1.Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Shentong Zhuyutang Combined with Dilongtang in Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome
Huangsheng TAN ; Yinbo WANG ; Yong HUANG ; Juyi LAI ; Hualong FENG ; Zhiming LAN ; Yuanfei FU ; Yong JIANG ; Shenghua HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):47-54
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Shentong Zhuyutang combined with Dilongtang in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, and its effect on nucleus pulposus reabsorption and immune-inflammatory factors, exploring its therapeutic mechanism from the perspective of reabsorption. MethodsA total of 120 patients with LDH from the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, treated between June 2020 and January 2023, were randomly divided into the control group (52 cases, with 8 dropouts) and the observation group (49 cases, with 11 dropouts) according to a random number table. The control group received routine treatment, while the observation group was treated with Shentong Zhuyutang combined with Dilongtang in addition to routine treatment. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score were measured before treatment and after 3 courses of treatment. Venous blood samples were collected for the determination of serological indexes. MR examination was performed during the 6-month follow-up to calculate the absorption rate. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in VAS, ODI, TCM syndrome score, serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and a significant increase in JOA score compared with pre-treatment values (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly lower VAS, ODI, TCM syndrome score, serum TNF-α, MMP-9, and VEGF levels, and a significantly higher JOA score (P<0.05). The proportion of nucleus pulposus reabsorption in the observation group was 57.14% (28/49), significantly higher than 21.15% (11/52) in the control group (χ2=6.161, P<0.05). ConclusionShentong Zhuyutang combined with Dilongtang can effectively relieve pain, improve lumbar function, and alleviate TCM clinical symptoms in LDH patients with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Imaging findings suggest that the treatment promotes the reabsorption of nucleus pulposus protrusion, while laboratory testing shows reduced serum levels of TNF-α, MMP-9, and VEGF, which contribute to the rehabilitation of patients.
2.Da Chaihutang for Treatment of Sepsis with Yang Syndrome:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Na HUANG ; Guangmei CHEN ; Xingyu KAO ; Zhen YANG ; Weixian XU ; Kang YUAN ; Junna LEI ; Jingli CHEN ; Mingfeng HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):55-63
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Da Chaihutang (DCH) for the treatment of sepsis with Yang syndrome. MethodsA total of 70 patients suffering from sepsis with Yang syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group. They both received standard Western medicine treatment. The observation group was additionally given a dose of DCH, which was boiled into 100 mL and taken twice. The control group was additionally given an equal volume and dosage of warm water. The intervention lasted for three days. The 28-day all-cause mortality and the changes in the following indicators before and after intervention were compared between the two groups, including sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score,white blood cell (WBC),the percentage of neutrophils (NEU%),C-reactive protein (CRP),procalcitonin (PCT),alanine transaminase (ALT),aspartate transaminase (AST),total bilirubin (TBil),creatinine (Cr),blood urea nitrogen (BUN),acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) grade,gastrointestinal dysfunction score (GDS),serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (iFABP), citrulline (CR),platelet (PLT),prothrombin time(PT),activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),fibrinogen (Fib),international normalized ratio (INR),and D-dimer (D-D). ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups regarding 28-day all-cause mortality. After the intervention,SOFA,WBC,PCT,and Cr were significantly decreased, and PLT was significantly increased in the control group (P<0.05). SOFA,APACHE Ⅱ,NEU%,CRP,PCT,ALT,AST,Cr,BUN,AGI grade,GDS,and serum iFABP and CR were significantly improved in the observation group (P<0.05). After the intervention,APACHE Ⅱ,PCT,AGI grade,GDS,and serum iFABP in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ,while CR and PLT were higher (P<0.05,P<0.01). There were significant differences regarding the gap of SOFA,APACHE Ⅱ,AST,TBil,AGI grade,GDS,iFABP,CR, and PLT between the two groups (P<0.05,P<0.01). There were slight differences regarding PT,APTT,Fib,INR,and D-D between the two groups,which were in the clinical normal range. ConclusionOn the basis of Western medicine, DCH helped to reduce sepsis severity and improved multiple organ dysfunction with high clinical efficacy and safety, but further research on its impact on the prognosis of patients with sepsis is still required.
3.Gandouling Regulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR Autophagy Signaling Pathway via LncRNA H19 for Treatment of Wilson Disease Liver Fibrosis
Xin YIN ; Han WANG ; Daiping HUA ; Lanting SUN ; Yunyun XU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):131-138
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms and pathways through which Gandouling (GDL) exerts its effects in the treatment of liver fibrosis in Wilson disease. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: the normal group, the model group, the GDL low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.24, 0.48, 0.96 g·kg-1), and the penicillamine group (90 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. A copper-loaded Wilson disease rat model was established by gavage administration of 300 mg·kg-1 copper sulfate pentahydrate to all groups except the normal group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathomorphological changes in the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type-Ⅲ peptide (PC-Ⅲ), and collagen type-Ⅳ (C-Ⅳ). Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of liver tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of liver tissues and serum exosomal long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and their phosphorylated forms, as well as autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ) in liver tissues. Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence signal intensity was observed by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in hepatocytes, unclear nuclear boundaries with cell cleavage and necrosis, and collagen fiber deposition around confluent areas. The levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased number of autophagic vesicles, with autophagic lysosomes exhibiting a single-layer membrane structure following degradation of most envelopes. Expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.01), and fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ were markedly enhanced. The protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were reduced (P<0.01), while LncRNA H19 expression was increased (P<0.01), and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were decreased (P<0.01). After treatment with GDL, the degree of liver fibrosis was significantly improved, with decreased levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ. The number of autophagic vesicles was significantly reduced, and expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ proteins were lower (P<0.01). The fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ weakened dose-dependently. The protein levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were elevated (P<0.01), while the expression level of LncRNA H19 was reduced (P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGDL may alleviate liver fibrosis and reduce liver injury by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR autophagy signaling pathway via LncRNA H19.
4.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Pingxuan Capsules
Yuer HU ; Yanming XIE ; Yaming LIN ; Yuanqi ZHAO ; Yihuai ZOU ; Mingquan LI ; Xiaoming SHEN ; Wei PENG ; Changkuan FU ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):201-210
As a patented characteristic medicine of Yi ethnic minority, Pingxuan capsules have the effects of nourishing the liver and kidney, pacifying the liver, and subduing Yang. With the main indications of dizziness, headache, palpitations, tinnitus, insomnia, dreaminess, waist and knee soreness caused by liver-kidney deficiency and liver Yang upward disturbance, Pingxuan capsules are widely used in the treatment of posterior circulation ischemic vertigo, vestibular migraine, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. However, the current knowledge is limited regarding the efficacy, syndrome differentiation, and safety of this medicine. On the basis of summarizing the experience of clinicians and the existing evidence, this study invites clinical experts of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, pharmaceutical experts, and methodological experts from relevant fields across China to conduct evidence-based evaluation of Pingxuan capsules. The evaluation follows the Specifications for the Development of Clinical Expert Consensus on Chinese Patent Medicines issued by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine, and reaches 5 recommendations and 16 consensus suggestions. The consensus clarifies the clinical applications, efficacy, dose, course of treatment, combination of medicines, precautions, and contraindications of Pingxuan capsules in the treatment of vertigo and explains the safety of clinical application. This consensus is applicable to clinicians (traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine) and pharmacists in tertiary hospitals, secondary hospitals, and community-level medical and health institutions across China, providing a reference for the rational use of Pingxuan capsules in the treatment of vertigo. It is hoped that the promotion of this consensus can facilitate the rational use of drugs in clinical practice, reduce the risk of drug use, and give full play to the advantages of Pingxuan capsules in the treatment of vertigo diseases. This consensus has been reviewed and published by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, with the number GS/CACM330-2023.
5.Interpretation of Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare for Chinese Patent Medicines (RIGHT for CPM)
Liaoyao WANG ; Hejing PAN ; Le ZHANG ; Wenya WANG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):211-218
The clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicines (CPM) provide reference for the selection of national drug catalogs, the formulation of prescription collections in medical institutions, and the clinical use of CPM, constituting an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guidelines. As a crucial part of Chinese drug supply guarantee system, CPM plays an important role in the treatment, prevention, and healthcare of many disease categories, whereas the application of CPM has problems of misuse and even abuse. To standardize the application of CPM, a research team at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University developed the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare for Chinese Patent Medicines (RIGHT for CPM) based on the RIGHT checklist framework. The RIGHT for CPM checklist gathers key information from published CPM guidelines, existing TCM reporting checklists, and the RIGHT checklist and its extensions to form an initial pool of reporting items. Seventeen experts from different disciplines were invited to conduct two rounds of Delphi surveys, and the final checklist was reviewed and approved for publication by 18 leading experts in TCM research and guideline reporting from China and abroad. The RIGHT for CPM checklist adds 16 sub-items and revises 2 sub-items on the basis of the RIGHT checklist, highlighting the characteristics of CPM guideline reporting. It considers CPM selection and inclusion criteria, policy access, indications and symptoms, drug combination instructions, drug use in special populations, precautions, and recommendations of Western medical physicians, among others. This can further improve the quality and transparency of CPM guideline reporting, promote standardized reporting of CPM guidelines, and facilitate the rational clinical use of CPM. This article interprets the development process of the RIGHT for CPM checklist and the items that highlight the characteristics of CPM guidelines, with a view to promoting the application of the RIGHT for CPM checklist.
6.Ancient Literature Analysis and Textual Research of Classic Formula Zhishi Shaoyaosan
Chenyu LI ; Cong OUYANG ; Rou ZENG ; Ziyan LIU ; Ye ZHANG ; Jie LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):234-243
Zhishi Shaoyaosan is the 34th prescription in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Formulas (Second Batch) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2023. It is widely used in clinical practice and has a definite curative effect. However, there is currently a lack of its ancient literature analysis and textual research, and there is no corresponding Chinese patent medicine preparation. By consulting and combing the relevant ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine, this paper analyzes and conducts textual research of the origin, composition, measurement, administration, and efficacy of Zhishi Shaoyaosan. The results show that Zhishi Shaoyaosan is derived from Essentials from the Golden Cabinet written by Zhang Zhongjing in the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is mainly recorded in the name of Zhishi Shaoyaosan in the literature of the past dynasties. The prescription is composed of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and Paeoniae Radix Alba. The processing method is stir-frying Aurantii Fructus Immaturus to scorch and using raw Paeoniae Radix Alba. The dose of the prescription recorded in the ancient books is mainly an equal amount of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and Paeoniae Radix Alba in one square-cun spoon, taken three times a day, which is converted into a modern dose of 1.5 g each time (0.75 g Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and 0.75 g Paeoniae Radix Alba each time). The components of the prescription are ground into powder and taken with barley porridge, three times a day. The efficacy is to break stagnated Qi, harmonize blood, and relieve restlessness and pain. It is mainly used to treat postpartum abdominal pain, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, acute cholecystitis and intestinal diseases, stroke sequelae, and other diseases. This study combs and analyzes the ancient literature recording Zhishi Shaoyaosan and clarifies the key information of the prescription, which provides a basis for promoting the research and development of its patent medicine.
7.Research status of conjunctival lymphangiectasia
Fuli WANG ; Xuandi SU ; Yujin WANG ; Jie RAN ; Duosheng XIA
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):59-63
Conjunctival lymphangiectasia is a low-incidence ocular surface disease that is currently rarely reported in the relevant literature. It may be related to cosmetic eyelid surgery, tumor, radiation or chemotherapy and other factors and often causes a foreign body sensation, lacrimation, eye pain, visual fatigue and other discomfort. These symptoms of constant eye irritation affect the patient's quality of life. At present, anterior segment optical coherence tomography can be used for clinical diagnosis, and the novel monoclonal antibody D2-40, as a marker of lymphatic endothelial cell dilatation, has high specificity in pathological diagnosis. Previous studies have not fully defined the pathogenesis of the disease, and treatment methods vary. Conventional treatment has resulted in varying degrees of damage to the conjunctiva in patients. In recent years, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs have been reported to be effective in treating the disease with few complications. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease in order to gain a better understanding of conjunctival lymphangiectasia and provide more support for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
8.Research progress on the role and mechanism of Wnt signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of myopia
Ze WANG ; Ruiping XIE ; Xue LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):99-103
Myopia is an increasingly prevalent public health concern globally, with a complex pathogenesis involving the interplay of multiple signaling pathways and genes. The Wnt signaling pathway plays a crucial role in biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and tissue remodeling, and its role in myopia development has garnered significant attention in recent years. Studies have demonstrated that the Wnt signaling pathway influences the occurrence and progression of myopia by regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of retinal cells(including RPE cells and ipRGCs), as well as the proliferation of scleral fibroblasts and the expression of extracellular matrix components(such as type I collagen), thereby affecting scleral remodeling and axial length elongation. This paper summarizes the roles of the Wnt signaling pathway in myopia development within different ocular tissues(retina and sclera)and explores potential myopia prevention and treatment strategies based on this pathway, providing insights for further research and clinical management of myopia.
9.Effect of Wulao Qisun Prescription on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of AS Fibroblasts by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Juanjuan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG ; Zhendong WANG ; Haolin LI ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuping YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Jin SU ; Jingjing SONG ; Dongsheng LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):67-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group, low drug-containing serum group, medium drug-containing serum group, high drug-containing serum group, and positive drug group. After drug intervention, cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, β-catenin, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05). The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect (P<0.01). The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN, OPN, and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts, thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression, further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.
10.Guben Fangxiao decoction Regulates Expression of CGRP /ILC2 and GABA in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Stimulated with IL-4 Combined with IL-13
Weiying OU ; Xuejing YUAN ; Jianjian JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):93-100
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Guben Fangxiao decoction-containing serum on the expression of transcription factors and cytokines associated with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and type Ⅱ innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) stimulated with interleukin-4 (IL-4) combined with interleukin-13 (IL-13), and explore the possible mechanism of Guben Fangxiao decoction-containing serum in alleviating type Ⅱ inflammation of bronchial epithelial cells. MethodsBEAS-2B cells stimulated with IL-4 combined with IL-13 were treated with the sera containing high (20%), medium (15%), and low (10%) doses of Guben Fangxiao decoction and the montelukast-containing serum (10%). Real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA levels of CGRP, GABA, mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33, IL-5, GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), and B cell lymphoma/leukemia 11B (Bcl-11B) in each group. Western blot was employed to determine the relative protein levels of CGRP and MUC5AC. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to observe the relative expression of CGRP and GABA in the cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify the protein levels of IL-33, MUC5AC, and IL-5 in the culture and cell supernatants. Periodic acid-Schiff staining was performed to assess mucin secretion. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed up-regulated mRNA levels of CGRP, GABA, MUC5AC, TSLP, IL-25, and IL-33 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the Guben Fangxiao decoction-containing serum down-regulated the mRNA levels of CGRP, GABA, MUC5AC, IL-5, GATA3, and Bcl-11B (P<0.05, P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated protein levels of CGRP, GABA, MUC5AC, IL-33, and IL-5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), which were down-regulated by the Guben Fangxiao decoction-containing serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed enhanced average fluorescence intensity of CGRP and GABA (P<0.01), which was weakened by the Guben Fangxiao decoction-containing serum (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased secretion of mucin, which was reduced by the Guben Fangxiao decoction-containing serum. ConclusionGuben Fangxiao decoction can treat bronchial asthma by alleviating type Ⅱ immune airway inflammation and reducing airway mucus secretion, which is achieved by regulating the expression of CGRP, GABA, MUC5AC, and ILC2-related transcription factors.

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