1.Clinical Application and Pharmacological Effects of Guizhi Fulingwan in Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Review
Xiang ZHANG ; Xiaoli WEN ; Biting CHENG ; Hongning LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):299-307
Uterine fibroids are a common benign tumor of the female reproductive system, characterized by increased menstrual flow, lower abdominal pain, and prolonged menstrual periods. Modern medicine believes that the onset of this disease is related to genetic factors, environmental factors, hormone levels, et al, while the specific mechanism remains unclear, and the prevention and treatment of uterine fibroids has become a hot topic of concern for many experts and scholars in the medical field. At present, the treatment of uterine fibroids in clinical practice is mainly based on hormone drugs and uterine artery embolization, and severe cases require hysterectomy. However, the use of hormone drugs for treatment has serious side effects and is prone to recurrence after surgery. Since hysterectomy can cause severe harm to women, it is necessary to explore safer and more effective treatment methods. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has rich clinical experience in the treatment of uterine fibroids, advocating for syndrome differentiation and treatment. The TCM methods that regulate Qi and blood and balance Yin and Yang have been commonly adopted, with significant efficacy and minimal side effects, being more conducive to the recovery. Guizhi Fulingwan are first recorded in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber written by the famous medical expert ZHANG Zhongjing during the Eastern Han dynasty. This prescription has the effects of activating blood, resolving stasis, and eliminating mass, and it is thus mainly used for treating abdominal mass in women. In recent years, Guizhi Fulingwan has also been applied in the clinical treatment of tumors and has demonstrated definite efficacy in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Studies have shown that the therapeutic mechanisms of Guizhi Fulingwan for uterine fibroids involve regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, improving immune function, reducing inflammation, improving hemorheological indicators, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and regulating sex hormone levels. This article mainly reviews the treatment of uterine fibroids with Guizhi Fulingwan from three aspects: theoretical basis, clinical application, and pharmacological mechanism. It is expected to provide scientific research ideas and guidance for exploring the clinical treatment of uterine fibroids.
2.The macro, meso, and micro dimensions of Yin-Yang theory in traditional Chinese medicine: a three-level analysis of Yin and Yang
Ouyang Miao ; Gedi Zhang ; Mengdan Yu ; Hongning Liu
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(2):211-222
Yin-Yang theory is one of the core components of the foundational theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), yet its classification as philosophical or scientific has long been controversial. To move beyond the longstanding either-philosophy-or-science debate surrounding Yin-Yang theory in TCM, this article, for the first time, proposes a three-level framework spanning macro, meso, and micro perspectives. At the macro level, Yin and Yang are a theoretical achievement of ancient Chinese natural philosophy, used to explain universal laws governing how the cosmos operates, which constitutes Yin-Yang theory in philosophy; at the meso level, Huangdi Neijing (《黄帝内经》, Inner Canon of Huangdi) translated Yin-Yang from a cosmological framework into medical discourse, making it a core methodological basis for clinical pattern differentiation and treatment, which constitutes Yin-Yang theory in medicine; at the micro level, Yin-Yang theory in TCM has increasingly converged with modern science, showing scientific features that are testable and reproducible, which constitutes Yin-Yang theory in science. The article further demonstrates that Yin-Yang theory in TCM differs markedly from Yin-Yang as a general philosophical doctrine in core application and practical orientation: in the course of its medical transformation, elements related to life phenomena were selectively incorporated, while, within a medical context, abstract propositions such as cosmological speculation were bracketed and rendered concrete, thereby achieving a practice-oriented transition from philosophy to medicine. Based on this, the present study conducts analyses from four aspects, namely philosophical roots, clinical application, modern scientific interpretation, and implications for life sciences; it substantiates the logical basis for Yin-Yang theory in TCM as the overarching framework for clinical pattern differentiation and treatment, reviews modern research progress from perspectives such as systems science and network regulation, and explores its potential value in advancing a new paradigm of state-based medicine. The study suggests that an accurate understanding of Yin-Yang theory in TCM requires moving beyond the either-philosophy-or-science binary and analyzing specific issues on a case-by-case basis. Across different perspectives, Yin-Yang theory in TCM has philosophical, medical, and scientific attributes. Only by grounding the theory in actual clinical efficacy and engaging with modern science can the innovative development of Yin-Yang theory in TCM be promoted, thereby providing valuable Eastern insights for building a life science system with original Chinese contributions.
