1.Protective effect of the active component DMDD from Averrhoa carambola root on myocardial injury in diabetic mice and its correlation with the NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8 axis
Yongxin CHEN ; Yuxuan LI ; Kailei GU ; Jiajun YOU ; Xiaohan SUN ; Jing MA ; Yanping ZHOU ; Xiaojie WEI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1141-1147
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of 2-dodecyl-6-methoxy-2,5-diene-1,4-cyclohexanedione (DMDD), an active component from Averrhoa carambola root, on myocardial injury in diabetic mice based on the nuclear receptor coactivator 4/ferritin heavy chain 1/autophagy-related protein 8 (NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8) axis. METHODS The successfully modeled diabetic mice were randomly divided into model group and DMDD low-, medium-, and high-dose (12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg) groups, while an additional non-modeled control group was established, with 6 mice in each group. Each group received the corresponding drug solution or an equal volume of normal saline intragastically once daily for 21 consecutive days. After the administration, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) were measured. Myocardial pathological changes, degree of fibrosis, and myocardial cell ultrastructure were observed. Myocardial cell death index and NCOA4 protein positive index were detected. The protein expression levels of NCOA4, FTH1, ATG8, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cardiac tissue were measured. RESULTS Compared with model group, each DMDD group showed significant alleviation of cardiac pathological injury and varying degrees of improvement in the myocardial cell ultrastructure. The FBG and serum LDH and CK-MB levels, the myocardial cell death index and NCOA4 protein positive index,the protein expression levels of NCOA4, FTH1, and ATG8 in cardiac tissue were significantly decreased ( P <0.001), while the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 were significantly increased ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS DMDD can reduce blood glucose levels, alleviate myocardial histopathological injury, and inhibit cell death in diabetic mice. The mechanism is associated with inhibiting excessive activation of the NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8 axis and reducing ferritinophagy.
2.A review on animal models of inherited thrombocytopenia
Xiaojie WANG ; Zhongjun LI ; Li CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):128-135
Inherited thrombocytopenia is a group of heterogeneous inherited diseases mainly characterized by platelet count defects. It is a monogenic disease caused by mutations in various genes. Animal models are crucial for studying the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of inherited thrombocytopenia. Previous reviews on animal models of inherited thrombocytopenia have mostly focused on a single species, such as mice or zebrafish. This article systematically summarizes the construction, phenotypes, and characteristics of multiple animal models (mice, zebrafish, and primate animal) of inherited thrombocytopenia-causing genes, thereby providing a systematic reference for a comprehensive understanding of the research progress of its animal models.
3.Evaluation of Taraxacum mongolicum Germplasm Resources Based on Characteristic Profiles and Chemical Markers
Lantian SHI ; Xiaojie LIU ; Xiaolin LI ; Yutong HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):267-275
ObjectiveBased on the established characteristic profiles, quantitative analysis of multiple components, and chemometric analysis of Taraxacum mongolicum, the quality of different T. mongolicum germplasms was evaluated at the chemical level, thereby providing a reference for the screening of high-quality germplasms and the rational utilization of wild resources. MethodsAn ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was employed to establish characteristic profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were then adopted to screen and comprehensively rank marker compounds. ResultsThe UPLC fingerprint of T. mongolicum germplasm identified 13 chromatographic peaks corresponding to gallic acid, coumaric acid, neochlorogenic acid, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, cichoric acid, luteoloside, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid C. Combined with chemometric analysis such as PCA and PLS-DA, eight core markers (cichoric acid, luteoloside, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, and isochlorogenic acid A) were screened for distinguishing wild and cultivated germplasms. Additionally, eight core markers (cichoric acid, caffeic acid, luteoloside, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, and neochlorogenic acid) were selected for the evaluation and screening of different T. mongolicum germplasms. ConclusionThis study establishes a UPLC analysis method capable of simultaneously determining 13 characteristic components in T. mongolicum, such as cichoric acid and chlorogenic acid, as well as their precursor compound contents in the biosynthetic pathway. Based on the above methods, three T. mongolicum germplasms (PGY-004, PGY-009, and PGY-010) with promising medicinal potential are selected for subsequent research on variety breeding. The present study provides a reference for quality control of Taraxacum mongolicum, germplasm screening, and the rational development and utilization of wild resources.
4.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
5.Guizhi Fulingwan Alleviate Hepatic Fibrosis by Modulating mtDNA/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Yu TANG ; Xuli YANG ; Qiang YANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Yongxiang GAO ; Xueping LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):91-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan (GFW) against hepatic fibrosis, focusing on elucidating the regulatory effect of GFW on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n=7): control, model, low/medium/high-dose (0.14, 0.28, 0.56 g·kg-1·d-1) GFW (GFW-L, GFW-M, GFW-H), and Dahuang Zhechong pills (DZW, 1.8 g·kg-1·d-1). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. General conditions of the rats were observed. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. Liver histopathology and collagen deposition were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe structural alterations and damage of cellular ultrastructures including mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 in the liver tissue were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein levels of key molecules in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a decrease in body weight (P<0.01), an increase in liver index (P<0.01), elevations in serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.01), and typical fibrotic features such as disorganized hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in the liver tissue. TEM revealed significant karyotheca degeneration, mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum expansion, and organelle efflux in the model group. In addition, the model group showed decreased ΔΨm (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 (P<0.01) and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.01) in the liver tissue, and increased serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the body weight increased in GFW-L, GFW-M, and DZW groups (P<0.05) and markedly increased in the GFW-H group (P<0.01). The liver index decreased in the GFW groups and DZW group (P<0.01). The serum ALT level declined in the GFW-L group (P<0.05), and the serum ALT and AST levels decreased in the GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Histopathological damage and fibrosis were alleviated to varying degrees, and TEM revealed mitigated ultrastructural injuries including mitophagy, mitochondrial swelling, and endoplasmic reticulum expansion in the drug intervention groups. The ΔΨm increased in GFW groups without statistical significance. The mRNA level of mtDNA in the liver tissue was down-regulated in the GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. The mRNA level of NLRP3 was down-regulated in GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly down-regulated protein level of NLRP3 in all the GFW groups and the DZW group (P<0.01). The protein level of GSDMD-N was down-regulated in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). The protein level of cleaved Caspase-1 was down-regulated in GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. In addition, the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 declined in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). ConclusionGFW can suppress pyroptosis to ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through mitigating mitochondrial damage, inhibiting inflammasome assembly and activation, and blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates AMPK Signaling Pathway to Prevent and Treat Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review
Lijuan DAN ; Shuanglan CHEN ; Tianyuan WANG ; Xiaojie YOU ; Xiuyan LI ; Hongfei SONG ; Dong WANG ; Jie MU ; Qiao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):133-143
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent forms of liver diseases globally. Its progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, and there is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a regulatory hub for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, can coordinate key cellular processes such as adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial functions. Its activation exerts metabolic regulatory effects through pathways including inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation, regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting autophagy. Accordingly, AMPK emerges as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with low toxicity, high accessibility, and multi-component, multi-target synergistic effects, has demonstrated unique value in NAFLD treatment, particularly showing notable advantages in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. Sichuan is known as the treasure house of TCM, and the active components of its authentic medicinal materials such as Coptidis Rhizoma not only reflect regional characteristics in AMPK signaling regulation but also form a multi-level metabolic regulatory network through crosstalk with pathways such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). They can achieve specific regulation by directly activating AMPK and modulating upstream and downstream targets, exerting prominent effects in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This study systematically reviews the research findings on TCM for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD over the past five years, elaborating the mechanisms by which TCM treats NAFLD through regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. It aims to provide new perspectives and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, basic research, and drug development.
7.Mechanism of Jinshui Huanxian Component Formula Ⅱ Combined with Matrix Softening in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis Through Inhibition of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition
Xiaojie WU ; Mingyan LI ; Shiyu KUANG ; Xiling PENG ; Xiaorong HOU ; Han LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):108-121
ObjectiveTo determine whether Jinshui Huanxian component formula Ⅱ (ECC-JHF Ⅱ) and matrix hardness interfere with the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during pulmonary fibrosis by regulating integrin β1 (ITG β1), and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. MethodsA pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was established by a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM). To observe the disease progression at various time points, the mice were sacrificed before modeling and on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 after modeling for assessment of relevant indicators. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of drug intervention, the mice were given ECC-JHF Ⅱ and pirfenidone (PFD) by gavage starting on day 29 after modeling for 14 days of treatment, after which the mice were sacrificed. Pulmonary function, pathological changes, collagen deposition, lung tissue hardness and EMT markers were detected. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite hydrogels with different hardness were prepared in vitro using biomaterials such as eight-arm polyethylene glycol thiol (PEG-SH) and eight-arm polyethylene glycol maleimide (PEG-MAL). Human type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells cultured in hard matrix culture dishes were treated with low, medium, and high doses of ECC-JHF Ⅱ (15.31, 30.63, 61.25 mg·L-1) to observe the intervention effect of ECC-JHF Ⅱ on EMT induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Human type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells cultured on soft (3.8 kPa) and hard (culture dishes, ~ GPa) matrices were treated with ECC-JHF Ⅱ, respectively. The mRNA and fluorescence expression levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (CDH1), the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin (CDH2) and vimentin (VIM), as well as ITG β1, were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of CDH1, CDH2 and ITG β1, and the biomechanical mechanism of ECC-JHF Ⅱ on EMT and pulmonary fibrosis was further verified by knocking down and specific activation of ITG β1. ResultsECC-JHF Ⅱ treatment improved BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, as evidenced by significantly increased minute ventilation (MV) and 50% expiratory flow at tidal volume (EF50) (P<0.05), and significantly increased tidal volume (TV) after treatment (P<0.01) compared with the model group. Immunohistopathological analysis revealed attenuated inflammation and alveolar injury, reduced deposition of type Ⅰ collagen (Col-Ⅰ), and significantly decreased lung tissue stiffness (P<0.01), thereby alleviating disease progression. The real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the model group, the ECC-JHF Ⅱ group showed increased CDH1 expression and decreased CDH2 and VIM expression in mouse lung tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibited the EMT process to ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro experimental results showed that both ECC-JHF Ⅱ and matrix softening reversed the EMT phenotype switch. Specifically, compared with the hard matrix group, the cells cultured on the soft matrix exhibited significantly upregulated expression of the epithelial marker CDH1 (P<0.01) and significantly downregulated expression of the mesenchymal markers CDH2 and VIM (P<0.05). Furthermore, ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibited the expression of ITG β1 both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown and specific activation of ITG β1 further confirmed that ITG β1 is involved in the regulatory process by which ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibits EMT and ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis
8.Mechanisms of Macrophage Glycolysis in Regulating Acute Lung Injury and TCM Intervention Strategies Based on Theory of "Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence"
Qian XU ; Maofu ZHANG ; Xiali LIANG ; Guoxiong HAO ; Jingwei LI ; Xiaojie JIN ; Yongqi LIU ; Xiangxia LUO ; Zhiming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):218-226
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical respiratory emergency caused by various non-cardiogenic factors, including severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections, lung contusion, and sepsis. Its pathological features are centered on alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction, uncontrolled inflammatory responses, and impaired alveolar fluid clearance, manifesting as refractory hypoxemia and respiratory distress, with a poor clinical prognosis. Modern studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction and glucose metabolic reprogramming in macrophages, characterized by hyperactivated glycolysis, drive pro-inflammatory polarization and represent a key mechanism leading to excessive inflammatory responses and disease progression in ALI. Therefore, targeting macrophage glycolysis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI. The Plain Questions: Special Discussion on Channels and Vessels in Huangdi's Internal Classic states that "The spleen disseminates essence upward to the lungs". When the spleen fails in transport and transformation, the distribution of refined nutrients becomes disordered, resulting in the endogenous generation of turbid pathogens that obstruct the pulmonary collaterals, causing failure of lung dispersion and descent and leading to dyspneic reversal. This forms the dynamic pathological pattern of ''deficiency in the root with excess in the manifestation'', thereby proposing the core pathogenesis of ALI as ''spleen deficiency with transport dysfunction and turbid pathogens obstructing the lungs''. This process is intrinsically associated with the inflammatory cascade triggered by disordered macrophage glucose metabolism. Taking the theory of ''spleen failing to disperse essence'' as the entry point, the present study systematically elucidates the progressive pathological mechanism of "energy metabolism disorder-cytokine storm'' in ALI from the perspectives of the ''spleen deficiency-turbid obstruction'' pathogenesis and macrophage glycolysis-pro-inflammatory polarization. In addition, we summarize Chinese medicine compound formulas and monomeric components that ''restore spleen transport and eliminate turbid pathogens'', and explore their potential mechanisms in the treatment of ALI by regulating macrophage metabolic phenotypes to improve the state of ''spleen failing to disperse essence''. This provides a molecular basis for elucidating the ''spleen-lung'' energy metabolism dialogue, deepens understanding of the multi-target regulatory mechanisms of herbal prescriptions, and promotes the deep integration of classical theory with modern medicine.
9.Validation of the Chinese version of the Meaning in Life in Children Questionnaire
Xiaojie SHEN ; Yanli LI ; Ruoxin LI ; Shuchang YAN
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(6):522-527
Objective:To adapt the Meaning in Life in Children Questionnaire(MIL-CQ)into a Chinese ver-sion and examine its validity and reliability.Methods:A total of 1 649 primary school students were recruited and divided into 4 samples.Sample 1(n=527)was used for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis.Sample 2(n=503)was used for confirmatory factor analysis(CFA).In sample 3(n=512),criterion validity was assessed u-sing the Chinese version of Satisfaction with Life Scale(C-SWLS),Williams Creativity Assessment Packet(CAP),Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents(QLSCA),and Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire(SDQ),followed by a second confirmatory factor analysis.Sample 1 and Sample 2 were combined for internal con-sistency reliability analysis;Sample 4(n=107)was used for test-retest reliability analysis.Results:The exploratory factor analysis showed that the Chinese version of the MIL-CQ contained 18 items,including three factors(attitude,creativity,and experience).Both CFAs showed excellent fit(CFI=0.95/0.96,TLI=0.94/0.96,SRMR=0.04,RMSEA=0.04,x2/df=1.60/1.71,Ps<0.001).The total scores and subscale scores of the Chinese version of MIL-CQ were positively correlated with the scores of C-SWLS,CAP,QLSCA,and the prosocial behavior section of the SDQ(r=0.17-0.58,Ps<0.01),and negatively correlated with the difficulty section of the SDQ(r=-0.06--0.39,Ps<0.01).The Cronbach's α coefficients for the total scale and the three subscales ranged from 0.64 to 0.83,and the test-retest reliability(ICC)over a 1-month interval ranged from 0.69 to 0.77.Conclusion:The Chi-nese version of the Meaning in Life in Children Questionnaire has good validity and reliability for assessing mean-ing in life among children.
10.Evaluation of the Efficacy of Gouteng Xuanshen Prescription in the Treatment of Hypertension:A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Real-World Data
Jiaming HUAN ; Zhen HUA ; Haoyu CHEN ; Xiaojie WANG ; Linghui KONG ; Yunlun LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):832-841
Objective To provide a reference for the clinical individualized medication of hypertension,the antihypertensive efficacy of Gouteng Xuanshen prescription in the treatment of hypertension was verified,and its improvement on the discomfort symptoms of patients was explored.Methods This study adopted a retrospective cohort study design.The data were derived from the electronic medical records of 6770 hypertensive patients in the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 1,2013 to January 1,2023.The exposure factor was the treatment of Uncaria rhynchophylla,Scrophularia ningpoensis,and Radish Seed.After the propensity score was used to deal with the confounding factors,the changes in blood pressure of the patients after treatment were observed.At the same time,in order to analyze the improvement of patients'symptoms,the Apriori algorithm to mine the core symptoms of patients was explored,and the patient symptom network was constructed.The BGLL algorithm was used to divide the symptoms into communities to form a symptom map.Finally,survival analysis and Cox regression were used to find the sensitive symptom community of Gouteng Xuanshen prescription,and the related factors were analyzed.Results 468 people were included in the exposure group and the control group.After treatment,more patients in the exposure group reached the target blood pressure(P<0.01),and the effect was better in lowering systolic blood pressure(P<0.05),and no obvious abnormalities in safety indicators were found.In terms of symptom improvement,the 134 symptoms recorded in the medical records were divided into 6 groups.As the medication time increased,the patient's head discomfort was easier to relieve.The effect was best at 8 weeks of treatment,and it was more sensitive to patients with extremely high cardiovascular risk or grade 3 hypertension.Conclusion This study verified the clinical efficacy of the Gouteng Xuanshen prescription in the treatment of hypertension through electronic medical record data,which preliminarily revealed the potential role and law of the Gouteng Xuanshen prescription in the treatment of hypertension.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail