1.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
2.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
3.Development and evaluation of classification system for drug-related problems in China
Shuang ZOU ; Tingting LU ; Lei BAO ; Yun LIAO ; Ling LI ; Ping ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):371-376
OBJECTIVE To establish a Chinese drug-related problem (DRP) classification system applicable to pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care in China, providing pharmacists with an effective and practical tool for pharmaceutical care. METHODS A multi-stage process was employed to construct the DRP classification system, including literature review and analysis, comparison of existing classification systems, refinement of classification items and framework development, two rounds of standard case validation, expert discussion, and system revision. The Fleiss′ kappa test was used to calculate the consistency coefficient κ, assessing the reliability of pharmacists participating in evaluating the classification system. An electronic questionnaire comprising six items was employed to evaluate the system’s applicability. RESULTS The constructed Chinese DRP classification system comprised six sections [problem(including potential problems), DRP evaluation, cause (including possible causes of potential problems), intervention, acceptance of intervention and DRP status], with 24 primary codes and 96 secondary codes. In the first round of case validation, κ values exceeded 0.4 for all sections except “intervention” and “DRP status”. In the second round, κ values exceeded 0.4 for all sections. In the applicability evaluation of the classification system, positive ratings (“strongly agree” or “agree”) exceeded 85% for all items. Specifically, positive ratings for“the classification system can provide appropriate category selection”,“ the classification system is comprehensive”,“ the classification system is convenient to use” and “the classification system is highly satisfactory” exceeded 92%. CONCLUSIONS The Chinese DRP classification system developed demonstrates both high reliability and applicability, providing an effective and practical classification tool for pharmacists in China to conduct pharmaceutical care.
4.A Review of Methods for Establishing and Evaluating Animal Models of Stroke
Yunrong YANG ; Wenyu WU ; Yue TAN ; Guofeng YAN ; Yao LI ; Jin LU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):94-106
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Research into its mechanisms and the development of therapeutic strategies heavily rely on animal models that accurately replicate the pathological features of human disease. An ideal animal model for stroke should not only reproduce the neurological deficits and pathological changes observed in clinical patients but also demonstrate good reproducibility and translational value. This review focuses on the preparation and evaluation methods of ischemic stroke animal models. Firstly, it elaborates on the selection criteria, advantages, and disadvantages of experimental animals, including rodents (rats, mice) and non-rodents (non-human primates, miniature pigs, rabbits, zebrafish). Secondly, it provides a detailed overview of the modeling principles, key procedures, and application scopes for ischemic stroke models and hemorrhagic stroke models. Furthermore, the review summarizes advances in the applications of emerging technologies—including gene editing [e.g., clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing], multimodal imaging (e.g., two-photon microscopy, photoacoustic imaging), artificial intelligence, optogenetics, 3D bioprinting, organoid models, and multi-omics–in model optimization, precise assessment, and mechanistic investigation. Finally, based on a systematic analysis of relevant domestic and international literature from 2019 to 2024, this review discusses model selection strategies based on research objectives, a multidimensional evaluation system encompassing behavioral, imaging, and molecular pathological assessments, and envisions future directions involving technological integration to achieve model precision and individualization. This article aims to provide a comprehensive methodological reference to help researchers select appropriate animal models of stroke according to specific scientific questions.
5.Mechanisms of Liuwei Buqi Prescription in Regulating Macrophage Efferocytosis for Treatment of Lung-kidney Qi Deficiency Syndrome in COPD Based on Nrf2/MARCO Signaling Pathway
Jiankang JIANG ; Hui WANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Zegeng LI ; Jiabing TONG ; Fan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):222-229
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Liuwei Buqi prescription (LWBQ) regulates alveolar macrophage efferocytosis and improves inflammatory responses in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by lung-kidney Qi deficiency based on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) pathway. MethodsSuccessfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, low-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-L, 2.25 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-M, 4.5 g·kg-1·d-1), high-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-H, 9 g·kg-1·d-1), and aminophylline group (AMIN, 50 mg·kg-1·d-1), with 8 rats in each group. Another 8 healthy rats were included as the blank group. Except for the blank group, rats in the remaining groups were subjected to smoke exposure combined with forced swimming, intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation, and subcutaneous hydrocortisone injection to establish a COPD model with lung-kidney Qi deficiency. After successful modeling, rats were administered different doses of LWBQ or AMIN by gavage. Body weight, fur condition, and oral secretions were observed. Pulmonary function was measured using an animal lung function analyzer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum (SER). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to examine pathological changes in lung tissue. Giemsa staining was performed to detect eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils in BALF. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis in lung tissue. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to determine the protein and mRNA expression levels of efferocytosis-related proteins growth arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6), milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), and pathway-related proteins Nrf2 and MARCO in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reduced food intake, nasal and oral secretions with sputum, and decreased body weight (P<0.01), decreased peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P<0.01), increased forced vital capacity (FVC) (P<0.01), and decreased forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s/forced vital capacity [FEV0.3/FVC (%)] (P<0.01). The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α in BALF and SER were increased (P<0.01). Lung tissue exhibited structural destruction, hyperplasia, inflammatory exudation, increased apoptotic cells, and increased mean optical density (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of GAS6, MFG-E8, and MARCO, as well as Nrf2 mRNA expression, were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the LWBQ groups showed increased food intake, reduced nasal and oral secretions with sputum, and increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). PEF was increased (P<0.01). FVC was increased in rats treated with low- and medium-dose LWBQ (P<0.01), and FEV0.3/FVC (%) was increased in rats treated with medium- and high-dose LWBQ (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α in BALF and SER were decreased (P<0.01). Lung tissue structure was relatively intact, with improvement in hyperplasia and inflammatory exudation. The number of apoptotic cells in lung tissue was reduced, and mean optical density was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of efferocytosis-related proteins GAS6 and MFG-E8 and pathway-related proteins Nrf2 and MARCO were increased (P<0.01). ConclusionLWBQ can alleviate pulmonary and systemic inflammation, improve lung function, and reduce lung tissue damage in rats with COPD characterized by lung-kidney Qi deficiency. The mechanism may be related to enhancement of alveolar macrophage efferocytosis through regulation of the Nrf2/MARCO pathway.
6.Mechanism of Fresh Cutting of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Discussion on Integration of Traditional Wisdom and Modern Technology
Wenjie BAO ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Wenhua WU ; Congmin LIU ; Zixin CHEN ; Xingmei LU ; Hengli TONG ; Yi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):282-290
Fresh-cut processing constitutes a pivotal technique in the origin processing of Chinese medicinal materials, with a long history documented in multiple materia medica. In recent years, it has garnered national policy support for its ability to prevent component loss and low processing efficiency associated with traditional drying-before-cutting methods. As of August 2025, 26 provinces and municipalities nationwide have cumulatively published 789 species for fresh-cut processing. Among these, 78 were included in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, the practice continues to face common challenges and difficulties, including ambiguous scientific understanding, fragmented standards, limited quality control approaches, and poor process stability. Based on this, this paper synthesises years of research findings to systematically elucidate the core mechanisms of fresh-cut processing. These encompass alterations to herbal tissue structure during cutting, post-processing changes in constituents, and physiological-biochemical processes such as plant stress responses and shifts in endogenous enzyme activity. It also summarises influencing factors, including inherent herbal properties, cutting timing and methods, and environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and microbial presence. Based on this overview of fresh-cutting mechanisms, subsequent research should advance in four directions:Clarifying the scientific principles of fresh-cutting, overcoming technical bottlenecks, upgrading intelligent equipment, and establishing quality standards and evaluation systems. This study provides a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for future research on fresh-cutting in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), promoting its deeper practical application within the industry and contributing to the high-quality development of TCM industry and the modernization of TCM.
7.Guidelines of ethics review for clinical application of medical technology
Jiyin ZHOU ; Mingjie ZI ; Qi LU ; Hui JIANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(1):15-22
Access to the clinical application of medical technology is one of the core institutional contents of medical quality management, involving medical quality assurance, the achievement of patient safety goals, and medical service satisfaction. Medical technology is only permitted for clinical use after its safety and effectiveness have been verified through clinical research, as well as evaluated and reviewed by the medical technology clinical application management committee and ethics committee of this medical and health institution. Based on the relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles, combined with the experience of ethical review in the clinical application of medical technology from some medical and health institutions, a thematic discussion was held to formulate ethical review guidelines for the clinical application of medical technology for references. These guidelines elaborated on the management system for access to the clinical application of medical technology in medical and health institutions, the system of ethics committees and the requirements of review norms, technical plans and their review points, key points for the implementation of informed consent, technical teams and conditions, and other aspects.
8.Characteristics of sleep quality and influencing factors in patients with burning mouth syndrome: a preliminary analysis
LU Chenghui ; YANG Chenglong ; ZHOU Xuan ; JIANG Xinxiang ; TANG Guoyao
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(5):377-384
Objective:
To investigate the sleep quality in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and its influencing factors, providing a basis for developing sleep intervention measures to reduce the impact of BMS symptoms.
Methods:
This study was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee, and informed consent was obtained from patients. A total of 150 patients with BMS and 150 healthy volunteers were enrolled as subjects in this study. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality of patients with BMS. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the degree of oral mucosal pain, generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) was used to assess the frequency of anxiety symptoms, and the patient health questionnaire depression questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess the frequency of depression symptoms. Univariate analysis was performed to identify potential influencing factors affecting sleep quality in patients with BMS, and multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine independent risk factors.
Results:
The PSQI score for patients with BMS was 7.61 ± 4.29, which was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (P = 0.016). In the PSQI subscale analysis, patients with BMS exhibited increased sleep latency, decreased sleep duration, and lower sleep efficiency compared to healthy controls (P<0.05). Patients with BMS and comorbid sleep difficulties had significantly higher scores on GAD-7 and PHQ-9 compared to the patients with BMS without sleep difficulties (P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in pain VAS scores between the two (P = 0.068). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that longer disease duration (>6 months), the presence of systemic concomitant symptoms (such as headache and mental stress), and higher depression scores were identified as independent risk factors affecting sleep quality in patients with BMS.
Conclusion
For patients with BMS, long course of illness, presence of headaches, high mental stress, and depressive symptoms may be independent factors affecting their sleep quality.
9.Treatment of pulmonary diseases in children from the lung collaterals′ structure, function and pathogenesis
Zhiyuan LU ; Yuhan WANG ; Qigang DAI ; Lili LIN ; Tong XIE ; Shouchuan WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):323-329
The lung collaterals form a network that branches from the lung meridian, traversing the lung system and extending across the body′s surface. Lung collateral disease refers to the structural alterations or dysfunction in these collaterals caused by external or internal pathogens. Research into the structural and physiological functions of children′s lung collaterals, as well as the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation for treating lung collateral diseases in children, holds significant value in guiding the prevention and treatment of pediatric respiratory conditions. Drawing on the theory of collateral disease, the clinical insights of both historical and contemporary physicians, and modern research findings—while considering the unique physiological and pathological characteristics of children′s respiratory systems—this study provides a foundational summary of the morphology and spatial distribution of children′s lung collaterals. The characteristics of these collaterals are highlighted as thin, sparse, short, narrow, brittle, and tender. From this structural understanding, the unique physiological functions of children′s lung collaterals are analyzed. The study further explores the interactions between pathogenic factors and lung collaterals, elucidating the pathogenesis and progression of children′s lung collateral diseases. It proposes treatment principles centered on "seeking treatment in the collaterals and employing the method of unblocking collaterals, "which align with the unique features of pediatric lung collaterals. Common treatment approaches, and relevant prescriptions for managing these diseases are summarized. This paper lays the foundation for a theoretical system encompassing the structure, function, pathogenesis, and syndrome differentiation for treating children′s lung collateral diseases. It offers valuable insights for the clinical diagnosis and management of pediatric respiratory diseases linked to collateral dysfunction and serves as a reference for the systematic development of a broader theoretical framework for children′s collateral diseases.
10.Mechanism of Exogenous Melatonin in Inhibiting Early Bolting in Angelica sinensis
Jiang ZHAO ; Zhanwen TANG ; Tao YANG ; Jie SHA ; Tong PENG ; Weiwen LU ; Yinquan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):234-240
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effects of different sizes of seedlings and melatonin treatment on physiological and biochemical indicators and bolting-related gene expression in Angelica sinensis, find substances related to early bolting, and elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of melatonin on bolting. MethodsSpectrophotometry was used to detect the related enzyme activities of A. sinensis leaves. The contents of endogenous hormones and polyamines were detected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of bolting-related genes. Inter-group differential indicator analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, and principal component analysis were comprehensively applied to identify factors related to early bolting. ResultsEndogenous jasmonic acid and melatonin were identified as the most important factors affecting early bolting. Secondly, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, abscisic acid content, gibberellin content, and the expression levels of CO3, HD3A, and FD genes had important effects on the bolting process. Compared with small seedlings, exogenous melatonin treatment mainly inhibited early bolting by increasing endogenous melatonin content, reducing gibberellin content, and decreasing the expression levels of SOC1 and FD genes. ConclusionExogenous melatonin can inhibit early bolting in A. sinensis by regulating its physiological, biochemical, and gene expression levels.


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