1.Research progress on the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine in ameliorating cholestatic liver disease
Xiaofei BI ; Jieyao HUANG ; Juan HUANG ; Qiuyan SUN ; Wei FANG ; Yaping XIAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(18):2471-2477
Cholestatic liver disease (CLD) is closely associated with bile acid homeostasis imbalance, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, mitochondrial damage, and hepatic fibrosis. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) can regulate molecules related to antioxidation, detoxification, and bile acid transport, and together with signaling pathways such as farnesoid X receptor (FXR), silent information regulator 1/AMP-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor-κB, participates in the development and progression of CLD. This review summarizes the role of Nrf2 in the development and progression of CLD, as well as the research progress on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) active constituents and formulas/Chinese patent medicine in regulating Nrf2 for the intervention of CLD. The results indicate that TCM active constituents such as terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, as well as formulas/Chinese patent medicine with the effects of heat-clearing and dampness-draining, liver-soothing and choleretic-promoting, and body-strengthening and liver-protecting, can improve bile acid metabolism and transport and alleviate oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and hepatic fibrosis by regulating Nrf2-related signaling pathways. However, existing studies still primarily judge based on Nrf2 expression, nuclear translocation, and downstream molecular expression changes, and the understanding of the regulatory relationship between Nrf2 and signaling pathways such as FXR, as well as the synergistic mechanisms of multiple constituents in formulas, remains insufficient. Future studies can strengthen gene intervention and functional validation, utilize liver or bile duct organoids, co-culture systems, and other approaches, and combine bile acid profiling and multi-omics analysis to further elucidate the mechanism by which TCM regulates Nrf2 to ameliorate CLD.
2.Epidemiological Characteristics of Venous Thromboembolism Among Inpatients at the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Perspective of Chronic Disease Pharmaceutical Clinic in a High-Altitude Region
Xue SUN ; Wei ZUO ; Yangzom PEMA ; Li LIU ; Zekun DING ; Yang HU ; Bi ZE
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1461-1469
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among inpatients at the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region, and to provide data support for the establishment of a standardized risk screening and pharmaceutical care system in the plateau chronic disease pharmaceutical clinic. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional survey. Patients discharged with a diagnosis of VTE from the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region between January 2019 and December 2024 were selected. General data, clinical outcomes, and anticoagulation regimens were collected. The Mann-Kendall trend test was used to analyze the temporal trend of VTE prevalence, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of VTE occurrence. A total of 939 VTE patients were included, comprising 492 females (52.40%) and 447 males (47.60%), with a mean age of (54.87±20.10) years. There were 339 elderly patients aged ≥65 years and 600 patients aged < 65 years. In terms of treatment outcomes, the clinical improvement (improvement) rate was 79.02%, and the cure rate was 10.76%. Among thrombus types, pulmonary embolism (PE) accounted for the highest proportion (58.79%), with low-risk PE being the main subtype (35.50%). The main comorbidity among VTE patients was hypertension (39.94%), followed by acute myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke (11.40%). The prevalence of VTE increased from 0.62% in 2019 to 1.07% in 2024. The Mann-Kendall trend test showed a Kendall's Tau coefficient of 0.733 ( The prevalence of VTE at the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region is on the rise. The key risk population consists of chronic disease patients with hypertension and obesity. It is necessary to further strengthen early identification of VTE, management of comorbidities, and medication monitoring for chronic disease patients, so as to improve the comprehensive management of VTE in plateau areas.
3.Impact of Polygonum cuspidatum and polydatin on lipid deposition in adipose tissue of obese mice
Bi-lin XU ; Lu-guang SHENG ; Dan-dan LIU ; Wei-bin LIU ; Tao LEI ; Qing-guang CHEN ; Hao LU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2912-2917
AIM To investigate the effects of Polygonum cuspidatum and polydatin on lipid deposition in adipose tissue of high-fat diet-induced obese mice.METHODS Forty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to either a control group(10 mice)fed standard chow or a diet-induced obesity(DIO)group(30 mice)fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks.The successful mouse models were randomly assigned to the model group,the polydatin group(250 mg/kg)and the P.cuspidatum group(4.5 g/kg),with 8 mice in each group,to resume their high-fat diet during the following 8 weeks corresponding drug administration by gavage.Weekly body weight measurements were recorded for all mice.Serum TG,TC and LDL levels were quantified post-treatment.Histopathological assessment of adipose tissue was performed using HE staining.The mRNA expressions of AMPK,SREBP-1c and FAS in adipose tissue were analyzed by RT-qPCR.The protein expressions of p-AMPK,SREBP-1c and FAS in adipose tissue was detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group displayed significantly higher body weight,inguinal fat weight and epididymal fat weight(P<0.05);elevated serum TG,TC and LDL levels(P<0.05);markedly enlarged volumes of inguinal and epididymal adipocytes(P<0.01);reduced p-AMPK protein expression in inguinal adipose tissue(P<0.01);and upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared to the model group,both the P.cuspidatum group and polygonin group exhibited significantly reduced body weight and inguinal fat weight(P<0.05);decreased serum TG and TC levels(P<0.05);reduced inguinal adipocyte size(P<0.01);elevated p-AMPK protein expression in inguinal adipose tissue(P<0.01);and downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION P.cuspidatum and polydatin significantly increases p-AMPK expression while decreasing SREBP-1c and FAS levels in adipose tissue.This regulatory effect likely contributes to reduction of body weight in obese mice through suppression of lipogenesis.
4.Differences in mercury dissolution from HgS-containing traditional medicines under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Ming ZHANG ; Yuan-can XIAO ; Jing ZHAO ; Hai-ying TONG ; Xiao-yu WANG ; Wen-bin ZHOU ; Hong-tao BI ; Li-xin WEI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(8):2607-2611
AIM To investigate the variations in mercury dissolution from HgS-containing traditional medicines in three kinds of simulated gastrointestinal dissolution media.METHODS 39 batches of 15 types of HgS-containing traditional medicines were collected,total mercury content and dissolved mercury concentrations in simulated gastric fluid,simulated intestinal fluid,and L-cysteine-containing simulated intestinal fluid were measured.The maximum daily intake of total mercury and soluble mercury was calculated based on the maximum daily clinical dosage.RESULTS Among the 15 types of medicines,the maximum daily intake of total mercury varied by 156 times,the daily intake of soluble mercury varied by 3 502 times in simulated gastric fluid,313 times in simulated intestinal fluid,and 10 663 times in L-cysteine-containing simulated intestinal fluid,approximately.CONCLUSION For the 15 types of HgS-containing traditional medicines,the daily maximum intake of soluble mercury showed greater variations than that of total mercury.Soluble mercury concentration is more closely correlated with intestinal absorption of mercury and thus represents a more rational quality control indicator for HgS-containing traditional medicines.
5.Molecular epidemiological characteristics and hypervirulence evolution of ST11 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in medical institutions in Shanghai
Jing BI ; Wenjie CHEN ; Liang TIAN ; Qian LIU ; Huanyu WU ; Min CHEN ; Taiyao CHEN ; Tingting SHI ; Wei MA ; Hongzhi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(8):1075-1082
Objective To understand the molecular epidemiological characteristics and hypervirulence evolution trend of ST11 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)isolated from medical institutions in Shanghai,and provide scientific basis for formulating the prevention and control measures of drug-resistant organisms.Methods A total of 201 strains of CRKP isolated from 12 medical institutions in Shanghai from 2021 to 2022 were collected.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing were performed.The concatenated data was used for multilocus sequencing typing(MLST),serum typing(wzi typing),as well as analysis of resistance and viru-lence genes.Results All 201 CRKP strains were multidrug-resistant organisms(MDROs).These strains were al-most completely resistant to carbapenems,cephalosporins,and quinolones.Drug resistance gene analysis showed that 93.03%of CRKP strains carried KPC gene.201 CRKP strains were divided into 6 ST types and 10 capsule wzi types,with ST11-KL64(n=104)being the dominant type,followed by ST15-KL19(n=54).52.24%(n=105)of CRKP carried rpmA/rpmA2+iucA+iutA+iroN genes.Conclusion CRKP isolated from medical institutions in Shanghai is mainly ST11-KL64 type with severe multidrug resistance,and more than half of the strains are hyper-virulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(hv-CRKP).It is necessary to continuously strengthen the monitoring of the molecular characteristics of CRKP,so as to prevent outbreaks of healthcare-associated infection.
