1.Academic Characteristics of Contemporary Chinese Medicine Masters in Treating Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on SrTO
Yu SUN ; Xiaodan WANG ; Yingzi CUI ; Tianying CHANG ; Fan LI ; Lisha WANG ; Chenxuan DONG ; Shoulin ZHANG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):258-269
ObjectiveTo explore the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspectives of principles, methods, formulas, and medications. MethodsIn strict accordance with the Systematic Review of Text and Opinion (SrTO) process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), an Australian evidence-based healthcare center, the databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, Wanfang Data, and China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) were searched. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, text information extraction, quality evaluation, and text information synthesis were conducted sequentially. The data were analyzed and presented in the form of text and figures. ResultsA total of 215 articles related to 43 contemporary renowned experts in the fields of Chinese medicine nephrology and endocrinology were included. The study found that the academic thoughts of these masters in the treatment of DKD are extensive, involving multiple levels such as disease understanding, therapeutic strategies, formula application, and medication use. In terms of disease understanding, the primary pathogenesis is characterized by deficiency in the root and excess in the manifestation. It is emphasized that internal factors, such as congenital endowment deficiency, interact with external factors such as improper diet, emotional disturbances, invasion of exogenous pathogens, and delayed or inappropriate treatment, to jointly induce the disease. This further gives rise to various pathogenetic theories, including obstruction of renal collaterals by blood stasis, toxin-induced damage to renal collaterals, latent wind disturbing the kidney, and internal heat leading to mass formation. In terms of therapeutic strategies and medication use, the principal treatment method is to replenish Qi and nourish Yin. Stage-based and syndrome-differentiated treatments are advocated. Flexible use of insect-derived drugs and wind-dispelling drugs is emphasized, along with proficiency in applying classical formulas and drug pairs. Integrated internal and external treatments, as well as the combined application of multiple therapeutic approaches, are commonly employed for comprehensive management. Meanwhile, the concept of "preventive treatment of disease" is upheld, and individualized long-term management of patients is advocated. ConclusionThrough the SrTO process, the academic thoughts of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in the treatment of DKD have been systematically and standardly synthesized, providing a scientific and standardized basis for future theoretical exploration.
2.Academic Characteristics of Contemporary Chinese Medicine Masters in Treating Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on SrTO
Yu SUN ; Xiaodan WANG ; Yingzi CUI ; Tianying CHANG ; Fan LI ; Lisha WANG ; Chenxuan DONG ; Shoulin ZHANG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):258-269
ObjectiveTo explore the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspectives of principles, methods, formulas, and medications. MethodsIn strict accordance with the Systematic Review of Text and Opinion (SrTO) process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), an Australian evidence-based healthcare center, the databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, Wanfang Data, and China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) were searched. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, text information extraction, quality evaluation, and text information synthesis were conducted sequentially. The data were analyzed and presented in the form of text and figures. ResultsA total of 215 articles related to 43 contemporary renowned experts in the fields of Chinese medicine nephrology and endocrinology were included. The study found that the academic thoughts of these masters in the treatment of DKD are extensive, involving multiple levels such as disease understanding, therapeutic strategies, formula application, and medication use. In terms of disease understanding, the primary pathogenesis is characterized by deficiency in the root and excess in the manifestation. It is emphasized that internal factors, such as congenital endowment deficiency, interact with external factors such as improper diet, emotional disturbances, invasion of exogenous pathogens, and delayed or inappropriate treatment, to jointly induce the disease. This further gives rise to various pathogenetic theories, including obstruction of renal collaterals by blood stasis, toxin-induced damage to renal collaterals, latent wind disturbing the kidney, and internal heat leading to mass formation. In terms of therapeutic strategies and medication use, the principal treatment method is to replenish Qi and nourish Yin. Stage-based and syndrome-differentiated treatments are advocated. Flexible use of insect-derived drugs and wind-dispelling drugs is emphasized, along with proficiency in applying classical formulas and drug pairs. Integrated internal and external treatments, as well as the combined application of multiple therapeutic approaches, are commonly employed for comprehensive management. Meanwhile, the concept of "preventive treatment of disease" is upheld, and individualized long-term management of patients is advocated. ConclusionThrough the SrTO process, the academic thoughts of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in the treatment of DKD have been systematically and standardly synthesized, providing a scientific and standardized basis for future theoretical exploration.
