1.Combined Therapy of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Review
Xuan WU ; Hui LI ; Jian HUANG ; Xikun YANG ; Yan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):279-288
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of viral hepatitis and represents a substantial disease burden in China. However, effective and safe agents capable of completely eliminating HBV DNA are still lacking. In modern medicine, anti-HBV strategies mainly target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), among other mechanisms, and multiple novel drugs are currently under clinical investigation. Traditional medicine has been shown to exert anti-HBV effects through direct pathways, such as blocking viral entry, as well as indirect pathways, including the regulation of programmed cell death. Studies have confirmed that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating HBV infection and its related complications offers complementary advantages, particularly in enhancing HBV clearance rates, improving liver function, preventing various complications, and delaying the progression from hepatic fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on advances in anti-HBV research involving TCM, Western medicine, and their integrated application, aiming to provide a basis for integrated HBV therapy and new drug development.
2.Shaoyaotang Regulates miRNA-155-mediated SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 Signaling Pathway to Affect Macrophage Polarization
Qi CHENG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Yiqian YU ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Jiachun XIONG ; Jun XIONG ; Dichang LAI ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):43-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Shaoyaotang regulates the miRNA-155-mediated suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1)/Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathway and thereby affects macrophage polarization. MethodsThe cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the effect of drug-containing serum of Shaoyaotang at different concentrations on the viability of RAW 264.7 cells. A cell model of inflammation was established by stimulating RAW264.7 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a concentration of 10 mg·L-1 The modeled cells were assigned by the random number table method into seven groups: LPS-induced M1 polarization (model), M1+miRNA-155 mimics, M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor, M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, and M1+blank serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)]. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of macrophage polarization markers [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and macrophage mannose receptor 1 (CD206)]. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the expression of miRNA-155 in cells. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of SOCS1, STAT1, and JAK1. ResultsCompared with the LPS-induced M1 polarization (model) group, the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group showed up-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and down-regulated expression of CD206 (P<0.05). In both the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group and the M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group, the expression levels of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS were down-regulated (P<0.05), while those of SOCS1 and CD206 were up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group, the M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 (P<0.05). Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group, the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 (P<0.05). ConclusionShaoyaotang regulates macrophage polarization by modulating miRNA-155 expression and interfering with the SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway. The findings provide new experimental evidence for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with Shaoyaotang.
3.Effect and Mechanisms of Shaoyaotang on Murine Ulcerative Colitis via Modulating Macrophage Glycolytic Reprogramming and Polarization Through HIF-1α Pathway
Yiqian YU ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Ruoru HUANG ; Qi CHENG ; Youwei XIAO ; Yan GONG ; Jiachun XIONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):53-60
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential role and underlying mechanisms of Shaoyaotang in intervening macrophage glycolytic reprogramming in ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsForty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups: Normal control group, model group, mesalazine group (0.39 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang group (15.54 g·kg-1), 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) group (glycolysis inhibitor, 100 mg·kg-1), and 2-DG + Shaoyaotang combined group (100 mg·kg-1+15.54 g·kg-1). Except for the normal control group, mice in the other five groups were induced to establish UC models using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The normal control group was administered pure water via intragastric gavage, while the other groups received intragastric gavage of mesalazine solution, intragastric gavage of Shaoyaotang, and the 2-DG group was treated with 2-DG via intraperitoneal injection. After 7 consecutive days of treatment, colonic tissues were extracted. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate histopathological changes and tissue injury in the colon. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in colonic tissues. Western blot analysis was employed to determine the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), glucose transporter (GLUT1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in colonic tissues. Immunofluorescence was conducted to detect the expression of CD206 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in colonic tissues. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized to measure lactate and citrate levels in colonic tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, mice in the model group exhibited a significant increase in disease activity index (DAI) scores, accompanied by colonic mucosal congestion, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration, significantly elevated expression of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (P<0.05), significantly decreased IL-10 expression (P<0.05), significantly increased levels of HIF-1α, GLUT1, LDHA, PKM2, and PFKFB3 in colonic tissues (P<0.05), markedly elevated iNOS expression (P<0.05), significantly decreased CD206 expression (P<0.05), and significantly elevated lactate and citrate levels in colonic tissues (P<0.05). In contrast to the model group, the Shaoyaotang group, inhibitor group, and Shaoyaotang combined with inhibitor group demonstrated amelioration of mucosal injury in colonic tissues, markely decreased expression levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (P<0.05), elevated IL-10 expression levels, significantly decreased expression of HIF-1α, GLUT1, LDHA, PKM2, and PFKFB3 (P<0.05), markedly reduced iNOS expression levels (P<0.05), significantly increased CD206 expression (P<0.05) and significantly decreased lactate and citrate levels (P<0.05). ConclusionShaoyaotang ameliorates symptoms of DSS-induced UC in mice, and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with regulating macrophage glycolytic reprogramming via modulation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway.
4.Shaoyaotang Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating miR-155-5p
Ruoru HUANG ; Bo ZOU ; Yu ZHANG ; Yiqian YU ; Qi CHENG ; Youwei XIAO ; Jiachun XIONG ; Yan GONG ; Dongshen WU ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):61-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) in ulcerative colitis (UC) and study the molecular mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the treatment of UC by regulating miR-155-5p. MethodsForty-eight SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were selected and assigned via the random number table method into 6 groups (n=8): A blank control group, a model group, a mesalazine (0.39 g·kg-1) group, a Shaoyaotang (31.08 g·kg-1) group, a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor (baricitinib, 10 mg·kg-1) group, and a Shaoyaotang combined with inhibitor (baricitinib 10 mg·kg-1 + Shaoyaotang 31.08 g·kg-1) group. After successful modeling of UC by gavage of 3% dextran sulphate sodium solution, each group received corresponding drug intervention for 7 days. Shaoyaotang and mesalazine were administered by gavage, and baricitinib by intraperitoneal injection. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, mice were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium, and blood was collected for determination of white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Mice were then sacrificed for measurement of colon length. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe colonic pathological changes and perform pathological scoring. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the relative expression of miR-155-5p in the colonic tissue, and Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of JAK1, phosphorylated JAK1 (p-JAK1), suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and phosphorylated STAT1 (p-STAT1). ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased disease activity index (DAI) score and pathological score, shortened colon, upregulated relative expression of miR-155-5p and protein levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT1, downregulated protein level of SOCS1 in the colonic tissue, prolonged time of erythrocyte sedimentation, and increased white blood cell count (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all drug-treated groups exhibited improvements in the above indicators (P<0.01). Moreover, the Shaoyaotang group showed better therapeutic effects than the mesalazine group in regulating miR-155-5p expression, related protein levels, DAI score, and colonic pathological score (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang may downregulate miR-155-5p to relieve its inhibition on SOCS1, thereby suppressing the excessive activation of the JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway and ultimately alleviating intestinal inflammatory damage.
5.Shaoyaotang Regulates TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Protect Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Ulcerative Colitis
Dongsheng WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenjing QUAN ; Wanqing XIONG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):69-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in intestinal mucosal barrier damage in ulcerative colitis, as well as the intervention mechanism of Shaoyaotang. MethodsSixty SD rats were allocated into a blank group, a model group, a mesalazine (0.42 g·kg-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (11.1, 22.2, 44.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Shaoyaotang groups. A model of ulcerative colitis was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). After successful modeling, rats were administrated with corresponding agents via gavage for 7 days. Changes in colon length and colon weight were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine the pathological changes of the colon, and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), junction adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1), and claudin-1 in the colon. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the colon. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated DAI score (P<0.01), reduced colon length and colon weight (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed decreased DAI score (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased colon length and colon weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. ConclusionShaoyaotang alleviates intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage to protect intestinal barrier integrity by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
6.Clinical Observation on Huatan Quyu Formula Improving Cerebral Small Vessel Disease with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Blocking Collateral Pattern via Regulating Glymphatic System Circulation
Xiaofeng HUANG ; Ting YU ; Xuan ZHANG ; Daichao MA ; Yongmei YAN ; Hui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):205-211
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Huatan Quyu formula in treating cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern via randomized controlled trial, and explore its mechanism of improving CSVD by regulating glymphatic system (GS) circulation. MethodsSixty-eight CSVD patients with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern in the Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine from April to December 2024 were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (34 cases) and a control group, with 34 cases in each group. Both groups received basic Western medicine treatment, while the experimental group additionally received Huatan Quyu formula. After a course of 12 weeks, the following parameters were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores of phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern. Perivascular space (PVS) in the frontal lobe/basal ganglia and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow parameters in the cerebral aqueduct were evaluated by 3.0T brain MRI, cerebrospinal fluid flow imaging, and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). Then, safety indicators were monitored, and SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. ResultsSixty-four patients completed the study (32 in each group). ①Baseline data: No statistically significant difference was found between the two group. ②Efficacy indicators: After treatment, the experimental group exhibited significantly improved total POMA, SCOPA-AUT, and TCM syndrome scores (P<0.01), outperforming the control group (P<0.05). No significant change was observed in MoCA scores between the two groups. ③Imaging indicators: The experimental group showed a reduced PVS area alongside significantly increased CSF flow parameters (including downward flow during the systolic period, and upward flow during the diastolic period) (P<0.01), which were superior to the control group (P<0.01). ④Safety: The laboratory indicators were normal in both groups, with no drug-related adverse reactions. ConclusionFor CSVD patients with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern, Huatan Quyu formula can safely and effectively improve motor function, autonomic nerve function, and TCM syndromes, with potential mechanisms related to pulsatile CSF flow enhancement and GS circulation efficiency improvement.
7.Application and Advance of Image Compression Algorithms in Medical Imaging
Jiawen SHANG ; Peng HUANG ; Zhixing CHANG ; Yuhan FAN ; Zhihui HU ; Ke ZHANG ; Jianrong DAI ; Hui YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1281-1290
Medical imaging technology plays a crucial role in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Image compression technology provides robust technical support for the storage and transmission of massive medical imaging data, serving as an effective safeguard for hospital data backup and telemedicine. The technology holds broad application prospects in the medical field, enabling the processing of various imaging modalities, multidimensional imaging, and medical video imaging. This study elaborates on general image and video compression algorithms, the application of compression algorithms in the medical field, and the performance metrics of medical image compression, thereby providing critical technical support for enhancing clinical diagnostic efficiency and data management security.
8.Mini-barcode development based on chloroplast genome of Descurainiae Semen Lepidii Semen and its adulterants and its application in Chinese patent medicine.
Hui LI ; Yu-Jie ZENG ; Xin-Yi LI ; ABDULLAH ; Yu-Hua HUANG ; Ru-Shan YAN ; Rui SHAO ; Yu WANG ; Xiao-Xuan TIAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1758-1769
Descurainiae Semen Lepidii Semen, also known as Tinglizi, originates from Brassicaceae plants Descurainia sophia or Lepidium apetalum. The former is commonly referred to as "Southern Tinglizi(Descurainiae Semen)", while the latter is known as "Northern Tinglizi(Lepidii Semen)". To scientifically and accurately identify the origin of Tinglizi medicinal materials and traditional Chinese medicine products, this study developed a specific DNA mini-barcode based on chloroplast genome sequences. By combining the DNA mini-barcode with DNA metabarcoding technology, a method for the qualitative and quantitative identification of Tinglizi medicinal materials and Chinese patent medicines was established. In this study, chloroplast genomes of Southern Tinglizi and Northern Tinglizi and seven commonly encountered counterfeit products were downloaded from the GenBank database. Suitable polymorphic regions were identified to differentiate these species, enabling the development of the DNA mini-barcode. Using DNA metabarcoding technology, medicinal material mixtures of Southern and Northern Tinglizi, as well as the most common counterfeit product, Capsella bursa-pastoris seeds, were analyzed to validate the qualitative and quantitative capabilities of the mini-barcode and determine its minimum detection limit. Additionally, the mini-barcode was applied to Chinese patent medicines containing Tinglizi to authenticate their botanical origin. The results showed that the developed mini-barcode(psbB) exhibited high accuracy and specificity, effectively distinguishing between the two authentic origins of Tinglizi and commonly encountered counterfeit products. The analysis of mixtures demonstrated that the mini-barcode had excellent qualitative and quantitative capabilities, accurately identifying the composition of Chinese medicinal materials in mixed samples with varying proportions. Furthermore, the analysis of Chinese patent medicines revealed the presence of the adulterant species(Capsella bursa-pastoris) in addition to the authentic species(Southern and Northern Tinglizi), indicating the occurrence of adulteration in commercially available Tinglizi-containing products. This study developed a method for the qualitative and quantitative identification of multi-origin Chinese medicinal materials and related products, providing a model for research on other multi-origin Chinese medicinal materials.
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Drug Contamination
;
Genome, Chloroplast
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
9.Research on software development and smart manufacturing platform incorporating near-infrared spectroscopy for measuring traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing process.
Yan-Fei WU ; Hui XU ; Kai-Yi WANG ; Hui-Min FENG ; Xiao-Yi LIU ; Nan LI ; Zhi-Jian ZHONG ; Ze-Xiu ZHANG ; Zhi-Sheng WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2324-2333
Process analytical technology(PAT) is a key means for digital transformation and upgrading of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) manufacturing process, serving as an important guarantee for consistent and controllable TCM product quality. Near-infrared(NIR) spectroscopy has become the core technology for measuring the TCM manufacturing process. By incorporating NIR spectroscopy into PAT and starting from the construction of a smart platform for the TCM manufacturing process, this paper systematically described the development history and innovative application of the combination of NIR spectroscopy with chemometrics in measuring the TCM manufacturing process by the research team over the past two decades. Additionally, it explored the application of a validation method based on accuracy profile(AP) in the practice of NIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the software development progress driven by NIR spectroscopy supported by modeling technology was analyzed, and the prospect of integrating NIR spectroscopy in smart factory control platforms was exemplified with the construction practices of related platforms. By integrating with the smart platform, NIR spectroscopy could improve production efficiency and guarantee product quality. Finally, the prospect of the smart platform application in measuring the TCM manufacturing process was projected. It is believed that the software development for NIR spectroscopy and the smart manufacturing platform will provide strong technical support for TCM digitalization and industrialization.
Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared/methods*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis*
;
Software
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Quality Control
10.Cloning, subcellular localization and expression analysis of SmIAA7 gene from Salvia miltiorrhiza
Yu-ying HUANG ; Ying CHEN ; Bao-wei WANG ; Fan-yuan GUAN ; Yu-yan ZHENG ; Jing FAN ; Jin-ling WANG ; Xiu-hua HU ; Xiao-hui WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):514-525
The auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) gene family is an important regulator for plant growth hormone signaling, involved in plant growth, development, as well as response to environmental stresses. In the present study, we identified

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