1.Ameliorative effect and mechanism of Forsythia suspensa-Lonicera japonica herb pair on acute lung injury via regulating serum exosomal miRNA
Zhaohua CHEN ; Shumin XIE ; Wanshun CHANG ; Yuqing HAN ; Yanwen CHEN ; Yanhui ZHU ; Mingzhuo CAO ; Haiying HUANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):305-310
OBJECTIVE To study the ameliorative effect and mechanism of Forsythia suspensa-Lonicera japonica herb pair on acute lung injury (ALI) based on serum exosomal microRNA (miRNA). METHODS The rats were randomly divided into a blank group (normal saline), model group (nomal saline), and F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair group (2.55 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other groups were used to establish an ALI model by intratracheal dripping of 5 mg/ mL lipopolysaccharides. After modeling, each group was given relevant medicine/normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 3 consecutive days. After the last medication, the pathological status of lung tissue was observed; lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and leukocyte counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. The levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10] in BALF were determined. Exosomes were isolated from rat serum, and high- throughput sequencing technology was employed to screen differentially expressed miRNA within the exosomes, followed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Based on the screened differentially expressed miRNA and the enriched KEGG pathways, in vitro cellular experiments were conducted for validation. RESULTS The animal experimental results demonstrated that after intervention with the F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair, the wet-to-dry weight ratio, the number of leukocytes in BALF, as well as the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF of ALI rats were all significantly reduced (P<0.01), while the level of IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The results of high-throughput sequencing experiments revealed that the F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair could significantly up-regulate the expressions of miR-345-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-653-5p, and others in exosomes. Among them, the KEGG pathways involved in the target genes of differentially expressed miRNA included the hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1) signaling pathway, among others. The results of cellular E-mail:huang.haiying@126.com validation experiments showed that overexpressed miR-345-3p could significantly elevate the level of IL-10 in the cell supernatant (P<0.01), while significantly reducing the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the cell supernatant, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of protein kinase B1, phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase, and HIF-1α (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair can alleviate inflammatory responses and thereby exert a therapeutic effect in improving ALI by up-regulating the expression of miR-345-3p in serum exosomes and inhibiting the activity of the HIF-1 signaling pathway.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Anti-atherosclerosis Effect of Huangqi Chifengtang Based on AMPK/PPARα Signaling Pathway and NLRP3 Inflammasome
Yuqin LIANG ; Jie LIU ; Chi ZHANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):131-139
ObjectiveTo explore the improving effect of Huangqi Chifengtang(HCT) on atherosclerosis(AS), and elucidate its mechanism in relation to adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα) signaling pathway and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome. MethodsEight C57BL/6J mice were set as the normal group, and 32 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into the model group, the positive drug group(atorvastatin, 5 mg·kg-1·d-1), HCT low- and high-dose groups(1.95, 3.90 g·kg-1·d-1). ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat and high-cholesterol feed to establish an AS mouse model. After modeling, they were orally administered corresponding dose of drugs for 28 days, while the normal and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via oral gavage. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological status of the aorta and liver in mice, Biochemical testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) were used to detect the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18 in the serum, as well as superoxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde(MDA), and reduced glutathione(GSH) in the liver. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) in the aorta, and fatty acid synthase(FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1), PPARα, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A(CPT1A) in the liver. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and ASC in the aorta, and Western blot was used to measure the protein expressions of AMPK, p-AMPK, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c(SREBP-1c), CPT1A, and FAS in the liver. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in lipid plaque deposition in the aorta and lipid accumulation in the liver, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT, IL-1β, IL-18 and CRP in the serum were significantly increased(P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of aortic TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). The levels of SOD and GSH in the liver were significantly reduced, while the level of MDA was significantly increased(P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of FAS and SCD1 in the liver were significantly downregulated, while the mRNA expressions of PPARα and CPT1A were significantly upregulated. The protein expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK and CPT1A in the liver were significantly reduced, while the expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and high-dose HCT groups showed significant improvements in aortic plaques and hepatic lipid deposition. The levels of TC, LDL-C, AST, IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of the low-dose HCT group, as well as TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT, IL-1β, IL-18 and CRP in the serum of the high-dose HCT group, were significantly reduced(P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of TLR4, NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the aorta of the low-dose HCT group, as well as TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC in the aorta of the high-dose HCT group, were significantly downregulated(P<0.01). The protein expressions of Caspase-1 and ASC in the aorta of the low-dose HCT group, as well as NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC in the high-dose HCT group, were significantly downregulated(P<0.01). The levels of SOD and GSH in the liver of the low- and high-dose HCT groups were significantly increased, while the level of MDA in the high-dose HCT group was significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). In the HCT-treated group, the mRNA expressions of FAS and SCD1 in the liver were significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expressions of PPARα and CPT1A were significantly downregulated, the protein expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK and CPT1A in the liver were significantly increased, while the protein expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHCT can improve lipid metabolism by activating the AMPK/PPARα pathway and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammatory responses, thereby reducing hepatic lipid deposition and AS plaque formation.
3.Chinese Medicine against Parkinson's Disease Based on Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Theory: A Review
Xin GAO ; Chen LIU ; Dapeng TONG ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):307-314
Parkinson's disease (PD), with its incidence increasing year by year and its onset age gradually becoming younger, has become a major chronic multisystem movement disorder that threatens public health. The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a bidirectional communication system connecting the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system. Its core functions rely on the synergistic interactions among gut microbiota, neural signal transmission, endocrine regulation, and immune interactions, and it plays an indispensable role in maintaining gut-brain dynamic homeostasis, regulating neurotransmitter metabolism, and modulating inflammatory responses. Current studies have found that the gut microbiota of patients with PD exhibits dual dysbiosis characterized by the enrichment of opportunistic pathogens and beneficial bacteria, accompanied by abnormal metabolite levels, which accumulate and trigger neuroinflammation, demonstrating the pivotal regulatory role of the MGBA in the early pathology of PD. Furthermore, this article summarizes Chinese medicines, their active components, and compound formulas that may prevent and treat PD through intervention in the MGBA. These agents can modulate microbial composition, suppress inflammation and oxidative stress, protect the intestinal barrier, and ameliorate dopaminergic neuron damage. By systematically summarizing the central mechanisms of the MGBA in PD and reviewing the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mediated regulation of this pathway in PD intervention, this article aims to provide a theoretical reference for the clinical prevention and treatment of PD and scientific research design.
4.Guidelines for the perioperative diagnosis and treatment of oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer (2026)
Weidong WANG ; Yongbin LIN ; Hui TIAN ; Gaofeng LI ; Shun XU ; Yongde LIAO ; Haitao MA ; Junfeng LIU ; Chundong GU ; Xiaolong YAN ; Shumin WANG ; Daqiang SUN ; Jianyang LIU ; Tao XUE ; Shaohua MA ; Zhigang LI ; Shuanghu YUAN ; Gen LIN ; Ling CAI ; Jianping ZHOU ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Naixin LIANG ; Yi HAN ; Junfeng WANG ; Weidong ZHANG ; Xin WANG ; Lianjuan CHEN ; Lunxu LIU ; Xiuyi ZHI ; Lanjun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1337-1353
Lung cancer constitutes the most prevalent and lethal malignant tumor in China. Approximately 85% of lung cancer diagnoses correspond to the non-small cell histological subtype [non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]. Despite surgery being the mainstay for early-stage disease, postoperative recurrence remains high and adjuvant chemotherapy offers limited benefit. In recent years, targeted therapy has demonstrated substantial advantages in driver mutation-positive NSCLC. To this end, the Lung Cancer Medical Education Committee of the Chinese Medical Education Association developed guidelines based on a systematic review of evidence through November 2025, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach and a modified Delphi method. Focusing on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and addressing ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1), B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) exon 14 (METex14) skipping, the guideline covers molecular testing, neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy, perioperative strategies, minimal residual disease monitoring, and postoperative surveillance. It defines testing requirements, specifies stage-directed and subtype-specific treatments, and standardizes minimal residual disease monitoring. These recommendations emphasize precision and feasibility to improve survival and quality of life.
5.Hepatitis E virus infection among blood donors in Zhengzhou
Hongna ZHAO ; Yueguang WEI ; Lumin YAN ; Tiantian TU ; Shumin WANG ; Yihui WEI ; Yifang WANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Mingjun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):13-18
[Objective] To analyze the infection status of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors in Zhengzhou, so as to provide data support for formulating local blood screening strategies. [Methods] Random samples from blood donors from January to December 2022 were tested for HEV RNA using PCR technology. Reactive samples were sequenced for gene analysis, and the donors were followed up. [Results] Among 21 311 samples, 3(0.14‰) were reactive for HEV RNA, all of whom were male. Genetic sequencing results revealed that one strong positive sample was genotype 4, while sequencing failed for the other two due to low viral load. A follow-up of 25 strong positive donors showed that ALT significantly increased on day 7 after donation, anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG turned positive. On day 21, ALT returned to normal, and on day 35, HEV RNA turned negative. Notably, anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG persisted until day 482. [Conclusion] There is HEV infection among blood donors in Zhengzhou, and it is necessary to expand the screening scope to comprehensively explore the prevalence and genotype distribution of HEV among blood donors.
6.Current Status and Prospects of Research on the Potential Neurobiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Tobacco Dependence
Shumin CHEN ; Jin CHANG ; Chaoren TAN ; Hao ZHU ; Jinsheng YANG ; Zhao LIU ; Yingying WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):421-426
This paper comprehensively discusses on the potential neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of tobacco dependence, focusing on three important aspects, including acupuncture's regulation of tobacco dependence behavior, effects of acupuncture on withdrawal syndrome, and the role of acupuncture in preventing relapse. It is found that acupuncture can inhibit drug-seeking behavior by regulating the reward pathway and related neurons, such as dopamine, thus modulating tobacco dependence behavior. It also alleviates withdrawal symptoms by improving the oral environment of smokers and reducing negative emotions after quitting. Furthermore, acupuncture can prevent relapse by decreasing brain network activity related to smoking cravings and improving cognitive brain functions like addiction memory. Currently, research on the specific neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture in treating tobacco dependence and the involved neural circuits is limited. Future research directions are proposed, including the evaluation of clinical effects, exploration of specific therapeutic mechanisms, investigation of brain pathology, and strengthening the exploration of brain functions. Additionally, combining modern technologies to clarify the neural circuits involved in acupuncture intervention will provide a basis for acupuncture treatment of tobacco addiction.
7.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Gouty Arthritis via Regulating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Siyi CHEN ; Shumin HUANG ; Yushan ZHAO ; Jiajin LIN ; Qian SHI ; Yefeng CHEN ; Yize ZHANG ; Zhongwen ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):323-330
Gouty arthritis (GA) is an inflammatory disorder caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition, accompanied by elevated oxidative stress and aberrant release of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in joint tissue damage and intense pain. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key transcription factor regulating the antioxidant defence system, exerts cytoprotective effects through dissociation from Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and activates downstream antioxidant response element (ARE)-mediated pathways. It can upregulate the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione transferase (GST) to preserve redox homeostasis. Moreover, Nrf2 can suppress activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production and release, modulate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcriptional activity, regulate gut microbiota balance, enhance mitophagy, and inhibit apoptosis, so as to reduce joint inflammation and pain and promote body recovery. This review systematically examined recent advancements in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for GA prevention and treatment via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It delineated Nrf2's molecular mechanisms and its role in GA pathogenesis and elucidated how TCM intervenes in multiple pathways including Keap1/Nrf2/ARE, Nrf2/HO-1(NQO1), and Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3 to exert therapeutic effects. The study demonstrated that TCM monomers and compounds effectively counteract oxidative damage, attenuate inflammatory responses, promote autophagy, and inhibit apoptosis via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. These findings not only clarify the scientific basis of TCM in GA treatment but also offer strategic insights for developing novel Nrf2-targeted anti-gout drugs.
8.Mendelian randomization analysis of circulating white blood cells and juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Sijie DU ; Guowei ZHANG ; Shumin LI ; Ke GUO ; Chen YAO
Immunological Journal 2025;41(11):819-823
Objective To investigate the causal relationship between circulating white blood cells(WBC)and juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA)using a two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis,and to provide a reference for the treatment strategy of JIA.Methods Relevant data of WBC and JIA were extracted from the public data of genome-wide association studies.Then,bidirectional MR analysis was conducted using the inverse variance weighted method(IVW),MR-Egger regression method,mixed contamination method,and Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization.A series of sensitivity analyses were used to verify the robustness of the results.Results After MR analysis,false discovery rate(FDR)correction and sensitivity verification,calculations using IVW as the main method showed that neutrophils could reduce the risk of JIA(OR=0.752,95%CI:0.622,0.908,P=0.003,PFDR=0.003),and that JIA could lead to increased monocyte counts(bete=0.015,95%CI:0.007,0.022,P=1.90E-04,PFDR=1.14E-03).Conclusion A bidirectional causal association is identified between WBC and the risk of JIA occurrence.
9.Real-world efficacy and safety of azvudine in hospitalized older patients with COVID-19 during the omicron wave in China: A retrospective cohort study.
Yuanchao ZHU ; Fei ZHAO ; Yubing ZHU ; Xingang LI ; Deshi DONG ; Bolin ZHU ; Jianchun LI ; Xin HU ; Zinan ZHAO ; Wenfeng XU ; Yang JV ; Dandan WANG ; Yingming ZHENG ; Yiwen DONG ; Lu LI ; Shilei YANG ; Zhiyuan TENG ; Ling LU ; Jingwei ZHU ; Linzhe DU ; Yunxin LIU ; Lechuan JIA ; Qiujv ZHANG ; Hui MA ; Ana ZHAO ; Hongliu JIANG ; Xin XU ; Jinli WANG ; Xuping QIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Tingting ZHENG ; Chunxia YANG ; Xuguang CHEN ; Kun LIU ; Huanhuan JIANG ; Dongxiang QU ; Jia SONG ; Hua CHENG ; Wenfang SUN ; Hanqiu ZHAN ; Xiao LI ; Yafeng WANG ; Aixia WANG ; Li LIU ; Lihua YANG ; Nan ZHANG ; Shumin CHEN ; Jingjing MA ; Wei LIU ; Xiaoxiang DU ; Meiqin ZHENG ; Liyan WAN ; Guangqing DU ; Hangmei LIU ; Pengfei JIN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):123-132
Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T NANC), time to symptom improvement (T SI), and time of hospital stay (T HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.
10.Clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of fetal Dandy-Walker spectrum anomalies: a retrospective cohort study of 28 cases
Qingbing WANG ; Saisai YANG ; Jun CAO ; Jing HU ; Yuzhao ZHANG ; Shumin REN ; Qinghua WU ; Yibing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(9):770-774
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of fetal Dandy-Walker spectrum (DWS) anomalies.Methods:This retrospective cohort study analyzed 28 fetuses with ultrasonographically confirmed DWS (ten classic Dandy-Walker malformations and 18 Dandy-Walker variants) at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to June 2024. All cases underwent systematic ultrasonographic evaluation. Genetic analyses included chromosomal karyotyping alone ( n=4) or combined with copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) ( n=10). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (or Fisher's exact test) with Bonferroni correction were applied. Results:(1) Among 28 fetuses, seven (25.0%) had isolated DWS and 21 (75.0%) non-isolated DWS. Central nervous system anomalies were most common (53.6%, 15/28). (2) Karyotyping identified abnormalities in four cases (4/14), including two triploidies, one case of mosaicism for a derivative chromosome der(1;10), and one 17p deletion. CNV-seq detected anomalies in six cases (25.0%, 6/24), four of which were missed by karyotyping: 3q23 deletion (encompassing ZIC1/ ZIC4), 13q11 duplication, and other critical variants. (3) Combined testing yielded a higher detection rate (28.6%, 8/28) than karyotyping alone (4/14, χ2=4.62, P=0.032) or CNV-seq alone (25.0%, 6/24, χ2=4.83, P=0.028) ( P=0.048 and 0.044 after Bonferroni correction). Conclusions:DWS demonstrates significant genetic heterogeneity, primarily involving chromosomal numerical anomalies (e.g., triploidy) and copy number variations (e.g., 3q23 deletion). Combined karyotyping and CNV-seq improves detection rates of genetic abnormalities.

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