1.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Bupi Qingfei Prescription in Treating Stable Bronchiectasis
Zi YANG ; Guangsen LI ; Bing WANG ; Bo XU ; Jianxin WANG ; Sheng CAO ; Xinyan CHEN ; Xia SHI ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):162-169
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Bupi Qingfei prescription (BPQF) in treating stable bronchiectasis in the patients with syndromes of lung-spleen Qi deficiency and phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomized into BPQF and placebo control (PC) groups. On the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment, the BPQF granules and placebo were respectively administered at 10 g each time, twice a day, for a course of 24 weeks. The TCM symptom scores, Quality of Life Questionnaire for Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) scores, lung function indicators, T lymphocyte subsets, level of inflammatory factors in the sputum, level of neutrophil elastase (NE) in the sputum, and occurrence of adverse reactions were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. ResultsA total of 64 patients completed the study, encompassing 32 in the BPQF group and 32 in the PC group. After treatment, the BPQF group showed decreased TCM symptom scores (P<0.01), increased QOL-B scores (P<0.01), and declined levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and NE (P<0.05, P<0.01). The PC group showed decreased TCM symptom (except spleen deficiency) scores (P<0.01), increased the QOL-B health cognition and respiratory symptom domain scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a declined TNF-α level (P<0.01). Moreover, the BPQF group had lower TCM symptom (except chest tightness) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), higher QOL-B (except treatment burden) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α (P<0.05) than the PC group. Neither group showed serious adverse reactions during the treatment process. ConclusionBPQF can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of stable bronchiectasis patients who have lung-spleen Qi deficiency or phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs by regulating the immune balance and inhibiting airway inflammatory responses.
2.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
3.Mechanism of Number 2 Feibi Recipe in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in AT2 Cells to Attenuate Apoptosis and Promote Alveolar Repair
Yaodong CAI ; Jialing BEI ; Wan WEI ; Chengyan XU ; Yanli LIU ; Yong WANG ; Yang JIAO ; Yun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):80-92
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Number 2 Feibi recipe (N2FBR) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focusing on its effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, stemness maintenance, and regenerative capacity of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells (AT2 cells), and to validate the modern translational pathway of the theory of "deficiency of Zong Qi leading to pulmonary atelectasis and atrophy". MethodsA mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin (BLM). Mice were randomly divided into blank control, model, low-, and high-dose N2FBR intervention groups (9.1, 18.2 g·kg-1), and prednisolone intervention group (6.5 mg·kg-1). Pulmonary histopathological changes and collagen deposition were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Hydroxyproline (HYP) content was measured by the alkaline hydrolysis method. Lung coefficient and pulmonary function parameters were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain (ColIa1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1), were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Cell apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis of AT2 cells was further evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining for surfactant protein C (SPC) and cysteine-aspartic protease-3 (Caspase-3). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AT2 cells was examined by double staining for SPC and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Ultrastructural changes of ER and lamellar bodies in AT2 cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of key proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis pathways, including PERK, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and Caspase-3, were detected by Western blot. Double immunofluorescence staining of SPC and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) was performed to evaluate the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells. Lineage tracing technology (labeling AT2 cells with GFP) combined with Krt8 labeling was used to evaluate intermediate differentiation states, and morphological transformation of AT2 cells into alveolar type Ⅰ epithelial cells (AT1) was observed. ResultsBLM-induced mice exhibited significant structural disruption of lung tissue, increased collagen deposition, elevated lung coefficient, decreased pulmonary function, and upregulation of fibrosis-related factors (P<0.01). High-dose N2FBR treatment significantly ameliorated lung tissue damage and dysfunction, significantly reduced HYP content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated ColIa1, α-SMA, and Timp1 expression (P<0.01). Apoptosis analysis showed increased TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3-positive AT2 cells in the model group, which was significantly reduced by high-dose N2FBR treatment. TEM revealed swollen ER structures in AT2 cells of the model group, which tended to return to normal following treatment. PERK protein staining analysis showed evident ER stress in AT2 cells of the model group, which were markedly alleviated in the treatment group. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins PERK and ATF4, as well as the apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, were elevated in the model group and significantly reduced after treatment. TEM also revealed disrupted lamellar body structures in the model group, which tended to recover in the treatment group. Regarding the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells, the proportion of Ki-67⁺SPC⁺ AT2 cells significantly increased in the treatment group (P<0.01). Lineage tracing showed that the proportion of keratin 8-positive green fluorescent protein-positive (Krt8⁺GFP⁺) cells increased in the model group, indicating differentiation arrest. This proportion was significantly reduced in the treatment group, and the morphology of GFP⁺ cells exhibited a flattened, extended shape, suggesting restored differentiation toward AT1 cells. ConclusionN2FBR alleviates ER stress in AT2 cells, reduces AT2 cell apoptosis, restores lamellar body structure and function, enhances proliferation activity, and alleviates differentiation arrest to promote differentiation into AT1 cells, thereby repairing the alveolar epithelium and effectively blocking the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Its traditional Chinese medicine mechanism of "replenishing Zong Qi, harmonizing Qi and blood, and unblocking pulmonary meridians" closely aligns with the modern regulatory pathway of AT2 stem cells, providing a novel theoretical basis and experimental evidence for the intervention of IPF with traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Mechanism of Number 2 Feibi Recipe in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in AT2 Cells to Attenuate Apoptosis and Promote Alveolar Repair
Yaodong CAI ; Jialing BEI ; Wan WEI ; Chengyan XU ; Yanli LIU ; Yong WANG ; Yang JIAO ; Yun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):80-92
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Number 2 Feibi recipe (N2FBR) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focusing on its effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, stemness maintenance, and regenerative capacity of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells (AT2 cells), and to validate the modern translational pathway of the theory of "deficiency of Zong Qi leading to pulmonary atelectasis and atrophy". MethodsA mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin (BLM). Mice were randomly divided into blank control, model, low-, and high-dose N2FBR intervention groups (9.1, 18.2 g·kg-1), and prednisolone intervention group (6.5 mg·kg-1). Pulmonary histopathological changes and collagen deposition were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Hydroxyproline (HYP) content was measured by the alkaline hydrolysis method. Lung coefficient and pulmonary function parameters were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain (ColIa1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1), were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Cell apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis of AT2 cells was further evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining for surfactant protein C (SPC) and cysteine-aspartic protease-3 (Caspase-3). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AT2 cells was examined by double staining for SPC and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Ultrastructural changes of ER and lamellar bodies in AT2 cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of key proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis pathways, including PERK, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and Caspase-3, were detected by Western blot. Double immunofluorescence staining of SPC and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) was performed to evaluate the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells. Lineage tracing technology (labeling AT2 cells with GFP) combined with Krt8 labeling was used to evaluate intermediate differentiation states, and morphological transformation of AT2 cells into alveolar type Ⅰ epithelial cells (AT1) was observed. ResultsBLM-induced mice exhibited significant structural disruption of lung tissue, increased collagen deposition, elevated lung coefficient, decreased pulmonary function, and upregulation of fibrosis-related factors (P<0.01). High-dose N2FBR treatment significantly ameliorated lung tissue damage and dysfunction, significantly reduced HYP content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated ColIa1, α-SMA, and Timp1 expression (P<0.01). Apoptosis analysis showed increased TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3-positive AT2 cells in the model group, which was significantly reduced by high-dose N2FBR treatment. TEM revealed swollen ER structures in AT2 cells of the model group, which tended to return to normal following treatment. PERK protein staining analysis showed evident ER stress in AT2 cells of the model group, which were markedly alleviated in the treatment group. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins PERK and ATF4, as well as the apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, were elevated in the model group and significantly reduced after treatment. TEM also revealed disrupted lamellar body structures in the model group, which tended to recover in the treatment group. Regarding the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells, the proportion of Ki-67⁺SPC⁺ AT2 cells significantly increased in the treatment group (P<0.01). Lineage tracing showed that the proportion of keratin 8-positive green fluorescent protein-positive (Krt8⁺GFP⁺) cells increased in the model group, indicating differentiation arrest. This proportion was significantly reduced in the treatment group, and the morphology of GFP⁺ cells exhibited a flattened, extended shape, suggesting restored differentiation toward AT1 cells. ConclusionN2FBR alleviates ER stress in AT2 cells, reduces AT2 cell apoptosis, restores lamellar body structure and function, enhances proliferation activity, and alleviates differentiation arrest to promote differentiation into AT1 cells, thereby repairing the alveolar epithelium and effectively blocking the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Its traditional Chinese medicine mechanism of "replenishing Zong Qi, harmonizing Qi and blood, and unblocking pulmonary meridians" closely aligns with the modern regulatory pathway of AT2 stem cells, providing a novel theoretical basis and experimental evidence for the intervention of IPF with traditional Chinese medicine.
5.Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of 22 Chinese pedigrees affected with Neurofibromatosis type I.
Bingjie HU ; Xianhong DING ; Yang LU ; Hongliang CHEN ; Shuaishuai CHEN ; Mengyi XU ; Yicheng FANG ; Bo SHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(1):19-30
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic variants and phenotypic characteristics of patients with Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1).
METHODS:
Twenty two NF1 patients who presented at Enze Medical (Center) Group in Taizhou between 2018 and 2024 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical phenotype and family history were collected for the patients. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the 22 probands to screen the variants of NF1 gene. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of their family members. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: K20230902).
RESULTS:
The 22 probands were diagnosed between the age of 5 months to 47 years old, and have all shown cafe au lait spots on their skin. Seventeen patients exhibited the phenotype at birth, and 11 had various degrees of neurofibromatosis. Among them, probands 1 and 13 underwent surgical resection of the tumor but had recurred, while proband 12 had amputation due to the huge size and serious impact of the neurofibroma and had no recurrence. Five patients had various degrees of scoliosis. In total 22 germline mutations and one somatic mutation were identified among the 22 families, with 5 variants unreported previously, including 1 nonsense mutation c.1603C>T (Q535*), 3 frameshift mutations [c.7268_7269delCA (Thr2423fs), c.2293del (Arg765Alafs*26), and c.5433_5438delinsGC (Phe1812ArgfsTer50)], and 1 deletion involving exons 41-44 of the NF1 gene and adjacent introns. Proband 13 was found to harbor germline mutation c.6796C>T (Gln2266Ter) and somatic mutation c.1019_1020del (Ser340Cysfs Ter12) in the peripheral blood and tumor tissue, respectively. Among the 22 NF1 probands, 6 had received treatment due to severe illness. Proband 1 had tumor resection in the right upper limb, but was found to have malignant lung tumor and died during follow-up. Proband 12 had multiple recurrence of neurofibroma in the left ring finger. Proband 4 underwent spinal correction surgery due to severe scoliosis. Proband 11 had died due to a central nervous system disease. Among the 22 germline mutations, 6 had led to the occurrence of truncated proteins, which may have a more severe impact on the phenotype.
CONCLUSION
This study investigated the genetic variants and clinical phenotypes of 22 NF1 families and identified 5 novel variants of the NF1 gene, which has expanded the genotypic and phenotypic spectra of the NF1. Preliminary studies have identified an association between truncated mutations, young age, and severe phenotypes, which may provide important clues for prognosis evaluation. For the clinical diagnosis and treatment of NF1, it is necessary to consider the phenotypic characteristics and genetic testing in combination with genetic counseling and long-term follow-up.
Humans
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Neurofibromatosis 1/pathology*
;
Male
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Female
;
Pedigree
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Adult
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Middle Aged
;
Adolescent
;
Infant
;
Young Adult
;
Neurofibromin 1/genetics*
;
Phenotype
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Asian People/genetics*
;
Mutation
;
Exome Sequencing
;
East Asian People
6.Exploring Mechanism of Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang in Depressive-like Rats via AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Guang WANG ; Xinhua SONG ; Jie YANG ; Jinyao XU ; Junhua MEI ; Chao CHEN ; Guohua CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):144-152
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang(CJLM) on depression-like behaviors and neuroinflammation in rats subjected to social isolation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose CJLM groups(2.89, 5.78, 11.56 g·kg-1), as well as a fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, all other groups were subjected to social isolation combined with CUMS for 63 d. During the first 35 d, depression models were established only, and from day 36 onward, modeling and drug administration were conducted simultaneously for a total intervention period of 28 d. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated using the sucrose preference test, open-field test, and forced swimming test. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to observe hippocampal histomorphology. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) was used to detect the expression levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1) and gasdermin D(GSDMD) proteins in the hippocampus. Western blot analysis was employed to determine the protein expression levels of adenosine 5′-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK) and phosphorylated(p)-AMPK, silent information regulator 1(SIRT1), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) and p-NF-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), and Caspase-1 in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-6, and IL-1β in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a decreased sucrose preference rate(P<0.01), reduced total movement distance(P<0.01), prolonged immobility time(P<0.01), and decreased central zone residence time(P<0.01) in the open-field test, and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test(P<0.01). Hippocampal neuronal structure was damaged. The contents of Iba1 and GSDMD in the hippocampus were significantly increased(P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK and SIRT1 in the hippocampus were significantly decreased(P<0.01), whereas the protein expression levels of p-NF-κB, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 were significantly increased(P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose CJLM groups and the fluoxetine group all were able to reverse depression-like behavioral changes, as evidenced by increased sucrose preference rate, increased total movement distance with shortened immobility time in the open-field test, prolonged central zone residence time, and reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test(P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, hippocampal neuronal structural damage was alleviated. In the hippocampus, the expression levels of Iba1 and GSDMD were downregulated, the expression levels of p-AMPK and SIRT1 were upregulated, and the abnormal elevations of p-NF-κB, NLRP3, Caspase-1, as well as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA were suppressed(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionCJLM can ameliorate depression-like behaviors in rats subjected to social isolation combined with CUMS and attenuate hippocampal neuroinflammation and pyroptosis, suggesting that its effects may be associated with the regulation of AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
7.Spinal cord stimulation for spinal cord injury from 1999 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Yuanyuan QI ; Haifeng GAO ; Lina LIU ; Yujie XIE ; Jing XU ; Feng GAO ; Liang CHEN ; Degang YANG ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):373-386
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends in the field of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsLiterature about SCS for SCI was retrieve from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, with a time range from January, 1999 to July, 2025. VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 6.4.R2 were used to analyze the annual publication volume, countries, authors, institutions, journals and keywords. ResultsA total of 636 literatures were included. From 1999 to 2025, the overall publication trend in this field showed an upward trajectory, with recent years fluctuating but tending to stabilize. The country with the most publications was the United States (429 papers), followed by Russia (98 papers) and China (70 papers). The institution with the highest number of publications was the University of California, Los Angeles (76 papers), the author with the most publications was V. Reggie Edgerton (70 papers), and the journal with the most publications was Journal of Clinical Medicine (31 papers). The most frequently cited study focused on exploring the combination of epidural spinal cord stimulation with task-specific training to restore motor function in patients with complete SCI. Keyword analysis showed that the research hotspots in this field were mainly focused on neuroregulation mechanisms, recovery of motor and autonomic nervous dysfunction, artificial intelligence, closed-loop stimulation and brain-computer interface technology innovations. In recent years, the research focus gradually shifted from basic mechanisms to personalized and precise multifunctional rehabilitation strategies. ConclusionThe field of SCS for SCI has undergone phases of basic mechanism exploration and clinical application expansion. Current research hotspots and future trends focus primarily on the development of new stimulation paradigms and combined innovative technologies.
8.Effect of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤) on the VAPB-PTPIP51 Complex and Autophagy of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Colon of Slow Transit Constipation Model Rats
Chuyue WANG ; Jiacheng LI ; Yingqi YANG ; Sicheng SHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Zhizhong XU ; Bensheng WU ; Meiyao CHEN ; Ziwei XIONG ; Jinhui GU ; Xiaopeng WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):985-993
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤, TD) in treating slow transit constipation (STC). MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, TD group, and mosapride group, with 6 rats per group. Except for the normal group, STC models were established by intragastric administration of loperamide hydrochloride combined with normal saline. On the day following successful model establishment, rats in the TD group received 18.63 g·kg⁻¹ of TD by gavage, while those in the mosapride group received 1.605 mg·d⁻¹ of mosapride, and those in the normal group and the model group received 10 ml·kg⁻¹ of normal saline by gavage. All treatments were administered once daily for 7 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, fecal pellet number and fecal water content were measured. After intragastric administration of a 10% activated charcoal suspension, the small intestinal transit rate was calculated 30 minutes later. Serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were measured by ELISA. Colonic histopathology was observed by HE staining, and mucus secretion by Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. Ultrastructure of colon tissue was examined using transmission electron microscopy. Protein expression levels of C-kit, stem cell factor (SCF), autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5), Beclin1, vesicle-associated membrane protein B (VAPB), and protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (VAPB-PTPIP51) were measured by Western Blot, and the mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect SCF, C-kit, Beclin1, and ATG5 expression. The calcium content in colon tissue was determined by ELISA. ResultsCompared to the normal group, rats in the model group showed significantly reduced fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, and serum GAS and MTL levels (P<0.01); the number of goblet cells decreased, and the mucosal and muscular layers of the colon became thinner; mRNA and protein expression levels of ATG5 and Beclin1 in colon tissue significantly increased, while calcium content decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and electron microscopy revealed vacuolar degeneration and increased autophagosomes in colonic cells. Compared to the model group, both TD group and mosapride group showed increased fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, serum GAS and MTL levels, and colonic calcium content, along with decreased Beclin1 and ATG5 protein levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the mucosal thickness and goblet cell number increased significantly, and autophagosomes decreased; in the TD group, ATG5 and Beclin1 mRNA levels decreased; in the mosapride group, SCF, VAPB, and PTPIP51 mRNA levels increased, while Beclin1 mRNA decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the mosapride group, the TD group showed higher fecal pellet number, fecal water content, serum GAS levels, colonic calcium content, and C-kit expression, along with lower ATG5 and Beclin1 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionTD may improve constipation symptoms by upregulating the VAPB-PTPIP51 complex during mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions, reducing autophagy of interstitial cells of Cajal, and promoting intestinal motility.
9.Effect of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤) on the VAPB-PTPIP51 Complex and Autophagy of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Colon of Slow Transit Constipation Model Rats
Chuyue WANG ; Jiacheng LI ; Yingqi YANG ; Sicheng SHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Zhizhong XU ; Bensheng WU ; Meiyao CHEN ; Ziwei XIONG ; Jinhui GU ; Xiaopeng WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):985-993
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤, TD) in treating slow transit constipation (STC). MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, TD group, and mosapride group, with 6 rats per group. Except for the normal group, STC models were established by intragastric administration of loperamide hydrochloride combined with normal saline. On the day following successful model establishment, rats in the TD group received 18.63 g·kg⁻¹ of TD by gavage, while those in the mosapride group received 1.605 mg·d⁻¹ of mosapride, and those in the normal group and the model group received 10 ml·kg⁻¹ of normal saline by gavage. All treatments were administered once daily for 7 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, fecal pellet number and fecal water content were measured. After intragastric administration of a 10% activated charcoal suspension, the small intestinal transit rate was calculated 30 minutes later. Serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were measured by ELISA. Colonic histopathology was observed by HE staining, and mucus secretion by Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. Ultrastructure of colon tissue was examined using transmission electron microscopy. Protein expression levels of C-kit, stem cell factor (SCF), autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5), Beclin1, vesicle-associated membrane protein B (VAPB), and protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (VAPB-PTPIP51) were measured by Western Blot, and the mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect SCF, C-kit, Beclin1, and ATG5 expression. The calcium content in colon tissue was determined by ELISA. ResultsCompared to the normal group, rats in the model group showed significantly reduced fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, and serum GAS and MTL levels (P<0.01); the number of goblet cells decreased, and the mucosal and muscular layers of the colon became thinner; mRNA and protein expression levels of ATG5 and Beclin1 in colon tissue significantly increased, while calcium content decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and electron microscopy revealed vacuolar degeneration and increased autophagosomes in colonic cells. Compared to the model group, both TD group and mosapride group showed increased fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, serum GAS and MTL levels, and colonic calcium content, along with decreased Beclin1 and ATG5 protein levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the mucosal thickness and goblet cell number increased significantly, and autophagosomes decreased; in the TD group, ATG5 and Beclin1 mRNA levels decreased; in the mosapride group, SCF, VAPB, and PTPIP51 mRNA levels increased, while Beclin1 mRNA decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the mosapride group, the TD group showed higher fecal pellet number, fecal water content, serum GAS levels, colonic calcium content, and C-kit expression, along with lower ATG5 and Beclin1 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionTD may improve constipation symptoms by upregulating the VAPB-PTPIP51 complex during mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions, reducing autophagy of interstitial cells of Cajal, and promoting intestinal motility.
10.Exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of irritable bowel syndrome from the
Yan XU ; Fang YANG ; Rongshi SHAO ; Huili SUN ; Juan LI ; Xin CHEN ; Jing HAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):10-15
This article adopts Professor CHEN Chaozu′s " sanjiao composed by membrane-striae" theory as its foundation to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and functional/structural abnormalities of the membrane-striae. Sanjiao encompasses both the tangible membrane and the intangible striae. These striae permeate the entire body,and their pathological changes comprehensively reflect qi,body fluids,and fasciae. Based on the physiological function of the membrane-striae in regulating qi and fluids,the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a disharmony of membrane-striae and an imbalance of the qi-fluid interactions. In the early stage,external pathogens,emotional factors,or dietary stimuli often cause membrane-striae constriction and disordered qi-fluid circulation. In the middle stage,stagnant fluids gradually transform into phlegm retention,leading to membrane-striae obstruction. In the late stage,deficiency of vital qi becomes predominant,manifesting as laxity of membrane-striae with impaired control or weakened conduction. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should adopt " unblocking" as the guiding principle. In the early stage,therapy should focus on eliminating pathogenic factors and soothing membrane-striae to promptly restore qi-fluid circulation,thereby attaining unblocking through spasm relief. In the middle stage,treatment should focus on resolving tangible obstructions in membrane-striae,achieving unblocking via dredging. In the late stage,the emphasis should shift to reinforcing healthy qi,particularly by strengthening spleen-kidney yang qi,and achieving unblocking through supplementation. Concurrently,throughout the entire treatment process,the regulation of mental state and easing of emotional tension should be integrated to alleviate patient′s anxiety,achieving the goal of holistic treatment of both body and mind.


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