1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Parkinson's Disease Based on Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway: A Review
Liuping YUE ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Yijun WU ; Huan YU ; Xinzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):307-317
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor dysfunction. The main pathological features include the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, abnormal aggregation of alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn), and the formation of Lewy bodies. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In recent years, the PD incidence has gradually increased, while current treatment methods are limited to symptom alleviation, incapable of halting disease progression, and prone to adverse effects, thus making it urgent to search for medicines effective for PD. Modern research indicates that the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway is closely related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, playing a crucial role in the pathophysiological development of PD. A large number of studies have further confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate diseases through a holistic view of Syndrome differentiation and microscopic molecular pathways. With unique advantages, such as multiple targets, multiple pathways, and fewer adverse reactions, TCM provides a new strategy for PD treatment. This article elucidates the mechanism of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of PD, while summarizing the latest research on PD intervention by TCM monomers, active ingredients, and compounds, as well as acupuncture via the precise targeted regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, aiming to provide a reference for clinical medicine development to prevent and treat PD.
2.Influence of pterygium thickness and area on corneal refractive status
Xiaodong CHENG ; Jie WANG ; Song GAO ; Yanhong LU ; Yanbo MA ; Xinming CUI ; Xihui CHEN
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):152-156
AIM: To investigate the influence of pterygium thickness and area on corneal refractive status.METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study. A total of 60 cases(60 eyes)of pterygium patients admitted to our hospital from January 2024 to September 2024 were randomly selected. All patients underwent pterygium excision combined with pedicle conjunctival flap transplantation for treatment. Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to measure the preoperative thickness of patient's pterygium, and a digital slit lamp microscope was used to measure the area of pterygium. The corneal refractive status(degree of corneal astigmatism and average curvature)and changes in uncorrected visual acuity of patients before surgery, 1 d, 1, and 3 mo after surgery were compared. The relationship between preoperative thickness and area of pterygium in patients and corneal refractive status indicators at different postoperative time points were analyzed, and Logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of pterygium thickness and area on postoperative visual improvement in patients.RESULTS: All patients completed follow-up after surgery for 3 mo. At 3 mo after surgery, visual acuity improved in 21 eyes(35%). The results of bivariate Pearson correlation analysis showed that the thickness and area of pterygium positively correlated with the degree of corneal astigmatism and uncorrected visual acuity before surgery and 1 d, 1, and 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the average corneal curvature before surgery and 1 d, 1, and 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the thickness and area of pterygium before surgery, high degree of corneal astigmatism, and low uncorrected visual acuity(large LogMAR value)were all risk factors for poor postoperative visual improvement in patients(OR>1, P<0.05). The large average corneal curvature before surgery was a protective factor for poor postoperative visual improvement in patients(OR<1, P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The increase in thickness and area of pterygium can, to some extent, improve corneal astigmatism, reduce the average curvature of the cornea, and affect postoperative visual recovery.
3.Treatment of Minimally Conscious State with Musk Based on "Phlegm,Fire,Blood Stasis,and Deficiency"
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Mingyuan LI ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):188-192
Minimally conscious state (MCS) is at the edge between closed and open consciousness, but it still belongs to the category of "wind-strike block" syndrome. The basic pathogenesis of MCS is the obstruction of pathogenic qi, orifices closed and spirit hidden, with pathological factors including phlegm, fire, and blood stasis. Wind movement and water retention may also be present, and often leading to deficiency syndrome due to the exhaustion of qi, blood, yin, and yang at later stages. Treatment chooses Shexiang (Moschus) as the chief medicinal, emphasizing combination of medicinals and urgency of medication administration; the key therapeutic method is to open the orifices, with focuses on expelling pathogens and reinforcing healthy qi. For patients with severe phlegm or fire, use Xiaochengqi Decoction (小承气汤) to open the lower orifices, discharge heat and unblock the bowels, combined with Shexiang (Moschus) and Niuhuang (Bovis Calculus) to open the upper orifices, awaken the spirit and guide qi. For patients with turbid phlegm as the predominant, temporarily replace Shexiang (Moschus) with Baizhi (Angelicae dahuricae radix), using Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) to eliminate phlegm to open the orifices, when turbid phlegm gradually subsided, Shexiang (Moschus) could be added. For patients with blood stasis as the predominant, Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (通窍活血汤) will be used to activate blood and open orifice, if the blood circulates, the endogenous wind will be calmed, the water will be induced, the orifices will open and the consciousness will restore. For patients with closed orifices and body deficiency, the treatment should open the orifices and reinforce healthy qi, and consider the root and branch simultaneously; qi deficiency syndrome can be addressed with Buyang Huanwu Decoction (补阳还五汤) to boost qi and reinforce healthy qi; yin deficiency syndrome can be treated with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (芍药甘草汤) combined with Fengsui Pill (封髓丹) to nourish yin, soften sinews, and secure kidney essence; yang deficiency can be managed by using Dihuang Yinzi Decoction (地黄饮子) to enrich yin, supplement yang, and open the orifices.
4.Exploring the Application of Xuming Decoction in Post-Stroke Limb Movement Disorders Based on the Principle of"Wind Prevailing and Causing Movement"
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(4):436-441
Post-stroke limb movement disorder is a common functional disorder after stroke.Xuming Decoction in Ancient and Modern Records of the Proven is an important prescription of Zhang Zhongjing for treating"stroke prickly heat,the body cannot hold it-self".It has been modified and recorded in many later generations,among which Xiaoxuming Decoction in Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces for Emergency is the most commonly used.With the development of the"internal wind theory"of stroke,the pre-scriptions of Xuming Decoction were gradually criticized and even abandoned because they often used"wind drugs"and were difficult to understand the medical theory of"internal wind".Based on the viewpoints of"wind prevailing and causing movement"and"internal wind being the change of yang qi in the body",the paper proposes the theory of"inducing wind to promote movement"of Xuming De-coction and believes that"wind is qi".At the beginning of stroke,wind-yang is violently hyperactive,and wind prevails and causes movement,resulting in stroke;after stroke,yang qi is weak,wind is defeated and static,and limbs are unable to use.However,"wind drugs"such as Ephedra sinica Stapf and Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees have the functions of generating wind and promoting movement,revitalizing the decadent and the useless,exciting yang qi,harmonizing the ying and wei,and raising and lowering qi.The Xuming Decoction is mainly composed of"wind drugs",which warms the yang and replenishes the qi,generates wind to excite yang qi,and revitalizes the weak;replenishes the yang to induce wind and promote movement,replenishes qi and generates blood;relieves muscles to harmonize the ying and wei,and dredges the limbs;restores the pivot to regulate the axis of the internal organs,unblocks the qi,and promotes the recovery of limb motor function after stroke,providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Xuming Decoction.
5.Exploring the Application of Xuming Decoction in Post-Stroke Limb Movement Disorders Based on the Principle of"Wind Prevailing and Causing Movement"
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(4):436-441
Post-stroke limb movement disorder is a common functional disorder after stroke.Xuming Decoction in Ancient and Modern Records of the Proven is an important prescription of Zhang Zhongjing for treating"stroke prickly heat,the body cannot hold it-self".It has been modified and recorded in many later generations,among which Xiaoxuming Decoction in Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces for Emergency is the most commonly used.With the development of the"internal wind theory"of stroke,the pre-scriptions of Xuming Decoction were gradually criticized and even abandoned because they often used"wind drugs"and were difficult to understand the medical theory of"internal wind".Based on the viewpoints of"wind prevailing and causing movement"and"internal wind being the change of yang qi in the body",the paper proposes the theory of"inducing wind to promote movement"of Xuming De-coction and believes that"wind is qi".At the beginning of stroke,wind-yang is violently hyperactive,and wind prevails and causes movement,resulting in stroke;after stroke,yang qi is weak,wind is defeated and static,and limbs are unable to use.However,"wind drugs"such as Ephedra sinica Stapf and Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees have the functions of generating wind and promoting movement,revitalizing the decadent and the useless,exciting yang qi,harmonizing the ying and wei,and raising and lowering qi.The Xuming Decoction is mainly composed of"wind drugs",which warms the yang and replenishes the qi,generates wind to excite yang qi,and revitalizes the weak;replenishes the yang to induce wind and promote movement,replenishes qi and generates blood;relieves muscles to harmonize the ying and wei,and dredges the limbs;restores the pivot to regulate the axis of the internal organs,unblocks the qi,and promotes the recovery of limb motor function after stroke,providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Xuming Decoction.
6.Stellate ganglion block versus conventional western medication for the treatment of insomnia:a meta-analysis
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(1):48-57
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block(SGB)with those of conventional western medication in the treatment of insomnia.Methods A computerized retrieval of academic papers concerning the clinical randomized controlled trials of SGB versus conventional western medication in the treatment of insomnia from the databases of PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,Wanfang Data knowledge service platform,VIP database and CBM database was conducted.The retrieval time period was from the establishment of the database to June 13,2023.NoteExpress v3.5 software was used to make literature screening,Stata17.0 software was used to perform meta-analysis of the obtained data,TSA0.9.5.10 beta software was used to make sequential analysis,and GRADEpro was used to perform the grade classification.Results A total of 11 articles including 875 patients with insomnia were included in this analysis.Compared with the conventional western medication,SGB showed certain advantages in the following aspects:improving total clinical effectiveness(RR total=1.24,95%CI:1.16-1.32,P<0.01),increasing the proportion of patients who could sleep for more than 3 hours after treatment(RR total=1.24,95%CI:1.09-1.41,P=0.001),increasing total sleep time(SMD=1.53,95%CI:0.89-2.16,P<0.01),reducing sleep latency(MD=-14.08,95%CI:-18.72--9.43,P<0.01),decreasing PSQI score(MD=-3.54,95%CI:-4.31--2.78,P<0.01),and reducing the recurrence rate within 6 months(RR=0.19,95%CI:0.10-0.37,P<0.01).However,the difference in the proportion of patients who could sleep for more than 6 hours after treatment between the two groups was not statistically significant(RR=1.31,95%CI:0.97-1.76,P=0.078).The traditional SGB therapy had a certain risk of adverse events,ultrasound-guided SGB therapy was much safer.Trial sequential analysis showed that the cumulative sample size of the effective rate crossed the conventional threshold and TSA threshold,the positive results had been obtained in advance although it did not reach RIS.The quality of evidence evaluated by GRADE for the sleep latency,PSQI and recurrence rate within 6 months was medium grade,and the quality for the remaining indexes was low grade.Conclusion Compared with conventional western medication for the treatment of insomnia,the effect of SGB in increasing the total response rate,the proportion of patients who get sleeping for more than 3 hours after treatment and the total sleep duration,in reducing sleep latency,PSQI score and recurrence rate within 6 months has gained some certain evidence supports.The SGB and conventional western medication have similar efficacy in improving the proportion of patients who get sleeping for more than 6 hours after treatment.The results of this study are stable and reliable,but the current level of evidence grade is lower,therefore,large-sample randomized controlled trials need to be conducted before its clinical efficacy can get further evidence-based support.
7.Effect of silicate bioactive glass fiber on properties of calcium phosphate bone cement
Yuzheng LU ; Yingjie XIONG ; Yanbo SHAN ; Jianting YE ; Yanbin WU ; Jipeng SONG ; Yao ZHANG ; Wancheng LIN ; Qirui WENG ; Xuan CHENG ; Haoye MENG ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG ; Lixiang DING
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(28):5994-6002
BACKGROUND:The development of calcium phosphate bone cement is limited due to its poor mechanical properties and weak osteogenic ability.Silicate bioactive glass is highly favored due to its excellent biological activity and osteogenic ability.Simultaneously,fiber structures can enhance the mechanical strength of materials.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanical properties,biocompatibility,and osteogenic effect of silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement.METHODS:Different mass percentages(0%,10%,and 20%)of silicate bioactive glass fiber were added to the solid phase of calcium phosphate bone cement,mixed with the liquid phase and cured for 48 hours to obtain silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement.The mechanical properties,setting time,and ion precipitation of the cement were characterized.The three groups of bone cement extracts were co-cultured with MC3T3-E1 cells.The cell compatibility of the materials was evaluated by CCK-8 assay,live/dead staining,and phalloidin staining.After osteogenic induction,the osteogenic induction ability of the materials was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining,alizarin red staining,RUNX2 immunofluorescence staining,and RT-PCR.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content,the compressive strength and flexural strength of bone cement increased,and the setting time was prolonged.When bone cement was immersed in simulated body fluid,the precipitation of silicon ions,calcium ions,and phosphorus ions could be detected.Moreover,with the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content,the mass concentration of silicon ions and phosphorus ions released by bone cement increased,and the mass concentration of calcium ions decreased.(2)Live/dead staining and phalloidin staining results exhibited that silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement had no toxic effect on MC3T3-E1 cells.CCK-8 assay results showed that silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.(3)With the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content in bone cement,the alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular calcium deposition of MC3T3-E1 cells increased,the expression of RUNX2 protein increased,and the expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and RUNX2 mRNA expression increased.(4)The results indicate that silicate bioactive glass fibers can enhance the mechanical properties and osteogenic induction ability of calcium phosphate bone cement,among which 20%silicate bioactive glass fibers have a more obvious effect.
8.Effect of silicate bioactive glass fiber on properties of calcium phosphate bone cement
Yuzheng LU ; Yingjie XIONG ; Yanbo SHAN ; Jianting YE ; Yanbin WU ; Jipeng SONG ; Yao ZHANG ; Wancheng LIN ; Qirui WENG ; Xuan CHENG ; Haoye MENG ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG ; Lixiang DING
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(28):5994-6002
BACKGROUND:The development of calcium phosphate bone cement is limited due to its poor mechanical properties and weak osteogenic ability.Silicate bioactive glass is highly favored due to its excellent biological activity and osteogenic ability.Simultaneously,fiber structures can enhance the mechanical strength of materials.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanical properties,biocompatibility,and osteogenic effect of silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement.METHODS:Different mass percentages(0%,10%,and 20%)of silicate bioactive glass fiber were added to the solid phase of calcium phosphate bone cement,mixed with the liquid phase and cured for 48 hours to obtain silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement.The mechanical properties,setting time,and ion precipitation of the cement were characterized.The three groups of bone cement extracts were co-cultured with MC3T3-E1 cells.The cell compatibility of the materials was evaluated by CCK-8 assay,live/dead staining,and phalloidin staining.After osteogenic induction,the osteogenic induction ability of the materials was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining,alizarin red staining,RUNX2 immunofluorescence staining,and RT-PCR.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content,the compressive strength and flexural strength of bone cement increased,and the setting time was prolonged.When bone cement was immersed in simulated body fluid,the precipitation of silicon ions,calcium ions,and phosphorus ions could be detected.Moreover,with the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content,the mass concentration of silicon ions and phosphorus ions released by bone cement increased,and the mass concentration of calcium ions decreased.(2)Live/dead staining and phalloidin staining results exhibited that silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement had no toxic effect on MC3T3-E1 cells.CCK-8 assay results showed that silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.(3)With the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content in bone cement,the alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular calcium deposition of MC3T3-E1 cells increased,the expression of RUNX2 protein increased,and the expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and RUNX2 mRNA expression increased.(4)The results indicate that silicate bioactive glass fibers can enhance the mechanical properties and osteogenic induction ability of calcium phosphate bone cement,among which 20%silicate bioactive glass fibers have a more obvious effect.
9.Regulation of Alzheimer's Disease by Chinese Medicine Based on BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Liuping YUE ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Xinzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):274-282
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of cognitive and memory functions. Its pathological features mainly include neurofibrillary tangles formed by the aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins and amyloid plaques formed by the accumulation of β-amyloid. The exact pathogenesis of AD has not been fully elucidated, and there are currently no effective specific drugs or radical treatments available in clinical practice. In recent years, the incidence of AD has been on the rise, severely affecting life and health, making the search for effective drugs and therapeutic components for AD treatment crucial. Modern medical research has found that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway is closely related to neurogenesis, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and oxidative stress, playing a vital role in the pathophysiological development of AD. Additionally, Chinese medicine has a long history of treating neurodegenerative diseases with few adverse reactions and features a multi-target, multi-link, and multi-pathway approach to treatment. Therefore, the author reviewed the latest research reports in China and abroad to elaborate on the role of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in the onset and progression of AD, and summarized the research progress on the regulation of the BDNF/TrkB pathway by Chinese medicine compounds and monomers in AD intervention. This study is expected to provide references for the development of clinical drugs for the prevention and treatment of AD and to broaden the perspective on Chinese medicine treatment of AD.
10.Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by the Method of Lifting the Sunken from "Deficiency,Toxin, Wind-Heat"
Huan YU ; Yongkang SUN ; Yanbo SONG ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(23):2476-2481
It is regarded that the general qi is the combination of spleen-kidney qi and heart-lung yang qi in the chest, which is filled between the muscles and is able to maintain the normal shape of the muscles. Accordingly, it is proposed that the core pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the deficiency sinking of general qi, with "deficiency" as the root, and "toxin" and "wind-heat" as the key factors for the rapid progression of the disease. The development process of ALS was classified into the initial onset stage, the increasingly progressive stage, and the rapid exacerbation stage, and differentiated and treated by deficiency, toxin, and wind-heat. Based on clinical experience, the wind medicinals were preferred. We formed self-prescribed Juxian Decoction (举陷汤) and modified from the perspective of "deficiency, toxicity, wind-heat" based on the wind medicinals of Huangqi (Radix Astragali), Shengma (Actaea cimicifuga L.), Chaihu (Bupleurum spp.) and so on. For the initial onset stage, Yiqi Shengji Juxian Decoction (益气生肌举陷汤), Wenyang Liyan Juxian Decoction (温阳利咽举陷汤) could be used; for the increasingly progressive stage, Jiedu Juxian Decoction (解毒举陷汤) could be used; for the rapid exacerbation stage, Yinqiao Shufen Juxian Decoction (银翘疏风举陷汤), Yangxue Xifeng Juxian Decoction (养血熄风举陷汤) could be used.

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