6.Efficacy and safety of perioperative docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimens with different cycles for locally advanced gastric cancer and gastroesophageal junction cancers:a network Meta-analysis
Yanqiu LI ; Xinqing XU ; Zhengan BI ; Yinshui ZOU ; Yongbo WANG ; Qiao HUANG ; Wei SUN ; Yining CHEN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(10):1188-1197
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of perioperative chemotherapy regimens based on docetaxel administered in different cycles for locally advanced gastric cancer(LAGC)and gastroesophageal junction cancer(GEJC)through a network Meta-analysis.Methods PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials(RCTs)evaluating docetaxel-based perioperative regimens for the treatment of LAGC and GEJC from inception to February 28,2025.Two researchers independently screened the literature,extracted relevant data,and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies.Subsequently,a network Meta-analysis was performed using R 4.5.0 software.Results A total of 10 RCTs involving 2,064 patients were included.The results of the network Meta-analysis showed that,compared with three cycles of epirubicin,cyclophosphamide,and fluorouracil(ECF regimen)and four cycles of platinum and fluorouracil(PF regimen),both three-cycle and four-cycle docetaxel,platinum,and fluorouracil(TPF regimen)significantly increased the complete tumor resection rate(R0 resection rate).Compared with surgery alone,the three-cycle TPF regimen significantly improved the R0 resection rate.Additionally,the four-cycle TPF regimen significantly improved 3-year and 5-year progression-free survival(PFS)compared with the two-cycle PF regimen,and significantly improved overall survival(OS)at 3 and 5 years compared with the three-cycle ECF regimen.Compared with surgery alone,the three-cycle TPF regimen also significantly increased the pathological complete response rate(pCR rate).Furthermore,compared with the two-cycle TPF and three-cycle ECF regimens,the four-cycle TPF and PF regimens were associated with a lower risk of surgical complications.Conversely,the two-cycle TPF and three-cycle ECF regimens significantly increased the risk of surgical complications compared with surgery alone.No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of grade 3 to 4 adverse events among the treatment regimens(P>0.05).Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)plot and pairwise comparisons,the three-cycle PF regimen appeared to be the most effective in achieving the highest R0 resection rate,the three-cycle TPF regimen appeared to be the most effective in achieving the highest pCR rate,while the four-cycle TPF regimen was associated with the best outcomes in terms of 3-year and 5-year PFS and OS.Conclusion The four-cycle TPF regimen may be associated with the optimal PFS and OS among perioperative chemotherapy regimens.No statistically significant differences were observed between the four-cycle TPF and the three-cycle PF in terms of R0 resection rate,between the four-cycle TPF and the three-cycle TPF in terms of pCR rate,or between the four-cycle TPF and the other seven regimens included in the study in terms of safety assessment.The four-cycle TPF regimen may represent the optimal perioperative chemotherapy regimen for patients with LAGC and GEJC.
7.Non-pharmacological interventions in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome:A network meta-analysis
Xiao-hui WEI ; Meng-yao MA ; Hang SU ; Tong HU ; Yu-xin ZHAO ; Xing-chao LIU ; Hong-yan BI
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(3):234-245
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of shockwave therapy,acupuncture,hyperthermia,biofeedback therapy,elec-trical nerve stimulation,magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CP/CPPS),and to provide evidence-based support for clinical decision-making.Methods:Two researchers independently searched PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,Wanfang,VIP and Chinese Biomedical Literature databases for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the effects of different interventions on CP/CPPS from the establishment of the databases to August 2024.We evaluated the quality of the included literature and extracted the relevant data according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions,followed by network meta-analysis using Revman 5.3,R 4.33 and Stata17 software.Results:A total of 25 RCTs involving 1 794 cases were included.The results of network meta-analysis showed that electrical nerve stimulation,shockwave therapy,biofeedback therapy,magnetotherapy,ultrasound therapy and acupuncture were significantly superior to conventional medication and placebo in the total NIH-CPSI scores(P<0.05),and so were electrical nerve stimulation and shock-wave therapy to acupuncture and hyperthermia(P<0.05),magnetic therapy to hyperthermia,and ultrasound therapy to placebo(P<0.05).Shockwave therapy,biofeedback therapy,electrical nerve stimulation,magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy achieved re-markably better clinical efficacy than conventional medication and placebo in the treatment of CP/CPPS,and so did shockwave therapy than electrical nerve stimulation,hyperthermia,ultrasonic therapy,magnetotherapy and acupuncture.Conclusion:For the treat-ment of CP/CPPS,electrical nerve stimulation is advantageous over the other interventions in improving total NIH-CPSI scores,and shockwave therapy is advantageous in relieving pain symptoms and clinical efficacy.This conclusion,however,needs to be further veri-fied by more high-quality clinical studies.
8.Impact of Polygonum cuspidatum and polydatin on lipid deposition in adipose tissue of obese mice
Bi-lin XU ; Lu-guang SHENG ; Dan-dan LIU ; Wei-bin LIU ; Tao LEI ; Qing-guang CHEN ; Hao LU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2912-2917
AIM To investigate the effects of Polygonum cuspidatum and polydatin on lipid deposition in adipose tissue of high-fat diet-induced obese mice.METHODS Forty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to either a control group(10 mice)fed standard chow or a diet-induced obesity(DIO)group(30 mice)fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks.The successful mouse models were randomly assigned to the model group,the polydatin group(250 mg/kg)and the P.cuspidatum group(4.5 g/kg),with 8 mice in each group,to resume their high-fat diet during the following 8 weeks corresponding drug administration by gavage.Weekly body weight measurements were recorded for all mice.Serum TG,TC and LDL levels were quantified post-treatment.Histopathological assessment of adipose tissue was performed using HE staining.The mRNA expressions of AMPK,SREBP-1c and FAS in adipose tissue were analyzed by RT-qPCR.The protein expressions of p-AMPK,SREBP-1c and FAS in adipose tissue was detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group displayed significantly higher body weight,inguinal fat weight and epididymal fat weight(P<0.05);elevated serum TG,TC and LDL levels(P<0.05);markedly enlarged volumes of inguinal and epididymal adipocytes(P<0.01);reduced p-AMPK protein expression in inguinal adipose tissue(P<0.01);and upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared to the model group,both the P.cuspidatum group and polygonin group exhibited significantly reduced body weight and inguinal fat weight(P<0.05);decreased serum TG and TC levels(P<0.05);reduced inguinal adipocyte size(P<0.01);elevated p-AMPK protein expression in inguinal adipose tissue(P<0.01);and downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION P.cuspidatum and polydatin significantly increases p-AMPK expression while decreasing SREBP-1c and FAS levels in adipose tissue.This regulatory effect likely contributes to reduction of body weight in obese mice through suppression of lipogenesis.
9.Effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula on renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus via TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathways
Wen-xuan XU ; Lei-lei MA ; Ming-yu SHEN ; Xiao-jin LA ; Bi-wei ZHANG ; Shuo WANG ; Chao LI ; Peng CUI ; Zhen CHEN ; Ji-an LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):421-429
AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula(YQJDTL)on renal microvascular endothelial function and prevention of renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group.The model group was administered with high-fat diet combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to establish the T2DM model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,the canagliflozin group(9 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose YQJDTL groups(4.77,9.45 g/kg).The corresponding doses of the drug were administered by gavage for a total of 12 weeks,during which the rats underwent observation of their general condition and blood glucose changes.After the end of administration,the rats had their levels of renal index,24-hour UP,serum SCr,BUN,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ET-1 and NOS measured;their changes in renal microvasculature and the degree of renal fibrosis observed using HE staining,Masson staining,PAS staining,and PASM staining;their ultrastructure of the glomeruli observed using transmission electron microscopy;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,Col-1,VEGFA and PKC detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β,SMAD2 determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose YQJDTL group showed decreased levels of renal index,blood glucose,TG,TC,HDL,24 h UP,BUN,SCr and ET-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased LDL and NOS levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);reduced renal inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis degree,inhibited fusion of foot processes and thickening of basement membrane;decreased renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,VEGFA,PKC and Col-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β and SMAD2(P<0.01).CONCLUSION In the rat models of T2DM,YQJDTL can reduce their levels of blood glucose and lipids by improving the renal indices levels and the renal microvascular endothelial functions to alleviate renal fibrosis and microangiopathy as well,and the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulated expressions of TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathway-related proteins.
10.Study on the TCM drug-symptom patterns in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on the " three-stage differentiated management" principle
Qian MA ; Xinyue CHEN ; Caijun WU ; Jun YAN ; Wei BI
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(11):1664-1671
Objective:To explore the therapeutic methods and drug-symptom patterns of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) at different stages under the guidance of the " three-stage differentiated management" principle.Methods:Under the three-stage principle, 133 IPF prescriptions treated by prof. Yan Jun from 2017.2-2023.12 were analyzed. Disease and category information of each eligible case was entered into the " FangNet" platform. Association and cluster analyses were performed for core herbs, key herb pairs, and symptom-drug relationships, aiming to uncover the clinical medication characteristics and rules in the three stages.Results:(1) Early inflammatory stage: phlegm-stasis harassment, incipient but unformed masses, superficial disease location; priority was dispelling wind, dispersing pathogen, clearing lung and resolving phlegm-commonly used: ephedra, stemona, processed pinellia, peucedanum, armeniaca. (2) Mid injury stage: formed phlegm-stasis, struggle of pathogen and healthy Qi, impaired lung collaterals, obstructive phlegm-stasis, excess pathogen with intact healthy Qi; emphasis on expelling pathogen, resolving phlegm, activating blood and dredging collaterals-e.g., angelica, pheretima, bombyx, scorpio. (3) Late fibrotic stage: healthy Qi deficiency with excess pathogen, phlegm-stasis masses entrenched in collaterals; treatment focuses on tonifying lung and dissolving masses, combining dredging and tonifying to regulate Qi and blood-e.g., pinellia, rhodiola, ginseng, gecko.Conclusions:Phlegm-stasis as excess pathogen and dual deficiency of lung-kidney run through all three stages of IPF. The rise and fall of healthy Qi vs pathogen and the degree of mass formation determine stage-specific therapeutic strategies and drug-pattern adjustments.

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