3.Effect and Mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo Prescription on Pulmonary Fibrosis via Inhibiting Macrophage Polarization Through Wnt3a/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Yanxia LIANG ; Xuelian YU ; Wenwen WANG ; Guangsen LI ; Hongfei XING ; Maorong FAN ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):112-123
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether Bushen Tongluo prescription inhibits macrophage polarization by regulating the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby reducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and excessive extracellular matrix deposition, in order to elucidate the anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo prescription and provide a new theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. MethodsFifty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, model group, pirfenidone group, and high- and low-dose Bushen Tongluo prescription groups. Except for the blank group, the pulmonary fibrosis model was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Intervention was initiated on day 28 after modeling. The high- and low-dose Bushen Tongluo prescription groups were administered Bushen Tongluo prescription at doses of 30.88, 15.44 g·kg-1, respectively, by intragastric gavage. The pirfenidone group was administered pirfenidone capsules at 110 mg·kg-1 by intragastric gavage. The blank and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage, once daily for 90 days. After treatment, the level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in lung tissue and the collagen volume fraction were compared. The protein distribution and expression of E-cadherin, cytokeratin 19, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ), and collagen type Ⅲ (Col Ⅲ) in lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein distribution and expression of CD68, arginase-1 (Arg-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue were detected by immunofluorescence. The protein expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue was detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin was detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the airway walls, alveolar spaces, and interstitial tissue in the model group, with obvious fibrous tissue hyperplasia. The level of TGF-β1 in BALF was significantly increased. The protein expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 in lung tissue was decreased, whereas the protein expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Wnt3a, β-catenin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was increased. The fluorescence-positive area ratios of CD68, Arg-1, iNOS, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue were increased. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the airway walls, alveolar spaces, and interstitial tissue, decreased TGF-β1 levels in BALF, increased protein expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 in lung tissue, decreased protein expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ, decreased fluorescence-positive area ratios of CD68, Arg-1, iNOS, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue, and decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBushen Tongluo prescription can improve bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and reducing excessive extracellular matrix deposition. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway and the macrophage polarization mediated by this pathway.
4.The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region for Locomotion Control
Xing-Chen GUO ; Yan XIE ; Xin-Shuo WEI ; Wen-Fen LI ; Ying-Yu SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1804-1816
Locomotion, a fundamental motor function encompassing various forms such as swimming, walking, running, and flying, is essential for animal survival and adaptation. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), located at the midbrain-hindbrain junction, is a conserved brain area critical for controlling locomotion. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the MLR’s structure and function across species, from lampreys to mammals and birds, with a particular focus on insights gained from optogenetic studies in mammals. The goal is to uncover universal strategies for MLR-mediated locomotor control. Electrical stimulation of the MLR in species such as lampreys, salamanders, cats, and mice initiates locomotion and modulates speed and patterns. For example, in lampreys, MLR stimulation induces swimming, with increased intensity or frequency enhancing propulsive force. Similarly, in salamanders, graded stimulation transitions locomotor outputs from walking to swimming. Histochemical studies reveal that effective MLR stimulation sites colocalize with cholinergic neurons, suggesting a conserved neurochemical basis for locomotion control. In mammals, the MLR comprises two key nuclei: the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) and the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). Both nuclei contain glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, with the PPN additionally housing cholinergic neurons. Optogenetic studies in mice by selectively activating glutamatergic neurons have demonstrated that the CnF and PPN play distinct roles in motor control: the CnF drives rapid escape behaviors, while the PPN regulates slower, exploratory movements. This functional specialization within the MLR allows animals to adapt their locomotion patterns and speed in response to environmental demands and behavioral objectives. Similar to findings in lampreys, the CnF and PPN in mice transmit motor commands to spinal effector circuits by modulating the activity of brainstem reticular formation neurons. However, they achieve this through distinct reticulospinal pathways, enabling the generation of specific behaviors. Further insights from monosynaptic rabies viral tracing reveal that the CnF and PPN integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to produce context-appropriate behaviors. For instance, glutamatergic neurons in the PPN receive signals from other midbrain structures, the basal ganglia, and medullary nuclei, whereas glutamatergic neurons in the CnF rarely receive inputs from the basal ganglia but instead are strongly influenced by the periaqueductal grey and inferior colliculus within the midbrain. These differential connectivity patterns underscore the specialized roles of the CnF and PPN in motor control, highlighting their unique contributions to coordinating locomotion. Birds exhibit exceptional flight capabilities, yet the avian MLR remains poorly understood. Comparative studies suggest that the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) in birds is homologous to the mammalian PPN, which contains cholinergic neurons, while the intercollicular nucleus (ICo) or nucleus isthmi pars magnocellularis (ImC) may correspond to the CnF. These findings provide important clues for identifying the avian MLR and elucidating its role in flight control. However, functional validation through targeted experiments is urgently needed to confirm these hypotheses. Optogenetics and other advanced techniques in mice have greatly advanced MLR research, enabling precise manipulation of specific neuronal populations. Future studies should extend these methods to other species, particularly birds, to explore unique locomotor adaptations. Comparative analyses of MLR structure and function across species will deepen our understanding of the conserved and evolved features of motor control, revealing fundamental principles of locomotion regulation throughout evolution. By integrating findings from diverse species, we can uncover how the MLR has been adapted to meet the locomotor demands of different environments, from aquatic to aerial habitats.
5.Current status of acupuncture education and reflections on future reforms.
Zhiwei FENG ; Shan HAN ; Yang LI ; Yu XING ; Jingyi LIU ; Peng BAI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(7):1003-1007
Education is a crucial element in the development of acupuncture as a discipline, providing essential talent support for its future advancement. A structured interview was conducted with renowned acupuncture expert Professor ZHAO Jiping, focusing on key topics such as the core of acupuncture education, the connotation and development of acupuncture textbooks, and acupuncture teaching models. Through in-depth discussion, the current problems in acupuncture education were analyzed, and possible solutions were explored, aiming to offer ideas for the innovative development of acupuncture education.
Acupuncture/trends*
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Humans
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Acupuncture Therapy
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China
6.Effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii on CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis and neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders
Yan-qin DING ; Peng FENG ; Ming-lu WANG ; Yu-tong WANG ; Ke-xin SUN ; Xing WEI ; Yong-yan TIAN ; Xing-ping TANG ; Ping LI ; Ruo-lan LU ; Ling LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1825-1833
AIM To investigate the effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii Schott(A.tatarinowii)on neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group(8 rats)and the model group(40 rats).The rat models of tic disorders established successfully by intraperitoneal injection of iminodiapropionitrile(IDPN)were further divided into the model group,the tiapride group and the high-dose,moderate-dose and low-dose A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups,with 8 rats in each group.The 4-week intragastric treatment of respective drug was initiated the next day after the completion of modeling,and normal saline was dosed upon the blank group and the model group,during which the rats' behavioral changes were assessed by stereotyped behavior and motor behavior score every week.After the administration,the rats had their morphological changes of striatal neurons observed by Nissl staining;their levels of TGF-β,IL-10,TNF-αand IL-1β in serum and striatum detected by ELISA;their striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry;and their striatal expressions of M1,M2 microglia marker proteins CD86,CD206,SYN and PSD-95 detected by immunofluorescence co-staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups demonstrated improved twitch-like behavior;decreased scores of motor behavior and rigid behavior(P<0.01);alleviated damage of Nissl bodies in neurons;increased serum and striatum levels of TGF-β and IL-10(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);decreased striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1(P<0.01);increased protein expressions of PSD95 and SYN(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased CD86/Iba1(P<0.01)and increased CD206/Iba1(P<0.01)in terms of the fluorescence intensity.CONCLUSION A.tatarinowii volatile oil contributes an anti-tic effect and improves the neuroinflammation in the brain of the rat model of tic disorders by promoting the transformation of microglia into M2 type via CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis.
7.A bibliometric analysis of studies related to retroperitoneal tumors
Qian LIU ; Cheng-hua LUO ; Ming-yin ZHOU ; Xing-chen LIU ; Yong-qiang LI ; Hua-zhao XU ; Yu-jun XIONG
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):361-366
Objective:This study aims to analyze the trends,hotspots,and interrelations in research on retroperito-neal tumors through bibliometric methods,providing the latest scientific information support for clinicians and research-ers.Methods:Data were sourced from the SCI-expanded database of the Web of Science Core Collection,covering the period from 2004 to 2023.Statistical analysis and visualization of the number of publications,total citations,average citations per article,countries,institutions,journals,and keywords were conducted using Microsoft Excel 2019,VOS-viewer,and CiteSpace.Results:A total of 6,842 relevant articles were retrieved,with a total of 113 753 citations and an average of 16.63 citations per article.The number of publications had been increasing annually,peaking in 2022.The United States,China,and Japan are the major research countries,with the United States contributing the most.Memo-rial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are the leading research in-stitutions.The journal with the most publications was the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.Gronchi Alessandro was the most prolific author.The ain keywords were"Management","Surgery",and"Tumor",and the most cited papers focus on surgery and multicenter studies.Conclusion:Research on retroperitoneal tumors is increasing annually,with hot-spots focusing on treatment methods and prognosis analysis.The United States is the main contributor to this field,with significant international collaboration.Future research should further explore the pathogenesis of retroperitoneal tumors and more effective treatment strategies.
8.Ginsenoside Rg1 improves chronic myocardial inflammatory injury and fibrosis by inhibiting AIM2/NLRP3 inflammasomes in mice
Lei FAN ; Xing ZHU ; Hao-yu LIANG ; Lei HUANG ; Wei-ping LI ; Wei-zu LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2246-2252
Aim To investigate the protective role and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 in myocardial inflamma-tion injury and fibrosis induced by chronic lipopolysac-charide(LPS)exposure in mice.Methods A chro-nic LPS-induced mouse model was established and ran-domly assigned to six groups:control,LPS(200 μg·kg-1),Rg1(5,10,20 mg·kg-1)and Tempol(50 mg·kg-1)groups.Cardiac function was evaluated by using echocardiography,and histopathological changes in myocardial tissue were assessed via hematoxylin-eo-sin(HE)staining,Masson's trichrome staining,and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS)staining.The expression levels of TRPC6,AIM2,NLRP3,cleaved caspase-1,IL-1β,and IL-6 were detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the control group,the cardiac function of LPS group significantly decreased,the de-gree of myocardial injury and fibrosis was aggravated,and the expressions of TRPC6,AIM2,NLRP3,IL-1 βand IL-6 significantly increased.Compared with the LPS model group,Rg1 treatment significantly improved the cardiac function,alleviated myocardial injury and fibrosis,and inhibited the expression of TRPC6,the activation of AIM2/NLRP3 inflammasomes and the ex-pression of inflammatory factors.Conclusions Gin-senoside Rg1 can inhibit the activation of AIM2/NL-RP3 inflammasomes by down-regulating TRPC6 signa-ling,thereby reducing the chronic myocardial inflam-matory injury and fibrosis caused by chronic LPS expo-sure.
9.Water extract of Rehmannia glutinosa improves bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and its metabolic mechanism
Zi-yu ZHANG ; Meng-nan ZENG ; Peng-li GUO ; Yu-han ZHANG ; Xiang-da LI ; Yan-xing WU ; Shuang-ying FU ; Zi-chang LIAN ; Wei-sheng FENG ; Xiao-ke ZHENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2315-2325
Aim To investigate the intervention effect of Rehmannia radix water extract on bleomycin(BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice combined with metabolomics and to reveal the potential mechanism,in order to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of pul-monary fibrosis.Methods Male C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,pirfenidone group(positive control,PFD,270 mg·kg-1),and low dose(DH-L,4.55 g·kg-1)group,medium dose(DH-M,9.1 g·kg-1)group and high dose(DH-H,18.2 g·kg-1)group of Rehman-nia.Except for the control group,BLM(5 mg·kg-1)was instilled into the trachea to establish the model of pulmonary fibrosis in the other groups.The survival rate,lung index and blood oxygen saturation of mice in each group were evaluated.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue.WBP was used to detect lung function.Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of primary lung cells,ROS and immune cells.ELISA was used to detect the levels of fibrosis markers and inflammatory factors(α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ,collagen Ⅲ,TGF-β1,TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-6).Biochemical method was employed to detect the contents of GSH-Px,T-SOD and MDA.Liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer(LC-MS)metabolomics was used to analyze the changes of serum metabolic profile.Results Water extract of Re-hmannia significantly increased the survival rate,oxy-gen saturation and lung function of mice with pulmona-ry fibrosis,reduced the lung coefficient,ameliorated pathological damage and collagen deposition in lung tissue,reduced the levels of apoptosis and oxidative stress,and down-regulated the levels of inflammatory factors in lung tissue.It regulated the levels of metabo-lites such as bile acid metabolism,sphingolipid metabo-lism,and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism.Conclu-sions Water extract of Rehmannia inhibits lung injury and collagen deposition in mice with pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting inflammatory response,which may be a-chieved by regulating the levels of inflammatory factors through the metabolic pathways of bile acid and sphin-golipid.
10.Analysis and suggestions for the FDA drug labeling rules on cardiac safety risk warnings
Wei LIU ; Xiao-qing XING ; Yu-qing REN ; Qian SHEN ; Yue ZHOU ; Nan ZHANG ; Fu-meng LIANG ; Fang-fang WANG ; Hai-yan LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):235-239
Objective To improve and refine the relevant regulations and guiding principles of warnings on drug instructions and labels in China.Methods This paper sorted out the drug instructions of small molecule anti-tumor drugs listed by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration(FDA)from 2005 to 2022,included the drugs mentioned in the QT interval prolongation risk,analyzed the clinical research and QT research results,and sorted out the identification and warning rules of the instructions.Results A total of 35 drugs were included,4 drugs wrote the risk of QT interval prolongation in the black box warning,21 drugs were wrote in the warning and precautions position,6 drugs were wrote in the adverse reaction section,and 2 drugs were only described under clinical pharmacology section.According to the severity of the QT interval prolongation caused by the drug and whether there were serious clinical consequences,they were displayed in the warnings(black box warnings),precautions(warnings and precautions)and adverse reactions in the instructions.Conclusion The aim of this article is to provide a reference for the writing of QT risk warning information of the instructions of domestic drug production enterprises and regulatory departments.It is recommended to clarify the severity of drug safety and the location of the instructions in clinical research,and continue to carry out safety monitoring and update the instructions in time after listing.

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