1.Mechanisms of Huanglian Jiedutang and Its Major Active Constituents in Inhibiting LPS-induced M1 Polarisation of BV2 Microglia
Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Kunjing LIU ; Xin LAN ; Zijin SUN ; Chunyu WANG ; Wenyuan MA ; Wei SHAO ; Jinhua HAN ; Liyang DONG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ; Youxiang CUI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):44-55
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJD) and its major active constituents (geniposide, baicalin, and berberine) can inhibit the inflammatory response of BV2 cells under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation via the high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and to explore differences in therapeutic efficacy among the three monomers, their combined formula, and HLJD under equal content ratios. MethodsBV2 microglial cells were used as the primary experimental model. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method to examine the effects of different concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 0.8%, 0.4%, 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.05%) on cell viability. IncuCyte was employed to monitor the growth of cells under different concentrations of HLJD (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 mg·L-1). Nitric oxide (NO) assay was used to screen the optimal HLJD concentration. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determined the content of geniposide, baicalin, and berberine in HLJD, and experimental groups were subsequently established according to the relative proportions of these constituents. CCK-8 assay evaluated cell viability under different treatments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) in the supernatant. Flow cytometry assessed the effects of treatments on M1-type polarization of BV2 cells. Western blot determined the expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank group, DMSO at concentrations ≤0.2% did not affect cell viability within 48 h. BV2 cell growth plateaued at 24 h after treatment with 200 mg·L-1 HLJD. Under stimulation with 2 mg·L-1 LPS, this concentration of HLJD effectively reduced NO release, and 6 h pre-treatment had a stronger inhibitory effect on NO than direct administration. HPLC results showed that 1 mg of HLJD freeze-dried powder contained approximately 24 μg of geniposide, 15 μg of baicalin, and 30 μg of berberine. Based on these ratios, experimental groups were blank, LPS (2 mg·L-1), HLJD (200 mg·L-1), monomer combination, geniposide (4.8 mg·L-1), baicalin (3 mg·L-1), and berberine (6 mg·L-1). The monomer combination group consisted of all three active constituents dissolved together. LPS and HLJD or its active constituents did not affect cell viability compared with the blank group. LPS significantly increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in the supernatant (P<0.01). HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01) while upregulating anti-inflammatory IL-10 (P<0.01), with the monomer combination showing the strongest effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, LPS significantly increased the proportion of CD80⁺CD86⁺ (M1-type) BV2 cells (P<0.01). HLJD and its constituents partially inhibited M1 polarization (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the monomer combination exhibiting the most pronounced effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, LPS upregulated HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB-related proteins (P<0.01), whereas HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced their expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the monomer combination having the strongest regulatory effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHLJD and its major active constituents (geniposide, baicalin, berberine) can inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 cells. The combination of the three active constituents demonstrates the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, significantly attenuating M1-type polarization of BV2 cells via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Tracing Development of LIU Wansu's Theory of ''Fire-heat Inducing Stroke''
Xin LAN ; Changxiang LI ; Haojia ZHANG ; Jialin CHENG ; Zijin SUN ; Liyang DONG ; Zilin REN ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):32-41
LIU Wansu, as the foremost of the four great masters of the Jin-Yuan period, established the "theory of fire-heat'' and extended the fire-heat pathogenesis framework to the field of stroke, thereby forming the theory of ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This achieved a paradigmatic shift in stroke etiology from ''exogenous wind inducing stroke'' to ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This paper systematically reviews the developmental trajectory of LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory and explores the social background, academic origins, and core connotations of its theoretical construction. The study found that, based on the ''Nineteen Pathomechanisms'' in the Huangdi's Internal Classic (Huang Di Nei Jing) and combined with clinical practice, LIU Wansu proposed that fire-heat is the fundamental cause of stroke, and that the Six Climatic Factors and the Five Zhi-Emotions can all transform into fire. He further constructed a stratified syndrome differentiation and therapeutic system centered on clearing heat and purging fire, emphasizing differentiated treatment of exterior and interior syndromes, Six Meridians syndrome differentiation, and seasonally adjusted medication. This theory not only resolved the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas of febrile epidemic diseases during the Jin-Yuan period, but also exerted a profound influence on later physicians such as ZHANG Zihe and ZHU Danxi, thereby promoting the pluralistic development of stroke theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Modern pharmacological research provides solid scientific evidence, confirming that the ''fire-heat'' pathological state is highly associated with key mechanisms such as excessive inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and excitatory amino acid toxicity following cerebral ischemia. Heat-clearing and fire-purging prescriptions and agents, such as Huanglian Jiedu Tang and baicalin, can exert multi-target neuroprotective effects by regulating inflammatory signaling, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and balancing neurotransmitters. This not only verifies the scientific basis of the ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory from a modern biological perspective but also provides conclusive evidence for the clinical application of heat-clearing and fire-purging therapy. LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory represents a major milestone in the historical understanding of stroke pathogenesis, and its academically transitional insights continue to hold core guiding value for the pattern identification and treatment of ischemic stroke today.
3.Tracing Development of LIU Wansu's Theory of ''Fire-heat Inducing Stroke''
Xin LAN ; Changxiang LI ; Haojia ZHANG ; Jialin CHENG ; Zijin SUN ; Liyang DONG ; Zilin REN ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):32-41
LIU Wansu, as the foremost of the four great masters of the Jin-Yuan period, established the "theory of fire-heat'' and extended the fire-heat pathogenesis framework to the field of stroke, thereby forming the theory of ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This achieved a paradigmatic shift in stroke etiology from ''exogenous wind inducing stroke'' to ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This paper systematically reviews the developmental trajectory of LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory and explores the social background, academic origins, and core connotations of its theoretical construction. The study found that, based on the ''Nineteen Pathomechanisms'' in the Huangdi's Internal Classic (Huang Di Nei Jing) and combined with clinical practice, LIU Wansu proposed that fire-heat is the fundamental cause of stroke, and that the Six Climatic Factors and the Five Zhi-Emotions can all transform into fire. He further constructed a stratified syndrome differentiation and therapeutic system centered on clearing heat and purging fire, emphasizing differentiated treatment of exterior and interior syndromes, Six Meridians syndrome differentiation, and seasonally adjusted medication. This theory not only resolved the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas of febrile epidemic diseases during the Jin-Yuan period, but also exerted a profound influence on later physicians such as ZHANG Zihe and ZHU Danxi, thereby promoting the pluralistic development of stroke theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Modern pharmacological research provides solid scientific evidence, confirming that the ''fire-heat'' pathological state is highly associated with key mechanisms such as excessive inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and excitatory amino acid toxicity following cerebral ischemia. Heat-clearing and fire-purging prescriptions and agents, such as Huanglian Jiedu Tang and baicalin, can exert multi-target neuroprotective effects by regulating inflammatory signaling, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and balancing neurotransmitters. This not only verifies the scientific basis of the ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory from a modern biological perspective but also provides conclusive evidence for the clinical application of heat-clearing and fire-purging therapy. LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory represents a major milestone in the historical understanding of stroke pathogenesis, and its academically transitional insights continue to hold core guiding value for the pattern identification and treatment of ischemic stroke today.
4.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.
5.Leptin promotes breast cancer cell MCF-7 migration and invasion through inhibiting ACSL5
Tao ZENG ; Lan WEI ; Yong-zhu XU ; Shi-yu YANG ; Hao-li SUN ; Ting-ting DANG ; Yi-qing YOU ; Jia-feng TANG ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):654-660
Aim To explore the possible regulatory effect of leptin on acyl-CoA synthetase long chain fami-ly member ACSL5 and their effect on migration and in-vasion of breast cancer cell,and to explore the underly-ing mechanism.Methods The expression of leptin receptor was detected by immunofluorescence assay.The migration and invasion ability of MCF-7 cells were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay respectively.The downstream target gene of leptin was analyzed by PCR microarray data.The expression of ACSL5 in breast cancer and its correlation with the staging and prognosis of breast cancer patients were as-sessed uing bioinformatics methods.The expression of ACSL5 in MCF-7 cells treated with different concentra-tions of leptin was detected using real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Overexpressing ACSL5 was constructed by lentiviral transfection;the expressions of EMT related proteins,AMPK-α and p-AMPK-α were detected by Western blot.Results Leptin promoted breast cancer cell mi-gration and invasion and EMT.ACSL5 was significant-ly low expressed in breast cancer and related to progno-sis.Leptin downregulated the expression of ACSL5 through OBR.Leptin activated AMPK pathway to downregulate ACSL5 and promote migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer cells.Conclusions Leptin may promote the migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer by downregulating ACSL5 through activating AMPK pathway.
6.Effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii on CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis and neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders
Yan-qin DING ; Peng FENG ; Ming-lu WANG ; Yu-tong WANG ; Ke-xin SUN ; Xing WEI ; Yong-yan TIAN ; Xing-ping TANG ; Ping LI ; Ruo-lan LU ; Ling LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1825-1833
AIM To investigate the effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii Schott(A.tatarinowii)on neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group(8 rats)and the model group(40 rats).The rat models of tic disorders established successfully by intraperitoneal injection of iminodiapropionitrile(IDPN)were further divided into the model group,the tiapride group and the high-dose,moderate-dose and low-dose A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups,with 8 rats in each group.The 4-week intragastric treatment of respective drug was initiated the next day after the completion of modeling,and normal saline was dosed upon the blank group and the model group,during which the rats' behavioral changes were assessed by stereotyped behavior and motor behavior score every week.After the administration,the rats had their morphological changes of striatal neurons observed by Nissl staining;their levels of TGF-β,IL-10,TNF-αand IL-1β in serum and striatum detected by ELISA;their striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry;and their striatal expressions of M1,M2 microglia marker proteins CD86,CD206,SYN and PSD-95 detected by immunofluorescence co-staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups demonstrated improved twitch-like behavior;decreased scores of motor behavior and rigid behavior(P<0.01);alleviated damage of Nissl bodies in neurons;increased serum and striatum levels of TGF-β and IL-10(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);decreased striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1(P<0.01);increased protein expressions of PSD95 and SYN(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased CD86/Iba1(P<0.01)and increased CD206/Iba1(P<0.01)in terms of the fluorescence intensity.CONCLUSION A.tatarinowii volatile oil contributes an anti-tic effect and improves the neuroinflammation in the brain of the rat model of tic disorders by promoting the transformation of microglia into M2 type via CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis.
7.The mechanism and regulatory effects of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol,an active ingredient of Gastrodia elata,on cholesterol metabolism
Yun-lan SUN ; Ming-li YAN ; Ming CHEN ; Yun-ying LI ; Xiao-yu TAN ; Xiao-meng ZHANG ; Yu-jing LI ; Fang-yan HE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2306-2314
Aim To investigate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol(4-MBA),an active ingredient of Gastrodia elata,on hepatic cholesterol metabolism.Methods Acute hy-perlipidemia mouse models were established via egg yolk emulsion induction,and hyperlipidemia rat models were constructed using a high-fat diet.Serum and he-patic total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-den-sity lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)levels were quan-tified via enzymatic assays.Hepatic histopathological changes were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Oil Red O staining.Interactions between 4-MBA and key cholesterol metabolism targets were sim-ulated using molecular docking.mRNA and protein ex-pression levels of LDL receptor(LDLR),proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9),liver X receptor α(LXRα),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),ATP-binding cassette transporter G1(ABCG1),and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1)were assessed using quantitative polymer-ase chain reaction(qPCR)and immunohistochemis-try.Results In acute hyperlipidemic mice,4-MBA administration significantly reduced serum TG and LDL-C levels while elevating HDL-C(P<0.05).Hy-perlipidemic rats exhibited decreased serum TG and LDL-C,increased HDL-C(P<0.01),reduced hepatic LDL-C(P<0.01),and elevated hepatic HDL-C(P<0.01).Although TC levels showed a downward trend,the difference lacked statistical significance.He-patic lipid accumulation and steatosis were alleviated.Upregulated mRNA and protein expression of LDLR,PPARγ,LXRα,and ABCG1(P<0.01),alongside downregulated PCSK9(P<0.05),were observed.Conclusion 4-MBA modulates cholesterol metabolism primarily via the LDLR/PCSK9 pathway to enhance cholesterol uptake and the PPARγ-LXRα-CYP7A1/ABCA1 axis to promote cholesterol utilization and ef-flux.
8.Interventional treatment for acute occlusive stroke caused by anterior circulation intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis:an efficacy and safety assessment
Yiping LI ; Lan JIANG ; Mengfei SUN
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;38(5):349-355
Objective To explore the application selection and clinical effects of different vascular recanalization techniques in acute ischemic stroke with large artery occlusion(AIS-LVO)induced by anterior circulation intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS).Methods Retrospectively,156 AIS-LVO patients caused by anterior circulation ICAS,who were admitted to Xuzhou Central Hospital from January 2022 to September 2024,were included.The patients were divided into three groups according to the surgical methods.The baseline data,endovascular treatment related data,postoperative efficacy and safety indicators of patients were analyzed statistically.The influencing factors of prognosis were analyzed usinga multi-factor Logistic regression model.Results The final enrollment result was 70 patients in thrombectomy-only group,48 patients in thrombectomy combined with balloon dilation group,and 38 patients in thrombectomy combined with stenting group.There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of hyperlipidemia among the three groups before treatment(P<0.05).However,further analysis revealed that there was no difference between any two groups.The time from puncture to recanalization in the thrombectomy-only group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups(all P<0.05).After treatment,the restenosis rate in the thrombectomy combined with stenting group was significantly lower than the other two groups,while the intracerebral hemorrhage rate was significantly higher(all P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the NIHSS score at admission was an independent risk factor for prognosis(OR=2.780,95%CI:1.212-6.374,P=0.016).Conclusion For AIS-LVO induced by anterior circulation ICAS,salvage balloon dilation or stenting after thrombectomy alone is safe and effective,resulting in a good prognosis for most patients and a reduced rate of restenosis.
9.Acute extensive anterior myocardial infarction after medullary infarction:a case report
Pei-xun HE ; Yan-ming LIU ; Yi SUN ; Peng WU ; Lan WANG ; Xue-yong LI ; Jun-jie YANG ; Wei-nan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(9):536-540
The medulla oblongata,situated at the caudal portion of the brainstem,serves as a critical regulatory center responsible for maintaining fundamental vital functions including respiratory and cardiovascular homeostasis.As a pivotal hub within the autonomic nervous system,it orchestrates the coordinated control of afferent and efferent neural pathways.Dysfunction of this region may precipitate life-threatening cardiorespiratory arrest,associated with substantial mortality rates.This case report presents a patient who developed acute extensive anterior myocardial infarction during treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy and moderate-intensity statins following acute medullary infarction.It is hypothesized that the pathogenesis may involve the acceleration of plaque erosion by the stroke-heart syndrome.This clinical case provides valuable insights into the complex neurocardiac interplay,particularly highlighting the imperative for enhanced recognition of brain-heart axis interactions in cerebrovascular pathology.
10.Predictive value of pre-infarction angina combined with Lp-PLA2 for no-reflow during PCI in eld-erly patients with acute STEMI
Jie-jie MENG ; Ya-dong FENG ; Ya-zhao SUN ; Xin-xin XU ; Chun-lan BAI ; Pei SUN ; Bin LI
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(2):167-172
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of pre-infarction angina(PIA)combined with serum lipo-protein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)for no-reflow during primary percutaneous coronary interven-tion(PCI)in elderly patients with new-onset acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Meth-ods:A total of 189 patients who hospitalized because of acute STEMI and underwent primary PCI within 12h in De-partment of Cardiology,Cangzhou People's Hospital between January 2018 and December 2022 were enrolled.Ac-cording to their TIMI blood flow during PCI,the patients were divided into no reflow group(n=42)and normal re-flow group(n=147).The baseline data were compared between two groups.Multivariate Logistic regression analy-sis was used to analyze the risk factors of no-reflow during PCI.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive value of PIA and Lp-PLA2 for no-reflow.Results:PI A occurred in 73 cases(38.6%),and no reflow occurred in 42 cases(22.2%)during primary PCI.Compared with patients in normal re-flow group,those in no reflow group had significant higher Lp-PLA2[(341.33±98.32)ng/ml vs.(261.95±75.21)ng/ml]and onset to reperfusion time[(7.02±1.28)h vs.(5.14±1.48)h],and significant lower incidence of PIA(23.8% vs.42.9%)(P<0.05 or<0.01).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Lp-PLA2(OR=1.528,95%CI 1.028~2.030,P<0.001),onset to reperfusion time(OR=2.602,95%CI 1.848~3.665,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for no reflow during PCI in elderly STEMI patients,while PIA was an inde-pendent protective factor(OR=0.261,95%CI 0.101~0.671,P=0.005).The area under ROC curve of Lp-PLA2 combined PIA was 0.863(95%CI 0.806~0.909),which was significantly higher than those of Lp-PLA2[0.733(95%CI 0.664~0.794),Z=2.690,P=0.007]and PIA alone[0.609(95%CI 0.535~0.679),Z=5.657,P<0.001].Conclusion:Pre-infarction angina has an important protective effect on no-reflow in STEMI patients.High Lp-PLA2 and absence of pre-infarction angina at admission may be good predictors of no-reflow during primary PCI in elderly patients with newly-onset acute STEMI,and it contributes to risk stratification of high risk patients.

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