1.Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study on Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Shexiang Baoxinwan in Treating Stable Angina Pectoris Complicated with Anxiety and Depression in Coronary Artery Disease
Jie WANG ; Linzi LONG ; Zhiru ZHAO ; Feifei LIAO ; Jieming LU ; Tianjiao LIU ; Yuxuan PENG ; Hua QU ; Changgeng FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):159-169
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shexiang Baoxinwan in treating stable angina pectoris with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated with anxiety and depression and explore its underlying mechanisms. MethodsThis study employed a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial design. Patients admitted to the hospital were randomly assigned to the observation group and the control group, with 52 patients in each group. Patients in the observation and control groups received Shexiang Baoxinwan and placebo, respectively, both in combination with conventional Western medication. The dose was 45.0 mg, three times daily, for a total duration of eight weeks. The primary outcome was the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), inflammatory markers [interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CD40, etc.], monoamine neurotransmitters [e.g., dopamine (DA)], vascular endothelial function markers [e.g., endothelin-1(ET-1)], adipokines, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). Adverse reactions were also recorded. ResultsA total of 92 patients completed the study, with 44 in the observation group and 48 in the control group. Compared with baseline, both groups showed significant decreases in PHQ-9, GAD-7, and TCM syndrome scores following treatment (P<0.05), along with a significant increase in SAQ scores (P<0.05). In the observation group, DA levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while levels of IL-18, TNF-α, CD40, ET-1, and IMA were decreased (P<0.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited significantly increased CD40 levels (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significant improvements in the SAQ dimensions of physical limitation, angina stability, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception, as well as in TCM syndrome score, PHQ-9 score, IL-18, CD40, ET-1, and IMA (P<0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group during treatment. ConclusionShexiang Baoxinwan can improve anxiety and depression, alleviate angina symptoms, and reduce TCM symptoms of Qi stagnation and blood stasis in CAD patients. The mechanism may involve anti-inflammation, improvement of vascular endothelial function, reduction of IMA, and increase of monoamine neurotransmitter levels.
2.Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study on Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Shexiang Baoxinwan in Treating Stable Angina Pectoris Complicated with Anxiety and Depression in Coronary Artery Disease
Jie WANG ; Linzi LONG ; Zhiru ZHAO ; Feifei LIAO ; Jieming LU ; Tianjiao LIU ; Yuxuan PENG ; Hua QU ; Changgeng FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):159-169
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shexiang Baoxinwan in treating stable angina pectoris with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated with anxiety and depression and explore its underlying mechanisms. MethodsThis study employed a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial design. Patients admitted to the hospital were randomly assigned to the observation group and the control group, with 52 patients in each group. Patients in the observation and control groups received Shexiang Baoxinwan and placebo, respectively, both in combination with conventional Western medication. The dose was 45.0 mg, three times daily, for a total duration of eight weeks. The primary outcome was the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), inflammatory markers [interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CD40, etc.], monoamine neurotransmitters [e.g., dopamine (DA)], vascular endothelial function markers [e.g., endothelin-1(ET-1)], adipokines, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). Adverse reactions were also recorded. ResultsA total of 92 patients completed the study, with 44 in the observation group and 48 in the control group. Compared with baseline, both groups showed significant decreases in PHQ-9, GAD-7, and TCM syndrome scores following treatment (P<0.05), along with a significant increase in SAQ scores (P<0.05). In the observation group, DA levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while levels of IL-18, TNF-α, CD40, ET-1, and IMA were decreased (P<0.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited significantly increased CD40 levels (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significant improvements in the SAQ dimensions of physical limitation, angina stability, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception, as well as in TCM syndrome score, PHQ-9 score, IL-18, CD40, ET-1, and IMA (P<0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group during treatment. ConclusionShexiang Baoxinwan can improve anxiety and depression, alleviate angina symptoms, and reduce TCM symptoms of Qi stagnation and blood stasis in CAD patients. The mechanism may involve anti-inflammation, improvement of vascular endothelial function, reduction of IMA, and increase of monoamine neurotransmitter levels.
3.Research advances in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating immune cells
Lijuan LONG ; Zongyu WANG ; Yali ZHAO ; Chuanfu QIN ; Hua QIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):349-358
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a high mortality rate, an insidious onset, and complex pathological mechanisms. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-promoting immune cells protect tumor cells from immune attacks, while dysfunction of anti-tumor immune cells causes the inhibition of immune response, thereby leading to the continuous deterioration of cancer. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has shown good efficacy in the treatment of HCC, and it can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells by regulating immune cells. By analyzing related articles in China and globally, this article summarizes how immune cells affect the progression of HCC through the immunosuppressive pathway and how traditional Chinese medicine exerts an anti-HCC effect by regulating immune cells, in order to provide theoretical basis and reference for optimizing the treatment of HCC.
4.Mitochondial-located miRNAs in The Regulation of mtDNA Expression
Peng-Xiao WANG ; Le-Rong CHEN ; Zhen WANG ; Jian-Gang LONG ; Yun-Hua PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1649-1660
Mitochondria, functioning not only as the central hub of cellular energy metabolism but also as semi-autonomous organelles, orchestrate cellular fate decisions through their endogenous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes core components of the electron transport chain. Emerging research has identified microRNAs localized within mitochondria, termed mitochondria-located microRNAs (mitomiRs). Recent studies have revealed that mitomiRs are transcribed from nuclear DNA (nDNA), processed and matured in the cytoplasm, and subsequently transported into mitochondria. mitomiRs regulate mtDNA through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of mtDNA expression at the translational level and direct binding to mtDNA to influence transcription. Aberrant expression of mitomiRs leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and contributes to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Restoring mitomiR expression to physiological levels using mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and alleviate related diseases. Consequently, the regulatory mechanisms of mitomiRs have become a major focus in mitochondrial research. Given that mitomiRs are located in mitochondria, targeted delivery strategies designed for mtDNA can be adapted for the delivery of mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors. However, numerous intracellular and extracellular barriers remain, highlighting the need for more precise and efficient delivery systems in the future. The regulation of mtDNA expression mediated by mitomiRs not only expands our understanding of miRNA functions in post-transcriptional gene regulation but also provides promising molecular targets for the treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress on mitomiRs in regulating mtDNA expression and discusses the underlying mechanisms of mitomiRs-mtDNA interactions. Additionally, it provides new perspectives on precision therapeutic strategies, with a particular emphasis on mitomiRs-based regulation of mitochondrial function in mitochondrial-related diseases.
5.The Near-infrared II Emission of Gold Clusters and Their Applications in Biomedicine
Zhen-Hua LI ; Hui-Zhen MA ; Hao WANG ; Chang-Long LIU ; Xiao-Dong ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2068-2086
Optical imaging is highly valued for its superior temporal and spatial resolution. This is particularly important in near-infrared II (NIR-II, 1 000-3 000 nm) imaging, which offers advantages such as reduced tissue absorption, minimal scattering, and low autofluorescence. These characteristics make NIR-II imaging especially suitable for deep tissue visualization, where high contrast and minimal background interference are critical for accurate diagnosis and monitoring. Currently, inorganic fluorescent probes—such as carbon nanotubes, rare earth nanoparticles, and quantum dots—offer high brightness and stability. However, they are hindered by ambiguous structures, larger sizes, and potential accumulation toxicity in vivo. In contrast, organic fluorescent probes, including small molecules and polymers, demonstrate higher biocompatibility but are limited by shorter emission wavelengths, lower quantum yields, and reduced stability. Recently, gold clusters have emerged as a promising class of nanomaterials with potential applications in biocatalysis, fluorescence sensing, biological imaging, and more. Water-soluble gold clusters are particularly attractive as fluorescent probes due to their remarkable optical properties, including strong photoluminescence, large Stokes shifts, and excellent photostability. Furthermore, their outstanding biocompatibility—attributed to good aqueous stability, ultra-small hydrodynamic size, and high renal clearance efficiency—makes them especially suitable for biomedical applications. Gold clusters hold significant potential for NIR-II fluorescence imaging. Atomic-precision gold clusters, typically composed of tens to hundreds of gold atoms and measuring only a few nanometers in diameter, possess well-defined three-dimensional structures and clear spatial coordination. This atomic-level precision enables fine-tuned structural regulation, further enhancing their fluorescence properties. Variations in cluster size, surface ligands, and alloying elements can result in distinct physicochemical characteristics. The incorporation of different atoms can modulate the atomic and electronic structures of gold clusters, while diverse ligands can influence surface polarity and steric hindrance. As such, strategies like alloying and ligand engineering are effective in enhancing both fluorescence and catalytic performance, thereby meeting a broader range of clinical needs. In recent years, gold clusters have attracted growing attention in the biomedical field. Their application in NIR-II imaging has led to significant progress in vascular, organ, and tumor imaging. The resulting high-resolution, high signal-to-noise imaging provides powerful tools for clinical diagnostics. Moreover, biologically active gold clusters can aid in drug delivery and disease diagnosis and treatment, offering new opportunities for clinical therapeutics. Despite the notable achievements in fundamental research and clinical translation, further studies are required to address challenges related to the standardized synthesis and complex metabolic behavior of gold clusters. Resolving these issues will help accelerate their clinical adoption and broaden their biomedical applications.
6.Clinical Analysis of Philadelphia Chromosome-Like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children
Tian-Dan LI ; Shao-Yan HU ; Zong ZHAI ; Guang-Hua CHEN ; Jun LU ; Hai-Long HE ; Pei-Fang XIAO ; Jie LI ; Yi WANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):78-84
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics,molecular characteristics,treatment and prognosis of pediatric Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia(Ph-like ALL)with a therapeutic target.Methods:A total of 27 patients of Ph-like ALL with targeted drug target were initially diagnosed in Children's Hospital of Soochow University from December 2017 to June 2021.The data of age,gender,white blood cell(WBC)count at initial diagnosis,genetic characteristics,molecular biological changes,chemotherapy regimen,different targeted drugs were given,and minimal residual disease(MRD)on day 19,MRD on day 46,whether hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT)were retrospective analyed,and the clinical characteristics and treatment effect were summarized.Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method.Results:The intensity of chemotherapy was adjusted according to the MRD level during induced remission therapy in 27 patients,10 patients were treated with targeted drugs during treatment,and 3 patients were bridged with HSCT,1 patient died and 2 patients survived.Among the 24 patients who did not receive HSCT,1 patient developed relapse,and achieved complete remission(CR)after treatment with chimeric antigen receptors T cells(CAR-T).The 3-year overall survival,3-year relapse-free survival and 3-year event-free survival rate of 27 patients were(95.5±4.4)%,(95.0±4.9)%and(90.7±6.3)%respectively.Conclusion:Risk stratification chemotherapy based on MRD monitoring can improve the prognosis of Ph-like ALL in children,combined with targeted drugs can achieve complete remission as soon as possible in children whose chemotherapy response is poor,and sequential CAR-T and HSCT can significantly improve the therapeutic effect of Ph-like ALL in children whose MRD is continuously positive during induced remission therapy.
