1.Effect and Mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo Prescription on Pulmonary Fibrosis via Inhibiting Macrophage Polarization Through Wnt3a/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Yanxia LIANG ; Xuelian YU ; Wenwen WANG ; Guangsen LI ; Hongfei XING ; Maorong FAN ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):112-123
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether Bushen Tongluo prescription inhibits macrophage polarization by regulating the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby reducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and excessive extracellular matrix deposition, in order to elucidate the anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo prescription and provide a new theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. MethodsFifty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, model group, pirfenidone group, and high- and low-dose Bushen Tongluo prescription groups. Except for the blank group, the pulmonary fibrosis model was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Intervention was initiated on day 28 after modeling. The high- and low-dose Bushen Tongluo prescription groups were administered Bushen Tongluo prescription at doses of 30.88, 15.44 g·kg-1, respectively, by intragastric gavage. The pirfenidone group was administered pirfenidone capsules at 110 mg·kg-1 by intragastric gavage. The blank and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage, once daily for 90 days. After treatment, the level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in lung tissue and the collagen volume fraction were compared. The protein distribution and expression of E-cadherin, cytokeratin 19, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ), and collagen type Ⅲ (Col Ⅲ) in lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein distribution and expression of CD68, arginase-1 (Arg-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue were detected by immunofluorescence. The protein expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue was detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin was detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the airway walls, alveolar spaces, and interstitial tissue in the model group, with obvious fibrous tissue hyperplasia. The level of TGF-β1 in BALF was significantly increased. The protein expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 in lung tissue was decreased, whereas the protein expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Wnt3a, β-catenin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was increased. The fluorescence-positive area ratios of CD68, Arg-1, iNOS, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue were increased. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the airway walls, alveolar spaces, and interstitial tissue, decreased TGF-β1 levels in BALF, increased protein expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 in lung tissue, decreased protein expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ, decreased fluorescence-positive area ratios of CD68, Arg-1, iNOS, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue, and decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBushen Tongluo prescription can improve bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and reducing excessive extracellular matrix deposition. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway and the macrophage polarization mediated by this pathway.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates AMPK Signaling Pathway to Prevent and Treat Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review
Lijuan DAN ; Shuanglan CHEN ; Tianyuan WANG ; Xiaojie YOU ; Xiuyan LI ; Hongfei SONG ; Dong WANG ; Jie MU ; Qiao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):133-143
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent forms of liver diseases globally. Its progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, and there is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a regulatory hub for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, can coordinate key cellular processes such as adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial functions. Its activation exerts metabolic regulatory effects through pathways including inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation, regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting autophagy. Accordingly, AMPK emerges as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with low toxicity, high accessibility, and multi-component, multi-target synergistic effects, has demonstrated unique value in NAFLD treatment, particularly showing notable advantages in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. Sichuan is known as the treasure house of TCM, and the active components of its authentic medicinal materials such as Coptidis Rhizoma not only reflect regional characteristics in AMPK signaling regulation but also form a multi-level metabolic regulatory network through crosstalk with pathways such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). They can achieve specific regulation by directly activating AMPK and modulating upstream and downstream targets, exerting prominent effects in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This study systematically reviews the research findings on TCM for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD over the past five years, elaborating the mechanisms by which TCM treats NAFLD through regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. It aims to provide new perspectives and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, basic research, and drug development.
