1.Huanglian Jiedutang Against Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review
Liyang DONG ; Qinyuan ZHANG ; Yiping WU ; Yingping HE ; Wei SHAO ; Haojia ZHANG ; Xueqian WANG ; Changxiang LI ; Youxiang CUI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):77-86
Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT), as a classical formula for clearing heat and removing toxins, has been widely applied in the treatment of various clinical diseases in recent years, particularly during the fire-heat stage of stroke, where it has attracted considerable attention. Based on previous studies, this paper systematically elaborates on the research progress on the active components of HLJDT, its clinical application in ischemic stroke, and advances in studies on its mechanisms of action. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that HLJDT contains multiple active components, including baicalin, geniposide, and berberine. In the treatment of ischemic stroke, these components exert therapeutic effects through multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-level mechanisms. Clinical studies have shown that HLJDT can increase cerebral blood flow, reduce cerebral infarct volume, and improve post-stroke physical dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke. Experimental studies have indicated that HLJDT can improve neurological function scores and increase cerebral perfusion in experimental stroke models. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the anti-ischemic stroke effects of HLJDT may be related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, promotion of angiogenesis, and regulation of amino acid and energy metabolism. Although existing studies have confirmed that HLJDT exhibits multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic therapeutic characteristics, further large-sample randomized controlled trials are still needed to verify its long-term efficacy and to further elucidate the dynamic interaction network among components, targets, and pathways. Combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses, this study further clarifies the synergistic targets of the core components (berberine, baicalin, and geniposide), providing a theoretical basis for in-depth research and clinical translation of HLJDT in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
2.Advances in Understanding the Role of Autonomic Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Hypertension
Shuang MENG ; Haojia HE ; Depei LI ; Na LI
Cardiology Discovery 2025;05(3):237-245
Hypertension remains a major global health challenge and a leading threat to cardiovascular health. Among the key mechanisms contributing to the development of hypertension, impaired autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system is particularly prominent. Extensive evidence supports the pivotal role of the autonomic nervous system in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. This review integrates findings from experimental and clinical studies to elucidate the complex relationship between autonomic dysfunction and hypertension. It further analyzes the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms, summarizes recent research advances, and highlights the fundamental factors that contribute to the onset of hypertension. These insights aim to support the development of innovative prevention and treatment strategies for hypertension.
3.Trends in urticaria incidence and its association with air pollutants among children aged 0 - 14 years in China from 1990 to 2021: a multi-model analysis
Zezhi HE ; Jiazhen CHEN ; Hui WU ; Haojia SHEN ; Huilan ZHU ; Runxiang LI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(6):540-545
Objective:To analyze trends in urticaria incidence among children aged 0 - 14 years in China from 1990 to 2021, to explore its changing patterns in different age, period, and cohort groups, and to investigate the impact of age and air pollutants on the incidence trends.Methods:Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Database (GBD2021) , including the number of urticaria cases, crude incidence rates, and age-standardized incidence rates among children aged 0 - 14 years of different genders in China from 1990 to 2021. The Joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) to assess temporal trends in incidence rates. An age-period-cohort model was applied to assess the effects of age, period, and cohort on urticaria incidence. Data on the annual emissions of 4 air pollutants (SO 2, CO, PM 2.5, and PM 10) in China from 1990 to 2021 were obtained from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) , and a multivariable meta-regression model was used to explore the relationship between air pollutants and urticaria incidence. Results:From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate of urticaria among children aged 0 - 14 years in China demonstrated a slight overall downward trend (AAPC = -0.03%, P < 0.01) . The incidence rate was generally higher in female children than in male children, and the decline in incidence rates was greater in female children than in male children (female AAPC = -0.02%, male AAPC = -0.01%, both P < 0.01) . The age-period-cohort model indicated that the risk of urticaria decreased with advancing age: with the age group of 0 - 4 years as the reference ( RR = 1.000) , the risk of urticaria significantly decreased in the age group of 5 - 9 years ( RR = 0.790, 95% CI: 0.789 - 0.791) and further declined in the age group of 10 - 14 years ( RR = 0.711, 95% CI: 0.710 - 0.711) ; the period effect analysis showed that the risk of urticaria gradually decreased after the baseline period of 1992 - 1996 ( RR = 1.000) , and dropped to 0.995 (95% CI: 0.994 - 0.997) in the period of 2017 - 2021; in the cohort effect analysis of the overall population aged 0 - 14 years, with the 1988 - 1992 birth cohort as the base cohort, an earlier birth cohort 1978 - 1982 exhibited the highest risk of urticaria ( RR = 1.006, 95% CI: 1.004 - 1.009) , while the 2013 - 2017 cohort showed the lowest risk ( RR = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.994 - 0.997) . The multivariable meta-regression analysis indicated a significant association between PM 2.5 exposure and urticaria incidence ( β = 0.319, 95% CI: 0.022 - 0.616, P = 0.033) , although this association was not statistically significant in different age groups. Conclusions:From 1990 to 2021, children aged 0 - 4 years in China were the highest-risk group for urticaria; the decline in the incidence rate of urticaria was more pronounced in female children than in male children, and earlier birth cohorts exhibited higher risks of urticaria. Exposure to PM 2.5 appeared to be associated with the incidence of urticaria.
4.Effects of Electroacupuncture at "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Waiguan" (TE 5), and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) on Nociceptive Sensitization and PKC/TRPV1 Pathway in the Trigeminal Ganglion of Chronic Migraine Model Rats
Yixiang ZENG ; Runze TU ; Shucong ZHAO ; Yang YANG ; Haojia WEN ; Zhuozhong HE ; Shengli ZHOU ; Lei TAN ; Ke HE ; Lei FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):283-289
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of electroacupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20), Waiguan (TE 5), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) in treating chronic migraine from the perspective of nociceptive sensitization. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture + agonist group, and inhibitor group, with 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats were injected intraperitoneally with nitroglycerin to establish a chronic migraine rat model. After successful modeling, the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at bilateral "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Waiguan" (TE 5), and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) for 30 minutes each session. The electroacupuncture + agonist group received the same electroacupuncture treatment and additional injection of protein kinase C (PKC) agonist Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1.0 ng/μl, 25 μl) via the infraorbital foramen. The inhibitor group received PKC inhibitor Chelerythrine Chloride (1.0 ng/μl, 10 μl) via the infraorbital foramen. The blank group, model group, and inhibitor group underwent restraint for 30 minutes without other interventions. All groups were continuously intervened for 5 days. After the intervention, the nociceptive thresholds (mechanical and thermal pain) of the periorbital area and hind paw were measured. The expression levels of transient receptor potential vanillic acid subtype 1 (TRPV1), phosphorylated TRPV1 (p-TRPV1), PKC proteins, Trpv1, Pkc mRNA, and the average fluorescence intensity of transient receptor potential vanillic acid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and PKC in the trigeminal ganglion were detected using Western Blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence methods. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds of the periorbital area and hind paw were reduced in the model group, and the protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, as well as the mRNA expression of Trpv1 and Pkc, and the average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1 and PKC in the trigeminal ganglion significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the electroacupuncture group exhibited increased mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in the periorbital and hind paw areas, and decreased protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, mRNA expression of Trpv1 and Pkc, and average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1. In the electroacupuncture + agonist group, the average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1 in the trigeminal ganglion decreased. The inhibitor group exhibited increased mechanical pain thresholds in the periorbital area and thermal pain thresholds in the hind paw, along with decreased protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, and the average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1 and PKC (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the electroacupuncture group, the electroacupuncture + agonist group showed an increase in the protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, and the mRNA expression of Trpv1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionElectroacupuncture at the "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Waiguan" (TE 5), and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) acupoints can increase the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in chronic migraine rats and alleviate nociceptive sensitization. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PKC/TRPV1 pathway.
5.Trends in urticaria incidence and its association with air pollutants among children aged 0 - 14 years in China from 1990 to 2021: a multi-model analysis
Zezhi HE ; Jiazhen CHEN ; Hui WU ; Haojia SHEN ; Huilan ZHU ; Runxiang LI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(6):540-545
Objective:To analyze trends in urticaria incidence among children aged 0 - 14 years in China from 1990 to 2021, to explore its changing patterns in different age, period, and cohort groups, and to investigate the impact of age and air pollutants on the incidence trends.Methods:Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Database (GBD2021) , including the number of urticaria cases, crude incidence rates, and age-standardized incidence rates among children aged 0 - 14 years of different genders in China from 1990 to 2021. The Joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) to assess temporal trends in incidence rates. An age-period-cohort model was applied to assess the effects of age, period, and cohort on urticaria incidence. Data on the annual emissions of 4 air pollutants (SO 2, CO, PM 2.5, and PM 10) in China from 1990 to 2021 were obtained from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) , and a multivariable meta-regression model was used to explore the relationship between air pollutants and urticaria incidence. Results:From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate of urticaria among children aged 0 - 14 years in China demonstrated a slight overall downward trend (AAPC = -0.03%, P < 0.01) . The incidence rate was generally higher in female children than in male children, and the decline in incidence rates was greater in female children than in male children (female AAPC = -0.02%, male AAPC = -0.01%, both P < 0.01) . The age-period-cohort model indicated that the risk of urticaria decreased with advancing age: with the age group of 0 - 4 years as the reference ( RR = 1.000) , the risk of urticaria significantly decreased in the age group of 5 - 9 years ( RR = 0.790, 95% CI: 0.789 - 0.791) and further declined in the age group of 10 - 14 years ( RR = 0.711, 95% CI: 0.710 - 0.711) ; the period effect analysis showed that the risk of urticaria gradually decreased after the baseline period of 1992 - 1996 ( RR = 1.000) , and dropped to 0.995 (95% CI: 0.994 - 0.997) in the period of 2017 - 2021; in the cohort effect analysis of the overall population aged 0 - 14 years, with the 1988 - 1992 birth cohort as the base cohort, an earlier birth cohort 1978 - 1982 exhibited the highest risk of urticaria ( RR = 1.006, 95% CI: 1.004 - 1.009) , while the 2013 - 2017 cohort showed the lowest risk ( RR = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.994 - 0.997) . The multivariable meta-regression analysis indicated a significant association between PM 2.5 exposure and urticaria incidence ( β = 0.319, 95% CI: 0.022 - 0.616, P = 0.033) , although this association was not statistically significant in different age groups. Conclusions:From 1990 to 2021, children aged 0 - 4 years in China were the highest-risk group for urticaria; the decline in the incidence rate of urticaria was more pronounced in female children than in male children, and earlier birth cohorts exhibited higher risks of urticaria. Exposure to PM 2.5 appeared to be associated with the incidence of urticaria.
6.Effects of electroacupuncture at acupoints of Shaoyang meridian on peripheral TRPV1 and CGRP in rats with chronic migraine
Runze TU ; Yixiang ZENG ; Shengli ZHOU ; Haojia WEN ; Yang YANG ; Zhuozhong HE ; Weiai LIU ; Ke HE ; Lei FU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(4):483-487
Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints of Shaoyang meridian on mechanical and thermal pain threshold, TRPV1, CGRP mRNA and TRPV1, p-TRPV1, CGRP protein expressions in TG of CM rats; To explore its mechanism.Methods:Totally 24 SD rats were divided into blank group, model group and EA group according to random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. The blank group did not do any treatment; the model group and the EA group were given intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (10 mg/kg) on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th day, once a day, for 5 times to prepare migraine rat model; after modeling, the model group was given binding and restraint for 30 min, and the EA group was given binding and restraint for 30 min treatment; the changes of basic mechanical and thermal pain thresholds of rats before and after modeling and intervention were observed, the mRNA expression levels of TRPV1 and CGRP in TG rats were detected by qPCR, and the protein expression levels of TRPV1, p-TRPV1 and CGRP in TG rats were detected by Western blot method.Results:After intervention, compared with the model group, the periorbital and plantar mechanical pain thresholds and plantar thermal pain thresholds in EA group increased ( P<0.05), the TRPV1 and CGRP mRNA expressions in trigeminal ganglion decreased ( P<0.01), the protein expressions of TRPV1, p-TRPV1 and CGRP decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:EA at acupoints of Shaoyang meridian can obviously increase the mechanical and thermal pain threshold and improve pain sensitization in CM rats. The mechanism would be related to down-regulating the expression levels of TRPV1 and CGRP mRNA and TRPV1, p-TRPV1 and CGRP protein in the TG of CM rats.
7.Advances in Understanding the Role of Autonomic Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Hypertension
Shuang MENG ; Haojia HE ; Depei LI ; Na LI
Cardiology Discovery 2025;05(3):237-245
Hypertension remains a major global health challenge and a leading threat to cardiovascular health. Among the key mechanisms contributing to the development of hypertension, impaired autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system is particularly prominent. Extensive evidence supports the pivotal role of the autonomic nervous system in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. This review integrates findings from experimental and clinical studies to elucidate the complex relationship between autonomic dysfunction and hypertension. It further analyzes the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms, summarizes recent research advances, and highlights the fundamental factors that contribute to the onset of hypertension. These insights aim to support the development of innovative prevention and treatment strategies for hypertension.
8.Effects of Electroacupuncture at "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) and "Waiguan" (TE 5) on PPARγ/NF-κB Signalling Pathway in Trigeminal Vascular System in Acute Migraine Model Rats
Zhuozhong HE ; Lei TAN ; Yixiang ZENG ; Shengli ZHOU ; Haojia WEN ; Yang YANG ; Runze TU ; Wei'ai LIU ; Ke HE ; Lei FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(23):2468-2475
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Waiguan (TE 5) for acute migraine attacks by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ/ nuclear transcription factor-κB pathway in the trigeminal neurovascular system. MethodsForty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group, and agonist group, 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats were injected with inflammation decoction intracranial catheter to establish rat models of acute migraine. Thirty minutes after modelling, the electroacupuncture group was given 0.9% NaCl solution by intraperitoneal injection and then electroacupuncture at "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Yanglingquan" (GB 34), and "Waiguan" (TE 5) for 30 mins; the electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group was given PPARγ inhibitor T0070907 (1.5 mg/kg) and eclectroacupuncture as the above for 30 mins; the agonist group was given PPARγ inhibitor pioglitazone hydrochloride (10 mg/kg) for 30 mins. Rats in the blank group and the model group were injected intraperitoneally with 0.9% NaCl solution and then bound and restrained for 30 mins. Behavioural scores were evaluated before modelling, 30 mins after modelling (pre-intervention) and post-intervention; after the last behavioural test, PPARγ, NF-κB p65 mRNA content in rat dura mater was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR; protein expression of PPARγ, NF-κB p65, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in spinal trigeminal nucleus of rats was detected by protein blotting; immunofluorescence double-labelling method was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of PPARγ, NF-κB p65 in spinal trigeminal nucleus of rats. ResultsCompared with the blank group at the same time, the behavioural scores of rats in the remaining groups increased after modelling and after intervention (P<0.01). Compared with the model group at the same time, the beha-vioural scores of rats in the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group, and agonist group decreased after the intervention (P<0.01). Compared with the electroacupuncture group at the same time, beha-vioural scores reduced in the agonist group and elevated in the electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group after intervention (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, expression of PPARγ and NF-κB p65 mRNA elevated in the dura mater of rats in the model group, and expression of PPARγ, NF-κB p65, IL-6, and TNF-α protein enhanced in spinal trigeminal nucleus, and the fluorescence intensity of PPARγ and NF-κB p65 enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, PPARγ mRNA expression in dura mater elevated and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression reduced in each intervention group, PPARγ protein expression in spinal trigeminal nucleus enhanced, and NF-κB p65, IL-6, and TNF-α protein expression weakened; in the electroacupuncture group and the agonist group, PPARγ fluorescence intensity enhanced, and the fluorescence intensity of NF-κB p65 weakened in each intervention group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the electroacupuncture group, in the electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group, PPARγ mRNA, protein expression and fluorescence intensity reduced, NF-κB p65 mRNA, protein expression and fluorescence intensity elevated, and IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression enhanced; in the agonist group, PPARγ mRNA and protein expression elevated, NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expression reduced, and IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionElectroacupuncture at "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) and "Waiguan" (TE 5) can can reduce the symptoms of acute migraine attacks in rats, and its mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of PPARγ expression and the reduction of NF-κB expression, thus inhibiting the neurogenic inflammatory response.

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