1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
3.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
4.Clinical Efficacy of Tonifying Kidney and Replenishing Essence on Asthenospermia Patients with Syndrome of Kidney Essence Deficiency and Effect of This Method on Expression Levels of AMPK/mTORC1 Signaling Pathway-associated Proteins
Yuanjie FU ; Fuhao LI ; Chenghua PENG ; Dong XU ; Guoan YIN ; Xiaopeng HUANG ; Degui CHANG ; Liang DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):141-147
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence on asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency and the effects of this method on the adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two eligible asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024 were selected and randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, with 36 patients in each group. The observation group received oral administration of Guilu Tianjing capsules, while the control group received oral administration of L-carnitine oral solution. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks in both groups. The observed indicators included sperm progressive motility rate (PR), total sperm motility (PR+NP), percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores before and after treatment in both groups. A three-month follow-up was instituted to record the conception status of the patients’ spouses. Additionally, eight patients were randomly selected from the eligible patients in the observation group, and four healthy males with normal semen routine examination results were included as the control group for the determination of protein expression. Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression of AMPK, phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR) and p-RAPTOR, and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) in sperms from the observation group before and after treatment, as well as in the sperms of the control group. ResultsThe pregnancy rate of spouses in the observation group was 9.09% (3/33), which was higher than that (3.33%, 1/30) in the control group. The total response rate was 84.8% (28/33) in the observation group and 66.7% (20/30) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. After treatment, both groups were improved considering PR, PR+NP, MMP, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group exhibited more pronounced decreases in TCM symptom scores than the control group (P<0.05), while the changes in PR, PR+NP, and MMP showed no statistical significance between groups. Compared with the control group, the asthenozoospermia group exhibited upregulations in phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK (P<0.01). The administration of Guilu Tianjing Capsules led to downregulations in the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK1 (P<0.01). However, the protein levels of AMPK and RAPTOR demonstrated no significant difference between before and after treatment. During the study period, neither group of patients exhibited any notable adverse reactions. ConclusionGuilu Tianjing capsules can enhance the sperm motility and percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential in asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency by downregulating the AMPK/mTORC1 signaling pathway, lowering the protein level of PINK1, and inhibiting excessive activation of mitophagy.
5.Clinical Efficacy of Tonifying Kidney and Replenishing Essence on Asthenospermia Patients with Syndrome of Kidney Essence Deficiency and Effect of This Method on Expression Levels of AMPK/mTORC1 Signaling Pathway-associated Proteins
Yuanjie FU ; Fuhao LI ; Chenghua PENG ; Dong XU ; Guoan YIN ; Xiaopeng HUANG ; Degui CHANG ; Liang DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):141-147
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence on asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency and the effects of this method on the adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two eligible asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024 were selected and randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, with 36 patients in each group. The observation group received oral administration of Guilu Tianjing capsules, while the control group received oral administration of L-carnitine oral solution. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks in both groups. The observed indicators included sperm progressive motility rate (PR), total sperm motility (PR+NP), percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores before and after treatment in both groups. A three-month follow-up was instituted to record the conception status of the patients’ spouses. Additionally, eight patients were randomly selected from the eligible patients in the observation group, and four healthy males with normal semen routine examination results were included as the control group for the determination of protein expression. Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression of AMPK, phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR) and p-RAPTOR, and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) in sperms from the observation group before and after treatment, as well as in the sperms of the control group. ResultsThe pregnancy rate of spouses in the observation group was 9.09% (3/33), which was higher than that (3.33%, 1/30) in the control group. The total response rate was 84.8% (28/33) in the observation group and 66.7% (20/30) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. After treatment, both groups were improved considering PR, PR+NP, MMP, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group exhibited more pronounced decreases in TCM symptom scores than the control group (P<0.05), while the changes in PR, PR+NP, and MMP showed no statistical significance between groups. Compared with the control group, the asthenozoospermia group exhibited upregulations in phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK (P<0.01). The administration of Guilu Tianjing Capsules led to downregulations in the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK1 (P<0.01). However, the protein levels of AMPK and RAPTOR demonstrated no significant difference between before and after treatment. During the study period, neither group of patients exhibited any notable adverse reactions. ConclusionGuilu Tianjing capsules can enhance the sperm motility and percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential in asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency by downregulating the AMPK/mTORC1 signaling pathway, lowering the protein level of PINK1, and inhibiting excessive activation of mitophagy.
6.Relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes
YU Dandan ; ZHANG Yaping ; XU Huilin ; HE Dandan ; LIANG Tongtong ; YANG Jiali ; LI Jun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):130-134
Objective:
To examine the relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes, so as to provide the evidence for improving self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes.
Methods:
The patients with comorbid diabetes who were registered in the chronic disease health management system of Minhang District, Shanghai Municipality in 2021, followed up regularly, and lived in Meilong Town were recruited. Demographic information and family history of diabetes were collected through questionnaire surveys. Time perspective and self-management behaviors were assessed using the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and Diabetes Self-Management Behavior Scale, respectively. The relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective was analyzed using a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 907 patients with comorbid diabetes were enrolled, including 472 males (52.04%) and 435 females (47.96%). There were 652 cases aged 65 years and above, accounting for 71.89%. In terms of the types of time perspective, 280 patients were future-oriented (30.87%), 236 were balanced (26.02%), 162 were sensation-seeking (17.86%), 123 were fatalistic (13.56%), and 106 were negative (11.69%). In terms of the self-management behaviors, 46 patients were good (5.07%), 643 were moderate (70.89%), and 218 were poor (24.04%). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, educational level, marital status, occupation status, monthly income, and family history of diabetes, the patients with comorbid diabetes who had a future-oriented time perspective had better self-management behaviors (OR=1.874, 95%CI: 1.204-2.915).
Conclusion
The self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes are moderate to poor, and patients with a future-oriented time perspective can better engage in self-management behaviors.
7.Key Information and Modern Clinical Application of Classic Formula Xiaoji Yinzi
Baolin WANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Chen CHEN ; Jinyu CHEN ; Chengxin LUO ; Bingqi WEI ; Kaili CHEN ; Peicong XU ; Wei DENG ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):189-198
Xiaoji Yinzi is one of the classic prescriptions for treating urinary diseases, originated from the Yan's Prescriptions to Aid the Living (Yan Shi Ji Sheng Fang) written by YAN Yonghe in the Song dynasty. Xiaoji Yinzi is composed of Rehmanniae Radix, Cirsii Herba, Talcum, Akebiae Caulis, Typhae Pollen, Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Nodus, Lophatheri Herba, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Gardeniae Fructus, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and has the effects of cooling blood and stopping bleeding, draining water and relieving stranguria. The medical experts of later generations have inherited the original prescription recorded in the Yan's Prescriptions to Aid the Living, while dispute has emerged during the inheritance of this prescription. In this study, the method of bibliometrics was employed to review and analyze the ancient documents and modern clinical studies involving Xiaoji Yinzi. The results showed that Xiaoji Yinzi has two dosage forms: powder and decoction. According to the measurement system in the Song Dynasty, the modern doses of hers in Xiaoji Yinzi were transformed. In the prepration of Xiaoji Yinzi powder, 149.2 g of Rehmanniae Radix and 20.65 g each of Cirsii Herba, Talcum, Akebiae Caulis, stir-fried Typhae Pollen, Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Nodus, Lophatheri Herba, wine-processed Angelicae Sinensis Radix, stir-fried Gardeniae Fructus, and stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are grounded into fine powder with the particle size of 4-10 meshes and a decocted with 450 mL water to reach a volume of 240 mL. After removal of the residue, the decoction was taken warm before meals, 3 times a day (i.e., 7.77 g Rehmanniae Radix and 0.97 g each of the other herbs each time). In the preparation of Xiaoji Yinzi decoction, 20.65 g each of the above 10 herbs are used, with stir-fried Typhae Pollen, wine-processed Angelica Sinensis Radix, stir-fired Gardeniae Fructus, stir-fired Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and raw materials of other herbs. Xiaoji Yinzi is specialized in treating hematuresis and blood stranguria due to heat accumulation in lower energizer, which causes injury of the blood collaterals of gallbladder and dysfunction of Qi transformation. In modern clinical practice, Xiaoji Yinzi is specifically used for treating urinary diseases and can be expanded to treat diseases of the cardiovascular system and other systems according to pathogenesis. The comprehensive research on the key information could provide a scientific reference for the future development of Xiaoji Yinzi.
8.Survey on the perception and current status of drug risk management in medical institutions
Xuelin SUN ; Mingqing XING ; Zixuan ZHANG ; Wenjing ZHAO ; Dongfang QIAN ; Yan LIANG ; Li XU ; Pengfei JIN ; Yatong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):7-12
OBJECTIVE To know about the perception and current status of drug risk management among pharmacists in Chinese medical institutions, providing insights and recommendations for enhancing the drug risk management system in medical institutions. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted across 28 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions; stratified radom sampling was employed to study the population of medical workers and pharmaceutical professionals in medical institutions nationwide. The survey included information on the survey population, the current status of drug risk management implementation in medical institutions, the cognition, definition and process of drug risk management related concepts, and the content and mode of drug risk management work in medical institutions. Finally, suggestions were collected from various medical institutions on the system construction of drug risk management. Descriptive statistical analysis was adopted to summarize the obtained data. RESULTS A total of 446 questionnaires were collected in this survey, including 420 valid questionnaires and 26 invalid questionnaires. The questionnaire collection rate was 100%,and the effective rate was 94.17%. 51.19% of the respondents No.2020YFC2009001)。 based their understanding of drug risk management on Management Measures for Adverse Drug Reaction Reports and Monitoring, while 87.38% recognized the need for drug risk management throughout the drug use process. 63.33% of the participants stated that their medical institutions had dedicated positions related to drug risk management, with the highest proportion (72.17%) was in third-grade class A medical institutions. 66.43% reported implementing risk management across all drug use stages. Suggestions for the development of drug risk management systems in medical institutions by the research participants focused on enhancing guiding documents, clarifying concepts, establishing information-sharing mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS The overall awareness of drug risk management in China’s medical institutions is high, with practices in place across various stages in multiple forms. However, there remains a need to strengthen institutional documents, management regulations, system development, and information-sharing mechanisms to improve collaborative governance, improve drug management levels, and ensure patient safety.
9.Research on the chemical induction scheme for functional insulin producing cell
Yiwen LI ; Jibing CHEN ; Weiping LIANG ; Hongjun GAO ; Zhiran XU
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(3):435-442
Objective To explore the effective induction scheme for differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) to insulin producing cell (IPC). Methods Different schemes of small molecule compound were used to induce the differentiation of ADMSC. The purity of cells was analyzed by flow cytometry and the morphological changes of cells were observed under the microscope. The quality, performance and insulin related indicators of cells were detected by hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining. The maturity and activity of cells were detected by dithizone (DTZ) and diacetylfluorescein/propidium iodide staining. The induction effect of ADMSC differentiated into IPC was analyzed. Results The purity of ADMSC reached more than 99%, and the sphere forming properties of schemes Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ were good. Cell induction mass, the expression effects of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1), musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MAFA) and insulin and C peptide of schemes Ⅰ were both better than those of other schemes. The DTZ staining depth may be related to IPC maturity, among which the number of apoptotic cells in scheme Ⅰ was significantly less than that of scheme Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Conclusions Induction scheme Ⅰ may improve the differentiation efficiency of ADMSC to IPC and lay a certain foundation for future clinical IPC transplantation applications.
10.Latent infection and preventive treatment among students in 5 tuberculosis outbreaks in schools in Hunan Province
ZHANG Chuanfang, LIANG Jun, XU Zuhui, FAN Jiangjing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):584-587
Objective:
To analyze the latent tuberculosis infection and preventive treatment in the school tuberculosis epidemic, so as to provide theoretical and technical support for tuberculosis prevention and control in schools.
Methods:
Information on latent infection, preventive treatment and tuberculosis incidence were collected from five tuberculosis outbreaks in schools in Hunan Province from January to December 2023. Statistical analysis was conducted by using Chisquare test and Fishers exact test.
Results:
The prevalence of tuberculosis patients in close contacts (7.69%) and the latent infection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (31.87%) were higher than those in nonclose contacts (0.12%, 6.29%), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). The subsequent incidence of close contacts with latent infection was higher (8.62%) than that of nonclose contacts (0), the rate of close contacts receiving prophylactic treatment (63.30%) was higher than that of nonclose contacts (47.37%), and the proportion of close contacts receiving prophylactic treatment (68.12%) was higher than that of nonclose contacts (45.56%), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The latent infection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in college students (13.58%) was higher than that in middle school students (7.08%) (χ2=37.77, P<0.01). The proportion of college students receiving preventive treatment (100.00%) was higher than that of middle school students (40.34%), and the subsequent incidence of latent infection (6.67%) was higher than that of middle school students (0.54%); the rate of middle school students who should receive preventive treatment (70.41%) was higher than that of college students (30.77%), and the rate of middle school students who received preventive treatment (100.00%) was higher than that of college students (62.50%), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). Among the latent infected persons, 144 who completed preventive treatment did not get sick, and 10 of the 177 who did not complete preventive treatment got sick, with an incidence rate of 5.65%. The incidence rate of close contacts (19.23%) was higher than that of nonclose contacts (0) (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis between university (8.18%) and middle school (1.49%) among latent infected persons who did not complete preventive treatment (P=0.09).
Conclusion
Actively promoting preventive treatment for latent infections, especially among close contacts, and ensuring that all eligible individuals receive treatment can reduce tuberculosis incidence in schools and help control the scale of school tuberculosis outbreaks.


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