3.Clinical and Neuroelectrophysiological Features of Autoimmune Nodopathy
Hongfei TAI ; Xunyan HUANG ; Songtao NIU ; Bin CHEN ; Yuzhi SHI ; Xingao WANG ; Fan JIAN ; Hua PAN ; Zaiqiang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):191-199
To summarize the clinical characteristics, antibody spectrum and neuroelectrophysiological features of autoimmune nodopathy(AN), and to explore the phenotypic differences among different antibody-positive subgroups. The clinical and electrophysiological data of patients definitely diagnosed with AN in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from October 2018 to January 2026 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 33 patients with AN were included. Antibody examination results showed that, anti-neurofascin(NF)155 antibody was the most prevalent, detected in 17 patients(51.50%), followed by anti-contactin-1(CNTN1) antibody in 8 patients(24.24%). Anti-NF186 antibody(4 cases, 12.12%), anti-contactin-associated protein 1(Caspr1) antibody(2 cases, 6.06%) and dual-target antibody positivity(2 cases, 6.06%) were relatively uncommon. The main clinical manifestations of AN patients included symmetric distal paresthesia of the extremities(32 cases, 96.97%), limb weakness(31 cases, 93.93%) and sensory ataxia(25 cases, 75.76%). Different antibody-positive subgroups presented distinct phenotypic features: patients with positive anti-NF155 antibody had a relatively younger age of onset, chronic onset and a high incidence of tremor, which was dominated by immunoglobulin(Ig)G4 subclass antibodies; patients with positive anti-CNTN1 antibody had a relatively advanced age of onset, mostly presented with acute or subacute onset, and were prone to complicated nephrotic syndrome; patients with positive anti-NF186 antibody had relatively mild nerve conduction damage; patients with anti-Caspr1 antibody manifested acute or subacute onset, with relatively elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein level and 24-h intrathecal IgG synthesis rate. The prominent neuroelectrophysiological manifestations of AN included decreased motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities, prolonged distal latency, frequent non-compressive conduction block and abnormal temporal dispersion. Definite sensory nerve action potentials could not be elicited in more than half of the patients. Patients with AN show high heterogeneity in clinical and neuroelectrophysiological characteristics, and different antibody-positive subgroups correspond to specific clinical and neuroelectrophysiological phenotypes.
4.Differention and Treatment of Brain Metastasis from Lung Cancer Based on Theory of "Yang Qi Depletion and Latent Pathogens Transmitting to the Brain"
Huiying ZHAO ; Yanxia LIANG ; Guangsen LI ; Wenwen WANG ; Wenwen SU ; Fenggu LIU ; Hongfei XING ; Maorong FAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):968-972
5.Clinical Efficacy of Fuyuan Tongluo Prescription in Prevention and Treatment of Restenosis with Collateral Obstruction Syndrome After Interventional Operation of Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Fangfang WU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Guobin LIU ; Hongfei WANG ; Weijing FAN ; Renyan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):134-140
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the Fuyuan Tongluo prescription (composed of Astragali Radix, Carthami Flos, Spatholobi Caulis, Liquidambaris Fructus, Lycopodii Herba, Centellae Herba, etc.) in the treatment of restenosis with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional operation of lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans, and its impact on the primary patency rate. MethodsA total of 88 patients with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional surgery for lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n1=44) received dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. The observation group (n2=44) was treated with Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules in addition to aspirin and clopidogrel. Both groups received treatment for 24 weeks and were followed up for 36 weeks. The changes in primary patency rate, symptom scores, ankle-brachial index (ABI), coagulation function, and inflammatory markers before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. ResultsFor primary patency rate, after 36 weeks of treatment, the observation group had a significantly better primary patency rate than the control group (χ2=4.14,P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in primary patency rate between the two groups. Clinical efficacy comparison: Based on symptom quantification scores, and using the Nimodipine method as a reference, the overall efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group after 24 weeks of treatment (χ2=2.24,P<0.05). ABI levels: The observation group had a higher ABI than the control group after 24 and 36 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Coagulation function indicators: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in both groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05). Inflammatory markers: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, CRP levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels before and after treatment between the two groups. ConclusionAdding Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules to dual antiplatelet therapy can improve the primary patency rate of the affected vessels in patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans after interventional surgery. Longer use of Fuyuan Tongluo prescription can significantly improve clinical symptoms, demonstrating clinical application value.
6.Clinical Efficacy of Fuyuan Tongluo Prescription in Prevention and Treatment of Restenosis with Collateral Obstruction Syndrome After Interventional Operation of Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Fangfang WU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Guobin LIU ; Hongfei WANG ; Weijing FAN ; Renyan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):134-140
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the Fuyuan Tongluo prescription (composed of Astragali Radix, Carthami Flos, Spatholobi Caulis, Liquidambaris Fructus, Lycopodii Herba, Centellae Herba, etc.) in the treatment of restenosis with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional operation of lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans, and its impact on the primary patency rate. MethodsA total of 88 patients with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional surgery for lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n1=44) received dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. The observation group (n2=44) was treated with Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules in addition to aspirin and clopidogrel. Both groups received treatment for 24 weeks and were followed up for 36 weeks. The changes in primary patency rate, symptom scores, ankle-brachial index (ABI), coagulation function, and inflammatory markers before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. ResultsFor primary patency rate, after 36 weeks of treatment, the observation group had a significantly better primary patency rate than the control group (χ2=4.14,P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in primary patency rate between the two groups. Clinical efficacy comparison: Based on symptom quantification scores, and using the Nimodipine method as a reference, the overall efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group after 24 weeks of treatment (χ2=2.24,P<0.05). ABI levels: The observation group had a higher ABI than the control group after 24 and 36 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Coagulation function indicators: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in both groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05). Inflammatory markers: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, CRP levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels before and after treatment between the two groups. ConclusionAdding Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules to dual antiplatelet therapy can improve the primary patency rate of the affected vessels in patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans after interventional surgery. Longer use of Fuyuan Tongluo prescription can significantly improve clinical symptoms, demonstrating clinical application value.
