1.Potential Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Scientific Regulation
Ting WANG ; Can TU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhaojuan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):1-9
In recent years, with the extensive application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) both domestically and internationally, safety concerns associated with TCM have been frequently reported. Notably, some TCM substances traditionally regarded as ''non-toxic'' have exhibited significant adverse reactions during clinical use, drawing substantial attention to TCM safety. This study first analyzed the risk factors contributing to the potential toxicity of TCM from perspectives such as drug properties, individual constitution, and clinical medication practices. Subsequently, it proposed research strategies and methodologies for investigating potential TCM toxicity: ① conduct studies under the guidance of TCM theory, adhering to the principle of diversity and unity. ② adopt an integrated research paradigm of ''originating from clinical practice-syndrome-based foundation-returning to clinical practice-serving supervision''. ③ implement a three-tier technical system of ''Mathematical modeling-high-throughput screening via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-systems biology'' to systematically elucidate the causes, material basis, and mechanisms of toxicity. Finally, scientific regulatory recommendations for potential TCM toxicity are proposed: ① establish a multidimensional prevention and control system addressing drug properties, physical constitution factors, and clinical medication practices. ② address the impact of modern processing techniques on the safety of new TCM drugs. ③ strengthen the revision of standards for Chinese medicinal materials to ensure their safety. ④ account for disease-syndrome combination animal models and interspecies differences in safety assessment outcomes. This study aims to overcome critical challenges in TCM regulation by advancing evaluation through research and driving research through evaluation. By establishing a high-level scientific regulatory framework, it seeks to not only safeguard clinical medication safety but also propel the high-quality development of the TCM industry, thereby providing scientific support for the inheritance and innovative evolution of TCM.
2.Potential Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Scientific Regulation
Ting WANG ; Can TU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhaojuan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):1-9
In recent years, with the extensive application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) both domestically and internationally, safety concerns associated with TCM have been frequently reported. Notably, some TCM substances traditionally regarded as ''non-toxic'' have exhibited significant adverse reactions during clinical use, drawing substantial attention to TCM safety. This study first analyzed the risk factors contributing to the potential toxicity of TCM from perspectives such as drug properties, individual constitution, and clinical medication practices. Subsequently, it proposed research strategies and methodologies for investigating potential TCM toxicity: ① conduct studies under the guidance of TCM theory, adhering to the principle of diversity and unity. ② adopt an integrated research paradigm of ''originating from clinical practice-syndrome-based foundation-returning to clinical practice-serving supervision''. ③ implement a three-tier technical system of ''Mathematical modeling-high-throughput screening via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-systems biology'' to systematically elucidate the causes, material basis, and mechanisms of toxicity. Finally, scientific regulatory recommendations for potential TCM toxicity are proposed: ① establish a multidimensional prevention and control system addressing drug properties, physical constitution factors, and clinical medication practices. ② address the impact of modern processing techniques on the safety of new TCM drugs. ③ strengthen the revision of standards for Chinese medicinal materials to ensure their safety. ④ account for disease-syndrome combination animal models and interspecies differences in safety assessment outcomes. This study aims to overcome critical challenges in TCM regulation by advancing evaluation through research and driving research through evaluation. By establishing a high-level scientific regulatory framework, it seeks to not only safeguard clinical medication safety but also propel the high-quality development of the TCM industry, thereby providing scientific support for the inheritance and innovative evolution of TCM.
3.Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-heat Obstruction Syndrome
Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Changhong XIAO ; Shenghao TU ; Jianning SUN ; Shijun XU ; Representation Preparation GROUP
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):47-54
Rheumatoid arthritis belongs to arthralgia syndrome in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, and cold-dampness obstruction syndrome and dampness-heat obstruction syndrome are core syndromes and main syndrome differentiation types of this disease. Fine therapeutic effects have been obtained in the long-term clinical practice of many famous traditional Chinese medicine practitioners following the syndrome differentiation and treatment based on the guiding principles of cold and heat. To adapt to the clinical diagnosis practice of combining disease differentiation and syndrome differentiation, and to better carry out basic research on integrated Chinese and Western medicine and preclinical study on new traditional Chinese medicines, Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-Dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-Heat Obstruction Syndrome (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) were compiled by our research group, in cooperation with the renowned experts in research fields including traditional Chinese medicine, clinical medicine, zoology and evidence-based medicine, which provide a meaningful reference for scientific research, teaching and clinical applications. The compilation process of the Guidelines was guided by the theory of disease and syndrome integration and the principles of "evidence takes the main place, consensus plays an auxiliary role, and experience serves as the reference". Based on the comprehensive evaluation of pathogenesis homology, behavioral phenotypic consistency, and drug treatment predictability compared between animal models and human diseases, by the nominal group method, "recommendations" were formed for recommendations supported by evidence, and "consensus recommendations" were formed for recommendations not supported by evidence. Guidelines were formed involving content such as animal types, arthritis modeling methods, external stimulation conditions, and modeling assessment indicators during the establishment of the animal models of rheumatoid arthritis with cold-dampness obstruction syndrome and dampness-heat obstruction syndrome. The Guidelines are applicable for the disease and syndrome research on rheumatoid arthritis, investigation of therapeutic mechanisms, and development of new traditional Chinese medicine. The Guidelines also provide a reference for the establishment of guidelines on other types of diseases and syndromes combined with animal models to further promote the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine research and its integration with international academic development.
4.Editorial Explanation of Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-heat Obstruction Syndrome
Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Changhong XIAO ; Shenghao TU ; Jianning SUN ; Shijun XU ; Xia MAO ; Representation Preparation GROUP
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):55-59
The Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-dampness Obstruction Syndrome and Dampness-heat Obstruction Syndrome (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) (No. T/CACM1567-2024) was published by Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine on January 11, 2024. To assist researchers and medical workers in understanding and applying the Guidelines more accurately, and also to provide reference and assistance for the establishment of guidelines on other types of diseases and syndromes combined with animal models, this paper made a declaration of the workflow, technological links, development references, promotion of its application and after-effect evaluation of the Guidelines that has been made according to the requirements of "Draft Group Standard of the Standardization Office of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine".
5.The mechanism of Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin in improving cholesterol metabolism in osteoarthritis chondrocytes via lncRNA NEAT1/miR-128-3p
Yanming LIN ; Haishui TU ; Shujie LAN ; Chao LI ; Shiyu LU ; Yue CHEN ; Changlong FU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):55-67
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of action of Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) to improve cholesterol metabolism in osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes based on the long noncoding RNA nuclear-enriched transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1)/microRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p) pathway.
Methods:
For in vivo experiments, 60 mice were divided into the normal, sham operation, model, and POG groups using the random number table method, with 15 mice per group. The osteoarthritis mouse model was constructed using the modified Hulth method in the model and POG groups. Mice in the POG group were administered 30 mg/(kg·d)POG by gavage. The other groups were administered an equal amount of normal saline for 8 weeks. The cartilage tissue structure of mice in each group was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect changes in the lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-128-3p mRNA expression levels in the cartilage tissues of mice. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), liver X receptor β (LXRβ), matrix metalloprotein-3 (MMP-3), and B-lymphoblastoma-2-associated X protein (Bax) in articular cartilage of mice. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content in the synovial fluid of mice. A biochemical microplate assay was used to measure the total cholesterol level in the synovial fluid of mice. The in vitro experiments were divided into the negative control, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-1β+ POG, IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1, IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1 + POG, IL-1β + miR-128-3p inhibition, and IL-1β+ miR-128-3p inhibition+ POG groups. An OA model was established by inducing chondrocytes with IL-1β for 24 h, and 90 mg/L of POG and miR-128-3p inhibitor(50 nmol/L) were administered for 48 h as an intervention. lncRNA NEAT1 expression in chondrocytes was detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization. A dual luciferase assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-128-3p. Lentiviral plasmids overexpressing lncRNA NEAT1 were used to transfect mouse chondrocytes. Real-time PCR was used to detect the effect of lncRNA NEAT1 overexpression on the mRNA level of miR-128-3p in chondrocytes. Western blotting was used to detect ABCA1, LXRβ, MMP-3, and Bax protein expression in chondrocytes after lncRNA NEAT1 overexpression and miR-128-3p inhibition.
Results:
POG significantly reduced OA cartilage tissue damage. Compared with the model group, the lncRNA NEAT1 mRNA level decreased, whereas the miR-128-3p mRNA level increased in the cartilage tissue of the POG group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, ABCA1 and LXRβ protein expression increased in the POG group, whereas MMP-3 and Bax protein expression decreased (P<0.05). The TNF-α levels decreased in the POG group compared to the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the total cholesterol level in the synovial fluid of the joint of mice in the POG group decreased (P<0.05). The mean fluorescence intensity of lncRNA NEAT1 in the IL-1β+ POG group decreased compared with the IL-1β group (P<0.05). The relative luciferase activity in the miR-128-3p mimics group bound to the lncRNA NEAT1-WT plasmid decreased compared with the miR-128-3p negative control group (P<0.05). The lncRNA NEAT1 mRNA levels decreased, whereas the miR-128-3p mRNA levels increased in the IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1 + POG group compared with the IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1 group (P<0.05). Compared with the IL-1β+ POG group, ABCA1 and LXRβ protein expression decreased, whereas MMP-3 and Bax protein expression increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
POG mediates lncRNA NEAT1/miR-128-3p to improve cholesterol metabolism in OA chondrocytes.
6.Exploring the current status of quality management of cold chain medicines in DTP pharmacies and the measures for pre-emptive risk management
Mulan WANG ; Peng LIN ; Siwu TU ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Hongqiao WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):395-400
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of quality management of cold chain medicines in direct-to-patient (DTP) pharmacies and propose measures for pre-emptive risk management, providing references for the quality risk management of cold chain medicines. METHODS Based on the requirements of national regulations, a survey was conducted on the quality management of cold chain medicines in DTP pharmacies of J Province from November 2023 to February 2024, focusing on the receipt, storage, distribution, and delivery processes, using questionnaires, telephone interviews, and on-site visits. Common quality management issues in the operation of cold chain medicines were identified, and the causes of these issues were analyzed to propose feasible pre-emptive risk management measures. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A total of 122 DTP pharmacies participated in the questionnaire survey, and personnel from 30 DTP pharmacies participated in on-site and telephone interviews. Typical problems were identified in some DTP pharmacies, including insufficient personnel allocation or training, incomplete or inadequate implementation of quality system documentation, inadequate provision or management of cold chain facilities and equipment, and non-compliant storage and distribution of cold chain medicines. These issues posed certain risks to the quality management of cold chain medicines. It is recommended that DTP pharmacies strengthen personnel allocation and training, improve quality system documentation, enhance the provision and management of facilities and equipment, standardize storage and transportation operations, and strengthen supervision and assessment as pre-emptive measures. In addition, all sectors of society should also collaborate in governance from the perspective of ensuring the safety of cold chain drug storage and transportation, in order to mitigate the risk of quality and safety issues during the distribution of cold chain drugs and guarantee the safe and effective use of medications for patients.
7.Experience in Staged Differentiation and Treatment of Cirrhotic Ascites Based on the Theory of Tonification and Purging
Haihang DONG ; Yujie CAI ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yuying TU ; Dongling WANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):532-536
It is believed that patients with cirrhotic ascites exhibit a pathological mechanism characterized by the decline of healthy qi and the accumulation of pathogenic factors. Clinically, treatment should be based on the theory of tonification and purging, with a staged approach distinguishing between the active phase and the remission phase. The balance between tonification and purging should be adjusted according to the progression of pathogenic and healthy actors. In the acute phase, purging should take precedence over tonification, using purging as a means of tonification to facilitate the flow of water and qi through the triple energizer. The severity of water retention, dampness, blood stasis, and heat should be carefully assessed to ensure thorough elimination of pathogenic factors while avoiding harm to healthy qi. Medication adjustments should be made once the pathogenic factors are significantly weakened. In the remission phase, an integrated approach combining both tonification and purging should be adopted, incorporating purging within tonification to clear residual pathogens and prevent recurrence. Concurrently, proactive treatment of the underlying disease is essential to achieve complete recovery and prevent the recurrence of ascites.
8.Injection of platelet-rich plasma at the fracture site combined with microfracture surgery for the treatment of delayed fracture healing
Junbo TU ; Xiaowu HUANG ; Xingwang LI ; Xiaoqing LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):194-200
[Objective] To report a new technique that combines microfracture surgery under local anesthesia with injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) at the fracture site, so as to improve fracture healing rates. [Methods] Data from patients who visited our hospital from March 2020 to June 2023 and underwent the treatment for delayed union of limb fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Under local infiltrative anesthesia, with the assistance of a C-arm X-ray machine or ultrasound, percutaneous loosening was done at the fracture site and the medullary cavity, followed by cortical drilling around the fracture. The previously prepared PRP was then injected locally at the fracture site. Patients were followed up and their postoperative recovery was recorded. [Results] All patients were followed up, and the fracture healing rate was 94.12% (16/17), with an average healing duration of (5.88±2.50) months. None of the patients experienced any neural or vascular injuries, nor adverse events such as wound infections or osteomyelitis. Before the operation and at the last follow-up, the patients' pain visual analogue scores were (5.12±1.11) vs (0.71±1.21) respectively. The postoperative VAS scores showed a significant decrease compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). The excellent and good rate for limb function on the affected side was 88.24% (14/17) at the last follow-up, which was a significant increase from 0.00% before surgery (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The injection of PRP at the fracture site combined with microfracture surgery at the fracture site is minimally invasive, simple to perform, and well-accepted by patients. It has demonstrated some clinical efficacy in treating delayed fracture healing.
9.Effect of Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears on Th17 related cytokines in tears of conjunctivochalasis with liver-kidney yin deficiency
Yongyi SHA ; Yi ZHAO ; Shaohua TU ; Xueqing KONG ; Chenglong YI ; Nixia TAO ; Minhong XIANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):31-36
AIM:To observe the changes of Th17 related cytokines in tears of conjunctivochalasis(CCH)patients with liver-kidney yin deficiency treated with traditional Chinese medicine Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears.METHODS:A total of 56 CCH patients(56 eyes)with liver-kidney yin deficiency of grade Ⅱ to Ⅲ were collected and randomly divided into treatment group(treated with Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears)of 26 cases(26 eyes)and control group(treated with pure artificial tears)of 30 cases(30 eyes). The treatment course was 1 mo, and international ocular surface disease index(OSDI), tear film break-up time(BUT), tear meniscus height(TMH)and conjunctival congestion index of the patients were observed before and after treatment. The patients' tears were collected before and after treatment, and Th17 related cytokines in tears were detected using flow cytometry immunofluorescence luminescence method.RESULTS:After treatment, the OSDI, BUT and conjunctival congestion index of CCH patients in the treatment group and control group were significantly improved(all P<0.01). After treatment, the TMH of CCH patients in the treatment group was significantly reduced(P<0.01), while there was no statistically significant difference in TMH of the control group before and after treatment(P=0.41). After treatment, the levels of Th17 related cytokines IL-17A, IL-22, IFN-γ, IL-17F, and IL-1β in tears of CCH patients in the treatment group were significantly reduced after treatment(all P<0.01), and the changes in the treatment group were more significant(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the control group before and after treatment(all P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the tears of both groups of CCH patients decreased compared to those before treatment(both P<0.05), but the changes in the treatment group were more significant(both P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears can effectively improve the ocular surface microenvironment, enhance tear film stability, and inhibit ocular surface inflammation in CCH patients with liver-kidney yin deficiency. This may be related to its reduction in the secretion of Th17 related cytokines in tears.
10.Alternative Polyadenylation in Mammalian
Yu ZHANG ; Hong-Xia CHI ; Wu-Ri-Tu YANG ; Yong-Chun ZUO ; Yong-Qiang XING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):32-49
With the rapid development of sequencing technologies, the detection of alternative polyadenylation (APA) in mammals has become more precise. APA precisely regulates gene expression by altering the length and position of the poly(A) tail, and is involved in various biological processes such as disease occurrence and embryonic development. The research on APA in mammals mainly focuses on the following aspects:(1) identifying APA based on transcriptome data and elucidating their characteristics; (2) investigating the relationship between APA and gene expression regulation to reveal its important role in life regulation;(3) exploring the intrinsic connections between APA and disease occurrence, embryonic development, differentiation, and other life processes to provide new perspectives and methods for disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as uncovering embryonic development regulatory mechanisms. In this review, the classification, mechanisms and functions of APA were elaborated in detail and the methods for APA identifying and APA data resources based on various transcriptome data were systematically summarized. Moreover, we epitomized and provided an outlook on research on APA, emphasizing the role of sequencing technologies in driving studies on APA in mammals. In the future, with the further development of sequencing technology, the regulatory mechanisms of APA in mammals will become clearer.


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