1.Modern Clinical Applications and Mechanism of Zhigancao Tang: A Review
Zhibo CHANG ; Chuhan DUAN ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Jing SHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):361-370
Zhigancao Tang, derived from the Treatise on Cold Damage,is a classic and renowned formula for treating "intermittent and irregular pulse, and palpitations of the heart". It has an exquisite formulation. By replenishing Qi, nourishing Yin, activating Yang, and restoring the pulse, it achieves the dual supplementation of Yin and Yang, and the simultaneous treatment of Qi and blood. With the practical expansion by practitioners over successive dynasties, the application scope of this formula has been continuously expanding, extending from traditional cardiovascular diseases to diseases of multiple systems, fully reflecting the theoretical characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of "treating different diseases with the same method". Modern research shows that Zhigancao Tang not only has a remarkable curative effect on cardiovascular diseases but is also widely applied to diseases of the respiratory, nervous, digestive, endocrine, oncologic, gynecologic, and otorhinolaryngologic systems, demonstrating its interdisciplinary clinical application value. At the same time, research on the mechanism of action of Zhigancao Tang is also continuously deepening. The mechanisms by which it treats diseases involve multiple aspects, including anti-arrhythmic effects, myocardial protection, anti-fibrosis, antioxidative stress and anti‑inflammatory effects, regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, enhancing hematopoietic function, and improving hemorheology. These mechanisms work synergistically to jointly regulate the physiological functions of the body and play a role in treating diseases. However, there are still some deficiencies in current research. For example, the sample size of some clinical trials is small, most of the mechanism studies are based on animal models or in vitro experiments, there is insufficient high-quality evidence from clinical trials, the composition of the compound formula is complex, and the pharmacodynamic material basis and the rules of compatibility still need to be deeply analyzed. By consulting relevant literature, this article systematically summarizes the modern clinical application and action mechanism of Zhigancao Tang, aiming to provide new ideas for its subsequent in-depth research and clinical application, promote the integrated development of classic TCM formulas and modern medicine, and further explore its great potential in clinical treatment.
2.Exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of irritable bowel syndrome from the
Yan XU ; Fang YANG ; Rongshi SHAO ; Huili SUN ; Juan LI ; Xin CHEN ; Jing HAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):10-15
This article adopts Professor CHEN Chaozu′s " sanjiao composed by membrane-striae" theory as its foundation to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and functional/structural abnormalities of the membrane-striae. Sanjiao encompasses both the tangible membrane and the intangible striae. These striae permeate the entire body,and their pathological changes comprehensively reflect qi,body fluids,and fasciae. Based on the physiological function of the membrane-striae in regulating qi and fluids,the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a disharmony of membrane-striae and an imbalance of the qi-fluid interactions. In the early stage,external pathogens,emotional factors,or dietary stimuli often cause membrane-striae constriction and disordered qi-fluid circulation. In the middle stage,stagnant fluids gradually transform into phlegm retention,leading to membrane-striae obstruction. In the late stage,deficiency of vital qi becomes predominant,manifesting as laxity of membrane-striae with impaired control or weakened conduction. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should adopt " unblocking" as the guiding principle. In the early stage,therapy should focus on eliminating pathogenic factors and soothing membrane-striae to promptly restore qi-fluid circulation,thereby attaining unblocking through spasm relief. In the middle stage,treatment should focus on resolving tangible obstructions in membrane-striae,achieving unblocking via dredging. In the late stage,the emphasis should shift to reinforcing healthy qi,particularly by strengthening spleen-kidney yang qi,and achieving unblocking through supplementation. Concurrently,throughout the entire treatment process,the regulation of mental state and easing of emotional tension should be integrated to alleviate patient′s anxiety,achieving the goal of holistic treatment of both body and mind.
3.Ionizing Radiation-induced Lens Injury: Epidemiology, Dose-effect Relationship, and Molecular Mechanisms
Cheng-Hao HU ; Shao-Han REN ; Hai-Tao ZHANG ; Jing-Ming ZHAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):688-696
The crystalline lens of the eye is recognized as one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the human body. While the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has classified ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cataracts as a tissue reaction (deterministic effect) and subsequently reduced the occupational equivalent dose limit for the lens, significant uncertainties remain regarding the precise dose threshold and the complex biological pathways driving lens opacification. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge concerning radiation-induced lens damage, integrating epidemiological exposure characteristics with dose-response modeling and mechanistic molecular insights. First, we analyze exposure characteristics through four epidemiological dimensions: dose, time, space, and population. Clinical evidence suggests that radiation cataracts—particularly posterior subcapsular opacities—exhibit a distinct latency period that is inversely correlated with dose. We highlight that risk is not confined to acute high-dose scenarios (such as in atomic bomb survivors) but is increasingly relevant in chronic low-dose occupational settings (e.g., interventional radiology) and medical diagnostics (e.g., CT scans). Crucially, individual susceptibility is modified by genetic background, age, and environmental co-factors, complicating risk assessment. Second, we critically examine the dose-effect relationship. Although the ICRP suggests a threshold of 0.5 Gy, emerging data challenge the traditional threshold model, with some studies advocating for a linear non-threshold (LNT) relationship. We further discuss the critical roles of radiation quality and dose rate. High linear energy transfer (LET) radiation demonstrates a significantly higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for cataractogenesis compared to low-LET radiation. Paradoxically, and unlike many other tissues, the lens may exhibit an “inverse dose-rate effect,” where fractionated or protracted exposures potentially enhance biological damage—a finding that challenges classical radiobiological paradigms. Third, drawing upon the “cataractogenic load” hypothesis and the unique physiological constraints of the lens, this review elucidates the multidimensional molecular mechanisms driving radiation-induced opacification. Key mechanisms include four aspects. (1) DNA damage and repair: IR induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that, due to the lens’ limited repair capacity (modulated by genes such as ATM, Ptch1, and Ercc2), lead to the accumulation of damage. (2) Antioxidant defense system: dysfunction of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant axis results in redox imbalances, triggering NF-κB-mediated inflammation and protein aggregation. (3) Cell proliferation and senescence: IR disrupts cell cycle regulation, causing a dichotomy of effects—driving premature senescence in some cell populations (evidenced by ATM nuclear foci) while inducing aberrant proliferation via growth factor upregulation (FGF2, TGFβ) in others. (4) Cell migration and adhesion: activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway and alterations in the E-cadherin complex promote the abnormal migration of epithelial cells to the posterior capsule, a hallmark of radiation-induced cataracts. In conclusion, radiation-induced cataractogenesis is a multifactorial process in which genetic susceptibility and environmental stressors converge to overwhelm the lens’ homeostatic thresholds. Future research must prioritize longitudinal cohort studies to refine dose thresholds and employ multi-omics approaches to map the crosstalk between DNA damage responses and matrix remodeling. Establishing a robust mechanistic model is essential for developing targeted radioprotective strategies and optimizing radiation protection standards for occupational and medical safety.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
6.Performance validation and clinical application evaluation of fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method for the determination of sIgE
Wenqi SHAO ; Mi ZHOU ; Jing ZHU ; Baishen PAN ; Beili WANG ; Wei GUO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(9):1427-1433
To evaluate the analytical performance of a specific IgE (sIgE) quantitative detection system and explore the clinical application effect of dust mite extract and component detection. The fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method was used to verify the analytical performance of sIgE for house dust mite (D1), dust mite (D2) extracts, and their components (Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 10, and Der p 23), including precision, limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), linear range, and interfering factors. This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 50 patients with allergic rhinitis and 50 patients with allergic asthma diagnosed at Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from January 2022 to August 2023 were selected, along with 70 apparently healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations in the hospital as the healthy control group. The positive rates of each sIgE component in the three groups were compared, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for diagnosing dust mite allergy was plotted. The results showed that the fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method for detecting sIgE demonstrated good repeatability and intermediate precision within the range of 0.1-100 kU/L. The LoB, LoD, and linear range all met the specified requirements. Except for Der p 10, which was interfered by the presence of conjugated bilirubin and free bilirubin (exceeding 40 mg/dl), the detection of other allergens was not significantly affected by common endogenous substances. In healthy individuals, 10% had positive sIgE for dustmite extract; in asthmatic and allergic rhinitis patients, the positive rates were 70% and 82%, respectively. The double positive rate of D1 and D2 in the healthy group was 8.6%, while in asthmatic and allergic rhinitis patients, it was 66% and 70%, respectively. When 0.35 kU/L was used as the threshold, the sensitivity of sIgE for dust mite extract to predict component positivity was 100%, specificity was 61.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 80.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. When the threshold was optimized to 0.78 kU/L, the sensitivity was 96.8%, specificity was 92.1%, PPV was 95.2%, and NPV was 94.6%. In conclusion, the repeatability, intermediate precision, LoB, LoD, linear range, and anti-interference ability of the fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method for detecting sIgE meet the requirements of laboratory quality management. This ensures detection quality, meets clinical needs, and can be used for the auxiliary diagnosis of allergic diseases.
7.Establishment and optimization of an autoverification system for thyroid function reports
Junhua CUI ; Jing ZHU ; Wenqi SHAO ; Jing YANG ; Baishen PAN ; Beili WANG ; Wei GUO
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(2):207-213
Objective:To establish and optimize an autoverification system for thyroid function test reports of 5 items using historical test data.Methods:Based on the docoment' Autoverification of Clinical Laboratory Quantitative Test Results′, CLSI AUTO 10-A and AUTO 15 guidelines, an autoverification system for thyroid function test reports of 5 items was established combining with manual verification experience. A total of 193 860 thyroid function test reports of 5 items in 2021 were collected for the assessment of the original system. Totally 210 097 thyroid function test reports of 5 items in 2022 and 299 198 reports in 2023 were collected for the optimization of the autoverification system. There were 160 666 thyroid function test reports of 5 items from the first half of 2024 for the manual and autoverification comparison after optimization.Results:The pass rate of the autoverification system based on original thyroid function report in 2021 was 69.56%(134 849/193 860). The optimized system utilizing historical data from 2022 and 2023 covered 21 pattern rules and established verification for different patterns including range rules, delta check rules, and review rules. Taking manual verification as the standard for the data from the first half of 2024, the sensitivity and specificity of the optimized system were 100% (499/499) and 81.57% (130 646/160 167), respectively, with a false-negative rate of 0. The concordance rate between autoverification and manual verification was 81.63% (131 145/160 666), and the pass rate was 81.32% (130 646/160 666).Conclusion:Establishing and optimizing the autoverification system for thyroid function tests of 5 items using historical test data, and formulating verification rules for different patterns can be applied to clinical practise, which not only ensures the accuracy of test reports but also improves work efficiency, allowing continuously optimized and perfected of the system.
8.Value of six items of risk assessment scores for infections in prediction of infections in ST elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention therapy
Wenxin GAO ; Lishan ZHU ; Xinjie SHAO ; Qiuying HAN ; Jing LIANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(18):2726-2730
OBJECTIVE T o verify and compare the values of the different risk assessment scores in prediction of in-fections in the ST elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interven-tion(PCI)therapy.METHODS A total of 226 STEMI patients who received PCI in The Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from Aug.2019 to Jul.2024 were recruited as the research subjects.The efficien-cies of the six types of risk assessment scores,including age,serum creatinine,or glomerular filtration rate/ejec-tion fraction(ACEF/AGEF)score,Canadian acute coronary syndrome(C ACS)score,embolism risk score 2(CHADS2)score,global register of acute coronary events(GRACE)score and for contrast induced nephropathy(Mehran)scorein prediction of infections and major adverse clinical events(M ACE)were analyzed.RESULTS All of the risk assessment scores showed remarkable discriminating capability in prediction of infections(AUC:0 746 to 0 791)except CHADS2 score[the area under the curve(AUC)=0.682;95%CI=0.652 to 0.712)].All of the risk assessment scores showed the excellent performance in calibration of infections except CACS risk assess-ment score(calibration slope=0.77;95%CI=0.18 to 1.35).The risk assessment scores also showed tremen-dous capability in discriminating MACE during the hospital stay except CHADS2 score,with the AUC ranging be-tween 0.700 and 0.786.All of the six types of risk assessment scores showed the most excellent performance in calibration of MACE during the hospital stay.CONCLUSION ACEF,AGEF,CACS,GRACE and Mehran scores show remarkable discriminating capability and calibration in prediction of infections and MACE.
9.Diagnostic performance of 0-2 h high-sensitivity troponin T cutoffs recommended by the guidelines for suspected non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction among different age-groups
Ailun ZHANG ; Guorong GU ; Jing ZHU ; Jing YANG ; Wenqi SHAO ; Baishen PAN ; Beili WANG ; Chenling YAO ; Wei GUO
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):582-589
Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the 0-2 h high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) cutoff recommended by the guidelines for the rule-out and rule-in diagnosis of suspected non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients of different age groups.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. Clinical data of 4 050 suspected NSTEMI patients who visited the Chest Pain Center of Zhongshan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who visited from January 2020 to April 2021 (2 650 patients) were included as derivation cohort, and those who visited from May to December 2021 (1 400 patients) were included as validation cohort. The diagnostic performance of the guideline-recommended hs-cTnT 0-2 h cutoff for the rule-out and rule-in of NSTEMI diagnosis was compared among subgroups of patients aged ≤60, >60-70, and >70 years in the derivation group. Rule-out sensitivity, negative predictive value, and rule-out proportion, rule-in specificity, positive predictive value, and rule-in proportion were assessed. Cutoffs were established for subgroups with relatively lower diagnostic performance and validated in the validation group. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days after patient visit were used as the outcome, and survival curves were plotted using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests were used to analyze the incidence of MACE.Results:The sensitivity for ruled-out NSTEMI using the guideline-recommended 0-2 h cutoff in the subgroups of patients aged ≤60, >60-70, and >70 years in the derivation group was 100%; the negative predictive value was 100%; the ruled-out rates were 47.6% (331/696), 45.9% (491/1 070), and 28.5% (252/884), respectively. The specificity for ruled-in NSTEMI was 88.3%, 90.9%, and 86.4%, respectively; the positive predictive values were 55.3%, 59.3%, and 58.2%, respectively; the ruled-in rates were 22.6% (157/696), 19.5% (209/1 070), and 27.0% (239/884), respectively. With a requirement of sensitivity and negative predictive value >99%, the ruled-out cutoff for the subgroup of patients aged >70 years in the derivation group was established as 0 h hs-cTnT <6 ng/L or 0 h hs-cTnT<22 ng/L and 0-2 h Δhs-cTnT <5 ng/L, which increased the ruled-out rate of the subgroup aged >70 years to 45.6% (403/884). In the validation group, 42.2% (196/465) patients could be ruled-out. The incidence of MACE within 30 days for ruled-out patients aged >70 years using the established cutoff was 0.Conclusion:The diagnostic performance for the ruled-out and ruled-in diagnosis using the guideline-recommended 0-2 h hs-cTnT cutoff are relatively consistent across different age groups, but the ruled-out rate for patients aged >70 years is lower than for those aged ≤60 and >60-70 years. The ruled-out cutoff established in this study can be used to improve diagnostic performance of thus indicator on suspected NSTEMI patients.
10.Study on discrepancies in measured values of an extended half-life recombinant FⅧ product across different assay systems
Yanyan SHAO ; Yu LIU ; Guanqun XU ; Jing DAI ; Xuefeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(8):1015-1021
Objective:To compare the accuracy of one-stage clotting assay and chromogenic substrate assay for testing an extended half-life recombinant FⅧ and to explore standardized conversion models between methods.Methods:Observational study. FⅧ activity (FⅧ:C) in plasma samples with theoretical values of 1 000, 800, 600, 500, 400, and 300 IU/L was measured using both one-stage clotting assay (employing Siemens Actin FSL reagent, Werfen SynthASil reagent, Stago PTT-A reagent) and the chromogenic substrate assay from Hyphen Biomed. Differences in FⅧ:C measured by the various methods were compared using the SNK test. Recovery rates were calculated to evaluate the accuracy of each assay. Sample activity was verified using the thrombin generation assay (TGA). Correlations between activities determined by the different assay systems were assessed using linear regression analysis.Results:Observational study. FⅧ activity (FⅧ:C) in diluted plasma samples with theoretical values of 1 000, 800, 600, 500, 400, and 300 IU/L was measured using both one-stage clotting assay (employing Siemens Actin FSL reagent, Werfen SynthASil reagent, Stago PTT-A reagent) and the chromogenic substrate assay from Hyphen Biomed. Differences in FⅧ:C measured by the various methods were compared using the SNK test. Recovery rates were calculated to evaluate the accuracy of each assay. Sample activity was verified using the thrombin generation assay (TGA). Correlations between activities determined by the different assay systems were assessed using linear regression analysis.Conclusion:Some marked one-stage clotting assay system has limitations in the clinical detection of extended half-life recombinant FⅧ. While the chromogenic substrate assay provides more accurate results. The one-stage clotting assay values can undergo cross-assay correction for FⅧ:C using a standardized conversion coefficient, which can further elevate the accuracy of monitoring hemophilia treatment efficacy.


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