1.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
2.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
3.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
4.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
5.Mechanism of QingRe HuoXuo Formula against NSCLC based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Bin-bin LI ; Jing-tao ZHANG ; Xue LI ; Yi-yang JIANG ; Shuang SONG ; Xiang-dong XU ; Fei XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1542-1552
Aim To explore the material basis and un-derlying mechanism of Qingre Huoxue Formula(QRHXF)in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)by applying network pharmacology,molecular docking technology and bioinformatics com-bined with animal experiments.Methods TCMSP,ECTM,and BATMAN databases were used to obtain active components and corresponding targets of QRHXF;GEO and DisGeNENT databases were con-ducted to acquire NSCLC-associated differential expres-sion genes.By intersecting them,the common targets were obtained.It was chosen to construct a herb-com-ponent-disease network and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network.Furthermore,DAVID database was used to perform gene ontology(GO)function and Kyo-to encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)path-way enrichment analyses.The molecular docking was presented by adopting Autodock Vina program to verify key targets.RNA-seq datawere downloaded from TC-GA database to obtain differential gene expression.Ka-planMeier(KM)analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between gene expression and overall sur-vival.Mouse subcutaneous tumor model of LLC was established.The effects of QRHXF on body weight,tumor volume and weight were monitored for pharmaco-dynamic analysis.Tumor tissues slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)for histopathological examination.Immunohistochemistry(IHC)staining was employed for detecting Ki67 and EP300.Western blot was performed to measure the protein expression of TP53,CDK1 and NTRK1.Results The results of net-work pharmacology showed that a total of seven com-mon targets were screened from NSCLC and QRHXF,and the effect of QRHXF on anti-NSCLC may occur via multiple signaling pathways,including cell cycle.The results of molecular docking indicated that the main ac-tive components of QRHXF had low binding energy and stable docking conformation with the molecular target for treating NSCLC.According to bioinformatic analy-sis,there were significant differences in BRCA1,CDK1 and NTRK1 mRNA expression between tumor tissues and normal tissues,which were also prognostic factors for overall survival.Animal experimental research showed QRHXF inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth(P<0.01)and improved the quality of life in mice with NSCLC.After QRHXF intervention,the density of tumor cells was significantly reduced,and necrotic are-as were increased.The expressions of Ki67 and EP300 were significantly decreased.Compared with the model group,Western blot showed up-regulation of TP53 and NTRKA(P<0.05),whereas CDK1 were down-regu-lated(P<0.05).Conclusion QRHXF exerted anti-NSCLC effects by regulating NTRK1,EP300,TP53,CDK1 and inducing cell cycle,cell cycle arrest and in-hibiting tumor growth,metastasis and angiogenesis.
6.Effects of Changpu Yujin Decoction on mitophagy and PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway in a rat model of Tourette syndrome
Shuang HUANG ; Ya-li YAN ; Hao MEI ; Jing-xi YAO ; Fu-chun XUE ; Jing SHANG ; Yan TANG ; Zheng-gang SHI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3225-3232
AIM To investigate the effects of Changpu Yujin Decoction(CPYJD)on striatal mitophagy and PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS).METHODS Thirty-six SPF male SD rats were randomly assigned to the control group(n=9)and the TS modeling group(n=27).Rats in the modeling group received daily intraperitoneal injections of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile(IDPN)(300 mg/kg)for 7 consecutive days to establish the TS model.Post-modeling,successfully induced TS rats were re-randomized into model group(no treatment),tiapride group(47.91 mg/kg)and CPYJD group(77.28 g/kg).All groups received their respective interventions via intragastric administration daily for 28 days.Following drug administration,behavioral scores were assessed in each group.Pathological alterations in the striatum were examined using HE staining,while ultrastructural changes were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Neuronal apoptosis was quantified via TUNEL staining,and ROS levels in striatum were measured by ELISA.Co-localization of PINK1 and LC3B was assessed using immunofluorescence(IF).Finally,mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin-1,P62 and LC3B(LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio)were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group demonstrated significantly increased behavioral scores(P<0.01),elevated neuronal apoptosis rate and higher ROS levels in the striatum(P<0.01);severe neuronal and mitochondrial damage in the striatum;significantly reduced mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin-1 and LC3B(LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio)in the striatum(P<0.01);markedly upregulated P62 mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,both the tiapride and CPYJD intervention groups exhibited significantly reduced behavioral scores(P<0.01);decreased neuronal apoptosis rate and lower ROS levels(P<0.01);improved pathological alterations in the striatal neurons and mitochondria;increased mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin and Beclin-1 in the striatum(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased P62 mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.01).Furthermore,the rats in the CPYJD group specifically showed elevated LC3B mRNA level and LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein ratio in striatum(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION The effect of CPYJD intervention in TS rats may involve activation of mitophagy through regulation of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway,improving mitochondrial function,reducing ROS levels,and thereby protecting neurons.
7.Prevalence and molecular characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Esch-erichia coli in domestic goats in the Chengkou District of Chongqing
Jing-jing PENG ; Bin HU ; Xi YANG ; Yi LI ; Hai HUANG ; Wen-shuang LIU ; Yu MENG ; Li-jun WANG ; Yan-wen XIONG ; Yi YUAN ; Pei-bin HOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):529-536
This study investigated the infection status,drug resistance,and molecular characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC)in domestic goats in Chengkou county,Chongqing.In August 2023,283 fecal samples were collected from households in Chengkou county.After enrichment with EC broth and inoculation onto selective media,samples that tested positive for stx1/stx2 were selected for further isolation.The positive strains were investigated with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing.According to the whole genomic sequences,the stx subtypes,serotypes,multi-locus sequence types,virulence genes,drug resistance genes,and phylogenetic relationships of the STEC strains were analyzed.Forty-six strains of STEC were isolated from 283 goat fecal samples,thus resulting in a detection rate of 16.25%.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 12 O∶H serotypes,among which O76∶H19 and O8∶H7 predominated,each represented by 9 strains.Five STEC strains were identified as serotype O157∶H7.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 11 sequence types(STs),among which ST675 and ST196 predominated,each represented by nine strains,accounting for a 19.57%proportion.The strains were categorized into 7 stx subtypes,among which stx1c(26/46,56.52%),followed by stx2k(9/46,19.57%)predominated.All nine Stx2k-STEC strains were identified as serotype O8∶H7 and sequence type ST196.In antimicrobial susceptibility testing,2 STEC strains were resistant to ampicillin,one strain was resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam,one strain was resistant to cefazolin,and one strain was resistant to cefoxitin.Nine Stx2k-STEC strains were found to carry the beta-lactam resistance gene blaEC-18.Antimicrobial sensitivity tests revealed that the nine Stx2k-STEC strains were sensitive to all 15 tested antibiotics.Moreover,phylogenetic analysis indicated that the 9 Stx2k-STEC strains were remarkably similar but showed high genetic diversity with respect to that of the Stx2k-STEC strains isolated from other regions in China.Goatsare an important animal reservoir for STEC in theChengkou district of Chongqing,and novel sequence type Stx2k-STEC strains distinct from those found in other regions of China were identified in this region.
8.Inhibition of excessive inflammatory response of macrophages by Ebselen against acute Escherichia coli infection
Xiao-wen LIU ; Xiao-qin MOU ; Chuang CHENG ; Shuang-shuang GONG ; Hao-ran ZHANG ; Jing HE ; Xi ZHENG ; Jun WANG ; Yue-qing WANG ; Li-li ZOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1346-1353
Aim To investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Ebselenin(Ebselen,EbSe)in the treat-ment of Escherichia coli(E.coli)infection,which had no significant inhibitory effect on Gram-negative bacte-ria,based on previous studies.Methods After EbSe intervention in E.coli infected Raw264.7 cells,the via-bility of Raw264.7 cells was determined by CCK-8 method,the morphology and structure of Raw264.7 cells were observed by electron microscope,and the in-tracellular bacterial load of Raw264.7 cells was calcu-lated by coated plate method.Polarization status of peritoneal macrophages,Raw264.7 intracellular NO and ROS content and intracellular HO-1 expression in Raw264.7 and E.coli acutely infected mice after E.co-li infection by flow cytometry.qPCR was used to detect the expression of related mRNAs in Raw264.7 cells.qPCR was used to detect the intracellular GSH content in Raw264.7 cells by spectrophotometric assay,and the state of cytoskeletal proteins was observed by immuno-fluorescence.Western blot assay was performed to de-tect the intracellular Txnrd1 expression level.Results Microtiter method,CCK-8,and electron microscopy observations showed that EbSe had no effect on the growth of E.coli and Raw264.7 cells in vitro.The re-sults of smear plate counting showed that EbSe reduced the intracellular bacterial load of Raw264.7 in the in-fected group.Flow cytometry results showed that EbSe upregulated the number of M2-type macrophages.The EbSe-treated infected group had reduced intracellular NO and ROS levels and increased GSH levels.The qPCR results showed that the expression of IL-6,IL-1β,and iNOS was decreased,and the expression of HO-1,Txnrd1,and Glut1 was increased in DHB4-in-fected Raw264.7 cells after EbSe treatment.Cytoskel-etal staining showed that the morphology of the EbSe-treated infected cells was similar to that of oxPAPC-in-duced cells.Western blot results showed the expres-sion of Txnrd1 protein in EbSe-treated infected cells in-creased.Conclusion EbSe exerts anti-E.coli acute infection effect by regulating macrophage polarization and inhibiting macrophage excessive inflammatory state.
9.Study on the Correlation between Palm Temperature,Disease Activity,and Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Types in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Xiao-shuang HOU ; Li-min PAN ; Chen-jing GAO ; Ya-ping LUO
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(9):1517-1524,1548
Objective:To explore the correlation between palm temperature,disease activity,and traditional chinese medicine syndrome types in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods:80 RA patients(RA group)who were admitted to our hospital from April 2022 to June 2024 were selected,they were divided into high group(DAS28 score>5.1 score)and low to moderate group(2.6 score ≤ DAS28 score≤5.1 score)according to the 28 joint disease activity scores(DAS28).70 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examinations during the same period(control group)were selected.The palm temperature,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP),and DAS28 scores between the control group and RA group were compared.The palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels between low to moderate group and high group were compared.The correlation between palm temperature and disease activity,ESR,and CRP levels in RA patients was analyzed by Pearson correlation.The distribution of traditional chinese medicine syndrome types in RA patients was observed,the palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels of RA patients with different traditional chinese medicine syndrome types were compared.Results:The palm temperature,ESR,CRP levels,and DAS28 score in the RA group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels in the high group were higher than those in the low to moderate group(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis results showed that,the palm temperature of RA patients was positively correlated with DAS28 score,ESR,and CRP levels(P<0.05).Among 80 RA patients,there were 17 cases(21.25%)of liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,23 cases(29.02%)of cold and dampness obstruction syndrome,14 cases(17.86%)of qi and blood deficiency syndrome,17 cases(21.47%)of damp heat obstruction syndrome,and 9 cases(11.52%)of phlegm and blood stasis obstruction syndrome.The palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels of patients with Qi and blood deficiency syndrome,liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,and phlegm and blood stasis obstruction syndrome increased in sequence and were higher than those of patients with damp heat obstruction syndrome and cold and dampness obstruction syndrome(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in palm temperature,ESR,and CRP levels between the groups of damp heat obstruction syndrome and cold and dampness obstruction syndrome(P>0.05).Conclusion:There is a certain correlation between the palm temperature and disease activity and traditional chinese medicine syndrome types of RA patients.Regular observation of palm temperature,ESR,CRP levels,and DAS28 score is helpful for assessing the condition of RA patients.
10.Brain removal through a fenestration on the external occipital protuberance
Tao YANG ; Zhi-hao WU ; Bing-zhi LIU ; Shuang-fei YU ; Hui-ting LAN ; Zhuan GAO ; Yu-ying LANG ; Jing LI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(2):166-167
Objective A new occipital bone removal technology was applied to improve the success rate of brain removal.Methods The skull was sawed based on the traditional brain removal technology,and part of the occipital bone was removed downward centered in external occipital protuberance to the foramen magnum,then exposed the telencephalon,cerebellum and posterior medulla oblongata.After that,removed the tentorium cerebelli and cut down the medulla oblongata and the related cranial nerves at the skull base,then removed the brain tissues.Results The removed brain tissues had structurally intact telencephalon,cerebellum and brain stem,clear vessels in the cerebral sulci,and relatively intact optic chiasm,olfactory tracts and vertebro-basilar arteries.Conclusion Brain removal through a fenestration on the external occipital protuberance can effectively preserve the integrity of brain specimens,and improve the success rate of brain removal,which is of great significance for central nervous system teaching and improvement of human brain tissue repositories.

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