1.Clinical Application of Harmonizing and Regulating Pivot Method in Pulmonary Fibrosis:Based on the Characteristics of Essence-Attribute-Function
Mingsheng LYU ; Hongsheng CUI ; Jia ZHU ; Weibo BI ; Ruifeng JIN ; Zhijie ZHANG ; Qiuyi CHEN ; Siyang YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):381-385
Based on the theory of "shaoyang(少阳) resembling the pivot" and collateral diseases, this article proposes that pulmonary fibrosis (PF) can be divided into three stages including wind bi (痹), constraint bi, and atrophy bi. The core pathogenesis of PF is the obstruction of the pivot and pulmonary collateral obstruction. In terms of treatment, the basic principles are to harmonize and regulate the pivot, and to promote the circulation of the lung collaterals. Depending on the different characteristics of the "essence-attribute-function", treatment methods such as harmonizing and regulating the pivot, resolving phlegm and removing stasis, supplementing deficiency and harmonizing collaterals are suggested. This approach ensures the regulation of the pivot, smooth circulation of qi and blood, unblocking of the lung collaterals and nourishing the lung body, achieving the goals of balancing the ascending and descending of qi, removing phlegm and stasis, and relieving cough and wheezing.
2.Mechanism of Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pills in regulating gut microbiota and ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway to improve chronic heart failure in rats
Lifei LYU ; Tingting ZHU ; Fan DING ; Yingdong LU ; Xiangning CUI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):354-369
Objective:
This study explored the regulatory effects of QiShen Yiqi Dropping Pills (QSYQ) on chronic heart failure (CHF) in rats and their related mechanisms based on the gut microbiota and reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway.
Methods:
Sixty-five SPF-grade male SD rats were used to establish a CHF model through subcutaneous multiple injections of isoproterenol (ISO) combined with exhaustion and food control methods. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model, captopril (5.30 mg/kg), and QSYQ low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 g/kg, respectively), with 11 rats per group, plus a blank group of seven rats. The medication groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the blank and model groups were administered an equivalent volume of purified water continuously for four weeks. Rat heart function was assessed via transthoracic echocardiography, and myocardial tissue pathology changes were observed through hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Automated biochemical analyzers were used to determine creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) content. Myocardial ROS levels were examined using flow cytometry; myocardial TXNIP and NLRP3 expression were detected using immunohistochemistry. Real-time qPCR and Western blotting were used to examine myocardial mRNA and protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-related spot-like protein (ASC), caspase-1, and IL-1β, as well as myocardial thioredoxin (Trx) and colonic tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1, ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-5. Differences in the gut microbiota of the blank, model, and QSYQ high-dose groups were determined using high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing.
Results:
Compared to the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01); increased serum BNP, LPS, IL-18, and IL-1β (P<0.01) levels; increased CK, LDH, and CK-MB (P<0.01) contents; visible myocardial tissue fibrous edema, wavy appearance, cytoplasmic loosening, round vacuolar degeneration, local tissue fibrous dissolution replaced by proliferative connective tissue, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration; significantly increased myocardial ROS levels (P<0.01); and significantly increased myocardial TXNIP and NLRP3 expression (P<0.01). TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively), whereas Trx, ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the QSYQ high-dose group showed the most significant changes (P<0.05, P<0.01), with significant increases in LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01); significant decreases in serum BNP, LPS, IL-18, and IL-1β levels (P<0.01); significant reductions in CK, LDH, and CK-MB content (P<0.01); improved myocardial tissue damage; significantly decreased myocardial ROS levels (P<0.01); and significantly reduced myocardial TXNIP and NLRP3 expression (P<0.01). TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas Trx, ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). 16S rDNA sequencing results confirmed that the gut microbiota of rats changed after modeling and drug intervention, with significant differences in both α- and β-diversity. Compared to the blank group, at the family level, the abundance of Oscillospiraceae decreased (P<0.05), whereas the abundance of Lactobacillaceae increased. At the species level, the abundance of Segatella copri and Treponema succinifaciens increased, whereas the abundance of Kineothrix alysoides (P<0.05), Ruminococcus callidus, and Prevotellamassilia timonensis decreased. Compared to the model group, at the family level, the abundance of Oscillospiraceae increased (P<0.05) in the QSYQ high-dose group, whereas the abundance of Lactobacillaceae decreased. At the species level, the abundance of Segatella copri and Treponema succinifaciens decreased, whereas the abundance of Kineothrix alysoides increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
QSYQ can regulate the relative abundance of symbiotic bacteria Kineothrix alysoides in the intestines, reduce serum LPS levels, inhibit the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway, and improve inflammatory responses, thereby exerting therapeutic effects on CHF.
