1.Multidimensional Challenges and Development Strategies in the Construction of Rare Disease Discipline
Li GONG ; Xiaowan MA ; Nansheng CHENG ; Qian HE ; Zhi WAN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):19-26
The development of the rare disease discipline is a crucial pathway for enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, cultivating specialized professionals, and fostering technological innovation. Currently, China' rare disease discipline is accelerating its development driven by both policy and demand. However, it still faces multi-dimensional challenges, including an incomplete clinical management mechanism, a shortage of interdisciplinary talents, a weak scientific research system, and limited outreach capacity. To address these challenges, this paper proposes and constructs an integrated development system with clinical diagnosis and treatment as the foundation, talent cultivation as the engine, scientific research as the support, and disciplinary outreach capacity as the extension. Specific strategies include: enhancing clinical management through artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis systems and multidisciplinary collaboration platforms; strengthening the talent pool through textbooks, curricula, and hierarchical training mechanisms; bolstering research collaboration and translational outcomes by leveraging international data-sharing platforms, national rare disease medical centers, the State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, and the National Key Scientific Infrastructure for Translational Medicine; and expanding grassroots outreach and public awareness through the National Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Collaboration Network, the National Rare Disease Quality Control Center, and integrated media communication channels. In the future, the rare disease discipline should further deepen the integration of medicine and engineering, expand international cooperation, focus on the translational closed loop, improve the regional collaboration network, so as to build a more resilient and dynamic disciplinary ecosystem, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.
2.Novel therapeutic advances for uveal melanoma
Xiaodie LI ; Chaoqun LIU ; Xiaojuan CHENG ; Yuhan SHANG ; Ruixue REN ; Yulu HE ; Xiaoli YANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):823-830
Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, characterized by high invasiveness and unique metastatic biological features. Although local treatments(such as proton beam therapy and brachytherapy)can effectively control the primary lesion, approximately 50% of patients eventually develop distant metastasis, with the liver being the primary target organ(occurring in 90% of cases). This highlights a paradigm shift in treatment focus from mere local control to systemic prevention and management. For metastatic UM(mUM), current treatment strategies encompass biomarker-guided molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy(including Tebentafusp, vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapy), and liver-directed therapy. Focusing on the synergy between local and systemic prevention and control, this article systematically elaborates on the precision local treatment for primary UM, the decision-making pathway for systemic treatment of metastatic UM based on molecular subtyping, the integration of local and systemic therapies for liver metastases, and the translational value of nanomedicine in addressing therapeutic bottlenecks. It provides insights for optimizing clinical management of mUM and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
3.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.
4.Research progress of biomaterial-mediated brain-computer interfaces in neural rehabilitation
Xiangxiang YU ; Jie SHI ; Yucheng CHEN ; Lifeng CHENG ; Liangcan HE ; Kai LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):213-220
Neurological disorders such as post-stroke hemiplegia, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson disease represent a major global health burden. Brain-computer interface (BCI), which creates direct communication pathways between the nervous system and external devices, offers a promising strategy for functional restoration. The long-term efficacy of such BCI fundamentally depends on the performance of biomaterials at the neural interface. Ideal materials must concurrently satisfy biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, enduring chemical stability, and mechanical compatibility with brain tissue. This review systematically outlines the application of conductive polymers, inorganic nanomaterials, natural biomaterials, and composites in BCI, with a focus on how advanced designs, such as bionic and encapsulated electrodes, improve signal fidelity and surgical feasibility through structural innovation. It further summarizes key material-modification techniques and analyzes the complex foreign-body response orchestrated by microglia, astrocytes, and peripheral immune cells. Finally, it provides insights into future research directions and clinical translation of BCI-based neurorehabilitation, while highlighting critical challenges including long-term biosafety and the establishment of standardized evaluation frameworks, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and effective clinical deployment.
5.Effect of Schisanlactone E on Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Damage in APP/PS1 Mice and Their Relationship with Th17/Treg Immune Balance
Wenjing YU ; Miao YANG ; Chunxiang HE ; Jiawei HE ; Zhenyan SONG ; Ping LI ; Shaowu CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):112-123
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of schisanlactone E in ameliorating neuroinflammation and synaptic injury in APP/PS1 mice and to elucidate whether its mechanism is related to the regulation of helper T cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) immune balance. MethodsAPP/PS1 transgenic mice were assigned into model, low- and high-dose (2 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 4 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively) schisanlactone E, and donepezil (1 mg·kg-1·d-1) groups. C57BL/6J mice were used as the control group. Each group received the corresponding drug by gavage for 30 days. Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. The percentages of Th17 and Treg cells in the peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of retinoid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), interleukin (IL)-17A, forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3), and IL-4 in the hippocampus were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The synaptic ultrastructure in the hippocampus was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of synapsin Ⅰ and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the hippocampus were measured by Western blot. Aβ aggregation and microglial activation in the hippocampus were observed by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the hippocampus were determined by Real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed prolonged escape latency (P<0.05), decreased time spent in the target quadrant, platform crossings, novel object exploration time, and percentage of novel object contact frequency (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased Aβ aggregation in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.01), an increased proportion of Th17 cells (P<0.05), a decreased proportion of Treg cells (P<0.05), and an increased Th17/Treg ratio (P<0.01) in the peripheral blood. Furthermore, the hippocampal tissue in the model group exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of RORγt and IL-17A (P<0.05, P<0.01), downregulated mRNA levels of FoxP3 and IL-4 (P<0.01), decreased synapses (P<0.05), decreased PSD density, synaptic interface curvature, and active zone length (P<0.05, P<0.01), and increased synaptic cleft width (P<0.05), downregulated protein levels of Synapsin Ⅰ and PSD95 (P<0.01), increased microglial activation (P<0.01), and upregulated mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the high-dose schisanlactone E group and the donepezil group exhibited shortened escape latency and increased time in the target quadrant and platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The schisanlactone E groups and the donepezil group showed increased novel object exploration time (P<0.05, P<0.01) and percentage of novel object contact frequency (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced hippocampal Aβ aggregation (P<0.05, P<0.01). The schisanlactone E groups showed a decreased proportion of Th17 cells (P<0.05) and an increased proportion of Treg cells (P<0.05) in the peripheral blood, and all treatment groups showed a decreased Th17/Treg ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01). The high-dose schisanlactone E group showed a downregulated mRNA level of RORγt in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.05), and all treatment groups showed a downregulated mRNA level of IL-17A (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated mRNA levels of FoxP3 and IL-4 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The schisanlactone E groups and the donepezil group showed increased synapses, active zone length, synaptic interface curvature, and PSD density, decreased synaptic cleft width (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated protein levels of synapsin Ⅰ and PSD95 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The high-dose schisanlactone E group and the donepezil group showed decreased microglial activation in the hippocampus (P<0.01). The schisanlactone E groups and the donepezil group showed downregulated mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSchisanlactone E significantly improves the cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice by regulating the Th17/Treg immune balance, inhibiting neuroinflammation, and ameliorating synaptic injury.
6.Aspirin Curcumin Ester Inhibits High Glucose/Aβ1-42-induced Microglial Inflammatory Response by Regulating Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming
Wenjing YU ; Miao YANG ; Chunxiang HE ; Ze LI ; Jiawei HE ; Ping LI ; Zhenyan SONG ; Shaowu CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):124-137
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of aspirin curcumin ester (CA) on the activation and glucose metabolism reprogramming of the mouse microglia (BV2) model of inflammation induced by high glucose/β-amyloid (Aβ)1-42, and to explore the potential mechanism of CA in reducing neuroinflammatory response in the brain. MethodsThe BV2 activation model was constructed by high glucose combined with Aβ1-42 oligomers. BV2 cells were treated with Aβ1-42 oligomers (10 μmol·L-1) in a high glucose (50 mmol·L-1) environment and allocated into normal, high glucose, Aβ, and high glucose + Aβ groups. The cell morphology of each group was observed under a bright field. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was adopted to assess the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as well as glycolysis-related glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), phospofructokinase-2/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). To reveal the effects of CA on inflammatory response and glucose metabolism in BV2 cells exposed to high glucose/Aβ1-42, this study established the BV2 cell model of inflammatory activation by high glucose and Aβ1-42 oligomer intervention. The cells were allocated into normal, model (50 mmol·L-1 glucose + 10 μmol·L-1 Aβ1-42), CA (10 μmol·L-1), 2DG (0.2 mmol·L-1), and DADA (1 mmol·L-1) groups. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell survival rate. The cell morphology of each group was observed under a bright field. The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and glycolysis-related key enzymes GLUT1, HK2, PFKFB3, and PKM2 at the mRNA level in each group was measured by real-time PCR. The protein levels of GLUT1, HK2, PFKFB3, and PKM2 were determined by Western blot. The glycolysis rate in each group was measured by seahorse. LC-MS was employed to identify the glucose metabolism intermediates. The morphology of mitochondria in cells was observed by electron microscopy. ResultsConstruction of the BV2 cell model: Compared with the normal group, the Aβ group and the high glucose + Aβ group showed more amoeboid-shaped cells and cell aggregation. The high glucose + Aβ group exhibited increased the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as those of key glycolytic enzymes GLUT1, HK2, PFKFB3, and PKM2 (P<0.01). The Aβ group also showed significantly increased mRNA levels of PKM2 and PFKFB3 (P<0.01). Effects of CA on the inflammatory response and glucose metabolism in BV2 cells exposed to high glucose/Aβ1-42: Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited amoeboid-shaped cells and cell aggregation, upregulated mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, GLUT1, HK2, PFKFB3, and PKM2 (P<0.01) and protein levels of GLUT1, HK2, and PFKFB3 (P<0.05, P<0.01), an increased basal glycolysis rate (P<0.01), a decreased compensatory glycolysis rate (P<0.01), increased glycolytic intermediates and reduced TCA cycle intermediates. In addition, the mitochondria in the model group exhibited a decreased number (P<0.05), impaired crista integrity (P<0.01), an increased proportion of vacuolization (P<0.01), and abnormal mitochondrial morphology. Compared with those in the model group, the number of amoeboid-shaped BV2 cells reduced in the CA and 2DG groups, while most BV2 cells in the DADA group became elongated spindle-shaped. All the three treatment groups showed downregulated mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, GLUT1, HK2, PFKFB3, and PKM2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), downregulated protein levels of GLUT1, HK2, and PFKFB3 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and slow compensatory glycolysis and basal glycolysis (P<0.05, P<0.01). Glycolytic intermediates were decreased and TCA cycle intermediates were increased in the CA and 2DG groups. Mitochondrial morphology largely returned to the normal level in all the three treatment groups, with an increase in mitochondrial number (P<0.05), improved crista integrity (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a decreased proportion of vacuolization (P<0.05). ConclusionAβ1-42 oligomers can activate BV2 cells and enhance glycolytic activity in the high glucose environment. CA can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and inhibit the activation of BV2 cells by regulating the glucose metabolism reprogramming in BV2 cells.
7.Paeoniflorin Ameliorates Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Mengfen ZHOU ; Shuyao TANG ; Xin SUN ; Gangying FU ; Xinxing ZHOU ; Jiawei HE ; Wenjing YU ; Ping LI ; Shaowu CHENG ; Zhenyan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):138-147
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of paeoniflorin (PF) on neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to clarify whether its mechanism is associated with regulation of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. MethodsGlycosides related to AD-associated neuroinflammation were screened through bibliometric analysis, and the potential targets of PF were predicted through network pharmacology and molecular docking. A rat model of AD was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (100 mg·kg-1·d-1). Rats were assigned into a control group, a model group, a PF (200 mg·kg-1) group, and a donepezil (0.5 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and drugs were administered by gavage for 21 days. The learning and memory abilities were evaluated by the Morris water maze (MWM). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe hippocampal neuronal morphology. The mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were determined by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and the protein levels of molecules in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed prolonged escape latency and decreased platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.05, P<0.01), accompanied by increased expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as elevated ratios of phosphorylated (p)-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PF group and donepezil group exhibited shortened escape latency and increased platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, upregulated mRNA levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), and reduced ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionPaeoniflorin can alleviate cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in the rat model of AD by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
8.Chinese expert consensus on the application of jejunal interposition for esophageal reconstruction in complex esophageal cancer surgery (2026 edition)
Wenshu CHEN ; Lilan ZHAO ; Zhaoxian LIN ; Debin OU ; Zhigang LI ; Chengchu ZHU ; Longqi CHEN ; Shuoyan LIU ; Xiangnan LI ; Chao CHENG ; Ni ZHANG ; Songping XIE ; Xufeng GUO ; Xu LI ; Xinyu MEI ; Xuefeng LENG ; Jianqun MA ; Zhijun HUANG ; Guojun GENG ; Lin ZHANG ; Hongyan WANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Weijie WANG ; Jiangbo LIN ; Jinbiao XIE ; Jun GUAN ; Rongqi HE ; Xing LIN ; Xiuhua TU ; Yong LI ; Lijie TAN ; Xiaojie PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1527-1543
Objective Jejunal interposition is an important option for restoring gastrointestinal continuity in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable for reconstruction due to previous gastrectomy, tumor involvement, failed gastric conduit, or other constraints. Although the jejunum offers a caliber similar to the esophagus, a rich blood supply, and preserved peristaltic function, anatomical variations in mesenteric length and vascular arcades render long-segment and high-level reconstruction susceptible to excessive tension, mesenteric torsion, venous congestion, and inadequate distal perfusion. This consensus aims to provide standardized recommendations for the application of jejunal interposition in this specific patient population. Methods This consensus was developed in accordance with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and Chinese national guideline development standards, with reference to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREE Ⅱ), Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT), and Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) checklists. The project was registered on the international practice guidelines registry platform (PREPARE-2026CN1384). The working group systematically searched Chinese and English evidence addressing 12 clinical questions. Evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2009 system, with structured appraisal of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Recommendations were formulated through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a face-to-face consensus meeting, with an agreement threshold of ≥75%. Results The consensus generated 12 recommendations covering indications, selection between jejunum and colon, preoperative assessment, surgical approach and reconstruction route, pedicled jejunal interposition (PJI), supercharged pedicled jejunal interposition (SPJ), indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion assessment, perioperative nutrition, management of anastomotic leakage, long-term follow-up, and special treatment scenarios. Given that the available direct evidence is predominantly derived from single-center retrospective cohorts and case series, recommendations extrapolated from general esophagectomy or other gastrointestinal surgical evidence are deliberately phrased with caution. Conclusion Jejunal interposition is a safe and effective approach for digestive tract reconstruction in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable. This consensus emphasizes that clinical decision-making should be individualized based on the patient's prior treatment history, reconstruction height, vascular anatomy, technical availability, and institutional experience in the Chinese context.
9.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
10.Qingre Sanzhuo Decoction Treats Gouty Arthritis Combined with Hyperuricaemia in Rats via NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 Pathway
Haolin LI ; Qian BAI ; Weigang CHENG ; Weiqing LI ; Juanjuan YANG ; Peixin HE ; Huijun YANG ; Haidong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):49-57
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Qingre Sanzhuo decoction in treating gouty arthritis (GA) combined with hyperuricaemia (HUA). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.5 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (17, 34, 68 g·kg-1, respectively) Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups (n=10). The rats in other groups except the normal group were treated with the modified method for the modeling of GA combined with HUA. The drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage in the afternoon every day and the normal group and the model group were administrated with an equal volume of sterile normal saline by gavage. The level of uric acid (SUA) in the serum was measured 2 h after the last administration. The degree of ankle joint swelling was calculated 0.5, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling, and joint inflammation was scored. The pathological changes of ankle joints were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), C reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), gasdermin D (GSDMD), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in ankle joints. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of GSDMD and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed increased SUA in the serum (P<0.05), ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation (P<0.05), increased number of blood vessels in the synovium, inflammatory cell foci in the synovial bursa, elevated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18 (P<0.05), and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups showed reduced SUA in the serum (P<0.05), alleviated ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation (P<0.05), lowered serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18 (P<0.05), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints (P<0.05). However, in terms of ameliorating the pathological changes of ankle joints, only the high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction group showed normal morphology of the synovial membrane of ankle joints and no obvious lesion in the articular cartilage. ConclusionQingre Sanzhuo decoction may play a role in preventing and controlling GA combined with HUA by down-regulating the activity of NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18.

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