1.Ancient and Modern Application and Key Information Analysis of Classic Formula Erchentang
Qing TANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Hejia WAN ; Chengxin LUO ; Bingqi WEI ; Yamin KONG ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):262-270
Erchentang is a classic formula widely used by medical practitioners throughout history. In this paper,ancient and modern literature of Erchentang were collected, and bibliometrics was employed to analyze its historic evolution,prescription meaning,herbs origin, processing method,preparation methods, and clinical application. A total of 84 pieces of data were collected, and 58 pieces of data involving 53 ancient medical Chinese books were screened, sorted, and processed. Combined with research of modern scholars,the research has found that the Erchentang originated from the Taiping Huimin Huiye Shijie Fang compiled by the Imperial Medical Bureau of the Song Dynasty. The basic information about the origin of the drugs is quite clear. Pinelliae rhizoma in the formula is the dried tuber of Pinellia ternata. Citri exocarpium rubrum is the dried mature peel of Citrus reticulata and its cultivated varieties, with the inner white membrane removed. Poria is the whitest dry sclerotia of Poria cocos; Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma is the dried root and rhizome of the Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The dosage is 5.70 g Pinelliae rhizome and Citri exocarpium rubrum, 3.43 g Poria, and 1.69 g Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma praeparata cum melle. During the decoction process, the above-mentioned herbs should be chopped, with 300 mL water, 7 g ginger in thick slices, and 2 g Mume fructus added, and it was then simmered together to 180 mL. After removing the medicinal residue, it can be taken warmly. Erchentang has the effect of drying dampness and resolving phlegm, regulating Qi and harmonizing the middle. It can be used in treating the syndrome of phlegm and dampness,as well as symptoms such as frequent cough,white phlegm,fullness in chest and diaphragm,nausea and vomiting,limb drowsiness,anorexia,dizziness,palpitations,white and greasy tongue coating, and slippery pulse. The above results provide reference for future research and development of Erchentang.
2.Expert consensus on clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors in perioperative period
Mingyu JIANG ; Yuan BIAN ; Lizhu HAN ; Qinan YIN ; Fengjiao KANG ; Anhua WEI ; Danjie ZHAO ; Lin WANG ; Ying SHAO ; Li TANG ; Yi WANG ; Shuhong LIANG ; Huijuan LIU ; Guirong XIAO ; Yue LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):689-699
OBJECTIVE To form an expert consensus on the clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) in patients during the perioperative period. METHODS Led by Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital (the Affiliated Hospital of UESTC), a multidisciplinary working group was established. Through literature review and the Delphi method, clinical questions related to the rational perioperative use of parenteral DTIs were identified. A structured design was adopted using the “Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome” framework; systematic searches were conducted in CNKI, Medline, Embase and other databases. Relevant evidence from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was included and synthesized. Evidence quality was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and recommendations were formulated through multiple rounds of Delphi surveys and expert consensus meetings. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS Seven recommendations (each with an expert consensus rate exceeding 90%) on the use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative patients were developed. These recommendations specify drug selection, dosing ranges, key monitoring points, and safety management strategies for parenteral DTIs in various scenarios, including the perioperative period of ventricular assist device implantation, the perioperative period of cardiac surgery, perioperative patients with lower-extremity atherosclerotic disease, the perioperative period of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome, the perioperative period of carotid artery stenting in patients with carotid stenosis, the perioperative period of patients with right heart thrombosis, and patients who develop related thrombosis and dysfunction after a central venous catheter insertion. In addition, warning and management pathways for perioperative bleeding and thrombotic events were proposed. This expert consensus, which is formulated based on the best available evidence, provides evidence-based guidance for standardized and individualized use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative period.
3.The Potential Role of β-Asarone inCalcium Imbalance and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Melanoma Cells
Yuze LIU ; Wei TANG ; Biao YU ; Qinghua YANG ; Wenbing LAI
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):75-83
Background:
The treatment landscape for melanoma, a particularly malignant skin cancer, is constrained by notable drug resistance and toxicity. β-Asarone, a natural compound from Acorus tatarinowii, has shown anticancer potential. Disruption of calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction are key regulators of tumor cell survival and death.
Objective:
This research was conducted to investigate the impact of β-Asarone on B16F10 melanoma cells, focusing on its potential to induce apoptosis by modulating calcium signaling and mitochondrial function.
Methods:
Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, and TUNEL assays. Intracellular calcium levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using Fluo-4 AM, Rhod-2 AM, and JC-1 staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were assessed by fluorescent probes and ATP assay. Western blotting was utilized to detect apoptosis-related proteins, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway activation, and mitochondrial dynamics (OPA1, DRP1, FIS1).
Results:
Treatment with β-Asarone notably inhibited the proliferation of B16F10 cells while simultaneously inducing apoptosis. Fluorescent probe analysis revealed that β-Asarone triggered cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca 2+ overloaded in both the cytosol and mitochondria, accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and reduced ATP production. Western blot analysis showed increased expression of DRP1 and FIS1, decreased OPA1, and enhanced AMPK phosphorylation, indicating that β-Asarone promotes mitochondrial fission through AMPK activation, likely driven by intracellular calcium imbalance.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that β-Asarone induces apoptosis in B16F10 melanoma cells by triggering Ca 2+ overload and mitochondrial dysfunction.
4.Annual review of global liver transplantation research in 2025
Runmin TANG ; Yongwei HU ; Yong JIANG ; Yang YANG ; Wei LIU
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):526-540
In 2025, significant breakthroughs were achieved in various aspects of liver transplantation, including xenotransplantation, machine perfusion, minimally invasive surgery, precise immune regulation and artificial intelligence, etc. The successful implementation of gene-modified pig-to-human assisted liver transplantation marked the official entry of xenotransplantation into the clinical transformation stage. The machine perfusion technology completed multiple large-scale clinical validations, significantly improving the transplantation outcomes of marginal donor livers and donor livers from donation after cardiac death, and pushing organ preservation into the era of dynamic functional assessment. Split liver transplantation and living donor liver transplantation continuously optimized in terms of donor-recipient matching, liver utilization and perioperative management. Robotic and laparoscopic technologies further promoted liver transplantation towards the direction of precision and minimally invasive surgery. Hepatocellular carcinoma liver transplantation gradually formed a precise management model centered on immunotherapy, bridge downgrade and recurrence risk prediction. At the same time, artificial intelligence and multi-omics technologies demonstrated significant application value in prognosis prediction, organ allocation and complication risk assessment. This article conducts a systematic review of the important research progress in the field of liver transplantation in 2025 and looks forward to the future development directions and challenges.
5.Investigation and analysis of radioactivity detection capacity for food and drinking water in municipal and county-level disease control and prevention institutions in Shandong Province
Xinyun WANG ; Tao ZHOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Ke YANG ; Yi LIU ; Jianwei LIU ; Chundong XIA ; Bo TANG ; Xianpeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):325-330
Objective To investigate the capacity of municipal and county-level Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Shandong Province for γ radionuclides in food as well as gross α and gross β in drinking water, and to provide evidence for strengthening radiological laboratories. Method Data regarding radioactive detection capacity were collected from 16 prefecture-level cities and 136 county-level CDCs. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare capacity differences across regions and between cities with and without nuclear power plants. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the spatial equity of gross α and gross β detection capacity for drinking water. Result The detection capacity of gross α and gross β in drinking water varied significantly among counties (χ2=81.026, P<0.001),no significant difference was found between coastal and inland cities (χ2=2.021,P>0.155); Cities with nuclear power plants showed better detection capacity (χ2=20.253,P<0.01). The detection capacity for γ radionuclides in food was primarily concentrated in the prefecture-level cities that host nuclear power plants. Conclusion The overall detection capacity for radioactivity in drinking water was acceptable but spatially uneven. The capacity for monitoring radioactive contamination in food was generally weak. It is necessary to strengthen capacity building at the grassroots level.
6.Mechanisms of Tongmai Yangxin Pills and Tongxinluo Capsules in Treating Myocardial No-reflow Based on Treating Same Disease with Different Methods
Siqi LIU ; Wenqing YANG ; Ting CHEN ; Yan TANG ; Ju WANG ; Yaxuan PENG ; Haoxue QIN ; Lanyue DENG ; Jialu GONG ; Ning XU ; Shuying ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Ting CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):125-133
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms of Tongmai Yangxin pills (TMYX) and Tongxinluo capsules (TXL) in treating no-reflow (NR) after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion following the concept of treating the same disease with different methods, based on integrative pharmacology and experimental validation. MethodsEighty 8-week-old SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n=20): sham operation, NR, TMYX (4 g·kg-1), and TXL (2 mg·kg-1). A rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion no-reflow was established by in-situ ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Gastric gavage was first performed 4 h after the operation, and samples were collected on day 7. Thioflavin S staining was used to observe the NR area in rat myocardium. Echocardiography was performed to examine the cardiac function. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was conducted to observe the pathological changes of the myocardial tissue. An automatic biochemical analyzer was adopted to measure myocardial enzyme activity. Then, integrated pharmacology was applied for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Finally, Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of key targets in the myocardial tissue, including soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/dependent protein kinase (PKG), phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the NR group showed increased NR area of myocardium, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular fractional shortening (FS), left ventricular outflow tract peak velocity (LVOT Peak), and left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV) (P<0.01), fractured and disordered myocardial fibers as well as inflammatory cell infiltration in the myocardial tissue, enhanced activities of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01), and downregulated protein levels of sGC, PKG, phosphorylated (p)-PI3K (Tyr458), and p-Akt (Tyr315) in the myocardial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression level of HIF-1α protein showed a downward trend. Compared with the NR group, the TMYX group and TXL group exhibited a decreasing trend in myocardial NR area, EF, FS, and LVOT Peak significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), LVSV showed an upward trend, ameliorated myocardial pathological morphology and inflammatory infiltration, reductions in CK, CK-MB, and LDH activities (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated protein levels of sGC, PKG, p-PI3K (Tyr458) in myocardial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expressions of p-Akt (Tyr315) and HIF-1α showed an upward trend. A comparison of the therapeutic effects between the two compound prescriptions showed that TMYX tended to exert a better effect in restoring cardiac function and protecting cardiac structure in NR rats, whereas TXL was more effective in reducing myocardial NR area and lowering myocardial enzyme activities in NR rats. Integrative pharmacology analysis combined with experimental verification demonstrated that both TMYX and TXL could alleviate NR through the following mechanisms: activating the cyclic cGMP/PKG signaling pathway to regulate vascular tone, activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to dilate blood vessels, and activating the HIF-1 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress. However, TMYX had an advantage in activating the cGMP/PKG pathway, while TXL was superior in activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. The two compound prescriptions exerted comparable effects on the HIF-1 signaling pathway, which might serve as their common therapeutic pathway. ConclusionBoth TMYX and TXL could alleviate NR damage. TMYX exerts its protective effect against NR mainly by activating the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway, while TXL exerts its effect mainly through the PI3K/Akt pathway. The HIF-1α signaling pathway may be a common pathway for the two compound prescriptions to exert their protective effects against NR. This study reveals the similarities and differences between TMYX and TXL in the treatment effect and mechanism for NR, providing an experimental basis and a theoretical basis for better clinical application of the two compound prescriptions.
7.Mechanism of Qushi huoxue decoction in improving metabolic-associated fatty liver disease through the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 autophagy signaling pathway
Xiaoqian GONG ; Weiqiang TAN ; Yehuang WEI ; Rongrong WANG ; Yanfang TANG ; Xudong LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2105-2111
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Qushi huoxue decoction in improving metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) based on the AMP-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (AMPK/mTOR/ULK1) autophagy signaling pathway.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Qushi huoxue decoction groups [4.10, 8.20, 16.40 mg/(g·d)], with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, mice in the other groups were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the MAFLD model. Starting 24 hours after modeling, mice in each group were administered the drug solution or normal saline once daily for 6 consecutive weeks. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected according to the kit instructions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were used to observe pathological changes in mouse liver tissue. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression and positive protein expression related to the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 autophagy signaling pathway.RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the serum levels of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and LDL-C in the model group were significantly increased, while the HDL-C level was significantly decreased ( P <0.01). HE staining showed obvious steatosis in hepatocytes of the model group, and oil red O staining showed a large amount of lipid droplet accumulation in liver tissue. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 proteins, as well as the relative fluorescence intensities of p-mTOR and p62 proteins in liver tissue of the model group, were significantly increased/enhanced ( P <0.01), while the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK, ULK1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ) proteins, as well as the relative fluorescence intensities of p-AMPK and LC3 proteins, were significantly decreased/weakened ( P <0.01). After intervention with Qushi huoxue decoction, the above pathological changes and abnormal indicators in liver tissue of mice in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were significantly reversed, with most indicators showing statistically significant differences ( P <0.05 or P <0.01).CONCLUSIONS Qushi huoxue decoction can significantly improve liver pathology, blood lipid levels, and liver function in MAFLD model mice; this improvement may be achieved through the activation of the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 autophagy signaling pathway.
8.Polymorphism and Tissue Expression Analysis of TYR and MC1R Genes in Guinea Pigs with Different Coat-Color Phenotypes
Yingen TANG ; Yaxian FENG ; Min ZHONG ; Zhen WEI ; Lie WANG ; Diwen LIU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):21-29
Objective To explore the polymorphism of tyrosinase (TYR) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) genes and their mRNA expression levels in relation to coat-color phenotypes in guinea pigs, providing genetic markers for locating dominant traits in guinea pigs. Methods A total of 57 self-bred ordinary-level guinea pigs were selected and divided into three groups based on coat color: white (n=22), variegated (n=22) and black (n=13). The guinea pigs were euthanized with an overdose of pentobarbital sodium via intraperitoneal injection. DNA was then extracted from the dorsal skin tissue. Polymorphism in the coding sequence (CDS) of the exons of the TYR and MC1R genes in each group was detected by cloning and sequencing. The mRNA expression of the two genes in skin tissues was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR to investigate the relationship between these genes and guinea pig coat color. Results A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site was found in the CDS region of TYR exon Ⅰ, where the base A was replaced by G. All white guinea pigs had the G/G genotype for TYR, while no deep-colored (variegated and black) guinea pigs exhibited the G/G genotype for TYR. Most deep-colored guinea pigs had the A/A genotype, and a few had A/G genotype. The A/A genotype frequency in black guinea pigs was higher than in variegated guinea pigs. A 2 760 bp sequence deletion was identified in the exon of the MC1R gene, marked as the - gene, with non-deleted samples marked as N gene. Most white guinea pigs had the -/- genotype for MC1R, variegated guinea pigs mainly had the -/N genotype, and black guinea pigs mainly had the N/N genotype, with a few showing the -/N. The TYR gene expression level was higher in white guinea pigs, lower in variegated guinea pigs, and intermediate in black guinea pigs, but there was no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05). The MC1R gene expression level in white guinea pigs was extremely low, while both variegated and black guinea pigs showed significantly higher levels than white guinea pigs (P<0.01). Black guinea pigs showed significantly higher levels than variegated guinea pigs (P<0.05). ConclusionThe TYR and MC1R genes synergistically regulate coat color of guinea pigs. The G-site mutation in the TYR gene may lead to albinism, and the change of N-site in the MC1R gene affects the depth of the coat color.
9.Textual Research and Clinical Application Analysis of Classic Formula Fangji Fulingtang
Xiaoyang TIAN ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Mengting ZHAO ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Bingqi WEI ; Yihan LI ; Jing TANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):270-277
The classic formula Fangji Fulingtang is from ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han dynasty. It is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effects of reinforcing Qi and invigorating spleen, warming Yang and promoting urination. By a review of ancient medical books, this paper summarizes the composition, original plants, processing, dosage, decocting methods, indications and other key information of Fangji Fulingtang, aiming to provide a literature basis for the research, development, and clinical application of preparations based on this formula. Synonyms of Fangji Fulingtang exist in ancient medical books, while the formula composition in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber is more widespread and far-reaching. In this formula, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried root of Stephania tetrandra, the dried root of Astragalus embranaceus var. mongholicus, the dried shoot of Cinnamomum cassia, the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, respectively. Fangji Fulingtang is mainly produced into powder, with the dosage and decocting method used in the past dynasties basically following the original formula. Each bag is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix 13.80 g, Astragali Radix 13.80 g, Cinnamomi Ramulus 13.80 g, Poria 27.60 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 9.20 g. The raw materials are purified, decocted in water from 1 200 mL to 400 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm, 3 times a day. Fangji Fulingtang was originally designed for treating skin edema, and then it was used to treat impediment in the Qing dynasty. In modern times, it is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and circulatory system diseases, demonstrating definite effects on various types of edema and heart failure. This paper clarifies the inheritance of Fangji Fulingtang and reveals its key information (attached to the end of this paper), aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of preparations based on this formula.
10.Textual Research and Clinical Application Analysis of Classic Formula Fangji Fulingtang
Xiaoyang TIAN ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Mengting ZHAO ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Bingqi WEI ; Yihan LI ; Jing TANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):270-277
The classic formula Fangji Fulingtang is from ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han dynasty. It is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effects of reinforcing Qi and invigorating spleen, warming Yang and promoting urination. By a review of ancient medical books, this paper summarizes the composition, original plants, processing, dosage, decocting methods, indications and other key information of Fangji Fulingtang, aiming to provide a literature basis for the research, development, and clinical application of preparations based on this formula. Synonyms of Fangji Fulingtang exist in ancient medical books, while the formula composition in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber is more widespread and far-reaching. In this formula, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried root of Stephania tetrandra, the dried root of Astragalus embranaceus var. mongholicus, the dried shoot of Cinnamomum cassia, the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, respectively. Fangji Fulingtang is mainly produced into powder, with the dosage and decocting method used in the past dynasties basically following the original formula. Each bag is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix 13.80 g, Astragali Radix 13.80 g, Cinnamomi Ramulus 13.80 g, Poria 27.60 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 9.20 g. The raw materials are purified, decocted in water from 1 200 mL to 400 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm, 3 times a day. Fangji Fulingtang was originally designed for treating skin edema, and then it was used to treat impediment in the Qing dynasty. In modern times, it is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and circulatory system diseases, demonstrating definite effects on various types of edema and heart failure. This paper clarifies the inheritance of Fangji Fulingtang and reveals its key information (attached to the end of this paper), aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of preparations based on this formula.

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