1.Connotation and Application of WU Jutong's Theory of "Treating All Bi (痹) Diseases through Taiyin"
Liang MENG ; Shuai KANG ; Quan JIN ; Qiancheng WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):102-108
The Medical Cases of WU Jutong (《吴鞠通医案》) proposes the principle of "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin", which forms the basis for analyzing WU Jutong's understanding of the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of Bi (痹) diseases, providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Through an interpretation of the phrase "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin", it is suggested that Bi (痹) diseases is primarily caused by dampness, necessitating a focus on spleen and lung in treatment. WU emphasized four main causes of Bi (痹) diseases (wind, cold, dampness, and heat), with dampness being the predominant factor. The disease location is initially in lung, for which external dampness invades lung first, and internal dampness obstructs the source of water metabolism, impeding lung qi and qi failing to disperse, then dampness further accumulates in the joints, leading to Bi (痹) diseases. WU Jutong proposed the modified Mufangji Decoction (木防己汤) as the foundational prescription for treating Bi (痹) diseases. By comparing the similarities and differences between the modified and original Mufangji Decoction, and analyzing the adjustments in herbal prescriptions, the clinical characteristic of "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin" is further substantiated.
2.Meta-analysis of the relationship of semaglutide and malignant neoplasms risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Qingchuan LIAO ; Wei YU ; Quan WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):117-123
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the relationship of semaglutide with malignant neoplasms in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS Retrieved from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI, Wanfang data and CBM, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about semaglutide in the treatment of T2DM patients with outcome measures including malignant tumor events were collected from the establishment of the database to June 2024. Meta- analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software to assess the risk of malignant neoplasms. RESULTS A total of 24 RCTs (26 trials) involving 24 145 patients were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that compared to placebo, there was no statistical significance in the risk of semaglutide in pancreatic cancer [RR=0.39, 95%CI(0.10, 1.50), P=0.17], thyroid cancer [RR=1.29, 95%CI(0.38, 4.36), P=0.68], prostate cancer [RR=1.05, 95%CI(0.36, 3.12), P=0.92], skin cancer [RR=1.27, 95%CI(0.80, 2.02), P=0.31], gastrointestinal cancer [RR=1.00, 95%CI(0.47, 2.14), P=1.00], colorectal cancer [RR=0.96, 95%CI(0.40, 2.26), P=0.92], lung cancer [RR=1.62, 95%CI(0.74, 3.55), P=0.23], breast cancer [RR=1.25, 95%CI(0.45, 3.51), P=0.67] or all malignant neoplasms [RR=0.96, 95%CI(0.76, 1.21), P=0.73]. Compared to other antidiabetic drugs, there was no statistical significance in the risk of semaglutide in pancreatic cancer [RR=0.62, 95%CI(0.18, 2.09), P=0.44], thyroid cancer [RR=1.09, 95%CI(0.25, 4.78), P=0.90], prostate cancer [RR=2.09, 95%CI(0.46, 9.47), P=0.34], skin cancer [RR=1.76, 95%CI(0.65, 4.72), P=0.26], gastrointestinal cancer [RR=0.68, 95%CI(0.19, 2.35), P=0.54], colorectal cancer [RR=0.60, 95%CI(0.20, 1.78), P=0.36], lung cancer [RR=1.00, 95%CI(0.24, 4.11), P=1.00], breast cancer [RR=0.82, 95%CI(0.25, 2.66), P=0.74] or all malignant neoplasms [RR=1.36, 95%CI(0.96, 1.94), P=0.09]. CONCLUSIONS Semaglutide does not increase the risk of any type of malignant neoplasms in T2DM patients.
3.Exploring Mechanism of Breast Cancer Prevention by Liuwei Dihuangwan, Erzhiwan and Zuoguiwan Based on Macrophage Phagocytosis
Lixiang ZHENG ; Yishan CHEN ; Wei QUAN ; Youbao ZHONG ; Zifeng GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):10-17
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of three traditional Chinese medicine formulas for nourishing kidney Yin on the occurrence of breast cancer, including Zuoguiwan(ZGW), Liuwei Dihuangwan(LWDHW) and Erzhiwan(EZW), and to explore their preventive mechanisms from the phagocytic function of macrophages. MethodsTen-month-old post-breeding female mice were randomly divided into the blank group, soy isoflavone group(0.13 g·kg-1·d-1, mixed with feed), ZGW group(2.34 g·kg-1·d-1), LWDHW group(0.56 g·kg-1·d-1), and EZW group(4.68 g·kg-1·d-1). The mice were palpated every 3 d until the age of 18 months, and those with detected lumps were confirmed for tumor development through hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the incidence of breast cancer in mice was calculated. A total of 40 SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into the blank serum group(physiological saline), ZGW drug-containing serum group(16.20 g·kg-1·d-1of ZGW), LWDHW drug-containing serum group(3.89 g·kg-1·d-1 of LWDHW) and EZW drug-containing serum group(32.40 g·kg-1·d-1 of EZW), each group was orally administered 3 times a day for 5 consecutive days. On the 5th day, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 1 h after the last gavage to prepare drug-containing serum. The effect of drug-containing serum with different concentrations on the viability of RAW264.7 cells was assessed by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). Taking 20% of drug-containing serum concentration as the research object, its effect on the expression levels of major histocompatibility complex-Ⅱ(MHC-Ⅱ), CD80 and CD86 on the surface of RAW264.7 cells was detected by immunofluorescence(IF), the phagocytic function of RAW264.7 cells was examined by flow cytometry, and the levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) and nitric oxide(NO) in RAW264.7 cells in the conditioned medium(CM) co culture system of 4T1 cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and Griess assay. ResultsAfter prophylactic administration, the tumor incidence rates in the soy isoflavone group(4%), ZGW group(4%), LWDHW group(4%), and EZW group(6%) were lower than that in the blank group(8%). Compared with the blank serum group, the drug-containing serum of the three nourishing kidney Yin formulas could enhance the expression levels of MHC-Ⅱ, CD80 and CD86 on the surface of RAW264.7 cells, enhance phagocytic ability towards tumor cells, and reduce the content of IL-6 and increase the level of NO(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe three nourishing kidney Yin formulas can reduce the incidence of tumor in mice, the mechanism may be related to activating RAW264.7 cells, increasing their phagocytosis to breast cancer cells, and regulating the secretion of IL-6 and NO.
4.Treating premature ejaculation combined with anxiety and depression based on the "four-dimensional integration" of the "holism of body and spirit" theory
Yi WEI ; Zhiming HONG ; Junfeng QIU ; Zilong CHEN ; Hao KUANG ; Yangling ZENG ; Quan WANG ; Wenbin ZHOU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):418-423
Premature ejaculation refers to a sexual dysfunction in which men experience a short intravaginal ejaculation latency and a lack of control over ejaculation during sexual activity. The onset of this condition is often accompanied by anxiety and depression, which can seriously affect the quality of the patient′s sexual life and the relationship between partners. Based on the "integration of body and spirit" theory in traditional Chinese medicine, our team believes that this condition is a comorbidity of physical and spiritual factors. We propose that the core pathogenesis of this disease lies in the "loss of form and essence, impairment of spirit, and depression of the mind, "while the primary treatment principle involves "nourishing form and regulating spirit." As a result, a new diagnosis and treatment approach of "four-dimensional integration" is summarized in this study. The disease is treated through the four dimensions of shape, body, spirit, and emotion. Traditional Chinese medicine is used to adjust the shape in cases where the physical form is damaged. For individuals with depression of heart and liver qi, the treatment focuses on soothing the heart and smoothing liver qi, and the modified Wangyou Powder and Xuanzhi Decoction is used. In cases where the heart and kidney function are compromised, the treatment involves nourishing both the heart and kidney while restoring interaction between the heart and the kidney, and modified Jihuo Yansi Elixir is used. To reduce the sensitivity of the glans penis, the patient′s body is washed with a traditional Chinese medicine formula, and a delicate fumigation formula is decocted for external washing. For those who are not in tune with their god, psychological counseling can be used to regulate their spirit and advocate "self-partner" and psychotherapy. If there are issues with intimacy, partners should focus on cooperating during foreplay, sexual intercourse, and post-coital interactions. Overall, the treatment aims to harmonize the body and spirit, addressing both physical and psychological factors through a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach. This method provides new perspectives and ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
5.Mechanism of Syngnathus extract in treating knee osteoarthritis of rats via regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Quan-Wei ZHENG ; Guo-Wei WANG ; Si-Xian WU ; Tao ZHUO ; Yi HE ; Jian-Hang LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2442-2449
To investigate the mechanism of action of Syngnathus extract in treating knee osteoarthritis of rats, forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, positive drug group, as well as low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Syngnathus extract. The rat model of knee osteoarthritis was constructed by intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate. After successful modeling, celecoxib(18 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) and Syngnathus extract(0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) were given in different groups by gavage intervention for two weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of cartilage in knee joints, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the expression level of inflammatory factors in serum. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target protein of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway-related mRNA and protein expression. The results showed that, comparied with the blank group, the cartilage surface of the knee joints of rats in the model group was uneven, with disorganized levels and defective cartilage tissue. The serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in cartilage tissue, as well as the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K)/PI3K, phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt)/Akt, phosphorylated mTOR(p-mTOR)/mTOR, and P62 were significantly increased. Beclin1 protein expression was decreased. Comparied with the model group, the number of chondrocytes in the knee joint of rats in each group of Syngnathus extract increased, and the arrangement of chondrocytes was relatively neat. The cartilage layer was restored, and the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in cartilage tissue were significantly reduced. The protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, and P62 were significantly reduced in the rats in the middle-dose and high-dose groups of Syngnathus extract, and the Beclin1 protein expression was significantly increased. The protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and P62 in rats in the low-dose group of Syngnathus extract were significantly reduced. In summary, Syngnathus extract may be used to treat knee osteoarthritis by inhibiting the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, so as to alleviate the inflammatory response in the organism, enhance the autophagy activity of chondrocytes, and reduce the apoptosis of chondrocytes.
Animals
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
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Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
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Rats
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Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
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Humans
6.Transcriptome analysis and catechin synthesis genes in different organs of Spatholobus suberectus.
Wei-Qi QIN ; Quan LIN ; Ying LIANG ; Fan WEI ; Gui-Li WEI ; Qi GAO ; Shuang-Shuang QIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3297-3306
To study the differences in transcript levels among different organs of Spatholobus suberectus and to explore the genes encoding enzymes related to the catechin biosynthesis pathway, this study utilized the genome and full-length transcriptome data of S. suberectus as references. Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed on five different organs of S. suberectus-roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits-using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. A total of 115.28 Gb of clean data were obtained, with GC content values ranging from 45.19% to 47.54%, Q20 bases at 94.17% and above, and an overall comparison rate with the reference genome around 90%. In comparisons between the stem and root, stem and leaf, stem and flower, and stem and fruit, 10 666, 9 674, 9 320, and 5 896 differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were identified, respectively. The lowest number of DEGs was found in the stem and root comparison group. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly concentrated in the pathways of phytohormone signaling, phenylalanine biosynthesis, etc. A total of 39 genes were annotated in the catechin biosynthesis pathway, with at least one highly expressed gene found in all organs. Among these, PAL1, PAL2, C4H1, C4H3, 4CL1, 4CL2, and DFR2 showed high expression in the stems, suggesting that they may play important roles in the biosynthesis of flavonoids in S. suberectus. This study aims to provide important information for the in-depth exploration of the regulation of catechin biosynthesis in S. suberectus through transcriptome analysis of its different organs and to provide a reference for the further realization of S. suberectus varietal improvement and molecular breeding.
Catechin/biosynthesis*
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Gene Expression Profiling
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Plant Proteins/metabolism*
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Fabaceae/metabolism*
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Transcriptome
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Flowers/metabolism*
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Plant Stems/metabolism*
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Plant Leaves/metabolism*
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Plant Roots/metabolism*
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Fruit/metabolism*
7.Mechanism of Hippocampus in treatment of knee osteoarthritis based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification.
Tao ZHUO ; Guo-Wei WANG ; Si-Xian WU ; Quan-Wei ZHENG ; Yi HE ; Jian-Hang LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4026-4036
This study predicts the potential mechanism of Hippocampus in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KOA) through network pharmacology, with preliminary verification using molecular docking and animal experiments. The database was used to screen the active chemical components of Hippocampus and the targets of KOA, and Gene Ontology(GO) functional analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and molecular docking were performed on the relevant core targets to preliminarily explore the potential targets and mechanisms of Hippocampus in the treatment of KOA. A rat KOA model was constructed by intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate, and the rats were intervened with different doses of Hippocampus decoction and celecoxib. The expression of relevant targets was detected through hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), RT-qPCR, and Western blot to further validate the network pharmacology results. A total of 23 drug-like components of the Hippocampus were screened, and 128 common targets with KOA were identified, involving interleukin-17(IL-17) signaling pathway, transcription factor(FoxO) signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor(TNF) signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that the screened core chemical components exhibited good affinity with key targets. HE staining demonstrated that Hippocampus improved the morphology of the cartilage layer. ELISA confirmed that Hippocampus significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum of KOA rats. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis showed that Hippocampus significantly reduced the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, matrix metalloproteinase(MMP) 13, IL-17A, nuclear factor κB activator 1(ACT1), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6) and nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) in cartilage tissue. The results suggest that Hippocampus can alleviate the degree of joint damage in the KOA rat model induced by sodium iodoacetate. The mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of the IL-17 signaling pathway, reduction of inflammation, and inhibition of extracellular matrix(ECM) degradation.
Animals
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Rats
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Network Pharmacology
;
Male
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Humans
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Interleukin-17/metabolism*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Hippocampus/chemistry*
8.The epigenetic landscape of rheumatoid arthritis: Pathogenesis and drug therapeutic potentials.
Chengcheng HUANG ; Yuxiang LIANG ; Yang LI ; Quan WEI ; Liang OUYANG ; Jifa ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5601-5631
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a persistent autoimmune condition distinguished by a multifaceted etiology that encompasses both genetic and environmental factors. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms behind RA pathogenesis has delved into the critical role of epigenetic regulatory processes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). These findings provide new insights into the intricate nature of RA and pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review consolidates the latest developments in the epigenetic regulation of RA, concentrating on how these mechanisms affect the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with the disease. We analyze the roles of specific proteins that function as 'writers', 'erasers', and 'readers' in epigenetic modifications, highlighting their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, in view of the significance of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of RA, we deliberate on their involvement in disease progression and explore miRNA-based treatment strategies. By integrating these diverse epigenetic dimensions, this review offers a comprehensive epigenetic perspective on RA pathogenesis and identifies promising avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.
9.Assessment of the implementation of Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy room—Part 4: Radiotherapy room of 252Cf neutron afterloading (GBZ/T 201.4-2015)
Yuze YANG ; Hongfang WANG ; Haoxian YANG ; Quan WU ; Mingsheng LI ; Bala HARI ; Yongzhong MA ; Zechen FENG ; Bin BAI ; Jie GAO ; Wei ZHOU ; Weixu HUANG ; Zhengjie SHI ; Hezheng ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(5):660-665
Objective To track and evaluate the implementation and application of the occupational health standard Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy room—Part 4: Radiotherapy room of 252Cf neutron afterloading (GBZ/T 201.4-2015) by radiation health technical service agencies, medical institutions, health supervision agencies, and radiotherapy facility design units, and to provide a scientific basis for the further revision and implementation of this standard. Methods Following the Guideline for health standards tracking evaluation (WS/T 536-2017) and the project implementation plan, relevant practitioners were randomly selected for a questionnaire survey. The survey primarily focused on their awareness, standard training, application, and revision suggestions of GBZ/T 201.4-2015. The results were summarized and analyzed. Results A total of 168 evaluation questionnaires were collected from relevant practitioners in 28 provinces. Only 31.6% of the respondents reported being “well familiar” or “ familiar” with the standard, 27.4% of the respondents believed that the standard was widely used, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard could meet the needs of their work. Only 14.9% of the respondents had received relevant training on the standard, more than half of the respondents had not applied the standard within the past 10 years, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard "needs to be revised". Conclusion Due to the small number of californium-252 neutron afterloading radiotherapy devices in operation on the market, the overall awareness of the standard is low, suggesting that relevant authorities need to strengthen training and publicity of the standard, and that certain sections of the standard need to be revised or merged.
10.Analysis of ethical dilemmas and coping strategies for the establishment of human milk banks in hospitals
Yao JIN ; Zhenyan FU ; Huixiang SHANG ; Lijuan WEI ; Chi HUANG ; Juan CHEN ; Mingtao QUAN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(11):1441-1446
Breast milk is the optimal natural food for newborns. However, some newborns cannot receive maternal breast milk due to reasons such as mother-infant separation or insufficient lactation. The establishment of human milk banks (HMB) can effectively address these issues, thereby increasing the breastfeeding rate among hospitalized newborns and improving their quality of survival. However, HMB in China is still in the development and improvement stage. Its implementation involves a series of ethical issues, such as informed consent, privacy protection, economic incentives, quality and safety, and fair resource distribution, which hinder HMB’s widespread promotion. Therefore, discussing the ethical dilemmas faced by the widespread establishment of HMB in China’s hospitals and analyzing coping strategies are crucial for improving the breastfeeding rate of newborns. This paper deeply analyzed and sorted out the ethical issues and challenges currently faced by HMB in China, and proposed corresponding strategies, including “ensuring informed consent and voluntary participation of both donors and recipients,” “protecting the privacy of donors and recipients,” “establishing an ethics-based moral incentive and social support system,” “strictly controlling quality and safety issues”, and “developing fair and rational policies,” aiming to provide a reference solution for addressing ethical concerns in the establishment and operation of HMB.


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