1.Comparison of Efficacy and Mechanism in Warming Yang and Dispersing Cold of Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata Processed by ZHANG Zhongjing's Method and Pharmacopoeia Method
Mingjie JIAO ; Qian CHEN ; Shuyu YAN ; Yiyan SONG ; Jia ZHANG ; Fei LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):207-217
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of decoctions from four kinds of processed products of Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata(ARLP) in deficiency-cold syndrome. MethodsA total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Shengfupian(SFP) group, Paofuzi(PFZ) group, Heishunpian(HSP) group and Paofupian(PFP) group with 6 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats in other groups were administered hydrocortisone sodium succinate via intramuscular injection to induce a cold deficiency syndrome model. After 14 consecutive days, each ARLP decoction pieces was administered via continuous gastric lavage at a dose of 12 g·kg-1·d-1 for 7 d, while the control and model groups received an equivalent volume of physiological saline. After the end of administration, body weight, spleen weight and thymus weight were measured for calculating the spleen and thymus indexes. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of adrenal tissue. The fully automatic biochemistry analyzer was used to measure the total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) and lactate(LAC) levels in serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the contents of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid(17-OHCS), cortisol(CORT), triiodothyronine(T3), thyroxine(T4), thyrotropin(TSH), immunoglobulin(Ig) M, IgG, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP). Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of protein kinase A(PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein(CREB), silent information regulator 1(Sirt1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α). And high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine the content of major alkaloids, followed by Pearson correlation analysis with pharmacodynamic indicators. ResultsAfter modeling, compare with the control group, the model rats exhibited symptoms such as lethargy and loose stools, mild abnormalities were observed in adrenal tissue structure, and both spleen and thymus indices were significantly reduced(P<0.01). Thyroid, adrenal and immune system functions were suppressed, with decreased serum cAMP level and significantly elevated cGMP level(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the adrenal injury by hydrocortisone sodium succinate were repaired and the spleen index were increased significantly in all four ARLP groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). The thymus index in SFP and PFZ groups were increased significantly(P<0.05). The contents of T3, TSH, 17-OHCS and CORT were increased significantly in SFP and PFZ groups(P<0.05). In addition, the content of IgG in SFP, PFZ and PFP groups were increased significantly(P<0.01), while the content of IgM in PFZ and HSP groups were also increased significantly(P<0.05). Regarding the cyclic nucleotide system, PFZ significantly elevated cAMP level while reducing cGMP level(P<0.05), exhibiting the most pronounced effect among the four decoction pieces. For energy metabolism indicators, PFZ significantly improved abnormal markers including TC, TG, LDH, and LAC(P<0.05). HSP showed marked improvement effects on TG, LDH, and LAC(P<0.05). Both PFZ and SFP significantly elevated the expression levels of PKA, CREB, Sirt1, and PGC-1α proteins(P<0.01). Additionally, the diester alkaloids in ARLP showed a strong positive correlation with TG, IgG, and CORT, a strong negative correlation with LAC, a moderate positive correlation with T4, and moderate negative correlations with cAMP and spleen index. Monomeric alkaloids showed strong positive correlations with TG and IgG, strong negative correlations with LAC, moderate positive correlations with CORT and T4, and moderate negative correlations with cAMP and spleen index. However, the content of water-soluble alkaloids showed strong positive correlations with TC, LDH, 17-OHCS, T3, TSH, and thymus index, moderate positive correlations with cAMP, CORT, T4, and spleen index, and moderate negative correlation with cGMP. ConclusionAmong different processed ARLP decoction pieces, PFZ processed according to ZHANG Zhongjing's method exhibits the most potent warming and cold-dispelling effects. Its pharmacological actions are mediated through regulating the thyroid, adrenal, immune, cyclic nucleotide systems, and material-energy metabolism pathways. Among these, water-soluble alkaloids show strong or moderate correlations with more indicators of deficiency-cold syndrome and exhibit the highest content in PFZ. Therefore, PFZ processed according to ZHANG Zhongjing's method may exert its warming and cold-dispelling effects through water-soluble alkaloids.
2.Association of school bullying and insomnia with depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):85-89
Objective:
To explore the interaction between school bullying and insomnia in relation to depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students,so as to provide a basis for preventing negative emotional states in adolescents.
Methods:
In October 2024, a stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 3 058 students in grade 5-6 of primary, junior and senior high school in Sheyang County of Jiangsu Province. The Delaware Bullying Victimization Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21, and Study Condition Questionnaire were employed to investigate school bullying, insomnia, depression-anxiety-stress emotions, and academic performance. The χ 2 test and Logistic regression were used to analyze the association between school bullying and insomnia interactions and depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students, multiplicative interaction analysis was conducted, and additive interaction analysis was performed using R software.
Results:
The detection rates of depression-anxiety-stress emotions among primary and secondary school students were 21.6%, 28.4% and 10.8%, respectively. The detection rates of physical bullying, relationship bullying, verbal bullying and cyberbullying in school bullying were 10.6%, 14.0%, 22.3%, and 6.2%, respectively. The detection rate for insomnia was 23.1%. Results from Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for relevant factors, physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying and insomnia were positively correlated with the detection rates of depression ( OR = 5.72- 10.93), anxiety ( OR =6.35-12.17), and stress emotions ( OR =5.97-14.52) among primary and secondary school students (all P <0.01). The multiplicative interaction between physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying and insomnia was positively correlated with the detection rates of depression ( OR =8.00-18.01), anxiety ( OR =11.35-17.76), and stress emotions ( OR =7.64-9.12) in primary and secondary school students (all P <0.01). Additive interactions were observed between physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying and insomnia in relation to the detection rates of depression, anxiety, and stress emotions among primary and secondary school students (both RERI and AP >0 and the credible interval excluded 0, SI >1 and the credible interval excluded 1).
Conclusion
School bullying and insomnia are associated with depression, anxiety, and stress emotions among primary and secondary school students, and they exhibit both multiplicative and additive interactions.
3.Distribution characteristics of pathogens and influencing factors analysis of infections within 90 days after liver transplantation
Huabin PENG ; Haofeng XIONG ; Fei HOU ; Shuang ZHAO ; Yizhi ZHANG ; Tingting CUI ; Zhiying HE ; Jingyi LIU ; Liying SUN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):212-226
Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of pathogens causing infections within 90 days after liver transplantation and the influencing factors of infection. Methods Clinical data of 176 recipients who underwent liver transplantation at the Liver Transplant Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from September 2021 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the infection group (n=124) and the non-infection group (n=52) based on whether they developed infection within 90 days after transplantation. The distribution characteristics of pathogens in infected patients were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the influencing factors of infection. Results Among the 176 liver transplant recipients, 124 cases developed 243 episodes of 518 bacterial, fungal, viral or mycoplasma infections within 90 days after transplantation, with an overall infection rate of 70.5% (124/176). The composition of pathogens was mainly Gram-negative bacteria (38.6%, 200/518), followed by Gram-positive bacteria (32.2%, 167/518) and viruses (15.4%, 80/518), and fungi accounted for 13.1% (68/518). Among Gram-negative bacteria, the main pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.8%, 35/518), and among Gram-positive bacteria, the main pathogen was Enterococcus faecalis (8.5%, 44/518). Viruses included Epstein-Barr virus (3.7%, 19/518) and cytomegalovirus (3.7%, 19/518), and fungi were mainly Candida albicans (6.8%, 35/518). The most common infection site among the 243 episodes was pulmonary infection (42.0%, 102/243), followed by abdominal infection (22.6%, 55/243) and bloodstream infection (18.1%, 44/243). The infections mainly occurred within 2 weeks after transplantation (60.9%, 148/243). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative infection within 2 weeks, a high preoperative model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and preoperative sarcopenia were independent risk factors for infection within 90 days after liver transplantation (all odds ratio>1, P<0.05). After multivariate correction, the levels of CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells within 90 days after surgery were independently associated with the occurrence of infection. Low levels of CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells might be related to an increased risk of infection. Conclusions The infection rate after liver transplantation is high, and the pathogens are mainly Gram-negative bacteria. The lungs are the most common infection site. Preoperative MELD score, preoperative sarcopenia and preoperative infection within 2 weeks are independent risk factors for infection within 90 days after liver transplantation. Regular monitoring of immune indicators CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells levels after transplantation is helpful to reduce the occurrence of post-transplantation infection.
4.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
5.Effects and mechanism of osthol on skin wound healing and angiogenesis in rats
Xiyan FEI ; Dan WANG ; Juan JIANG ; Xinfang HE ; Enjing ZHANG ; Shuqi FEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):324-329
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of osthole (OST) on skin wound healing and angiogenesis in rats by regulating the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway. METHODS Full-layer skin defect wound model rats were established and then randomly separated into Model group, OST low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (OST-L group, OST-M group, OST-H group, 20, 30, 40 mg/kg OST), high-dose OST+SHH inhibitor cyclopamide group (OST-H+cyclopamide group, 40 mg/kg OST+10 mg/kg cyclopamide), with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 rats were selected as the control group. The wound healing of rats on 1, 7 and 14 days of administration was observed, and the wound healing rate of rats in each group was measured. The pathological changes and collagen deposition in rat wound tissue were observed; the levels of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in wound tissue of rats were detected; the relative expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) mRNA were also detected in wound tissue of rats; the protein expressions of VEGFA, VEGFR-2, SHH and glioma-associated oncogene homolog-1 (GLI1) were determined in wound tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with Model group, the healing rate of skin wound, relative expression of collagen protein, the levels of Ang-1 and bFGF, the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGFA and VEGFR-2, and the protein expressions of SHH and GLI1 were all significantly increased in OST-M and OST-H groups (P<0.05). The wound tissue underwent significant re- epithelialization, with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and granulation tissue edema, and an increase in the number of new blood vessels. SHH inhibitor cycloparamide weakened the promoting effects of OST on skin wound healing and angiogenesis in rats. CONCLUSIONS OST may promote skin wound healing and angiogenesis in rats by activating the SHH signaling pathway.
6.Comprehensive evaluation of powder-liquid double-chamber bag products: a systematic review
Fei SHU ; Rui SUN ; Kai SONG ; Yuanlin ZHANG ; Jiaming YAN ; Lixin SHU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(2):92-96
Objective To evaluate the advantages of powder-liquid double-chamber bag products compared with traditional powder injection. Methods The systematic review method was used to collect the literature on powder-liquid double-chamber bag, extract common evaluation indicators, evaluate the use value of powder-liquid double-chamber bag products, and conduct a comprehensive comparison with traditional powder injection products. Results A total of 23 articles were included in the literature. The effectiveness indicators used for evaluation were the stability of the liquid medicine, the accuracy of the preparation concentration, and the residual amount of the liquid medicine; the safety indicators were the incidence of insoluble particles and the incidence of punctures and scratches. The economic indicators were preparation cost, occupied volume of preparation supplies, waste weight, hospitalization cost and incidence of blood infection. The applicability indicators were preparation time, average occupation of medical staff, packaging weight and storage and transportation volume, environmental adaptability, and ease of waste disposal. Accessibility indicators are the number of manufacturers, raw material supply capacity, and patient affordability. Through the evaluation of literature evidence, it was found that the stability and concentration accuracy of the powder-liquid double-chamber bag were higher than those of the traditional powder injection, and the domestic supply had been achieved. The double-chamber bag method can reduce the infusion reaction and shorten the preparation time of the liquid medicine. Conclusion Compared with traditional powder injectabler products, powder-liquid double-chamber bags have advantages in the dimensions of effectiveness, safety, economy, suitability and innovation, and the accessibility dimension meets the requirements.
7.Genetic Determinants of Immune Cells and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk: A Bioinformatics and Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Tong WU ; Fei GAO ; Fei TENG ; Qiaoli ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):42-51
Objective To identify core targets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by using bioinformatics and specific algorithms, explore their relationships with immune cells, and investigate the causal relationships between immune cells and HCC through Mendelian randomization. Methods Relevant genes associated with the development of HCC were screened using the GEO and TCGA databases. Immune infiltration analysis was conducted using GSVA and CIBERSORT algorithms. A bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis was then performed to explore the causal relationships between immune cells and HCC. Results A total of 284 HCC-related genes were identified, with 120 genes recognized within the protein interaction network. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significant correlations between key genes and immune cells. Mendelian randomization results indicated that HLA DR on CD33+ HLA DR+ CD14dim (OR=1.097, 95%CI: 1.002–1.201, P=0.045, PBonferroni=0.091) and CD8 on CD28+ CD45RA+ CD8+ T cell (OR=1.123, 95%CI: 1.027–1.228, P=0.011, PBonferroni=0.022) were the risk factors for HCC. Conversely, HLA DR++ monocyte absolute count was identified as a protective factor for HCC (OR=0.812, 95%CI: 0.702–0.938, P=0.005, PBonferroni=0.139). Conclusion The occurrence and development of liver cancer may be related to CDK1, CCNB1, and CDC20, showing a high degree of correlation with Th2 cells, T helper cells, Th17 cells, and DCs. Mendelian randomization shows that HLA DR on CD33+HLA DR+ CD14dim and CD8 on CD28+CD45RA+CD8+T cells are associated with an increased risk of HCC. The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a decrease in the level of HLA DR++monocyte absolute count.
8.Relationship Between Severe Pneumonia and Signaling Pathways and Regulation by Chinese Medicine: A Review
Cheng LUO ; Bo NING ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Yuzhi HUO ; Xinhui WU ; Yuanhang YE ; Fei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):294-302
Severe pneumonia is one of the most common and critical respiratory diseases in clinical practice. It is characterized by rapid progression, difficult treatment, high mortality, and many complications, posing a significant threat to the life and health of patients. The pathogenesis of severe pneumonia is highly complex, and studies have shown that its occurrence and development are closely related to multiple signaling pathways. Currently, the treatment of severe pneumonia mainly focuses on anti-infection, mechanical ventilation, and glucocorticoids, but clinical outcomes are often not ideal. Therefore, finding safe and effective alternative therapies is particularly important. In recent years, with the deepening of research into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it has gained widespread attention in the treatment of severe pneumonia. This paper reviewed the relationship between severe pneumonia and relevant signaling pathways in recent years and how TCM regulated these pathways in the treatment of severe pneumonia. It was found that TCM could regulate the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways, playing a role in reducing the inflammatory response, inhibiting cell apoptosis and pyroptosis, improving oxidative stress, and other effects in the treatment of severe pneumonia. Among these pathways, it was found that all of them regulated inflammation to treat severe pneumonia. Therefore, reducing inflammation is the core mechanism by which Chinese medicine treats severe pneumonia. This review provides direction for the clinical treatment of severe pneumonia and offers a scientific basis for the research and development of new drugs.
9.Platelet-rich plasma injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome
Xiang SHANG ; Fei WANG ; Qiqi YANG ; Tianxin JIANG ; Fen ZHANG ; Sanbing WU ; Yonghui YANG ; Fei LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):270-279
Objective:
To determine the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome.
Methods:
One hundred and twenty-eight patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome who visited the Rehabilitation Department and Orthopedics Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to March 2024 and who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into an experimental (n=64) and control group (n=64) using the random number table method. The experimental group was treated with PRP injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion, whereas the control group was treated with normal saline injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. PRP and normal saline injections were administered once every two weeks, a total of four times. Patients were treated with warm acupuncture and moxibustion once a day, six times a week, for four consecutive weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome, visual analog scale (VAS), and Lysholm scores were determined before treatment, at week 4 and week 8 of treatment, and week 16 of follow-up. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone gla protein(BGP), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels were compared between the two groups before and after 8 weeks of treatment. The clinical efficacy and safety indicators between the two groups were also compared.
Results:
There was no statistical difference in baseline data such as gender, age, disease duration, and body mass index between the two groups of patients. Compared with before treatment, both groups showed decreased WOMAC total and subscale, TCM syndrome total score and symptom scores, and VAS scores, and an increase in Lysholm scores at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after treatment. After treatment, serum IL-6, MMP-3, TNF-α, and COMP levels decreased, whereas serum OPG and BGP levels increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed decreased WOMAC total and subscale, TCM syndrome total score and symptom scores, and VAS scores, and an increase in Lysholm score at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after treatment. Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed decreased serum IL-6, MMP-3, TNF-α, and COMP levels and an increase in serum OPG and BPG levels after treatment (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the experimental group was 91.94%, higher than that of the control group (81.97%; P<0.05).
Conclusion
PRP injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion can improve various TCM symptoms, improve knee joint function and bone metabolism, and reduce inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome.
10.The technology of fecal microbiota transplantation and its application progress
Shuo YUAN ; Yi-fan ZHANG ; Peng GAO ; Jun LEI ; Ying-yuan LU ; Peng-fei TU ; Yong JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):82-95
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) technology originated in China during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and has rapidly developed over the past two decades, becoming a primary method for studying the causal relationship between gut microbiota and the occurrence and progression of diseases. At the same time, the therapeutic effects of FMT in the field of gastrointestinal diseases have gained widespread recognition and are gradually expanding into other disease areas. The FMT procedure is relatively complex, and there is currently no standardized method; its success is influenced by various factors, including the donor, recipient, processing of the fecal material, and the method of implantation. Given the increasingly recognized relationship between gut microbiota and various diseases, FMT has become a research hotspot in both scientific studies and clinical applications, achieving a series of significant advancements. To help researchers better understand this technology, this paper will outline the development history of FMT, summarize common operational methods in research and clinical settings, review its application progress, and look forward to future development directions.


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