1.Mechanisms of action and clinical application of Xingnao kaiqiao-type traditional Chinese medicines for post-stroke cognitive impairment
Qiongdi REN ; Ming ZHANG ; Kaiqi SU ; Ruyuan CUI ; Rui PAN ; Chunxiao WANG ; Yachen FENG ; Qi LI ; Xu ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(20):2746-2752
Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a highly prevalent severe complication after stroke. In traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), its core pathogenesis is characterized by deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality: wind, phlegm and blood stasis accumulate, cloud the clear orifices and lead to loss of mental activity, and Xingnao kaiqiao is the targeted principal treatment. This review summarizes the research progress on the pharmacological mechanisms of representative Xingnao kaiqiao-type TCM including Acorus tatarinowii , Curcumae Radix , Polygala tenuifolia , borneol and musk, as well as clinical applications of their related compound formulas and Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of PSCI. The results show that these TCM can improve cognitive function through multiple pathways: targeted regulation of blood-brain barrier permeability, inhibition of neuroinflammation mediated by Toll like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB, high mobility group protein B1 in ischemic brain tissue and other pathways, and activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein and other pathways to promote synaptic plasticity. In terms of clinical application, the evidence chains of formulas based on Acorus tatarinowii and Polygala tenuifolia are relatively complete, which are the core medications to improve cognitive function and activities of daily living; Curcumae Radix has protective potential in the prodromal stage with vascular risk factors; borneol enhances the curative effect of compound prescriptions by improving blood-brain barrier function; musk is mainly used in the acute severe stage. At present, most of the mechanism evidence comes from animal experiments, high-quality large-sample clinical studies directly targeting PSCI populations are still scarce. Subsequent large-sample multicenter studies are needed in the future, combined with multi-omics and multimodal imaging techniques to further clarify its deep-seated mechanism of action.
2.Exploration on Shengmai Decoction Targeting Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 Pathway to Mediate Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure Based on Network Pharmacology
Xuan LIU ; He FENG ; Jingyang WANG ; Yuting WANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Zilian ZHAN ; Qiang XU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):22-30
Objective To explore the mechanism of Shengmai Decoction in improving heart failure by regulating mitochondrial apoptosis based on network pharmacology and experimental verification;To provide a basis for its clinical application.Methods The active components and targets of Shengmai Decoction were obtained through TCMSP and TCMID databases.Heart failure and mitochondrial apoptosis related targets were retrieved from GeneCards,OMIM,DrugBank,PharmGKB and TTD databases.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network at the intersection of drugs and diseases was constructed using the STRING database,and a component-target network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.8.2 software.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed on intersecting targets using the DAVID database.Molecular docking was conducted to assess the binding affinity of key components to core target proteins.A rat model of heart failure was established,and the cardiac function of rats were detected by echocardiogram,ELISA was used to detect serum contents of BNP and NT-proBNP,mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope,and Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.Results A total of 66 active components and 146 targets of Shengmai Decoction were identified,and 22 intersecting targets with heart failure and mitochondrial apoptosis,including key proteins such as TNF,Bcl-2,Bax and Caspase-3.GO enrichment analysis revealed that the intersecting targets were closely associated with inflammation and cell signaling,while KEGG pathway analysis showed that the targets were primarily involved in the TNF signaling pathway,IL-17 signaling pathway,and mitochondrial function regulation.Molecular docking results indicated that Ginsenoside rh2,Beta-sitosterol and other components of Shengmai Decoction exhibited strong binding affinities with Bcl-2,Bax and Caspase-3.Animal experiments demonstrated that Shengmai Decoction significantly improved cardiac function(P<0.05,P<0.01),reduced serum BNP and NT-proBNP contents(P<0.01),alleviated mitochondrial damage,and inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression(P<0.01),thereby protecting cardiomyocytes.Conclusion Shengmai Decoction can target and regulate the Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway,improving pathological processes associated with heart failure,which can provide a foundation for clinical optimization of Shengmai Decoction.
3.Analysis of synovial fluid Asporin levels in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders
Lei ZHANG ; Haiwei BU ; Tianyu XU ; Mingxu ZHANG ; Ping NIU ; Feng HUO ; Rui LIU
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(7):525-528
Objective To investigate the changes and clinical significance of synovial fluid Asporin level in patients with tem-poromandibular joint disorders(TMD).Methods A total of 48 TMD patients who were treated in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 due to irritant pain and mouth opening limitation were randomly selected as the observation group,and 48 healthy vol-unteers were selected as the control group.The synovial fluid Asporin levels of the two groups were detected by enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay(ELISA).The difference of synovial fluid Asporin levels between the two groups was compared.The correlation be-tween the synovial fluid Asporin levels and the clinical symptoms of TMD was analyzed.Results The synovial fluid Asporin level in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The synovial fluid Asporin level was positively correlated with the pain degree of TMD patients(Rs=0.825,P<0.001),negatively correlated with the degree of mouth opening(Rs=-0.945,P<0.001).Conclusion The level of Asporin in synovial fluid of TMD patients was significantly increased.The level of As-porin in synovial fluid of TMD patients is correlated with the clinical symptoms of TMD,which provides a basis for the diagnosis and evaluation of TMD.
4.Dimeric sesquiterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activities from Inula britannica.
Juan ZHANG ; Jiankun YAN ; Hongjun DONG ; Rui ZHANG ; Jing CHANG ; Yanli FENG ; Xinrong XU ; Wei LI ; Feng QIU ; Chengpeng SUN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):961-971
In continuation of research aimed at identifying anti-inflammatory agents from natural sesquiterpenoids, an activity-guided fractionation approach utilizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated RAW264.7 cells was employed to investigate chemical constituents from Inula Britannica (I. britannica). Seven novel sesquiterpenoid dimers inulabritanoids A-G (1-7) and two novel sesquiterpenoid monomers inulabritanoids H (8) and I (9) were isolated from I. britannica together with eighteen known compounds (10-27). The structural elucidation was accomplished through comprehensive analysis of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, complemented by quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 1, 2, 12, 16, 19, and 26 demonstrated inhibitory effects on NO production, with IC50 values of 3.65, 5.48, 3.29, 6.91, 3.12, and 5.67 μmol·L-1, respectively. Mechanistic studies revealed that compound 1 inhibited IκB kinase β (IKKβ) phosphorylation, thereby blocking nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation, and activated the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signal pathway, leading to decreased expression of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-1β, and IL-1α and increased expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), thus exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. These results indicate that dimeric sesquiterpenoids may serve as promising candidates for anti-inflammatory drug development.
Mice
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Animals
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Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
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Inula/chemistry*
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RAW 264.7 Cells
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Nitric Oxide
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Molecular Structure
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NF-kappa B/immunology*
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology*
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Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
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Lipopolysaccharides
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
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I-kappa B Kinase/genetics*
5.Effect of deeply progressive reconstruction algorithm on image quality and SUV of 18F-FDG PET/CT in obese patients
Zhou MAO ; Qingle MENG ; Rui YANG ; Rushuai LI ; Chi WEI ; Rencong LIU ; Feng WANG ; Lei XU ; Yan CAO
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(1):24-29
Objective:To investigate the enhancement effect of deep progressive reconstruction (DPR) algorithm on image quality and standardized uptake value (SUV) of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in obese patients. Methods:The images of a total of 27 obese patients,who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT in Affiliated Nanjing Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2023 to May 2024,were retrospectively enrolled. The images of all patients were collected by using uMI 780 PET/CT. Ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) iterative algorithm and DPR algorithm were adopted to reconstruct PET images,and measure counting rate of scattering coincidence of PET/CT images,counting rate of true coincidence,noise equivalent counting rate (NECR) and scattering fraction (SF). The quality indicators of PET images included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR),the maximum SUV (SUVmax) of lesions,the tumor-to-background ratio (TBR),the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the visual scores of 18F-FDG PET/CT images on livers were evaluated. The differences and consistency of various indicators between DPR and OSEM reconstruction algorithms were further analyzed. Results:The average 18F-FDG PET/CT injection activity of 27 patients was (0.12±0.01) mCi (1 mCi=37 MBq)/kg,and the counting rate of true coincidence,NECR and SF of PET images were respectively (153.73±25.09),(44.81±8.47) kcps and (36.77±1.91)%. The SNR of liver obtained by DPR algorithm was (15.83±3.60),which was significantly higher than that (9.06±1.87) of OSEM algorithm,with statistically significant (t=20.6,P<0.05),and there was significantly correlation in liver SNR between two algorithms (R2=0.91,P<0.05). In 27 uptake 18F-FDG PET/CT lesions,the SUVmax,TBR and CNR of lesions that were obtained from OSEM algorithm were respectively (5.86±1.49),(1.95±0.49) and (17.74±4.77),which were lower than corresponding those of DPR algorithm,and the differences were significant (t=9.03,8.79,15.49,P<0.05),respectively. There were significant correlations in SUVmax,TBR and CNR between the two algorithms (R2=0.71,0.70,0.76,P<0.05),respectively. The visual scores of PET images obtained from the DPR algorithm was 4 (3,5) scores,which was significantly higher than 3 (2,4) scores of OSEM algorithm,and the difference of that between two algorithms was significant (U=396,P<0.05). Conclusion:The scattering effect of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging is stronger in obese patients,whose counting rate of equivalent effect of noise is lower. The DPR reconstruction algorithm can significantly improve the SNR and lesion contrast of PET images than the OSEM algorithm,which has significant gain effect on the SUVmax of lesions,and it can significantly improve the quality of 18F-FDG PET/PET images in obese patients.
6.Comparison of chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of Wendan Decoction
Tan XUE ; Man-wen XU ; Xue-hua FAN ; Feng-yu DONG ; Yan MIAO ; Jia-ning SUN ; Jun-han SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Jing YAO ; Rui-xin LIU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):384-394
AIM To compare the chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of classical famous prescription Wendan Decoction.METHODS The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,naringin,hesperidin,6-gingerol and adenosine cyclophosphate were determined,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis were adopted in the investigation of component differences,and the equivalent of formula granules was adjusted.RESULTS The similarities of HPLC fingerprints for 10 batches of traditional decoctions were higher than those of HPLC fingerprints for 9 batches of formula granule decoctions(P<0.01).Adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,hesperidin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate demonstrated higher contents in traditional decoctions than those in formula granule decoctions(P<0.05),6-gingerol displayed lower content than that in the latter produced by manufacturers A,C(P<0.05),which was higher than that in the latter produced by manufacturer B(P<0.01).Various batches of traditional decoctions and formula granule decoctions could be obviously distinguished,adenosine,synephrine and hesperidin exhibited great influences on the classification of principal component analysis,and the quality of formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturer C was closer to that of traditional decoctions.After equivalent correction,the contents of various constituents in formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturers A,C showed no significant differences as compared with those in traditional decoction(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The formula granules of Wendan Decoction from different manufacturers exist quality differences,so the preparation process and extraction process of this preparation should be optimized to improve quality,and equivalent ratio should be adjusted according to actual requirements to ensure its scientific and rational clinical application.
7.Clinical guideline for diagnosis and treatment of nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (version 2025)
Haipeng SI ; Le LI ; Junjie NIU ; Wencan ZHANG ; Fuxin WEI ; Jinqiu YUAN ; Qiang YANG ; Hongli WANG ; Guangchao WANG ; Shihong CHEN ; Yunzhen CHEN ; Xiaoguang CHENG ; Jianwen DONG ; Shiqing FENG ; Rui GU ; Yong HAI ; Tianyong HOU ; Bo HUANG ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Lei ZANG ; Chunhai LI ; Nianhu LI ; Hua LIN ; Hongjian LIU ; Peng LIU ; Xinyu LIU ; Sheng LU ; Shibao LU ; Chunshan LUO ; Lvy CHAOLIANG ; Lvy WEIJIA ; Xuexiao MA ; Wei MEI ; Chunyang MENG ; Cailiang SHEN ; Chunli SONG ; Ruoxian SONG ; Jiacan SU ; Honglin TENG ; Hui SHENG ; Beiyu WANG ; Bingwu WANG ; Liang WANG ; Xiangyang WANG ; Nan WU ; Guohua XU ; Yayi XIA ; Jin XU ; Youjia XU ; Jianzhong XU ; Cao YANG ; Maowei YANG ; Zibin YANG ; Xiaojian YE ; Hailong YU ; Xijie YU ; Hua YUE ; Zhili ZENG ; Xinli ZHAN ; Hui ZHANG ; Peixun ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Zhenlin ZHANG ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Tengyue ZHU ; Qiang LIU ; Huilin YANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(10):932-945
Nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), predominantly affecting the elderly, can lead to intractable pain, vertebral collapse, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological impairment, significantly compromising patients′ quality of life. There exists considerable debate on diagnosis and management of OVF, encompassing key issues such as clinical diagnosis and staging criteria for nonunion, surgical indications and procedure selection, and postoperative rehabilitation planning. Currently, there lacks standardized clinical guideline and expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of OVF nonunion in China. To address this gap, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Osteoporosis Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee for Osteoporosis of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Branch of China Association for Geriatric Care jointly organized domestic experts in spinal surgery, endocrinology, and rehabilitation to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures ( version 2025), based on existing literature and clinical experience and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and practicality. The guideline provided 13 evidence-based recommendations encompassing diagnosis and treatment of OVF nonunion, aiming to standardize its clinical management.
8.A study on the current status of oral health knowledge,attitude and practice of plateau military person-nels and the improvement strategies
Lei YU ; Lina NIU ; Hui LIU ; Kai JIAO ; Rongchen XU ; Yaping TANG ; Xiaoqian FENG ; Rui LIU
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(1):66-71
Objective:To investigate the current state of oral health knowledge,attitude and practice(KAP)of plateau military personnels and to analyze the disease condition,aiming to explore new strategies for enhancing oral health.Methods:A question-naire was developed to survey 500 individuals at high altitudes(≥3 000 m)and 500 at low altitudes(≤1 000 m)regarding their oral health KAP,with 100 subjects randomly selected from each group for oral examinations.Logistic regression analysis was ap-plied to examine the correlation between KAP and disease status.Based on these findings,a survey of the oral health needs of mili-tary personnels was conducted in conjunction with their KAP.And an innovative training system,"Perception-Comprehension-Inte-gration"(PCI),was established to improve the competencies of primary healthcare providers,with its effectiveness being evaluated.Results:The high altitude group had significantly lower rates of overall oral health awareness(53.61%),positive attitude(55.00%)and positive practice(40.29%)compared with the low altitude group(P<0.05);the incidence in high altitude group experiencing dental caries(73%),wedge-shaped defects(34%),pericoronitis(16%),gingival bleeding(74%),dental calculus(81%)and cheilitis(37%)were significantly higher than those in the low altitude group(P<0.05).There was a significant nega-tive correlation between KAP scores and disease prevalence.The subjects in both groups showed a substantial demand(exceeding 70%)for oral health.The innovative PCI training system has markedly strengthened the health personnel's compre-hensive preventive and health care capabilities.Conclu-sion:The oral health status of plateau military personnels is in dire need of enhancement.And the PCI training sys-tem is poised to serve as a novel approach to tackling this critical concern.
9.Exploration on Shengmai Decoction Targeting Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 Pathway to Mediate Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure Based on Network Pharmacology
Xuan LIU ; He FENG ; Jingyang WANG ; Yuting WANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Zilian ZHAN ; Qiang XU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):22-30
Objective To explore the mechanism of Shengmai Decoction in improving heart failure by regulating mitochondrial apoptosis based on network pharmacology and experimental verification;To provide a basis for its clinical application.Methods The active components and targets of Shengmai Decoction were obtained through TCMSP and TCMID databases.Heart failure and mitochondrial apoptosis related targets were retrieved from GeneCards,OMIM,DrugBank,PharmGKB and TTD databases.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network at the intersection of drugs and diseases was constructed using the STRING database,and a component-target network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.8.2 software.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed on intersecting targets using the DAVID database.Molecular docking was conducted to assess the binding affinity of key components to core target proteins.A rat model of heart failure was established,and the cardiac function of rats were detected by echocardiogram,ELISA was used to detect serum contents of BNP and NT-proBNP,mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope,and Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.Results A total of 66 active components and 146 targets of Shengmai Decoction were identified,and 22 intersecting targets with heart failure and mitochondrial apoptosis,including key proteins such as TNF,Bcl-2,Bax and Caspase-3.GO enrichment analysis revealed that the intersecting targets were closely associated with inflammation and cell signaling,while KEGG pathway analysis showed that the targets were primarily involved in the TNF signaling pathway,IL-17 signaling pathway,and mitochondrial function regulation.Molecular docking results indicated that Ginsenoside rh2,Beta-sitosterol and other components of Shengmai Decoction exhibited strong binding affinities with Bcl-2,Bax and Caspase-3.Animal experiments demonstrated that Shengmai Decoction significantly improved cardiac function(P<0.05,P<0.01),reduced serum BNP and NT-proBNP contents(P<0.01),alleviated mitochondrial damage,and inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression(P<0.01),thereby protecting cardiomyocytes.Conclusion Shengmai Decoction can target and regulate the Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway,improving pathological processes associated with heart failure,which can provide a foundation for clinical optimization of Shengmai Decoction.
10.Modulation of microglia by traditional Chinese medicine improves post-stroke depression
Qi LI ; Jing GAO ; Ming ZHANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yachen FENG ; Rui PAN ; Chunxiao WANG ; Qiongdi REN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2945-2952
Post-stroke depression(PSD),a common stroke complication characterized by depressed mood and diminished interest,severely affects patients'recovery and quality of life.Microglial abnormal activation and polarization play key roles in PSD pathogenesis,closely associated with neuroinflammation and imbalance in neu-rotransmitter metabolism.In contrast,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)demonstrates unique multi-target and multi-level mechanisms:regulating microglial function,ameliorating post-stroke neuroinflammatory environments,and promoting neuroplasticity,thereby potentially alleviating PSD symptoms.This review summarizes TCM's effects on microglial activation/polarization states and its therapeutic advances in PSD,providing novel perspectives and strategies for clinical management.

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