1.Characteristic Analysis of Effective Components and Compounds of TCM for Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway Targeting
Haoyang WANG ; Lin GUO ; Hui ZHAO ; Lihua CAO ; Na LI ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):282-290
Breast cancer is a kind of malignant tumor with a complex mechanism, and its morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year, which seriously threatens women's health. At present, the main clinical treatments are surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and drug therapy, but they are often accompanied by side effects and adverse reactions, which affect the therapeutic effect. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the advantages of multi-component and multi-target treatment in the fight against breast cancer. The wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the classic pathways in cancer research. Abnormally activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibits β-catenin degradation by blocking the formation of Axin/glycogen synthase kinase 3β/adenomatous polyposis coli complex, thus promoting β-catenin nuclear metastasis, and it binds to T cell transcription factor/lymphoenhancer factor-1 to initiate downstream target genes and further interfere with the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells to affect the tumor process. Previous studies have shown that TCM monomers and compounds can mediate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells, thus playing an anti-breast cancer role, and the biochemical process involved in the regulation of therapeutic drugs has not been systematically combed. By analyzing and collating Chinese and foreign literature at the present stage, this paper discussed the association mechanism between Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and breast cancer and analyzed the internal mechanism of TCM monomers and compounds in mediating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to exert anti-breast cancer effect. The statistical results showed that the flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids in TCM monomers could target the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and block the further development of malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells. TCM compounds with functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and tonifying kidney and liver were commonly used to intervene in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to prevent breast cancer. Compared with the current inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the application of TCM monomers and compounds is expected to bring low-toxicity and high-efficiency breast cancer treatment drugs to the clinical practice, and the existing results provide a reference for the subsequent screening, research, and development of TCM small-molecule compounds and TCM compounds against breast cancer.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Depression Based on Signaling Pathway Regulation: A Review
Jinjiang XU ; Li WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Jingjing XIE ; Haobin CHEN ; En ZHAO ; Man ZHANG ; Jianye DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):319-328
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent low mood or mental disorders. Current treatments primarily focus on regulating neurotransmitter levels, but their effectiveness is limited. The mechanisms underlying its onset are complex, and there is no unified consensus. Abnormal signaling pathway transmission plays a crucial role in the development of depression, involving multiple pathways, including Toll-like receptor 4/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NLRP3), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B (BDNF/TrkB), cyclic AMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein (cAMP/PKA/CREB), and others. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is based on a holistic approach and the principle of treatment based on the differentiation of syndromes, regulating the balance of multiple systems and organ functions from a macroscopic perspective. This approach has shown unique advantages in the treatment of depression. TCM attributes the onset of depression to dysfunction of the organ systems, involving liver Qi stagnation, heart spirit deficiency, kidney essence depletion, and spleen dysfunction. TCM compound treatments focus on soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, calming the heart, and replenishing essence, with formulas such as Xiaoyaosan, Zishui Qinggan Yin, and Chahu Jia Guizhi Longgu Muli Tang. The active components of Chinese herbs mainly aim to tonify and regulate Qi, such as salidroside, ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside, and muscone. External TCM treatments, primarily acupuncture, aim to open the orifices and invigorate the spirit. Acupoints such as Baihui, Shenting, and Yintang are commonly used. Additionally, massage and moxibustion therapy can intervene in depression by regulating signaling pathways. This article reviews the core role of signaling pathways in the development of depression and the mechanism of TCM regulation of signaling pathways to intervene in depression, aiming to discover new therapeutic approaches that can improve the symptoms of depressed patients.
3.Discussion on the Application of Warm-Yang Method in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Infertility
Pengxuan YAN ; Haiyan ZHANG ; Yukun ZHAO ; Yabei GAO ; Kun LI ; Jingchun ZHANG ; Yuping ZHAO ; Zixiao WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):312-316
It is believed that there is a pathogenesis of yang deficiency in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) infertility, and it is concluded that warm-yang method has a better effect in improving endometrial abnormality, enhancing the quality of follicles, correcting endocrine disorders, and resolving or alleviating clinical symptoms in PCOS infertility. Based on Yanghe Decoction (阳和汤), a representative traditional Chinese medicine decoction for warming yang, Yanghe Xiaonang Decoction (阳和消囊汤) was formulated, combining with warm medicinals according to symptoms, and aerobic exercise was also advocated to help generate and develop yang qi, in order to provide ideas for clinical treatments.
4.Genetic analysis of weak expression of ABO blood group antigens in neonates
Jiali YANG ; Ding ZHAO ; Wei LI ; Xiaopan ZHANG ; Zhihao LI ; Dongdong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):85-90
[Objective] To perform genetic analysis on samples with weak agglutination and mixed agglutination of ABO blood group antigens in neonates, and to investigate the molecular biological characteristics of ABO subtypes in neonates. [Methods] Serological identification of ABO blood group was performed by tube method and microcolumn gel method. The ABO exons 2-7 were amplified by PCR, and the amplified products were sequenced by Sanger sequencing method to determine the genotype. [Results] Among the ABO blood group serological results of 14 neonates, 8 cases showed weakened A antigen, and 6 cases showed weakened B antigen. Seven samples were identified with ABO subtype alleles, with genotypes as A102/B101+c.538C>T, Aw26/B102, A205/O02, A205/B101(2 cases), Aw26/O02, B(A)06/O01, B101/O01(3 cases), A102/O01(2 cases), A102/B101 and B101/O02. Additionally, three other family members were also found to carry B(A)06 allele in a pedigree investigation. [Conclusion] For samples showing weakened antigens in ABO blood type identification of neonates, it is necessary to consider the possibility of ABO subtype in addition to age factors, and genetic testing can be used to prevent missed detection of ABO subtypes in neonates.
5.Analysis of the management status and project undertaking of drug clinical trial institutions in Jiangxi Province after the implementation of the filing system
Min JIANG ; Li LIN ; Chenxi GAN ; Wenxiong SUN ; Qingsong XU ; Xiuli ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):275-279
OBJECTIVE To investigate and analyze the current management of drug clinical trial institutions in Jiangxi Province and the situation of undertaking drug clinical trials after the implementation of the filing system. METHODS A survey was conducted on 38 new institutions (obtained qualifications during the implementation of the filing system) and old institutions (obtained qualifications during the implementation of the recognition system) that had completed drug clinical trial institution qualification filing for more than one year in Jiangxi Province. The survey focused on the basic information of the institutions, the number of registered principal investigator (PI), institutional hardware and information construction, personnel allocation and training, and drug registration clinical trials undertaken by the institutions. RESULTS Of 38 institutions surveyed, there were 22 general hospitals and 16 specialized hospitals; there were 24 old institutions and 14 new institutions. Whether in general hospitals or specialized hospitals, the old institutions were better than the new institutions in the number of approved beds, the number of outpatients, the number of inpatients, the number of specialties, and the number of PI; both old and new institutions had separate offices; all new institutions were set up with GCP pharmacy. The adoption of clinical trial management system in new institutions is significantly less than in old institutions. In the general hospital, both the number of full-time managers and the number of quality controllers in old institutions were significantly more than in the new institutions, while the opposite was true at the level of specialized hospitals. In terms of centralized training on GCP, new institutions were all better than the old ones. Whether in general hospitals or specialized hospitals, the number of drug registration clinical trial projects undertaken by new institutions was significantly less than that of old ones. CONCLUSIONS The new institutions are worse than the old institutions in comprehensive strength and information construction of hospitals, and the number of clinical trials undertaken by new institutions is also less than old institutions.
6.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.
7.Sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum Improves Neuroinflammation by Regulating JNK Phosphorylation
Ziyu YIN ; Yun GAO ; Junjiao WANG ; Weigang XUE ; Xueping PANG ; Huiting LIU ; Yunfang ZHAO ; Huixia HUO ; Jun LI ; Jiao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):139-145
ObjectiveTo study the pharmacological substances and mechanisms through which sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum improves neuroinflammation. MethodsBV-2 microglial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce neuroinflammation. The cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, and the ZH-13 low- and high-dose treatment groups (10, 20 μmol·L-1). The model group was treated with 1 μmol·L-1 LPS. Cell viability was assessed using the cell proliferation and activity assay (CCK-8 kit). Nitric oxide (NO) release in the cell supernatant was measured using a nitric oxide kit (Griess method). The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway proteins was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, ZH-13 dose-dependently reduced NO release from BV-2 cells under LPS stimulation (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the 20 μmol·L-1 ZH-13 treatment group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6 were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In both the low- and high-dose ZH-13 groups, the expression of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the upstream MAPK pathway were significantly reduced (P<0.05). After stimulation with the JNK agonist anisomycin (Ani), both low- and high-dose ZH-13 treatment groups showed reduced phosphorylation of JNK proteins compared to the Ani-treated group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe sesquiterpene compound ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum significantly ameliorates LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 cells by inhibiting excessive JNK phosphorylation and reducing TNF-α expression. These findings elucidate the pharmacological substances and mechanisms underlying the sedative and calming effects of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum.
8.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Pingxuan Capsules
Yuer HU ; Yanming XIE ; Yaming LIN ; Yuanqi ZHAO ; Yihuai ZOU ; Mingquan LI ; Xiaoming SHEN ; Wei PENG ; Changkuan FU ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):201-210
As a patented characteristic medicine of Yi ethnic minority, Pingxuan capsules have the effects of nourishing the liver and kidney, pacifying the liver, and subduing Yang. With the main indications of dizziness, headache, palpitations, tinnitus, insomnia, dreaminess, waist and knee soreness caused by liver-kidney deficiency and liver Yang upward disturbance, Pingxuan capsules are widely used in the treatment of posterior circulation ischemic vertigo, vestibular migraine, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. However, the current knowledge is limited regarding the efficacy, syndrome differentiation, and safety of this medicine. On the basis of summarizing the experience of clinicians and the existing evidence, this study invites clinical experts of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, pharmaceutical experts, and methodological experts from relevant fields across China to conduct evidence-based evaluation of Pingxuan capsules. The evaluation follows the Specifications for the Development of Clinical Expert Consensus on Chinese Patent Medicines issued by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine, and reaches 5 recommendations and 16 consensus suggestions. The consensus clarifies the clinical applications, efficacy, dose, course of treatment, combination of medicines, precautions, and contraindications of Pingxuan capsules in the treatment of vertigo and explains the safety of clinical application. This consensus is applicable to clinicians (traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine) and pharmacists in tertiary hospitals, secondary hospitals, and community-level medical and health institutions across China, providing a reference for the rational use of Pingxuan capsules in the treatment of vertigo. It is hoped that the promotion of this consensus can facilitate the rational use of drugs in clinical practice, reduce the risk of drug use, and give full play to the advantages of Pingxuan capsules in the treatment of vertigo diseases. This consensus has been reviewed and published by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, with the number GS/CACM330-2023.
9.Current Situation, Problems and Countermeasures of Experimental Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Pengxuan YAN ; Yiqing LIU ; Nanxing XIAN ; Linjing PENG ; Kun LI ; Jingchun ZHANG ; Yukun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):259-266
Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) and its resulting infertility is one of the common diseases of gynecology and reproductive endocrinology. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway is relatively well-studied in the development of intervention in PCOS, and the experiments on PCOS in rats conducted by traditional Chinese medicine through this signaling pathway is also the main direction of mechanistic research. In this paper, 20 articles published in academic journals in the past 5 years were selected through the corresponding criteria, and the objective situation and existing problems of the selected research projects were analyzed from five aspects, namely, baseline data, modeling and treatment, grouping, evaluative indexes, and pharmacodynamic indexes. It is found that there were different degrees of problems in each research project, such as the observation indicators of modeling, criteria for judging the success of the model, the treatment period, the calculation of dosage of prescription/active ingredients and specific dosage were not clearly defined, which could easily lead the bias of the results or reduce the validity of experimental data. Based on this, the list of PCOS rat experimental research operations was formed, involving five categories of experimental rats, model construction, study implementation, outcome measures and analysis and report with a total of 21 operation lists, with a view to provide a reference for the subsequent PCOS experiments related to scientific research and helping to form high-quality results.
10.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.

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