1.Proteomic Profiling of Qi-blood Deficiency vs Damp-heat Syndrome in Colorectal Cancer: Therapeutic Targeting by Astragaloside IV-berberine
Zhao-Huan LI ; Jing-Wen ZHAO ; Xin ZHANG ; Jian-Jin GUO ; Jie XU ; Zeng-Qiang YANG ; Hao TU ; Min ZOU ; Ming-Bin GUI ; Feng GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2462-2479
ObjectiveColorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation is widely used in its clinical management. However, the biological basis underlying different TCM syndromes remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic differences between qi-blood deficiency syndrome (QBDS) and damp-heat syndrome (DHS) in CRC patients and to establish a “syndrome-differential protein-herbal component” network for exploring potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets associated with syndrome-specific treatment strategies. MethodsTumor tissue samples were collected from 10 patients with pathologically confirmed CRC, including 5 patients diagnosed with QBDS and 5 with DHS according to standardized TCM syndrome differentiation criteria. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics was employed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two syndrome groups. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, were performed to characterize the biological functions and signaling pathways associated with the identified DEPs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was further applied to screen key syndrome-related proteins and construct a core protein prediction model. Subsequently, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinities between representative herbal compounds, astragaloside IV and berberine, and the identified core proteins. Finally, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed in HCT 116 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cell lines to validate the anti-proliferative activities of these compounds in vitro. ResultsA total of 44 DEPs were identified between QBDS and DHS tissues, including 21 upregulated and 23 downregulated proteins in the QBDS group relative to the DHS group. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that these proteins were primarily associated with antiviral immune responses, regulation of inflammatory signaling, NF‑κB signaling pathways, cholesterol metabolism, and other biological processes relevant to tumor progression and host immune regulation. LASSO regression analysis identified eight core proteins with potential syndrome-specific significance. Among them, ST7, GPCPD1, and PODXL were closely associated with QBDS, whereas FAT1, GRB7, KRT7, MAFF, and MMP8 were associated with DHS. Molecular docking demonstrated favorable interactions between astragaloside IV and QBDS-related proteins, with binding energies lower than -5 kcal/mol, indicating stable binding activity. Berberine exhibited even lower binding energies and stronger binding specificity toward DHS-related core proteins. In vitro experiments further confirmed that both compounds inhibited CRC cell proliferation, while berberine displayed significantly greater anti-proliferative efficacy. The lowest 48 h IC50 value of berberine reached 15.21 mg/L in CRC cells, indicating a stronger growth-inhibitory effect than astragaloside IV. ConclusionCRC patients with QBDS and DHS exhibit distinct proteomic characteristics, suggesting that different TCM syndromes possess unique molecular signatures. The identified core proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for syndrome differentiation, while astragaloside IV and berberine may exert therapeutic effects through targeting syndrome-specific molecular networks. These findings provide preliminary proteomic evidence supporting syndrome-guided precision integrative medicine in CRC and offer new insights into the biological basis of TCM syndrome differentiation and individualized therapeutic strategies.
2.Tanreqing Capsules protect lung and gut of mice infected with influenza virus via "lung-gut axis".
Nai-Fan DUAN ; Yuan-Yuan YU ; Yu-Rong HE ; Feng CHEN ; Lin-Qiong ZHOU ; Ya-Lan LI ; Shi-Qi SUN ; Yan XUE ; Xing ZHANG ; Gui-Hua XU ; Yue-Juan ZHENG ; Wei ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2270-2281
This study aims to explore the mechanism of lung and gut protection by Tanreqing Capsules on the mice infected with influenza virus based on "the lung-gut axis". A total of 110 C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control group, model group, oseltamivir group, and low-and high-dose Tanreqing Capsules groups. Ten mice in each group underwent body weight protection experiments, and the remaining 12 mice underwent experiments for mechanism exploration. Mice were infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/08/1934(PR8) via nasal inhalation for the modeling. The lung tissue was collected on day 3 after gavage, and the lung tissue, colon tissue, and feces were collected on day 7 after gavage for subsequent testing. The results showed that Tanreqing Capsules alleviated the body weight reduction and increased the survival rate caused by PR8 infection. Compared with model group, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate the lung injury by reducing the lung index, alleviating inflammation and edema in the lung tissue, down-regulating viral gene expression at the late stage of infection, reducing the percentage of neutrophils, and increasing the percentage of T cells. Tanreqing Capsules relieved the gut injury by restoring the colon length, increasing intestinal lumen mucin secretion, alleviating intestinal inflammation, and reducing goblet cell destruction. The gut microbiota analysis showed that Tanreqing Capsules increased species diversity compared with model group. At the phylum level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while reducing the abundance of Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria to maintain gut microbiota balance. At the genus level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae while reducing the abundance of Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Phocaeicola to maintain gut microbiota balance. In conclusion, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate mouse lung and gut injury caused by influenza virus infection and restore the balance of gut microbiota. Treating influenza from the lung and gut can provide new ideas for clinical practice.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
;
Lung/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Capsules
;
Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Male
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Humans
;
Female
;
Influenza A virus/physiology*
;
Influenza, Human/virology*
4.Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain (version 2025)
Hui CHE ; Wenge DING ; Shiming FENG ; Xueping GU ; Qinwei GUO ; Jianchao GUI ; Yinghui HUA ; Yuefeng HAO ; Qinglin HAN ; Bo HU ; Xiaojun LIANG ; Guoping LI ; Yunxia LI ; Qi LI ; Yanlin LI ; Xin MA ; Jun MA ; Xudong MIAO ; Jianzhong QIN ; Xiaodong QIN ; Xu SUN ; Kefu SUN ; Weidong SONG ; Dai SHI ; Zhongmin SHI ; Youlun TAO ; Xu WANG ; Youhua WANG ; Liheng WANG ; Anli WANG ; Aiguo WANG ; Weidong WU ; Yajun XU ; Weidong XU ; Renjie XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Tengbo YU ; Lianqi YAN ; Xiaodong YUAN ; Yuan ZHU ; Mingzhu ZHANG ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Xiaofei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):517-529
Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.
5.Textual Research and Identification Analysis of Realgar
Shiyi XU ; Tianxu ZHANG ; Hao FENG ; Li WANG ; Ying LIU ; Juan XI ; Guohua ZHENG ; Xiuqiao ZHANG ; Chun GUI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3240-3254
This study systematically collated and textual researched realgar from aspects such as name,origin,and quality by consulting ancient herbal texts,classic medical books,and modern literature.The textual research shows that current herbal works all take"realgar"as the official name,with aliases including"Huangshi shi","Shihuang","Tianyang shi","Jiguan shi","Xunhuang","Chouhuang",and"Mingxiong",etc.Ancient herbal records indicate that Xunhuang,Chouhuang,and Shuiku Realgar are all Realgar,while Orpiment is its associated mineral.In ancient times,the main production areas of Realgar were in Gansu,with outputs also seen in Shandong and Hunan.Nowadays,it is mainly produced in Hunan,Guizhou,Hubei,Gansu,Yunnan,Sichuan and other regions.Ancient herbal works mentioned characteristics like"cockscomb color","non-stinky","solid","red and bright"in their quality evaluation,while modern herbal works mostly evaluate its quality by color and texture,such as"red color","large blocks","brittle texture","glossy".The traditional efficacy of Realgar is to dry dampness,kill insects,detoxify various poisons,treat sores and activate blood.Modern studies have shown it also has anti-tumor,antibacterial and antiviral effects.Processing methods in past dynasties included water grinding,vinegar processing,refining,etc.,and currently,water grinding and acid water grinding are commonly used.This paper observed the properties of Realgar,detected the content of As?S?,and analyzed the microscopic characteristics and far-infrared spectral characteristics of qualified batches of Realgar.It was finally found that the As?S? content of qualified batches of Realgar was all more than 90%;under the scanning electron microscope,it showed massive shape,uniform distribution,obvious particles,and no agglomeration;a small amount of associated mineral Orpiment crystals were observed under the polarizing microscope;the characteristic peaks of Realgar(343-344 cm?1,224-225 cm?1,372-374 cm?1,367-369 cm?1,359 cm?1,207-208 cm?1,193-194 cm?1,168-170 cm?1)and Orpiment(390 cm?1,380 cm?1,347 cm?1,311 cm?1,300 cm?1,201 cm?1,182 cm?1,158 cm?1 and 139 cm?1)were determined."Red color and glossy"can be used as property references,"Realgar is a sulfide mineral of the Realgar family,with the main chemical component As?S?,associated with Orpiment"can be used as origin references,and"Shimen in Hunan,Wanshan in Guizhou,Yunnan,Gansu,Sichuan"can be used as production area references,which are consistent with the results of herbal textual research.This study provides a basis for the identification and analysis of Realgar,with a view to better guiding clinical medication and resource utilization.
6.Effect of triglyceride-glucose index on short-term prognosis of patients with initial acute ischemic stroke
Jingfeng WANG ; Qinrong XU ; Hongxuan FENG ; Ruiyao HU ; Bodun MA ; Xiaotian YU ; Xiaofeng DONG ; Qian GUI ; Guanhui WU ; Hao ZHU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(9):1121-1126
Objective To investigate the effect of triglyceride-glucose index(TyG)on the short-term prognosis of patients with initial acute ischemic stroke.Methods A total of 391 patients with initial acute ischemic stroke who were hospitalized in Kunshan Second People's Hospital and The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from Jun.2020 to Jun.2023 were retrospectively included.According to the modified Rankin scale(mRS)scores at 90 d follow-up,they were assigned to good prognosis group(286 cases)or poor prognosis group(105 cases).Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve were used to evaluate the effect of TyG on the short-term prognosis of patients with initial acute ischemic stroke.Results Compared with the good prognosis group,the patients of poor prognosis group had older age,higher proportion of atrial fibrillation,higher levels of homocysteine,triglyceride,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein,and TyG,and higher National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score(all P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age,homocysteine,TyG and NIHSS score were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with initial acute ischemic stroke(all P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that TyG combined with NIHSS score had good predictive value for poor prognosis of patients with initial acute ischemic stroke,and the area under curve value was 0.795.Conclusion The combination of TyG and NIHSS score is an independent influencing factor for poor short-term prognosis in patients with initial acute ischemic stroke.
7.Effects of nuciferine on neuroinflammation and ferroptosis in mice with chronic hypoperfusion-induced white matter injury
Ting-ting DUAN ; Gui-min JIN ; Yuan-yuan ZHU ; Yu-hao XU ; Yue-feng LI ; Chen QIAO ; Ming YU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1931-1940
Aim To explore the effects of nuciferine on cognitive behavior and the underlying mechanisms,white matter injury(WMI),neuroinflammation,and ferroptosis in mice with chronic ischemic WMI.Meth-ods Sixty C57BL/6 mice were divided into a control group,a bilateral common carotid artery stenosis(BCAS)model group,and low/high-dose nuciferine groups(20/40 mg·kg-1).A chronic ischemic WMI model was established using BCAS surgery.Following eight weeks of treatment,cognitive behavior(Y-maze,novel object recognition,Morris water maze),white matter integrity(LFB/MBP staining),microglial acti-vation(Iba-1 immunofluorescence),inflammatory cy-tokines(ELISA for TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6),ferroptosis markers(Fe2+,ROS,MDA,GSH),mitochondrial ultrastructure(electron microscopy),and protein ex-pression of the PI3K/Akt and NRF2/xCT/GPX4 signa-ling pathways(Western blot)were evaluated.Results Compared with the control group,the BCAS group showed significant cognitive decline(P<0.05),re-duced myelin density,elevated inflammatory cytokines and ferroptosis markers(Fe2+,ROS,MDA),shrunk-en mitochondria,and downregulated PI3K/Akt and NRF2/xCT/GPX4 pathway proteins(P<0.05).Nu-ciferine intervention significantly ameliorated these in-juries in BCAS mice,with the high-dose group exhibi-ting superior effects(P<0.05).Conclusions Nu-ciferine exerts protective effects against chronic ische-mic WMI and cognitive impairment by activating the PI3K/Akt and NRF2/xCT/GPX4 signaling pathways,thereby suppressing neuroinflammation and ferroptosis.
8.Textual Research and Identification Analysis of Realgar
Shiyi XU ; Tianxu ZHANG ; Hao FENG ; Li WANG ; Ying LIU ; Juan XI ; Guohua ZHENG ; Xiuqiao ZHANG ; Chun GUI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3240-3254
This study systematically collated and textual researched realgar from aspects such as name,origin,and quality by consulting ancient herbal texts,classic medical books,and modern literature.The textual research shows that current herbal works all take"realgar"as the official name,with aliases including"Huangshi shi","Shihuang","Tianyang shi","Jiguan shi","Xunhuang","Chouhuang",and"Mingxiong",etc.Ancient herbal records indicate that Xunhuang,Chouhuang,and Shuiku Realgar are all Realgar,while Orpiment is its associated mineral.In ancient times,the main production areas of Realgar were in Gansu,with outputs also seen in Shandong and Hunan.Nowadays,it is mainly produced in Hunan,Guizhou,Hubei,Gansu,Yunnan,Sichuan and other regions.Ancient herbal works mentioned characteristics like"cockscomb color","non-stinky","solid","red and bright"in their quality evaluation,while modern herbal works mostly evaluate its quality by color and texture,such as"red color","large blocks","brittle texture","glossy".The traditional efficacy of Realgar is to dry dampness,kill insects,detoxify various poisons,treat sores and activate blood.Modern studies have shown it also has anti-tumor,antibacterial and antiviral effects.Processing methods in past dynasties included water grinding,vinegar processing,refining,etc.,and currently,water grinding and acid water grinding are commonly used.This paper observed the properties of Realgar,detected the content of As?S?,and analyzed the microscopic characteristics and far-infrared spectral characteristics of qualified batches of Realgar.It was finally found that the As?S? content of qualified batches of Realgar was all more than 90%;under the scanning electron microscope,it showed massive shape,uniform distribution,obvious particles,and no agglomeration;a small amount of associated mineral Orpiment crystals were observed under the polarizing microscope;the characteristic peaks of Realgar(343-344 cm?1,224-225 cm?1,372-374 cm?1,367-369 cm?1,359 cm?1,207-208 cm?1,193-194 cm?1,168-170 cm?1)and Orpiment(390 cm?1,380 cm?1,347 cm?1,311 cm?1,300 cm?1,201 cm?1,182 cm?1,158 cm?1 and 139 cm?1)were determined."Red color and glossy"can be used as property references,"Realgar is a sulfide mineral of the Realgar family,with the main chemical component As?S?,associated with Orpiment"can be used as origin references,and"Shimen in Hunan,Wanshan in Guizhou,Yunnan,Gansu,Sichuan"can be used as production area references,which are consistent with the results of herbal textual research.This study provides a basis for the identification and analysis of Realgar,with a view to better guiding clinical medication and resource utilization.
9.Effects of nuciferine on neuroinflammation and ferroptosis in mice with chronic hypoperfusion-induced white matter injury
Ting-ting DUAN ; Gui-min JIN ; Yuan-yuan ZHU ; Yu-hao XU ; Yue-feng LI ; Chen QIAO ; Ming YU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1931-1940
Aim To explore the effects of nuciferine on cognitive behavior and the underlying mechanisms,white matter injury(WMI),neuroinflammation,and ferroptosis in mice with chronic ischemic WMI.Meth-ods Sixty C57BL/6 mice were divided into a control group,a bilateral common carotid artery stenosis(BCAS)model group,and low/high-dose nuciferine groups(20/40 mg·kg-1).A chronic ischemic WMI model was established using BCAS surgery.Following eight weeks of treatment,cognitive behavior(Y-maze,novel object recognition,Morris water maze),white matter integrity(LFB/MBP staining),microglial acti-vation(Iba-1 immunofluorescence),inflammatory cy-tokines(ELISA for TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6),ferroptosis markers(Fe2+,ROS,MDA,GSH),mitochondrial ultrastructure(electron microscopy),and protein ex-pression of the PI3K/Akt and NRF2/xCT/GPX4 signa-ling pathways(Western blot)were evaluated.Results Compared with the control group,the BCAS group showed significant cognitive decline(P<0.05),re-duced myelin density,elevated inflammatory cytokines and ferroptosis markers(Fe2+,ROS,MDA),shrunk-en mitochondria,and downregulated PI3K/Akt and NRF2/xCT/GPX4 pathway proteins(P<0.05).Nu-ciferine intervention significantly ameliorated these in-juries in BCAS mice,with the high-dose group exhibi-ting superior effects(P<0.05).Conclusions Nu-ciferine exerts protective effects against chronic ische-mic WMI and cognitive impairment by activating the PI3K/Akt and NRF2/xCT/GPX4 signaling pathways,thereby suppressing neuroinflammation and ferroptosis.
10.Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain (version 2025)
Hui CHE ; Wenge DING ; Shiming FENG ; Xueping GU ; Qinwei GUO ; Jianchao GUI ; Yinghui HUA ; Yuefeng HAO ; Qinglin HAN ; Bo HU ; Xiaojun LIANG ; Guoping LI ; Yunxia LI ; Qi LI ; Yanlin LI ; Xin MA ; Jun MA ; Xudong MIAO ; Jianzhong QIN ; Xiaodong QIN ; Xu SUN ; Kefu SUN ; Weidong SONG ; Dai SHI ; Zhongmin SHI ; Youlun TAO ; Xu WANG ; Youhua WANG ; Liheng WANG ; Anli WANG ; Aiguo WANG ; Weidong WU ; Yajun XU ; Weidong XU ; Renjie XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Tengbo YU ; Lianqi YAN ; Xiaodong YUAN ; Yuan ZHU ; Mingzhu ZHANG ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Xiaofei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):517-529
Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.

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