1.Erjingwan Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle Cells of Sarcopenia via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Long SHI ; Yang LI ; Hongyu YAN ; Tianle ZHOU ; Zhiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):57-66
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the classical Chinese medicine compound prescription Erjingwan on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in a mouse model of sarcopenia and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57/BL6 male mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, and groups with different doses of Erjingwan (8,16,32 g·kg-1). The mouse model of sarcopenia was established by D-gal-induced skeletal muscle senescence. The body weight and grip strength of mice treated with different doses of Erjingwan were examined to evaluate their physiological functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum samples of mice, and biochemical tests were conducted to quantify the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of drug intervention, the model group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and grip strength (P0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, all doses of Erjingwan increased the body weight in mice at week 8 (P0.01) and grip strength from week 6 (P0.01). HE staining revealed clear muscle fiber structure in the control group, muscle fiber rupture and atrophy in the model group, and dose-dependent repair of muscle fiber structure in the Erjingwan groups. Masson staining showed minimal collagen fibers and mild fibrosis in the control group, collagen fiber proliferation and severe fibrosis in the model group, and collagen proliferation with dose-dependent inhibition of fibrosis in the Erjingwan groups. ELISA results showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the model group compared with those in the control group (P0.01). After intervention, the low-dose Erjingwan group exhibited a decreased TNF-α level (P0.05), while the medium and high-dose groups showed decreases in both TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P0.01). Biochemical assays revealed that the model group had decreased SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and an increased MDA level (P0.01) compared with the control group. The medium and high-dose Erjingwan groups exhibited increases in SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and decreases in MDA level (P0.01), compared with the model group. WB and Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the model group presented down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in the muscle tissue (P0.01) and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01). Compared with the model group, Erjingwan at different doses up-regulated the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01) and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01) in the muscle tissue. Low-dose Erjingwan elevated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P0.05, P0.01), and medium and high-dose Erjingwan up-regulated the mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01). ConclusionErjingwan reduced the content of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle cells, improved the antioxidant capacity, and attenuated pathological changes and fibrosis in the muscle of the mouse model of sarcopenia by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory response, and apoptosis network.
2.Erjingwan Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle Cells of Sarcopenia via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Long SHI ; Yang LI ; Hongyu YAN ; Tianle ZHOU ; Zhiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):57-66
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the classical Chinese medicine compound prescription Erjingwan on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in a mouse model of sarcopenia and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57/BL6 male mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, and groups with different doses of Erjingwan (8,16,32 g·kg-1). The mouse model of sarcopenia was established by D-gal-induced skeletal muscle senescence. The body weight and grip strength of mice treated with different doses of Erjingwan were examined to evaluate their physiological functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum samples of mice, and biochemical tests were conducted to quantify the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of drug intervention, the model group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and grip strength (P0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, all doses of Erjingwan increased the body weight in mice at week 8 (P0.01) and grip strength from week 6 (P0.01). HE staining revealed clear muscle fiber structure in the control group, muscle fiber rupture and atrophy in the model group, and dose-dependent repair of muscle fiber structure in the Erjingwan groups. Masson staining showed minimal collagen fibers and mild fibrosis in the control group, collagen fiber proliferation and severe fibrosis in the model group, and collagen proliferation with dose-dependent inhibition of fibrosis in the Erjingwan groups. ELISA results showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the model group compared with those in the control group (P0.01). After intervention, the low-dose Erjingwan group exhibited a decreased TNF-α level (P0.05), while the medium and high-dose groups showed decreases in both TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P0.01). Biochemical assays revealed that the model group had decreased SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and an increased MDA level (P0.01) compared with the control group. The medium and high-dose Erjingwan groups exhibited increases in SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and decreases in MDA level (P0.01), compared with the model group. WB and Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the model group presented down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in the muscle tissue (P0.01) and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01). Compared with the model group, Erjingwan at different doses up-regulated the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01) and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01) in the muscle tissue. Low-dose Erjingwan elevated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P0.05, P0.01), and medium and high-dose Erjingwan up-regulated the mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01). ConclusionErjingwan reduced the content of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle cells, improved the antioxidant capacity, and attenuated pathological changes and fibrosis in the muscle of the mouse model of sarcopenia by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory response, and apoptosis network.
3.Research progress on the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation
Kankan SHUI ; Haoran ZHOU ; Ye XU ; Qiulin LUO ; Tengfang LI ; Hedong ZHANG ; Longkai PENG ; Helong DAI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):9-15
Organ transplantation is an effective alternative treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. However, the shortage of donor organs has limited the widespread application of clinical transplantation. In recent years, breakthroughs in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology have overcome the barrier of hyperacute rejection in xenotransplantation, offering a potential solution to the organ shortage crisis. Rejection remains a critical factor affecting graft survival. Antigen-presenting cells play a vital role in the initiation and progression of rejection and immune regulation in xenotransplantation. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation is of great significance. This article summarizes the roles and therapeutic strategies of professional antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells in xenotransplantation, aiming to provide insights for future research on immune regulation mechanisms in this field.
4.Effects of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative anxiety and recovery in patients undergoing laparo-scopic cholecystectomy
Zhangzhen ZHONG ; Xian ZHENG ; Ting XU ; Jie WANG ; Hui CAO ; Xinggen ZHOU ; Hui LI ; Jiacheng ZHAO ; Hui LIU ; Chao ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):204-209
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative anxiety and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS A total of 200 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Suzhou Ninth Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from January 2023 to December 2024 were randomly assigned to control group (n=100) and observation group (n=100). One minute before the initiation of anesthesia, patients in the control group received intravenous injections of Propofol emulsion injection, Sufentanil citrate injection, and Succinylcholine chloride injection. On this basis, patients in the observation group received an intravenous injection of Esketamine hydrochloride injection. The anxiety status of patients in both groups was compared, along with their general intraoperative conditions (including sufentanil dosage, duration of pneumoperitoneum, operative time, anesthesia time, and extubation time), postoperative recovery, incidence of adverse reactions, and the need for dezocine rescue analgesia. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure, entropy index (state entropy and response entropy), inflammatory marker levels [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP)], numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain intensity were compared between the two groups at different time points. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the two groups in pneumoperitoneum duration, operative time, anesthesia time,extubation time, incidence of postoperative dry mouth, entropy index or length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly lower postoperative STAI-S scores, reduced intraoperative sufentanil consumption, decreased incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and shivering, the need for dezocine rescue analgesia, as well as lower plasma IL-6 and CRP levels at 24 h after surgery, and NRS (P<0.05). The heart rate and mean arterial pressure of patients in the observation group at the start of surgery, end of surgery, and during extubation were all significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Subanesthetic dose of esketamine can effectively alleviate postoperative anxiety, reduce intraoperative opioid consumption, suppress postoperative inflammatory response, relieve postoperative pain, and promote recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
5.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
6.Reporting Status of Clinical Practice Guideline Protocols: A Systematic Analysis
Huayu ZHANG ; Xufei LUO ; Hui LIU ; Qi ZHOU ; Yishan QIN ; Ye WANG ; Yuanyuan YAO ; Haodong LI ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):255-262
To systematically analyzed the reporting status of core elements in publicly available clinical practice guideline(hereafter referred to as "guideline") protocols published domestically and internationally over the past decade, identified existing problems, and provided evidence to inform the standardized writing and publication of future guideline protocols. A systematic search was conducted in Chinese and English databases for clinical practice guideline protocols published during the past ten years. The basic characteristics and reporting of core elements—including registration information, conflict of interest management, evidence grading, development process and timeline planning, as well as dissemination and implementation—were extracted and analyzed. Chi-square tests were performed to explore associations between protocol characteristics and the reporting of core elements. A total of 94 guideline protocols were included, of which 67 were in Chinese(71.28%) and 27 were in English(28.72%). Overall, 82.98% of the guideline protocols were registered, 92.55% reported management of conflicts of interest, 97.87% reported evidence searching, 88.30% reported evidence grading, and 89.36% described dissemination and implementation strategies. However, only 55.32% reported the guideline development process, and merely 23.40% reported timeline planning. Further analysis indicated that the reporting of registration, evidence searching, development process, and timeline planning was associated with year of publication. Differences were observed between domestic and international guidelines in reporting registration, conflict of interest management, development process, time planning, and dissemination and implementation. Guidelines intended for development exhibited higher reporting rates for registration, development process, and dissemination and implementation compared to those planned for updating or adaptation. Although current guideline protocols demonstrate relatively adequate reporting of methodological elements, deficiencies remain in development process and timeline planning. Future efforts should focus on promoting the publication and standardized reporting of guideline protocols, enhancing the international recognition of registration platforms, and strengthening the development process and timeline planning to advance the scientific rigor and transparency of guideline development.
7.Standards for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Technology in Critical Care
Hua ZHAO ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Xin DING ; Huan CHEN ; Jun DUAN ; Wei DU ; Bo TANG ; Yuankai ZHOU ; Dongkai LI ; Xinchen WANG ; Cui WANG ; Gaosheng ZHOU ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):73-85
With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.
8.Curcumin-loaded exosomes from hypoxia-treated mesenchymal stem cells alleviate microglial inflammatory response in a combined therapy approach
Xiaobin HUANG ; Qianqian LI ; Peng ZHANG ; Yanhua ZHOU ; Anran FAN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):104-112
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of hypoxia-treated mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) exosomes (Exo) and their loading with curcumin on microglial inflammatory responses, and to explore the enhancing effect of hypoxia treatment on the function of MSCs Exo. MethodsThe supernatants of human umbilical cord (hUC)-MSCs cultured under normal and hypoxic conditions were collected, and Exo were isolated using ultracentrifugation. After identification by transmission electron microscopy and Western blot, curcumin was loaded using the co-incubation method. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial inflammation model was treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), curcumin, normoxia Exo, hypoxia Exo, normoxic Exo loaded with curcumin, and hypoxic Exo loaded with curcumin, respectively. The expression of the M1-type marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in BV2 cells was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to measure the expression and secretion levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 in the cells and their culture supernatants. ResultsNormoxia Exo, hypoxia Exo, normoxic Exo loaded with curcumin, and hypoxic Exo loaded with curcumin exhibited a "saucer-like" shape with a diameter ranging from 30~150 nm, and the expression of exosomal markers CD9, CD81, and TSG101 were positive. After treating the BV2 cell inflammation model, IF results showed that, compared with the normoxia Exo group, treatment with hypoxic Exo significantly reduced the expression of iNOS. Moreover, when compared with the curcumin group and the normoxic Exo loaded with curcumin group, the expression level of iNOS significantly decreased after treatment with hypoxic Exo loaded with curcumin. The results of Western blot and ELISA indicated that, in comparison with the normoxia Exo group, treatment with hypoxic Exo significantly reduced the expression and secretion of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Additionally, when compared with the curcumin group and the normoxic Exo loaded with curcumin group, both the expression and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 significantly decreased after treatment with hypoxic Exo loaded with curcumin. ConclusionHypoxia preconditioning can enhance the ability of hUC-MSCs-Exo in the inhibition of microglial polarization and inflammatory factors’ secretion. Additionally, using Hypoxia-MSCs-Exo as a drug-delivery carrier of curcumin can improve its solubility and stability, facilitating its absorption by cells and exerting the therapeutic effect of combination therapy.
9.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
10.Pharmacodynamic Substances and Mechanisms of Xinglou Chengqi Tang in Treating Post-stroke Complications: A Review
Yujin ZHANG ; Xiangzhuo LIU ; Zhouyang CHEN ; Zihao SONG ; Xinyi LIU ; Yizhi YAN ; Chaoya LI ; Yingyan FANG ; Shasha YANG ; Xueqin CHENG ; Zhou XIE ; Sijie TAN ; Peng ZENG ; Yue ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):327-337
Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability among adults in China, and its common complications include digestive system abnormalities, cognitive impairment, depression, stroke-associated pneumonia, and hemiplegia. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has great potential in treating post-stroke complications. Xinglou Chengqitang (XLCQT) is a representative prescription of alleviating the disease in the upper part by treating the lower part. It has definite therapeutic effect and high safety. Clinically, XLCQT is often used to treat stroke and its complications. However, the quantity and quality of clinical trials of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications need to be improved. Additionally, since the basic research is weak, the material basis and multi-target mechanism for the efficacy of this prescription are unknown. This article reviews XLCQT in terms of the pharmacodynamic basis, medicinal properties, safety evaluation, and progress in clinical research and mechanisms in treating post-stroke complications. This article summarizes 22 key active ingredients of XLCQT in treating acute stroke complicated with syndrome of phlegm heat and fu-organ excess. Among these key active ingredients, resveratrol, kaempferol, luteolin, chrysoeriol, apigenin, (+)-catechin, and adenosine have good pharmacokinetic properties and high bioavailability. The mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications are complex, including inflammatory response, brain-gut axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, intestinal flora, neurotrophic factors, autophagy, oxidative stress, and free radical damage. This review helps to deeply understand the pharmacodynamic basis and mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of XLCQT against post-stroke complications and the development of drugs.

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