1.Textual Research on Key Information and Modern Clinical Application of Classical Famous Formula Liumotang
Xinyu ZHANG ; Chong LI ; Yixuan HU ; Luming LIANG ; Ye ZHAO ; Xiaoting LU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):201-212
Liumotang comes from the Yuan dynasty's Effective Prescription Handed Down for Generations of Physicians. It is composed of six medicinal materials: Arecae Semen, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum, Aucklandiae Radix, Linderae Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and Aurantii Fructus. It is a classical formula for treating abdominal pain due to Qi stagnation and constipation accompanied by heat. This study systematically collated the records of Liumotang in ancient medical books and modern clinical literature and conducted in-depth analysis and textual research on its formula source, main diseases, composition, dosage, medical books, container capacity, processing, preparation method, usage, drug basis, formula meaning, and other key information, so as to provide a powerful reference for the development and clinical application of compound preparations of the classical formula Liumotang. The results show that Liumotang was first seen in Effective Prescription Handed Down for Generations of Physicians, and many medical books of the past dynasties have imitated this. In terms of drug basis, the dried and mature seeds of the palm plant Areca catechu, resin-containing wood of the Daphneaceae plant Aquilaria sinensis, the dried roots of the Asteraceae plant woody Aucklandia lappa, the dried tuber root of the Lauraceae plant Lindera aggregata, the dried roots and rhizomes of the knotweed plant, R. palmatum, R.tangutikum, and R. officinale, and the dried and unripe fruits of the citrus genus C. aurantium and its cultivated varieties from the family Rutaceae were selected. In terms of dosage, through the textual research on bowls in the Ming and Qing dynasties, combined with the conversion of medicines and bowl capacity in the Qing dynasty, it was estimated that the dosage of each drug in the Yuan dynasty was 10.86 g. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the dosage of drugs was mostly equal, but the dosage of drugs was somewhat different. In terms of processing, preparation method, and usage, in the medical books of the past dynasties, the processing of drugs has slightly changed, but raw drugs are used in all preparations. The preparation method and usage did not change much during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, except for certain differences in dosage. In terms of syndrome, Liumotang was first used to treat abdominal pain due to Qi stagnation and constipation accompanied by heat. Medical books of the past dynasties often omit the symptoms of heat. In modern clinical practice, Liumotang is mainly used in the digestive system and urinary system diseases and is mostly used to treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, biliary reflux gastritis, functional constipation, slow transit constipation, and other diseases, with no adverse reactions found yet. The above results provide a reliable scientific basis for the development and clinical treatment of Liumotang compound preparations.
2.Syndrome and Pathogenesis Treated by Mahuang Shengmatang
Xinyu WAN ; Yin CHENG ; Wenbo GAO ; Zhiguo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):253-258
The prescription Mahuang Shengmatang in the Treatise on Cold Damage (《伤寒论》) has sparked considerable debate among medical practitioners throughout history, with varying opinions on its indications, pathogenesis described in the text, principle of compatibility, and clinical applications. Both ancient and modern interpreters of Mahuang Shengmatang often focus on herbal compatibility as a primary approach to deduce the pathogenesis and treatment methods. Building upon this foundation, this paper utilizes herbal dosage as a clue to discern the primary and secondary herbs in the prescription. It further analyzes the principle of compatibility based on herbal indications, summarizing the indications and therapeutic principles of this prescription. Ultimately, it reveals the underlying pathogenesis reflected in the text. The internal closure of heat and toxin leads to the stagnation of Qi, preventing Yang Qi from reaching the extremities and causing cold hands and feet. When the pathogenic Qi finds no outlet, it floods both the upper and lower regions of the body, attacking the throat and causing cough with expectoration of pus and blood, and descending to the large intestine to consume Yin fluids, resulting in persistent diarrhea. Based on this pathogenesis, the paper expands the scope of symptoms and signs associated with the prescription, providing a more detailed portrayal of the applicable patient population and enhancing the basis for clinical prescription references. Additionally, the paper presents considerations on several controversial topics, suggesting that the "lower pulse" described in the text refers to the lower limb arterial pulsation, and the symptoms and signs resemble those of septic shock in modern medicine. Therefore, Mahuang Shengmatang should be categorized as a prescription for treating warm diseases and it is not developed by ZHANG Zhongjing. By employing a detailed discussion on the syndrome, pathogenesis, and clinical application in the texts of Mahuang Shengmatang from the dosage, principle of compatibility, and herbal indications, this paper not only enriches the theoretical foundation of Mahuang Shengmatang but also provides a comprehensive perspective and fresh ideas for understanding its clinical application.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Signaling Pathways Related to Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer: A Review
Maofu ZHANG ; Xinyu LI ; Yanyun SHEN ; Yeyuan LIU ; Jialin ZHONG ; Lulu CHEN ; Haihong ZHAO ; Zhongyang SONG ; Zhiming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):297-306
Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) are a group of pathological changes caused by abnormalities in the structure, morphology, and differentiation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Since the early symptoms are hidden and non-specific, PLGC is not easy to be diagnosed and it has often developed into intermediate or advanced gastric cancer once being diagnosed and missed the best time for treatment. Accordingly, the incidence of this disease is increasing year by year, which lifts a heavy burden on the patients. The pathogenesis of PLGC is complex, involving inflammatory microenvironment, bile reflux, glycolysis, autophagy, and apoptosis. Currently, PLGC is mainly treated with anti-inflammatory and endoscopic therapies, which are difficult to curb the development of PLGC. Therefore, seeking a safe and effective therapy is an important topic of modern research. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by treatment based on syndrome differentiation and a holistic view, exerts effects via multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets. Recent studies have confirmed that TCM can regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and other signaling pathways. By targeting these pathways, TCM can inhibit aerobic glycolysis, reduce oxidative stress, repair the inflammatory microenvironment, regulate cellular autophagy, and promote vascular normalization, thereby delaying or reversing PLGC. However, few researchers have systematically summarized the TCM regulation of PLGC-associated pathways. By reviewing the relevant articles at home and abroad, this paper summarized the roles of the above signaling pathways in the development of PLGC and the research progress in the regulation of signaling pathways by TCM in the treatment of PLGC, with a view to providing a new theoretical basis for the clinical research on PLGC and the drug development for this disease.
4.Research progress on low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in promoting osseointegration of dental implants
ZHANG Xinyu ; QU Fang ; XU Chun
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(5):417-424
How to effectively promote osseointegration of dental implants remains a pressing clinical challenge. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in accelerating the healing of various bodily tissues, including bone tissue. In recent years, there has been extensive research on its application in promoting osseointegration in the field of dental implantology. Animal studies have shown that LIPUS exhibits significant potential in facilitating osseointegration of dental implants. In vitro experiments have further revealed that LIPUS can enhance the expression of key osteogenic factors, extracellular matrix mineralization, and induce local neurons to secrete αCGRP. Through the regulation of signaling pathways such as bone morphogenetic protein/Smad (Bmp/Smad), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3k/Akt), LIPUS promotes the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of osteogenic-related cells, thereby enhancing osseointegration of dental implants. Additionally, clinical studies have shown that bone mass increases around the implants after LIPUS treatment, with more pronounced growth observed on the buccal bone plate than on the palatal side. Furthermore, there is a lack of research that systematically summarizes the clinical evidence, in vitro and in vivo studies, and mechanisms of action regarding the role of LIPUS in promoting osseointegration of implants. Therefore, the aim of this study is to discuss the mechanisms of effect of LIPUS on osseointegration of implants, with the goal of further enhancing the outcome of implant-supported prosthodontic treatment.
5.The Application Status and Trends of Data-Intelligence Technology in the Diagnosis of Lysosomal Storage Diseases
Xinyu DU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):112-121
To summarize the applications of data-intelligence technology in diagnosing lysosomal storage disease(LSD), analyze their opportunities and challenges in clinical practice as well as their development trends, and provide insights and recommendations for advancing digitally driven auxiliary diagnostic technologies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and VIP. The studies focusing on the application of digital-intelligence technologies in LSD diagnosis were included. A qualitative analysis was performed, categorizing and summarizing research based on the types of digital-intelligence technologies employed, and exploring future development trends. The analysis revealed that digital-intelligence technologies, particularly in areas such as big data storage and management, data mining and analytics, machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, held significant potential for early screening and diagnosis of LSD. These technologies facilitated the identification of potential patients, discovery of new biomarkers, quantitative analysis of symptoms, and elucidation of gene-disease relationships, ultimately enhancing diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. Digital-intelli-gence technologies present promising prospects for advancing LSD diagnostic research and improving diagnostic precision. Future efforts should focus on developing a comprehensive, multidimensional diagnosis system and diagnostic technologies under the guidance of the DI-HEALTH theoretical framework, in the hope of paving the way for further development of digitally assisted diagnostic solutions.
6.Using Digital Intelligence in Promoting Mechanism for Medical Care Insurance for Rare Diseases: Concepts and Applications
Xinyu YANG ; Yuzheng ZHANG ; Shengfeng WANG ; Wudong GUO
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):30-38
Our study aims at systematically summarizing and evaluating the applications of digital intelligence technologies in the field of rare disease medical care insurance now and in the future and at constructing a conceptual framework for the digital powered mechanism for the medical care insurance for rare diseases. By using Chinese keywords of " rare disease" " medical insurance"" artificial intelligence"" prediction model"" machine learning"" big data"" algorithm" and their English equivalents, we searched the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP, collected relevant literature, and decided the criteria of inclusion and exclusion. The finding of our study shows that medical care insurance mechanism of rare disease in China faces significant challenges in drug accessbility and the funding sustainability. Meanwhile, our study shows that the digital intelligence technologies have broad potential in applications-in financing, accessbility, payment, and supervision. Specifically, dynamic simulation models and big data analysis can make precise prediction of the demand for funding of medical care insurance. The machine learning algorithms improve the dynamic evaluation of drug safety and cost-effectiveness. The personalized payment models enhance the efficiency in identifying the cohort with high expenditure so as to alleviate fund expenditure pressures. The intelligent monitoring technologies can accurately detect the abnormal behaviors in funds of medical care insurance. These technologies provide systematic and scientific solutions for improving the medical care mechanism for rare diseases. Even though further investigation is needed, the digital intelligence technologies have shown remarkable potential in enhancing the flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability of the medical care insurance system and a promising future in meeting the needs of patients with rare diseases.
7.Expression of IP3R2 and RYR2 mediated Ca2+signals in a mouse model of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning
Jili ZHAO ; Tianyu MENG ; Yarong YUE ; Xin ZHANG ; Wenqian DU ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Hui XUE ; Wenping XIANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):254-261
BACKGROUND:Ca2+expression in astrocytes has been found to be closely related to cognitive function,and the Ca2+signaling pathway regulated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP3R2)and ryanodine receptor(RYR)2 receptors has become a hot spot in the study of cognitive disorder-related diseases. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the expression of Ca2+signals mediated by IP3R2 and RYR2 in hippocampal astrocytes in animal models of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning,and to explore the possible pathogenesis of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. METHODS:C57BL mice with qualified cognitive function were selected by Morris water maze experiment and randomly divided into control group and experimental group.An animal model of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning was established by static carbon monoxide inhalation in the experimental group,and the same amount of air was inhaled in the control group.Behavioral and neuronal changes,astrocyte specific marker glial fibrillary acidic protein,IP3R2,RYR2 receptor and Ca2+concentration in astrocytes of the two groups were detected using Morris water maze,hematoxylin-eosin staining,western blot,immunofluorescence double labeling and Ca2+fluorescence probe at 21 days after modeling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the Morris water maze,the escape latency of the experimental group was significantly longer than that of the control group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that in the experimental group,the number of hippocampal pyramidal cells decreased,the cell structure was disordered,and the nucleus was broken and dissolved.Immunofluorescence results showed that IP3R2 and RYR2 were co-expressed with glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus,and the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were up-regulated in the hippocampus of the experimental group(P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2,and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus of the experimental group were increased(P<0.05).Ca2+concentration in hippocampal astrocytes increased significantly in the experimental group(P<0.05).To conclude,astrocytes may affect Ca2+signals by mediating IP3R2 and RYR2 receptors,then impair the cognitive function of mice with carbon monoxide poisoning,and eventually lead to delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.
8.The challenges of artificial intelligence application in the medical field and Confucian responses
Xinyu ZHANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Suli SUI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(9):1119-1126
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical field has significantly improved medical efficiency, yet it has also posed numerous ethical challenges. From the perspective of traditional Confucianism, this paper explored ethical challenges faced in the application of medical AI and the responses of Confucianism, elaborating on the importance of Confucianism in achieving value alignment. This paper analyzed the ethical dilemmas faced by medical AI in practical applications from four aspects, including the doctor-patient trust crisis, patient safety issues, fairness and conflict of interest, and challenges of responsibility attribution. It also explored the application of Confucianism in the ethical governance of medical AI, focusing on the analysis of how “benevolence,”“righteousness,” and role ethics deal with issues such as doctor-patient trust, patient safety, fairness, market profit-seeking, and responsibility allocation. By emphasizing the guiding role of ethical principles in technological development through the principle of “governing technology with ethics,” the achievement of the value alignment goal in medical AI can be promoted. Confucianism provides an important ethical foundation for the value alignment of medical AI. Its core concepts run through the deep integration of technology and ethics, offering unique cultural wisdom and practical solutions for AI governance on a global scale.
9.Research Progress of Antibacterial Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Synergistic Antibacterial Drugs to Reverse Drug Resistance
Jiamin CHEN ; Xinyu ZHAO ; Shuhua YUE ; Zihao SHEN ; Chujiong CHEN ; Shenghua LU ; Zengyu ZHANG ; Jie REN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1157-1169
With the widespread use of antimicrobial agents, bacterial drug resistance has become an increasingly severe issue, posing significant challenges to global healthcare. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a research focus in the field of bacterial resistance due to its broad sources, high safety profile, low toxicity, and antimicrobial mechanisms distinct from those of chemical drugs. Studies have shown that various TCM herbs, such as Scutellaria baicalensis, exert antibacterial effects through multiple pathways, including disrupting the integrity of bacterial cell walls and membranes, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis, and impairing energy production and metabolism. Additionally, certain TCM herbs, including Scutellaria baicalensis, Coptis chinensis, and Fritillaria thunbergii, can reverse antimicrobial resistance by eliminating resistant plasmids, inhibiting bacterial efflux pump function, and suppressing β-lactamase activity. TCM holds promising potential for antibacterial applications and synergistically reversing antimicrobial resistance, though systematic analyses remain limited. This review summarizes the mechanisms of antibacterial action of TCM and current research on its synergistic use with antimicrobial agents to reverse drug resistance, aiming to provide insights for developing novel TCM-based antimicrobials and addressing bacterial resistance.
10.Evaluation of the Efficacy of Local Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Clinical Cases
Yanna ZHANG ; Li PENG ; Xinyu REN ; Feng MAO ; Qiang SUN ; Yidong ZHOU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1214-1220
To compare the clinical efficacy of intralesional corticosteroid injection combined with topical corticosteroids versus topical corticosteroids alone in patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). Patients diagnosed with IGM and treated at the Breast Surgery Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between October 2016 and March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on treatment modalities, patients were divided into an injection group (receiving intralesional corticosteroid injections plus topical corticosteroids) and a control group (receiving topical corticosteroids alone). Clinical outcomes and recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. Seventy-eight patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled, with 51 in the injection group and 27 in the control group. The median age was 35 years (range: 22-45). The maximum lesion diameter was 8.7±2.9 cm in the injection group and 7.1±2.7 cm in the control group. Compared with the control group, the injection group showed a significantly shorter time to half remission(2.8±0.9 weeks Compared with topical corticosteroid monotherapy, the combina-tion of intralesional corticosteroid injection and topical corticosteroids provides faster symptom control and shorter treatment duration while maintaining high efficacy and low long-term recurrence rates, offering a more effective therapeutic option for IGM patients.


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