1.Quality Evaluation of Gegen Qinlian Tablets Based on HPLC Multi-component Quantification Combined with Chemical Pattern Recognition and TOPSIS Analysis
Ping QIN ; Yingying LU ; Wenming ZHANG ; Zifang FENG ; Lihong GU ; Chenjie XIA ; Minmin HU ; Xiaowei CHEN ; Zhenhua BIAN ; Xiwan LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):217-224
ObjectiveTo establish a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) for the quantitative analysis of multiple components in Gegen Qinlian tablets, and to comprehensively evaluate the quality of samples from different manufacturers by integrating chemical pattern recognition and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS), in order to provide a reference basis for quality evaluation and control of Gegen Qinlian tablets. MethodsHPLC was employed to determine the contents of 10 components in 28 batches of Gegen Qinlian tablets collected from 6 manufacturers, and taking the detection results as variables, SIMCA 14.1 and SPSS 26.0 were employed for cluster analysis(CA), principal component analysis(PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) to identify key components affecting the quality. Then, TOPSIS analysis was employed to rank the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets from the 6 manufacturers and establish a comprehensive quality evaluation method. ResultsA quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets was established. After methodological validation, the method was found to be stable and reliable, and could be used for the quantitative analysis of this preparation. The contents of 3′-hydroxy puerarin, puerarin, 3′-methoxy puerarin, daidzein, coptisine hydrochloride, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride and baicalin in 28 batches of samples were 3.58-7.35, 24.88-42.32, 4.20-9.36, 4.33-7.60, 2.52-6.44, 0.93-4.10, 0.58-3.05, 10.68-22.92, 0.82-4.82, 11.73-60.16 mg·g-1, respectively. Among them, puerarin, berberine hydrochloride and baicalin all met the limit requirements for this preparation specified in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. CA and PCA clustered the 28 batches of samples into 5 categories, PCA extracted 2 principal components with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 90.588%, and OPLS-DA screened out 4 differential markers with variable importance in the projection(VIP) values>1.0, namely baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride, which might be the main components affecting the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets. TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive score of each evaluation index(Ci) values of different manufacturers were different. Among them, the Ci of manufacturer B was ranked higher, indicating potentially superior quality, while the Ci of manufacturer A was ranked lower, suggesting potentially inferior quality. ConclusionThis study establishes a quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets, and the content uniformity of the same manufacturer is good, while there are differences in the contents of active components among different manufacturers. Through the chemical pattern recognition analysis, it is found that the content differences of Gegen Qinlian tablets may be related to baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride.
2.Thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)improves cardiac function of acute myocardial ischemia rats
Xiaoqing CHEN ; Luyao BIAN ; Xingyu LU ; Tao YANG ; Li Xiang HAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):882-891
BACKGROUND:Acupuncture at Xinshu(BL 15)can significantly improve cardiac function and protect myocardial cells in acute myocardial ischemia,but the effect and mechanism of thread embedding treatment at Xinshu(BL 15)on cardiac function in acute myocardial ischemia are yet unclear.Nuclear factor κB activation often appears as an intranuclear translocation of the P65 isoform,and activation of the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway is marked by elevated P65 levels.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)on cardiac function and the expression levels of interleukin-10,tumor necrosis factor-α,P65 genes and proteins in rats with acute myocardial ischemia.METHODS:Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group,and a non-meridian/non-acupoint group using a random number table method,with eight rats in each group.Rat models of acute myocardial ischemia were established in the latter three groups.The Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group had thread embedding at Xinshu(BL 15)for 14 days,followed by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol hydrochloride into the back to establish an acute myocardial ischemia rat model.The non-meridian/non-acupoint group had local thread embedding for 14 days,and the rest procedures were the same as above.In the model group,Xinshu(BL 15)was only marked,and the rest procedures were the same as above.In the blank group,Xinshu(BL 15)was only marked,and then an equal amount of physiological saline was injected subcutaneously into the back.After 24 hours of modeling,electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound were performed.Abdominal aorta blood was extracted for detection of serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Subsequently,the rats were euthanized and samples were collected.Hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining were used to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissue and the apoptosis of myocardial cells.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-10,and P65 in myocardial tissue respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Electrocardiogram:Compared with the blank group,the model group,non-meridian/non-acupoint group,and Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group had significantly elevated ST segment in lead Ⅱ of the electrocardiogram.(2)Cardiac ultrasound:Compared with the model group,the Left ventricular end-systolic dimension in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group were significantly reduced(P<0.05),while left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening rate were significantly increased(P<0.05).(4)Serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme:Compared with the model group,the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group showed a significant decrease in serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme levels(P<0.05).(4)Hematoxylin-eosin staining:Compared with the model group,the arrangement of myocardial fibers in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was basically neat,with less edema and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration.(5)TUNEL staining:Compared with the model group,the fluorescence intensity of myocardial cell apoptosis in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was significantly reduced,and its apoptosis rate was significantly reduced(P<0.05).(6)RT-qPCR and western blot:Compared with the model group,the myocardial tissue interleukin-10 level in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while tumor necrosis factor-α and P65 levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05).These findings indicate that thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)can improve cardiac function in rats with acute myocardial ischemia,and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.
3.Thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)improves cardiac function of acute myocardial ischemia rats
Xiaoqing CHEN ; Luyao BIAN ; Xingyu LU ; Tao YANG ; Li Xiang HAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):882-891
BACKGROUND:Acupuncture at Xinshu(BL 15)can significantly improve cardiac function and protect myocardial cells in acute myocardial ischemia,but the effect and mechanism of thread embedding treatment at Xinshu(BL 15)on cardiac function in acute myocardial ischemia are yet unclear.Nuclear factor κB activation often appears as an intranuclear translocation of the P65 isoform,and activation of the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway is marked by elevated P65 levels.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)on cardiac function and the expression levels of interleukin-10,tumor necrosis factor-α,P65 genes and proteins in rats with acute myocardial ischemia.METHODS:Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group,and a non-meridian/non-acupoint group using a random number table method,with eight rats in each group.Rat models of acute myocardial ischemia were established in the latter three groups.The Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group had thread embedding at Xinshu(BL 15)for 14 days,followed by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol hydrochloride into the back to establish an acute myocardial ischemia rat model.The non-meridian/non-acupoint group had local thread embedding for 14 days,and the rest procedures were the same as above.In the model group,Xinshu(BL 15)was only marked,and the rest procedures were the same as above.In the blank group,Xinshu(BL 15)was only marked,and then an equal amount of physiological saline was injected subcutaneously into the back.After 24 hours of modeling,electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound were performed.Abdominal aorta blood was extracted for detection of serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Subsequently,the rats were euthanized and samples were collected.Hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining were used to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissue and the apoptosis of myocardial cells.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-10,and P65 in myocardial tissue respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Electrocardiogram:Compared with the blank group,the model group,non-meridian/non-acupoint group,and Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group had significantly elevated ST segment in lead Ⅱ of the electrocardiogram.(2)Cardiac ultrasound:Compared with the model group,the Left ventricular end-systolic dimension in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group were significantly reduced(P<0.05),while left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening rate were significantly increased(P<0.05).(4)Serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme:Compared with the model group,the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group showed a significant decrease in serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme levels(P<0.05).(4)Hematoxylin-eosin staining:Compared with the model group,the arrangement of myocardial fibers in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was basically neat,with less edema and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration.(5)TUNEL staining:Compared with the model group,the fluorescence intensity of myocardial cell apoptosis in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was significantly reduced,and its apoptosis rate was significantly reduced(P<0.05).(6)RT-qPCR and western blot:Compared with the model group,the myocardial tissue interleukin-10 level in the Xinshu(BL 15)acupoint group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while tumor necrosis factor-α and P65 levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05).These findings indicate that thread embedding pretreatment at Xinshu(BL 15)can improve cardiac function in rats with acute myocardial ischemia,and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.
4.Current Status and Reflections on Key Technologies and Methods for Clinical Research Design and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Spleen and Stomach Diseases
Fang LU ; Ping WANG ; Liqun BIAN ; Lin LYU ; Mengli XIAO ; Tai ZHANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):498-503
Clinical trials represent a pivotal stage in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, given the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the diagnostic and treatment principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, the clinical evaluation techniques and methods that can comprehensively reflect the characteristics of TCM and are tailored to its specificities are still in need of refinement and innovation. This paper systematically summarizes the key techniques and methods for designing and evaluating the clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM from three aspects including clinical research design, evaluation, and platform construction, compares domestic and international research landscapes, and proposes for future directions. It is suggested that a multidimensional evaluation system integrating modern medicine and TCM theory should be established, and further innovation is needed in TCM research design and methodologies, leveraging intelligent devices and technologies powered by next-generation information technology to transform clinical data into high-quality TCM evidence. Moreover, standardized and shared platforms for TCM clinical data should be accelerated, so as to provide references for the design, implementation, and evaluation of future clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM.
5.An analysis of clinical pharmacist training bases and pharmacist staffing status based on field research
Liang HUANG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Jing BIAN ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Ping ZHENG ; Rui YANG ; Jun YANG ; Yangui XU ; Jin LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1661-1666
OBJECTIVE To clarify the current development status of clinical pharmacist training bases and the pharmacist workforce in China, and to provide evidence for standardizing base construction and promoting the high-quality development of hospital pharmacy. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to all clinical pharmacist training bases for urgently-needed health professionals and clinical pharmacist training bases under the Chinese Hospital Association that had been approved by the end of 2023 to collect data including base profiles and pharmacist staffing conditions. Expert teams carried out field investigations to verify the collected data. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the quantity, type and regional distribution of training bases, and the influencing factors of pharmacist staffing in the bases were analyzed. RESULTS Field surveys were completed covering 297 training bases across 31 provincial-level administrative regions. Among the base hospitals, 87.88% were Grade A tertiary general hospitals, and 65.32% were located in provincial capitals. The eastern region had the largest number of bases (136, accounting for 45.79%), followed by the western region (79, 26.60%). Great disparities existed among provinces in terms of base quantity and hospital scale. The median proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel in base hospitals was 4.05%, and the median number of clinical pharmacists per 100 hospital beds was 0.53. Both indicators reached the highest in the eastern region (0.57, 4.43%) and the lowest in the northeastern region (0.45, 3.01%). A total of 3 627 full-time clinical pharmacists were employed in all surveyed bases, among whom 83.68% held clinical pharmacist training certificates, 35.43% possessed senior professional titles, and 78.19% had postgraduate or higher educational background. The total annual training capacity of the surveyed bases was 4 291 trainees, with obvious differences in annual training capacity across regions and provinces. Training specialties covered 19 specialized disciplines plus one general discipline, and no province could deliver training for all 20 specialties simultaneously. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that geographic region exerte d a significant impact on the proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel (≥4%) ( P <0.05), while the approval time of training bases and hospital scale had significant effects on the number of clinical pharmacists per 100 beds (≥0.6) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS China’s clinical pharmacist training system has basically matured and taken initial shape. The distribution of clinical pharmacist training resources is generally consistent with regional population and economic development levels. However, the allocation of pharmaceutical staff and clinical pharmacists has not yet met national standards and clinical service demands.
6.An analysis of clinical pharmacist training bases and pharmacist staffing status based on field research
Liang HUANG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Jing BIAN ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Ping ZHENG ; Rui YANG ; Jun YANG ; Yangui XU ; Jin LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1661-1666
OBJECTIVE To clarify the current development status of clinical pharmacist training bases and the pharmacist workforce in China, and to provide evidence for standardizing base construction and promoting the high-quality development of hospital pharmacy. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to all clinical pharmacist training bases for urgently-needed health professionals and clinical pharmacist training bases under the Chinese Hospital Association that had been approved by the end of 2023 to collect data including base profiles and pharmacist staffing conditions. Expert teams carried out field investigations to verify the collected data. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the quantity, type and regional distribution of training bases, and the influencing factors of pharmacist staffing in the bases were analyzed. RESULTS Field surveys were completed covering 297 training bases across 31 provincial-level administrative regions. Among the base hospitals, 87.88% were Grade A tertiary general hospitals, and 65.32% were located in provincial capitals. The eastern region had the largest number of bases (136, accounting for 45.79%), followed by the western region (79, 26.60%). Great disparities existed among provinces in terms of base quantity and hospital scale. The median proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel in base hospitals was 4.05%, and the median number of clinical pharmacists per 100 hospital beds was 0.53. Both indicators reached the highest in the eastern region (0.57, 4.43%) and the lowest in the northeastern region (0.45, 3.01%). A total of 3 627 full-time clinical pharmacists were employed in all surveyed bases, among whom 83.68% held clinical pharmacist training certificates, 35.43% possessed senior professional titles, and 78.19% had postgraduate or higher educational background. The total annual training capacity of the surveyed bases was 4 291 trainees, with obvious differences in annual training capacity across regions and provinces. Training specialties covered 19 specialized disciplines plus one general discipline, and no province could deliver training for all 20 specialties simultaneously. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that geographic region exerte d a significant impact on the proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel (≥4%) ( P <0.05), while the approval time of training bases and hospital scale had significant effects on the number of clinical pharmacists per 100 beds (≥0.6) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS China’s clinical pharmacist training system has basically matured and taken initial shape. The distribution of clinical pharmacist training resources is generally consistent with regional population and economic development levels. However, the allocation of pharmaceutical staff and clinical pharmacists has not yet met national standards and clinical service demands.
7.Study on the current status of quality management of clinical pharmacist training bases in China
Ping ZHENG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Yangui XU ; Liang HUANG ; Jing BIAN ; Jin LU ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Jun YANG ; Rui YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1826-1831
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of quality management in clinical pharmacist training bases in China, and to provide references for the standardized development and improvement of these bases. METHODS A combined approach of questionnaire survey and on-site investigation was adopted, targeting the healthcare highly sought-after talent (clinical pharmacist) training bases in 31 provinces of China as well as the clinical pharmacist training bases affiliated with the Chinese Hospital Association. A training quality management evaluation index system consisting of 25 tertiary indicators was established. Investigations were conducted from two dimensions: structural quality of training and quality management of training processes. Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. RESULTS On-site investigations were completed for 297 clinical pharmacist training bases across the 31 provinces, among which 284 were affiliated with the Chinese Hospital Association and 271 were healthcare highly sought-after talent (clinical pharmacist) training bases. In terms of structural quality, the core indicator compliance rate for hospital-level training systems exceeded 80%, the rate of special fund utilization for designated purposes reached 80.13%, and the overall compliance rate for software and hardware facilities surpassed 88%. A total of 1 348 preceptors were employed across the training bases, among whom those with senior professional titles and full-time specialist clinical pharmacists as lead preceptors accounted for 62.91% and 94.36%, respectively. Regarding process quality, the compliance rate for “establishment of clinical practice teaching groups in accordance with regulations during clinical department rotations” was 85.19%, and 79.80% and 76.09% of the bases were found to implement strict confidentiality in theoretical examinations and meet the required scale of assessment cases, respectively. However, formal documents of corresponding training management regulations were formulated in only 57.91% of the bases, and the completeness and standardization rate of training manual completion was merely 47.47%. In addition, considerable disparities in quality management levels were observed among provinces, with issues in training process quality being particularly prominent. CONCLUSIONS The management system, hardware facilities, and preceptor staffing of clinical pharmacist training bases in China are relatively well-established, yet notable variations in quality management exist among training bases across different provinces.
8.Study on HPLC fingerprint and multi-component determination of Ziziphus jujuba stir-fried with Coptis chinensis juice from Longsha Medical School
Ping QIN ; Yingying LU ; Wenming ZHANG ; Zifang FENG ; Lihong GU ; Chenjie XIA ; Minmin HU ; Xiaowei CHEN ; Tulin LU ; Yiting ZHANG ; Zhenhua BIAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):1974-1978
OBJECTIVE To establish a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) fingerprint and a multi-component content determination method for Ziziphus jujuba stir-fried with Coptis chinensis juice, a characteristic processed product of Longsha Medical School, and to provide a basis for the inheritance and clinical application of this distinctive variety. METHODS HPLC method was employed to establish the fingerprints of 12 batches of Z. jujuba stir-fried with C. chinensis juice. Similarity evaluation and common peak identification were subsequently carried out. Quantitative determination was performed on coclaurine, magnoflorine, coptisine hydrochloride, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, spinosin, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride, 6"'-feruloylspinosin, and jujuboside A of samples. RESULTS The fingerprint similarities of all 12 batches of samples were higher than 0.960. A total of 17 common peaks were calibrated, among which 9 peaks were identified as coclaurine, magnoflorine, coptisine hydrochloride, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, spinosin, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride, and 6"'-feruloylspinosin, respectively. The quantitative results showed that the mass fractions of coclaurine, magnoflorine, coptisine hydrochloride, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, spinosin, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride, 6"'-feruloylspinosin, and jujuboside A in the 12 batches of samples were 0.044-0.091, 0.908-1.698, 0.325-0.549, 0.163-0.287, 0.103-0.172, 0.712-0.952, 1.185-1.843, 0.341-0.598, 0.228-0.405, and 0.050-0.091 mg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The established HPLC fingerprint and multi-component determination method is stable and reliable, and can provide a basis for the quality standard formulation and clinical application of Z. jujuba stir-fried with C. chinensis juice.
9.Generation of Cynomolgus and Rhesus Monkey Models Carrying the BMPR1BFecB Variant
Chunyang LI ; Xingchen LIU ; Yuzhuo LI ; Yong LU ; Yan WANG ; Changshan GAO ; Yanhong NIE ; Xinyan BIAN ; Chao HU ; Jiaqiao ZHU ; Qiang SUN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(4):467-475
ObjectiveTo generate cynomolgus and rhesus monkey models carrying the Booroola fecundity (FecB) variant of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B) gene (designated BMPR1BFecB) using adenine base edit technology and to explore genetic improvement strategies for enhancing the reproductive performance of laboratory macaques. MethodsFour single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target the BMPR1B c.746A>G locus in cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys. The sgRNAs were combined with the ABE8e-SpRY base editor, and the resulting editing complexes were microinjected into zygotes of both macaque species. Following in vitro culture of the injected embryos, nested PCR amplification was performed to detect the base-editing efficiency at the target site to screen for highly efficient sgRNAs. Subsequently, normally developing gene-edited embryos were transferred into the oviducts of surrogates. Seven days after birth, ear skin or peripheral blood samples were collected from the newborn monkeys for genotyping and mosaicism analysis, and the growth, development, and health status of the gene-edited monkeys were monitored. ResultsAmong the four candidate sgRNAs, sgRNA4 was identified as achieving 100% editing efficiency at the c.746A>G site. A total of 17 live monkey offspring were obtained via embryo transfer, including 8 cynomolgus monkeys and 9 rhesus monkeys. Genotyping results showed that all 8 newborn cynomolgus monkeys carried the c.746A>G point mutation, with an editing efficiency of 100% (8/8), of which 37.50% (3/8) were mosaics. Among the 9 newborn rhesus monkeys, 8 individuals carried the c.746A>G mutation, with an editing efficiency of 88.89% (8/9), of which 75.00% (6/8) were mosaics. ConclusionThe ABE8e-SpRY base-editing system enables precise editing at the c.746A>G (p.Q249R) locus of the BMPR1B gene in both cynomolgus and rhesus monkey embryos, resulting in the successful establishment of laboratory monkey models carrying the BMPR1BFecB variant. These models provide a valuable foundation for future studies of the regulatory role of the BMPR1BFecB variant in reproductive performance at the non‑human primate level, as well as for exploring genetic improvement strategies to enhance reproductive performance in laboratory monkeys.
10.Forty Cases of Mid-Stage Diabetes Kidney Disease Patients of Blood Stasis Syndrome Treated with Huayu Tongluo Formula (化瘀通络方) as an Adjunct Therapy: A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Yun MA ; Kaishuang WANG ; Shuang CAO ; Bingwu ZHAO ; Lu BAI ; Su WU ; Yuwei GAO ; Xinghua WANG ; Dong BIAN ; Zhiqiang CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):588-595
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Huayu Tongluo Formula (化瘀通络方, HTF) in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome and explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsA multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety patients of mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome were divided into a control group of 46 cases and a treatment group of 44 cases. Both groups received conventional western medicine treatment, the treatment group additionally taking HTF, while the control group taking a placebo of the formula. The treatment was administered once daily for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes included 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), serum albumin (Alb), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum creatinine (Scr).The secondary outcomes included changes in levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on TCM syndrome scores and overall disease outcomes. Adverse reactions and endpoint events were recorded. ResultsIn the treatment group after treatment, 24 h-UTP, ET-1, and VEGF levels significantly decreased (P<0.05), Alb and NO levels significantly increased (P<0.05); while the TCM syndrome scores for edema, lumbar pain, numbness of limbs, dark purple lips, dark purple tongue or purpura, and thin, rough pulse all significantly decreased (P<0.05). In the control group, no significant changes were observed in any of the indicators after treatment (P>0.05).Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significant reductions in 24 h-UTP, ET-1, and VEGF levels, and increases in Alb and NO levels (P<0.05). The TCM syndrome scores for edema, lumbar pain, dark purple tongue or purpura, and thin, rough pulse were all lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of TCM syndrome in the treatment group was 59.09% (26/44), and the overall clinical effective rate was 45.45% (20/44). In the control group, these rates were 15.22% (7/46) and 8.7% (4/46), respectively, with the treatment group showing significantly better outcomes (P<0.05). A total of 7 adverse events occurred across both groups, with no significant difference (P>0.05). No endpoint events occurred during the study. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional treatment of Western medicine, HTF can further reduce urinary protein levels and improve clinical symptoms in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome. The mechanism may be related to its effects on endothelial function.

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