scattered recommendations into systematic transfusion safety standards
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):148-154
Transfusion safety monitoring and learning provide a mechanism for identifying transfusion risks, enabling medical institutions to implement intervention measures, to reduce transfusion risks, and ultimately to improve patient safety. Recently, in response to ongoing challenges in transfusion safety, the UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) integrated and transformed the recommendations scattered in previous annual reports, and released the Standards for Transfusion Safety. This document specifies standards and requirements/criterion in eight key areas, including transfusion safety, transfusion information technology and equipment, supporting staff to work safely, staff education and training, safety culture, patients as safety partners, haemovigilance and risk management, and governance. The issue and implementation of the Standards marks a significant transformation in the UK's blood transfusion safety governance strategy. Understanding the content and background of the Standards will be beneficial for contemplating and exploring the future direction of China's blood transfusion safety governance strategy.
7.Analysis of the changes in intestinal microbiota of patients with moderate to severe acne based on 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology
Shichao JIANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Song QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Birong GUO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):98-103
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between acne vulgaris and gut microbiota. MethodsA total of 29 clinical cases diagnosed with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris and 26 healthy individuals as control subjects were recruited. Fecal specimens were collected from all participants, and further analysis of gut microbial communities was performed by leveraging high-throughput sequencing techniques that target the hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA genes. ResultsAssociations between acne vulgaris and alterations in gut microbiota were identified. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota exhibited a statistically significant elevation in the acne vulgaris cohort when compared with the healthy control group (P<0.01), while Cyanobacteria was significantly lower in the acne group (P<0.01). At the genus level, the top five different bacterial taxa in both groups were Bacteroides, Escherichia⁃Shigella, Klebsiella, Roseburia, and Parabacteroides. Among them, Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Parabacteroides were more abundant in acne patients. Linear discriminant analysis identified five biomarkers all belonging to the Bacteroidota phylum in the acne and control groups. These biomarkers belong to the phylum Bacteroidetes. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota between acne patients and healthy people. Changes in the richness of specific bacterial genera may become new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of acne.
8.Two cases of acute radiation-induced skin injury caused by external exposure to 192Ir
Li LI ; Wei SHANG ; Yan LING ; Mi WANG ; Huisheng ZHANG ; Chiqiao LU ; Xiaohu ZHONG ; Shenglong XU ; Juan GUO ; Chang LIU ; Yulong LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):56-61
Objective To introduce the causes of accidents and the diagnosis and treatment of two patients with radiation-induced skin injury admitted to our hospital in 2023, and to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of subsequent radiation-induced skin injury. Methods The clinical treatment process of two patients with acute skin injury caused by external radiation exposure were summarized and analyzed. Results The exposure history of the two patients was reconstructed, the flaw detection scenario was simulated, the biological dose and hand skin exposure dose were estimated, and the infrared thermal imaging device was used for dynamic monitoring. A comprehensive analysis was conducted based on clinical manifestations and other data. The diagnosis of “Xie” was excessive exposure combined with acute radiation-induced skin injury on both hands (Grade IV for the right hand palm, index finger, and middle finger and Grade II for the left hand little finger). The diagnosis of “Hao” was acute radiation-induced skin injury on both hands (Grade I). The two patients received different clinical treatment measures: “Xie” was treated with both local and systemic therapies, while “Hao” was mainly treated with systemic therapy. Conclusion After systematic and effective treatment, the radiation-induced skin injuries healed in both patients.
9.Research progress on the intervention of energy metabolism disorders in chronic heart failure by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine through regulating circadian rhythms
Ruiqi GUO ; Sutong WANG ; Zhaohui LYU ; Yan LI ; Renwei GUAN ; Xiao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):670-675
The onset and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) are closely associated with myocardial energy metabolism disorders, and this pathological process significantly affects patient prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), grounded in time-based medical theories such as the correspondence between humans and nature and the theory of circadian flow of meridians (Ziwu Liuzhu), exhibits intrinsic consistency with modern circadian rhythm theory, providing a unique theoretical framework for understanding and intervening in CHF from a temporal perspective. This article systematically explores the impact of circadian rhythms on energy metabolism and the potential mechanisms by which TCM active ingredients intervene in CHF through a review of relevant literature. It is found that various TCM active ingredients, including flavonoids (such as nobiletin), alkaloids (such as berberine), and polyphenols (such as resveratrol), can improve mitochondrial function, promote fatty acid oxidation, enhance glucose uptake and utilization efficiency, maintain metabolic balance, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in myocardial cells by regulating the expression and rhythms of core circadian clock genes such as CLOCK, BMAL1, PER, and CRY. These actions thereby correct energy metabolism disorders and improve cardiac function. Further exploration of the interaction mechanisms between these components and the circadian rhythms holds promise for providing novel theoretical foundations and potential intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of CHF.
10.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating ATF3 to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Xingyu* WAN ; Yujia LIU ; Ruiyan WANG ; Hao WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Lu GUO ; Zhihua YANG ; Xinghua LÜ
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):275-286
Objective To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods hucMSC-Exos were isolated and characterized. A mouse renal IRI model was established and the animals were divided into Sham, IRI, IRI+hucMSC-Exo, IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Sham+JY-2 groups. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate renal histopathology. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay was performed to determine serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteineyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-1 p20 and Gasdermin D(GSDMD). Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in HK-2 cells and divided into Control, H/R, H/R+hucMSC-Exo, H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Control+JY-2 groups. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 mRNA. Results HucMSC-Exos were successfully isolated and identified. Compared with the Sham group, the IRI group exhibited elevated Scr and BUN, higher tubular injury scores, increased protein expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD, and raised mRNA expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB. Compared with the IRI group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group showed decreased Scr and BUN, lower tubular injury scores, up-regulated ATF3 protein and mRNA, down-regulated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD protein, and declined TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA. Compared with the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group exhibited increased Scr and BUN levels, elevated renal tubular injury scores, decreased ATF3 protein expression levels, elevated protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD, decreased ATF3 mRNA expression levels, and elevated mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB. (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Control group, the expression levels of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased in the H/R group, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased. Compared with the H/R group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was increased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were decreased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were decreased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group. Compared with the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was decreased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions HucMSC-Exos alleviate renal IRI by up-regulating ATF3, thereby negatively regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently inhibiting pyroptosis.

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