1.Exploring Therapeutic Mechanism of Xihuang Wan for Hyperplasia of Mammary Glands Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Cell Experiments
Junliang WANG ; Peihua LIANG ; Xueli MA ; Juanxia SUN ; Tao HAN ; Yongmei LAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):41-49
ObjectiveTo study the therapeutic mechanism of Xihuang Wan for hyperplasia of mammary glands based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cell experiments. MethodsThe active ingredients and targets of Xihuang Wan were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and A Bioinformatics Annotation daTabase for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) and supplemented by searching against PubChem and Swiss Target Prediction. The targets of differential metabolites in tissues and urine were obtained from previous metabolomics studies through PubChem and Swiss Target Prediction. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), PharmGKB, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), Drunbank were searched for the targets of hyperplasia of mammary glands. After the common targets were obtained via Veeny2.1.0, the STRING database was used to analyze the protein-protein interactions, and Cytoscape was used for the core target analysis and visualization. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were employed for enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was carried out in Autodock, and cell experiments were conducted to verify the prediction results. In the cell experiments, estradiol and progesterone (E2+P) were used to intervene in human mammary epithelial/MCF-10A cells, and thus the MCF-10A cell proliferation model was established. The cells were then treated with Xihuang Wan-medicated serum. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to measure the cell proliferation, and flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis. The mRNA and protein levels of key factors in MCF-10A cells were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsThe results of network pharmacology showed that 90 active ingredients and 316 common targets were obtained, from which 20 core targets and 38 corresponding active ingredients were screened out. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that Xihuang Wan exerted effect against hyperplasia of mammary glands by regulating a variety of biological processes, which may be related to protein kinase B (Akt)-related molecular functions, estrogen signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway and other biological processes. The results of molecular docking showed that estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt1), non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) all had strong binding activity with the nine active ingredients, suggesting that Xihuang Wan exert the effect through the ESR1/SRC/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway and the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT3 signaling pathway. The results of cell experiments showed that E2+P intervention in MCF-10A cells promoted the proliferation of MCF-10A cells (P<0.05), while the Xihuang Wan-medicated serum inhibited the proliferation of MCF-10A cells exposed to E2+P (P<0.05). Flow cytometry showed that the Xihuang Wan-medicated serum promoted the apoptosis of MCF-10A cells exposed to E2+P (P<0.01). The results of Real-time PCR showed that the Xihuang Wan-medicated serum down-regulated the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, JAK2, and STAT3 in MCF-10A cells treated with E2+P (P<0.01). The results of Western blot showed that the Xihuang Wan-medicated serum inhibited the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-JAK2/JAK2, and p-STAT3/STAT3 in MCF-10A cells treated with E2+P (P<0.05). ConclusionXihuang Wan may exert the effect against hyperplasia of mammary glands by inhibiting the proliferation and promoting the apoptosis of MCF-10A cells, which may related to the inhibition of the activation of PI3K/Akt and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways.
2.Construction of A Conceptual Framework for the Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Evolutionary Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Across Full-cycle of Parkinson's Disease
Yu WANG ; Jianing MEI ; Hongping ZHAO ; Yunzhe TANG ; Zijun WEI ; Qinliang TAO ; Xueyi HAN ; Jiyuan HU ; Yunyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):270-279
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease involving multiple systems and neurotransmitters. Due to the high clinical heterogeneity of PD,it is urgent to establish a comprehensive and long-term traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) management model. In this paper,the conceptual framework of full-cycle management of PD is preliminarily constructed:based on the evolution of the pathophysiological mechanisms of protein deposition and neurotransmitter disorder in PD,the three-stage syndrome characteristics of the prodromal stage (predominant healthy Qi with subtle pathogenic factors),the early clinical stage (declining healthy Qi with growing pathogenic factors) and the middle and late stages (overwhelming pathogenic factors with deficient healthy Qi) are longitudinally described. Through the syndrome differentiation of visceral manifestations,the etiology and pathogenesis of PD motor and non-motor symptoms were comprehensively analyzed,while the matching treatment methods and prescriptions were inferred,and the modular scheme of the combining main symptoms,accompanying symptoms and secondary symptoms was proposed. The conceptual gap of TCM regarding motor complications ('variable syndrome') and PD-related hyperpyrexia syndrome ('critical syndrome') was explained. This framework reflects the characteristics of combination of disease and syndrome and overall constant motion,and provides new theories and research ideas for individualized and whole-process management of PD in TCM.
3.Construction of A Conceptual Framework for the Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Evolutionary Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Across Full-cycle of Parkinson's Disease
Yu WANG ; Jianing MEI ; Hongping ZHAO ; Yunzhe TANG ; Zijun WEI ; Qinliang TAO ; Xueyi HAN ; Jiyuan HU ; Yunyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):270-279
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease involving multiple systems and neurotransmitters. Due to the high clinical heterogeneity of PD,it is urgent to establish a comprehensive and long-term traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) management model. In this paper,the conceptual framework of full-cycle management of PD is preliminarily constructed:based on the evolution of the pathophysiological mechanisms of protein deposition and neurotransmitter disorder in PD,the three-stage syndrome characteristics of the prodromal stage (predominant healthy Qi with subtle pathogenic factors),the early clinical stage (declining healthy Qi with growing pathogenic factors) and the middle and late stages (overwhelming pathogenic factors with deficient healthy Qi) are longitudinally described. Through the syndrome differentiation of visceral manifestations,the etiology and pathogenesis of PD motor and non-motor symptoms were comprehensively analyzed,while the matching treatment methods and prescriptions were inferred,and the modular scheme of the combining main symptoms,accompanying symptoms and secondary symptoms was proposed. The conceptual gap of TCM regarding motor complications ('variable syndrome') and PD-related hyperpyrexia syndrome ('critical syndrome') was explained. This framework reflects the characteristics of combination of disease and syndrome and overall constant motion,and provides new theories and research ideas for individualized and whole-process management of PD in TCM.
4.Effects of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (消肿止痛合剂) on Angiogenesis and the Dll4/Notch1 Signaling Pathway in Wound Tissue of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Model Rats
Xiao HAN ; Tao LIU ; Yuan SONG ; Jie CHEN ; Jiaxuan SHEN ; Jing QIAO ; Hengjie WANG ; Lewen WU ; Yazhou ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1695-1703
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential machanism of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (消肿止痛合剂, XZM) in the treatment of diabetes foot ulcer (DFU). MethodsFifty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, XZM group, inhibitor group, XZM plus inhibitor group (combination group), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats were fed with high-sugar, high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin, and subjected to skin defect to establish DFU model. After successful modeling, the XZM group and the combination group were given 1 ml/(100 g·d)of XZM by gavage, while the blank group, model group, and inhibitor group were all given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection by gavage. Thirty minutes later, the inhibitor group and the combination group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/(kg·d) of Notch1 inhibitor DAPT. All groups were treated once a day. After 14 days of administration, the skin tissue from the dorsal foot of the blank group rats and wound tissue from the other groups were collected. The pathological changes of granulation tissue in the wound were detected using hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining. The microvascular density (MVD) in wounds was detected through immunohistochemical staining. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 homolog (Notch1), Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), Delta-like ligand 4 (VEGF), and angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2), respectively. ResultsHistological results showed that the epidermal structure in the dorsal foot skin tissue of the rats in the blank group was intact. In the wound tissue of the model group, the epidermis exhibited excessive keratinization, vacuolar cytoplasm, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the tissue, while in the XZM group, a large amount of scab formation was observed in the epidermis, with no significant inflammatory cell infiltration and a noticeable increase in fibroblasts. In the combination group and the inhibitor group, partial epidermal scab formation was observed in the wound tissue with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared to those in the blank group, the MVD in the wound tissue increased in the model group, as well as the mRNA expression and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4, while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to those in the model group, the MVD in the wound tissue of all medication groups significantly increased, and the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4 decreased, while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the XZM group, the inhibitor group and the combination group showed decreased MVD in wound tissue, increased Notch1 and Dll4 mRNA and protein levels, and decreased expression of VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA and proteins (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionXZM can effectively promote wound healing in DFU rats, and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of Dll4/Notch1 signaling pathway in the wound tissue, therey promoting angiogenesis.
5.Association between body mass index during pre-pregnancy and maternal lipid levels during early pregnancy with the risk of overweight and obesity in preschool children
GUO Xiru, L Jinlang, SU Tao, HAN Na, WANG Lu, JI Yuelong, WANG Haijun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1084-1087
Objective:
To analyze the relationship between body mass index(BMI) during pre pregnancy, maternal lipid levels during early pregnancy and childhood overweight and obesity, as well as the mediating role of maternal lipid levels during early pregnancy in pre pregnancy BMI and childhood overweight and obesity, providing scientific evidence for developing obesity prevention strategies in preschool children.
Methods:
Using data from Peking University Birth Cohort in Tongzhou (PKUBC-T) collected between June 2018 and September 2022, the study included 1 292 mother-child pairs. Participants were stratified into two groups based on children s BMI Z scores at age 3: an overweight/obesity risk group (BMI Z >1, n =173) and a non overweight/obesity risk group (BMI Z ≤1, n =1 119).Multivariate Logistic regression was conducted to analyze the associations between pre pregnancy BMI, maternal lipid levels[total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),TC/HDL-C,TG/HDL-C,LDL-C/HDL-C] during early pregnancy and childhood overweight and obesity. The mediating effect of maternal lipid levels during early pregnancy on pre pregnancy BMI and childhood overweight and obesity was further explored.
Results:
There were statistically significant differences in pregnancy BMI levels, early pregnancy blood LDL-C ,TC/HDL-C,LDL-C/HDL-C levels between the overweight and obesity risk group and the non overweight and obesity risk group ( χ 2/Z =19.01, 2.48, 2.48, 2.71, all P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that pre pregnancy BMI, LDL-C, TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C in early pregnancy were significantly associated with childhood overweight and obesity ( OR =1.09, 1.42, 1.49, 1.60, all P <0.05). LDL-C, TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C in early pregnancy played a significant mediating role on pre pregnancy BMI and childhood obesity and the mediating effects accounted for 7.3%, 10.2%, 23.5% of the total effects, respectively (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Maternal hyperlipidemia during early pregnancy partially mediated the association between pre pregnancy obesity and childhood obesity. Both pre pregnancy obesity and maternal hyperlipidemia during early pregnancy are risk factors for obesity in preschool children.
6.Construction and identification of synovial tissue conditional Grk2 knockout mice
Shu-jun ZUO ; Wei-kang WANG ; Jin-tao GU ; Fu-yuan GUO ; Hao-zhou GUO ; Chen-chen HAN ; Wei WEI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1194-1199
Aim To construct and analyze the genotype of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2(GRK2)conditional knockout mice in synoviocytes,and to provide an animal model for stud-ying the function of GRK2 in synoviocytes.Methods Grk2flox/+mice were bred to generate Grk2flox/flox mice,Grk2flox/flox mice were bred to Col1a1-iCre+mice,Grk2flox/+Col1a1-iCre+mice were bred to Grk2flox/flox mice.Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice were ob-tained as target mice.DNA was extracted and amplified by PCR to identify the genotype.Western blot was used to verify the effect of Grk2 knockout in synovium,liver and kidney tissues.HE staining was used to detect the effects of Grk2 conditional knockout in synovial cells on ankle synovium,liver and kidney tissues.Multiple immunofluorescence was used to detect GRK2 expression in synovial cells.Results The results of gene iden-tification showed that Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice had both Flox and Col1a1-iCre genotypes.Western blot results showed that GRK2 expression decreased in synovial tissues of Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice,but there was no significant change in the expression of GRK2 in liver and kidney tissues.HE staining showed that Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice had no significant pathological changes in the ankle synovium,liver and kidney.The results of multiple immunofluorescence showed that GRK2 expression in synovial cells of Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice de-creased.Conclusion Grk2 conditional knockout mice in syno-viocytes are successfully constructed and identified,which pro-vides an animal model for further study of the role of GRK2 in synovial-related diseases.
7.Clinical characteristics and treatment of 34 patients with non-severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia
Tao JI ; Lili WANG ; Tingting XU ; Yuxiang SONG ; Heng ZHANG ; Hanpu GONG ; Jinxi YU ; Yan-ning MA ; Yifan ZHU ; Yongzhi ZHAI ; Guojing HAN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(14):2091-2094
OBJECTIVE To summarize the clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment experiences in dealing with non-severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia.METHODS The clinical data were collected from 34 patients who were diagnosed with non-severe C.psittaci pneumonia through quantitative polymerase chain reactiong(qPCR)for sputum in fever clinic of the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from Mar.2023 to Mar.2024 and were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were evaluated.RESULTS The average age of the patients was(44.82±13.74)years old,the ratio of male to female was 1∶1.83;all of the patients had fever;major symptoms were cough(70.59%),pharyngodynia(44.12%),and flu-like symptoms(41.18%);82.35%of the patients had the history of contact with poultry.The C-reactive pro-tein(CRP)level,interleukin-6(IL-6),systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI)and aggregate index of sys-temic inflammation(AISI)were higher among the patients aged no less than 44 years old than among the patients less than 44 years old(P<0.05);the percentage of lymphocytes of the patients aged no less than 44 years old was lower than that of the patients aged less than 44 years old(P<0.05).As for the imaging findings,73.53%of the patients had consolidation shadows,26.47%had ground-glass opacities,and 32.35%involved both lungs.All of the patients received quinolones or tetracyclines for treatment of 7-14 days and all symptoms relieved.CT reexami-nated 1 month after the treatment showed that 55.88%of the cases had complete absorption of pulmonary infec-tious lesions,and 35.29%had partial absorption.CONCLUSIONS The patients with non-severe Chlamydia psitta-ci pneumonia are characterized by the history of contact with poultry,fever complicated with respiratory tract symptoms,rise of inflammatory markers(more significant among patients of advanced age)and lower lobe con-solidation shadow/ground-glass opacities.Early identification and standardized treatment may facilitate the favora-ble treatment outcomes.
8.Research advances in mitochondrial inflammation-mediated damage in central nervous system degenerative disorders
Shu-qin LI ; Sha-sha LIU ; Qian YAN ; Han-long WANG ; Yang SUN ; Yan-ting HUANG ; Hao-jie ZHANG ; Jin-ping LIANG ; Shi-feng CHU ; Yan-tao YANG ; Qi-di AI ; Nai-hong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2218-2225
Central nervous system(CNS)degenerative disorders refer to a spectrum of pathological alterations triggered by struc-tural damage to cerebral neural tissues,clinically manifested as diverse neurological dysfunction syndromes,including multiple sclerosis(MS),neurodegenerative diseases(NDs),and ische-mic stroke.The hallmark pathological features of these disorders involve irreversible neuronal damage and decompensation of functional neural networks,ultimately leading to progressive neurological deficits.Notably,with the accelerating global popu-lation aging,the incidence of these diseases has surged signifi-cantly.According to WHO statistics,they now rank among the top three global causes of disability and mortality.Current re-search has confirmed that the pathogenesis of CNS degenerative disorders exhibits high heterogeneity,encompassing multifaceted pathophysiological processes such as genetic predisposition,oxi-dative stress,protein misfolding,and metabolic dysregulation.This intricate pathogenic network not only complicates clinical differential diagnosis but also poses substantial challenges to the development of precision therapeutic strategies.Importantly,re-cent studies have revealed that mitochondrial homeostasis disrup-tion-induced inflammatory cascades(termed mitochondrial in-flammation)play a pivotal regulatory role in neurodegenerative progression.Key molecular mechanisms include impaired mito-phagy,aberrant mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)release and NL-RP3 inflammasome activation.This review systematically deci-phers the molecular regulatory network of mitochondrial inflam-mation,with a focus on its biological effects in critical pathologi-cal events such as blood-brain barrier disruption,microglial hy-peractivation and neuronal apoptosis.The overarching aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for developing innovative thera-peutic strategies targeting mitochondrial homeostasis restoration.
9.Relationship between exosomes and the tumour microenvironment and the impact of their delivery of non-coding RNAs on breast cancer
Xue-li MA ; Jun-liang WANG ; Juan-xia SUN ; Jing-rui WANG ; Rui TAO ; Chun YU ; Tao HAN ; Yong-mei LAN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):279-283
The development of breast cancer is closely related to the information transfer in its microenvironment.As a novel information communication tool,exosomes present non-coding RNAs that are involved in breast cancer cell proliferation,migration,invasion,tumour-associated fibroblasts ogenesis,cell cycle,degradation of oncogenes,etc.This paper reviews the relationship between exosomes and the tumour microenvironment and the role of their presenting non-coding RNAs on breast cancer as well as their clinical applications in order to provide new ideas for biological research and therapeutic strategies.
10.Clinical value of evaluation of anatomical position of inferior mesenteric artery and vein as well as left colic artery in laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal
Bo ZHANG ; Tao WU ; Shuai ZHOU ; Ling DANG ; Jiaxing HE ; Ying YANG ; Zhuo HAN ; Longlong ZHENG ; Nan WANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(6):754-761
Objective:To investigate the clinical value of laparoscopic evaluation of anato-mical position of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) and left colic artery (LCA).Methods:The prospective one-arm study was conducted. The clinical data of 229 pati-ents who underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy for left colon or laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from December 2022 to December 2023 were selected. The distance between the origin point of IMA and the origin point of the first branch (L1) as well as the distance from the origin point of LCA root to the junction of LCA and IMV (L2) were measured during the operation. IMA classification, the location relation-ship of LCA and IMV junction were recorded. Observation indicators: (1) situations of enrolled patients; (2) difference analysis between L1, L2 and clinical features; (3) distribution characteristics of the location relationship between LCA and IMV in different types of IMA. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups, Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups, and Dunn-Bonferroni test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of count data between groups was performed by chi-square test. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was conducted for correlation of continuous variables. Results:(1) Situations of enrolled patients. A total of 229 eligible patients were screened out, including 146 males and 83 females, aged 64(range, 55-71)years. The height of 229 patients was 168(range, 160-172)cm, the weight was 65.0(55.5,71.5)kg, the body surface area was (1.68±0.17)m 2, the tumor maximum diameter was 3.0(2.5,4.0)cm. The total number of lymph nodes dissected was 19(17,21), and the number of No.253 lymph node dissected was 4(3,5). The L1 was 3.50(1.20,8.00)cm, and the L2 was 2.20(0.50,7.30)cm. There were 58, 31, 32, 71, 22, 90, 26 and 212 patients with smoking, alcohol drinking, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, neoadjuvant chemo-therapy, neoadjuvant radiotherapy and preservation of the LCA, respectively. Among 229 patients, cases with BMI <18.5 kg/m 2, 18.5-23.9 kg/m 2 and >23.9 kg/m 2 were 11, 133 and 85, respectively. There were 153 cases in pathological stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and 76 cases in stage Ⅲ. There were 168 cases of Dixon operation, 6 cases of Miles operation and 55 cases of sigmoid colon resection. There were 135 cases of IMA type 1, 44 cases of IMA type 2, 23 cases of IMA type 3, 2 cases of IMA type 4, and 25 cases of IMA type unable to judge. (2) Difference analysis between L1, L2 and clinical features.Correlation analysis showed negative correlation between the height, body surface area and L1 ( r=-0.17, -0.15, P<0.05). The L1 was 3.20(2.68,4.00)cm for male patients and 3.60(3.00,4.20)cm for female patients, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-2.37, P<0.05). The L1 of patients with IMA type 1, 2, and 3 was 3.20(2.80,4.00)cm, 3.85(3.00,4.48)cm, and 3.20(2.50,4.30)cm, respectively, showing a significant difference among them ( H=7.54, P<0.05). Further pairwise com-parison showed that there was a significant difference in L1 between patients with IMA type 2 and those with IMA type 1 ( P<0.05). The L2 of smokers and non-smokers were 2.50(1.95,3.20)cm and 2.20(1.60,2.80)cm, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-2.24, P<0.05). (3)Distribution characteristics of the location relationship between LCA and IMV in different types of IMA. There was no significant difference in LCA distribution between the anterior and posterior positions of IMV among the three IMA types (type 1, 2, 3) ( χ2=1.63, P>0.05). Conclusions:Patients with greater height have larger body surface area and shorter L1. L1 is significantly longer in female patients than in male patients. L1 is significantly longer in patients with IMA type 2 than in those with type 1. L2 is significantly longer in smokers than in non-smokers. There was no significant difference in the distribution location between LCA and IMV among patients of IMA type 1, 2 and 3.


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