3.Research Progress on Mechanisms of JAK2 Mutations in Coagulation Factor Regulation and Thrombosis
Hongning LI ; Huimin ZHU ; Yuan DU ; Jinjin ZHANG ; Zhiyong CHENG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(8):642-650
The JAK2 V617F mutation is a key molecular event in myeloproliferative neoplasms and is strongly associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. This review aims to summarize the underlying mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and management strategies for thrombosis driven by the JAK2 V617F mutation. Relevant recent studies are analyzed to evaluate the effect of the mutation on molecular signaling, hematopoietic cell function, inflammatory activation, endothelial injury, and coagulation imbalance. Findings indicate that the JAK2 V617F mutation induces the persistent activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, leading to erythroid clonal expansion, platelet hyperreactivity, and enhanced neutrophil chemotaxis, along with excessive inflammatory cytokine release, NET formation, and platelet-leukocyte aggregation. These processes collectively promote endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulation, ultimately contributing to arterial and venous thrombosis. Clinically, affected patients may present with coronary artery events deep vein thrombosis, and portal vein thrombosis, often accompanied by high recurrence rates and poor outcomes. In conclusion, the JAK2 V617F mutation drives thrombosis via multiple intertwined mechanisms, suggesting that future therapeutic strategies should integrate anticoagulation, anti-inflammation therapy, NET inhibition, and targeted JAK-STAT pathway blockade to improve patient survival.
4.Pharmacological Mechanism of Traditonal Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Review
Xiaoli WEN ; Fangyan CAI ; Biting CHENG ; Xiang ZHANG ; Hongning LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):252-263
Breast cancer, as one of the major cancers threatening women's health globally, is characterized by high aggressiveness, high malignancy, and poor prognosis. In 2022, according to the World Health Organization, breast cancer ranked second in the incidence of female cancers globally, accounting for 11.6% of all new cancer cases. Western medical doctors mainly use surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and molecular targeted therapy to treat breast cancer, which can effectively improve the recurrence rate and death rate of breast cancer patients and prolong the survival period of patients. However, its treatment process is often accompanied by a series of side effects, which bring challenges to patients' quality of life. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells, reducing toxic side effects produced by chemotherapy, and improving patients' survival rate and quality of life. It is therefore particularly necessary to investigate the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of TCM in breast cancer treatment. The authors combed the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of the etiology and pathogenesis of breast cancer, identification and treatment of breast cancer, TCM compound, TCM single medicine, TCM monomer, and external treatment of TCM to prevent and control breast cancer and found that TCM has a therapeutic effect on breast cancer. It can play a role in increasing the effectiveness, reducing the toxicity, and alleviating the adverse reactions. It can inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, immune escape, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), aerobic glycolysis, mitochondrial biosynthesis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, reduce drug resistance, promote apoptosis, ferroptosis, cell autophagy, and regulate the tumor immune microenvironment by regulating signaling pathways. This paper aims to provide new ideas and methods for experimental research and clinical treatment of breast cancer.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Metabolic Reprogramming to Treat Lung Cancer: A Review
Xiaoli WEN ; Fangyan CAI ; Ling LIU ; Si SHAN ; Xiang ZHANG ; Hongning LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):269-279
Lung cancer has the highest morbidity and mortality rate among all cancers. Because of the complex pathogenesis, there are limitations in the common Western medicine treatment methods. Clinical and experimental studies have proved that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can not only effectively treat lung cancer and alleviate the clinical symptoms of cancer patients but also reduce the adverse reactions and complications caused by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy to improve the quality of life of the patients. The biological behaviors of lung cancer cells, such as proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, are closely related to their metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer involves a series of metabolic changes such as increased glucose uptake and consumption, enhanced glycolysis, increased amino acid uptake and catabolism, and enhanced lipid and protein synthesis. Studies have reported that TCM active components, extracts, and compound prescriptions can effectively inhibit the biological behaviors of lung cancer by regulating metabolic reprogramming. Therefore, this paper reviews the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM active components, extracts, and compound prescriptions in regulating metabolic reprogramming of lung cancer, with the aim of providing a new way of thinking for the treatment of lung cancer by TCM regulation of metabolic reprogramming of lung cancer cells. The available studies suggest that TCM mainly inhibits the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)/c-Myc, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and hypoxia-inducible factor-α (HIF-1α) pathways. Furthermore, the expression of monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), hexokinase (HK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) are inhibited. In this way, TCM inhibits the glucose uptake by lung cancer cells and glycolysis in lung cancer cells to reduce the energy metabolism of tumor cells, ultimately achieving the therapeutic effect on lung cancer.
6.Exploration on the Effects of Diet Therapy on Alcohol Induced Chronic Liver Injury in Rats Based on TLR4 Pathway
Gaochuan ZHANG ; Wenli LI ; Hongning LIU ; Wenna YANG ; Zhijie WU ; Jiale HUANG ; Le XU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):1025-1034
Objective To explore the effect of diet therapy on alcohol-induced chronic liver injury in rats and its relationship with TLR4 pathway.Methods According to Pueraria:Poria:Amomum villosum:Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae:Codonopsis:Zingiberis Rhizoma=15∶15∶10∶10∶10∶6,the water extract of the therapeutic prescription was prepared.A total of 78 female SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal group(n=12),model group(n=18),Hugan tablet group(0.35 g·kg-1,n=12),low-,medium-and high-dose Shiliaofang groups(2,6,18 g·kg-1,n=12).Except for the normal group,the rats in each group were induced alcoholic liver disease(ALD)by gradient alcohol gavage.After 10 weeks of intervention,the changes of body weight and water intake of rats were observed.The whole blood routine,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC)and liver malondialdehyde(MDA)were measured.The levels of serum alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH),aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH),lipopolysaccharide(LPS),D-lactic acid(D-LA),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-10(IL-10)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver and ileum.Oil red staining was used to observe liver fat deposition.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of ileal tight junction component occludin.Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 protein in liver.Results Compared with the model group,the levels of WBC,LYC,TC,ALT,AST,LPS,D-LA,TNF-α and IL-6 in each diet group decreased,IL-10 increased,liver inflammatory cell infiltration and red lipid droplets decreased,intestinal villi were intact and densely arranged,the expression of occludin protein in ileum increased,and the expression of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 protein in liver decreased.Conclusion The self-made dietotherapy prescription has a significant protective effect on chronic liver injury induced by alcohol in rats,which may be related to its down-regulation of TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB p65 protein expression and up-regulation of ileal occludin protein expression,improvement of intestinal mucosal barrier function,reduction of endotoxin entry into the liver,activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway,thereby reducing the second hit to the liver.This diet can be developed as a potential anti-alcoholic liver injury drug.
7.Epidemiologic characteristics of dengue fever in Ruili City at the China-Myanmar border in late 2023
Lirong YUAN ; Wenzhi YANG ; Yue OUYANG ; Tang LIU ; Hongmei ZHAN ; Run CHEN ; Junyu ZHANG ; Hongning ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(7):735-741
This study was aimed atanalyzing the epidemic characteristics of dengue fever in Ruili City atthe China-Myanmar bor-der in late 2023,to provide evidence for local dengue fever prevention and control measures.Adult Aedes mosquitoes were collected from Ruili City with a backpack type mosquito sucking machine in October of 2023.Serum samples frompatients with suspected den-gue were collected in acutephase,in November of 2023.Detection ofdengue virus(DENV)nucleic acids in Aedesmosquitoes and acute phase serum samples from suspected dengue fever patients using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,and nucleic acid positive samples were inoculated into Vero cells for viral culture.After three consecutive blind passage,samples with cytopathic effect(CPE)were collected for be sequencingand analysisof genetic and evolutionary information.Dengue case characteristics were analyzed through descriptive epidemiological methods.Among the 109 cases of dengue fever,the ratio of males to females was 1.27∶1.The youngest patient was 1 year old,the oldest patient was 84 years old,the age