1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.Association between insulin resistance and cardiovascular metabolic indicators in middle-aged adults
Rui TIAN ; Jie ZHANG ; Ting ZHENG ; Aixia ZHANG ; Xing LIU ; Hao KANG ; Qingfang DENG ; Sufang WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1305-1310
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular metabolic indicators, including blood pressure, blood lipids, and serum uric acid, in a middle-aged population. MethodsBased on the baseline survey of the Hong Sifang cohort of China National Salt Industry Group, a total of 575 participants were included. According to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, the participants were divided into an IR group (n=116) and a non-IR group (n=459). Differences between the two groups were compared using the t-test and chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between IR and abnormalities in metabolic indicators. ResultsA total of 575 participants were included, including 390 men and 185 women, with a mean age of (48.58 ± 5.14) years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of (24.16 ± 2.97) kg/m². Blood pressure, serum uric acid, and blood lipid levels were significantly higher in the IR group than in the non-IR group (P<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, and BMI, IR was independently associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia, with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 2.57 (1.61-4.09), 3.81 (2.36-6.17), and 2.68 (1.53-4.71), respectively (all P<0.001). ConclusionInsulin resistance is significantly associated with multiple cardiovascular metabolic risk factors in the middle-aged population. Monitoring IR may contribute to the early prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases.
3.Comparison of efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children: a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Xing XIAO ; Shan WANG ; Huan YANG ; Hong SHU ; Yanping GUO ; Jinping CHEN ; Yao LU ; Qinfeng LI ; Yuan LIANG ; Mutong ZHAO ; Xiaoyan LUO ; Limin MIAO ; Rui XU ; Xuemei LI ; Sha LAI ; Jianhong LI ; Zhen LUO ; Lu YU ; Lu XING ; Meitan WANG ; Xiaoli LI ; Haitao XU ; Ping LI ; Hua WANG ; Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(5):425-430
Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years or older.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 120 pediatric patients aged 2 - 17 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were enrolled from departments of dermatology of 8 hospitals in China between March 2022 and February 2023. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the crisaborole group and the pimecrolimus group, and received the treatment with crisaborole ointment 2% and pimecrolimus cream 1% respectively, twice a day for 4 weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline/on day 1, as well as on days 8, 15, and 29. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) success (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale, combined with ≥ 2‐grade improvement from baseline) on day 29. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total scores from baseline to day 29, percentages of patients achieving ISGA improvement (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale), as well as changes in the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) /Infants' Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI) /Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores, and in the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) scores. Drug safety was evaluated according to the incidence of adverse events. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Since measurement data did not follow a normal distribution, the rank sum test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups.Results:A total of 106 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were included in the per-protocol analysis set, with 52 in the crisaborole group (26 males and 26 females) and 54 in the pimecrolimus group (27 males and 27 females). There were no significant differences in age, disease duration, ISGA and EASI scores at baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). On day 29, 22 patients (42.31%) in the crisaborole group and 25 (46.30%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA success, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.68) ; 35 patients (67.31%) in the crisaborole group and 45 (83.33%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA improvement, also with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.68, P = 0.06) ; additionally, there were no significant differences in the EASI, pruritus NRS, DLQI/IDLQI/CDLQI, or DFI scores between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Adverse reactions to the two topical agents were mainly local reactions such as mild to moderate pain, itching, or worsening of itching, and no obvious systemic adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was 46.15% (24 cases) in the crisaborole group and 37.04% (20 cases) in the pimecrolimus group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.34) . Conclusion:The efficacy of crisaborole ointment 2% was comparable to that of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged ≥ 2 years, and it yielded early and rapid improvement in the quality of life of patients and their families, with good safety and tolerability profiles.
4.Expert consensus on pre-hospital emergency management of heatstroke(2024 edition)
Tao WANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Meng WANG ; Hai-Yan ZHU ; Chen LI ; Yu-Jian CHEN ; Qin-Rui XING ; Qing SONG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(3):245-253
Heatstroke,especially in high-temperature and high-humidity environments,is a life-threatening acute heat-injury disease that seriously endangers human health.Timely and effective on-site treatment is crucial for patients'survival and prognosis.Early recognition,rapid assessment,and on-site cooling are the core of pre-hospital treatment of heatstroke.Currently,there is a lack of standardized application procedures for pre-hospital emergency care of heatstroke.Therefore,the"Expert Consensus on Pre-hospital Emergency Management of Heatstroke(2024 edition)"was initiated by the Expert Group on Heatstroke Prevention of the People's Liberation Army and developed in collaboration with experts from local pre-hospital emergency care,emergency departments,and intensive care units.This consensus focuses on heatstroke prevention,on-site and ambulance-based treatment,and early emergency room interventions,and puts forward 10 evidence-based recommendations,aiming to provide a reference for scientific and standardized pre-hospital emergency care of heatstroke.
5.Protective effect of Tilianin on septicemia-induced myocardial injury in rat based on TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Jian-xin HAO ; Yong-xin ZHANG ; Yue WANG ; Lei XU ; Rui-fang ZHENG ; Jian-guo XING
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1135-1141
Aim To investigate the protective effects of Tilianin on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced septice-mia-induced myocardial injury in rats and to explore the related mechanisms.Methods Animals were ran-domly grouped and a rat septicemia-induced myocardial injury model was constructed.Echocardiography was used to assess the cardiac function of rats,left ventricu-lar internal diameter at end-diastole(LVIDd)and left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole(LVIDs)were measured,and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS)were calculated;the kits were used to detect the serum activity of the relevant cardiac enzymes and the level of inflammatory factors;HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of myocardium;immunofluorescence staining of cardiac tissues was used to detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65;Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR4,MyD88,p-NF-κB p65,and NLRP3 proteins in cardiac tissues.Results Compared with the model group,each administration group differently upregulated LVEF,LVFS,and LVIDs,and improved the coordina-tion of LV wall fluctuations in the model group of rats;cardiac enzymes LDH and CK-MB levels increased,and levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1 β were reduced,exerting cardioprotective effects;HE staining showed that myocardial tissue cell gap was re-duced,myocardial fiber breakage was reduced,cardio-myocyte arrangement tended to be normal,and inflam-matory cell infiltration was reduced;NF-κB p65 entry into the nucleus was reduced,and phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)expression was reduced;and Western blot results showed that the expression of TLR4,MyD88,and NLRP3 proteins was reduced.Conclusions Tilianin pretreatment reduces serum my-ocardial enzymes and inflammatory factors and im-proves myocardial injury in rats with septicemia-in-duced myocardial injury,which may be related to the Tilianin anti-TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory signa-ling pathway.
6.Literature Study on the Evolution of TCM Syndrome Characteristics of Chronic Heart Failure From 1973 to 2023
Chidao ZHANG ; Yongxia WANG ; Mingjun ZHU ; Zuoying XING ; Boyong QIU ; Xinlu WANG ; Rui YU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):121-131
Objective To excavate the TCM syndrome of chronic heart failure from 1973 to 2023 and summarize the evolution of the characteristics of medical syndrome.Methods The relevant literature on clinical research on TCM syndromes in three databases including CNKI from January 1,1973 to October 1,2023 was searched,and SPSS 21.0 and Rstudio software were used to conduct descriptive statistical analysis,association rule analysis,and cluster analysis on the distribution characteristics of TCM syndrome types and pattern elements in the final literature.Results A total of 218 literatures,including 41604 patients,covering 29 provinces,municipalities and autonomous regions across the country,were included,of which 179 articles explicitly reported the TCM composite syndrome type,including 31123 patients.A total of 71996 pattern elements were extracted,and the common elements included qi deficiency,blood stasis,phlegm turbidity,etc.The main location of the disease include heart,liver,spleen,etc.The characteristics of TCM syndromes in different regions and different periods show certain evolution rules,from 1973 to 2023,the proportion of qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern and phlegm and stasis mutual obstruction pattern showed an upward trend.The proportion of simple false evidence increased from 1994 to 2003 compared with 1973 to 1993,but decreased from 2004 to 2023,and was lower than that from 1973 to 1993.The proportion of yang deficiency water pan syndrome showed a downward trend;The evolution of syndromes in different regions has changed from deficiency to deficiency and real mixed syndrome,for example,North China,which has the highest proportion,has changed from cardiopulmonary qi deficiency to qi deficiency and blood stasis.In recent years,the proportion of heart,liver and spleen in the chronic heart failure syndrome pattern showed an overall upward trend,the proportion of the syndrome elements of the deficiency syndrome showed a downward trend,and the proportion of the syndrome elements of the standard disease syndrome showed an upward trend.Conclusion The characteristics of chronic heart failure syndrome are always the evidence of deficiency and reality,with"deficiency and qi retention"as the core pathogenesis,and the main disease sites are the heart,liver,and spleen,and the pattern elements composed of qi deficiency,phlegm turbidity,blood stasis,and water drinking gradually occupy a dominant position,and the TCM pattern type of chronic heart failure may show a trend of"deficiency of phlegm and stasis"in the future.
7.Effects of Radix Angelica sinensis and Radix Hedysari ultrafiltration on ionizing radiation-induced damage in RAW264.7 Macrophages and the mechanisms
Ling-yun WANG ; Rui WANG ; Hua-qing XI ; Guo-ci LU ; Xing XU ; Kai LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1700-1711
Aim To investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of Radix Angelica sinensis and Radix Hedysari ultrafiltrate(RAS-RH)on X-ray-induced cellular damage in Raw264.7 macrophages.Methods An integrated approach combining network pharmacology,molecular docking,and bioinformatics a-nalysis was employed to predict therapeutic targets and signaling pathways of RAS-RH in coronary heart dis-ease(CHD).Subsequent in vitro validation was per-formed using an X-ray(6 Gy)-induced macrophage in-jury model with four experimental groups:control,radi-ation-only model,and three RAS-RH-treated groups at varying concentrations.Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining,mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 fluorescence,and inflammatory cytokine levels(IL-1 β,IL-6,IL-18,TNF-α)by ELISA.Molecular mechanisms were investigated through Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 sig-naling pathway components and Bcl-2 family proteins.Results Network pharmacology revealed RAS-RH's multi-target action on apoptosis and inflammation-relat-ed pathways,particularly NF-κB and Bcl-2 signaling.Molecular docking identified strong binding affinities between RAS-RH components and TLR4/NLRP3 pro-teins.In vitro studies demonstrated that RAS-RH treat-ment significantly improved cell viability(P<0.01),reduced apoptosis(P<0.01),restored mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05),and attenuated radia-tion-induced ultrastructural damage including mem-brane disruption and cytoplasmic vacuolization.ELISA showed marked suppression of pro-inflammatory cyto-kines(P<0.01).Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)analysis revealed that RSA-RH ameliorated pyroptosis-associated ultrastructural alterations,inclu-ding plasma membrane disruption and cytoplasmic vac-uolization.Protein and gene expression analyses con-firmed downregulation of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and modulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratio.Conclu-sion RAS-RH exerts radioprotective effects through dual regulation of pyroptosis and apoptosis pathways,suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for radia-tion-induced cardiovascular complications in CHD pa-tients.
8.Clinical Observation of Duntu Lishui Staged Acupuncture Improves Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Spleen-kidney Deficiency and Correlation with Serum Inflammatory Factors
Yang CHEN ; Liwei XING ; Rui ZHAO ; Xaiojuan ZHANG ; Jing WANG ; Xiaoyan XIA ; Rong ZHAO
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):227-234
Objective To confirm the clinical effectiveness of Duntu Lishui stage acupuncture on polycystic ovary syndrome insulin resistance(PCOS-IR),and to examine the relationship between changes in inflammatory factor levels and improvements in PCOS-IR clinical indicators.Methods 70 individuals with PCOS-IR were randomly assigned to one of two groups:metformin(control)or Duntu Lishui stage acupuncture(Guan Yuan,Zhong Ji,San Yinjiao,Zu Sanli,Feng Long were selected every other day)combined with metformin(acupuncture).35 individuals for each group.TCM symptom scores and sign scores(hirsutism)were collected before and after therapy for a period of three months.Sex hormones,blood lipids,fasting blood glucose,fasting insulin,and serum levels of inflammatory factors IL1β and IL18 were all measured.Results The effective rate of the control group was 48.57%,and the effective rate of the acupuncture group was 94.29%,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.01).Compared within the group before and after treatment,the scores of TCM symptoms,signs,FPG,FINS,and HOMA-IR,TG,LDL-C,LH,LH/FSH,T,PRL,IL18 and IL1β all decreased,while the levels of E2 and P increased,with statistical difference(P<0.05);comparison between groups,acne score,Acanthus nigricans score,FINS,HOMA-IR,TG,LDL-C,LH,LH/FSH,T,IL18 and IL1β decreased,while HDL-C and FSH levels increased,with statistical difference(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis revealed that changes in IL1β and IL18 levels prior to and after therapy were significantly positively linked with changes in BMI,LH,T,FINS,HOMA-IR,and TG(R value>0.40,P<0.05).Conclusion Duntu Lishui acupuncture combined with metformin can considerably improve glucose and lipid metabolism,reduce insulin resistance,and control sex hormone levels in patients with PCOS-IR,and the therapeutic impact is superior to that of Western treatment alone.According to Pearson correlation research,inflammatory variables may be a significant target for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture and moxibustion.
9.A cross-sectional study on knowledge, treatment needs, and optimization of chronic disease management pathways regarding biologics in patients with psoriasis
Fan WANG ; Xiaoyi XING ; Rui WANG ; Huan LIU ; Qian LIU ; Chen YU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(11):1059-1063
Objective:To explore the cognitive characteristics, influencing factors, and treatment needs regarding biologic agents among patients with psoriasis.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with psoriasis attending the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University were selected from October to December 2022, and from June to December 2023. A self-designed electronic questionnaire was used for investigation, covering demographic characteristics, psoriasis history (disease types, disease duration, previous treatments, etc.), biologics knowledge (sources of awareness, core cognitive dimensions), and treatment needs.Results:The valid questionnaire response rate reached 93.2% (439/471). The ages of enrolled patients were 35.95 ± 12.57 years, and the disease duration was 7.90 ± 3.26 years. Psoriasis vulgaris was the predominant type (363 cases, 82.69%). The overall awareness rate of biologics slightly increased from 68.62% (105/153) in 2022 to 72.38% (207/286) in 2023 ( P > 0.05). Primary information sources included new media (WeChat/internet) platforms (168 cases, 53.84%) and peer-to-peer sharing (115 cases, 36.86%), while physician counseling merely accounted for 9.29% (29 cases) ( P < 0.001). Insufficient knowledge of biologics was manifested primarily as poor awareness of comorbidities (47.60%, 209/439) and treatment monitoring protocols (22.32%, 98/439). Core concerns regarding biologic therapy included safety (73.34%, 322/439), economic burden (65.14%, 286/439), and long-term efficacy (63.55%, 279/439) ; 60.13% (264/439) of the patients expected rapid improvement of skin symptoms. As for treatment modalities, 90.20% (396/439) of the patients preferred regimens with extended dosing intervals. Conclusions:The patients with psoriasis demonstrated an imbalance in their cognitive structure regarding biologic agents. Their treatment needs exhibited multidimensional characteristics, emphasizing not only rapid clearance of skin lesions but also greater importance of treatment safety and cost-effectiveness.
10.Laparoscopic surgery for kidney grade Ⅳ rupture combined with renal vein thrombosis and liver rupture: a case report
Rui ZHAO ; Ruijian LIU ; Zhiqiang XING ; Wei YAN ; Hongwei WANG ; Ruidong ZHANG ; Lulin MA
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(2):143-144
A 34-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital on October 6, 2023 due to fall from a high place. Physical examination showed blood pressure 96/53 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), heart rate of 105 beats/min, slight bulge in the right kidney area, and positive percussion pain in the right kidney area. CT examination showed complete rupture of the lower pole of the right kidney, thrombosis of the right renal vein, and contusion and laceration of the right posterior lobe of the liver. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma renal injury classification, he was diagnosed as grade Ⅳ renal rupture. After blood transfusion and fluid infusion, vital signs were stable. Laparoscopic nephrectomy plus renal vein thrombectomy plus liver rupture repair were performed. The operation took 90 minutes, and about 300 ml of blood clots and fresh blood were aspirated during the operation. The patient's vital signs were stable after the operation, and he could get out of bed 3 days after the operation. CT reexamination 1 month after the operation showed right kidney resected and the liver healed well. This operation is feasible if the patient's vital signs are stable, with the advantages of small surgical incision, short operation time, less bleeding, fast postoperative recovery and good surgical effect.

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