1.LC-MS Analysis on Material Basis of Famous Classical Formula Xuefu Zhuyutang
Shujing ZHONG ; Zhaoyue LIU ; Mengge WANG ; Lan MIAO ; Changying REN ; Mingqian SUN ; Li LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):188-196
ObjectiveTo systematically identify the chemical constituents of Xuefu Zhuyutang(XFZY) and quantitatively determine its main components, aiming to elucidate its pharmacodynamic material basis and provide a scientific foundation for improving its quality control standards. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed for qualitative analysis of XFZY, and the identification of compounds was accomplished by comparing their retention times, secondary MS fragment ion information, 52 reference standards and relevant databases, followed by attribution of their herbal sources. A total of 22 representative compounds were screened out, and UPLC-quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS) was applied for quantitative analysis of the compounds in the formula. ResultsA total of 77 compounds were identified in XFZY, including 31 flavonoids mainly derived from Aurantii Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Persicae Semen, Carthami Flos, Bupleuri Radix, Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 24 terpenoids mainly derived from Platycodonis Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Rehmanniae Radix, 9 phenylpropanoids and their derivatives mainly derived from Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Rehmanniae Radix, 4 phenolic acids mainly derived from Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 3 saccharides mainly derived from Rehmanniae Radix and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, and 6 other compounds mainly derived from Persicae Semen, Rehmanniae Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the contents of protocatechuic acid, hydroxypaeoniflorin, amygdalin, vanillic acid, paeoniflorin, liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoquercitrin, naringin, cosmosiin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, naringenin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, hesperetin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, glycyrrhizic acid, nobiletin and ligustilide in XFZY were determined to be 0.12, 1.57, 54.53, 0.29, 36.17, 4.29, 4.84, 0.09, 46.67, 0.04, 3.44, 31.95, 0.82, 0.10, 0.11, 0.43, 0.07, 0.03, 0.01, 8.24, 0.13, 1.81 mg·g-1. ConclusionThe qualitative method established in this study enables rapid and sensitive analysis of the chemical constituents in XFZY. Among the identified compounds, 52 are confirmed by reference standards, ensuring the accuracy of identification. The quantitative analysis of 22 key components provides a reliable experimental basis for the pharmacodynamic material basis research and quality control standard improvement of XFZY.
2.Introduction and enlightenment of the Recommendations and Expert Consensus for Plasma and Platelet Transfusion Strategies in Critically Ill Children Following Severe Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or Intracranial Hemorrhage: From the Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding
Zhenzhen JIANG ; Rong GUI ; Rong HUANG ; Junhua ZHANG ; Jiaohui ZENG ; Hao TANG ; Zhi LIN ; Dan WAN ; Mingyi ZHAO ; Minghua YANG ; Lan GU ; Haiting LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):285-293
Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding developed a strategy for platelet and plasma infusion management in critically ill children based on systematic reviews and consensus meetings of international multidisciplinary experts. One good practice statement and six expert consensus statements were proposed for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill children following severe trauma, traumatic brain injury, and/or intracranial hemorrhage. This article introduces the specific methods and basis for the formation of recommendations in this part of the guide.
3.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
4.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
5.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
6.Modified Lianpoyin Formula Treats Hp-associated Gastritis by Regulating Mitochondrial Autophagy and NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway
Siyi ZHANG ; Haopeng DANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Wentao ZHOU ; Wei GUO ; Lin LIU ; Lan ZENG ; Yujie SUN ; Luming LIANG ; Yi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):178-187
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Lianpoyin formula (LPYJWF) in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-associated gastric mucosal damage based on mitochondrial autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 60 eight-week-old Balb/c male mice were assigned via the random number table method into control, model, high-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-H, 27.3 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-M, 13.65 g·kg-1·d-1), low-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-L, 6.83 g·kg-1·d-1), and quadruple therapy groups. Except the control group, other groups were modeled for Hp infection. Mice were administrated with LPYJWF at corresponding doses by gavage. Quadruple therapy group was given omeprazole (6.06 mg·kg-1·d-1) + amoxicillin (303 mg·kg-1·d-1) + clarithromycin (151.67 mg·kg-1·d-1) + colloidal pectin capsules (30.3 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavage. The control group was given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl for 14 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gastric mucosa, and Warthin-Starry (W-S) silver staining was used to detect Hp colonization. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the gastric tissue, and immunofluorescence co-localization assay was adopted to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane member 20 (TOMM20). The water-soluble tetrazolium salt method and thiobarbituric acid method were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), respectively, in the gastric tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, p62, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, p62, and LC3. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group presented obvious gastric mucosal damage, colonization of a large number of Hp, severe mitochondrial damage, vacuolated structures due to excessive autophagy, reduced TOMM20 and TFAM co-expression in the gastric mucosal tissue, and reduced SOD and increased MDA (P<0.01). In addition, the gastric tissue in the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of p62 (P<0.01, as well as increased expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed alleviated pathological damage of gastric mucosa, reduced Hp colonization, mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased co-expression of TOMM20 and TFAM. The SOD level was elevated in the LPYJWF-L group (P<0.01), and the MDA levels became lowered in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 and protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin, and up-regulated mRNA level of p62 (P<0.01). The LPYJWF-M, LPYJWF-H, and quadruple therapy groups showcased down-regulated LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ level (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated protein level of p62 (P<0.01). The expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 were reduced in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionLPYJWF ameliorates gastric mucosal damage and exerts mucosa-protective effects in Hp-infected mice, which may be related to the inhibition of excessive mitochondrial autophagy, thereby inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
7.Modified Lianpoyin Formula Treats Hp-associated Gastritis by Regulating Mitochondrial Autophagy and NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway
Siyi ZHANG ; Haopeng DANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Wentao ZHOU ; Wei GUO ; Lin LIU ; Lan ZENG ; Yujie SUN ; Luming LIANG ; Yi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):178-187
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Lianpoyin formula (LPYJWF) in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-associated gastric mucosal damage based on mitochondrial autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 60 eight-week-old Balb/c male mice were assigned via the random number table method into control, model, high-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-H, 27.3 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-M, 13.65 g·kg-1·d-1), low-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-L, 6.83 g·kg-1·d-1), and quadruple therapy groups. Except the control group, other groups were modeled for Hp infection. Mice were administrated with LPYJWF at corresponding doses by gavage. Quadruple therapy group was given omeprazole (6.06 mg·kg-1·d-1) + amoxicillin (303 mg·kg-1·d-1) + clarithromycin (151.67 mg·kg-1·d-1) + colloidal pectin capsules (30.3 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavage. The control group was given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl for 14 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gastric mucosa, and Warthin-Starry (W-S) silver staining was used to detect Hp colonization. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the gastric tissue, and immunofluorescence co-localization assay was adopted to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane member 20 (TOMM20). The water-soluble tetrazolium salt method and thiobarbituric acid method were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), respectively, in the gastric tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, p62, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, p62, and LC3. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group presented obvious gastric mucosal damage, colonization of a large number of Hp, severe mitochondrial damage, vacuolated structures due to excessive autophagy, reduced TOMM20 and TFAM co-expression in the gastric mucosal tissue, and reduced SOD and increased MDA (P<0.01). In addition, the gastric tissue in the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of p62 (P<0.01, as well as increased expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed alleviated pathological damage of gastric mucosa, reduced Hp colonization, mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased co-expression of TOMM20 and TFAM. The SOD level was elevated in the LPYJWF-L group (P<0.01), and the MDA levels became lowered in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 and protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin, and up-regulated mRNA level of p62 (P<0.01). The LPYJWF-M, LPYJWF-H, and quadruple therapy groups showcased down-regulated LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ level (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated protein level of p62 (P<0.01). The expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 were reduced in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionLPYJWF ameliorates gastric mucosal damage and exerts mucosa-protective effects in Hp-infected mice, which may be related to the inhibition of excessive mitochondrial autophagy, thereby inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
8.Advances in role and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients in regulating balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune responses in asthma patients.
Ya-Sheng DENG ; Lan-Hua XI ; Yan-Ping FAN ; Wen-Yue LI ; Yong-Hui LIU ; Zhao-Bing NI ; Ming-Chan WEI ; Jiang LIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1000-1021
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease involving multiple inflammatory cells and cytokines. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving various cells and cytokines. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory suggests that the pathogenesis of asthma is closely related to the dysfunction of internal organs such as the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. In contrast, modern immunological studies have revealed the central role of T helper 1(Th1)/T helper 2(Th2) and T helper 17(Th17)/regulatory T(Treg) cellular immune imbalance in the pathogenesis of asthma. Th1/Th2 imbalance is manifested as hyperfunction of Th2 cells, which promotes the synthesis of immunoglobulin E(IgE) and the activation of eosinophil granulocytes, leading to airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.Meanwhile, Th17/Treg imbalance exacerbates the inflammatory response in the airways, further contributing to asthma pathology.Currently, therapeutic strategies for asthma are actively exploring potential targets for regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune responses. These targets include cytokines, transcription factors, key proteins, and non-coding RNAs. Precisely regulating the expression and function of these targets can effectively modulate the activation and differentiation of immune cells. In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients have shown unique potential and prospects in the field of asthma treatment. Based on this, the present study systematically summarizes the efficacy and specific mechanisms of TCM active ingredients in treating asthma by regulating Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune balance through literature review and analysis. These active ingredients, including flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, exert their effects through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting the activation of inflammatory cells, reducing the release of cytokines, and promoting the normal differentiation of immune cells. This study aims to provide a solid foundation for the widespread application and in-depth development of TCM in asthma treatment and to offer new ideas for clinical research and drug development of asthma.
Asthma/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Th2 Cells/drug effects*
;
Th17 Cells/drug effects*
;
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects*
;
Th1 Cells/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Cytokines/immunology*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
9.Protective effect of Sini Decoction in attenuating cryopreservation-induced injury of rats' sciatic nerves based on apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Kang YANG ; Jun LIU ; Lin-Lan ZHOU ; Yun-Xiao LIU ; Chun-Lin DU ; Xiao-Zhi MEI ; Ying-Ru HUANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1351-1362
Cryopreservation is the primary technique for in vitro preservation of allogeneic tissue. However, its success is often hindered by factors such as low temperature, ischemia, and hypoxia. This study investigated the potential of Sini Decoction, known for its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, to reduce cryopreservation-induced injury in rats' sciatic nerves. Sini Decoction was prepared according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and its cytotoxicity on Rsc96 cells was assessed by using the CCK-8 method. Sini Decoction at concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 mg·mL~(-1), termed as low-(SL), medium-(SM), and high-(SH) doses group, was used for cryopreservation of rats' sciatic nerves. A normal control(NC) group and a fresh nerve control(fresh) group were set. Flow cytometry and TUNEL staining were used to detect the apoptosis of neural tissue cells after cryopreservation. Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins(Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-8) and nerve regeneration proteins(NGF and BDNF) in vitro after cryopreservation. Oxidative damage of neural tissue after cryopreservation was evaluated by measuring levels of GSH, SOD, MDA, ROS, and ATP. Cryopreserved nerves were then used for allogeneic transplantation. One week after transplantation, CD4~+ and CD8~+ fluorescent double staining assessed inflammatory cell invasion in the transplanted nerve segment, and ELISA evaluated the expression of serum inflammatory factors(IL-1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) in recipients. Twenty weeks after transplantation, electrophysiology and NF200 neurofilament staining were used to evaluate nerve regeneration. RESULTS:: showed that Sini Decoction at concentrations of below 32 mg·mL~(-1) exhibited no cytotoxicity to Rsc96 cells. During in vitro nerve cryopreservation, Sini Decoction significantly reduced cell apoptosis, ROS, and MDA production compared to the NC group. In the SH group, the protein expression of NGF and BDNF in vitro, as well as ATP, SOD, and GSH production, were significantly increased. In the rejection reaction one week after transplantation, compared to the fresh nerve transplantation group, the SL and SM groups showed reduced CD4~+ and CD8~+ T cell invasion in the transplanted nerve segment and down-regulated IL-1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α expression in recipient serum. Twenty weeks after transplantation, the electrophysiological test results of CMAP, NCV, and NF200 neurofilament protein fluorescent staining in the SM and SH groups were superior to those in the NC and fresh groups. These findings indicate that Sini Decoction offers protective benefits in the cryopreservation of rats' sciatic nerves and holds significant potential for the in vitro preservation of tissue and organs.
Animals
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Sciatic Nerve/cytology*
;
Cryopreservation
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Protective Agents/pharmacology*
10.Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating "inflammation-cancer" transformation in gastric mucosa based on NLRP3 inflammasome.
Liu-Hong YANG ; Jia LIU ; Lan LIANG ; Jie LIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2334-2348
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive tract, which has the characteristics of high morbidity and mortality. However, gastric cancer is not achieved overnight but is gradually developing through the interaction of many factors. Therefore, actively delaying or blocking the "inflammation-cancer" transformation in gastric mucosa is the key to treatment. Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome is a multi-protein signal complex and one of the important innate immune signal receptors. Inflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer, and continuous inflammation mediation will trigger the transformation from inflammation to cancer. Therefore, the significance of NLRP3 inflammasome to gastric mucosa lies in the transformation between inflammation and cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has the functions of multi-components, multi-targets, and few adverse reactions. A large number of studies show that TCM and related monomers have significant effects in treating liver, kidney, and immune diseases through mediating NLRP3 inflammasome, but there is less research on the "inflammation-cancer" transformation in gastric mucosa. By combing the NLRP3-related nuclear factor-κB transcription factor(NF-κB), hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), and other signal pathways, this paper clarified their mechanisms in the "inflammation-cancer" transformation in gastric mucosa, delayed the process of "inflammation-cancer" transformation in gastric mucosa through four aspects: energy metabolism, pyroptosis, immune response, and vascular endothelial growth factor, and prevented and treated "inflammation-cancer" transformation in gastric mucosa from three aspects: TCM monomer, TCM compound prescription, and other therapies, so as to provide ideas for the subsequent treatment of "inflammation-cancer" transformation in gastric mucosa with TCM.
Humans
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
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Inflammasomes/metabolism*
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Gastric Mucosa/metabolism*
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Stomach Neoplasms/pathology*
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Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Inflammation/drug therapy*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*

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