1.Pathogenesis Evolution and Stage-based Treatment of Gout: An Exploration Based on Theory of ''Endogenous Dampness Leading to Bi Syndrome''
Yingjie ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Ruifang YANG ; Zhuoming ZHENG ; Siwei PENG ; Yan XIAO ; Peng CHEN ; Youxin SU ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):74-83
Gout is a crystal-associated arthropathy caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals and is closely related to purine metabolic disorders and impaired uric acid excretion. It is clinically characterized by hyperuricemia, recurrent joint swelling and pain, and tophus formation. The disease course is divided into three stages: The hyperuricemia stage, acute attack stage, and chronic gouty arthritis stage. Modern medicine has reached a consensus on its pathology, but traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) lacks a systematic stage-specific understanding of gout pathogenesis and its underlying mechanisms, making it difficult to guide precise syndrome differentiation and treatment. By integrating classical TCM theory, clinical practice, and modern medical understanding, and drawing upon descriptions of Bi syndrome caused by endogenous dampness and turbidity in classical texts such as Huangdi Neijing·Ling Shu and Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, our team proposes the pathogenic concept of gout as ''endogenous dampness leading to Bi syndrome'' and the core pathogenesis of ''spleen deficiency with internal retention of dampness-turbidity''. We systematically elucidate the evolution of pathogenesis across different stages and corresponding therapeutic strategies. This study posits that metabolic byproducts such as urate fall under the category of ''endogenous pathogenic dampness-turbidity''. When genetic or dietary factors lead to metabolic abnormalities, it manifests as ''spleen deficiency with impaired transport and transformation'', resulting in ''internal retention of pathogenic dampness-turbidity''. When damp-turbidity stagnates in the blood vessels, serum uric acid levels rise. When it stagnates in the viscera and limbs, monosodium urate crystals deposit in the joints. Triggered by precipitating factors, this leads to gout attacks—the core pathological process of ''endogenous dampness leading to Bi syndrome''. Based on this theory, the stage-specific pathogenic characteristics of gout are proposed: The hyperuricemia stage is characterized by ''spleen deficiency with impaired transport and transformation, internal retention of pathogenic dampness-turbidity'', the acute attack stage is primarily marked by ''dampness-turbidity and static heat obstructing the limbs and joints'', while the chronic stage is defined by ''spleen deficiency with internal retention of pathogenic dampness-turbidity, intermingled with phlegm-stasis binding''. The treatment principle centers on ''strengthening the spleen and draining dampness'' throughout all stages. During the hyperuricemia stage, treatment focuses on ''strengthening the spleen, draining dampness, and eliminating turbidity''. In the acute attack stage, the treatment should "strengthen the spleen, drain dampness, clear heat, eliminate turbidity, alleviate swelling, and relieve pain''. In the chronic stage, the treatments emphasizes to ''strengthen the spleen, drain dampness, transform turbidity, clear heat, resolve phlegm, and activate blood circulation''. This approach has yielded favorable therapeutic outcomes in clinical practice. This theoretical system clarifies the nature of gout as ''spleen deficiency being the root, dampness-turbidity being the secondary manifestation'' and systematically analyzes its pathogenesis evolution process and characteristics. The constructed stage-based treatment protocol has been validated through clinical and basic research, providing systematic theoretical guidance and a practical framework for the precise TCM management of gout, thereby promoting the modernization of TCM pathogenesis theory related to gout.
2.Effect and Action Mechanism of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi Prescription on Gouty Bone Erosion Model Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Zhuoming ZHENG ; Jun LIU ; Meiling WANG ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Yuwan LI ; Siwei PENG ; Yingjie ZHANG ; Ruifang YANG ; Youxin SU ; Yan XIAO ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):105-117
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the effect of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi prescription (HSCD) on the gouty bone erosion model rats and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsThirty-six two-month-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group with nine rats and the modeling group with 27 rats. The rats in the modeling group were administered hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg-1·d-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg-1·d-1, combined with intra-articular injection of 200 μL monosodium urate (MSU) crystal suspension at 25 g·L-1 into the right ankle joint (joint injection once every three days), so as to induce the gouty bone erosion model. After four weeks of modeling, three rats were selected from these two groups to validate the model. The modeled 24 rats were randomly divided into the model group, HSCD group (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1), allopurinol group (20 mg·kg-1·d-1), and inhibitor group (LY294002, 10 mg·kg-1·d-1), with six rats per group. Except for the blank group, rats in all other groups continued to receive hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg-1 via gavage concurrently with administration to maintain modeling intervention. The rats in the HSCD group and allopurinol group received administration by gavage at the above doses. The rats in the inhibitor group received an intraperitoneal injection at the above dose. The rats in the blank group and model group received saline (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage for four consecutive weeks. After administration, ankle joint swelling of the rats in all groups was observed, and the diameters were measured. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and bone surface area to bone volume (BS/BV) were observed and quantitatively analyzed by Micro-CT. Histopathological changes in the ankle joint were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and safranin O-fast green staining. The uric acid in the rats' serum was determined by enzyme colorimetry. The levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and phosphorylated (p)-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) in ankle joint tissues of rats were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA levels of the proteins related to the bone erosion, including RANKL, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
3.Discussion on "Five Views" Treatment Principles in Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Mingxing SU ; Junning LIU ; Ruifang YANG ; Zhuoming ZHENG ; Yan XIAO ; Peng CHEN ; Youxin SU ; Jiemei GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1125-1129
The key to the onset and progression of the functional impairments of orthopedic diseases is imba-lance of deficiency and excess, disharmony of movement and stillness, dislocation of sinews and bones, imbalance of rigidity and flexibility, and disharmony of body and spirit. Based on this, the "five views" treatment principle has been proposed for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) orthopedic rehabilitation, which include the view of balancing deficiency and excess, combining movement and stillness, focusing on both sinews and bones, integrating rigidity and flexibility, and harmonizing body and spirit. Correspondingly, the "five views" collaborative rehabilitation clinical model is established, providing a reference for enhancing the systematization and targeting of TCM orthopedic rehabilitation.
4.Effects and mechanisms of atomization on the transdermal delivery behavior of active ingredients with diverse properties
Yating CHEN ; Ruifang HAN ; Jing SHANG ; Xiang LI ; Bin CU ; Wenting SONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):332-340
This study systematically examined the effects of atomization as a transdermal permeation enhancer on the transdermal delivery of active ingredients with different physicochemical properties and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Porcine ear skin served as an in vitro model, and skin permeation experiments were conducted using Franz diffusion cells. Receptor fluids were collected at specific time points, and samples of the stratum corneum and viable epidermis–dermis were separated and prepared. Quantitative and visualization methods, including high-performance liquid chromatography, fluorescence derivatization, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, were used to compare skin retention and transdermal permeation of adenosine (AD), tranexamic acid (TXA), calcein (CAL), and tocopheryl acetate (TA) under atomized and non-atomized conditions. Additionally, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) were employed to analyze the mechanism behind the penetration enhancement caused by atomization. The findings showed that atomization increased skin retention within the stratum corneum and viable epidermis–dermis, as well as the transdermal permeation of all four active ingredients to varying degrees. The most significant enhancement was observed for TXA, which has a relatively low molecular weight and moderate lipophilicity, while the enhancement effects for highly hydrophilic AD and highly lipophilic TA were comparatively limited; however, atomization significantly increased the skin retention of TA. TEWL results indicated that skin permeability increased within 4 hours after atomization and largely recovered within 8 hours. ATR-FTIR analysis suggested that atomization may facilitate transdermal delivery by disrupting the lipid order and keratin conformation in the stratum corneum.This study provides theoretical support and experimental references for the advancement of atomization transdermal delivery technology, as well as the design and development of related atomization products.
5.Efficacy and Safety of Qihuang Acupuncture Theory Combined with Opioid Analgesics in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Cancer Pain in Lung Cancer Patients:a Randomize-Controlled Trial
Yingqi WANG ; Ruifang YU ; Jinpeng HUANG ; Guiya LIAO ; Ziyan GAN ; Zhenhu CHEN ; Xiaobing YANG ; Chunzhi TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):358-366
ObjectiveTo observe the analgesic efficacy and safety of Qihuang acupuncture theory combined with opioid analgesics in patients with moderate to severe cancer pain due to lung cancer. MethodsPatients with moderate to severe cancer pain from lung cancer were randomly divided into Qihuang acupuncture group and control group, with 33 cases in each group. The control group was treated with long-acting opioid analgesics at maintenance doses and supplementary analgesic medications as needed. In case of breakthrough pain, short-acting opioids were used for rescue. The Qihuang acupuncture group received Qihuang acupuncture treatment in addition to the treatment used in the control group, administered once every other day, with 3 sessions constituting one treatment course. The treatment duration for both groups was 5 days. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity, measured using the numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after treatment, and the NRS change rate was calculated. Secondary endpoints included the daily NRS change rate, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) score, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) score, and the 24-hour equivalent hydrocodone sustained-release tablet dose. Laboratory tests, including routine blood, urine, stool, liver function, and kidney function, were performed before and after treatment. Adverse events were recorded throughout the trial. ResultsAll patients completed the trial, and both groups showed a decrease in average NRS scores and PS scores after treatment, with the Qihuang acupuncture group showing lower average NRS scores and PS scores than the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After treatment, the NRS change rate in the Qihuang acupuncture group was (0.42±0.17), significantly higher than that in the control group (0.14±0.27, P<0.01). The daily NRS change rate during treatment was also higher in the Qihuang acupuncture group compared to the control group (P<0.01). The Qihuang acupuncture group showed an increase in overall health status and functional scores in the EORTC QLQ-C30, and a decrease in symptom scores for fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, and financial difficulties. In contrast, overall health status and constipation scores in the control group increased, while scores of fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, and appetite loss decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After treatment, the 24-hour equivalent hydrocodone sustained-release tablet dose did not show significant difference in the Qihuang acupuncture group (P>0.05), while the control group showed a significant increase in the 24-hour dose (P<0.01). No significant abnormalities were observed in laboratory tests before and after treatment in either group. During the study, the incidence of nausea and vomiting as well as constipation in the Qihuang acupuncture group was both 3.03% (1/33), while the incidence in the control group was 27.27% (9/33) and 36.36% (12/33), respectively, with the Qihuang acupuncture group showing significantly lower incidence (P<0.01). No serious adverse reactions were observed in either group. ConclusionQihuang acupuncture therapy combined with opioid analgesics is more effective than using opioids alone in relieving pain in patients with moderate to severe cancer pain due to lung cancer. It can improve the patients' physical condition and quality of life, reduce the dose of opioid analgesics, and has good safety.
6.Exercise can improve the memory capacity of rats modeling vascular cognitive impairment by activating the Sema3G/Nrp2/PlexinA4 signaling pathway
Fansi GAO ; Yadan LIU ; Jianping HUANG ; Minghong SUI ; Yan LIU ; Ruifang SUN ; Peize CHEN ; Yun XIANG ; Guanglin LI ; Juntao DONG
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(8):679-686
Objective:To explore the effect of exercise on the memory of rats modeling vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and also its effects on the hippocampal Sema3G/neuropilin-2 (Nrp2)/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.Methods:Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group, a model group, and an exercise group, each of 6. The model and exercise groups underwent VCI modeling via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, while the sham-operated group received the same surgical procedure without vessel ligation or transection. Beginning forty-eight hours after the surgery, the exercise group carried out daily 30-minute treadmill training sessions, 5 days a week, for a total of 4 weeks, while the other two groups were placed on the same treadmill with it not in operation. After the intervention, cognitive functioning was assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) test and a Y-maze test. Western blotting was employed to evaluate the expression of Sema3G, Nrp2, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the distribution of Nrp2 and PlexinA4 in the hippocampus.Results:Compared with the model group, the exercise group exhibited significantly higher NOR indices during both the short-term and long-term memory testing phases after the intervention. Those rats also tended to have significantly longer total exploration times in the novel arm of the Y-maze test. The western blotting revealed that the expression levels of Sema3G, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus were significantly higher in the exercise group compared to the model group, on average. Immunofluorescence showed significantly increased PlexinA4 fluorescence intensity in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus, and significantly elevated Nrp2 fluorescence intensity in the CA3 region in the exercise group compared to the model group. The Pearson correlation coefficients for Nrp2/PlexinA4 co-localization in the CA1, CA3 and DG regions were significantly higher in the exercise group than in the model group.Conclusions:Exercise training significantly improves memory function in rats with VCI, and this effect may be associated with activation of the hippocampal Sema3G/Nrp2/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.
7.Effect of dapagliflozin on non-dipper blood pressure in patients with diabetic kidney disease
Di NIU ; Ruifang CHEN ; Xinxin PANG ; Chaoyang DU ; Yuan YUAN ; Yanan WANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(9):1187-1194
Objective:To investigate the effect of dapagliflozin on non-dipper blood pressure in patients with diabetic kidney disease(DKD).Methods:A total of 104 patients with DKD treated in the Department of Nephrology of Henan Provincial Hospital of Tradi-tional Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to January 2024 were selected as the study subjects.The patients were divided into a dapa-gliflozin group and a control group by the random number table method,with 52 patients in each group.The control group was given conventional Western medicine treatment,and the dapagliflozin group was additionally given dapagliflozin(10 mg/dose,once a day)on the basis of the treatment in the control group.Both groups re-ceived continuous treatment for 12 weeks.The following indicators and the incidence of adverse reactions after treatment were com-pared between the two groups,including blood glucose indicators[fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2 h PBG),and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)],renal function markers[serum cystatin C(CysC),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),se-rum creatinine(Scr),estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio(UACR)],24-h ambulatory blood pressure,proportion of non-dipper blood pressure and reversal rate of dipper blood pressure,blood electrolytes[potassium(K),sodium,chlorine,calcium,magnesium,and phosphorus],serum uric acid(SUA),and urine electrolytes[urine potassium,urine sodium(UNa),urine chlorine,urine calcium,urine magnesium(UMg),and urine phosphorus].Results:The FPG,2 h PBG,HbA1c,CysC,BUN,Scr,UACR,mean 24 h systolic blood pressure(24 h SBP),mean daytime systolic blood pressure,and mean nighttime diastolic blood pressure were decreased and the eGFR was elevated in both groups after treatment.The mean nighttime systolic blood pressure(nSBP),K,and SUA were decreased and the UNa and UMg were increased in the dapagliflozin group after treatment(P<0.05).Com-pared with the control group,the dapagliflozin group experienced decreases in CysC,BUN,Scr,UACR,24 h SBP,nSBP,K,and SUA and increases in eGFR,UNa,and UMg after treatment(P<0.05).The proportion of non-dipper blood pressure after treatment in the dapagliflozin group was lower than that in the control group and before treatment,and the reversal rate of dipper blood pressure was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).During treatment,the incidence rates of adverse reactions was 3.85%in the dapa-gliflozin group and 5.77%in the control group(P=1.000).Conclusion:Dapagliflozin improves the renal function,decreases the noctur-nal blood pressure,and increases the reversal rate of dipper blood pressure in patients with DKD.Dapagliflozin promotes UNa excre-tion and decreases the SUA level,which may be the potential mechanism of reversing non-dipper blood pressure.
8.Research progress in the experiments about treatment for kidney diseases with Diaphragma Juglandis Fructus extract
Junshao ZHANG ; Mingzhi XIAO ; Xinxin PANG ; Di NIU ; Ruifang CHEN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(10):1489-1492,F4
In the study of kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury, rhabdomyolysis induced kidney injury, hyperuricemia induced kidney injury and other diseases, Diaphragma Juglandis Fructus extract has shown various pharmacological effects such as lowering uric acid, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, sedative and sedative effects. It can improve kidney function by reducing inflammatory response, inhibiting oxidative stress, regulating related enzyme activity and other mechanisms. At the same time, Diaphragma Juglandis Fructus extract also has hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects, which can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibit inflammatory reaction, and reduce oxidative stress. It has potential application prospects in the treatment of diabetes nephropathy. At present, current research is mostly focused on animal and cellular experiment levels. Although certain achievements have been made, further clinical research is still needed to clarify its effectiveness and safety in the human body, and to further explore the active components to promote its application in the treatment of kidney diseases in clinical practice.
9.Construction of Core Outcome Set for Clinical Research on Uyghur Medicine in Treating Psoriasis
Ruifang YU ; Abuduwaiti JULAITI ; Shaonan LIU ; Genghang CHEN ; Qian HUANG ; Wufuer ZAITUGULI ; Upur TURSON ; Zhijian LI ; Xinfeng GUO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(6):1334-1339
Objective To construct the core outcome set(COS)for clinical research on Uyghur medicine in treating psoriasis by using internationally-recognized research methods,thus to aid the researchers in choosing the standardized outcomes and to enhance the quality of evidence from research findings.Methods A systematic retrieval of Chinese and English databases was conducted to collect outcomes from clinical studies,systematic reviews,and registered protocols of Uyghur medicine for treating psoriasis.An outcome pool was constructed based on the results of literature review.The outcomes were supplemented after qualitative surveys of patients and physicians,and then an initial list of outcomes was formed.Two rounds of Delphi surveys on the initial list were conducted for obtaining Likert scale ratings from different stakeholder groups to evaluate the importance of outcomes.After that,a consensus meeting was held to finalize the COS for clinical research on Uyghur medicine in treating psoriasis.Results The COS for clinical research on Uyghur medicine in treating psoriasis comprises six domains,totaling 14 outcomes.The 14 outcomes were psoriasis symptoms(psoriasis area and area severity index),skin manifestations(erythema,scaling,infiltration,etc.),investigator global assessment,patient global assessment,treatment satisfaction,health-related quality of life,recurrence rate,adverse events,drug adverse reactions,blood routine,urine routine,liver and kidney function,Uyghur medicine symptom assessment,and fluid changes.Conclusion The COS for clinical research on Uyghur medicine in treating psoriasis has been constructed,and will provide a reference for the selection of efficacy-evaluation outcomes and for the reporting of outcomes in related studies.
10.Research progress on the pharmacological mechanism of Rehmannia glutinosa in diabetic kidney disease
Di NIU ; Ruifang CHEN ; Xinmeng HUANG ; Changchang LI ; Hansong ZHOU ; Xinxin PANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(23):2995-3000
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common and harmful microvascular complications of diabetes, and there is currently a lack of effective treatment methods to delay its progression. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of treating DKD and offers unique advantages. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Rehmannia glutinosa has shown potential in the treatment of DKD in clinical and modern pharmacological research. After integrating relevant research on the pharmacological mechanism of R. glutinosa in treating DKD, it has been found that the main active components of R. glutinosa, such as catalpol, rehmannioside D, aucubin, verbascoside, salidroside, echinacoside and R. glutinosa polysaccharides, along with its extracts and compounds (such as Liuwei dihuang pills, Shenqi dihuang decoction, and Shenqi pills), can exert multiple effects by intervening in various signaling pathways, including advanced glycation end product (AGE)/receptor for AGE, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF- κB), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads. These effects include ameliorating metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in DKD, inhibiting the processes of renal inflammation and fibrosis, regulating cell death modalities including apoptosis and ferroptosis, as well as autophagy, and reshaping the gut microbiota. Consequently, it can improve physical and chemical indices and renal tissue pathological damage, thus delaying the progression of DKD.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail