1.Effect and Mechanisms of Ermiao Formula Analogs and Their Active Components in Treating Dampness-heat Type Gouty Arthritis: A Review
Xueping ZHAO ; Xinya ZHANG ; Le YANG ; Ye SUN ; Xin SUN ; Hui SUN ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Guangli YAN ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):276-285
Gouty arthritis (GA) is caused by monosodium urate(MSU) deposition due to purine metabolism disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it falls under the category of "dampness-heat Bi syndrome", with core pathogenesis involving dampness-heat accumulation and dysfunction of the spleen and kidney. The dampness-heat syndrome is the most common and the primary syndrome type during acute attacks. In Western medicine, GA is associated with purine metabolism imbalance and inflammation triggered by MSU crystals, involving pathways such as NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and Toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) signaling. Clinically, colchicine and similar drugs are commonly used to treat GA, although long-term use carries potential side effects. Ermiao Formula analogs originate from ancient prescriptions, including Ermiao, Sanmiao, and Simiao compound formulas. All contain Atractylodis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. Ermiaowan follow a 1∶1 formulation ratio. Sanmiaowan add Cyathulae Radix. Simiaowan further incorporate Coicis Semen. These formulas are rich in active ingredients, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and sterols, and treat GA through multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms. Ermiaosan primarily exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pathways such as TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) or regulating immune responses to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators, while also suppressing xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity to decrease uric acid production. Sanmiaowan enhance uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects through the guiding herb Cyathulae Radix, while also protecting cartilage from damage. Simiaowan utilizes Coicis Semen to regulate intestinal flora, alleviate dampness-heat symptoms, and exert multi-pathway anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering effects. The active ingredients contribute differently to uric acid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant activity, and bone repair, resulting in varying therapeutic effects due to differences in formula composition. In summary, formulas derived from Ermiaosan demonstrate significant efficacy in treating dampness-heat type GA. This review summarizes their research progress and mechanisms, providing a reference for clinical application, new drug development, and further studies.
2.Sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum Improves Neuroinflammation by Regulating JNK Phosphorylation
Ziyu YIN ; Yun GAO ; Junjiao WANG ; Weigang XUE ; Xueping PANG ; Huiting LIU ; Yunfang ZHAO ; Huixia HUO ; Jun LI ; Jiao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):139-145
ObjectiveTo study the pharmacological substances and mechanisms through which sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum improves neuroinflammation. MethodsBV-2 microglial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce neuroinflammation. The cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, and the ZH-13 low- and high-dose treatment groups (10, 20 μmol·L-1). The model group was treated with 1 μmol·L-1 LPS. Cell viability was assessed using the cell proliferation and activity assay (CCK-8 kit). Nitric oxide (NO) release in the cell supernatant was measured using a nitric oxide kit (Griess method). The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway proteins was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, ZH-13 dose-dependently reduced NO release from BV-2 cells under LPS stimulation (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the 20 μmol·L-1 ZH-13 treatment group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6 were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In both the low- and high-dose ZH-13 groups, the expression of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the upstream MAPK pathway were significantly reduced (P<0.05). After stimulation with the JNK agonist anisomycin (Ani), both low- and high-dose ZH-13 treatment groups showed reduced phosphorylation of JNK proteins compared to the Ani-treated group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe sesquiterpene compound ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum significantly ameliorates LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 cells by inhibiting excessive JNK phosphorylation and reducing TNF-α expression. These findings elucidate the pharmacological substances and mechanisms underlying the sedative and calming effects of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum.
3.A multicenter retrospective clinical study of a simplified comprehensive geriatric assessment system in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Jiayan LENG ; Yihong CAI ; Xueping GE ; Nanping ZHAO ; Qianqian SU ; Zhuxia JIA ; Jun QIAN ; Bingzong LI ; Haiying HUA ; Xuzhang LU ; Huayuan ZHU ; Jianyong LI ; Wenyu SHI
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(2):126-133
Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of simplified geriatric assessment (sGA) in elderly Chinese patients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) .Methods:It retrospectively analyzed the relationships of sGA with the clinical characteristics, outcome, and prognosis of 219 patients aged ≥60 years who were newly diagnosed with DLBCL at six hospitals in Jiangsu province between January 2018 and December 2022.Results:The median age of 219 patients was 68 years (60-87 years). According to the sGA system criteria, 101 (46.1%), 103 (47.0%), and 15 (6.8%) elderly patients with DLBCL were categorized as fit, unfit, and frail, respectively. The most common adverse reactions after chemotherapy were hematologic, and the incidence of grade >2 hematologic adverse reactions was similar among the three groups (47.5% vs 41.7% vs 46.7%, respectively; χ2=0.712, P=0.700). Compared with the fit and unfit groups, the frail group showed tendencies toward for higher proportions of grade >2 gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and infectious adverse reactions ( P>0.05 for all). The fit, unfit, and frail groups had respective remission rates of 74.3%, 46.6%, and 20.0% ( χ2=25.249, P<0.001) ; disease progression rates of 5.9%, 11.7%, and 26.7% ( χ2=6.763, P<0.05) ; 2-year overall survival rates of 92.1% (95% CI 86.6% to 97.9%), 77.6% (95% CI 69.5% to 86.6%), and 70.1% (95% CI 49.4% to 99.6%) ( P<0.05) ; and 2-year progression-free survival rates of 76.8% (95% CI 67.0% to 84.8%), 69.7% (95% CI 61.8% to 82.0%), and 65.7% (95% CI 53.3% to 100%) ( P=0.399) . Conclusion:sGA can effectively predict treatment adverse effects and efficacy, disease progression, and long-term survival in elderly DLBCL.
4.A preliminary study of apolipoprotein B assay combined with whole exome sequencing for accurate diagnosis of hyperlipidemia
Chang ZHAO ; Fang ZHENG ; Xueping QIU ; Liang CAO ; Fan WANG ; Ruiyang ZHU ; Daoxi QI ; Shuyang SHENG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(7):895-901
Objective:To investigate the use of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) diagnostic algorithm for hyperlipidemia typing combined with whole exome sequencing in the precise diagnosis of familial hyperlipidemia.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted by collecting clinical information on all patients who attended our hospital, and had their lipid levels tested from January 2023 to May 2024, including 440 patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)>4.10 mmol/L. Family history, current lipid levels, medication use, and comorbidities were collected by telephone follow-ups. Among them, 10 patients had a family history of hyperlipidemia. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from patients with a family history of hyperlipidemia, and whole exome sequencing was performed.Results:According to the Fredrickson typing of WHO, 10 patients (P1 to P10) could be categorized into two groups, of which only type Ⅱa could be excluded in 6 cases, and the typing could not be determined in 4 cases. The ApoB diagnostic algorithm of hyperlipidemia typing could classify patients P1 and P2 as type Ⅱa, patients P3 to P7, P9 and P10 as type Ⅱb, and patient P8 as type Ⅴ, respectively. Whole exome sequencing detected mutations in LDLR, PCSK9, C5AR2, KIF12, ALMS1, ABCG5, COL4A3, and MTTP genes.Conclusion:The ApoB diagnostic algorithm for hyperlipidemia can be used for accurate typing of hyperlipidemia, and ApoB could be recommended as a routine lipid testing parameter. The ApoB diagnostic algorithm for hyperlipidemia combined with whole exome sequencing could be used for the accurate typing of patients with familial hyperlipidemia and defining the underlying gene mutations.
