1.Ancient and Modern Application and Key Information Analysis of Classic Formula Erchentang
Qing TANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Hejia WAN ; Chengxin LUO ; Bingqi WEI ; Yamin KONG ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):262-270
Erchentang is a classic formula widely used by medical practitioners throughout history. In this paper,ancient and modern literature of Erchentang were collected, and bibliometrics was employed to analyze its historic evolution,prescription meaning,herbs origin, processing method,preparation methods, and clinical application. A total of 84 pieces of data were collected, and 58 pieces of data involving 53 ancient medical Chinese books were screened, sorted, and processed. Combined with research of modern scholars,the research has found that the Erchentang originated from the Taiping Huimin Huiye Shijie Fang compiled by the Imperial Medical Bureau of the Song Dynasty. The basic information about the origin of the drugs is quite clear. Pinelliae rhizoma in the formula is the dried tuber of Pinellia ternata. Citri exocarpium rubrum is the dried mature peel of Citrus reticulata and its cultivated varieties, with the inner white membrane removed. Poria is the whitest dry sclerotia of Poria cocos; Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma is the dried root and rhizome of the Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The dosage is 5.70 g Pinelliae rhizome and Citri exocarpium rubrum, 3.43 g Poria, and 1.69 g Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma praeparata cum melle. During the decoction process, the above-mentioned herbs should be chopped, with 300 mL water, 7 g ginger in thick slices, and 2 g Mume fructus added, and it was then simmered together to 180 mL. After removing the medicinal residue, it can be taken warmly. Erchentang has the effect of drying dampness and resolving phlegm, regulating Qi and harmonizing the middle. It can be used in treating the syndrome of phlegm and dampness,as well as symptoms such as frequent cough,white phlegm,fullness in chest and diaphragm,nausea and vomiting,limb drowsiness,anorexia,dizziness,palpitations,white and greasy tongue coating, and slippery pulse. The above results provide reference for future research and development of Erchentang.
2.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Bupi Qingfei Prescription in Treating Stable Bronchiectasis
Zi YANG ; Guangsen LI ; Bing WANG ; Bo XU ; Jianxin WANG ; Sheng CAO ; Xinyan CHEN ; Xia SHI ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):162-169
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Bupi Qingfei prescription (BPQF) in treating stable bronchiectasis in the patients with syndromes of lung-spleen Qi deficiency and phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomized into BPQF and placebo control (PC) groups. On the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment, the BPQF granules and placebo were respectively administered at 10 g each time, twice a day, for a course of 24 weeks. The TCM symptom scores, Quality of Life Questionnaire for Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) scores, lung function indicators, T lymphocyte subsets, level of inflammatory factors in the sputum, level of neutrophil elastase (NE) in the sputum, and occurrence of adverse reactions were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. ResultsA total of 64 patients completed the study, encompassing 32 in the BPQF group and 32 in the PC group. After treatment, the BPQF group showed decreased TCM symptom scores (P<0.01), increased QOL-B scores (P<0.01), and declined levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and NE (P<0.05, P<0.01). The PC group showed decreased TCM symptom (except spleen deficiency) scores (P<0.01), increased the QOL-B health cognition and respiratory symptom domain scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a declined TNF-α level (P<0.01). Moreover, the BPQF group had lower TCM symptom (except chest tightness) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), higher QOL-B (except treatment burden) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α (P<0.05) than the PC group. Neither group showed serious adverse reactions during the treatment process. ConclusionBPQF can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of stable bronchiectasis patients who have lung-spleen Qi deficiency or phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs by regulating the immune balance and inhibiting airway inflammatory responses.
3.Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Using the Method of Unblocking Collaterals with Acrid and Moistened Medicinals Based on Xuanfuhua Decoction (旋覆花汤)
Rui LI ; Yiling FAN ; Jinli KONG ; Zhishen RUAN ; Sheng CAO ; Zi YANG ; Qing MIAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1115-1119
Xuanfuhua Decoction (旋覆花汤) is considered as the theoretical prototype of the method of unbloc-king collaterals with acrid and moistened medicinals. Guided by the theories of "chronic disease entering the collaterals" and "collaterals performing their functions when there is free flow", YE Gui further developed this approach into a systematic method. The core of this approach lies in dispersing and opening constraint with acrid medicinals, nourishing and harmonizing collaterals with moistened medicinals, eliminating pathogens and unblocking collaterals with insect medicinals. The disease course of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is prolonged, with a complex of deficiency and excess, and chronic disease entering the collaterals. The core pathogenesis involves lung collaterals obstruction, fluid depletion with blood stasis, and chronic disease entering the collaterals. Treatment can be guided by the method of unblocking collaterals with acrid and moistened medicinals based on Xuanfuhua Decoction, following a strategy of "dispersing and unblocking, moistening and nourishing, penetrating and venting". Specifically, for lung collaterals obstruction, acrid medicinals can be used to disperse lung qi and open bi (痹). In case of fluid depletion and blood stasis, moistened medicinals for nourishing lung collaterals are suggested to restore vitality. For chronic disease ente-ring collaterals, it is advised to search and eliminate collateral pathogens in order to dissipate masses.
4.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
5.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
6.Clinical and pathological features of intrahepatic intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: An analysis of four cases
Ying ZHANG ; Qing CAO ; Kaige WANG ; Fan JIA ; Yungang ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1656-1660
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical and pathological features of intrahepatic intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), and to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for four patients who underwent surgical resection in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2010 to December 2025 and were diagnosed with intrahepatic IPNB based on pathological examination. The clinical, imaging, and pathological features of these patients were summarized, and a literature review was performed for related articles in China and globally. ResultsAmong the four patients, there were three female patients and one male patient, with a median age of 65 years, and clinical manifestations included jaundice, abdominal pain or diarrhea, and asymptomatic findings on physical examination. The main imaging manifestation was bile duct dilatation or solid-cystic space-occupying lesion. Pathological typing revealed one case each of the gastric, intestinal, pancreatobiliary, and oncocytic types, and there was one patient with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and three patients with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, among whom one patient also had invasive carcinoma. ConclusionIntrahepatic IPNB is a rare precancerous lesion of the liver with diverse clinical, imaging, and pathological manifestations, and radical surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment.
7.Investigation of nutritional status in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with the risk of sarcopenia
Qing CAO ; Yan XU ; Caiyun HOU ; Li WANG ; Huan PAN ; Min CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(5):131-135
Objective To explore the nutritional status in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and analyze its relationship with the risk of sarcopenia. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 312 elderly patients with T2DM admitted to the 904th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army between January 2023 and December 2025. Based on the presence or absence of sarcopenia, the patients were classified into a sarcopenia group (121 cases) and a non-sarcopenia group (191 cases). The nutritional status and related factors were compared between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was adopted to analyze the correlation and influencing factors. Results The incidence rate of sarcopenia among elderly patients with T2DM was 38.78%. Compared with the non-sarcopenia group, the sarcopenia group had older age and higher proportions of patients with daily activity dependence, coronary heart disease, and gastrointestinal diseases. Conversely, the proportions of patients exercising ≥4 times per week and those paying attention to nutritional knowledge were lower in the sarcopenia group than those in the non-sarcopenia group (P<0.05). The body mass index (BMI), calf circumference (CC), body weight, albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb), and MNA-SF score in the sarcopenia group were lower compared with those in the non-sarcopenia group (P<0.05). After logistic regression analysis, it was found that low BMI, exercising ≥4 times per week, dependence on daily activity, and low ALB and Hb were independent factors influencing sarcopenia in elderly patients with T2DM (P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence rate of sarcopenia is relatively high in elderly patients with T2DM. Low BMI, low ALB, low Hb, reduced weekly exercise frequency, and daily activity dependence are independent related factors. It is necessary to pay clinical attention to nutritional assessment and intervention.
8.Cross-neutralization effect of multivalent recombinant receptor-binding domain dimer protein vaccine on SARS-CoV-2 variant strains
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2025;38(05):531-535
Objective To evaluate the cross-neutralization effect of multivalent recombinant receptor-binding domain(RBD)dimer protein vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variant strains, so as to provide an experimental basis for the development ofbroad-spectrum SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Methods Twenty-two female SD rats were randomly divided into ZF2202(B) group(8 rats immunized with quadrivalent recombinant RBD dimer protein vaccine), ZF2202(A) group(6 rats immunized withbivalent recombinant RBD dimer protein vaccine) and normal saline control group(8 rats). The rats were immunized intra-muscularlyat0,21and42days,respectively,withadoseof0.25mL/rat.Fourteendaysafterthelastimmunization,theneutralizingantibodies against Delta, BA.4/5, BQ.1.1, XBB.1, EG.5 and BA.2.86 in serum of rats in ZF2202(B) and ZF2202(A) groupswere detected by pseudovirus neutralization assay, and the secretion of IFNγ and IL-4 in spleen lymphocytes of rats in ZF2202(B)and normal saline control groups were analyzed by ELISpot. Results The levels of neutralizing antibodies againstpseudovi-ruses BA.4/5, BQ.1.1, XBB.1, EG.5 and BA.2.86 in serum of rats in ZF2202(B) group were significantly higher than those inZF2202(A) group(U = 3, 1, 1, 1, 0, P = 0. 004 7, 0. 001 3, 0. 001 3, 0. 001 3, and 0. 000 7, respectively). Compared withnormal saline group, the number of specific spots of IFNγ secreted by spleen lymphocytes in ZF2202(B) group increased signifi-cantly(U = 4, P = 0. 001 4), and the number of IL-4 specific spots also increased significantly(t = 3. 775, P = 0. 002 1).Conclusion Both ZF2202(A) and ZF2202(B) provide cross-protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants, whileZF2202(B)exhibitsbetterprotectiveeffectthanZF2202(A)ontheepidemicstrains,andexhibitsabroaderspectrumofefficacy.
9.Textual Research and Ancient and Modern Application of Classical Prescription Sinisan
Lyuyuan LIANG ; Qing TANG ; Jialei CAO ; Wenxi WEI ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Jinyu CHEN ; Hejia WAN ; Chen CHEN ; Ruiting SU ; Bingqi WEI ; Shen'ao DING ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):182-193
Sinisan is a classical prescription developed and applied by ancient medical experts and it is first recorded in the Treatise on Cold Damage written by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Later physicians have modified this prescription based on this original one. The bibliometrics methods were used to analyze the key information and research trend of Sinisan. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 69 pieces of effective data were extracted, involving 67 ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) books. The results showed that the name, composition, and decocting methods of Sinisan in later generations were inherited from the original record in the Treatise on Cold Damage. The original plants of medicinal materials used in Sinisan are basically clear. We recommend Bupleuri Radix as the dried root of Bupleurem scorzonerifolium, Paeoniae Radix Alba as the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora, Aurantii Fructus as the dried fruit of Citrus aurantium, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma as the dry root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Raw materials of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Radix Alba, Aurantii Fructus stir-fried with bran, and stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma should be used for preparation of Sinisan. According to measurement system in the Han Dynasty, a bag of Sinisan is composed of 1.25 g Bupleuri Radix, 1.25 g Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1.25 g Aurantii Fructus, and 1.25 g Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The materials should be grounded into coarse powder and taken with a proper amount of rice soup, 3 times a day. Sinisan has the effects of regulating qi movement and harmonizing the liver and spleen. It can be used for treating reversal cold in limbs and cold damage. In modern clinical practice, Sinisan can be used to treat chronic gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. The above research results provide scientific reference for the future research and development of Sinisan.
10.Key Information Research and Ancient and Modern Application Analysis of Classic Prescription Houpo Sanwutang
Wenli SHI ; Qing TANG ; Huimin CHEN ; Jialei CAO ; Bingqi WEI ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Yun ZHANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Yihan LI ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Lvyuan LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):214-221
Houpo Sanwutang, included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Prescriptions (Second Batch), was first recorded in the Synopsis of Golden Chamber written by ZHANG Zhongjing from the Eastern Han dynasty and was modified by successive generations of medical experts. A total of 37 pieces of effective data involving 37 ancient Chinese medical books were retrieved from different databases. Through literature mining, statistical analysis, and data processing, combined with modern articles, this study employed bibliometrics to investigate the historical origin, composition, decoction methods, clinical application, and other key information. The results showed that the medicinal origin of Houpo Sanwutang was clearly documented in classic books. Based on the conversion of the measurements from the Han Dynasty, it is recommended that 110.4 g Magnolia Officinalis Cortex, 55.2 g Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and 72 g Aurantii Fructus Immaturus should be taken. Magnolia Officinalis Cortex and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus should be decocted with 2 400 mL water first, and 1 000 mL should be taken from the decocted liquid. Following this, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma should be added for further decoction, and then 600 mL should be taken from the decocted liquid. A single dose of administration is 200 mL, and the medication can be stopped when patients restore smooth bowel movement. Houpo Sanwutang has the effect of moving Qi, relieving stuffiness and fullness, removing food stagnation, and regulating bowels. It can be used in treating abdominal distending pain, guarding, constipation, and other diseases with the pathogenesis of stagnated heat and stagnated Qi in the stomach. The above results provide reference for the future development and research of Houpo Sanwutang.


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