1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway
Kun LIAN ; Lichong MENG ; Xueqin WANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Lin LI ; Xuhui TANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):139-148
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a group of complex clinical syndromes caused by abnormal changes in the structure and/or function of the heart due to various reasons, resulting in disorders of ventricular contraction and/or diastole. CHF is a condition where primary diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and pulmonary heart disease recur frequently and persist for a long time, presenting blood stasis in meridians and collaterals, stagnation of water and dampness, and accumulation of Qi in collaterals. Its pathogenesis is complex and may involve myocardial energy metabolism disorders, oxidative stress responses, myocardial cell apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory responses, etc. According to the theory of restraining hyperactivity to acquire harmony, we believe that under normal circumstances, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway functions normally, maintaining human physiological activities and energy metabolism. Under pathological conditions, the AMPK signaling pathway is abnormal, causing energy metabolism disorders, inflammatory responses, and myocardial fibrosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the AMPK signaling pathway through multiple mechanisms, targets, and effects, effectively curbing the occurrence and development of CHF. It has gradually become a research hotspot in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Guided by the theory of TCM, our research group, through literature review, summarized the relationship between the AMPK pathway and CHF and reviewed the research progress in the prevention and control of CHF with TCM active ingredients, TCM compound prescriptions, and Chinese patent medicines via regulating the AMPK pathway. The review aims to clarify the mechanism and targets of TCM in the treatment of CHF by regulating the AMPK pathway and guide the clinical treatment and drug development for CHF.
2.Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure Based on Thinking of Five Differentiation
Kun LIAN ; Lichong MENG ; Manting YI ; Lin LI ; Fei WANG ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):160-168
Chronic heart failure (CHF) refers to a clinical syndrome in which the function or structure of the heart is changed due to damage to the original myocardium, resulting in reduced pumping and/or filling functions of the heart. In recent years, the mechanisms, pathways, and targets of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of CHF have been continuously confirmed, and the application of TCM theories in guiding the syndrome differentiation and precise treatment of CHF is currently a research hotspot. On the basis of the syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, Professor LI Candong innovatively proposed the thinking of five differentiation: Disease differentiation, syndrome differentiation, pathogenesis differentiation, symptom differentiation, and individual differentiation. This article explores the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF from this thinking, emphasizing comprehensive syndrome differentiation, objective analysis, dynamic assessment, and individualized treatment. In terms of diagnosis, the first is to identify the disease name, cause, location, severity, and type of CHF, determine the type and its evolution, and clarify the process of transmission and transformation between deficiency and excess. Secondly, it is necessary to distinguish the authenticity, severity, primary and secondary, urgency and complexity of CHF syndromes, providing scientific guidance for syndrome differentiation and treatment. Thirdly, according to the symptoms and the principles of deficiency and excess, the physician should identify the core pathogenesis of CHF from the perspectives of Qi, blood, Yin, Yang, deficiency, stasis, phlegm, water, and toxins. Fourthly, from the macro, meso and micro levels, the physician should carefully distinguish the presence or absence, severity, authenticity, and completeness of the symptoms to guide the diagnosis and treatment process of CHF. Finally, personalized medication for CHF should be promoted based on the patient's gender, age, constitution, and living habits. In terms of treatment, based on the thinking of five differentiation, we propose that the treatment of CHF should integrate the disease and syndrome, clarify the pathogenesis, and apply precise treatment. The treatment should be people-oriented, staged, and typed, and the medication should be adjusted according to symptoms. This diagnostic and therapeutic approach is based on the holistic concept and syndrome differentiation and treatment, and combines the three causes for appropriate treatment, providing new ideas and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
3.Role of IL-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia caused by highly virulent and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Qi KUANG ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Lu LI ; Xueyan WANG ; Peijie YAN ; Lili ZHANG ; Meng LÜ ; Lingfei HU ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Wenhui YANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):599-605
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia induced by the highly drug-resistant and hypervirulent Staphylococcus aureus strain USA300-R in mice. MethodsAn acute inhalational pneumonia model was established in mice using an aerosolized pulmonary delivery technique. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to examine the expression dynamics of Il17a mRNA and IL-17A protein, respectively, in the lungs of infected mice. Il17a knockout (Il17a-/-) mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The survival rate, body weight, bacterial load in lung tissue, and histopathological changes were compared between Il17a-/- and wild-type (WT) mice following inhalational infection with USA300-R. Results12 hours after USA300-R infection, compared to pre-infection, the expression level of Il17a mRNA in lung tissue and the level of IL-17A protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased by approximately 50-fold (P<0.01) and 6-fold (P<0.001), respectively. Compared to WT mice, Il17a-/- mice exhibited approximately 10-fold higher bacterial loads in lung tissue at both 12 and 24 hours post-infection (P<0.001, P<0.05). However, they showed significantly attenuated lung histopathological injury, reduced alveolar wall thickening, markedly decreased neutrophil infiltration, and an approximately 50% improvement in survival rate (P<0.05). ConclusionIn acute Staphylococcus aureus USA300-R inhalational pneumonia, IL-17A contributes to bacterial clearance by recruiting neutrophils; however, excessive neutrophil infiltration exacerbates pulmonary inflammation and injury, reduces survival rates, and represents a potential therapeutic target.
4.Discussion on Current Research Status and Developmental Paths of Animal Models Based on "Pattern Identification by Formula"
Lichong MENG ; Ziyi WANG ; Xiaoqian LIAO ; Jiahao YE ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):269-278
"Pattern identification by formula" originates from the formula-pattern correspondence theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its core being the reverse inference of the pattern attributes of models through pharmacodynamic responses after formula intervention. With the advancement of TCM modernization, stable and reliable pattern models have become an important bridge connecting basic research and clinical practice, and "pattern identification by formula" has provided a feasible approach to enhance the authenticity and clinical translational value of these models. In recent years, notable progress has been achieved in its application to single-pattern models (such as phlegm-stasis pattern, Yang deficiency pattern, and spleen-Qi deficiency pattern) as well as disease-pattern combination models involving the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems. It has not only verified the pattern attributes of the models but also revealed the pattern differentiation regularity of "different diseases with the same pattern" and "the same pattern treated with different formulas". On this basis, this study further conducts a commonality analysis of pattern models, summarizes them into two major categories (deficiency patterns and excess patterns), and embodies the pathological connotation of "deficiency results from essence-Qi consumption, and excess arises from pathogen abundance". This not only reveals the internal connections between different models but also provides a basis for the summary of formula-pattern rules and research on pattern standardization. However, current studies still suffer multiple problems such as non-standardized naming of patterns, lack of rationality in modeling methods, simplified design of control experiments, and insufficient description of macroscopic patterns in evaluation indicators, which affect the scientific rigor and reproducibility of the research. Future research needs to promote the unification of nomenclature and evaluation criteria of patterns, optimize modeling methods, strengthen the design of control experiments, and establish a multi-dimensional model evaluation system integrating macro- and micro-level indicators. This aims to improve the rigor and strength of evidence for "pattern identification by formula" studies, strengthen interdisciplinary integration and clinical feedback, and promote the development of TCM pattern models towards standardization and scientification. This study not only provides theoretical reference and methodological support for improving the system of TCM pattern animal models but also offers an important pathway for the experimental interpretation and modernization of TCM theories.
5.Elucidation of the Mechanism Underlying the Rise and Decline of Male Reproductive Function from the Perspective of Tiangui (天癸) Theory
Yuhao MENG ; Haoyu WANG ; Wei LIU ; Yang YANG ; Yudie HU ; Xing ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1931-1935
Based on ancient and modern literature, this paper systematically elucidates the concept, physiological characteristics, and reproductive significance of tiangui (天癸), and further reviews its theoretical connotation throughout the entire process of male reproductive function, covering its onset, maturation, maintenance, disorder, and decline. In terms of its physiological foundation, tiangui is rooted in kidney essence and regulates male reproductive function through the coordination of zang-fu (脏腑) organs. It possesses characteristics of being time-limited, rhythmic, relatively independent, targeted, and functionally diverse. The occurrence of male reproductive diseases is closely related to the abnormality of tiangui, which primarily manifests as tiangui deficiency and dysregulation of tiangui timing. In clinical practice, treatment should follow the principle of "supplementing its deficiency and regulating its timing", so as to restore the operating rhythm of tiangui.
6.Hei Xiaoyaosan Reduces Neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 Mice via CX3CL1-CX3CR1 Signaling Axis
Yujie LYU ; Jiao YANG ; Yunyun HU ; Zhipeng MENG ; Yiqin CHEN ; Wenli PEI ; Yumei HAN ; Huping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):83-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Hei Xiaoyaosan on neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice and decipher the mechanism based on the C-X3-C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1)-CX3CL1 receptor 1 (CX3CR1) signaling axis. MethodsSixty 16-week-old male APP/PS1 mice were selected and acclimatized for one week, and they were then randomly allocated into a model group, a CX3CL1 group (bilateral hippocampal injection of CX3CL1 at 0.5 g·L-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (22.10, 11.05, and 5.53 g·kg-1, respectively) Hei Xiaoyaosan groups, with 12 mice in each group. Twelve age-matched male C57BL/6J mice served as the blank group (bilateral hippocampal injection of an equal volume of PBS). The high-, medium-, and low-dose Hei Xiaoyaosan groups received corresponding drugs via gavage, while the blank group received an equal volume of normal saline, with an intervention period of 90 days. Morris water maze was used to assess learning and memory abilities. Nissl staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in neurons of the hippocampal CA1 region. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to detect amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ1-42) deposition in the hippocampal CA1 region. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the expression of M1 and M2 microglial markers, including cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86)/ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) and arginase-1 (Arg1)/Iba1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) in the hippocampal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of CX3CL1, CX3CR1, CREB-binding protein (CBP), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated (p)-CREB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited prolonged escape latency on day 5 and a reduced swimming distance in the target quadrant (P<0.01), disarrangement of hippocampal neurons, with a reduced number of cells and uneven Nissl body staining, increased CD86/Iba1 expression, decreased Arg1/Iba1 expression (P<0.01), enhanced Aβ expression (P<0.01), an elevated IL-8 level and a declined IL-13 level (P<0.01), and downregulated protein levels of CX3CL1, CX3CR1, CBP, p-CREB, and BDNF (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed shortened escape latency on day 5 and an increased swimming distance in the target quadrant (P<0.05, P<0.01), regular arrangement of neurons with an increased number and increased Nissl bodies, reduced CD86/Iba1 expression, increased Arg1/Iba1 and decreased Aβ expression (P<0.01), and a declined IL-8 level and an elevated IL-13 level (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the CX3CL1 group and the high- and medium-dose Hei Xiaoyaosan groups, the relative expression levels of CX3CL1, CX3CR1, CBP, and p-CREB were upregulated (P<0.01). In the low-dose Hei Xiaoyaosan group, the relative expression levels of CX3CL1, CX3CR1, CBP, p-CREB/CREB, and BDNF were upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan can improve learning and cognitive abilities in APP/PS1 mice. Specifically, it may regulate the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling axis to activate the CREB/BDNF signaling pathway for the subsequent release of BDNF, modulation of microglial polarization, reduction of inflammatory cytokine levels, and attenuation of Aβ deposition.
7.Exploration of the application of vehicle-mounted 5G remote mobile robotic surgical system in thyroid surgery
Meng WANG ; Wen TIAN ; Qingqing HE ; Guolou LI ; Jian ZHU ; Xiaodong MA ; Wei WEI ; Qiongqiong TAN ; Jinzhi HU ; Yingying WANG ; Peng ZHOU ; Gang WANG ; Yixin LIU ; Hejun WANG ; Yu LIU ; Lihu LIU
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(1):28-32
Objective:To investigate the feasibility and safety of implementing a domestic vehicle-mounted remote mobile robotic surgical system in thyroid surgery applications, integrated with 5G communication technology.Methods:Using the main system located on the vehicle-mounted mobile robot operating platform of the 960th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force and the slave system of Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, the remote radical thyroidectomy 5G communication technology, and analyze the clinical and information transmission data of two female patients who underwent remote mobile robot thyroid cancer surgery on October 21, 2024 at Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.Results:The remote radical thyroidectomy was conducted by the robosurgeons utilizing a vehicle-mounted mobile robotic surgical system, and the procedure was successfully completed without necessitating intermediate open surgery. The operation durations for patient 1 and patient 2 were 135 minutes and 108 minutes, respectively, with 7 and 13 lymph nodes dissected, respectively. The average delay in surgical data transmission was recorded at 61.9 milliseconds, with no instances of signal interruption or frame loss. The procedure proceeded smoothly, without any jamming, and the audio and video transmissions were consistently clear. Follow up for 21 days after surgery showed no complications such as hoarseness, skin damage, or lymphatic fistula.Conclusion:The implementation of a vehicle-mounted remote mobile robotic surgery system for thyroid surgery has demonstrated safety and feasibility. Furthermore, the utilization of the 5G network offers rapid data transmission and minimal latency, closely approximating the therapeutic efficacy of traditional robotic thyroidectomy.
8.Exploration on the effects of Shenfu Injection on apoptosis and improvement of chronic heart failure based on Fas/FasL pathway
Kun LIAN ; Xin LI ; Fei WANG ; Peng LUO ; Lichong MENG ; Lin LI ; Zhixi HU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(3):327-335
Objective:To explore the mechanism of Shenfu Injection in treating chronic heart failure (CHF) based on Fas/FasL apoptosis signaling pathway.Methods:A total of 70 SPF male C57BL/6 mice were divided into blank group (15 mice) and model group (55 mice) according to random number table. The CHF model was prepared by intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol. After 4 weeks, the successfully modeled mice were randomly divided intoa model group, Shenfu Injection group, and Western medicine group using a random number table method. After adfministration for 15 d, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular shortening fraction (LVFS) of each group of mice were measured by heart color ultrasound 1; serum NT-proBNP was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the changes of myocardial tissue morphology; TUNEL pod method was used to detect apoptosis; the mRNA transcription levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 were detected by RT-PCR; protein expression levels of TNF-α, Fas, FasL, Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot. The logarithmically grown H9c2 cells were divided into blank group, model group and Shenfu Injection group. The cells in blank group were cultured for 48 hours; cells in the model group were exposed to 80 μmol/L isoproterenol for 48 hours; cells in Shenfu Injection group were pretreated with 5 μl/ml Shenfu injection for 3 hours and exposed to 80 μmol/L isoproterenol for 48 h. The cell growth was observed under microscope. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of related proteins and mRNA transcription. TUNEL pod and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptosis.Results:Compared with the model group, the cardiac function improved in the model group and Shenfu Injection group, serum NT ProBNP levels decreased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), myocardial cell injury and apoptosis were reduced ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-8 in myocardial tissue decreased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). The H9c2 cells in the blank group were spindle shaped with clear structure; the myocardial cells in the model group shrank and became shorter, with blurred cell boundaries and exhibiting apoptotic and necrotic morphology; Most H9c2 cells in the reference group were spindle shaped, with reduced cell death and increased density. Compared with the model group, the levels of TNF-α, Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-8 protein and mRNA in H9c2 cells of the Shenfu Injection group decreased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the apoptosis rate decreased ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Shenfu Injection may improve cardiac function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis of CHF mice through Fas/FasL signaling pathway.
9.Single position left transthoracic and esophageal hiatal approach for Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction:a retrospective cohort analysis
Hai-Tao WEI ; Meng-Yao WANG ; Yang-Yang LIU ; Feng ZHANG ; Bao-Li HU ; Hai-Feng ZHANG ; Xiao-Long WANG ; Dong-Hong ZHANG ; Li LI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(10):1270-1276
Objective To explore the validity and feasibility of the left transthoracic and esophageal hiatal approach for Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction under a single position.Methods The clinical data of 64 patients with Siewert type Ⅱ AEG(single position transthoracic approach group)treated with the left transthoracic and esophageal hiatal approach under a single position and 56 patients with the laparoscopic transesophageal slit approach(transabdominal approach group)in the Department of Thoracic Surgery,Huaihe Hospital of Henan University,from January 2017 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical and pathological data,perioperative indicators(operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative first ambulation time,postoperative first peristalsis time,postoperative drainage volume at 3 d,incidence of postoperative complications,postoperative hospital stay),postoperative complications(positive surgical margin,proximal esophageal resection margin,tumor diameter,total number of dissected lymph nodes,positive lymph node dissection rate,postoperative histopathology,and TNM staging of tumor pathology),and survival indicators(tumor recurrence and metastasis rate and survival at 1 month,3 months,6 months,1 year,3 years,5 years after surgery)were compared between the two groups.Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the postoperative survival rate of the two groups.Univariate analysis using χ2 test was employed to analyze factors influencing 5-year postoperative survival rate in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG patients.Results No significant difference was observed in clinical and pathological data,such as gender,age,American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)grade,tumor differentiation,pTNM stage,and tumor diameter between the two groups(P>0.05).No significant differences were noted in intraoperative blood loss,incidence of postoperative complications,and survival rates at 1 month,3 months,6 months,1 year,and 3 years after surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).The single position transthoracic approach group exhibited a higher postoperative drainage volume at 3 d compared to the transabdominal approach group(P<0.001),a shorter surgical time(P<0.001),a longer time to first mobilization,first intestinal peristalsis,and hospital stay after surgery(P<0.01),a longer proximal esophageal margin(P<0.001),a higher total number of lymph node dissections(P<0.001),and a higher positive lymph node dissection rate(P<0.05)than the transabdominal approach group.The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of the single position transthoracic approach group was higher than that of the transabdominal approach group,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.013).The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed no statistically significant difference in the 5-year overall survival rate between the two groups of patients after surgery(P=0.456).The results of univariate analysis indicated that there are significant relationships between tumor differentiation degree,pTNM stage,tumor diameter,and lymph node positivity rate with the 5-year postoperative survival rate in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG patients(P<0.05).Conclusion Siewert type Ⅱ AEG patients can be treated with the left transthoracic and esophageal hiatal approach under a single position,achieving the same effect as laparoscopic transesophageal slit approach,and it can be actively promoted as a complementary choice of operation in the clinic.
10.Application of TEG-PM and drug-related gene detection in guiding the selection of antiplatelet regimens in patients with intracranial aneurysms after receiving stenting
Xuerou MENG ; Wenqiu PAN ; Cheng WAN ; Genfa YI ; Junchao WANG ; Jihong HU ; Wei ZHAO
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(5):461-467
Objective To discuss the application of partial antiplatelet drug genotype detection and thromboelastography-platelet mapping(TEG-PM)in guiding the selection of antiplatelet regimens in patients with intracranial aneurysms(IAs)after receiving stenting.Methods A total of 106 patients with IAs in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University,who underwent implantation of stent and received the testings of platelet-endothelial aggregation receptor 1(PEAR 1)and clopidogrel-related gene-cytochrome P450 enzyme 2C19(CYP2C19),and some of whom received TEG-PM testing from January 2019 to August 2022,were collected for this study.The patients were divided into group A(gene detection group,according to the drug-related gene detection results to adjust the medication)and group B(combination group,according to the two testing results to guide the medication).The patient's gender,age,testing data were collected,and the occlusion of IAs,stent intimal hyperplasia,drug-related hemorrhagic and ischemic complications during follow-up period were recorded.Results A total of 123 IAs lesions in 106 patients were treated.The patient's mean age was(53.67±6.66)years,67 patients were female.Group A had 41 patients and group B had 65 patients.No statistically significant differences in the baseline data,IAs features,stent types used,and medication regimen existed between the two groups(all P>0.05).In Group A,the ischemic complications and hemorrhagic complications occurred in two patients each.In Group B,no ischemic complications occurred and 4 patients developed hemorrhagic complications.The difference in the incidence of related complications between the two groups was not statistically significant(P=0.287 and P=0.782 respectively).There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative one-month and 3-month intimal hyperplasia grade and the aneurysm occlusion rate between the two groups(all P>0.05).The postoperative 6-month overall intimal hyperplasia grade in Group A was slightly higher than that in Group B,and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.034).Conclusion In order to improve the precision and individualized treatment of antiplatelet therapy,it is suggested that clinicians should adopt TEG-PM-guided conventional double-antibody therapy first when making selection of testing items.For patients with insufficient inhibition rate indicated by TEG-PM,testing of the genes associated with antiplatelet drugs should be used.Based on the genetic test results it is necessary to determine the reasons for the insufficient inhibition rate as well as to adjust the medication promptly according to the specific situation of the patient,so as to ensure the effectiveness of antiplatelet therapy and achieve the purpose of individualized precision therapy.

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