1.Mechanisms of Liuwei Buqi Prescription in Regulating Macrophage Efferocytosis for Treatment of Lung-kidney Qi Deficiency Syndrome in COPD Based on Nrf2/MARCO Signaling Pathway
Jiankang JIANG ; Hui WANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Zegeng LI ; Jiabing TONG ; Fan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):222-229
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Liuwei Buqi prescription (LWBQ) regulates alveolar macrophage efferocytosis and improves inflammatory responses in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by lung-kidney Qi deficiency based on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) pathway. MethodsSuccessfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, low-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-L, 2.25 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-M, 4.5 g·kg-1·d-1), high-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-H, 9 g·kg-1·d-1), and aminophylline group (AMIN, 50 mg·kg-1·d-1), with 8 rats in each group. Another 8 healthy rats were included as the blank group. Except for the blank group, rats in the remaining groups were subjected to smoke exposure combined with forced swimming, intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation, and subcutaneous hydrocortisone injection to establish a COPD model with lung-kidney Qi deficiency. After successful modeling, rats were administered different doses of LWBQ or AMIN by gavage. Body weight, fur condition, and oral secretions were observed. Pulmonary function was measured using an animal lung function analyzer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum (SER). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to examine pathological changes in lung tissue. Giemsa staining was performed to detect eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils in BALF. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis in lung tissue. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to determine the protein and mRNA expression levels of efferocytosis-related proteins growth arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6), milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), and pathway-related proteins Nrf2 and MARCO in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reduced food intake, nasal and oral secretions with sputum, and decreased body weight (P<0.01), decreased peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P<0.01), increased forced vital capacity (FVC) (P<0.01), and decreased forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s/forced vital capacity [FEV0.3/FVC (%)] (P<0.01). The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α in BALF and SER were increased (P<0.01). Lung tissue exhibited structural destruction, hyperplasia, inflammatory exudation, increased apoptotic cells, and increased mean optical density (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of GAS6, MFG-E8, and MARCO, as well as Nrf2 mRNA expression, were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the LWBQ groups showed increased food intake, reduced nasal and oral secretions with sputum, and increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). PEF was increased (P<0.01). FVC was increased in rats treated with low- and medium-dose LWBQ (P<0.01), and FEV0.3/FVC (%) was increased in rats treated with medium- and high-dose LWBQ (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α in BALF and SER were decreased (P<0.01). Lung tissue structure was relatively intact, with improvement in hyperplasia and inflammatory exudation. The number of apoptotic cells in lung tissue was reduced, and mean optical density was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of efferocytosis-related proteins GAS6 and MFG-E8 and pathway-related proteins Nrf2 and MARCO were increased (P<0.01). ConclusionLWBQ can alleviate pulmonary and systemic inflammation, improve lung function, and reduce lung tissue damage in rats with COPD characterized by lung-kidney Qi deficiency. The mechanism may be related to enhancement of alveolar macrophage efferocytosis through regulation of the Nrf2/MARCO pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
3.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
4.Effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on orthodontic tooth movement and bone microstructure parameters on the tension side in rats
Chengbo YAN ; Qiuchi LUO ; Jiabing FAN ; Yeting GU ; Qian DENG ; Junmei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):824-831
BACKGROUND:Bone remodeling is the biological basis of orthodontic tooth movement.Type 2 diabetes mellitus leads to metabolic changes in the jaw and alveolar bone,so it is hypothesized that tooth mobility characteristics may be altered in a high-sugar environment.OBJECTIVE:To explore the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on orthodontic tooth movement in rats within one tooth movement cycle.METHODS:Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were selected.Forty rats were randomly chosen and fed with a high-fat diet to construct a type 2 diabetes mellitus model.Thirty-two rats that were successfully modeled were randomly divided into a type 2 diabetes mellitus group(n=16)and a diabetic orthodontic group(n=16).The remaining 32 rats were randomly divided into a control group(n=16)and an orthodontic group(n=16).The rats in the orthodontic group and the diabetic orthodontic group were equipped with nickel-titanium coil spring orthodontic force application devices to move the unilateral maxillary first molars mesially with a force of 50 g.The rats were anesthetized and sacrificed on the 3rd,7th,14th,and 21st days after orthodontic treatment,and Micro-CT was used to measure the mesial displacement of the first molars and detect the changes in the bone microstructure parameters on the tension side.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were significant differences in the tooth movement distances among the four groups of rats on the 3rd,7th,14th,and 21st days of orthodontic treatment(P<0.05).There were significant differences in bone mineral density,bone volume fraction and trabecular bone separation on the tension side among the four groups on the 7th,14th,and 21st days of orthodontic treatment(P<0.05).There were differences in the trabecular thickness among the four groups on the 3rd and 14th days of orthodontic treatment(P<0.05).The diabetic orthodontic group had the smallest tension-side alveolar bone mineral density,bone volume fraction,and trabecular thickness,and the largest tooth movement distance and trabecular separation on the 21st day of orthodontic treatment.The above results indicate that type 2 diabetes mellitus adversely affects bone microstructural parameters on the tension side in orthodontic tooth movement in rats,suggesting the occurrence of an osteoporotic state.
5.Exploring Content and Distribution Patterns of 22 Ginsenosides in Stems and Leaves of Panax ginseng with Different Stem Colors by UHPLC-QqQ-MS
Tianxin ZHANG ; Yang YANG ; Jiabing ZHANG ; Lixia WANG ; Xiaoxu CHEN ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Dade YU ; Hongwei WU ; Zhuju WANG ; Kaiyang LIU ; Liying TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):198-209
ObjectiveTo systematically elucidate the accumulation characteristics of secondary metabolites in the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng with different stem colors. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) was employed to determine the of 22 ginsenosides in the stems and leaves of 2- to 5-year-old P. ginseng plants with green and purple stems. Principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to explore the distribution patterns of ginsenosides from three dimensions: tissue distribution, growth duration, and stem color. Results① Tissue distribution: Leaves served as the primary organ for ginsenoside accumulation, exhibiting significantly higher total ginsenoside content than stems, which indicated distinct tissue-specific distribution of ginsenosides. ② Growth duration: Ginsenoside levels in stems generally peaked in the 2-year-old plants before stabilizing, while those in leaves displayed a declining-rebounding pattern, indicating that the 2-year-old plants (harvest stage) was a critical time point for the resurgence of leaf ginsenosides. ③ Stem color: A stage-specific correlation was observed between stem color and ginsenoside accumulation. In stems, the early-growth stage (2-year-old) of purple-stemmed plants exhibited higher content of specific ginsenosides (e.g., ginsenoside Rk1 and notoginsenoside R1), which may be associated with its stronger early-stage stress resistance. In leaves, the content of core ginsenosides (e.g., ginsenosides Re and Rd) in 5-year-old plants with green stems showed a surpassing trend, demonstrating higher potential of resource development. ConclusionThe accumulation of ginsenosides in P. ginseng stems and leaves is multidimensionally regulated by tissue type, growth duration, and stem color phenotypes. Purple-stemmed plants exhibit early-stage specific ginsenoside accumulation and stress resistance potential, whereas green-stemmed plants are more advantageous for core leaf ginsenoside development at the harvest stage. The findings confirm that aboveground stem color can serve as a biomarker for directed breeding and efficient resource utilization of P. ginseng.
6.Etiology, Pathogenesis, Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Rules of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qinjun YANG ; Mingxiang HAN ; Limei WEI ; Shuyu XU ; Lu ZHANG ; Cheng YANG ; Jiabing TONG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):226-234
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease characterized by airflow limitation, and its high morbidity and disability rates pose a severe challenge to global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated definite efficacy and distinctive characteristics in the treatment of COPD. Based on the understanding of ancient and modern physicians regarding the etiology, pathogenesis, and stage-based syndrome differentiation of COPD, this article systematically elaborates on the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment of COPD. COPD is characterized by deficiency at root and excess in manifestation, with the coexistence of deficiency and excess. Qi deficiency is the fundamental pathogenesis underlying the occurrence and development of COPD and runs throughout the entire disease course. The disease begins with deficiency of lung qi and gradually affects the spleen and kidney, leading to the internal generation of dampness, phlegm, and blood stasis. Phlegm and blood stasis are not only pathological products but also deep-rooted causes of recurrent disease. Together with qi deficiency, they are mutually causal and form a vicious cycle. During the acute exacerbation stage of COPD, phlegm and blood stasis constitute the predominant underlying pathology and are often induced by invasion of pathogenic factors due to deficiency of healthy Qi. In addition, innovative understandings of the etiology and pathogenesis of COPD have emerged from the perspectives of collateral disease, latent pathogens, smoke toxins, and dysfunction of the Shaoyang pivot. During the stable stage, deficiency of Qi in the lung, spleen, and kidney predominates and is often accompanied by phlegm and blood stasis. In the clinical differentiation and treatment of COPD, treatment should be based on different disease stages and syndrome characteristics. During the acute exacerbation stage, eliminating pathogenic factors is the primary principle, with treatment determined according to syndrome differentiation. For wind-cold attacking the lung, the treatment is to ventilate the lung, disperse cold, and relieve cough. For phlegm-dampness accumulating in the lung, the treatment is to dry dampness, resolve phlegm, and direct qi downward. For phlegm-heat obstructing the lung, the treatment is to clear the lung, resolve phlegm, and relieve asthma. For phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the lung, the treatment is to eliminate phlegm, remove blood stasis, and relieve asthma. During the stable stage, reinforcing healthy Qi is the key principle. For lung-spleen qi deficiency, the treatment is to tonify the lung and strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and direct Qi downward to relieve asthma. For deficiency of both lung and kidney, the treatment is to tonify the lung and benefit the kidney, resolve phlegm, promote Qi reception, and relieve asthma. When accompanied by phlegm and blood stasis, the treatment should focus on tonifying deficiency, resolving phlegm, and removing blood stasis. This article aims to systematically summarize the TCM etiology, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation and treatment principles of COPD, as well as the current shortcomings in related research, in order to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of COPD with TCM, give full play to the advantages of TCM in the prevention and treatment of COPD, and optimize the whole-course management of COPD.
7.Effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on orthodontic tooth movement and bone microstructure parameters on the tension side in rats
Chengbo YAN ; Qiuchi LUO ; Jiabing FAN ; Yeting GU ; Qian DENG ; Junmei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):824-831
BACKGROUND:Bone remodeling is the biological basis of orthodontic tooth movement.Type 2 diabetes mellitus leads to metabolic changes in the jaw and alveolar bone,so it is hypothesized that tooth mobility characteristics may be altered in a high-sugar environment.OBJECTIVE:To explore the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on orthodontic tooth movement in rats within one tooth movement cycle.METHODS:Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were selected.Forty rats were randomly chosen and fed with a high-fat diet to construct a type 2 diabetes mellitus model.Thirty-two rats that were successfully modeled were randomly divided into a type 2 diabetes mellitus group(n=16)and a diabetic orthodontic group(n=16).The remaining 32 rats were randomly divided into a control group(n=16)and an orthodontic group(n=16).The rats in the orthodontic group and the diabetic orthodontic group were equipped with nickel-titanium coil spring orthodontic force application devices to move the unilateral maxillary first molars mesially with a force of 50 g.The rats were anesthetized and sacrificed on the 3rd,7th,14th,and 21st days after orthodontic treatment,and Micro-CT was used to measure the mesial displacement of the first molars and detect the changes in the bone microstructure parameters on the tension side.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were significant differences in the tooth movement distances among the four groups of rats on the 3rd,7th,14th,and 21st days of orthodontic treatment(P<0.05).There were significant differences in bone mineral density,bone volume fraction and trabecular bone separation on the tension side among the four groups on the 7th,14th,and 21st days of orthodontic treatment(P<0.05).There were differences in the trabecular thickness among the four groups on the 3rd and 14th days of orthodontic treatment(P<0.05).The diabetic orthodontic group had the smallest tension-side alveolar bone mineral density,bone volume fraction,and trabecular thickness,and the largest tooth movement distance and trabecular separation on the 21st day of orthodontic treatment.The above results indicate that type 2 diabetes mellitus adversely affects bone microstructural parameters on the tension side in orthodontic tooth movement in rats,suggesting the occurrence of an osteoporotic state.
8.Exploring Content and Distribution Patterns of 22 Ginsenosides in Stems and Leaves of Panax ginseng with Different Stem Colors by UHPLC-QqQ-MS
Tianxin ZHANG ; Yang YANG ; Jiabing ZHANG ; Lixia WANG ; Xiaoxu CHEN ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Dade YU ; Hongwei WU ; Zhuju WANG ; Kaiyang LIU ; Liying TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):198-209
ObjectiveTo systematically elucidate the accumulation characteristics of secondary metabolites in the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng with different stem colors. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) was employed to determine the of 22 ginsenosides in the stems and leaves of 2- to 5-year-old P. ginseng plants with green and purple stems. Principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to explore the distribution patterns of ginsenosides from three dimensions: tissue distribution, growth duration, and stem color. Results① Tissue distribution: Leaves served as the primary organ for ginsenoside accumulation, exhibiting significantly higher total ginsenoside content than stems, which indicated distinct tissue-specific distribution of ginsenosides. ② Growth duration: Ginsenoside levels in stems generally peaked in the 2-year-old plants before stabilizing, while those in leaves displayed a declining-rebounding pattern, indicating that the 2-year-old plants (harvest stage) was a critical time point for the resurgence of leaf ginsenosides. ③ Stem color: A stage-specific correlation was observed between stem color and ginsenoside accumulation. In stems, the early-growth stage (2-year-old) of purple-stemmed plants exhibited higher content of specific ginsenosides (e.g., ginsenoside Rk1 and notoginsenoside R1), which may be associated with its stronger early-stage stress resistance. In leaves, the content of core ginsenosides (e.g., ginsenosides Re and Rd) in 5-year-old plants with green stems showed a surpassing trend, demonstrating higher potential of resource development. ConclusionThe accumulation of ginsenosides in P. ginseng stems and leaves is multidimensionally regulated by tissue type, growth duration, and stem color phenotypes. Purple-stemmed plants exhibit early-stage specific ginsenoside accumulation and stress resistance potential, whereas green-stemmed plants are more advantageous for core leaf ginsenoside development at the harvest stage. The findings confirm that aboveground stem color can serve as a biomarker for directed breeding and efficient resource utilization of P. ginseng.
9.Etiology, Pathogenesis, Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Rules of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qinjun YANG ; Mingxiang HAN ; Limei WEI ; Shuyu XU ; Lu ZHANG ; Cheng YANG ; Jiabing TONG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):226-234
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease characterized by airflow limitation, and its high morbidity and disability rates pose a severe challenge to global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated definite efficacy and distinctive characteristics in the treatment of COPD. Based on the understanding of ancient and modern physicians regarding the etiology, pathogenesis, and stage-based syndrome differentiation of COPD, this article systematically elaborates on the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment of COPD. COPD is characterized by deficiency at root and excess in manifestation, with the coexistence of deficiency and excess. Qi deficiency is the fundamental pathogenesis underlying the occurrence and development of COPD and runs throughout the entire disease course. The disease begins with deficiency of lung qi and gradually affects the spleen and kidney, leading to the internal generation of dampness, phlegm, and blood stasis. Phlegm and blood stasis are not only pathological products but also deep-rooted causes of recurrent disease. Together with qi deficiency, they are mutually causal and form a vicious cycle. During the acute exacerbation stage of COPD, phlegm and blood stasis constitute the predominant underlying pathology and are often induced by invasion of pathogenic factors due to deficiency of healthy Qi. In addition, innovative understandings of the etiology and pathogenesis of COPD have emerged from the perspectives of collateral disease, latent pathogens, smoke toxins, and dysfunction of the Shaoyang pivot. During the stable stage, deficiency of Qi in the lung, spleen, and kidney predominates and is often accompanied by phlegm and blood stasis. In the clinical differentiation and treatment of COPD, treatment should be based on different disease stages and syndrome characteristics. During the acute exacerbation stage, eliminating pathogenic factors is the primary principle, with treatment determined according to syndrome differentiation. For wind-cold attacking the lung, the treatment is to ventilate the lung, disperse cold, and relieve cough. For phlegm-dampness accumulating in the lung, the treatment is to dry dampness, resolve phlegm, and direct qi downward. For phlegm-heat obstructing the lung, the treatment is to clear the lung, resolve phlegm, and relieve asthma. For phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the lung, the treatment is to eliminate phlegm, remove blood stasis, and relieve asthma. During the stable stage, reinforcing healthy Qi is the key principle. For lung-spleen qi deficiency, the treatment is to tonify the lung and strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and direct Qi downward to relieve asthma. For deficiency of both lung and kidney, the treatment is to tonify the lung and benefit the kidney, resolve phlegm, promote Qi reception, and relieve asthma. When accompanied by phlegm and blood stasis, the treatment should focus on tonifying deficiency, resolving phlegm, and removing blood stasis. This article aims to systematically summarize the TCM etiology, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation and treatment principles of COPD, as well as the current shortcomings in related research, in order to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of COPD with TCM, give full play to the advantages of TCM in the prevention and treatment of COPD, and optimize the whole-course management of COPD.
10.Comparative study on the infection status of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome between non-endemic areas and endemic areas in Anhui province
Na CHU ; Zhongxing ZHANG ; Xiaomin WU ; Xianwen HUANG ; Qinghe ZHANG ; Weilin GAO ; Xiuzhi CHEN ; Ming LI ; Jiabing WU ; Yinguang FAN ; Lei GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(3):312-318
Objective:To compare the infection status of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) between the non-endemic area (Yixian county, Huangshan city) and the endemic area (Qianshan city, Anqing city) in Anhui province, and to explore the possibility of Yixian county being a natural focus of SFTS, thereby providing a scientific basis for the formulation of prevention and control strategies.Methods:In Xidi town, Yixian county, and Shuihou town, Qianshan city, one administrative village with the highest number of reported cases in the past three years was selected as the study village in each area, along with one control village with no reported cases. The study investigated the total antibody positivity rates of SFTS virus (SFTSV) in natural populations and host animals, as well as the density and virus-carrying rate of the vector ticks. Differences in total antibody positivity rates between the two regions were compared.Results:The total SFTSV antibody positivity rates in the natural population and host animals in the surveyed villages (control villages) of Qianshan city and Yi county were 8.7% and 8.0% (3.3%, 4.1%) and 0.0%, 9.1% (50.0%, 66.7%), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates of the natural population and host animals between the surveyed villages (control villages) in different endemic regions (all P>0.05). In the surveyed villages of Qianshan city and Yi county, the free-living tick densities were 1.4 ticks/hour per flag and 1.7 ticks/hour per flag, respectively; the parasitic tick densities were 0.4 ticks/host and 2.5 ticks/host, respectively; the tick infestation rates were 33.3% and 35.3%, respectively; and the tick density indices were 1.3 ticks/host and 7.2 ticks/host, respectively. Conclusions:The natural populations and host animals in some areas of Yixian county exhibit high SFTSV infection rates, and the tick density is also high, suggesting that the region may have become a natural focus of SFTS. Therefore, it is necessary to further strengthen capabilities in surveillance, diagnosis, and clinical treatment to address the potential risk of SFTS outbreaks.

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