3.Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Guanxinjing Capsules in Treating Angina Pectoris of Coronary Heart Disease with Syndrome of Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis in "6+1" Dimensions
Mengmeng WANG ; Xin CUI ; Jian LYU ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):120-128
ObjectiveTo systematically review the available studies about Guanxinjing capsules in treating angina pectoris of coronary heart disease (syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis), evaluate the evidence quality and comprehensive value of Guanxinjing capsules in 6+1 dimensions involving 9 aspects, and clarify the clinical positioning and advantages of this medicine. MethodsA qualitative combined with quantitative evaluation method was adopted, involving clinical medicine, epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, and pharmacoeconomics. Through public data collection, questionnaire surveys, real-world data collection, and literature comprehensive evaluation, an evaluation system involving 9 aspects in 6+1 dimensions was constructed for Guanxinjing capsules. Experts assigned weights to the criterion layer and indicator layer, and the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model and CSC (V2.0) were employed to measure each dimension and reveal the clinical value of Guanxinjing capsules. Results①The evaluation results showed that Guanxinjing capsules are safe. According to the adverse reactions in the instructions, the systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of clinical safety, and the data collected by the National Center for Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring, the adverse reactions of Guanxinjing capsules mainly include chest tightness, dyspnea, dizziness, and digestive system-related symptoms, with a standardized score of 0.75 points, which suggests good safety. ②The meta-analysis results suggest that according to the same efficacy standards, the effectiveness of Guanxinjing capsules alone and Guanxinjing capsules combined with conventional Western medicine or Chinese patent medicines is higher than that of conventional Western medicine or the Chinese patent medicine Shenshao capsules alone in treating coronary heart disease. The standardized score of effectiveness is 0.57, which indicates that the effectiveness still requires evidence support. ③With the individual disposable income in 2020 as the expected payment assumption threshold, compared with conventional treatment alone, combining Guanxinjing capsules with conventional treatment is cost-effective and economical for the patients with angina pectoris of coronary heart disease under certain conditions (higher than 106.91 yuan), which suggests good economy. ④At present, 3 patents for the invention of Guanxinjing capsules have been approved, covering multiple fields such as clinical innovation, service system innovation, and industrial development, which implies good innovation. ⑤In addition, the questionnaire surveys for medical staff involve five different dimensions, and the statistical scores and evaluation results show good suitability of Guanxinjing capsules. ⑥The reimbursement rate of Guanxinjing capsules by residents is high. The sampling survey results show that Guanxinjing capsules are fully equipped in hospitals across China and have good accessibility. ⑦Derived from the theory of activating blood and resolving stasis proposed by Wang Qingren, a famous physician in the Qing Dynasty, Guanxinjing capsules integrate multiple therapies such as replenishing Qi, nourishing Yin, and aromatic warming and unblocking. According to the analysis data in the "6+1" dimensions, the clinical comprehensive evaluation score of Guanxinjing capsules for angina pectoris of coronary heart disease (syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis) was 0.73. ConclusionThe results of comprehensive evaluation of each dimension and clinical value suggest that Guanxinjing capsules in treating angina pectoris of coronary heart disease (syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis) have sufficient clinical evidence, good safety, suitability, and accessibility. It is recommended that Guanxinjing capsules can be included in the documents of basic clinical medication management in accordance with the established procedure.
4.Pathogenesis and Treatment Based on Syndrome Differentiation of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cough Variant Asthma: A Review
Jingshu LUO ; Mingxia YU ; Mingsheng LYU ; Hongsheng CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):125-134
Cough variant asthma (CVA) is a special type of asthma and the most common cause of chronic cough in China. It has a relatively high incidence, seriously affects patients' quality of life, and in some cases may even progress to typical asthma, posing an important challenge in the field of health economics. At present, first-line treatment in Western medicine mainly consists of inhaled corticosteroids combined with bronchodilators. However, there remain many problems such as poor efficacy in some patients, frequent relapse after drug withdrawal, and poor compliance, making it urgent to improve treatment strategies. In-depth research on the pathogenesis is helpful for a comprehensive understanding and prevention of CVA. The pathogenesis of CVA is complex and involves multiple pathophysiological links. While similar to typical asthma, it still presents some differences. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the treatment of CVA. Guided by the theory of syndrome differentiation and treatment, TCM can not only improve the clinical symptoms of CVA but also prevent recurrence. In recent years, with the continuous deepening of research on the pathogenesis of CVA and on its treatment with TCM based on syndrome differentiation, related academic achievements have been updated year by year. A review of literature in China and abroad shows that the current pathogenesis of CVA can be summarized into six aspects: airway inflammation, airway remodeling, airway hyperresponsiveness, cough hypersensitivity, genetic factors, and imbalance of intestinal flora. TCM often differentiates and treats CVA from four perspectives: cause, disease location, disease nature, and disease tendency. This paper systematically summarizes the progress in the study of CVA pathogenesis, comprehensively collates the experience and clinical research evidence on its treatment with TCM based on syndrome differentiation, and discusses the problems existing in current research. On this basis, it puts forward suggestions and prospects for future research and development of TCM in the treatment of CVA, with a view to providing a theoretical basis and therapeutic approaches for its prevention and treatment.
5.Target prediction and preliminary validation of quercetin in treatment of endometriosis
Yi ZHANG ; Lulu WU ; Li TANG ; Jiao CUI ; Wanjing YUAN ; Wenying GONG ; Jiao ZHU ; Xiuwei LYU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(16):1913-1922
Objective To investigate the multi-target mechanisms of quercetin in treating endometriosis(EMT)through integrative network pharmacology analysis.Methods Active targets of quercetin were collected from the TCMSP database,while EMT-related differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified through the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)dataset.A comparative analysis was conducted to pinpoint potential therapeutic targets of quercetin for EMT treatment.Functional enrichment analyses were employed to investigate the biological functions associated with these targets,and a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was conducted to identify core targets.Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed to validate the binding characteristics between quercetin and the core targets.The top 2 target protein pairs,HSP90AB1 and AR,exhibiting the lowest binding energy,were selected for subsequent cellular experimental validation.Human EMT-immortalized ectopic endometrial epithelial cell line 12Z(n=6,independent replicates)was subjected,and CCK-8 assay was used to determine ehe effects of quercetin on cell viability and proliferation,and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)was calculated at 48 h after treatment.Then the 12Z cells were treated with quercetin at a concentration gradient of 0,30,60 and 90 μmol/L,the migration and invasion abilities were assessed with cell scratch and cell invasion assays.Western blotting was conducted to detect the changes in the expression of HSP90AB1 and AR proteins after different doses of treatment.Results There were 49 potential EMT-related therapeutic targets and 10 core targets identified.Functional enrichment analyses revealed that these targets were significant enriched in inflammation-related signaling pathways,including AGE-RAGE,ErbB and TNF;immune-related pathways,such as Th17 cell differentiation,T/B cell receptor signaling;angiogenesis-related pathways like VEGF;and hormonal regulatory pathways involving estrogen and GnRH.Molecular docking demonstrated that quercetin exhibited favorable binding activity(binding energy<-5 kcal/mol)with all core target proteins,with particularly strong binding energies(<-7 kcal/mol)observed for AR,EGFR,FOS,ERBB2,and HSP90AB1.Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that quercetin forms sustained hydrogen bond interactions with AR and HSP90AB1,facilitating the formation of stable complexes.CCK-8 assay,cell scratch assay,and transwell invasion assay indicated that quercetin inhibited the proliferative activity,and migrative and invasive abilities of 12Z cells in a concentration-dependent manner,with more pronounced inhibitory effects observed at 60 and 90 μmol/L quercetin(P<0.001);Western blotting revealed that treatment of 12Z cells with varying quercetin concentrations for 48 h up-regulated the expression of HSP90AB1 and AR,with the most significant increase observed at 90 μmol/L quercetin(HSP90AB1,P<0.05;AR,P<0.001).The restored expression levels of HSP90AB1 and AR showed positive correlations with the proliferative activity,migrative and invasive abilities of ectopic endometrial cells.Conclusion Quercetin effectively addresses endometriosis through multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways,and stabilization of the HSP90AB1/AR complex and subsequent protein upregulation represents a key therapeutic mechanism.
6.Exploring a definition of healthy longevity in Chinese population based on Delphi method
Xin CHAI ; Jia CUI ; Lihong YE ; Jinhui ZHOU ; Ruitai SHAO ; Xiaoming SHI ; Yuebin LYU ; Juan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(5):629-635
Objective:To explore a definition of healthy longevity in the Chinese population based on the Delphi method.Methods:Through a comprehensive literature review and expert consultation, the dimensions in the definition of healthy longevity were identified, and a preliminary list of questions was created. Experts in clinical medicine, public health, basic research, and the elderly care service industry, who had been working in the field of geriatric health for at least 5 years, were invited to participate in the Delphi survey from August to December 2022. The survey questionnaires were administered via email in two rounds, and experts were asked to select the optimal options from the provided questions. The active coefficients were expressed by the response rate, and a consensus was reached when the largest number of experts agreed for single-choice questions and more than 70% agreed for multiple-choice questions.Results:In the two rounds, the active coefficients were 96.00% (24/25) and 79.17% (19/24), respectively, and a consensus was finally reached on nine items, including age, physical health, common metabolic indicators, mental health, cognitive function, functional ability, social activity, self-rated health, and subjective well-being. Following discussions among the research team and experts, a final definition of healthy longevity was determined. Healthy longevity could refer to a state of good physical, psychological, cognitive function and social adaptation, as well as subjective well-being, in individuals aged 90 and above. Specifically, individuals with healthy longevity should be free from diseases associated with high disability rates and mortality, such as stroke, cancer, and Parkinson′s disease. They should also maintain reasonable levels of common non-communicable disease indicators, such as blood pressure and blood glucose, and exhibit favorable mental health and cognitive function using validated measurement tools. In addition, individuals with healthy longevity should engage in social interactions with friends and relatives, care for family members, and go out to do things. Meanwhile, with the ability to complete the visual and hearing functions of daily life and communication, and the ability to complete basic activities such as walking, eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, continence of urination, and bowel movement independently, they could rate themselves to be in good health and experience a relatively high level of life satisfaction.Conclusion:A definition of healthy longevity in the Chinese population is established through the two-round Delphi consultation.
7.Exploring implementation strategies for healthy longevity among the elderly population in China based on the delphi method
Xin CHAI ; Jia CUI ; Lihong YE ; Yuebin LYU ; Ruitai SHAO ; Juan ZHANG ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(6):883-890
Objective:To explore the implementation strategies for promoting healthy longevity among the elderly population in China based on the Delphi method.Methods:Through literature review and expert discussion, a framework for implementation strategies to achieve healthy longevity among the elderly was determined, and a preliminary checklist of implementation strategies was developed. The Delphi method was employed from August to December 2022, inviting 25 experts from various disciplines such as clinical medicine, public health, basic research, and the elderly care services industry. Experts were sent consultation questionnaires via email to assess the importance, feasibility, judgment basis and familiarity of each implementation strategy. Active coefficient, authority coefficient, and harmony coefficient were analyzed to ultimately determine the important and feasible implementation strategies for healthy longevity that were suitable for the Chinese elderly population.Results:The expert active coefficients of the two rounds were 96.00% (24/25) and 79.17% (19/24). The authority coefficients were (0.76±0.19) and (0.77±0.17). The average scores of importance were (4.32±0.84) and (4.36±0.82), and the corresponding scores of feasibility were (3.72±1.04) and (3.80±0.92). The harmony coefficients for the importance score were 0.269 ( χ 2=594.084, P<0.001) and 0.159 ( χ 2=193.624, P<0.001). The harmony coefficients for feasibility scores were 0.205 ( χ 2=452.008, P<0.001) and 0.167 ( χ 2=202.878, P<0.001). The final eight implementation strategies were identified after two rounds of consultation. Conclusion:Through two rounds of Delphi consultations, eight important and feasible implementation strategies for promoting healthy longevity that are suitable for the Chinese context have been proposed.
8.Correlation between serum BHLHE40 levels and subclinical atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Zhaofang YIN ; Qing LYU ; Jinggang CUI
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(17):2127-2131
Objective To investigate the correlation between serum basic helix-loop-helix transcription fac-tor family member E40(BHLHE40)levels and subclinical atherosclerosis(SAS)in patients with type 2 dia-betes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 145 T2DM patients admitted to the Department of General Prac-tice of Suzhou Municipal Hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the study objects.Pa-tients were divided into SAS group(n=80)and non-SAS group(n=65)according to whether SAS occurred.Serum BHLHE40 level and clinical data of the two groups were compared.The correlation between serum BHLHE40 level and carotid intima media thickness(CIMT)was analyzed by Pearson correlation.The risk factors of SAS in T2DM patients were analyzed by multi-factor Logistic regression.The value of serum BHL-HE40 level in the diagnosis of SAS in T2DM patients was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The age,duration of diabetes,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),CIMT and serum BHLHE40 levels in SAS group were significantly higher than those in non-SAS group,with statistical differ-ence(P<0.001).Correlation analysis showed that serum BHLHE40 level was positively correlated with CI-MT(r=0.671,P<0.001).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that duration of diabetes,age,CIMT,LDL-C and serum BHLHE40 level were all risk factors for SAS in T2DM patients(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)of serum BHLHE40 for the diagnosis of SAS in T2DM patients was 0.742,the sensitivity was 75.0%,and the specificity was 73.9%.Conclusion Serum BHLHE40 expression level is closely related to the occurrence of SAS in T2DM patients,and is of great diag-nostic value for the occurrence of SAS in T2DM patients.
9.Clinical efficacy of 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser in androgenetic alopecia
Yi CHENG ; Yaping XU ; Lijing LYU ; Yu CUI ; Yan ZHANG ; Caixia HU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(9):936-939
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser combined with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride in the treatment of patients with androgenetic alopecia(AGA).Methods Seventy-five male AGA patients with Norwood-Hamilton classification grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ,were randomly assigned into three groups:the control group 1,the control group 2 and the experimental group,with 25 cases in each group.Patients in the control group 1 received topical 5%minoxidil(1 mL,twice daily).Patients in the control group 2 were treated with both topical 5%minoxidil and oral finasteride(1 mg,once daily).Patients in the experimental group received a combined therapy of 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser in addition to topical 5%minoxidil and oral finasteride.Hair overall efficacy was evaluated using a 7-point rating scale after 24 weeks of treatment.Hair diameter and density were measured using a dermoscope.Patient satisfaction was assessed post-treatment,and adverse reactions were recorded.Results The overall efficacy of hair in the experimental group was superior to the control group 1 and the control group 2.There were no significant differences in hair density and hair diameter before treatment between the three groups(P>0.05).After treatment,hair diameter and density increased in all three groups compared to baseline values(P<0.05),and the hair diameter and hair density of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group 1 and the control group 2(P<0.05).Patient satisfaction in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group 1 and the control group 2(P<0.05).Patients in the experimental group experienced tolerable pain and burning sensations during laser treatment,and the symptoms were self-alleviated within a few hours.There were no serious adverse reactions reported in any group.Conclusion The combination therapy of 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser,5%minoxidil,and finasteride demonstrates significantly better efficacy in the treatment of AGA than minoxidil and finasteride alone drug therapy.
10.Application of automatic slide-dropping instrument in bone marrow chromosomal karyotyping
Wei ZHANG ; Chenghua CUI ; Ji ZHOU ; Yanyi LYU ; Siping WANG ; Shenghua CHEN ; Huijun WANG ; Qi SUN ; Zhijian XIAO ; Chengwen LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(7):803-806
Objective:To explore the application of an automatic slide-dropping instrument in bone marrow chromosomal karyotyping.Methods:The effects of manual and automatic dropping methods under different environmental humidity were retrospectively analyzed, and the repeatability of the automatic dropping method was analyzed.Results:No statistical difference was found between the results of automatic and manual dropping methods under the optimum ambient humidity and high humidity ( P>0.05). At low humidity, there was a statistical difference between the two methods ( P<0.05). With regard to the repeatability, the coefficient of variations of the automatic dropping method for the number of split phases, the rate of good dispersion and the rate of overlap were all lower than those of the manual dropping method. A statistical difference was also found in the number of split phases ( P<0.05) but not in the discrete excellent rate and overlapping rate between the two methods ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Better effect can be obtained by the automatic dropping instrument. It is suggested to gradually replace manual work with machine.


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