1.Molecular Mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa in Regulating LINC01134-CTCF-p21 Axis to Inhibit Lung Adenocarcinoma Proliferation
Haipeng SUN ; He ZHUANG ; Xue LIU ; Siyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):131-138
ObjectiveTo explore the interaction and competitive binding of Homo sapiens long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1134 (LINC01134) to CCCTC-binding factor CTCF, affecting the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21) and influencing the proliferation of A549 cells, in order to investigate the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa (A-H) in inhibiting A549 proliferation by regulating this axis. MethodsRNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted to examine the interaction between LINC01134 and CTCF, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to study the effect of LINC01134 overexpression on the interaction between CTCF and p21. Stable A549 cell lines (oe-NC and oe-LINC01134) were established using lentiviral transfection, and each group was treated with 10% A-H drug-containing serum. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to detect the effects of A-H on the expression of LINC01134, CTCF, and p21 in A549 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of A-H on A549 cell proliferation via LINC01134. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the effects of A-H on the A549 cell cycle through LINC01134, and Western blot was used to detect changes in cell cycle proteins. ResultsCompared with the IgG group, the oe-CTCF group showed a significantly increased abundance of LINC01134 aggregates (P0.01). Compared with the oe-Vector group, p21 abundance in CTCF complexes was significantly reduced in the oe-LINC01134 group (P0.01). Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of LINC01134 and p21 (P0.05), but had no significant regulatory effect on CTCF. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed cell viability at 72 h (P0.05), inhibited malignant proliferation (P0.05), and reversed the proportions of cells in the G0/G1 and S phases (P0.01). Furthermore, compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E, CDK2, phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (p-Rb), and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) (P0.01). ConclusionA-H regulates the LINC01134-CTCF-p21 axis to block the G1/S phase transition of A549 cell cycle, accelerate cellular senescence, and inhibit malignant proliferation.
2.Analysis of Animal Models of Retinal Vein Occlusion Based on Clinical Manifestations of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Menglu MIAO ; Mei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):204-209
ObjectiveRetinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common vascular disease leading to vision loss. Since its pathogenesis remains unclear, current Western medical treatments primarily target complications such as macular edema and neovascularization. The main therapeutic approaches include intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents or corticosteroids, laser photocoagulation, and pars plana vitrectomy. However, these treatments cannot fully reverse disease progression or structural damage. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of RVO, and integrated Chinese and Western medicine approaches may offer better clinical outcomes. This study, based on the clinical manifestations of RVO, systematically reviews the existing literature and evaluates the alignment of current RVO animal models with clinical manifestations. The aim is to identify the characteristics and limitations of existing models and provide recommendations and prospects for developing RVO animal models featuring the combination of disease and syndrome. MethodsDatabases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched with the keywords of "retinal vein occlusion" and "animal model". Model characteristics were assessed based on the diagnostic criteria for diseases and syndromes in both TCM and Western medicine. The alignment of each model with clinical manifestations was analyzed and evaluated. ResultsThe available RVO models were primarily established via methods such as laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, diathermy, intravitreal drug injection, and mechanical modeling. These models demonstrated moderate overall alignment with clinical manifestations, mainly reflecting disease characteristics. However, they generally lack representation of TCM syndrome features. ConclusionExisting RVO models are predominantly based on Western medicine and lack TCM syndrome features. Western medical treatments for RVO have certain limitations, while syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM offer potential advantages. Future research should focus on developing disease-syndrome integrated animal models that incorporate both pathological features and TCM syndrome characteristics. This approach will enhance the design of RVO models and facilitate both basic and clinical research, which make it a scientifically valuable and necessary endeavor.
3.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment Principles of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Spleen-mitochondria Correlation
Shiyi WANG ; Miao YU ; Xinyao HE ; Zi WANG ; Haijun LUAN ; Yibo SUN ; Haotong WANG ; Linlin WANG ; Lijian PANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):258-264
According to the Qi-blood-body fluid theory and the association between the spleen in visceral manifestation theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and mitochondria in modern cellular biology, it is proposed that the role of the spleen in generating and transforming Qi and blood is analogous to the energy-producing function of mitochondria—both serving as fundamental power sources for vital activities of the human body. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, playing a critical role in energy metabolism and the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Similarly, mitochondria are vital for maintaining physiological functions such as cellular energy supply, cell survival, and overall human metabolism. Furthermore, spleen deficiency is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Accordingly, mitochondrial energy conversion and substance metabolism are regarded as the microscopic essence of the spleen's function in transportation and transformation. Spleen deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the formation of pathological products such as phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis. This aligns with the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with Qi deficiency as the root cause and phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis as the manifestations. Therefore, the integrative treatment of COPD should follow the therapeutic principle of invigorating the spleen and reinforcing healthy Qi, while also resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to address both root cause and manifestations. This approach can improve the mitochondrial function, regulate energy metabolism, and reduce oxidative stress levels to alleviate COPD symptoms, slow down disease progression, and improve prognosis. By integrating the holistic concept of TCM with molecular mechanisms of modern medicine, this paper explores the pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of COPD from the spleen-mitochondria correlation. It not only provides a new direction for the modern development of TCM and the integration of Chinese and Western medicine but also offers a theoretical foundation for the integrated treatment of chronic, complex age-related diseases.
4.Xuefu Zhuyutang in Malignant Tumor Disease: A Review
Jiaqi JI ; Xiaoqing HU ; Yihan ZHAO ; Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Junwen PEI ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):321-330
Cancer has become a significant global public health issue, severely impacting public health and societal development. Despite advances in tumor treatment methods in recent years and a gradual decline in cancer mortality rates, drug-related adverse reactions and drug resistance remain substantial challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in cancer treatment and small side effects, making it widely applied in the field of oncology. Xuefu Zhuyutang, derived from Yilin Gaicuo, is known for its abilities to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, promote Qi flow, and alleviate pain. It was specifically formulated by the esteemed WANG Qingren of the Qing dynasty for the "blood stasis syndrome in the blood mansion" and is commonly used to treat Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Clinical studies have shown that Xuefu Zhuyutang, when combined with conventional Western medications, produces significant effects in the treatment of malignant tumors such as liver cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. It substantially reduces the incidence of adverse reactions following Western treatments, including radiation esophagitis, radiation encephalopathy, radiation-induced oral mucositis, and edema. Additionally, it alleviates cancer-related pain and fever, blood hypercoagulability, and associated complications such as depression and anxiety, and also mitigates chemotherapy-induced side effects like hand-foot syndrome. Basic research has demonstrated its potential anti-tumor mechanisms, including the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation, suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation, and anti-tumor angiogenesis. Pharmacological studies have revealed that its active components inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, induce tumor cell apoptosis, suppress tumor angiogenesis, enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against tumors, improve the tumor microenvironment, and regulate immune function. This paper reviewed the latest research progress on Xuefu Zhuyutang in the treatment of malignant tumors from four aspects: theoretical exploration, clinical studies, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological basis, aiming to provide insights and methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.
5.Molecular Mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa in Regulating LINC01134-CTCF-p21 Axis to Inhibit Lung Adenocarcinoma Proliferation
Haipeng SUN ; He ZHUANG ; Xue LIU ; Siyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):131-138
ObjectiveTo explore the interaction and competitive binding of Homo sapiens long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1134 (LINC01134) to CCCTC-binding factor CTCF, affecting the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21) and influencing the proliferation of A549 cells, in order to investigate the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa (A-H) in inhibiting A549 proliferation by regulating this axis. MethodsRNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted to examine the interaction between LINC01134 and CTCF, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to study the effect of LINC01134 overexpression on the interaction between CTCF and p21. Stable A549 cell lines (oe-NC and oe-LINC01134) were established using lentiviral transfection, and each group was treated with 10% A-H drug-containing serum. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to detect the effects of A-H on the expression of LINC01134, CTCF, and p21 in A549 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of A-H on A549 cell proliferation via LINC01134. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the effects of A-H on the A549 cell cycle through LINC01134, and Western blot was used to detect changes in cell cycle proteins. ResultsCompared with the IgG group, the oe-CTCF group showed a significantly increased abundance of LINC01134 aggregates (P0.01). Compared with the oe-Vector group, p21 abundance in CTCF complexes was significantly reduced in the oe-LINC01134 group (P0.01). Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of LINC01134 and p21 (P0.05), but had no significant regulatory effect on CTCF. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed cell viability at 72 h (P0.05), inhibited malignant proliferation (P0.05), and reversed the proportions of cells in the G0/G1 and S phases (P0.01). Furthermore, compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E, CDK2, phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (p-Rb), and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) (P0.01). ConclusionA-H regulates the LINC01134-CTCF-p21 axis to block the G1/S phase transition of A549 cell cycle, accelerate cellular senescence, and inhibit malignant proliferation.
6.Analysis of Animal Models of Retinal Vein Occlusion Based on Clinical Manifestations of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Menglu MIAO ; Mei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):204-209
ObjectiveRetinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common vascular disease leading to vision loss. Since its pathogenesis remains unclear, current Western medical treatments primarily target complications such as macular edema and neovascularization. The main therapeutic approaches include intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents or corticosteroids, laser photocoagulation, and pars plana vitrectomy. However, these treatments cannot fully reverse disease progression or structural damage. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of RVO, and integrated Chinese and Western medicine approaches may offer better clinical outcomes. This study, based on the clinical manifestations of RVO, systematically reviews the existing literature and evaluates the alignment of current RVO animal models with clinical manifestations. The aim is to identify the characteristics and limitations of existing models and provide recommendations and prospects for developing RVO animal models featuring the combination of disease and syndrome. MethodsDatabases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched with the keywords of "retinal vein occlusion" and "animal model". Model characteristics were assessed based on the diagnostic criteria for diseases and syndromes in both TCM and Western medicine. The alignment of each model with clinical manifestations was analyzed and evaluated. ResultsThe available RVO models were primarily established via methods such as laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, diathermy, intravitreal drug injection, and mechanical modeling. These models demonstrated moderate overall alignment with clinical manifestations, mainly reflecting disease characteristics. However, they generally lack representation of TCM syndrome features. ConclusionExisting RVO models are predominantly based on Western medicine and lack TCM syndrome features. Western medical treatments for RVO have certain limitations, while syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM offer potential advantages. Future research should focus on developing disease-syndrome integrated animal models that incorporate both pathological features and TCM syndrome characteristics. This approach will enhance the design of RVO models and facilitate both basic and clinical research, which make it a scientifically valuable and necessary endeavor.
7.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment Principles of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Spleen-mitochondria Correlation
Shiyi WANG ; Miao YU ; Xinyao HE ; Zi WANG ; Haijun LUAN ; Yibo SUN ; Haotong WANG ; Linlin WANG ; Lijian PANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):258-264
According to the Qi-blood-body fluid theory and the association between the spleen in visceral manifestation theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and mitochondria in modern cellular biology, it is proposed that the role of the spleen in generating and transforming Qi and blood is analogous to the energy-producing function of mitochondria—both serving as fundamental power sources for vital activities of the human body. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, playing a critical role in energy metabolism and the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Similarly, mitochondria are vital for maintaining physiological functions such as cellular energy supply, cell survival, and overall human metabolism. Furthermore, spleen deficiency is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Accordingly, mitochondrial energy conversion and substance metabolism are regarded as the microscopic essence of the spleen's function in transportation and transformation. Spleen deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the formation of pathological products such as phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis. This aligns with the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with Qi deficiency as the root cause and phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis as the manifestations. Therefore, the integrative treatment of COPD should follow the therapeutic principle of invigorating the spleen and reinforcing healthy Qi, while also resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to address both root cause and manifestations. This approach can improve the mitochondrial function, regulate energy metabolism, and reduce oxidative stress levels to alleviate COPD symptoms, slow down disease progression, and improve prognosis. By integrating the holistic concept of TCM with molecular mechanisms of modern medicine, this paper explores the pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of COPD from the spleen-mitochondria correlation. It not only provides a new direction for the modern development of TCM and the integration of Chinese and Western medicine but also offers a theoretical foundation for the integrated treatment of chronic, complex age-related diseases.
8.Xuefu Zhuyutang in Malignant Tumor Disease: A Review
Jiaqi JI ; Xiaoqing HU ; Yihan ZHAO ; Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Junwen PEI ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):321-330
Cancer has become a significant global public health issue, severely impacting public health and societal development. Despite advances in tumor treatment methods in recent years and a gradual decline in cancer mortality rates, drug-related adverse reactions and drug resistance remain substantial challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in cancer treatment and small side effects, making it widely applied in the field of oncology. Xuefu Zhuyutang, derived from Yilin Gaicuo, is known for its abilities to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, promote Qi flow, and alleviate pain. It was specifically formulated by the esteemed WANG Qingren of the Qing dynasty for the "blood stasis syndrome in the blood mansion" and is commonly used to treat Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Clinical studies have shown that Xuefu Zhuyutang, when combined with conventional Western medications, produces significant effects in the treatment of malignant tumors such as liver cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. It substantially reduces the incidence of adverse reactions following Western treatments, including radiation esophagitis, radiation encephalopathy, radiation-induced oral mucositis, and edema. Additionally, it alleviates cancer-related pain and fever, blood hypercoagulability, and associated complications such as depression and anxiety, and also mitigates chemotherapy-induced side effects like hand-foot syndrome. Basic research has demonstrated its potential anti-tumor mechanisms, including the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation, suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation, and anti-tumor angiogenesis. Pharmacological studies have revealed that its active components inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, induce tumor cell apoptosis, suppress tumor angiogenesis, enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against tumors, improve the tumor microenvironment, and regulate immune function. This paper reviewed the latest research progress on Xuefu Zhuyutang in the treatment of malignant tumors from four aspects: theoretical exploration, clinical studies, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological basis, aiming to provide insights and methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.
9.Pathogenesis and Prevention Strategies of Hypercoagulable State in Malignant Tumors Based on the Theory of "Sweet-Flavored Medicinals Retaining and Restoring Body Fluid"
Yong WANG ; Zixuan CHENG ; Weiyang KONG ; Yuwei SUN ; Yunxuan SHI ; Ruyu QIN ; Zhaidong LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):26-30
Based on the theory of "sweet-flavored medicinals retaining and restoring body fluid", this paper proposed that the core pathogenesis of hypercoagulable state in malignant tumors is qi deficiency and fluid consumption, blood stasis and vessels stagnation, which evolves dynamically according to the pattern "qi deficiency → fluid consumption → blood stasis". Accordingly, a staged treatment system is established with the general principle of "fortifying the middle jiao, restoring fluid and activating blood circulation". In the initial stage, invigorating the spleen and boosting qi to generate body fluid, targeting the onset of middle jiao deficiency and body fluid consumption; in the middle stage, nourishing yin and unblocking collaterals to facilitate body fluid circulation, addressing the disorder of body fluid transportation and collateral injury caused by internal dryness; in the late stage, consolidating yin and resolving blood stasis to retain body fluid, resolving yin impairment, fluid exhaustion, and binding of stasis and toxin. By regulating body fluid metabolism to improve the hypercoagulable state, this system is intended to provide insights for the prevention and treatment of hypercoagulable state in malignant tumors with traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Effect of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) Combined with Western Medicine on Clinical Effectiveness and Immune Function for Patients with Bronchial Asthma of Heat Wheezing Syndrome
Ying SUN ; Haibo HU ; Na LIU ; Fengchan WANG ; Jinbao ZONG ; Ping HAN ; Peng LI ; Guojing ZHAO ; Haoran WANG ; Xuechao LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):38-44
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) combined with western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome, and to explore its potential mechanism of action. MethodsEighty-six participants with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, each group with 43 participants. The control group received conventional western medicine, and the treatment group was additionally administered Qingfei Shenshi Decoction orally on the basis of the control group, 1 dose per day. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The primary outcome measure was clinical effectiveness; secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, asthma control test (ACT) score, pulmonary function indices such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), serum inflammatory factor levels including interleukin-4 (IL-4), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and immune function indices including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+. All outcome measures were evaluated before and after treatment. Vital signs were monitored, and electrocardiography, blood routine, urine routine, liver function, and renal function tests were performed before and after treatment. Adverse events and reactions during the study were recorded. ResultsA total of 80 patients completed the trial with 40 in each group. The total clinical effective rate of the treatment group was 97.5% (39/40), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (85.0%, 34/40, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased TCM syndrome scores, IL-4, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and CD8+ levels, as well as increased ACT scores, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, FEV1, FVC, and PEF levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the improvements in these indices were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant abnormalities in safety indicators were observed in either group, and no adverse events or reactions occurred. ConclusionQingfei Shenshi Decoction combined with conventional western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and clinical effectiveness, with good safety. Its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammatory factor levels and regulating T lymphocyte subsets to improve immune function.

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