5.A multicenter retrospective clinical study of a simplified comprehensive geriatric assessment system in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Jiayan LENG ; Yihong CAI ; Xueping GE ; Nanping ZHAO ; Qianqian SU ; Zhuxia JIA ; Jun QIAN ; Bingzong LI ; Haiying HUA ; Xuzhang LU ; Huayuan ZHU ; Jianyong LI ; Wenyu SHI
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(2):126-133
Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of simplified geriatric assessment (sGA) in elderly Chinese patients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) .Methods:It retrospectively analyzed the relationships of sGA with the clinical characteristics, outcome, and prognosis of 219 patients aged ≥60 years who were newly diagnosed with DLBCL at six hospitals in Jiangsu province between January 2018 and December 2022.Results:The median age of 219 patients was 68 years (60-87 years). According to the sGA system criteria, 101 (46.1%), 103 (47.0%), and 15 (6.8%) elderly patients with DLBCL were categorized as fit, unfit, and frail, respectively. The most common adverse reactions after chemotherapy were hematologic, and the incidence of grade >2 hematologic adverse reactions was similar among the three groups (47.5% vs 41.7% vs 46.7%, respectively; χ2=0.712, P=0.700). Compared with the fit and unfit groups, the frail group showed tendencies toward for higher proportions of grade >2 gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and infectious adverse reactions ( P>0.05 for all). The fit, unfit, and frail groups had respective remission rates of 74.3%, 46.6%, and 20.0% ( χ2=25.249, P<0.001) ; disease progression rates of 5.9%, 11.7%, and 26.7% ( χ2=6.763, P<0.05) ; 2-year overall survival rates of 92.1% (95% CI 86.6% to 97.9%), 77.6% (95% CI 69.5% to 86.6%), and 70.1% (95% CI 49.4% to 99.6%) ( P<0.05) ; and 2-year progression-free survival rates of 76.8% (95% CI 67.0% to 84.8%), 69.7% (95% CI 61.8% to 82.0%), and 65.7% (95% CI 53.3% to 100%) ( P=0.399) . Conclusion:sGA can effectively predict treatment adverse effects and efficacy, disease progression, and long-term survival in elderly DLBCL.
6.A preliminary study of apolipoprotein B assay combined with whole exome sequencing for accurate diagnosis of hyperlipidemia
Chang ZHAO ; Fang ZHENG ; Xueping QIU ; Liang CAO ; Fan WANG ; Ruiyang ZHU ; Daoxi QI ; Shuyang SHENG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(7):895-901
Objective:To investigate the use of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) diagnostic algorithm for hyperlipidemia typing combined with whole exome sequencing in the precise diagnosis of familial hyperlipidemia.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted by collecting clinical information on all patients who attended our hospital, and had their lipid levels tested from January 2023 to May 2024, including 440 patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)>4.10 mmol/L. Family history, current lipid levels, medication use, and comorbidities were collected by telephone follow-ups. Among them, 10 patients had a family history of hyperlipidemia. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from patients with a family history of hyperlipidemia, and whole exome sequencing was performed.Results:According to the Fredrickson typing of WHO, 10 patients (P1 to P10) could be categorized into two groups, of which only type Ⅱa could be excluded in 6 cases, and the typing could not be determined in 4 cases. The ApoB diagnostic algorithm of hyperlipidemia typing could classify patients P1 and P2 as type Ⅱa, patients P3 to P7, P9 and P10 as type Ⅱb, and patient P8 as type Ⅴ, respectively. Whole exome sequencing detected mutations in LDLR, PCSK9, C5AR2, KIF12, ALMS1, ABCG5, COL4A3, and MTTP genes.Conclusion:The ApoB diagnostic algorithm for hyperlipidemia can be used for accurate typing of hyperlipidemia, and ApoB could be recommended as a routine lipid testing parameter. The ApoB diagnostic algorithm for hyperlipidemia combined with whole exome sequencing could be used for the accurate typing of patients with familial hyperlipidemia and defining the underlying gene mutations.
