1.Anti-osteoporosis Effect of Isorhamnetin: A Review
Shilong MENG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yawei XU ; Yang YU ; Wei LI ; Yanguang CAO ; Xiaolin SHI ; Wei ZHANG ; Kang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):347-352
Osteoporosis is a common senile bone metabolism disease, clinically characterized by decreased bone mass, destruction of bone microstructure, increased bone fragility, and easy fracture. It tends to occur in the elderly and postmenopausal women, seriously threatening the quality of life and physical and mental health of the elderly. At present, the treatment of osteoporosis is mainly based on oral western medicines, such as calcium, Vitamin D, and bisphosphonates. Still, there are drawbacks such as a long medication cycle and many adverse reactions. In recent years, due to the advantages of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target, some traditional Chinese medicines and effective ingredients can regulate the osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation process in both directions and are widely used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Hippophae rhamnoides is a commonly used herbal medicine, and its fruits are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements, which have been proven to have a good anti-osteoporosis effect. Isorhamnetin is the main effective ingredient of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits, which has many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, and anti-tumor. Studies have shown that isorhamnetin can participate in the regulation of bone metabolism and has a good anti-osteoporosis effect. However, the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, this paper reviewed the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis by referring to relevant literature to provide more basis for the development and application of isorhamnetin.
2.The Influence of Time Rhythm and Immune System on the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis from "Theory of Wei Qi "
Xiaosi ZHANG ; Anqi YANG ; Lei SHI ; Junxiang LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):238-243
The movement of wei qi (defensive qi) follows the circadian rhythm of "circulating on the yang during the day, and on the yin at night" and serves a defensive function to "protect the body". Guided by the theory of wei qi, it is believed that time rhythms and the immune system play significant roles in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Dysfunction in wei qi circulation, particularly when "yang fails to enter yin," can lead to the onset of UC; the cyclical nature of wei qi's movement results in disease patterns characterized by "morning relief, daytime stability, evening aggravation, and nighttime worsening", which align with the rhythmic characteristics of immune responses. The defensive function of wei qi is crucial in maintaining intestinal immunity of patients with UC, and the spleen and stomach, which are the sources of wei qi, are key to sustaining intestinal mucosal immune homeostasis; additionally, obstruction in the ascending and descending movements of wei qi, internal disruption, and latent pathogen in the intestines lead to the development of UC. Based on the theory of wei qi, treatment approaches for UC are proposed, including time-based dietary adjustments and chronotherapy to harmonize human activities with natural rhythms; these approaches emphasize protecting the spleen and stomach while also considering the lungs and kidneys, balancing sanjiao, and harmonizing ying qi and wei qi, so as to improve the clinical effectiveness of UC treatment.
3.STAR Guideline Terminology (I): Planning and Launching
Zhewei LI ; Qianling SHI ; Hui LIU ; Xufei LUO ; Zijun WANG ; Jinhui TIAN ; Long GE ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):216-223
To develop a guideline terminology system and promote its standardization, thereby enhancing medical staff's accurate understanding and correct application of guidelines. A systematic search was conducted for guideline development manuals and method ological literature (as of October 25, 2024). After screening, relevant terms from the guideline planning and launching stages were extracted and standardized. The term list and definitions were finalized through discussion and evaluation at a consensus conference. A total of 36 guideline manuals and 14 method ological articles were included, and 27 core terms were identified. The standardization of guideline terminology is essential for improving guideline quality, facilitating interdisciplinary communication, and enhancing other related aspects. It is recommended that efforts to advance the standardization and continuous updating of the terminology system should be prioritized in the future to support the high-quality development of guidelines.
4.Protective Effect of Xuebijing on Lung Injury in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Blocking FPRs/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway
Guixian ZHANG ; Dawei LIU ; Xia LI ; Xijing LI ; Pengcheng SHI ; Zhiqiao FENG ; Jun CAI ; Wenhui ZONG ; Xiumei ZHAO ; Hongbin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):113-120
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on severe acute pancreatitis induced acute lung injury (SAP-ALI) by regulating formyl peptide receptors (FPRs)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a SAP-ALI model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose XBJ groups (4, 8, and 12 mL·kg-1), and a positive drug (BOC2, 0.2 mg·kg-1) group. For the sham group, the pancreas of rats was only gently flipped after laparotomy, and then the abdomen was closed, while for the remaining five groups, SAP-ALI rat models were established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (Na-Tc) via the biliopancreatic duct. XBJ and BOC2 were administered via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 d prior to modeling and 0.5 h after modeling. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 6 h after the completion of modeling, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of ascites was measured, and the dry-wet weight ratios of pancreatic and lung tissue were determined. Pancreatic and lung tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe pathological changes and then scored. The protein expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue were detected by the immunohistochemical method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the SAP-ALI model group showed significantly decreased dry-wet weight ratio of lung tissue (P<0.01), serious pathological changes of lung tissue, a significantly increased pathological score (P<0.01), and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue (P<0.01). After BOC2 intervention, the above detection indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.01). After treatment with XBJ, the groups of different XBJ doses achieved results consistent with BOC2 intervention. ConclusionXBJ can effectively improve the inflammatory response of the lungs in SAP-ALI rats and reduce damage. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of FPRs and NLRP3 in lung tissue, which thereby reduces IL-1β and simultaneously antagonize the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.
5.Effect of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma Before and After Steaming with Wine on Intestinal Flora and Immune Environment in Constipation Model Mice
Yaya BAI ; Rui TIAN ; Yajun SHI ; Chongbo ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Li ZHANG ; Yonggang YAN ; Yuping TANG ; Qiao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):192-199
ObjectiveTo study on the different therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RH) before and after steaming with wine on constipation model mice. MethodsFifty-four male ICR mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, lactulose group(1.5 mg·kg-1), high, medium and low dose groups of RH and RH steaming with wine(PRH)(8, 4, 1 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the constipation model was replicated by gavage of loperamide hydrochloride(6 mg·kg-1) in the other groups. After 2 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding dose of drug solution, and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline, 1 time/d for 2 consecutive weeks. After administration, the feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing, the levels of gastrin(GAS), motilin(MTL), interleukin-6(IL-6), γ-interferon(IFN-γ) in the colonic tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), the histopathological changes of colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion changes of CD4+, CD8+ and regulatory T cell(Treg) in peripheral blood. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly decrease in fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate(P<0.01), the colon was seen to have necrotic shedding of mucosal epithelium, localized intestinal glands in the lamina propria were degenerated, necrotic and atrophied, a few lymphocytes were seen to infiltrate in the necrotic area in a scattered manner, the contents of GAS and MTL, the proportions of CD4+, CD8+ and Treg were significantly reduced(P<0.01), the contents of IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate of high-dose groups of RH and PRH were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the pathological damage of the colon was alleviated to varying degrees, the contents of GAS, MTL, IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly regressed(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly increased(P<0.01), although the proportion of Treg showed an upward trend, there was no significant difference. In addition, the results of intestinal flora showed that the number of amplicon sequence variant(ASV) and Alpha diversity were decreased in the model group compared with the control group, and there was a significant difference in Beta diversity, with a decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and an increase in the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter. Compared with the model group, the ASV number and Alpha diversity were increased in the high-dose groups of RH and PRH, and there was a trend of regression of Beta diversity to the control group, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased, and the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter decreased. ConclusionRH and PRH can improve dysbacteriosis, promote immune system activation, inhibit the release of inflammatory factors for enhancing the gastrointestinal function, which may be one of the potential mechanisms of their therapeutic effect on constipation.
6.Clinical Efficacy of Tangning Tongluo Tablets for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Fuwen ZHANG ; Junguo DUAN ; Wen XIA ; Tiantian SUN ; Yuheng SHI ; Shicui MEI ; Xiangxia LUO ; Xing LI ; Yujie PAN ; Yong DENG ; Chuanlian RAN ; Hao CHEN ; Li PEI ; Shuyu YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangning Tongluo tablets in the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsFourteen research centers participated in this study, which spanned a time interval from September 2021 to May 2023. A total of 240 patients with nonproliferative DR were included and randomly assigned into an observation group (120 cases) and a control group (120 cases). The observation group was treated with Tangning Tongluo tablets, and the control group with calcium dobesilate capsules. Both groups were treated for 24 consecutive weeks. The vision, DR progression rate, retinal microhemangioma, hemorrhage area, exudation area, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment, and the safety was observed. ResultsThe vision changed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group showed higher best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) than the control group (P<0.05). The DR progression was slow with similar rates in the two groups. The fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area did not change significantly after treatment in both groups, while the observation group outperformed the control group in reducing the fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area. There was no significant difference in the number of microhemangiomas between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the number of microhemangiomas decreased in both the observation group (Z=-1.437, P<0.05) and the control group (Z=-2.238, P<0.05), and it showed no significant difference between the two groups. As the treatment time prolonged, the number of microhemangiomas gradually decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the decline in the HbA1c level showed no significant difference between the two groups. The TCM syndrome score did not have a statistically significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, neither the TCM syndrome score nor the response rate had significant difference between the two groups. With the extension of the treatment time, both groups showed amelioration of TCM syndrome compared with the baseline. ConclusionTangning Tongluo tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of nonproliferative DR, being capable of improving vision and reducing hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus.
7.Autophagy Abnormalities in PCOS and Targeted Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Xinxin YANG ; Zhicheng JIA ; Mengyu SHI ; Yongqian LI ; Peixuan WANG ; Ying GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):313-322
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine and reproductive disorder,with the main clinical manifestations including ovulation failure,insulin resistance,hyperandrogenism,and obesity. Its occurrence and development are closely related to cellular regulatory mechanisms such as apoptosis,autophagy,oxidative stress,and inflammatory response. Autophagy,as a clearance mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis,plays a crucial role in maintaining the growth,development,and maturation of oocytes. Exploring the mechanism of autophagy during the occurrence and development of diseases can help develop treatment methods for PCOS by regulating autophagy. Studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS,and it can affect the occurrence and development of PCOS through multiple pathways,levels,and targets. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulates autophagy in ovarian granulosa cells or endometrium of patients with PCOS by targeting the expression of autophagy signaling pathways,regulatory factors,and non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules,thereby alleviating inflammation,regulating metabolism disorders,and balancing hormone levels in PCOS. Accordingly,TCM can ameliorate pathological conditions such as insulin resistance,hyperandrogenism,and ovulation failure in PCOS. This article summarizes the TCM formulas and extracts for the treatment of PCOS,as well as the main autophagy pathways and regulatory factors involved,aiming to provide reference and suggestions for the future treatment of PCOS with TCM by regulating autophagy.
8.Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Bloodletting and Cupping on the Expression of Coagulation-Complement-Mast Cell Activation Axis-Related Factors in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria:Randomize-controlled Study
Yuzhu DU ; Yuqiang XUE ; Xiang LIU ; Yu SHI ; Hongkun LI ; Wenshan LIU ; Zan TIAN ; Yutong HU ; Yanjun WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):150-156
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with bloodletting and cupping in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria(CSU) and to explore its potential mechanisms of action. MethodsSeventy CSU patients were randomly divided into loratadine group and acupuncture + bloodletting group, with 35 patients in each group. The loratadine group received oral loratadine tablets, 10 mg once daily in the evening. The acupuncture + bloodletting group received acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Xuehai (SP 10), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Baihui (GV 20), and Shenting (GV 24), once daily,along with bloodletting and cupping at Dazhui (GV 14) and Geshu (BL 17), every other day. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The 7-day urticaria activity score(UAS7) was assessed before and after the treatment, and levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), plasma tissue factor (TF), activated factor Ⅶ (FⅦa), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), D-dimer (D-D) and complement component 5a (C5a) were detected. ResultsA total of 65 patients were included in the final analysis, 32 in the loratadine group and 33 in the acupuncture + bloodletting group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in UAS7 score, serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, ECP levels, or plasma TF, FⅦa, F1+2, D-D, C5a levels between groups (P> 0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in UAS7 score, serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and plasma TF, FⅦa, F1+2, D-D, and C5a levels compared to those before treatment (P<0.01). However, after treatment, there was no significant difference in UAS7 score and serum ECP, IgE, IL-4, IL-5 levels between groups (P>0.05). The acupuncture + bloodletting group showed lower plasma TF, FⅦa, F1+2, D-D and C5a levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionAcupuncture combined with bloodletting and cupping can effectively improve the skin symptoms of CSU patients and reduce the levels of inflammatory factors. The potential mechanism of action may involve the regulation of the coagulation-complement-mast cell activation axis, thereby inhibiting mast cell degranulation.
9.Collection, storage and utilization of lung transplant tissue samples
Yixing LI ; Xue SHI ; Hongyi WANG ; Runyi TAO ; Ye SUN ; Ailing SU ; Liyan TONG ; Jinteng FENG ; Yanpeng ZHANG ; Shuo LI ; Yawen WANG ; Guangjian ZHANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):147-155
After continuous development and improvement, lung transplantation has become the preferred means to treat a variety of benign end-stage lung diseases. However, the field of lung transplantation still faces many challenges, including shortage of donor resources, preservation and maintenance of donor lungs, and postoperative complications. Lung tissue samples removed after lung transplantation are excellent clinical resources for the study of benign end-stage lung disease and perioperative complications of lung transplantation. However, at present, the collection, storage and utilization of tissue samples after lung transplantation are limited to a single study, and unified technical specifications have not been formed. Based on the construction plan of the biobank for lung transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, this study reviewed the practical experience in the collection, storage and utilization of lung transplant tissue samples in the aspects of ethical review, staffing, collection process, storage method, quality control and efficient utilization, in order to provide references for lung transplant related research.
10.Fufang Kangjiaolv Capsules Treat Anxiety in Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress via Microbiota-gut-brain Axis
Wenxin FAN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Yifan LU ; Mengmeng LIU ; Jiayuan LI ; Renzhi MA ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):95-107
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank, model, positive drug (diazepam, 1 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.75, 1.5, 3 g·kg-1, respectively) Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration, the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light and dark box test, and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the colon, serum, and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze, the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field, the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark box, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees, and the high-dose group had the best effect, with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze (P<0.05), the number of rats entering the central area in the open field (P<0.05), the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark boxes, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.01). Moreover, the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Romboutsia, and Phascolarctobacterium, while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota, Bacteroides, norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014, and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 (P<0.01) and occludin (P<0.05) in the colon, down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.05), and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway, thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing a new idea for further research.

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