7.The Effect of Platelet Fibrin Plasma (PFP) on Postoperative Refractory Wounds: Physiologically Concentrated Platelet Plasma in Wound Repair
Lu FAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xiankun YIN ; Silu CHEN ; Pin WU ; Tianru HUYAN ; Ziyang WANG ; Qun MA ; Hua ZHANG ; Wenhui WANG ; Chunyan GU ; Lu TIE ; Long ZHANG
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2024;21(8):1255-1267
OBJECTIVE:
Surgical wounds that can’t complete primary healing three weeks after surgery are called postoperative refractory wounds. Postoperative refractory wounds would bring great physical and life burdens to the patients and seriously affect their quality of life. To investigate the effect of platelet fibrin plasma (PFP) on postoperative refractory wound healing.APPROACH: The composition of PFP was analyzed using blood routine and blood biochemicals. Clinical data were collected that met the inclusion criteria after treatment with PFP, and the efficacy of PFP was evaluated by wound healing rate and days to healing. Next, growth factor content in PFP, PRP, and PPP was analyzed using ELISA, and PFP-treated cells were applied to investigate the effect of PFP on fibroblast and endothelial cell function.
RESULTS:
PFP component analysis revealed no statistical difference between platelet concentration in PFP and physiological concentration. Clinical statistics showed that PFP treatment was effective in the postoperative refractory wound (four-week wound healing rate [ 90%), significantly better than continuous wound dressing. Meanwhile, our result also proved that PFP treatment significantly enhanced vascularization by upregulated the expression level of CD31 and improved granulation tissue thickness. Activated PFP, PRP, and PPP could continuously release growth factors in vitro and the amount of growth factors released by PRP and PFP was significantly higher than PPP. In vitro studies demonstrated that active PFP could improve cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis in fibroblasts and endothelial cells.INNOVATION: Physiologically concentrated platelet plasma promoted wound healing and improved related cellular functions. The modified PFP (responsible for accelerating wound healing and enhancing the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells) was prepared and analyzed for its clinical effectiveness in postoperative refractory wounds.
CONCLUSION
Physiologically concentrated platelet plasma promoted wound healing and improved related cellular functions. The preparation of PFP could significantly reduce the amount of prepared blood, with a good application value for postoperative wounds. PFP can be considered a treatment option, especially for postoperative refractory wounds.
8.Therapeutic effect of Lingze Tablets on benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats:An exploration based on the VEGFA/TNF/IL-6 signaling pathway
Hua-Nan ZHANG ; Song SUN ; Jun-Long FENG ; Yi-Chen LIU ; Hai-Song LI ; Jin-Sheng WANG ; Bin WANG
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(7):634-639
Objective:To explore the mechanism of Lingze Tablets(LZT)acting on BPH in rats based on the VEGFA/TNF/IL-6 signaling pathway.Methods:We equally randomized 30 SPF SD male rats into five groups,normal control,BPH model con-trol,low-dose LZT,medium-dose LZT and high-dose LZT,and established a BPH model in the latter four groups by induction with non-castrate testosterone propionate.After the modeling,we treated the rats in the normal and model groups by intragastrical adminis-tration of physiological saline,and those in the latter three groups with low-,medium-,and high-dose LZT respectively,all for 28 suc-cessive days.Then we collected the prostate tissue from the animals for observation of the changes in the prostatic indexes and histo-morphology,detected the expressions of the proteins related to the VEGFA/TNF/IL-6 signaling pathway,and compared the data ob-tained among different groups.Results:Compared with the normal controls,the rats in the model control group showed significant pros-tatic hyperplasia,markedly increased prostatic index([0.84±0.01]g,P<0.05),thickness of the prostatic epithelia and infiltra-tion of the luminal area,and dramatically up-regulated protein expressions of VEGFA(0.60±0.02,P<0.05),TNF(0.76±0.02,P<0.05)and IL-6(0.64±0.02,P<0.05).In comparison with the model controls,the rats in the low-,medium-and high-dose LZT groups exhibited significantly decreased prostatic indexes([0.76±0.02]g,[0.58±0.02]g and[0.52 0.01]g,all P<0.05),improved prostatic histomorphology,and down-regulated expressions of VEGFA(0.45±0.01,0.35±0.01 and 0.31±0.02,all P<0.05),TNF(0.45±0.01,0.33±0.01 and 0.27±0.01,all P<0.01)and IL-6(0.44±0.01,0.36±0.01 and 0.30±0.01,all P<0.01)in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion:LZT produces therapeutic effect on BPH by negatively regulating the VEGFA/TNF/IL-6 signaling pathway,reducing the expression levels of VEGFA,TNF and IL-6 pro-teins,and regulating cell proliferation,apoptosis and inflammatory response.
9.Ionizing radiation-induced damage(IRD)to and repair mechanisms of the male reproductive system:Report of testicular function changes in a case of IRD
Neng-Liang DUAN ; Hua-Pei WANG ; Yuan-Shuai RAN ; Zhi-Xiang GAO ; Feng-Mei CUI ; Qiu CHEN ; Yu-Long LIU ; You-You WANG ; Bo-Xin XUE ; Xiao-Long LIU
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(8):687-695
Objective:To investigate the impact of ionizing radiation(IR)on the structure and function of the testis and pro-vide some strategies for the prevention and treatment of IR-induced damage(IRD).Methods:Using radiation dose simulation,se-men analysis,hormone testing,electron microscopy and single-cell transcriptome sequencing,we assessed and analyzed a case of IRD.We established a mouse model of IRD to validate the results of single-cell sequencing,and investigated the specific biological mecha-nisms of IRD and potential strategies for its intervention.Results:IR at 1-2 Gy significantly reduced sperm concentration and mo-tility,which gradually recovered after 12 months but the percentage of morphologically normal sperm remained low.It also caused im-balanced levels of various steroid hormones,decreased testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate,increased progesterone,prolac-tin,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone.Electron microscopy revealed damages to the testis structure,including loss of germ cells,atrophy of the seminiferous tubules,nuclear membrane depression of the spermatocytes,mitochondrial atrophy and de-formation,and reduction of mitochondrial cristae.Single-cell sequencing indicated significant changes in the function of the Leydig cells and macrophages and disrupted lipid-related metabolic pathways after IRD.Administration of L-carnitine to the mouse model im-proved lipid metabolism disorders and partially alleviated IRD to the germ cells.Conclusion:Ionizing radiation can cause disorders of testicular spermatogenesis and sexual hormones and inhibit lipid metabolism pathways in Leydig cells and macrophages.Improving lipid metabolism can alleviate IRD to germ cells.
10.Mechanisms of hypertension inducing erectile dysfunction via the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway:An investigation using transcriptomics and network pharmacology
Jun-Long FENG ; Hai-Song LI ; Song SUN ; Bin WANG ; Hua-Nan ZHANG ; Zi-Xiang GAO ; Peng-Ming MAO ; Long-Ji SUN ; Nian-Wen HUANG ; Ji-Sheng WANG
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(9):771-781
Objective:To explore the mechanism of hypertension inducing erectile dysfunction(ED)using transcriptomics and network pharmacology.Methods:We randomly divided 12 male rats with spontaneous hypertension(SHT)into an L-arginine(LA)group(n=6)and an SHT model control(MC)group(n=6),took another 6 Wistar Kyoto male rats as normal controls(NC),and treated the animals in the LA group by intraperitoneal injection of LA at 400 mg/kg and those in the latter two groups with physio-logical saline,once a day,all for 7 days.Then we observed the blood pressure and penile erection of the rats,and determined the ex-pressions of the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNAs in different groups using ELISA,Western blot and RT-qPCR.Results:Transcriptomics combined with network pharmacology showed that the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway played a key role in hypertension-induced ED.In vivo animal experiments revealed a significantly lower frequency of penile erections in the MC than in the NC group(1.33±0.52 vs 2.67±0.51,P<0.05).The protein expressions of eNOS,PKG and sGC were markedly de-creased in the model controls compared with those the normal controls(P<0.05),but remarkably upregulated in the LA group com-pared with those in the MC group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Hypertension decreases the expressions of eNOS,NO,sGC,cGMP and PKG proteins and the level of testosterone by inhibiting the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway,which consequently suppresses the relaxa-tion of the penile vascular smooth muscle and reduces erectile function.

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