1.Quercetin Ameliorates Gouty Arthritis in Rats via ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway
Baowei FENG ; Yan WANG ; Chang LI ; Yujing ZHANG ; Dingxing FAN ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):145-153
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of quercetin on acute gouty arthritis (GA) in rats by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (25, 50, 100 mg·kg-1, respectively) quercetin groups (n=10). The rats in the dosing groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs (10 mL·kg-1) by gavage once a day for one week. An equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage to rats in normal and model groups. One hour after drug administration on day 5, an acute GA model was established in other groups except the control group via intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the right posterior ankle joint cavity. The joint swelling and gait were scored at the time points of 6, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling. Histopathological alterations in the ankle joint tissue from each group were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) assay kits were used to assess the levels of MDA, XOD, and T-SOD in the serum. The levels of tumor interleukin-6 (IL-6), necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β in the rat serum, as well as ROS in the ankle joint tissue, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain (ASC), precursor cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (pro-Caspase-1), cleaved Caspase-1 (Caspase-1 p20), and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased spontaneous activity, mental fatigue, increased ankle joint swelling and gait scores (P<0.01), aggravated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.01), elevated levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), a declined level of T-SOD (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose quercetin groups showed improved general conditions, decreased gait scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced joint swelling (P<0.01), alleviated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), increased levels of T-SOD (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Low-dose quercetin also ameliorated some of the above parameters (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQuercetin exerts anti-GA effects by blocking the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway, downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
3.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
4.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Changsheng YUAN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xingyu LIU ; Yu SHI ; Yihan WANG ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Huaizhong GAO ; Yanmeng LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):203-214
ObjectiveTo characterize the quality differences among different germplasm and introduced varieties of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots(BSR), and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsWild BSR from Yulin(YLW) served as the quality reference, we conducted comparative analysis among YLW, locally domesticated wild germplasm in Yulin(YLC3), Daqing germplasm introduced and cultivated in Yulin(YLDQC3), and locally cultivated germplasm in Daqing(DQC3). A combination of traditional pharmacognostic methods and modern multi-omics analyses was employed, including macroscopic traits(appearance, odor), microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem), cell wall component contents(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), carbohydrate contents(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), marker compound contents(ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, liposoluble extracts, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D), metabolomics, and transcriptomics, in order to systematically characterize quality differences and investigate molecular mechanisms among these samples. ResultsMacroscopically, Yulin-produced BSR(YLW, YLC3, YLDQC3) exhibited significantly greater weight, length, and upper and middle diameters than Daqing-produced BSR(DQC3). Odor-wise, YLW and YLC3 had a a fragrance taste, YLDQC3 had a rancid oil odor, and DQC3 had a sweet and fragrant taste. Microscopically, Yulin germplasm(YLW, YLC3) and Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3, DQC3) shared similar structural features, respectively. However, Yulin germplasm showed significantly higher proportions of cork and phloem, as well as stronger xylem vessel staining intensity compared to Daqing germplasm. Regarding various component contents, Yulin germplasm contained significantly higher levels of ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D, while Daqing germplasm had significantly higher levels of hemicellulose, starch, and liposoluble extracts. After introduction to Yulin, the Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3) showed increased starch, water-soluble polysaccharides and liposoluble extracts contents, decreased cell wall component content, but no significant difference in other component contents. Metabolomics revealed that saponins and terpenes accumulated significantly in Yulin germplasm, while alcohols and aldehydes accumulated predominantly in Daqing germplasm. Transcriptomics indicated similar gene expression patterns within the same germplasm but specificity between different germplasms. Integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis identified 145 potential key genes associated with the saikosaponin biosynthesis pathway, including one acetyl-coenzyme A(CoA) acetyltransferase gene(ACAT), one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene(HMGS), two hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA(HMG-CoA) reductase genes(HMG), one phosphomevalonate kinase gene(PMK), one 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase gene(CLA), one hydroxymethylbuten-1-aldol synthase gene(HDR), two farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase genes(FPPS), one squalene synthase gene(SQS), one β-amyrin synthase gene(BAS), 102 cytochrome P450(CYP450) gene family members, and 32 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase(UGT) gene family members. ConclusionAmong the three cultivated types, YLC3 most closely resembles YLW in appearance, microscopic features, contents of major bioactive constituents, metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Yulin germplasm exhibits superior saponin synthesis capability compared to Daqing germplasm, and Yulin region is more suitable for the growth of B. scorzonerifolium. Based on these findings, it is recommended that artificial cultivation in northern Shaanxi and similar regions utilize the local Yulin germplasm source cultivated for at least three years.
5.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Fengfan WANG ; Yajie XIANG ; Jian FENG ; Wencheng HOU ; Wenlan LI ; Yangyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):235-244
ObjectiveTo compare the differences between wild Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(WAOF) and cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(CAOF) through a traditional quality evaluation system for medicinal materials. MethodsA total of 10 batches of WAOF and 12 batches of CAOF samples were collected from various regions of Hainan province. Relevant analytical methods from the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China were employed to observe the characteristics of WAOF and CAOF, followed by microscopic identification, thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification, moisture content(toluene method), total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts(hot dipping method), water-soluble protein, total polysaccharides and total flavonoids(ultraviolet spectrophotometry), and volatile oil content(method A under general rule 2204). The contents of five active components(protocatechuic acid, chrysin, kaempferol, tectochrysin and nootkatone) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Building upon traditional quality evaluation of AOF, quantitative measurements were conducted on its appearance traits including diameter, length, plumpness(diameter/length ratio), and color. Canonical correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to explore relationships between appearance traits and intrinsic quality. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between WAOF and CAOF in microscopic observation, TLC identification, moisture content, protocatechuic acid content, kaempferol content, odor, or antioxidant activity measured by 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) method. WAOF exhibited significantly higher levels in water-soluble extracts, alcohol-soluble extracts, total polysaccharide content, water-soluble protein content, 100-grain weight, length, and total color difference(ΔE*ab) compared to CAOF(P<0.01). In contrast, CAOF showed significantly higher levels of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, content of total flavonoids, volatile oil content, chrysin content, tectochrysin content, nootkatone content, diameter, plumpness, lightness(L*), red-green chromaticity(a*), yellow-blue chromaticity(b*), and antioxidant activity measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) method compared to WAOF(P<0.01). Correlation analysis between 7 phenotypic traits and 8 quality traits revealed that among the phenotypic traits, plumpness, L*, a*, and b* exerted significant influence on intrinsic quality. Among the quality traits, total flavonoids, volatile oils, nootkatone, chrysin, and tectochrysin contributed substantially to intrinsic quality. ConclusionPlumpness, L*, a*, and b* of AOF significantly influence its intrinsic quality, and higher values of these parameters indicate relatively superior intrinsic quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation reveals that CAOF samples collected in this study are superior to their wild counterparts.
6.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating metabolic reprogramming to improve breast cancer
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Weixia CHEN ; Bo FENG ; Jilei LI ; Sizhe WANG ; Meng ZHU ; Chunzheng MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):250-256
Metabolic reprogramming, as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors, plays a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (such as berberine, matrine, quercetin, curcumin, etc.) and their compound formulations (e.g. Xihuang pill, Danzhi xiaoyao powder, Yanghe decoction, etc.) can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming, showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α, hexokinase-2, pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter-1, fatty acid synthase, and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However, current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism, with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and OXPHOS. The precise targets, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.
7.Role of aspirin in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Yongqi LI ; Yanqiu LI ; Lina SUN ; Chaoran WANG ; Ying FENG ; Liang WANG ; Xianbo WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):178-182
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the main type of chronic liver disease in the world, with an increasingly higher incidence rate and a younger age of onset. At present, the treatment of MAFLD mainly depends on lifestyle intervention and comorbidity management, and there is still a lack of effective drugs for MAFLD itself. As a classic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug of the salicylic acid family, aspirin can intervene in the pathological process of MAFLD by regulating lipid metabolism, relieving insulin resistance, reducing liver inflammation and oxidative stress response, exerting an anti-liver fibrosis effect, and inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma, and therefore, it has the value of preventing disease onset, delaying disease progression, and reversing disease condition. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action and safety of aspirin in the treatment of MAFLD, in order to provide more drug treatment options for MAFLD patients.
8.Spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of and trends in disease burden of dengue fever in China from 2005 to 2024
Lianfang FENG ; Meng SHANG ; Jiarong REN ; Xiaoxu WANG ; Haoqiang JI ; Xinning HAO ; Jing LI ; Qiyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):137-147
Objective To analyze the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of and trends in the disease burden of dengue fever in China from 2005 to 2024, so as to provide insights into formulation of dengue fever control strategies. Methods Data pertaining to dengue fever cases in China from 2005 to 2024 were retrieved from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and city population, gross domestic product (GDP), GDP per capita, and consumer price index in China were captured from the China Statistical Yearbook, National Bureau of Statistics of China, the China City Statistical Yearbook, and bureaus of statistics in each city. The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) due to dengue fever were calculated in China from 2005 to 2024. The direct and indirect economic burdens of dengue fever were estimated to calculate the total economic burden. The trends in the disease burden of dengue fever were estimated in China from 2005 to 2024 using a Joinpoint regression model with the software Joinpoint 4.9.0.0, and the average annual percent change (AAPC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. In addition, the DALYs rate and economic burden of dengue fever in China were subjected to global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses using the software ArcGIS 10.8. Results The gross DALYs due to dengue fever were 5 558 person-years in China from 2005 to 2024, and the DALYs of dengue fever increased from 36 person-years in 2005 to 899 person-years in 2024, with an increase of 23.97 folds. The average annual DALYs rate of dengue fever was 0.02 person-years/105 in China during the 20-year study period from 2005 to 2024, and the DALYs rate peaked in 2014 (0.13 person-years/105) and reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. YLDs were the main contributor of DALYs due to dengue fever in China from 2005 to 2024, with a total of 5 354 person-years, accounting for 96.33% (5 354 person-years/5 558 person-years) of the gross DALYs. The gross DALYs of dengue fever were 2 982 person-years among men (53.66%) and 2 575 person-years among women (46.34%) in China from 2005 to 2024, and high DALYs of dengue fever were measured among residents at ages of 15 to 30 years (1 639 person-years), 30 to 45 years (1 857 person-years), and 45 to 60 years (1 204 person-years), respectively, accounting for 84.56% (4 700 person-years/5 558 person-years) of total DALYs due to dengue fever in China. The total economic burden of dengue fever was estimated to be 612 million Yuan in China from 2005 to 2024, with an average annual economic burden of 30.584 million Yuan. The economic burden of dengue fever increased from 196 000 Yuan in 2005 to 121 million Yuan in 2024 in China, with an increase of 616.35 folds, and the per capita economic burden increased from 3 322.21 Yuan in 2005 to 4 940.01 Yuan in 2024, with an increase of 48.70%. Dengue fever cases were reported in 274 cities (counties) across 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) in China from 2005 to 2024, with relatively higher DALYs in Guangdong Province and Yunnan Province. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that the disease burden of dengue fever appeared positive aggregation in Chinese cities (counties) from 2005 to 2024 (global Moran’s I = 0.045, Z = 2.24, P < 0.05), with high-high clusters mainly concentrated in the Pearl River Delta region in Guangdong Province and Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture and Pu’er City in Yunnan Province, and the total economic burden (global Moran’s I = 0.032, Z = 9.55, P < 0.001), per capita economic burden (global Moran’s I = 0.208, Z = 27.34, P < 0.001), and the proportion of total economic burdens in GDP in 2024 (global Moran’s I = 0.017, Z = 5.91, P < 0.001) all presented positive aggregation, with relatively higher total economic burdens mainly concentrated in Guangdong Province and Yunnan Province. Joinpoint regression analysis showed that the gross DALYs rates of dengue fever appeared an overall tendency towards a rise in China from 2005 to 2024 (AAPC = 16.24%, P = 0.029), and the DALYs rate presented an overall tendency towards a rise among both men (AAPC = 14.75%, P = 0.028) and women (AAPC = 14.93%, P = 0.037) during the study period. The per capita direct economic burden appeared an overall tendency towards a rise among dengue fever patients in China from 2005 to 2024 (AAPC = 2.16%, P = 0.012); however, there was no significant difference in the trends in the per capita indirect economic burden (AAPC = 0.46%, P = 0.470). In addition, the DALYs rate of dengue fever appeared a tendency towards a rise in 84.67% (232/274) of cities (counties) in China from 2005 to 2024, and the per capita economic burden appeared a tendency towards a rise in 85.40% (234/274) of cities (counties), while the DALYs rate and per capita economic burden of dengue fever appeared a tendency towards a rise in 77.01% (211/274) of cities (counties). Conclusions The disease burden of dengue fever significantly increased in China from 2005 to 2024. It is recommended to reinforce integrated dengue fever control in high-risk areas and among high-risk populations, and to improve the surveillance of imported dengue fever cases and vector control.
9.Mechanisms on Chronicity of Infectious Diseases from Warm Disease Theory of Pathogen Invading Nutrient and Blood Aspects: Integrating Classical Wisdom with Innovative Perspectives
Baixue LI ; Hang ZHOU ; Jibin LIU ; Xia LI ; Xiyang LIU ; Haihui LIU ; Peijie WU ; Dong WANG ; Cen JIANG ; Wenjun WU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):60-69
The chronicity of infectious diseases is an important field in the collaborative research of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The warm disease theory of pathogen invading nutrient and blood aspects in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) takes the struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi and cementation of Yin as the core pathogenesis, providing a unique theoretical framework for explaining the common pathology of infectious chronic diseases. This theory originated from Yin-Yang interaction in the Internal Classic and was enriched with WU Youke's theory of intruding pathogen interacting and lingering in blood vessels and YE Tianshi's theory of long-term illness entering collaterals. Combining the theory with modern medical knowledge, our team has condensed the dynamic pathogenesis model of deficiency (nutrient and blood aspects) and excess (pathogen) interacting in the blood collaterals of Yin aspect, the core feature of which is the four-dimensional interactions of cause (pathogen characteristics), location (three Yin locations of diseases), nature (deficiency and excess), and potential (transmission trend). The common pathology of infectious chronic diseases is reflected in interactions. That is, the interactions between nutrient and blood deficiency (immune exhaustion and metabolic disorder) and pathogen excess (pathogen persistence and fibrous hyperplasia) in the liver collaterals (Jueyin), kidney collaterals (Shaoyin), lung collaterals (Taiyin) and other blood collaterals of Yin aspect form the pathological damage characterized by immune inflammatory response-continuous tissue damage with excessive repair. Taking the inheritance and innovative development of classics as the main line, this paper systematically discusses the scientific connotation of the theory of pathogen invading nutrient and blood aspects and the paths of inheritance and innovation and clarifies the original significance of this theory in the chronic development of infectious diseases. Furthermore, taking clinical diseases as an example, this paper reflects the guiding value of this classical theory in the modern diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine and the application potential of this theory in solving complex medical problems through the construction of the innovative paradigm of precise diagnosis and treatment with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
10.DIA Proteomic Profiling on Staged Regulatory Effect of Tonifying Deficiency and Dredging Collaterals Method on Liver Fibrosis in Rats Based on Theory of "Zhu Ke Jiao"
Xin WANG ; Pengyu ZHU ; Li WEN ; Jibin LIU ; Aochun YUE ; Ziyi CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Li ZHU ; Quansheng FENG ; Cen JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):119-132
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the differential mechanisms underlying the staged therapeutic effects of Qijia Rougan formula on liver fibrosis using proteomic technology. MethodsThe staged rat model of liver fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and olive oil. One hundred and four SD rats were randomized into thirteen groups:a normal group,a two-week model group,a four-week model group,a six-week model group,an eight-week model group,a two-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a four-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a six-week Qijia Rougan formula group,an eight-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a two-week compound Biejia Ruangan tablet group,a four-week Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablet group,a six-week Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablet group,and an eight-week compound Biejia Ruangan tablet group. After two weeks of drug intervention,liver tissue and abdominal aortic blood samples were collected from the rats for testing. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining,Masson staining,and Picro Sirius red staining were used to observe pathological damage and collagen fiber deposition in liver tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect the contents of fibrosis markers in liver tissues. The contents of liver function indicators in the serum were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyzer,and the levels of liver fibrosis indicators in the serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liver tissues from the normal group,each model group,and each Qijia Rougan formula group were subjected to label-free quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differential proteins among the groups,with key proteins validated by Western blot. Finally,bioinformatics analysis was performed on the differential proteins. Results(1) The staged rat model of liver fibrosis constructed with CCl4 and olive oil showed pathological results at the 2nd,4th,6th,and 8th weeks of modeling that were consistent with the Metavir standards for the F1,F2,F3,and F4 stages. Compared with those in the normal control group,the protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ were significantly increased in each stage (P<0.05). The levels of liver function indicators in the serum,including alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),direct bilirubin (DBIL),and total bilirubin (TBil) in each model group,were significantly elevated in each stage (P<0.01). The levels of liver fibrosis indicators in the serum,including procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP),type Ⅳ collagen(Ⅳ-C),hyaluronic acid (HA),and laminin (LN) in each model group,were significantly increased in each stage (P<0.05,P<0.01). This study successfully established a staged rat model of liver fibrosis. (2) Compared with the model groups at each stage,the administration groups showed a reduction in hepatocyte ballooning degeneration,a more orderly arrangement of hepatocytes,and a decrease of inflammatory cell infiltration. The blue-stained collagen fibers became significantly thinner and finer,with reduced and narrowed fibrous septa. The areas of collagen fibers and Picro Sirius red staining were reduced (P<0.05). The positive areas of α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of ALT,AST,ALP,DBIL,and TBil in the rats of the model groups at each stage were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of PⅢP,Ⅳ-C,HA,and LN in the rats of the model groups at each stage were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Among these,the improvements in all indicators were most significant in the F3 stage (P<0.01).(3) The proteomic results show that a total of 165 differential proteins exhibit a callback trend when comparing the model groups at four stages with the normal group,and when comparing the Qijia Rougan formula group with the model group. Western blot analysis reveals that the levels of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1),mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1),arginase 1 (Arg1),and glutathione S-transferase α1 (GSTA1) were consistent with the proteomic results. Bioinformatics results reveal that 165 differentially expressed proteins are enriched in multiple signaling pathways. Notably,signaling pathways such as drug metabolism-cytochrome P450,arginine biosynthesis,and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway were found to be closely associated with liver fibrosis,suggesting that the Qijia Rougan formula may exert its staged regulatory effects on liver fibrosis by regulating these pathways. ConclusionThe Qijia Rougan formula may achieve staged regulation of liver fibrosis by regulating drug metabolism-cytochrome P450,arginine biosynthesis,and the PPAR signaling pathway.

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