7.Summary of the Academic Thought of TCM Master Zhou Zhongying on Integrating the Ancient and Modern to Create a New System of Pathogenesis Theory
Fang YE ; Mianhua WU ; Xueping ZHOU ; Haibo CHENG ; Liu LI ; Zhe FENG ; Lu JIN ; Yao ZHU ; Lizhong GUO ; Zhiqiang ZHAO ; Zhiying WANG ; Miaowen JIN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(10):1071-1079
This paper summarizes the exploration process and academic significance of the academic thought of Zhou Zhongying,a master of traditional Chinese medicine,who took the creation of a new system of TCM pathogenesis theory as the core,and interprets its theoretical connotation.As a pioneer in the construction of higher education textbooks for traditional Chinese medicine,Professor Zhou Zhongying created the outline of TCM internal medicine viscera differentiation,persisted in carrying out innovative research on patho-genesis theory,achieved fruitful academic results,and enriched and developed the academic system of TCM theory.In the clinical di-agnosis and treatment of exogenous febrile diseases and acute and difficult internal injuries,he systematically created new pathogenesis theories such as stasis-heat theory and cancer toxicity theory.Based on this,the legislation of medication can improve the clinical effi-cacy,and it is realized that identifying the pathogenesis is the key link in syndrome differentiation and treatment.In his later years,Professor Zhou Zhongying,guided by the holistic view,proposed the"thirteen pathogenesis"and constructed a new system of TCM pathogenesis differentiation,highlighting the guiding value of complex pathogenesis and the causal chain of pathogenesis elements to complex clinical diseases and syndromes,forming a theory with the idea of"examining syndromes and seeking pathogenesis,activating syndrome differentiation"as its soul.This theory breaks through the rigid thinking of syndrome differentiation and treatment based on a single pathogenesis or fixed syndrome type,reconstructs the theoretical framework of TCM with the idea of holistic view,and is a major academic innovation in modern TCM.
8.Analysis of the relationship between KRAS,NRAS,BRAF,HER2 gene mutations and MSI status and clinical features in colorectal cancer patients
Jie ZHAO ; Shan JIANG ; Xin LIAO ; Xiaofeng WANG ; Xueping CHEN ; Jiang WU ; Xiaosong LI ; Yifan SHEN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(19):2360-2365,2371
Objective To investigate the relationship between Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog(KRAS),neuroblastoma viral oncogene RAS homolog(NRAS),V-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homo-log B(BRAF),human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)gene mutations and microsatellite instabili-ty(MSI)status and clinicopathological features in patients with colorectal cancer.Methods The clinical data of 226 patients with colorectal cancer treated in the hospital from October 2019 to March 2022 were collected.Next-generation sequencing technology was used to detect KRAS,NRAS,BRAF,HER2 gene mutations and MSI status.Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the mismatch repair system(MMR)status.Multiva-riate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between KRAS,NRAS,BRAF,HER2 gene mutations and clinicopathological features.Results Among 226 colorectal cancer patients,the mutation frequencies of KRAS,NRAS,BRAF and HER2 were 54.89%,5.3%,8.4%and 1.8%,respectively.The fre-quency of KRAS mutation in mucinous adenocarcinoma was higher than that in common adenocarcinoma(P<0.05).The risk of KRAS mutation in right colon cancer was increased(OR=2.145,P=0.012).NR AS gene mutation was more frequent in left colon and rectal cancer(P<0.05).The frequency of BRAF gene mu-tation was higher in poorly differentiated and microsatellite instability-high(MSI-H)colorectal cancer(P<0.05),and the risk of BRAF gene mutation in the right colon was increased(OR=2.844,P=0.042).HER2 gene amplification mutation showed distant metastasis(P<0.05).KRAS mutations were mutually exclusive with NRAS,BRAF and HER2 amplification mutations(P<0.05).MSI-H was more frequent in the right co-lon(P<0.05).Of the 226 cases,10 cases were defective mismatch repair(dMMR)/MSI-H,8 cases were dM-MR/microsatellite stable,and 5 cases were proficient mismatch repair/MSI-H.There was a moderate agree-ment between dMMR and MSI-H(Kappa=0.575).Conclusion KRAS,NRAS,BRAF,HER2 and MSI sta-tus are associated with clinicopathological features in patients with colorectal cancer.Combined detection of KRAS,NRAS,BRAF,HER2 and MSI can provide more accurate and effective data to guide the treatment and prognosis of patients.
9.Effects of Lijin Zhenggu Therapy combined with heat supplementing needles on cartilage damage, immune balance, and liver X receptor nuclear factor NF-κB pathway in knee arthritis of New Zealand white rabbits
Chan WANG ; Mingjun XU ; Wei ZUO ; Haitao ZHAO ; Cheng CHEN ; Wenyan YAN ; Xueping ZHU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(5):600-606
Objective:To explore Lijin Zhenggu Therapy combined with heat supplementing needles on cartilage damage, immune balance, and liver X receptor NF-κB in knee osteoarthritis of New Zealand white rabbits.Methods:Totally 60 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into normal group, model group, Lijin Zhenggu Therapy group, heat supplementing needles group, and a combination group using random number table method, with 12 rabbits in each group. Except for the normal group, all other groups were established with knee osteoarthritis models. The Lijin Zhenggu Therapy group was treated with Lijin Zhenggu Therapy, the heat supplementing needles group was treated with heat supplementing needles, the combination group was treated with Lijin Zhenggu Therapy combined with heat supplementing needles. The pain threshold of each group of white rabbits was observed using a pain meter; HE staining was used to observe the morphology of cartilage damage in each group of white rabbits; ELISA was used to detect PGE 2, IL-1β and β-EP in the articular cartilage tissue of white rabbits in each group; PCR was used to detect the levels of LXRα and NF-κB mRNA. Western blot was used to detect toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor (MyD88), interferon regulatory factor-7 (IRF-7) in synovial tissue of rabbits in each group. Results:Compared with model group, the pain threshold of rabbits in heat supplementing needles group, Lijin Zhenggu Therapy group and combination group increased ( P<0.05); the levels of PGE 2 and IL-1β decreased ( P<0.05), while the level of β-EP increased ( P<0.05). LXRα mRNA level increased ( P<0.05), and NF-κB mRNA level decreased ( P<0.05); the expressions of TLR4, MyD88, IRF-7 and NF-κB P65 in synovial tissue decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Lijin Zhenggu Therapy combined with heat supplementing needles can reduce the levels of PGE 2 and IL-1β, increase β-EP level, improve pain and cartilage tissue morphology. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of liver X receptor nuclear factor NF-κB pathway, reduction of inflammatory reactions and immunity maintaining.
10.Study on the correlation between neuropeptide S receptor gene polymorphism and primary insomnia
Jie FAN ; Peilin HUI ; Wei MA ; Xubin WANG ; Yuan ZHAO ; Jinfeng WANG ; Xueping CHEN ; Xiaoyan SU ; Bin GUO ; Yuping XIE
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(21):1-5,46
Objective To investigate the correlation between neuropeptide S receptor(NPSR)single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)(rs323917,rs323920,rs323922,rs2530547,rs324957)and primary insomnia(PI).Methods A total of 157 patients diagnosed with PI in the outpatient department of Center of Sleep Medicine,Gansu Provincial People's Hospital from December 2016 to May 2019 were selected as PI group,and 133 healthy physical examination subjects during the same period were selected as control group.Venous blood samples were collected and DNA,polymerase chain reaction(PCR)amplification and agarose gel electrophoresis were extracted.rs323917,rs323920,rs323922,rs2530547,rs324957 single nucleotide loci were genotypized by target site sequencing.Meanwhile,standard polysomnosis monitoring was performed to analyze the correlation between gene polymorphism and PI.Results There were no significant differences in the genotype distribution of NPSR SNP sites(rs323917,rs323920,rs323922,rs2530547)and allele frequency and rs324957 allele frequency between two groups(P>0.05).There was significant difference in genotype distribution of rs324957(P=0.034).There was no significant difference in the frequency of different haplotypes between two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The expression of rs324957 SNP genotypes in NPSR may be related to PI,and AG genotype is dominant.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail