1.Noninvasive Screening for Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Using Photoplethysmography-derived Meridian-labelled Harmonic Parameters
Yun-Qing LE ; Jian-Xin CHEN ; Ai-Ping CHEN ; Zhi-Hong LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1178-1194
ObjectiveChronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is usually diagnosed by gastroscopy and histopathological biopsy. These procedures remain the reference standard, but their invasive nature and resource requirements may limit their use in large-scale population screening and repeated follow-up. A convenient and reproducible method for noninvasive auxiliary screening may help identify individuals who require further endoscopic assessment. Fingertip photoplethysmography (PPG) provides a noninvasive recording of peripheral pulse waves and allows harmonic features to be extracted from the signal. In this study, the so-called meridian-related variables were defined as PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature, rather than as direct measurements of meridian physiology. This study aimed to compare these harmonic parameters between patients with CAG and non-CAG controls, identify parameters that remained different after age adjustment, and develop a multivariable model for noninvasive auxiliary screening and pre-endoscopic risk stratification of CAG. MethodsA total of 343 participants were included, comprising 171 patients with CAG and 172 non-CAG controls. CAG diagnosis was established using gastroscopy and histopathology as the reference standard. Fingertip PPG signals were collected using a PPG-based pulse acquisition device. Eight PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature were extracted for analysis. Between-group differences were first assessed using nonparametric tests. Age-adjusted analyses were then performed to reduce potential confounding by age. The false discovery rate (FDR) method was applied for multiple-comparison correction. A multivariable logistic regression model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters was constructed. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Internal validation performance was assessed using stratified five-fold cross-validation and bootstrap optimism correction. Threshold performance was examined using both a high-specificity strategy and a Youden index-based cutoff. Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the model’s net clinical benefit across a range of threshold probabilities. ResultsAll eight harmonic parameters were non-normally distributed. In the univariate analysis, the stomach-labelled harmonic parameter (ST), bladder-labelled harmonic parameter (BL), and liver-labelled harmonic parameter (LR) differed between the CAG and non-CAG groups. After age adjustment and FDR correction, only ST and BL remained statistically significant. Compared with non-CAG controls, patients with CAG showed higher ST values and lower BL values. This finding indicates an associated differential harmonic pattern that was not fully explained by age distribution. However, the discriminative ability of a single harmonic parameter was limited. The best-performing single indicator was ST, with an AUC of 0.652 (95% CI: 0.595-0.707). The multivariable model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters achieved an AUC of 0.791 (95% CI: 0.743-0.835), representing an improvement of 0.139 over ST alone. In internal validation, stratified five-fold cross-validation yielded a mean AUC of 0.753 (95% CI: 0.715-0.781), and the bootstrap optimism-corrected AUC was 0.748. These results suggest that the model retained moderate discriminative performance after internal validation.At a specificity of at least 95%, the model achieved a sensitivity of only 40.4% (95% CI: 25.7%-49.7%). This high-specificity cutoff may be suboptimal as the preferred threshold for an initial screening setting because of the potential risk of missed CAG cases. The Youden index-based optimal cutoff was 0.419, corresponding to a sensitivity of 80.7% and a specificity of 62.8%. This threshold may better match the practical aim of noninvasive auxiliary screening, where sensitivity is usually prioritized to reduce missed cases. Decision curve analysis showed that, within a threshold probability range of 10%-55%, the model provided higher net clinical benefit than the reference strategies of recommending gastroscopy for all participants or for none. ConclusionPatients with CAG showed associated harmonic differences in fingertip PPG-derived features, mainly characterized by higher ST and lower BL values after age adjustment and FDR correction. Compared with a single harmonic parameter, the multivariable model showed better overall discrimination and retained moderate internal validation performance. These findings suggest that PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature may provide auxiliary information for noninvasive auxiliary screening and front-line triage before gastroscopic confirmation in CAG. The present results support further validation rather than immediate clinical implementation. External validation in independent, multicenter, and preferably prospective screening cohorts is needed to assess the model’s generalizability, screening performance, and potential clinical utility.
2.Compilation Instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment
Xin CUI ; Yanping BAI ; Ping SONG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):267-273
Compilation instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment elaborates on the formulation methods and evidence-based basis of the consensus. To address the problems of insufficient evidence on efficacy, vague indications, and a lack of uniform standard for Binghuang Fule Ointment in clinical application, 34 experts from 29 medical institutions across China participated in the compilation under the lead of the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine and Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, as well as China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The compilation strictly adhered to the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development (GB/T 1.1—2020), and the Guidance of Instructions for Compiling Expert Consensus on Clinical Practice of Chinese Patent Medicine. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, the compilation was completed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) evidence grading system. The detailed workflow included various key links. In clinical question construction, 15 items were screened by the nominal group method. In evidence retrieval, Chinese and English databases, along with gray literature, were covered to obtain 116 clinical and 33 pharmaceutical studies. In safety assessment, drug monitoring data and clinical research results were integrated, clarifying local adverse skin reactions and contraindications. Ultimately, 8 recommendations were formed by the GRADE grid method, while 16 consensus suggestions were reached via the majority vote rule. The results showed that the Binghuang Fule Ointment was applicable to eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, tinea pedis, and other diseases. The Consensus also elucidated the syndrome differentiation points, usage and dosage for different diseases (such as adjustment of course and application frequency), as well as the indications of combination medication. Additionally, safety assessment suggested that the Ointment should be used with caution in individuals with skin ulceration or hypersensitivity. To ensure methodological rigor, the compilation process went through three rounds of internal and external expert reviews, while a comprehensive analysis was conducted by literature analysis, the Delphi method, and other methods. This compilation instruction provided methodological support for the clinical transformation of the Consensus through key links, including project initiation, international registration, informed consent, conflict-of-interest statements, evidence evaluation, and popularization. The Consensus will be continuously improved through a dynamic revision mechanism in the future.
3.Compilation Instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment
Xin CUI ; Yanping BAI ; Ping SONG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):267-273
Compilation instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment elaborates on the formulation methods and evidence-based basis of the consensus. To address the problems of insufficient evidence on efficacy, vague indications, and a lack of uniform standard for Binghuang Fule Ointment in clinical application, 34 experts from 29 medical institutions across China participated in the compilation under the lead of the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine and Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, as well as China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The compilation strictly adhered to the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development (GB/T 1.1—2020), and the Guidance of Instructions for Compiling Expert Consensus on Clinical Practice of Chinese Patent Medicine. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, the compilation was completed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) evidence grading system. The detailed workflow included various key links. In clinical question construction, 15 items were screened by the nominal group method. In evidence retrieval, Chinese and English databases, along with gray literature, were covered to obtain 116 clinical and 33 pharmaceutical studies. In safety assessment, drug monitoring data and clinical research results were integrated, clarifying local adverse skin reactions and contraindications. Ultimately, 8 recommendations were formed by the GRADE grid method, while 16 consensus suggestions were reached via the majority vote rule. The results showed that the Binghuang Fule Ointment was applicable to eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, tinea pedis, and other diseases. The Consensus also elucidated the syndrome differentiation points, usage and dosage for different diseases (such as adjustment of course and application frequency), as well as the indications of combination medication. Additionally, safety assessment suggested that the Ointment should be used with caution in individuals with skin ulceration or hypersensitivity. To ensure methodological rigor, the compilation process went through three rounds of internal and external expert reviews, while a comprehensive analysis was conducted by literature analysis, the Delphi method, and other methods. This compilation instruction provided methodological support for the clinical transformation of the Consensus through key links, including project initiation, international registration, informed consent, conflict-of-interest statements, evidence evaluation, and popularization. The Consensus will be continuously improved through a dynamic revision mechanism in the future.
4.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of SkinPro Ointment
Xin CUI ; Ping SONG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yanping BAI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):163-170
SkinPro Ointment is an emulsion-based preparation derived from a traditional Tibetan medical empirical formula and developed using modern pharmaceutical technology. It is an exclusive patented product of Tibet Hairong Tangguo Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and has been listed as a National Protected Traditional Chinese Medicine Variety, the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, and classified as a Category B product in the National Basic Medical Insurance Catalog. The ointment possesses the functions of clearing heat and drying dampness, activating blood circulation and dispelling wind, relieving itching and reducing inflammation. Clinically, it is used for skin pruritus caused by dampness-heat accumulation or blood-heat with wind-dryness, as well as pruritic skin diseases such as neurodermatitis, eczema, tinea pedis, and psoriasis. To clarify the standards for its clinical application and promote rational drug use, a consensus working group comprising 34 national experts in dermatology, evidence-based medicine, and pharmacy was established. Through expert interviews, the nominal group technique, and questionnaire surveys, 15 clinical issues were identified. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence grading system was employed to assess the quality of evidence, leading to the formulation of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of SkinPro Ointment. This consensus specifies that the intended users are physicians and pharmacists in medical institutions at all levels. It standardizes the clinical application of the ointment, including syndrome characteristics, dosage and course of treatment, combination therapy, precautions, and contraindications. Recommendations and consensus suggestions were formed addressing the 15 clinical issues, covering the following key areas: ①Indications and TCM syndromes: In TCM, the ointment mainly treats conditions such as "damp sores" (Shichuang), "white scaling" (Baibi), "collar sores" (Shelingchuang), and "damp foot Qi" (Jiaoshiqi), corresponding to eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, and tinea pedis in Western medicine. The relevant TCM syndromes are identified as dampness-heat accumulation or blood-heat with wind-dryness. ②Usage and dosage: For external use, apply to the affected area 3 times daily. The dosage should follow the fingertip unit (FTU) principle. A treatment course of 1-2 weeks is recommended for mild to moderate cases; for serious cases, the course should be followed as prescribed by a physician. ③Combined therapy: The ointment can be used as monotherapy for mild cases. For moderate to severe cases, combination therapy is recommended, with reference to relevant clinical guidelines. ④Safety: Common adverse reactions include skin rashes, pruritus, and erythema. The ointment is contraindicated in patients with broken skin or obvious exudation at the affected area, as well as in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components. Contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes and oral mucosa should be avoided. Modern research shows that the ointment also has potential efficacy in other dermatological conditions, such as adult atopic dermatitis, tinea cruris, exfoliative keratolysis, acne vulgaris, and Malassezia folliculitis. This consensus provides a scientific basis for promoting the rational clinical use of SkinPro Ointment, improving its therapeutic efficacy, and reducing medication risks. Future updates will be dynamically revised according to emerging clinical issues and new evidence.
5.Noninvasive Screening for Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Using Photoplethysmography-derived Meridian-labelled Harmonic Parameters
Yun-Qing LE ; Jian-Xin CHEN ; Ai-Ping CHEN ; Zhi-Hong LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1178-1194
ObjectiveChronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is usually diagnosed by gastroscopy and histopathological biopsy. These procedures remain the reference standard, but their invasive nature and resource requirements may limit their use in large-scale population screening and repeated follow-up. A convenient and reproducible method for noninvasive auxiliary screening may help identify individuals who require further endoscopic assessment. Fingertip photoplethysmography (PPG) provides a noninvasive recording of peripheral pulse waves and allows harmonic features to be extracted from the signal. In this study, the so-called meridian-related variables were defined as PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature, rather than as direct measurements of meridian physiology. This study aimed to compare these harmonic parameters between patients with CAG and non-CAG controls, identify parameters that remained different after age adjustment, and develop a multivariable model for noninvasive auxiliary screening and pre-endoscopic risk stratification of CAG. MethodsA total of 343 participants were included, comprising 171 patients with CAG and 172 non-CAG controls. CAG diagnosis was established using gastroscopy and histopathology as the reference standard. Fingertip PPG signals were collected using a PPG-based pulse acquisition device. Eight PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature were extracted for analysis. Between-group differences were first assessed using nonparametric tests. Age-adjusted analyses were then performed to reduce potential confounding by age. The false discovery rate (FDR) method was applied for multiple-comparison correction. A multivariable logistic regression model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters was constructed. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Internal validation performance was assessed using stratified five-fold cross-validation and bootstrap optimism correction. Threshold performance was examined using both a high-specificity strategy and a Youden index-based cutoff. Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the model’s net clinical benefit across a range of threshold probabilities. ResultsAll eight harmonic parameters were non-normally distributed. In the univariate analysis, the stomach-labelled harmonic parameter (ST), bladder-labelled harmonic parameter (BL), and liver-labelled harmonic parameter (LR) differed between the CAG and non-CAG groups. After age adjustment and FDR correction, only ST and BL remained statistically significant. Compared with non-CAG controls, patients with CAG showed higher ST values and lower BL values. This finding indicates an associated differential harmonic pattern that was not fully explained by age distribution. However, the discriminative ability of a single harmonic parameter was limited. The best-performing single indicator was ST, with an AUC of 0.652 (95% CI: 0.595-0.707). The multivariable model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters achieved an AUC of 0.791 (95% CI: 0.743-0.835), representing an improvement of 0.139 over ST alone. In internal validation, stratified five-fold cross-validation yielded a mean AUC of 0.753 (95% CI: 0.715-0.781), and the bootstrap optimism-corrected AUC was 0.748. These results suggest that the model retained moderate discriminative performance after internal validation.At a specificity of at least 95%, the model achieved a sensitivity of only 40.4% (95% CI: 25.7%-49.7%). This high-specificity cutoff may be suboptimal as the preferred threshold for an initial screening setting because of the potential risk of missed CAG cases. The Youden index-based optimal cutoff was 0.419, corresponding to a sensitivity of 80.7% and a specificity of 62.8%. This threshold may better match the practical aim of noninvasive auxiliary screening, where sensitivity is usually prioritized to reduce missed cases. Decision curve analysis showed that, within a threshold probability range of 10%-55%, the model provided higher net clinical benefit than the reference strategies of recommending gastroscopy for all participants or for none. ConclusionPatients with CAG showed associated harmonic differences in fingertip PPG-derived features, mainly characterized by higher ST and lower BL values after age adjustment and FDR correction. Compared with a single harmonic parameter, the multivariable model showed better overall discrimination and retained moderate internal validation performance. These findings suggest that PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature may provide auxiliary information for noninvasive auxiliary screening and front-line triage before gastroscopic confirmation in CAG. The present results support further validation rather than immediate clinical implementation. External validation in independent, multicenter, and preferably prospective screening cohorts is needed to assess the model’s generalizability, screening performance, and potential clinical utility.
6.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
7.Impact of continuous renal replacement therapy on the pharmacokinetics of polymyxin B:a systematic review
Yuhan TAN ; Yanyan ZHOU ; Qing WANG ; Xin LI ; Ping XU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(10):1461-1469
Objective To systematically evaluate the impact of continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT)on the pharmacokinetics of polymyxin B,explore its possible impacting factors.Methods PubMed,Embase,Co-chrane Library,Web of Science,VIP database,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),SinoMed,and Wanfang data were retrieved.The study subjects were patients receiving CRRT and polymyxin B.Observational studies,case reports,and reviews were included.The outcome indicators included therapeutic drug monitoring re-sults,pharmacokinetic parameters,and CRRT parameters.The retrieval time was from the inception of each data-base to January 2025.The quality of literatures was evaluated with ClinPK tool.Two researchers independently conducted literature screening,data extraction,and quality evaluation.Results A total of 12 literatures were ulti-mately included in analysis,including 1 review,3 case reports,and 8 observational studies.Five studies showed that the clearance rate during CRRT period(1.3-6.66 L/h)was higher than that during non-CRRT period(0.5-3.9 L/h).Five studies reported that the area under the steady-state 24-hour drug concentration-time curve(AUCss,24h)during CRRT period(21.58-75.1 mg·h/L)was lower than that during non-CRRT period(60.6-118 mg·h/L).Two studies detected drugs in ultrafiltrate or dialysate,with in vitro drug recovery rates ranging from 5.62%to 24.0%.Two studies reported a decrease in drug concentration after passing through a blood filter.Conclusion During CRRT period,polymyxin B presents higher clearance rate and lower blood drug concentration,and some patients have lower AUCss.24h than the therapeutic target.The mechanism of this change during CRRT is not yet clear,the therapy mode and filter type may be potential impacting factors,further research are needed to promote precise anti-infective treatment.
8.Research on the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity and mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives
Xu-xin CUI ; Wen-ping CUI ; Yan-xing BI ; Fan CHENG ; Yu-ning LI ; Bao-lai ZHANG ; Quan-yi ZHAO ; Xiao-lai YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2150-2157
Aim To design and synthesize a series of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives by using glycyrrhetinic acid as the parent nucleus,screen their antitumor activ-ities,and investigate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects and mechanisms of the most active compound.Methods MTT assay was used to screen for the com-pound with the most potent antitumor activity.MTT as-say,wound healing assay,colony formation assay and Transwell migration assay were used to evaluate the effects of the compound on tumor cell viability and mi-gration.Flow cytometry was employed to assess the im-pact of the compound on tumor cell cycle progression and apoptosis.Western blot was conducted to verify the effects on the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax,caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3.A mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma ascites tumor was estab-lished to examine the antitumor effects of the compound in vivo.Results Compound C22 was identified as having the most significant inhibitory effect on hepato-cellular carcinoma cells.C22 inhibited the viability and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner.C22 upreg-ulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax,caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 in hepatocellular car-cinoma cells,induced apoptosis,and arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 and S phases.C22 significantly re-duced the growth of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma as-cites tumors and prolonged survival.Conclusion Glycyrrhetinic acid derivative C22 significantly inhibits the viability and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo,and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
9.Investigation of tumor-suppressive mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin in Lewis lung cancer mice via TXNIP/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway
Qiong-qiong GUO ; Wen-jie LI ; Jin-tian LI ; Jian-qing LIANG ; Ping TIAN ; Rong HU ; Xu-chao DONG ; Mei-hao XUE ; Long-xin XU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2894-2901
AIM To investigate the tumor-suppressive mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin in Lewis lung cancer mice.METHODS Ten intact C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the blank group.Sixty additional mice were developed into Lewis lung cancer models bearing transplanted tumor and subsequently allocated into the model group,the cisplatin group(5 mg/kg),the high-dose Guiqi Yiyuan Extract group(6.6 g/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin group(1.6,3.3,6.6 g/kg+5 mg/kg),with 10 mice in each group.Mice in the blank and model groups received saline via daily gavage,while treatment groups were administered Guiqi Yiyuan Extract orally(once daily),and cisplatin injection intraperitoneally(once every other day).After 14 days of drug administration,mice were euthanized for endpoint analysis.The following assessments were conducted:general health status and body weight changes monitored throughout the study period;tumor excision and weighing for inhibition rate calculation;histopathological examination of tumors via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;serum quantification of IL-1 β,IL-18 and HMGB1 by ELISA;ultrastructural analysis of tumor cell death using transmission electron microscopy(TEM);spatial localization of TXNIP and GSDMD-N in tumor sections via immunofluorescence(IF);and Western blot detection of TXNIP,NLRP3,Caspase-1,cleaved Caspase-1,GSDMD,GSDMD-N protein expressions in tumor tissues.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the cisplatin group and all combination therapy groups exhibited significant reduction in tumor weight(P<0.05)and increased tumor suppression rate;enhanced tumor tissue necrosis with characteristic pyroptotic morphology;elevated serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and HMGB1(P<0.05);and upregulated expressions of pyroptosis-associated proteins TXNIP,NLRP3,Caspase-1,cleaved Caspase-1,GSDMD and GSDMD-N(P<0.05).The high dose combination group demonstrated optimal therapeutic efficacy(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Guiqi Yiyuan Extract enhances cisplatin sensitivity,demonstrating synergistic anti-tumor effects in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice.This combinatorial therapeutic effect likely involves modulation of the TXNIP/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
10.Effects of Yiqi Juanbi Formula on chondrocyte pyroptosis in collagen-induced arthritic rats via NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway
Xin-yu CUI ; Hao-lin LI ; Wei-qing LI ; Hui-qin KANG ; Wei-gang CHENG ; Pei-xin HE ; Cai-hong YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Hai-dong WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2880-2887
AIM To investigate the effects of Yiqi Juanbi Formula on chondrocyte pyroptosis in rat models of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).METHODS Fifty rats were subcutaneously injected at the tail base with an emulsion containing equal volumes of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant(IFA)to establish the CIA models.These rats were then randomly assigned to the model group,the methotrexate group(0.35 mg/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Yiqi Juanbi Formula groups(9.4,18.7,37.4 g/kg),in contrast to the ten intact rats serving in the normal control group.Following four weeks of intragastric administration,the rats had their general conditions observed;their joint swelling and arthritis indices measured;their ankle joint pathology assessed by HE staining;their serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ detected by ELISA;their mRNA expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ in ankle cartilage quantified by RT-qPCR;their protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in ankle cartilage analyzed by Western blot;and their NLRP3 and GSDMD positive expressions in ankle cartilage examined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group showed significantly increased joint swelling and arthritis indices(P<0.01);elevated serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.01);pathological changes including cartilage surface defects,reduced cell count,altered cellular morphology,irregular cell arrangement,and significant inflammatory cell infiltration in synovial tissue;upregulated mRNA expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.01)and increased protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1(P<0.01)in ankle cartilage;enhanced positive expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD in ankle cartilage(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the groups intervened with methotrexate or medium-or high-dose Yiqi Juanbi Formula exhibited reduced joint swelling and arthritis indices(P<0.01);alleviated pathological damage in ankle joints;decreased serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.01);downregulated mRNA expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.05,P<0.01),and reduced protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1(P<0.05,P<0.01)in ankle cartilage;and diminished positive expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD in ankle cartilage(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Yiqi Juanbi Formula alleviates inflammation in CIA rats,potentially by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway,thereby suppressing chondrocyte pyroptosis.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail