1.Mechanism of Shenfu Xiongze Prescription in Regulating Autophagy Level to Intervene in Myocardial Remodeling in Rats via AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xueqing WANG ; Wei ZHONG ; Liangliang PAN ; Caihong LI ; Man HAN ; Xiaowei YANG ; Yuanwang YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):136-144
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the Shenfu Xiongze prescription regulates autophagy in rats with myocardial remodeling through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsA rat model of myocardial remodeling induced by isoprenaline (ISO) was established. Rats were divided into the blank group,the model group,the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription,and the captopril group, 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group,the rat model of myocardial remodeling was established in the other groups by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg·kg-1 ISO for 3 consecutive weeks. At the same time of modeling, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription were administered the corresponding doses of Shenfu Xiongze prescription solution (8.4,16.8,and 33.6 g·kg-1),and the captopril group was administered captopril solution (25 mg·kg-1). As for the blank group and the model group, the same volume of normal saline was given. The treatment was continued for 3 weeks. Echocardiography was used to observe the cardiac structure and function,and the heart weight index was detected. Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to observe the pathological morphology changes of myocardial tissue. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Collagen Ⅰ),type Ⅲ collagen (Collagen Ⅲ),and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) proteins in myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),LC3,yeast Atg6 homolog protein (Beclin-1),AMPK,and mTOR in myocardial tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ,α-SMA,transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),LC3,Beclin-1,p62, phosphorylation(p)-AMPK,p-mTOR,AMPK,and mTOR was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group,rats in the model group exhibited significantly decreased values of ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) (P<0.01), significantly increased values of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) (P<0.01). Additionally, the model group also showed increased degrees of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis of myocardial tissue, significantly elevated levels of serum IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-SMA,and mTOR (P<0.01),and markedly decreased mRNA and protein levels of LC3,Beclin-1,and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription presented significantly elevated EF and FS values (P<0.01) and lowered LVIDd and LVIDs (P<0.05). In these groups, the inflammation and fibrosis were alleviated significantly. They also exhibited decreased serum levels of IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly reduced protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, p62, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), significantly decreased mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, α-SMA, and mTOR (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of LC3, Beclin-1, and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe Shenfu Xiongze prescription can improve the myocardial remodeling induced by ISO in rats by regulating the autophagy level,enhance cardiac function,and reduce inflammatory and fibrotic levels. This effect may be achieved through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
3.Joint Relation Extraction of Famous Medical Cases with CasRel Model Combining Entity Mapping and Data Augmentation
Yuxin LI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Hang YANG ; Dasheng LIU ; Jiaheng WANG ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaxu HAN ; Mengjie WU ; Qianzi CHE ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):218-225
ObjectiveTo address the challenges of unstructured classical Chinese expressions, nested entity relationships, and limited annotated data in famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) case records, this study proposes a joint relation extraction framework that integrates data augmentation and entity mapping, aiming to support the construction of TCM diagnostic knowledge graphs and clinical pattern mining. MethodsWe developed an annotation structure for entities and their relationships in TCM case texts and applied a data augmentation strategy by incorporating multiple ancient texts to expand the relation extraction dataset. A cascade binary tagging framework for relation triple extraction(CasRel) model for TCM semantics was designed, integrating a pre-trained bidirectional encoder representations from transformers(BERT) layer for classical TCM texts to enhance semantic representation, and using a head entity-relation-tail entity mapping mechanism to address entity nesting and relation overlapping issues. ResultsExperimental results showed that the CasRel model, combining data augmentation and entity mapping, outperformed the pipeline-based Bert-Radical-Lexicon(BRL)-bidirectional long short-term memory(BiLSTM)-Attention model. The overall precision, recall, and F1-score across 12 relation types reached 65.73%, 64.03%, and 64.87%, which represent improvements of 14.26%, 7.98%, and 11.21% compared to the BRL-BiLSTM-Attention model, respectively. Notably, the F1-score for tongue syndrome relations increased by 22.68%(69.32%), and the prescription-syndrome relations performed the best with the F1-score of 70.10%. ConclusionThe proposed framework significantly improves the semantic representation and complex dependencies in TCM texts, offering a reusable technical framework for structured mining of TCM case records. The constructed knowledge graph can support clinical syndrome differentiation, prescription optimization, and drug compatibility, providing a methodological reference for TCM artificial intelligence research.
4.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
5.Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Comorbid Tic Disorder in Children from the Perspective of Ministerial Fire Scorching Yin and Internal Stirring of Deficient Wind
Hongsheng YANG ; Junhong WANG ; Meifang LI ; Wei LI ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Rui ZHAI ; Yuan LI ; Kangning ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):79-82
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often accompanied by tic disorder. The core pathogenesis is considered to be ministerial fire scorching yin and internal stirring of deficient wind, which leads to disharmony between the body and spirit, resulting in clinical manifestations. The treatment principles emphasize nourishing yin fluids, calming ministerial fire, and extinguishing endogenous wind (内风). The method of nourishing yin fluids is applied throughout the entire treatment process, commonly using ingredients such as Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), and Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen). These are combined with approaches to harmonize the zang-fu organs, primarily including extinguishing liver wind, clearing heart fire, nourishing kidney water, and strengthening spleen earth, thereby stabilizing ministerial fire and extinguishing endogenous wind. Additionally, emotional regulation and smoothing emotional constraint are essential to improve clinical symptoms in children with ADHD comorbid with tic disorder.
6.Inhibition of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Mechanism in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Rats by Banxia Xiexintang via Regulating IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ Signaling Pathway
Wenyu WU ; Xinyu ZENG ; Hao LI ; Weiqi SUN ; Jiahui REN ; Yang YU ; Tingting ZHOU ; Aili XU ; Wei WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):1-10
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the action mechanism by which Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats by regulating the interleukin-17(IL-17)/extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ)signaling pathway, thereby providing new theoretical evidence for the treatment of CAG with classic traditional Chinese medicine formulas. MethodsA CAG rat model was established by using the combined factor method. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.549, 1.098, 2.196 g·kg-1, respectively) of BXT, and the positive drug group (vitacoenzyme, 0.3 g·kg-1). A normal control group was also set up. After 8 weeks of intervention, the pathological changes of gastric tissue were evaluated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and C/EBPβ in serum, as well as the contents of EMT markers in gastric mucosal tissue including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. The immunohistochemistry method was employed to determine the localization and protein expression levels of IL-17, p-ERK, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and its phosphorylated form (p)-ERK in gastric mucosa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of ERK, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosa. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, the rats in the model group showed gastric mucosal glandular atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein and their related mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased, while the content of E-cadherin was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with different doses of BXT, the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa was improved to varying degrees. The protein and mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBP β in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosa tissue were decreased, while the content of E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBXT can effectively improve the pathological damage of gastric mucosal tissue in CAG rats. Its action mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum, regulating the IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ signaling pathway and inhibiting the EMT process.
7.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
8.Altered Lymphocyte Subsets in Perioperative Cancer Patients Before and After Septic Shock: Characteristics and Prognostic Implications
Miao WEI ; Lili YANG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Huifang LYU ; Yan DUAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):86-97
To investigate the changes in peripheral blood immune cells before and after the onset of septic shock in patients with malignant tumors, and to analyze the relationship between these immune cells and patient prognosis. A retrospective study was conducted, enrolling perioperative tumor patients who were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to septic shock at Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital between October 2018 and December 2019.Changes in lymphocyte counts and subsets were compared before and after septic shock (measured prior to septic shock onset and within 72 hours after onset).A multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between these immune indicators and the 28-day mortality risk in tumor patients following septic shock. A total of 47 tumor patients transferred to the ICU due to septic shock were included.There were 32 males and 15 females, with a mean age of (63.9±11.2) years.Gastrointestinal tumors were the most common tumor type (76.60%, 36/47), and abdominal/pelvic infection (65.96%, 31/47) was the primary source of infection.Within 28 days after ICU transfer, 12 patients died and 35 survived. Compared to pre-septic shock levels, lymphocyte counts significantly decreased after septic shock[530(300, 830) cells/μL Perioperative tumor patients experience acute depletion of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets following septic shock.Among various immune indicators, regulatory T cell count serves as an independent predictor of short-term mortality risk.Evaluating baseline immune function in such patients may help optimize treatment strategies and improve overall prognosis.
9.Analysis of high-frequency plateletpheresis on age-dependent bone metabolism in female donors
Huibin ZHONG ; Huaheng LI ; Wei YANG ; Jieting HUANG ; Zhen WANG ; Fenfang LIAO ; Yongmei NIE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):97-102
Objective: To explore whether the long-term and frequent use of citrate anticoagulants negatively affects the bone metabolism balance of female frequent plateletpheresis donors, so as to better protect their health. Methods: A total of 65 female plateletpheresis donors and 55 female whole-blood donors from Guangzhou Blood Center (May to December 2024) were enrolled as experimental and control groups respectively, stratified into age subgroups (18-39 years and 40-60 years). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), osteocalcin (OC), and type I collagen carboxy-terminal telopeptide (CTX) were measured. Differences in bone metabolism markers between experimental and control groups across age subgroups were compared. ANOVA was used to analyze dose-response relationships between donation age, annual apheresis donation frequency, and biochemical indicators. Results: In the 40-60 age subgroup, 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the experimental group (P<0.05), exhibiting a linear increase with age and a linear decrease with annual donation frequency. No significant differences in CTX or PINP levels were observed between experimental and control groups in either age subgroup. Conclusion: High-frequency plateletpheresis donation does not disrupt bone metabolic balance in female donors. However, it is associated with reduced vitamin D levels in female donors aged >40 years, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for high-frequency female plateletpheresis donors in this age group.
10.Preliminary application of histological evaluation of donor pancreas biopsy tissue in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation
Jiao WAN ; Hui GUO ; Jiali FANG ; Guanghui LI ; Luhao LIU ; Yunyi XIONG ; Wei YIN ; Tong YANG ; Junjie MA ; Zheng CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):250-256
Objective To preliminarily investigate the safety and efficacy of donor pancreas needle biopsy in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 7 cases undergoing donor pancreas biopsy were collected retrospectively. All cases underwent donor pancreas biopsy before or during simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Frozen section or paraffin sectioning techniques were used for tissue preparation, and hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining were performed to histologically evaluate the donor pancreas. The quality of donor pancreas was comprehensively assessed by combining histological findings with the donor's clinical data. Postoperative follow-up data of 5 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients were collected to summarize the safety of donor pancreas biopsy and the prognosis of transplant recipients. Results The 7 pancreas donors were aged 28 to 62 years, with a body mass index ranging from 20.76 to 27.68 kg/m2. Liver ultrasound indicated fatty liver in 3 cases, while pancreatic ultrasound did not reveal any significant abnormalities. Among them, biopsy was performed on 2 donors after completion of pancreatic procurement and processing, and the frozen section histology showed moderate acute pancreatitis changes (edema of acinar cells, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration). Combined with a serum amylase level elevated more than 3 times the upper limit of normal value, these two donor pancreases were finally discarded. The remaining 5 cases underwent biopsy immediately after pancreatic vascular anastomosis during simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation, and histological evaluation was performed on paraffin-embedded sections. No biopsy-related complications (such as bleeding, pancreatic fistula, etc.) occurred after transplantation. One recipient died of severe infection 2 months after transplantation, while the other 4 recipients were followed up for more than 5 years, with well-functioning transplant kidneys and pancreases. Conclusions Donor pancreas biopsy is relatively safe, and the risk of biopsy-related complications after transplantation is controllable. Comprehensive assessment of donor pancreas quality by combining histological evaluation with the donor's clinical indicators is conducive to improving the accuracy of donor pancreas selection and organ utilization.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail