1.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
2.Compatibility Principle and Efficacy Characteristics of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang from Perspective of Tangye Jingfa Tu
Xuxiao LYU ; Mingyue QI ; Hui ZHANG ; Rui JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):210-216
Tangye Jingfa Tu is an important content in the ancient book Fuxingjue from Dunhuang, implying the fundamental principles of formula compatibility in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Our research group has delved into nearly 200 formulas (both classical and contemporary formulas) recorded in the Fangjixue under the theoretical framework of the deficiency or excess syndrome of five Zang-organs together with the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors. We have initially elucidated the essential principles of the correspondence between formulas and syndromes, revealing the deep-level logic of medicinal material selection and compatibility, thus enriching the understanding about the core characteristics and essence of the diseases and syndromes targeted by formulas. The lunar year of 2024 is Jia Chen year. The formula recorded in Sanyin Jiyi Bingzheng Fanglun for treating the epidemic diseases characterized by excessive earth, prevalent dampness and wetness, and invasion of pathogenic factors into the kidney water in Jia Chen year is Fuzi Shanzhuyutang. Therefore, elucidating the compatibility principle of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang is of great significance for clinical prescription and medication modification in Jia Chen year. According to the Tangye Jingfa Tu theory on the deficiency or excess of syndrome of five Zang-organs and the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors, this article dissects Fuzi Shanzhuyutang regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of the main indications, as well as the five-element properties and efficacy characteristics of Chinese medicinal materials constituting this formula. It explains the compatibility principles of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang and puts forward suggestions for modifying the formula to address different indications, providing a reference for guiding clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment.
3.Compatibility Principle and Efficacy Characteristics of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang from Perspective of Tangye Jingfa Tu
Xuxiao LYU ; Mingyue QI ; Hui ZHANG ; Rui JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):210-216
Tangye Jingfa Tu is an important content in the ancient book Fuxingjue from Dunhuang, implying the fundamental principles of formula compatibility in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Our research group has delved into nearly 200 formulas (both classical and contemporary formulas) recorded in the Fangjixue under the theoretical framework of the deficiency or excess syndrome of five Zang-organs together with the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors. We have initially elucidated the essential principles of the correspondence between formulas and syndromes, revealing the deep-level logic of medicinal material selection and compatibility, thus enriching the understanding about the core characteristics and essence of the diseases and syndromes targeted by formulas. The lunar year of 2024 is Jia Chen year. The formula recorded in Sanyin Jiyi Bingzheng Fanglun for treating the epidemic diseases characterized by excessive earth, prevalent dampness and wetness, and invasion of pathogenic factors into the kidney water in Jia Chen year is Fuzi Shanzhuyutang. Therefore, elucidating the compatibility principle of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang is of great significance for clinical prescription and medication modification in Jia Chen year. According to the Tangye Jingfa Tu theory on the deficiency or excess of syndrome of five Zang-organs and the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors, this article dissects Fuzi Shanzhuyutang regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of the main indications, as well as the five-element properties and efficacy characteristics of Chinese medicinal materials constituting this formula. It explains the compatibility principles of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang and puts forward suggestions for modifying the formula to address different indications, providing a reference for guiding clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment.
4.Application of non-invasive brain stimulation in Alzheimer's disease: a bibliometrics analysis
Qi ZHANG ; Wenyu SUN ; Zhenmei GAO ; Rui LIU ; Tianao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(2):194-208
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspot and future trend of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in Alzheimer's disease. MethodsRelevant literature on application of NIBS in Alzheimer's disease from January, 2014 to October, 2024 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace 6.4.R1 was used to perform a bibliometric analysis and to create knowledge maps, including annual publication volume, countries, institutions, authors, keywords and co-cited references. ResultsA total of 731 articles were included, showing an increasing trend in annual publication volume. The United States was the leading country in publication volume, Harvard University was the most productive institution, and Giacomo Koch was the most prolific author. Brain Stimulation was the most frequently cited journal. Highly focused keywords included cognitive impairment, memory, dementia, transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. Bursting keywords in the past two years included transcranial alternating current stimulation, functional magnetic resonance imaging, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and oxidative stress. ConclusionResearch interest in NIBS within the field of Alzheimer's disease has been steadily increasing. The research hotspots include the effect and mechanism of NIBS on cognitive function and the impact of stimulating different brain regions on cognitive outcome. Future research may focus on integrating NIBS with techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging to achieve individualized and precise stimulation.
5.PES1 Repression Triggers Ribosomal Biogenesis Impairment and Cellular Senescence Through p53 Pathway Activation
Chang-Jian ZHANG ; Yu-Fang LI ; Feng-Yun WU ; Rui JIN ; Chang NIU ; Qi-Nong YE ; Long CHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1853-1865
ObjectiveThe nucleolar protein PES1 (Pescadillo homolog 1) plays critical roles in ribosome biogenesis and cell cycle regulation, yet its involvement in cellular senescence remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the functional consequences of PES1 suppression in cellular senescence and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulatory role. MethodsInitially, we assessed PES1 expression patterns in two distinct senescence models: replicative senescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and doxorubicin-induced senescent human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Subsequently, PES1 expression was specifically downregulated using siRNA-mediated knockdown in these cell lines as well as additional relevant cell types. Cellular proliferation and senescence were assessed by EdU incorporation and SA-β-gal staining assays, respectively. The expression of senescence-associated proteins (p53, p21, and Rb) and SASP factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8) were analyzed by Western blot or qPCR. Furthermore, Northern blot and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate pre-rRNA processing and nucleolar morphology. ResultsPES1 expression was significantly downregulated in senescent MEFs and HepG2 cells. PES1 knockdown resulted in decreased EdU-positive cells and increased SA‑β‑gal-positive cells, indicating proliferation inhibition and senescence induction. Mechanistically, PES1 suppression activated the p53-p21 pathway without affecting Rb expression, while upregulating IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 production. Notably, PES1 depletion impaired pre-rRNA maturation and induced nucleolar stress, as evidenced by aberrant nucleolar morphology. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that PES1 deficiency triggers nucleolar stress and promotes p53-dependent (but Rb-independent) cellular senescence, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining nucleolar homeostasis and regulating senescence-associated pathways.
6.Influence of iron metabolism on osteoporosis and modulating effect of traditional Chinese medicine.
Yi-Li ZHANG ; Bao-Yu QI ; Chuan-Rui SUN ; Xiang-Yun GUO ; Shuang-Jie YANG ; Ping LIU ; Xu WEI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):575-582
Recent studies have shown that an imbalance in iron metabolism can affect the composition and microstructural changes of bone, disrupting bone homeostasis and leading to osteoporosis(OP). The imbalance in iron metabolism, along with its induced local abnormal microenvironment and cellular iron death, has become a new focal point in OP research, drawing increasing attention from the academic community regarding the regulation of iron metabolism to prevent and manage OP. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), iron metabolism imbalance has potential connections to TCM theories regarding internal organs, as well as treatments aimed at tonifying the kidney, strengthening the spleen, and activating blood circulation. Evidence is continually emerging that TCMs and effective components that tonify the kidney, strengthen the spleen, and activate blood circulation can prevent and manage OP by regulating iron metabolism. This article analyzes the relationship between iron and bone, as well as the effects of TCM formulations on improving iron metabolism and influencing bone metabolism, from the perspectives of iron metabolism mechanisms and TCM interventions, aiming to broaden existing clinical strategies for prevention and treatment and inject new momentum into the field of OP as it moves into a new era.
Osteoporosis/drug therapy*
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Humans
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Iron/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Animals
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Bone and Bones/drug effects*
7.Grounded theory, scientific connotation, and clinical application of aromatic immunity in traditional Chinese medicine.
Si-Rui XIANG ; Qin JIAN ; Qi XU ; Jun-Zhi LIN ; Ding-Kun ZHANG ; Ming YANG ; Chuan ZHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1137-1145
Aromatic immunity in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is the medical knowledge accumulated in the process of people's struggling with diseases. It plays an important role in plague prevention, disease treatment, health preservation, and rehabilitation, and has profound TCM basic theoretical support and abundant modern scientific evidence. With the in-depth promotion of the Healthy China initiative and the succession of health needs in the post-COVID-19 era, how to practice the health concept of aromatic immunity in TCM and develop its health service resources with high quality has become an important proposition to be discussed urgently. This paper summarizes the cognitive process, puts forward the basic concept, discusses the scientific connotation and clinical application value, and looks forward to the future development trend of aromatic immunity in TCM, aiming to provide guidance for the development of great health products and promote the application of aromatic immunity in TCM in serving people's health.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Humans
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COVID-19/immunology*
;
China
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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SARS-CoV-2
8.Medicinal properties and compatibility application of aromatic traditional Chinese medicine monomer components based on action of volatile components against viral pneumonia.
Yin-Ming ZHAO ; Lin-Yuan WANG ; Jian-Jun ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Yi LI ; Xiao-Fang WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Xing-Yu ZHAO ; Lin-Ze LI ; Rui-Lin LYU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2013-2021
Aromatic traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has played an important role against epidemics and viruses, and volatile components are the main components that exert the pharmacological effects of aromatic TCM. By screening the related monomer components in aromatic TCM against epidemic and viruses and analyzing and endowing TCM with medicinal properties based on its clinical application and pharmacological research according to the theoretical thinking of TCM, the key technical issues of compatibility of TCM monomer components were solved from a theoretical perspective, providing new ideas and methods for screening raw materials and formulas for the development of new TCM drugs. Based on the conditions of antiviral activity, clinical application foundation, definite therapeutic effect, and high safety, a gradient screening of aromatic TCM was carried out. Firstly, 30 aromatic TCM were screened from anti-epidemic literature and clinical trial formulas, and seven volatile monomers were further screened from them. Then, four monomer components with significant effects, namely patchouli alcohol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and eucalyptol were screened. By adopting the "four-step method for a systematic study of TCM properties", the four monomer components were endowed with medicinal properties, and compatibility and combination studies were conducted to explore the theoretical basis of monomer formulas and form monomer formulas guided by TCM theory. The screening results of volatile monomers in aromatic TCM against viral pneumonia included patchouli alcohol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and eucalyptol. The medicinal properties and compatibility theory of volatile monomer components in TCM were explored. Patchouli alcohol was the main herb, with a cool and pungent nature. It entered the lung meridian to dispel evil Qi and has the effects of aromatization, detoxification, and epidemic prevention. Carvacrol was a minister drug with a cool and pungent taste. It had the effects of aromatizing, moistening, and dissolving the exterior, as well as strengthening the spleen and stomach. p-Cymene was an adjunctive medicine with a mild and pungent nature. It entered the lungs and kidneys and had the effects of aromatic purification, cough relief, and asthma relief. Eucalyptol was also an adjunctive medicine with a pungent and warm taste. It had the functions of aromatic purification, cough relief, phlegm reduction, and pain relief. The combination of the four medicines had the effects of aromatizing, moistening, detoxifying, and epidemic prevention, as well as relieving cough and asthma and strengthening the spleen and stomach. They were used to treat viral pneumonia caused by upper respiratory tract viral infections, with symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, wheezing, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, nausea, and vomiting. This study has laid a literature and theoretical foundation for further drug efficacy verification experiments, compatibility efficacy experiments, and subsequent product development and clinical applications, and it serves as an innovative practice that combines literature research, theoretical research, experimental research, and clinical practice to develop new products.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*
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Humans
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Pneumonia, Viral/virology*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Volatile Organic Compounds/pharmacology*
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Animals
9.Expert consensus on evaluation index system construction for new traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from TCM clinical practice in medical institutions.
Li LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Wei-An YUAN ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Jun-Hua ZHANG ; Bao-He WANG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Zu-Guang YE ; Ling HAN ; Yue-Hua ZHOU ; Zi-Feng YANG ; Rui GAO ; Ming YANG ; Ting WANG ; Jie-Lai XIA ; Shi-Shan YU ; Xiao-Hui FAN ; Hua HUA ; Jia HE ; Yin LU ; Zhong WANG ; Jin-Hui DOU ; Geng LI ; Yu DONG ; Hao YU ; Li-Ping QU ; Jian-Yuan TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3474-3482
Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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Humans
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Consensus
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Surveys and Questionnaires
10.Research progress on prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with traditional Chinese medicine based on gut microbiota.
Rui REN ; Xing YANG ; Ping-Ping REN ; Qian BI ; Bing-Zhao DU ; Qing-Yan ZHANG ; Xue-Han WANG ; Zhong-Qi JIANG ; Jin-Xiao LIANG ; Ming-Yi SHAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4190-4200
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, is characterized by high mortality and recurrence rates. Common treatments include hepatectomy, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, interventional therapy, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). While exhibiting specific advantages, these approaches are associated with varying degrees of adverse effects. To alleviate patients' suffering and burdens, it is crucial to explore additional treatments and elucidate the pathogenesis of HCC, laying a foundation for the development of new TCM-based drugs. With emerging research on gut microbiota, it has been revealed that microbiota plays a vital role in the development of HCC by influencing intestinal barrier function, microbial metabolites, and immune regulation. TCM, with its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, has been increasingly recognized as a vital therapeutic treatment for HCC, particularly in patients at intermediate or advanced stages, by prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Recent global studies demonstrate that TCM exerts anti-HCC effects by modulating gut microbiota, restoring intestinal barrier function, regulating microbial composition and its metabolites, suppressing inflammation, and enhancing immune responses, thereby inhibiting the malignant phenotype of HCC. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to the development and progression of HCC and highlight the regulatory effects of TCM, addressing the current gap in systematic understanding of the "TCM-gut microbiota-HCC" axis. The findings provide theoretical support for integrating TCM with western medicine in HCC treatment and promote the transition from basic research to precision clinical therapy through microbiota-targeted drug development and TCM-based interventions.
Humans
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology*
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Liver Neoplasms/microbiology*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Animals
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional

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