1.Mechanism of Huangqin decoction in improving ulcerative colitis based on the gut microbiota-tryptophan metabolism-aryl hydrocarbon receptor axis
Ying CHEN ; Rong XU ; Yao HE ; Ying LI ; Zhiyu ZHANG ; Zhijiu WU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1173-1179
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Huangqin decoction in improving ulcerative colitis (UC) through the gut microbiota-tryptophan metabolism-aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) axis. METHODS Mice were randomly divided into normal group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), microbiota depletion-model group (normal saline), microbiota depletion-Huangqin decoction group (9.1 g/kg, by crude drug, similarly hereinafter), Huangqin decoction group and mesalazine group (positive control group, 0.4 g/kg), with 6 mice in each group. Microbiota depletion was achieved by providing free access to a mixed antibiotics for 10 days. The UC model was induced by administering 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 7 days. After successful modeling, each treatment group received corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically once daily for 10 days. After the final administration, body weight change ratio, disease activity index (DAI) score, and colon length were evaluated; colon pathological changes were observed; serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-22, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured; the expressions of Occludin, zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), and AhR in colon tissue were detected; fecal samples were subjected to high-throughput sequencing to analyze targeted tryptophan metabolomics. RESULTS Compared with the model group, Huangqin decoction group showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colon tissue and restoration of the intestinal mucosal structure. Body weight change ratio, colon length, serum content of IL-10, the expressions of Occludin, ZO-1 and AhR in colon tissue and the contents of tryptophan metabolites indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), N -acetylserotonin (NAS) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were all significantly increased ( P <0.05); DAI score, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-22 and the content of tryptophan metabolite indole-3-ethanol were significantly decreased ( P <0.05); gut microbiota structure was improved, with increased relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus , and decreased relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia-Shigella . However, after antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion, although Huangqin decoction significantly increased the content of NAS in the feces of mice, the expression of AhR protein in colon tissue did not increase concurrently. CONCLUSIONS Huangqin decoction can repair the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice by regulating the gut microbiota and promoting the production of IPA and IAA, thereby activating AhR. This suggests that an intact gut microbiota is an important prerequisite for Huangqin decoction to exert its AhR-regulating effects.
2.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
3.Research Progress on the Role of Programmed Cell Death in Flap Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Jiwei ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Xinshan WANG ; Xingzhang YAO ; Zhenxing JIANG ; Zhijun HE ; Tao LIU ; Jianliang LI ; Hui YAO ; Jie AN ; Qiuyue ZHAO ; Xiaotao WEI ; M Rayan GHAZI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):851-861
Flap transplantation is a critical surgical strategy for the reconstruction of tissue defects caused by trauma, tumor resection, and congenital malformations, and its survival rate directly determines surgical efficacy and patient prognosis. Following transplantation, flaps inevitably undergo ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, during which oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and metabolic disturbances are intricately intertwined, ultimately leading to cellular injury and tissue necrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that multiple forms of programmed cell death—including apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and PANoptosis—play central roles in flap I/R injury. The extensive crosstalk and molecular interactions among these pathways form a highly complex cell death network. Specifically, apoptosis is mediated by the imbalance of Bcl-2 family proteins and the activation of cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease (caspase) cascades; pyroptosis is driven by the NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD axis, resulting in membrane pore formation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines; ferroptosis is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and dysfunction of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4); necroptosis is triggered by the receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-RIPK3-MLKL signaling complex, leading to membrane rupture; and PANoptosis represents an integrated form of inflammatory cell death that coordinates multiple death pathways. Importantly, these forms of programmed cell death are not independent but are interconnected through extensive signaling crosstalk. Key regulatory molecules, including caspase-8, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), collectively modulate the dynamic balance among these pathways. Therefore, the multidimensional interplay and spatiotemporal dynamics of programmed cell death constitute a fundamental pathological basis of flap I/R injury. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in the mechanisms and interactions of various programmed cell death pathways in flap I/R injury, aiming to elucidate the underlying regulatory network. These insights may provide novel theoretical foundations for optimizing flap protection strategies, improving flap survival, and promoting tissue repair.
4.Sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and novel synthetic drug use among young students in Guangdong Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1102-1105
Objective:
To assess the status of sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and novel synthetic drug use among school attending young students in Guangdong Province, so as to provide evidence base for formulating targeted intervention strategies.
Methods:
From September to December 2024, a convenience sampling method was employed to conduct an anonymous online survey among 41 119 students from 20 higher education institutions and vocational colleges in Guangdong Province. Chi square test was utilized for rate comparisons and univariate analysis, and a multivariate Logistic regression model was applied to analyze factors associated with novel synthetic drug use.
Results:
The self reported rate of sexual behavior was 5.2%. Among sexually active students, the rates of unprotected sexual intercourse, having temporary sexual partners, and having commercial sexual partners were 32.4%, 34.5%, and 26.3%, respectively. The awareness rate of HIV related knowledge was 75.7%. The overall use rate of novel psychoactive substances(NPS) was 1.0%, and among sexually active students it was 6.5%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that students with sexual experience ( OR =4.15) and those with HIV testing history ( OR =9.38) had higher risks of NPS use; among sexually active students, those with unprotected sexual intercourse ( OR =6.83) and those with commercial sexual partners ( OR = 4.68 ) had higher risks of NPS use (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The HIV/AIDS knowledge level among surveyed students needs further improvement, and high risk sexual behaviors are cross linked with novel synthetic drug use. It is recommended to carry out integrated health education for all students and implement comprehensive targeted interventions for sexually active students.
5.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
6.A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,multicenter clinical study of Shengxuebao Mixture in treating cancer-related anemia
Zhu LIU ; Xiangrong LI ; Xiaojun DAI ; Yanjun WANG ; Xiao LI ; Keqiong WANG ; Tao WU ; Miaowen ZHONG ; Hongjiang YU ; Ji FENG ; Zuowei HU ; Kainan LI ; Shaowei CHEN ; Chunhua LI ; Zhengchuan FU ; Rui ZHANG ; Yongfa CHEN ; Hongyu XU ; Tao REN ; Yibo YAO ; Jianxu JIN ; Pengyin WANG ; Zhijiang HE ; Jian SHEN ; Lei WANG ; Min LI ; Wenming CHANG ; Xinyi CHEN ; Li HOU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(10):1447-1459
Objective We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shengxuebao Mixture in the treatment of cancer-related anemia(CRA)presenting with syndrome of deficiency of liver and kidney combined with syndrome of deficiency of both qi and blood.Methods A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,multicenter clinical trial was conducted.Eligible patients with malignant tumors meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled from 26 hospitals,including Dongzhimen Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,Xiaogan Central Hospital,and Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine,from June 1,2022,to September 30,2024.Patients were allocated 1:1 to either the experimental group receiving Shengxuebao Mixture or the control group receiving its simulator(placebo)using a block randomization method under double-blind conditions.Both groups received 15 mL orally three times daily for 28 consecutive days.The primary efficacy indicators included the hemoglobin(Hb)improvement rate(RHb)and the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome improvement rate(RTCM)at week 4 of treatment.The secondary efficacy indicators encompassed Hb and red blood cell(RBC)count,Karnofsky Performance Status(KPS)score,TCM syndrome score,individual TCM symptom scores,and changes in each of these indicators compared to the baseline period at weeks 2,4,and 6 of treatment.Safety evaluations were conducted at week 4 of treatment.Results A total of 239 patients were enrolled,with 225 cases included in the Full Analysis Set(FAS)(109 in the experimental group vs.116 control group),163 in the Per Protocol Set(PPS)(77 vs.86),and 225 in the Safety Set(SS)(109 vs.116).Baseline characteristics between groups showed no significant differences.Significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in RHb at week 4(FAS:49.51%vs.35.24%,P<0.05;PPS:53.25%vs.36.05%,P<0.05)and RTCM at week 4(FAS:61.54%vs.39.62%,P<0.01;PPS:64.94%vs.40.70%,P<0.01).At weeks 2,4,and 6,the experimental group showed greater improvements in Hb and RBC counts than the control group.Additionally,the TCM syndrome scores were lower in the experimental group than in the control group at these time points.Except for week 2 in PPS,the KPS improvement was better in the experimental group than in the control group(P<0.05).The experimental group also demonstrated a greater reduction in scores for individual TCM symptoms such as spiritlessness and weakness,poor appetite and reduced food intake at weeks 4 and 6 compared to the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Furthermore,the reduction in vertigo score was more pronounced in the experimental group at week 6(P<0.01).For the score of pale and lusterless complexion,only in the PPS was the reduction from baseline more significant in the experimental group than in the control group at weeks 4 and 6(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in the incidence of all adverse events or drug-related adverse reactions.Conclusion Shengxuebao Mixture demonstrates significant efficacy in patients with CRA presenting syndrome of deficiency of liver and kidney combined with syndrome of deficiency of both qi and blood,effectively increasing Hb levels,ameliorating TCM syndromes,alleviating clinical symptoms,and enhancing functional status,with no significant difference in adverse drug reactions compared to the placebo.
7.Research Progress on the Regulation of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection-Related Signaling Pathways by Chinese Medicine
Yiting JIANG ; Feng HE ; Miao FENG ; Sen LI ; Dingding CAO ; Hailan YAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(11):1503-1511
Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infection is a major respiratory disease threatening the health of infants and immuno-compromised populations worldwide,with no specific therapeutic drugs available.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has shown unique advantages of multi-target and multi-pathway in the prevention and treatment of RSV infection,and its mechanism is closely re-lated to the regulation of cellular signaling pathways.This article systematically reviews the research progress of TCM including mono-mer components and compound prescriptions in intervening RSV infection through nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription(JAK/STAT),phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt),mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1(Nrf2/HO-1)and other signaling pathways.Current re-search still has problems such as insufficient analysis of pathway synergy mechanisms,unclear material basis of compounds,and single technical means.Future studies should focus on cross-talk of multiple pathways,identification of active component groups of TCM,and research on"syndrome-type-pathway"association,combined with cutting-edge technologies such as network pharmacology and or-ganoid models,so as to provide a scientific basis for the mechanism and clinical transformation of TCM against RSV infection.
8.Establishment of a mouse model of chronic skin fibrosis induced by skin injury combined with bleomycin
Zhengchun WANG ; Wentao YAO ; Wenbo LIU ; Xu LIU ; Ping LI ; Xiujuan HE
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(11):2281-2288
AIM:To establish a mouse model of chronic skin fibrosis by combining skin injury with bleomycin(BLM)induction.METHODS:Male SPF-grade BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into five groups(n=10 per group):control(Ctrl),high-dose BLM(BLM-H),medium-dose BLM(BLM-M),low-dose BLM(BLM-L),and BLM-control(BLM-Ctrl).A 6 mm full-thickness skin excision was performed on the dorsal region of mice,followed by subcuta-neous injections of BLM at four points around the wound.Mice in the Ctrl group were injected with saline,whereas the BLM-Ctrl group received injections without skin excision.The wound healing rates and times were assessed statistically.Histopathological alterations in wound tissues were examined using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs),and Western blot analysis was conducted to detect collagen type I(COL I)and COL III expression.RESULTS:Compared to the Ctrl group,wound healing rates were significantly reduced(P<0.05 or P<0.01)and healing times significantly prolonged in BLM-H,BLM-M,and BLM-L groups.Histological analysis indicated significantly delayed epithelialization,thicker der-mis,increased collagen deposition,and heightened inflammatory infiltration in the BLM-H group relative to the Ctrl group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).ELISA revealed significantly elevated expression of MMP-2,MMP-3,and MMP-9 in the BLM-H group compared to controls(P<0.01).Western blot results demonstrated significantly increased COL I and COL III pro-tein levels in the BLM-H group compared to the Ctrl group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION:A mouse model in-volving a 6 mm full-thickness dorsal skin excision combined with subcutaneous injections of BLM(5 mg/kg)at four perile-sional points daily for 21 consecutive days is suitable for investigating chronic skin fibrosis wounds.
9.Survey on current status of"Perioperative Infection Control"initiative monitoring indicators in 138 medical institutions in Guizhou Province
Yao YAO ; Yan XU ; Xia MU ; Tingxiu YANG ; Lan TANG ; Liyuan CHEN ; Guiqin DU ; Jing LI ; Zhaofeng JING ; Liming WANG ; Qin WU ; Qingyang ZHAO ; Yufei ZHANG ; Min HE ; Ximin FAN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(20):3068-3073
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of monitoring indicators related to the"Perioperative In-fection Control"in medical institutions above the secondary level in Guizhou Province,and to delve into the imple-mentation of key measures for infection prevention and control during the perioperative period for patients under-going surgical operations.METHODS Based on the"Implementation Plan for the'Perioperative Infection Control'Initiative in Guizhou Province",a"Case Investigation Form on Key Measures for Infection Prevention and Control During the Perioperative Period for Patients Undergoing Surgical Operation"was developed.A total of 138 medi-cal institutions participated in the case investigation,and a total of 2 128 cases were investigated.RESULTS The overall monitoring indicators for the"Perioperative Infection Control"initiative in the 138 medical institutions a-bove the secondary level in Guizhou Province were at a relatively low level.The skin cleansing compliance rate was 80.32%,the hair removal compliance rate was 16.43%,the prophylactic antibacterial drug administration rate within 0.5-1 hour before surgery was 55.94%and the antibacterial drug discontinuation rate within 24 hours after prophylactic medication for type Ⅰ incision surgeries was 56.48%.The hair removal compliance rate was higher in tertiary medical institutions(19.21%)than in secondary medical institutions(14.34%)(P=0.039).The distri-bution of the four monitoring indicators varied in clinical departments and surgery types,with statistically signifi-cant differences(P<0.05).The preferred method for surgical site skin cleansing in medical institutions across the province was local wiping,primarily with clean water(57.21%).The primary method for hair removal was razors(68.82%),and hair removal on the day of surgery was most common(61.75%).CONCLUSIONS Conduc-ting a survey on the current status of"Perioperative Infection Control"initiative monitoring indicators in medi-cal institutions in Guizhou Province helps to understand the implementation of key measures for perioperative in-fection prevention and control and set intervention targets,thus providing references for establishing a dynam-ic monitoring indicator change mechanism.
10.Research progress of progesterone-induced blocking factor in pregnancy
Xiaohui LIU ; Man LI ; Lixia HE ; Jun YAO
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(9):960-966
Progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) is an immunomodulatory protein secreted by maternal activated lymphocytes, decidual cells and trophoblast cells. It mainly maintains the immune balance at the maternal-fetal interface by inhibiting natural killer cell activity and inducing type 2 helper T cell immune response. In addition, PIBF, as the core effector molecule downstream of progesterone signaling pathway, is closely related to endometrial proliferation and decidualization, trophoblast cell syncytialization and placental vascularization. PIBF plays an important role in pregnancy by regulating maternal-fetal interface immune balance and endometrial receptivity. In this article, we reviewed the issues related to PIBF and pregnancy, with the aim of providing better guidance for clinical work.


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