1.Herbal Textual Research on Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix and Knoxiae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiaoxuan CUI ; Kaizhi WU ; Wuwei MENG ; Yapeng WANG ; Wenyue LI ; Cheng FENG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):282-294
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, processing and other aspects of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix(EPR) by referring to the herbal medicine, medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern research materials, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herbal medicine. According to research, EPR was first recorded in the Shennong Bencaojing in the name of Daji, and it is the correct name of the herbal medicine in all dynasties, there are also other aliases such as Qiongju, Hongya Daji, and Xiamaxian. The dried roots of Euphorbia pekinensis from Euphorbiaceae was the mainstream of the past dynasties. Before the Ming dynasty, the above ground parts of E. pekinensis were used as Zeqi in herbal works. However, since LI Shizhen in the Ming dynasty proposed that the origin of Zeqi should be E. helioscopia, the aerial part of EPR is no longer used as medicine. Since modern times, the roots of Knoxia valerianoides has been used as EPR, and has become the mainstream of commodities, which should be corrected. Throughout history, it has been recorded that the main producing areas were Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Shanxi and other regions, while modern botanical survey have shown that EPR is a widespread species distributed throughout the country. In ancient times, the harvesting time of EPR was mostly the twelfth lunar month, while in modern time, it is more common to harvest in autumn and winter. The main processing methods of EPR in ancient times were vinegar processing, wine processing, and stir frying, while in modern times, it is uniformly vinegar processing. In the medicinal properties and clinical aspects, the records are basically consistent throughout history, mainly characterized by bitter taste, cold and toxic nature. Its main efficacy is expelling water retention and reducing swelling. Based on the textual research, it is suggested to choose the dried roots of E. pekinensis when famous classical formulas containing EPR, processing method can be based on the original specified prescription requirements, if the processing method is not clear, it is recommended to use vinegar-processed products as medicine.
2.The Ferroptosis-inducing Compounds in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Xin-Die WANG ; Da-Li FENG ; Xiang CUI ; Su ZHOU ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Zhi-Qiang GAO ; Li-Li ZOU ; Jun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):804-819
Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death modality discovered and defined in the last decade, is primarily induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. At present, it has been found that ferroptosis is involved in various physiological functions such as immune regulation, growth and development, aging, and tumor suppression. Especially its role in tumor biology has attracted extensive attention and research. Breast cancer is one of the most common female tumors, characterized by high heterogeneity and complex genetic background. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer, which lacks conventional breast cancer treatment targets and is prone to drug resistance to existing chemotherapy drugs and has a low cure rate after progression and metastasis. There is an urgent need to find new targets or develop new drugs. With the increase of studies on promoting ferroptosis in breast cancer, it has gradually attracted attention as a treatment strategy for breast cancer. Some studies have found that certain compounds and natural products can act on TNBC, promote their ferroptosis, inhibit cancer cells proliferation, enhance sensitivity to radiotherapy, and improve resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To promote the study of ferroptosis in TNBC, this article summarized and reviewed the compounds and natural products that induce ferroptosis in TNBC and their mechanisms of action. We started with the exploration of the pathways of ferroptosis, with particular attention to the System Xc--cystine-GPX4 pathway and iron metabolism. Then, a series of compounds, including sulfasalazine (SAS), metformin, and statins, were described in terms of how they interact with cells to deplete glutathione (GSH), thereby inhibiting the activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and preventing the production of lipid peroxidases. The disruption of the cellular defense against oxidative stress ultimately results in the death of TNBC cells. We have also our focus to the realm of natural products, exploring the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine extracts for TNBC. These herbal extracts exhibit multi-target effects and good safety, and have shown promising capabilities in inducing ferroptosis in TNBC cells. We believe that further exploration and characterization of these natural compounds could lead to the development of a new generation of cancer therapeutics. In addition to traditional chemotherapy, we discussed the role of drug delivery systems in enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of ferroptosis inducers. Nanoparticles such as exosomes and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can improve the solubility and bioavailability of these compounds, thereby expanding their therapeutic potential while minimizing systemic side effects. Although preclinical data on ferroptosis inducers are relatively robust, their translation into clinical practice remains in its early stages. We also emphasize the urgent need for more in-depth and comprehensive research to understand the complex mechanisms of ferroptosis in TNBC. This is crucial for the rational design and development of clinical trials, as well as for leveraging ferroptosis to improve patient outcomes. Hoping the above summarize and review could provide references for the research and development of lead compounds for the treatment for TNBC.
3.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis
Jian LIU ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Hongsheng CUI ; Xia CUI ; Shunan ZHANG ; Daowen YANG ; Cuiling FENG ; Yubo GUO ; Zengtao SUN ; Huiyong ZHANG ; Guangxi LI ; Qing MIAO ; Sumei WANG ; Liqing SHI ; Hongjun YANG ; Ting LIU ; Fangbo ZHANG ; Sheng CHEN ; Wei CHEN ; Hai WANG ; Lin LIN ; Nini QU ; Lei WU ; Dengshan WU ; Yafeng LIU ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Yueying ZHANG ; Yongfen FAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):182-188
The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis (GS/CACM 337-2023) was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13th, 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology, pharmacy, and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM) and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine (pulmonary diseases) and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung, acute bronchitis, and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations, efficacy evaluation, usage, dosage, drug combination, and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions, give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid, and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.
4.Research Progress of Fuzheng Jiedu Huayu Method in Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Efficacy of Immunotherapy
Yufan CHEN ; Sicong LI ; Yiyuan CUI ; Li FENG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):11-18
Immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccine therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, and adoptive cell therapy, has made remarkably breakthroughs in the field of oncology. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which block programmed death receptor 1 or programmed death ligand 1, have been included in the first-line clinical treatment for advanced solid tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer and malignant melanoma. However, primary or secondary drug resistance in tumors severely limits the survival benefits for patients. Immune-related adverse reactions, such as pneumonia, hypothyroidism, hypophysitis, and myocarditis, also greatly affect the quality of life of patients. Fuzheng Jiedu Huayu is an important concept guiding the prevention and treatment of tumors with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is also a curative principle and therapeutic TCM method to reduce the toxicity and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. This article summarizes the research progress of immunotherapy and discusses how TCM reduces the toxicity and enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy, hoping to provide a reference for the integrated treatment of tumors with TCM and immunotherapy.
5.Effect and mechanism of Prunus mume against hepatic fibrosis
Feng HAO ; Ji LI ; Jing DU ; Yuchen OUYANG ; Yichun CUI ; Shuang WEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):172-178
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of Prunus mume against hepatic fibrosis (HF). METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10) and modeling group (n=50). The modeling group established HF model using carbon tetrachloride. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), positive control group [colchicine, 0.09 mg/(kg·d)], and P. mume low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups [1.35, 2.70, 5.40 g/(kg·d)], with 9 rats in each group. They were given the corresponding drug/normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 8 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, the liver index was calculated, while liver function indexes, liver fiber indexes, oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors of rats were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in liver tissue of rats; Masson staining was used to observe the degree of HF in liver tissue of rats; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of liver tissue in rats; TUNEL staining was used to detect liver cell apoptosis in each group of rats. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in liver tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, the levels of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, malondialdehyde, procollagen type Ⅲ protein, Ⅳ-type pre collagenase, laminin, hyaluronic acid, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as the protein expressions of TGF-β1 and PDGF in model group were increased significantly, while the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly reduced (P<0.01); the HE, Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy observation results showed obvious HF characteristics in rats of model group. Compared with model group, varying degrees of improvement in above indexes were observed in P. mume groups, and the above 2021BSZR011) indicators of rats in P. mume medium-dose and high-dose groups were reversed significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS P. mume has an anti-HF effect, which may be achieved through mechanisms such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, reduction of collagen production, inhibition of PDGF protein expression, and regulation of TGF- β1 signaling pathway.
6.Effect and mechanism of Prunus mume against hepatic fibrosis
Feng HAO ; Ji LI ; Jing DU ; Yuchen OUYANG ; Yichun CUI ; Shuang WEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):172-178
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of Prunus mume against hepatic fibrosis (HF). METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10) and modeling group (n=50). The modeling group established HF model using carbon tetrachloride. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), positive control group [colchicine, 0.09 mg/(kg·d)], and P. mume low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups [1.35, 2.70, 5.40 g/(kg·d)], with 9 rats in each group. They were given the corresponding drug/normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 8 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, the liver index was calculated, while liver function indexes, liver fiber indexes, oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors of rats were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in liver tissue of rats; Masson staining was used to observe the degree of HF in liver tissue of rats; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of liver tissue in rats; TUNEL staining was used to detect liver cell apoptosis in each group of rats. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in liver tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, the levels of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, malondialdehyde, procollagen type Ⅲ protein, Ⅳ-type pre collagenase, laminin, hyaluronic acid, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as the protein expressions of TGF-β1 and PDGF in model group were increased significantly, while the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly reduced (P<0.01); the HE, Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy observation results showed obvious HF characteristics in rats of model group. Compared with model group, varying degrees of improvement in above indexes were observed in P. mume groups, and the above 2021BSZR011) indicators of rats in P. mume medium-dose and high-dose groups were reversed significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS P. mume has an anti-HF effect, which may be achieved through mechanisms such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, reduction of collagen production, inhibition of PDGF protein expression, and regulation of TGF- β1 signaling pathway.
7.Compilation Instructions for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Dieda Huoxue Capsules
Yuhang MENG ; Jinghua GAO ; Minshan FENG ; Quan JI ; Jin JIN ; Ting CHENG ; Yongyao LI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xin CUI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):177-183
The Compilation Instructions for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Dieda Huoxue capsules systematically expound the development methods and evidence-based basis of this consensus. In view of the weak clinical application evidence and ambiguous indications of Dieda Huoxue capsules, the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Wangjing Hospital took the lead and collaborated with 33 experts from 28 medical institutions nationwide. They strictly followed the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline-making norms and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) evidence-grading system and completed the compilation through multidisciplinary cooperation. The workflow included constructing clinical questions (19 items were screened by the nominal group technique), retrieving evidence (from Chinese and English databases and grey literature), assessing safety (integrating drug monitoring data and clinical investigations), and forming recommendations and consensus suggestions (3 recommendations were reached via the GRADE grid method, and 16 consensus suggestions were reached by the majority vote rule). The results indicate that the consensus clearly states that this medicine (Dieda Huoxue capsules) is applicable to conditions like traumatic injury, blood stasis-induced pain, and sudden lumbar sprains. The recommended dose is 6 capsules each time, twice a day. Combining oral administration with external application can enhance the efficacy, and elderly patients should take the medicine at intervals. Safety monitoring suggests that it should be used with caution in people with a bleeding tendency and those with an allergic constitution. The compilation process involved three rounds of reviews by internal and external experts. Literature analysis, the Delphi method, and clinical applicability tests were employed to ensure methodological rigor. The compilation instructions comprehensively present key aspects such as project approval and registration, conflict-of-interest statements, and evidence evaluation through 12 appendices, providing methodological support for the clinical translation of the consensus. In the future, it will be continuously improved through a dynamic revision mechanism.
8.Homoharringtonine promotes heart allograft acceptance by enhancing regulatory T cells induction in a mouse model
Xia QIU ; Hedong ZHANG ; Zhouqi TANG ; Yuxi FAN ; Wenjia YUAN ; Chen FENG ; Chao CHEN ; Pengcheng CUI ; Yan CUI ; Zhongquan QI ; Tengfang LI ; Yuexing ZHU ; Liming XIE ; Fenghua PENG ; Tuo DENG ; Xin JIANG ; Longkai PENG ; Helong DAI
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(12):1453-1464
Background::Homoharringtonine (HHT) is an effective anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor protein synthesis inhibitor that has been applied clinically. Here, we explored the therapeutic effects of HHT in a mouse heart transplant model.Methods::Healthy C57BL/6 mice were used to observe the toxicity of HHT in the liver, kidney, and hematology. A mouse heart transplantation model was constructed, and the potential mechanism of HHT prolonging allograft survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, immunostaining, and bulk RNA sequencing analysis. The HHT-T cell crosstalk was modeled ex vivo to further verify the molecular mechanism of HHT-induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiation. Results::HHT inhibited the activation and proliferation of T cells and promoted their apoptosis ex vivo. Treatment of 0.5 mg/kg HHT for 10 days significantly prolonged the mean graft survival time of the allografts from 7 days to 48 days ( P <0.001) without non-immune toxicity. The allografts had long-term survival after continuous HHT treatment for 28 days. HHT significantly reduced lymphocyte infiltration in the graft, and interferon-γ-secreting CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in the spleen ( P <0.01). HHT significantly increased the number of peripheral Tregs (about 20%, P <0.001) and serum interleukin (IL)-10 levels. HHT downregulated the expression of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway-related genes ( CD4, H2-Eb1, TRAT1, and CD74) and upregulated the expression of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF) -β pathway-related genes and Treg signature genes ( CTLA4, Foxp3, CD74, and ICOS). HHT increased CD4 + Foxp3 + cells and Foxp3 expression ex vivo, and it enhanced the inhibitory function of inducible Tregs. Conclusions::HHT promotes Treg cell differentiation and enhances Treg suppressive function by attenuating the TCR signaling pathway and upregulating the expression of Treg signature genes and IL-10 levels, thereby promoting mouse heart allograft acceptance. These findings may have therapeutic implications for organ transplant recipients, particularly those with viral infections and malignancies, which require a more suitable anti-rejection medication.
9.Study on pathogenesis of PMDD liver-qi reversal syndrome mediated by GABAARsubunit in amygdala and hippocampus of rats based on tetrahydroprogesterone
Yu-Chen QI ; Dong-Mei GAO ; Ya SUN ; Tian-Tian GAO ; Qi SHEN ; Wei-Lin CUI ; Feng-Qin WEI ; Xiao-Li SONG ; Jie-Qiong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(11):2131-2140
Aim To observe the behavioral effects of exogenous allopregnanolone(ALLO)and its inhibitor finasteride on the receptive period(R)and non-recep-tive period(NR)of PMDD liver-qi inversion model rats and the expression of GABAARα4,GABAARδ mR-NA and protein effects to explore its pathogenesis.Methods The PMDD liver-qi reverse syndrome rat model was prepared.The rats were divided into the normal group R and NR(control-R,control-NR),model group R and NR(Model-R,Model-NR),nor-mal group R+ALLO and NR+ALLO(Control+A-R,Control+A-NR),and model group R+ALLO and NR+ALLO(Model+A-R,Model+A-NR),model group R+finasteride and NR+finasteride(Model+F-R,Model+F-NR).The elevated cross labyrinth ex-periment and social interaction experiment were used to detect the behaviors of rats;fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of GABAARα4 and 8 mRNA and protein in rat amygdala and hippocampus.Results In the be-havioral evaluation,in the NR period,in the elevated cross maze test and in the social interaction test,the rats in the model group had anxiety behavior and de-creased social communication ability(P<0.05),while the rats in the Model+A group could effectively relieve anxiety symptoms and improve their social com-munication ability(P<0.05),and the rats in the Model+F group had increased anxiety behavior and social disorder(P<0.05).In fluorescence quantita-tive PCR and immunofluorescence experiments,the ex-pression of GABAARα4 subunit in the model group was up-regulated in the hippocampus(P<0.01),and the expression of δ subunit was down-regulated(P<0.01);the expression of GABAARα4 subunit in the a-mygdala and hippocampus of the Model+A group de-creased(P<0.01),and the expression of δ subunit increased in the hippocampus(P<0.01).Conclu-sions The abnormal expression of GABAARα4 and 8 subunits mediated by ALLO improves the anxiety symptoms and social interaction ability of PMDD,which is the pathogenesis of PMDD liver-qi reverse syndrome,and provides basis and support for subse-quent exploration of the pathogenesis of PMDD liver-qi reverse syndrome.
10.Genetic diversity of Ixodes persulcatus in parts of Inner Mongolia
Meng-Yu CUI ; Si SU ; Li-Li XING ; Lan MU ; Rui-Juan GAO ; Qi-Qi GUO ; Hong REN ; Dong-Dong QI ; Jing-Feng YU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(4):295-301
The aim of this study was to clarify the genetic diversity and population history of Ixodes persulcatus in some ar-eas of Inner Mongolia in order to provide accurate data for effective vector control programs and reveal the transmission mecha-nism.Samples were collected in 10 areas of Inner Mongolia during the active tick season(April 2021-July 2023)using the flag-dragging and manual sampling methods.The 16S rRNA and COI gene were sequenced to clarify genetic diversity of I.per-sulcatus.The positivity rates for the COI gene and 16S rRNA were 90.00%and 98.33%respectively.Overall,18 and 15 haplotypes were identified for the COI gene and 16S rRNA,respectively,with a total haplotype diversity>0.762 and total nucleotide diversity<0.005.The Tajima's values and Fu's Fs were negative for significance.A nucleotide mismatch map was shown as a single peak.The genetic differentiation index FST of the population indicates a small degree of genetic differ-entiation of the population,while analysis of molecular vari-ance indicates that the variation within populations was greater than between populations.Phylogenetic tree and haplotype network plots showed confounding distributions between hap-lotypes.I.persulcatus from the Hinggan League and Hulun-buir regions can adapt to environmental changes and possess abundant genetic diversity.Genetic differentiation is mainly concentrated within the population and no geographical isolation was observed.

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