group of 20~59 years accounted for 73.39%,and the major-ity of occupations were freelancer(40.37%).A total of 827 female Aedes albopictus and 312 Aedes aegypti were collected,all of which tested negative for DENV nucleic acid.109 serum samples tested positive for DENV nucleic acid,including 49 DENV-1 and 60 DENV-2.Moreover,five DENV-1 and nine DENV-2 samples were obtainedthrough third-generation blind passaging with CPE.The E gene sequences of these five DENV-1 strains were detected,all were found to belong to DENV-1 genotype I,and had same evolu-tionary branch as the 2023 Guangzhou,China(PP563911),the 2019 Myanmar(MW793710),and 2019 Attapeu,Laos(MW559046).The nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarityamong the five DENV-1 genotype was 99.4%-99.9%and 99.8%-100.0%.Compared with the aforementioned epidemic strains,their nucleotide similarities were 99.5%-100.0%,99.4%-99.6%and 99.3%-99.5%,respec-tively,and amino acid similarity was 99.8%-100.0%.Nine DENV-2 E gene sequences were of Asian genotype I and belonged to the same evolutionary branch as the 2018 Myanmar(MW788982),2019 Hangzhou(OP684212)and 2019 Ruili(OQ928150).The nucleotide and amino acid similarities of the nine samples were 99.5%-100.0%and 99.8%-100.0%,respectively.Compared with the aforementioned epidemic strains,their nucleotide similarities were 99.7%-100.0%,99.3%-99.7%and 99.3%-99.7%,respectively,and the amino acid similarity was 99.8%-100%,99.8%-100.0%and 99.4%-99.6%,respectively.Two dengue vectors,Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti,were present in Ruili city,and the dengue outbreak was caused primarily by DENV-1 genotype I and DENV-2 Asian genotype I in later 2023.The sources of DENV-1 were probably the same as those of DENV-1 with Guangzhou(2023),and the sources of DENV-2 were probably from Myanmar.Dengue cases were found primarilyin the 20-59 year age group and freelancers,thus suggesting that relevant local departments should strengthen surveillance of dengue imported case and vector.
8.Three-dimensional ultrasonography assessment of fetal auricle for predicting congenital aural atresia
Youlu LIU ; Ting LEI ; Yuting JIANG ; Ju ZHENG ; Qiao ZHENG ; Miao HE ; Lihe ZHANG ; Hongning XIE
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(2):155-160
Objective:To explore the value of prenatal three-dimensional ultrasonography(3DUS)in displaying auricular morphotyping and dimensions for predicting congenital aural atresia(CAA).Methods:A retrospective collection of 227 fetuses who underwent ultrasound scans and retained auricular 3DUS volumes from January 2018 to December 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University was conducted. Fetuses were divided into two groups:a CAA group(52 fetuses,62 auricles)and a non-CAA group(175 fetuses,202 auricles),based on the presence or absence of external auditory canal identified through postnatal examination. According to 3DUS auricular contour and presence or absence of the concha,the auricles were divided into 4 types:type Ⅰ,C-shaped auricle with a concha;type Ⅱ,Irregular auricle with a concha;type Ⅲ,C-shaped auricle without a concha;type Ⅳ,Irregular auricle without a concha. And auricular length(AL)and width(AW)were measured to calculate the product of the auricular length and width(ALW). Normal reference ranges for ALW from the non-CAA group were developed. Differences of the auricular morphotyping and Z-score of ALW(ALWZ)were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of auricular morphotyping,ALWZ and the regression model. A Logistic regression model for CAA based on auricular morphotyping and ALWZ were established.Results:The auricular morphotyping and ALWZ between the two groups were different statistically(both P<0.05). The AUC of the auricular morphotyping and ALWZ predicting CAA were 0.960(95% CI = 0.923 - 0.997)and 0.975(95% CI = 0.959 - 0.991)individually. Formula for CAA prediction model combining the two indicators(5.379 × morphotyping - 2.386 × ALWZ - Conclusions:The auricular morphotyping and dimensions can effectively predict CAA.
9.Comparison of ankle dislocation exposure versus traditional posterolateral approach exposure in the treatment of complex posterior ankle malunion
Yongzhan ZHU ; Wenbo BAI ; Baoli ZOU ; Hongning ZHANG ; Zhiqiang XU ; Guodong SHEN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(1):32-38
Objective:To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between the ankle dislocation exposure versus the traditional posterolateral approach exposure in the treatment of complex posterior ankle malunion.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the 50 patients (50 feet) with posterior ankle malunion who had been treated at Department of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from May 2015 to June 2023. This cohort included 18 males and 32 females, with an age of (46.2±12.0) years. The duration from injury to surgery averaged 7.0 (4.0, 12.2) months. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the surgical exposure methods: an ankle dislocation group (22 cases) in which the posterior ankle malunion was exposed by ankle dislocation before reduction and fixation, and a traditional posterolateral approach group (28 cases) in which the posterior ankle malunion was exposed by the traditional posterolateral approach before reduction and fixation. Evaluation indices included operative time, ankle arthritis grading, incidence of complications, as well as pre-operative and last follow-up recordings of distal tibial articular angle and joint step-off, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, and ankle-hindfoot score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle society (AOFAS).Results:There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). The average follow-up was (39.4±17.9) months. The operative time in the dislocation group [(95.8±9.9) min] was significantly shorter than that in the posterolateral approach group [(121.9±14.3) min] ( P<0.05). The step-off on the distal tibial articular surface at the last follow-up in the dislocation group [0.3 (0.0, 0.9) mm] was significantly lower than that in the posterolateral approach group [1.0 (0.3, 1.1) mm] ( P<0.05). The grading of ankle arthritis was significantly worse in the posterolateral approach group than that in the dislocation group ( P<0.05). There were no differences in distal tibial articular angle, VAS pain score, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, or postoperative complications between the 2 groups at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Both ankle dislocation exposure and traditional posterolateral approach exposure yield satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with complex posterior ankle malunion. However, the ankle dislocation exposure offers a novel method for direct visualization of the malunion on multiple planes, which is more advantageous for restoration of the anatomical consistency of the distal tibial articular surface.
10.Left ventricular myocardial work in detecting early cardiac dysfunction in patients with Fabry disease
Hong ZHOU ; Zijie GUO ; Jing WANG ; Shengnan ZHANG ; Wenrui AI ; Jingchao LU ; Songyun ZHANG ; Hongning YIN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(8):708-716
Objective:To utilize the left ventricular myocardial work(LVMW)technique for early identification of myocardial damage in patients with fabry disease(FD).Methods:In an observational cross-sectional study,35 patients with FD who visited the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from February 2023 to April 2024 were included. They were categorized into two groups based on left ventricular mass index(LVMI):the non-left ventricular hypertrophy group(LVH-FD group,14 cases)and the left ventricular hypertrophy group(LVH+FD group,21 cases). Further gender-stratified analysis was performed on parameters related to left ventricular global longitudinal strain(LVGLS)and LVMW. Additionally,for the FD group with normal LVGLS,a comparison of their LVMW-related parameters was made with a control group. A control group consisting of 28 healthy subjects from the same period was selected for comparison. The LVGLS,global work index(LVGWI),global constructive work(LVGCW),global wasted work(LVGWW),and global work efficiency(LVGWE)of the three groups were analyzed using two-dimensional speckle tracking and non-invasive myocardial work techniques,and intergroup comparisons of these parameters were performed. Pearson's linear correlation was applied to analyse the correlation between LVGWI,LVGWE and LVMI.Results:① According to the LVMI grouping results,compared with the control group,the LVH-FD group showed decreased LVGWI( P<0.05),while the LVH+FD group exhibited reductions in LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE(all P<0.05). Compared to the LVH-FD group,the LVH+FD group demonstrated lower LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE(all P<0.05). ② Gender subgroup analysis revealed that in the female subgroup,no statistically significant differences were observed in LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE between the female control group and the female LVH-FD group(all P>0.05). However,the female LVH+ FD group showed decreased LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE compared to both the female control group(all P<0.05)and the female LVH-FD group(all P<0.05). In the male subgroup,compared to the male control group,the male LVH-FD group had reduced LVGWI( P<0.05)but no significant differences in LVGLS or LVGWE(both P>0.05). The male LVH+ FD group displayed lower LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE compared to both the male control group(all P<0.05)and the male LVH- FD group(all P<0.05). ③Compared with the control group,the LVGLS-normal FD group had a reduced LVGWI( P<0.05),while there were no statistically significant differences in LVGLS,LVGWE,LVGCW,and LVGWW between these two groups(all P>0.05). ④LVGWI and LVGWE were negatively correlated with LVMI( r=-0.617,-0.707;both P<0.001). Conclusions:LVMW can detect early cardiac dysfunction in patients with FD and is of guiding value for their clinical management.

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