1.Panorama of Organoid Technologies in Chinese Medicine:Opportunities and Challenges from Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Practice
Rui HUANG ; Lianlin SU ; De JI ; Fangzhou YIN ; Tulin LU ; Yi SHAO ; Lin LI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):856-868
By systematically reviewing the development history of organoid technology and its application examples in Chinese med-icine,this paper summarizes the specific applications of organoids in the mechanism and translation of Chinese medicine,pathological mechanisms,diagnostic techniques,and therapeutic strategies,and evaluate their advantages and limitations through literature analysis.Organoid technology provides an in vitro model that highly simulates the function of human organs for TCM research,and can simulate the multi-target and multi-pathway mechanism of action of TCM,which significantly improves the scientificity and precision of TCM in the analysis of disease mechanisms,drug screening and personalized treatment.However,it still faces challenges in stand-ardization,ethical regulation,and clinical translation.The combination of organoid technology and TCM has a broad prospect,and it is necessary to further optimize the model construction,resolve ethical issues,and promote its wide application in TCM research and clin-ical practice through technological innovation,interdisciplinary cooperation,and international regulatory coordination in the future.
2.Exploring the Pathological Mechanism of Depression Based on the Similarity between the Brain Xuanfu and the Glymphatic System
Hong TANG ; Huijing LI ; Dan WANG ; Juan LI ; Xiaobo LIU ; Xingyi MA ; Yuxi LI ; Rongjiang JIN ; Huan LIU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):889-895
It is proposed that the brain Xuanfu and the glymphatic system(GS)have commonality in physiological structure and similarity in functions such as transporting brain substances,transmitting brain information and clearing metabolites.It is believed that GS may be the substantial manifestation of the brain Xuanfu,and GS dysfunction is the key pathological link of depression.Xuanfu stagnation and Shenji dysfunction are the core pathogenesis of depression.Taking"Brain Xuanfu-GS"as the starting point,the patho-logical mechanism of depression is deeply explored,providing a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of depression in traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Cigu Xiaozhi Prescription Alleviates NASH Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Activation of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Zhen REN ; Yongjia YANG ; Cai GUO ; Yujie ZHANG ; Yanhua MA
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):936-945
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of Cigu Xiaozhi Prescription(CGXP)in the treatment of non-alco-holic steatohepatitis(NASH)liver fibrosis.METHODS A NASH mouse model was established.The degree of liver enlargement was evaluated by calculating the liver index.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Masson staining were used to observe the degree of liver fibro-sis.In addition,immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of liver fibrosis-related proteins,including α-SMA,Collagen 1,MMP2,and MMP9.Western blot and qPCR techniques were used to detect the expression levels of HIF-1α,E-cadher-in,N-cadherin,Shh,Smo,Gli1,and Gli2 in the mouse liver.The alkaline hydrolysis method was used to measure the content of liv-er hydroxyproline.RESULTS CGXP could effectively reduce the liver index(P<0.001),alleviate liver enlargement and inflamma-tion,and significantly improve the pathological damage of liver tissue in mice with liver fibrosis.CGXP significantly decreased the ex-pression levels of liver fibrosis-related proteins α-SMA,Collagen 1,MMP2 and MMP9(P<0.01,P<0.000 1);reduced the levels of HIF-1α,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Shh,Smo,Gli1,and Gli2,and the therapeutic effect of high-dose CGXP was particularly significant(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.000 1).CONCLUSION CGXP can relieve NASH liver fibrosis in mice by reducing the liver index,alleviating inflammation,and improving tissue pathological damage.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the Hedgehog signaling pathway,which alters the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and reduces the synthesis and dep-osition of extracellular matrix.
4.Organoids and Organ-on-Chips:Cutting-Edge Strategies for the Modernization of Chinese Medicine
Xin HAN ; Peiliang SHEN ; Yuemei MA ; Yuanyuan JIA
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):847-855
Although significant progress has been made in the modernization of Chinese medicine,the current challenges,inclu-ding inconsistent diagnostic and treatment standards,complex molecular mechanisms,and insufficient safety evidence,have signifi-cantly restricted its modernization process.Microfluidic technology provides a new solution for Chinese medicine research with its ability to precisely control fluids and construct bionic microenvironments.Organoid and organ-on-a-chip technologies use microfluidic tech-nology as carriers to provide technical support for the visualization of Chinese medicine theory,discovery of pharmacological sub-stances,analysis of action mechanisms,and toxicity evaluation through multi-organ interconnection models.These technological break-throughs provide an innovative platform for analyzing Chinese medicine theory,driving Chinese medicine research from empirical analy-sis to systematic and dynamic simulations,providing crucial technical support for Chinese medicine internationalization and precision medicine transformation.
5.Study on Functional Substance Basis of Jinhong Tablet Based on GES-1 Cell Model and Mouse Gastric Organoid Model
Lihao XIAO ; Wenjing ZHAO ; Gaoshuang ZHU ; Yujiao YAN ; Xinzhuang ZHANG ; Liang CAO ; Zhenz-hong WANG ; Xiaoxue FAN ; Tong ZHANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):869-880
OBJECTIVE To explore the functional substance basis of Jinhong Tablet in the treatment of chronic superficial gastri-tis(CSG).METHODS Three different models were constructed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,func-tional material basis of Jinhong Tablet:inflammatory model in human gastric epithelial cells(GES-1)induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS),LPS-induced inflammatory model in mouse gastric organoids,and ethanol-induced oxidative damage model in GES-1 cells.MTS assay was performed to detect cell proliferation activity;qPCR was applied to measure the relative mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and interleukin-8(IL-8)in cells and gastric organoids;and the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),and reactive oxygen species(ROS)in cells were detected.RESULTS Jinhong Tablet and 10 functional components significantly reduced the relative expression of inflammation-relat-ed genes TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in LPS-induced GES-1 cells and gastric organoids,suggesting that these 10 components are the functional substance basis for the anti-inflammatory effects of Jin Hong Tablet.Jin Hong Tablet and 11 functional components markedly decreased the levels of MDA and ROS and increased the activity of SOD,indicating that these 11 components were the func-tional substance basis of the antioxidant effects of Jinhong Tablet.CONCLUSION Through in vitro cell and gastric organoid experi-ments,it has been preliminarily determined that allocryptopine,corydaline,dehydrocorydaline,palmatine hydrochloride,chlorogenic acid,costunolide,rutin,quercitrin,dehydrocostus lactone,tetrahydrocoptisine,isochlorogenic acid B,toosendanin,protopine,and quercetin are the functional material basis of Jinhong Tablet in treating CSG,accumulating scientific evidence for the enhancement of the quality standards of Jinhong Tablet.
6.Analysis of Qi-Flavor Compatibility Theory in The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic
Yuxin ZHANG ; Xiaohu ZHANG ; Jing JIANG ; Baochun ZHANG ; Shuangqing ZHAI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):881-888
The qi-flavor compatibility theory originated from The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic.This theory is based on yunqi theory,with qi as the core,and recognizes diseases from the imbalance of qi transformation in the internal and external environment of the human body;it combines four-qi and five-flavor theories,and jointly regulates the qi transformation of nature and the human body from the aspects of cold and heat and prosperity and decline;it emphasizes"carefully observing the qi rules and not missing the patho-genesis",and according to the prosperity and decline of yunqi and the cold and warm of the climate,the deficiency and excess of the viscus qi and the cold and heat of the disease,the flavor of medicine and food is used to resist the invasion of abnormal climate on the human body,and adjust the qi transformation of the five internal viscera,so that the human body can be restored to a state of qi activity harmony and yin and yang balance.The imbalance of yin and yang is the root cause of disease,with cold and heat as its manifesta-tions,which are balanced by the four qi;prosperity and decline are the root causes,which are nourished and purged by the five flavors.The combination of four qi and the five flavors is essentially a multi-faceted adjustment of the imbalance of yin and yang in the human body.The mutual compatibility of multiple flavors can expand the scope of action of the drug,restrict the bias of the drug's fla-vor,and achieve both expelling evil and strengthening the body.
7.Microscopic Identification of Micro-Traits and Microscopic Identification of Peucedani Radix and Its Common Varieties
Lisi ZOU ; Liang NI ; Jie RAN ; Yi YAO ; Yanan PAN ; Rouxing CHEN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):946-960
OBJECTIVE To study the characteristics,micro-traits and microscopic characteristics of Peucedani radix and seven kinds of its common varieties and summarize the key identification characteristics so as to provide a reference for the effective identifica-tion of Peucedani radix and its common varieties.METHODS The key identification features and high-definition images of Peucedani radix and its common varieties were obtained by using the identification methods of traits,microtraits and microscopy,combined with the techniques of depth-of-field extended imaging and image stitching,and some of the features were digitally extracted and statistical-ly analyzed by SPSS26.0 software.RESULTS The high-definition color image data of Peucedani radix and its common varieties were obtained.Its specific identification features were:root head length and annular sparseness,skin pore shape and area,root texture,and fracture surface oil spot density,etc.under the property identification;the diameter and number of oil chambers,the number of cathe-ters,the presence or absence of bast fibers and wood fibers,etc.under the microscopic identification.The results of statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in skin pore area,oil chamber diameter and density,and conduit density among different varieties of Peucedani radix(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Micro-traits and microidentification methods can be comprehensively ap-plied to distinguish Peucedani radix and its common varieties.In particular,the microscopic features of polarized light holographic col-or images in cross section have significant distinguishing significance,and some of the features are digitally extracted and statistically analyzed,which makes up for the shortcomings of subjective factors in the traditional empirical identification research,and provides a reference for the circulation,testing,clinical medication,and standard drafting of Peucedani radix.
8.Clinical Study on Tongfu Xiere Quyu Shuli Prescription in the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia of Spleen and Stomach Damp-Heat and Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Type
Mingli WANG ; Pengcheng SONG ; Haiyan ZHANG ; Ling ZHOU ; Weiguo ZHAO ; Nannan WANG ; Na YANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):961-968
OBJECTIVE To study the clinical efficacy of Professor Li Bingmao's Tongfu Xiere Quyu Shuli Prescription in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia(FD)of spleen and stomach damp-heat and qi stagnation and blood stasis type.METH-ODS A total of 206 patients with functional dyspepsia of spleen and stomach damp-heat and qi stagnation and blood stasis type diag-nosed by Hengshui People's Hospital were included in the study and randomly divided into a study group and a control group with 103 cases in each group.During the treatment,3 cases dropped out in each group.The control group adopted the conventional Western medicine treatment plan for functional dyspepsia(mosapride+rabeprazole),and the study group took Tongfu Xiere Quyu Shuli Pre-scription on the basis of the treatment of the control group.The treatment course of both groups was 4 weeks.The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,psychological status[self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and quality of life[Nepean dyspepsia life quality index(NDLQI)of the two groups of patients before and after treatment were observed and the clinical efficacy was evaluated;serum motilin(MTL),ghrelin,gastrin(GAS),corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH)and pep-sinogen(PG Ⅰ,PG Ⅱ)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;changes in gastric motility indexes were analyzed by electrogastrogram analyzer;changes in intestinal flora were detected by instillation method.The occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups of patients was monitored during treatment.RESULTS After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of the two groups were significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the score in the study group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.01).The total effective rate of the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01).After treatment,the expression levels of MTL,Ghrelin,GAS,PG Ⅰ and PG Ⅱ in the two groups increased,and CRH decreased,and the improvement degree of the study group was better than that of the control group(P<0.01).After treatment,the main frequency and slow wave percentage of the electrogastrogram increased in the two groups,and the study group was better than that of the control group(P<0.01).After treat-ment,the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the two groups increased,and the number in the study group was greater than that in the control group,while the number of enterobacteria,enterococci and yeast decreased,and the number in the study group was less than that in the control group(P<0.01).There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Tongfu Xiere Quyu Shuli Prescription is effective in the treatment of FD patients with spleen and stomach damp-heat syndrome,and can improve FD clinical symptoms,quality of life,anxiety and depression symptoms,regulate gastrointesti-nal hormone expression levels,gastric motility and intestinal flora expression,and does not increase adverse reactions,and is safe and reliable.
9.Exploring the Pathogenesis and Syndrome Treatment of Brain Tumor Based on the"Deficient Qi and Kenang"Theory
Yi JI ; Lingyan ZHU ; Xueping XIA ; Mianhua WU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):969-973
Professor Wu Mianhua,a renowned national traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)practitioner,proposed the"deficient qi and Kenang"theory based on the doctrines of"deficient qi"and"Kenang".This theory is applied to the pathogenesis analysis and clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment of brain tumors.It posits that the fundamental pathogenesis of brain tumors involves orig-inal qi deficiency,internal generation of deficient qi,intermingling of phlegm and blood stasis,and conglomeration of toxins into nest-like foci.The treatment strategy emphasizes reinforcing healthy qi,regulating qi,resolving phlegm,dispelling stasis,attacking toxins,dispersing nodules,and adjusting treatment according to disease stages.In the early stage,it is to support healthy qi and regulate qi to remove qi deficiency;in the middle stage,it is to dissipate phlegm and expel blood stasis to resolve pathological nests;in the late stage,it is to attack toxins and resolve masses to break up nest sac.Throughout the treatment,strictly adhere to the principle of"rein-forcing healthy qi without retaining pathogens,and breaking accumulations without impairing healthy qi".
10.Professor Li Guolie Discusses the Treatment of Halitosis of Spleen and Stomach Damp-Heat Type from the Perspective of"Lightness Removing Excess"
Yanjie JIANG ; Zhihui JIN ; Yan LU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):974-979
This paper expounds Professor Li Guolie's academic thought and clinical experience in treating the halitosis of spleen and stomach damp-heat type based on the theory of"lightness removing excess".It is proposed that"lightness"has five meanings:light and clear medicinal properties,light dosage,concise compatibility,light decoction method and light treatment method;"excess"covers the syndromes of external and internal injuries,obstruction of qi mechanism and mixed deficiency and excess.The location of the halitosis of spleen and stomach damp-heat type is centered on the spleen and stomach in the middle energizer,involving the lungs,liver,and kidneys,with syndromes of mixed deficiency and excess;the core pathogenesis is the stagnation of qi mechanism in the mid-dle energizer and the diffusion of damp-heat turbid evil in the triple energizers.The theory of"lightness removing excess"is used to guide the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases of damp-heat type,and the treatment principle of"triple energizers being divided and eliminated,and lightness being able to penetrate and reach the evil"is proposed.The upper energizer is promoted to activate the pivot of qi transformation,the middle energizer is adjusted to restore the mechanism of ascending and descending,and the lower energi-zer is penetrated to guide the turbid evil out.The self-made"Wuxiang Qingzhuo Yin"is used to gargle to quickly remove the turbid e-vil and symptoms,forming an internal and external coordinated diagnosis and treatment method of"light dosage to regulate the pivot,ingenious method to clear the obstruction",which provides new ideas and theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of spleen and stomach diseases of damp-heat type.

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