7.Transcriptional profiling and experimental validation of acupotomy for knee osteoarthritis in rats
Yantong LIU ; Shixuan WANG ; Shuangli ZHAO ; Wei WEI ; Donghai WANG ; Zongkun JIANG ; Hongfei LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(20):4239-4248
BACKGROUND:The regulatory mechanisms of acupotomy intervention for knee osteoarthritis at a transcriptome level are not well understood despite its proven clinical efficacy.OBJECTIVE:Using acupotomy therapy in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis,to conduct transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis on cartilage samples,along with validation,and to reveal the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in this therapy for knee osteoarthritis in rats.METHODS:Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and divided into three groups by random number table method,acupotomy group,model group,and sham operation group,with 16 rats in each group.Osteoarthritis models were induced by medial meniscus instability in the acupotomy group and model group.After successful modeling,acupotomy group rats were treated with acupotomy once a week,for 4 weeks in total.After the intervention,cartilage samples from the rat's knee joint were stained with hematoxylin-eosin staining and safranin O-fast green staining,evaluated by Mankin scores,and underwent MicroCT scanning.Serum inflammatory factor levels were detected by Elisa.Transcriptome sequencing was performed on the remaining cartilage samples,and the data were analyzed using R software to identify differential gene expression levels among the groups.Core targets were screened through protein-protein interaction network and Cytoscape and validated using RT-qPCR.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,rats in the model group had rough and uneven articular cartilage surfaces,narrowed joint spaces,destroyed articular surface structures,elevated Mankin scores,and significant increases in serum levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,and matrix metalloproteinase 13(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,rats in the acupotomy group had smoother articular cartilage surfaces,wider joint spaces,slightly irregular articular surfaces,lower Mankin scores,and significantly lower serum levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,and matrix metalloproteinase-13(P<0.05).Gene ontology and Kyoto genome and genome encyclopedia analyses involved proteolytic metabolism,autophagy,mitogen-activated protein kinase,nuclear factor kB,and Wnt signaling pathways.Protein-protein interaction network and Cytoscape screened for four key genes,including ataxia-telangiectasia mutations,Myb SWIRM and MPN domain protein 1,heat shock protein 90α1,and NIPBL cohesion-loading factor.The mRNA expression of ataxia-telangiectasia mutations,Myb SWIRM and MPN domain protein 1,heat shock protein 90α1,and NIPBL cohesion-loading factor in the articular cartilage of rats in the model group was lower than that of the sham operation group(P<0.05),while the mRNA expression of ataxia-telangiectasia mutations,Myb SWIRM and MPN domain protein 1,heat shock protein 90α1,and NIPBL cohesion-loading factor in the articular cartilage of rats in the acupotomy group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05).To conclude,acupotomy treatment of knee osteoarthritis in rats may act on signaling pathways such as MAPK,nuclear factor kB,and Wnt to promote cartilage repair,and is closely related to the expression of genes associated with ataxia-telangiectasia mutations,Myb SWIRM and MPN domain protein 1,heat shock protein 90α1,and NIPBL cohesion-loading factor.
8.Efficacy and safety of venetoclax combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and reduced-dose chemotherapy in 13 cases of minimal residual disease-positive and relapsed/refractory Ph + acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Hao AI ; Taotao LIANG ; Qian WANG ; Hongfei WU ; Qingsong YIN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(7):655-659
This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of venetoclax (Ven) in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and reduced-dose chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) -positive and relapsed/refractory (R/R) Ph-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph + ALL). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 13 patients with MRD-positive and relapsed Ph + ALL admitted between July 2015 and February 2024 at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The cohort included seven males and six females, with a median age of 50 years (range: 37-71 years). Reinduction therapy consisted of Ven and TKI administration combined with reduced-dose chemotherapy. Among the 13 patients, 10 were MRD-positive, and three had R/R disease. Of the MRD-positive group, nine (90%) achieved complete molecular response (CMR), with a median time to response of 47 days (range: 30-80) ; one patient did not respond. Among the three patients who had R/R, two (66.6%) achieved complete remission, while one patient was nonresponsive. The median overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) time for the entire cohort were 21.5 months and 7 months, respectively. In patients who achieved CMR, the median OS and RFS time were 35 months and 34 months, respectively. Grade ≥3 hematologic adverse events occurred in five patients (38.4%) ; however, hematopoietic function recovered in all cases, and no grade ≥3 infections or organ-related adverse reactions were observed. These findings suggest that Ven combined with TKI and reduced-dose chemotherapy may be an effective and tolerable therapeutic strategy for MRD-positive and R/R Ph + ALL, particularly in significantly improving MRD clearance rates.
9.Analysis of immunogenicity of African swine fever virus p37 recombinant protein in mice
Ying HUANG ; Wenzhu ZHAI ; Chunhao TAO ; Yuheng HE ; Zhen WANG ; Yuanyuan CHU ; Zhongbao PANG ; Hongfei ZHU ; Hong JIA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):889-895
The aim of this study is to explore the immunogenicity of African swine fever virus p37 recombinant protein in mice.C57BL/6J mice were immunized subcutaneously in the abdomen using p37 recombinant protein as antigen.The second immunization was performed 21 d after the first immunization.Serum-specific antibody levels were detected by ELISA;serum cytokine levels were detected using a multifactor assay technique;mice splenic lymphocytes were isolated 7 d after sec-ondary immunization,and the number of splenic lymphocytes secreting IFN-γ after recombinant protein stimulation was detected by ELISpot;and the ratio of CD4+T cells to CD8+T cells was detected by flow cytometry.The results of indirect ELISA showed that p37 recombinant protein could stimulate mice to produce high levels of specific antibodies;ELISpot showed that p37 recom-binant protein could significantly stimulate splenic lymphocytes to produce IFN-γ(P<0.001)and activate cellular immune responses;the results of flow cytometry showed that it could signifi-cantly stimulate the differentiation of T-lymphocytes to CD4+T-lymphocytes(P<0.001).In ad-dition,serum levels of IL-2,IL-4,IFN-γ,and TNF-α immune-related cytokines were significantly higher after the second immunization.Immunization of mice with p37 recombinant protein induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses with good immunogenicity,providing reference for the subsequent epitope identification and functional study of p37 protein and the antigen screening of ASF mRNA vaccine.
10.Construction of circular RNA vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and optimization of circularization conditions
Chunhao TAO ; Ying HUANG ; Zhen WANG ; Yitong JIANG ; Hongfei ZHU ; Hong JIA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):896-904
In order to establish a highly efficient,convenient,and effective circular RNA(circRNA)vaccine preparation system,enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)circRNA was constructed using permuted intron exon(PIE)strategy based on type Ⅰ introns.Then,circRNA circularization rates of RNA after in vitro transcription(IVT),primary circularization(IVC1),and secondary circularization(IVC2)were compared after purification.The constructed circRNA system was fur-ther applied to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV),and two circRNAs based on PRRSV GP5 protein were constructed and developed for in vitro expression.Results showed that circularization rates and protein expression effects of EGFP circRNA in IVC1 RNA and IVC2 RNA were similar,but both were significantly better than those of IVT RNA.Purity of EGFP circRNA reached 74%,and purities of two PRRSV GP5 protein circRNAs constructed using this preparation system were 71%and 64%,respectively.Western blot and indirect immunofluo-rescence assay(IFA)results indicated that both of the PRRSV GP5 protein circRNAs were suc-cessfully expressed.The results demonstrated that an easy-to-operate,low-cost circRNA prepara-tion system with high circularization rate was successfully constructed.Two PRRSV GP5 protein circRNA vaccines were successfully prepared using this system and expressed efficiently,which provides a reference for the development of animal circRNA vaccines and novel candidate vaccines against PRRSV.

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