1.Mechanism of Dangui Shaoyaosan in Alleviating Inflammatory Responses in Diabetic Kidney Disease by Modulating Macrophage Polarization in Kidneys of db/db Mice
Luyu HOU ; Linlin ZHENG ; Wenjing SHI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Zhe LYU ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):1-10
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Danggui Shaoyaosan on macrophage polarization and renal inflammation in db/db mice with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and to explore its renal protective effects and underlying mechanisms. MethodsEight db/m mice were assigned to the normal group, and forty db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Danggui Shaoyaosan groups (8.39, 16.77, 33.54 g·kg-1), and an irbesartan group (0.025 g·kg-1). All mice were administered treatment by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. General conditions of the mice were observed during the intervention. At the end of the 12-week intervention, 24-h urine samples were collected using metabolic cages, after which the mice were anesthetized for sample collection. Blood was collected by enucleation and centrifuged to obtain serum for the determination of glycated serum protein (GSP), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was measured. Renal pathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to detect F4/80 expression in renal tissue, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess CD206 expression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to measure the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and arginase-1 (Arg-1). Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of iNOS, Arg-1, CD86, and CD206 in renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed increased levels of GSP, UACR, SCr, BUN, TC, and TG, elevated levels of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the chemokine MCP-1, and decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Pathological examination revealed glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial cell proliferation with marked mesangial expansion, inflammatory cell infiltration, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, prominent glycogen deposition, and increased collagen fiber deposition. In addition, relative F4/80 fluorescence intensity was enhanced, CD206 expression in the glomeruli and renal interstitium was reduced, and TNF-α and iNOS mRNA expression was increased. IL-10 and Arg-1 mRNA expression was decreased, iNOS and CD86 protein expression was increased, and Arg-1 and CD206 protein expression was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Danggui Shaoyaosan groups and the irbesartan group showed decreased levels of GSP, UACR, SCr, BUN, TC, and TG, reduced serum TNF-α and MCP-1 levels, and increased IL-10 levels. Renal pathological damage was improved to varying degrees. Relative F4/80 fluorescence intensity was reduced, CD206 expression in the glomeruli and renal interstitium was increased, and TNF-α and iNOS mRNA expression was decreased. IL-10 and Arg-1 mRNA expression was increased, iNOS and CD86 protein expression was reduced, and Arg-1 and CD206 protein expression was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan can improve renal function and alleviate renal pathological damage in db/db mice. Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting M1 pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization, promoting M2 anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization, reducing inflammatory responses, delaying the progression of renal fibrosis, improving renal pathological injury, and thereby exerting renal protective effects.
2.Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Glomerulosclerosis in db/db Mice via SIRT1/HIF-1α/VLDLr Signaling Pathway
Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Jing LI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Wen DONG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):11-18
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) in ameliorating renal injury in db/db mice. MethodsThirty 8-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF)-grade male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week. Urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were measured weekly in both db/db and db/m mice. Successful modeling was determined by significantly higher microalbuminuria in db/db mice compared to db/m mice and a fasting blood glucose ≥16.7 mmol·L-1. The 30 db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups: the model group, the irbesartan (IBN) group, and three DSS dose groups (low-, medium-, and high-dose DSS groups, administered at 16.77, 33.54, 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). Additionally, the six db/m mice served as the normal control group. The IBN group received irbesartan at 0.025 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage, while the three DSS groups received DSS at 16.77, 33.54, and 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage, respectively. The normal and model groups were administered with an equivalent volume of normal saline by gavage. All interventions lasted for 8 consecutive weeks. After intervention, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary total protein (UTP), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the treatments. Renal histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of silencing information regulator 1 (SIRT1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLr), and cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA levels of HIF-1α and VLDLr. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression and distribution of HIF-1α and Caspase-3. ResultsCompared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased SCr, BUN, UTP, TG, and LDL-C. HE staining revealed glomerulosclerosis, mesangial matrix hyperplasia, capillary loop distortion and thickening, with extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. Protein expression of SIRT1 and CD31 significantly decreased (P<0.05), while HIF-1α and VLDLr protein and mRNA levels increased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of HIF-1α and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), indicating hypoxia and apoptosis in renal cells. In all treatment groups, SCr, BUN, TG, and LDL-C were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05), and UTP was significantly improved in the medium-dose DSS group (P<0.05). Renal tissue structure and morphology were improved, inflammatory cells were reduced, and no vascular hyaline degeneration was observed. SIRT1 and CD31 protein expression was elevated to varying degrees compared to the model group (P<0.05), while HIF-1α and VLDLr protein and mRNA levels decreased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed reduced expression of HIF-1α and Caspase-3 in all treatment groups (P<0.05), with the most significant improvement observed in the IBN group and medium-dose DSS group (P<0.05). ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate glomerulosclerosis and lipid deposition in db/db mice, and its mechanism may involve the SIRT1/HIF-1α/VLDLr signaling pathway.
3.Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Inflammatory Response in Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on TLR4/p65/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Shilong GUO ; Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Xinai WANG ; Luyu HOU ; Wenjing SHI ; Mengyuan TIAN ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):19-27
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B p65/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NF-κB p65/NLRP3) signaling pathway in the renal tissues of db/db mice with spontaneous diabetes, and to explore the potential mechanism by which Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviates inflammation in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). MethodsThirty db/db mice were divided into five groups: A model group, Danggui Shaoyaosan low- (16.77 g·kg-1·d-1), medium- (33.54 g·kg-1·d-1), and high-dose (67.08 g·kg-1·d-1) intervention groups, as well as an irbesartan group (0.025 g·kg-1·d-1) by the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. Additionally, 6 db/m mice were assigned to the normal group. After 8 weeks of intervention, the following parameters were determined by corresponding methods: body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP), and serum creatinine (SCr) levels, renal histopathological analysis by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, the protein and mRNA expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) by Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), as well as TLR4, NF-κB p65, and NLRP3 protein expression in renal tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited increased body weight, FBG, 24 h-UTP, and SCr levels (P<0.05); disordered renal structure, thickened basement membrane, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 expression; as well as decreased IL-10 expression (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, these pathological changes and biochemical abnormalities were reversed in the medicine intervention groups to varying degrees (P<0.05). ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may delay DKD progression by alleviating renal inflammatory response and reducing urinary protein excretion via modulating the TLR4/NF-κB p65/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
4.Protective Effect and Potential Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan on Diabetic Kidney Disease in db/db Mice Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glomerular Endothelial Cells
Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Sen YANG ; Jing LI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Wen DONG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):28-35
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) on renal injury in db/db mice and its impact on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in renal tissues. MethodsThirty 8-week-old male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week, after which urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were monitored to establish a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) model. The model mice were randomly divided into a model group, an irbesartan group, and three DSS treatment groups with different doses (16.77, 33.54, and 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1). A normal group was set as control. Each group was intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs or saline for 8 weeks. After the intervention, general conditions were observed. Serum cystatin C (Cys-C), 24-hour urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), 24-hour urinary microalbumin (24 h-UMA), urinary creatinine (Ucr), and urea nitrogen (UUN) were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and ultrastructural changes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in glomerular endothelial cells. Western blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze renal tissue structure and the expression of GRP78, CHOP, and related markers. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the mice in the model group showed curled posture, sluggish response, poor fur condition, increased levels of Cys-C, 24 h-UTP, 24 h-UMA, and UUN (P<0.05), while Ucr decreased (P<0.05). The GBM was significantly thickened, with podocyte and foot process fusion. The protein expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and ATF6 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), the mRNA levels of GRP78 and CHOP increased (P<0.05), and immunohistochemistry showed an enhanced GRP78 signal (P<0.05). After treatment, the mice exhibited improved behavior, normalized GBM and podocyte structure, improved ER morphology and markedly better biochemical indicators. Western blot, Real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry indicated that the ERS-related markers were downregulated in the DSS treatment groups (P<0.05), suggesting alleviated ERS and improved renal function. ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate renal pathological damage in db/db mice, possibly by regulating ERS in glomerular endothelial cells, although the underlying signaling mechanisms require further investigation.
5.Clinical Experience of Professor CUI Yinglin in Treating Pediatric Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy Based on the Original Qi Theory
Yingge DING ; Shilong CHEN ; Shurui WANG ; Lihui WANG ; Qian CHEN ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1485-1490
This paper summarizes Professor CUI Yinglin's clinical experience in treating pediatric mitochondrial encephalomyopathy based on the original qi theory. It is proposed that original qi depletion is the core pathogenesis, and the fundamental therapeutic principle is consolidating the root and replenishing original qi. Clinically, the disease is classified into four syndrome types, including insufficiency of kidney essence, spleen qi depletion, liver-kidney yin deficiency, and original qi constraint and stagnation accompanied by phlegm-stasis obstructing the collaterals. Correspondingly, self-formulated Gujing Yiyuan Decoction (固精益元汤) can be used to tonify the kidney and replenish essence, reinforce and strengthen original qi. Modified Yiyuan Decoction (益元汤) is used to fortify the spleen and supplement qi, consolidate the root and replenish original qi. Modified Da Bu Yuan Decoction (大补元煎) is employed to nourish the liver and kidney, and replenish original qi. Self-formulated Huatan Quyu Formula (化痰祛瘀方) is used to supplement qi and activating blood, resolve phlegm and unblocking the collaterals. Medication is flexibly adjusted according to syndrome differentiation, with simultaneous attention to the functional balance of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs and the harmony of qi, blood, yin, and yang, which may provide useful guidance for the clinical treatment of pediatric mitochondrial encephalomyopathy.
6.Clinical Experience of Professor CUI Yinglin in Treating Pediatric Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy Based on the Original Qi Theory
Yingge DING ; Shilong CHEN ; Shurui WANG ; Lihui WANG ; Qian CHEN ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1485-1490
This paper summarizes Professor CUI Yinglin's clinical experience in treating pediatric mitochondrial encephalomyopathy based on the original qi theory. It is proposed that original qi depletion is the core pathogenesis, and the fundamental therapeutic principle is consolidating the root and replenishing original qi. Clinically, the disease is classified into four syndrome types, including insufficiency of kidney essence, spleen qi depletion, liver-kidney yin deficiency, and original qi constraint and stagnation accompanied by phlegm-stasis obstructing the collaterals. Correspondingly, self-formulated Gujing Yiyuan Decoction (固精益元汤) can be used to tonify the kidney and replenish essence, reinforce and strengthen original qi. Modified Yiyuan Decoction (益元汤) is used to fortify the spleen and supplement qi, consolidate the root and replenish original qi. Modified Da Bu Yuan Decoction (大补元煎) is employed to nourish the liver and kidney, and replenish original qi. Self-formulated Huatan Quyu Formula (化痰祛瘀方) is used to supplement qi and activating blood, resolve phlegm and unblocking the collaterals. Medication is flexibly adjusted according to syndrome differentiation, with simultaneous attention to the functional balance of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs and the harmony of qi, blood, yin, and yang, which may provide useful guidance for the clinical treatment of pediatric mitochondrial encephalomyopathy.
7.Fulminant type 1 diabetic ketoacidosis due to serplulimab
Xu DENG ; Yan DAI ; Tingting LI ; Yun GAO ; Tiantian DAI ; Mingqin GE ; Shilong WANG
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(7):440-442
A 57-year-old female patient with small cell lung cancer was treated with serplulimab (100 mg by intravenous infusion on the first day, 21 days as a cycle). After the 10th cycle of treatment, the patient suddenly presented drowsiness, shortness of breath, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and other symptoms. Laboratory tests showed fasting blood glucose 38.9 mmol/L, glycosylated hemoglobin 7.9%, serum C peptide 0.2 μg/L, pH value 7.05, anion gap 31 mmol/L, anti-islet cell antibody 36 kU/L, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody 131 kU/L, urine ketone body (+++). The patient was diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetic ketoacidosis, which was considered to be related to serplulimab. The drug was stopped, and insulin, rehydration, correction of acid-base imbalance, and other treatments were given. After 3 days, the patient′s consciousness returned to normal. After 12 days, her breathing was stable, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms were relieved. Laboratory tests showed random blood glucose 13.6 mmol/L, pH value 7.44, anion gap 6 mmol/L, and urine ketone body negative. After 26 days, her random blood glucose was controlled at 10.0-12.0 mmol/L.
8.The relationship between the triglyceride-glucose index and its modified index and colorectal cancer:A prospective cohort study
Yi LU ; Shilong DAI ; Mingjun WANG ; Jing ZHOU ; Junying HAO ; Chen ZHENG ; Xinbo XU ; Shan DING ; Qingsong ZHANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(15):2362-2371
Objective To investigate the association between the TyG index,its modified variants,and the risk of developing colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods This study included a total of 93,177 participants from the 2006 Kailuan Group health examination cohort.Participants were categorized into four quartiles(Q1-Q4)according to their TyG and modified TyG indices.Follow-up began at the baseline examination,with incident CRC as the primary outcome.Participants were censored at the time of CRC diagnosis,death,or the end of the study,whichever occurred first.The dose-response relationship between TyG and its modified indices and the risk of CRC was evalu-ated using restricted cubic splines(RCS)in conjunction with Cox proportional hazards regression models,yielding hazard ratios(HRs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs).To compare the strength of associations between TyG and its modified versions(TyG-BMI,TyG-WC,TyG-WHR,TyG-WHtR,TyG-WWI)and CRC risk,HRs for CRC per one standard deviation increase in each index were calculated and compared.Results Both the TyG index and its modified variants demonstrated a significant dose-response relationship with the risk of CRC incidence.Specifically,for the TyG index,each 1-standard deviation(SD)increase was associated with a 1.17-fold(95%CI:1.09~1.27)higher risk of CRC.Compared with the first quartile(Q1),the third quartile(Q3)and fourth quartile(Q4)exhibited a 1.25-fold(95%CI:1.01~1.55)and 1.26-fold(95%CI:1.01~1.57)increased risk,respectively.For TyG-BMI,each 1-SD increase was linked to a 1.20-fold(95%CI:1.07~1.35)elevated CRC risk.Compared with Q1,Q3 and Q4 showed a 1.32-fold(95%CI:1.06~1.64)and 1.51-fold(95%CI:1.21~1.88)increase,respectively.Regarding TyG-WC,each 1-SD increment was associated with a 1.22-fold(95%CI:1.13~1.32)higher CRC risk,with Q3 and Q4 showing a 1.35-fold(95%CI:1.08~1.70)and 1.56-fold(95%CI:1.24~1.96)increased risk compared to Q1.For TyG-WHtR,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.24-fold(95%CI:1.08-1.42)higher CRC risk.Compared with Q1,Q2,Q3,and Q4 demonstrated a 1.31-fold(95%CI:1.03~1.66),1.55-fold(95%CI:1.23~1.95),and 1.60-fold(95%CI:1.27~2.02)increase,respectively.In the case of TyG-WHR,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.19-fold(95%CI:1.10~1.29)higher CRC risk,with Q4 showing a 1.42-fold(95%CI:1.14~1.77)increased risk compared to Q1.Finally,for TyG-WWI,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.22-fold(95%CI:1.13~1.32)elevated CRC risk,with both Q3 and Q4 showing a 1.58-fold increase(Q3:95%CI:1.26~1.98;Q4:95%CI:1.25~1.99).Stratified analyses by sex and age consistently revealed significant associations between the TyG index and its modified variants and CRC risk.Furthermore,these indices were independently associated with the incidence of both colon cancer and rectal cancer.Conclusions(1)Elevated levels of the TyG index and its modified variants are independent risk factors for CRC.(2)Both the TyG index and its modified forms demonstrate a significant dose-response association with the incidence of CRC.(3)Among the modified TyG indices,TyG-WWI,TyG-WHtR,TyG-BMI,TyG-WC,and TyG-WHR showed stronger correlations with CRC risk compared to the original TyG index.
9.Establishment and validation of predictive model for postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic urological surgery
Baoli CHENG ; Yumeng FU ; Shuting YANG ; Yan WANG ; Dan XIA ; Shilong WEI ; Qianqian ZHAO ; Yongqian YUAN
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(9):1104-1109
Objective:To construct and validate a predictive model for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic urological surgery.Methods:This retrospective study included the medical records of 932 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic urological surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2020 to February 2022. The patients were divided into a training group ( n=559) and a validation group ( n=373) at a 6∶4 ratio. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for PPCs, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed based on these factors. The performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve, and the clinical benefit was assessed using the clinical decision curve analysis. Results:The independent risk factors for PPCs included advanced age (>60 yr), smoking history, respiratory tract infection within 1 month, preoperative low SpO 2 (<96%), and prolonged length of postoperative hospital stay ( P<0.05), and the body mass index (18.5-<28.0 kg/m 2) was a protective factor. The nomogram prediction model developed based on the aforementioned 6 influencing factors had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.76-0.86) in training group and 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.75-0.86) in validation group. The calibration curve indicated a good consistency between the predicted and actual occurrence curves, and the clinical decision curve analysis showed good accuracy and net benefit of the prediction model. Conclusions:The predictive model for PPCs is successfully constructed based on age, low body mass index, smoking history, history of respiratory tract infection within 1 month, preoperative low SpO 2 and prolonged length of postoperative hospital stay and has good predictive performance in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic urological surgery.
10.Progress in understanding TREM macrophage-mediated signaling pathways in myocardial infarction
Jing WANG ; He WANG ; Xia WANG ; Shilong LI ; Zhuo ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(10):101-111
Myocardial infarction is a cardiovascular disease with high rates of fatality.New targets are needed for the development of novel therapeutics that can protect heart function and prevent heart failure.Triggering receptor expressed myeloid cell(TREM)is an activating transmembrane receptor belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily.TREM-1 and TREM-2 are the most important TREM family members,and are predominantly expressed on the surface of myeloid cells.TREM-1 and TREM-2 have similar transmembrane glycostructures,but they play different roles in regulating inflammatory responses.TREM play an important role in the inflammatory response,myocardial remodeling,and myocardial cell regeneration after myocardial infarction.This review summarizes the functions,expression patterns,and ligand combinations of TREM-1 and TREM-2,and discusses the roles of their signaling pathways in myocardial infarction.New targets for the treatment of myocardial infarction are proposed.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail