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 hepatic osteodystrophy on the prognosis of liver transplantation
Yibo WANG ; Yubo ZHAO ; Yanbo MA ; Yuqing SUN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2429-2434
Hepatic osteodystrophy is a common complication in patients with chronic liver disease and is influenced by various risk factors, and it has become one of the important influencing factors for the prognosis of liver transplantation. By analyzing the influencing factors for bone health and bone metabolism during the perioperative period of liver transplantation, this article emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive assessment of bone health and necessary interventions at this stage, with an aim to reduce the risk of postoperative complications and improve the long-term prognosis of patients. A deeper exploration of the association between hepatic osteodystrophy and the prognosis of liver transplantation can help to reveal the key influencing factors for postoperative outcomes, thus providing a theoretical basis for optimizing postoperative management strategies. Furthermore, advances in this research field will offer new insights into the treatment of patients receiving liver transplantation, and it is expected to further improve quality of life and long-term survival rate.
3.Diabetic Nephropathy Treatment by Zn Supplementation in a Murine Model of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus:Potential Role of Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Lianhong XU ; Weixia SUN ; Wei LIU ; Yanbo LI
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):613-618
Objective To evaluate the renoprotective effects of zinc(Zn)supplementation in diabetes kidney disease(DKD)and to explore its impact on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)signaling pathway.Methods A total of 12 male OVE26 mice(spontaneous type 1 diabetes mellitus mice)aged 3 months and weighing approximately 24-27 g were selected and randomly assigned to a diabetes mellitus(DM)group and a zinc-treated DM(DM/Zn)group(n=6 each).In addition,12 age-matched male FVB mice weighing approximately 27-30 g were selected and randomly assigned to a non-diabetic control(Ctrl)group and a zinc-treated(Zn)group(n=6 each).Mice in the DM/Zn and Zn groups were given zinc supplementation for 3 months,with each mouse receiving 5 mg/kg of zinc sulfate by gavage every other day.Mice in the DM and Ctrl groups were given the same volume of normal saline.At the end of the experiment,the albumin-to-creatinine ratio(ACR)in urine was used as an indicator to evaluate renal function.Sirius red staining was performed to assess renal fibrosis in each group of mice.Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of fibrotic growth factors,including connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),in renal tissue,and the protein expression of Nrf2,an antioxidant substance,and the protein expression levels of its downstream targets,including NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1(NQO1),heme oxygenase 1(HO-1),superoxide dismutase(SOD)-1,SOD-2,and catalase(CAT).Results 1)Compared to the Ctrl group,the urinary protein secretion levels of mice in the DM group exhibited progressive increase.After 3 months of zinc supplementation treatment,the urinary protein secretion levels of mice in the DM/Zn group decreased Compared to that of mice in the DM group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).2)Compared to that in the Ctrl group,the collagen deposition in the renal tissues of mice in the DM group increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),while no obvious change was observed in mice in the DM/Zn group.Compared to the Ctrl group,mice in the DM group exhibited increased expression levels of CTGF and TGF-β1 in the renal tissues,but the expression levels decreased after zinc supplementation treatment,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).3)Compared to that of the Ctrl group,the expression level of Nrf2 in the renal tissues of mice in the Zn and DM groups increased,and the level of Nrf2 in the renal tissues of mice in the DM/Zn group showed a further increase,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).4)Compared to those of the Ctrl group,the protein expression levels of Nrf2 downstream target genes,including NQO1 and HO-1,in the renal tissues of mice in the Zn group increased,and the levels of NQO1 and HO-1 in the renal tissues of mice in the DM/Zn group showed a further increase,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared to those of the mice in the Ctrl group,the protein expressions of Nrf2 downstream target genes,including SOD-1,SOD-2,and CAT of in the renal tissues of the mice in the Zn group increased,while the expression levels of SOD-1,SOD-2,and CAT in the renal tissues of the mice in the DM group decreased,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Zn supplementation could completely inhibit these changes(P<0.05).Conclusions Zn supplementation has therapeutic effects on DKD and mitigates T1DM-induced renal dysfunction and oxidative injury in mice,which may be associated with the activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway.
4.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.
5.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.
6.Neurobiological mechanisms in anorexia nervosa:A meta-analysis using activation likelihood estimation(ALE)
Yanbo WANG ; Yulian BU ; Tianxiao SHEN ; Yibing ZHANG ; Shikun ZHAN ; Bomin SUN ; Jing ZHANG ; Kejia HU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(6):363-369
Objective To explore the differences in neural activity between patients with anorexia nervosa(AN)and healthy controls(HC),as well as the association between these differences and symptoms in AN patients,using activation likelihood estimation(ALE)meta-analysis.Methods The literature search covered the period from 2000 to March 2025.From a pool of 588 identified studies,4 studies focusing on the neural activity differences between AN patients and HC were selected for inclusion.These studies comprised 106 participants and 21 sets of coordinates.The ALE meta-analysis method was employed,and the GingerALE software was used to systematically analyze the reported brain region changes and their peak coordinates,aiming to investigate the differences in brain functional activity between AN patients and HC.Results Compared to the HC group,AN group showed significantly enhanced activation in the left parahippocampal gyrus/amygdala(ALE value=0.39×10-2),right parahippocampal gyrus/amygdala(ALE value=0.39×10-2)and suboccipital gyrus(ALE value=0.39×10-2),along with a significant reduction in activation in Brodmann area 17(ALE value=0.61×10-2)(P<0.01,FWE corrected).Conclusion Key brain regions in AN patients including the parahippocampal gyrus,inferior occipital gyrus,and amygdala demonstrate significant functional activation abnormalities.
7.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.
8.Neurobiological mechanisms in anorexia nervosa:A meta-analysis using activation likelihood estimation(ALE)
Yanbo WANG ; Yulian BU ; Tianxiao SHEN ; Yibing ZHANG ; Shikun ZHAN ; Bomin SUN ; Jing ZHANG ; Kejia HU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(6):363-369
Objective To explore the differences in neural activity between patients with anorexia nervosa(AN)and healthy controls(HC),as well as the association between these differences and symptoms in AN patients,using activation likelihood estimation(ALE)meta-analysis.Methods The literature search covered the period from 2000 to March 2025.From a pool of 588 identified studies,4 studies focusing on the neural activity differences between AN patients and HC were selected for inclusion.These studies comprised 106 participants and 21 sets of coordinates.The ALE meta-analysis method was employed,and the GingerALE software was used to systematically analyze the reported brain region changes and their peak coordinates,aiming to investigate the differences in brain functional activity between AN patients and HC.Results Compared to the HC group,AN group showed significantly enhanced activation in the left parahippocampal gyrus/amygdala(ALE value=0.39×10-2),right parahippocampal gyrus/amygdala(ALE value=0.39×10-2)and suboccipital gyrus(ALE value=0.39×10-2),along with a significant reduction in activation in Brodmann area 17(ALE value=0.61×10-2)(P<0.01,FWE corrected).Conclusion Key brain regions in AN patients including the parahippocampal gyrus,inferior occipital gyrus,and amygdala demonstrate significant functional activation abnormalities.
9.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.
10.Bayesian Network Meta-analysis for Postoperative Efficacy of Chinese Patent Medicine in the Treatment of Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Xinzhi WANG
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(6):884-895
Objective To evaluate postoperative efficacy and safety of oral or nasal feeding Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of intracerebral haemorrhage(ICH)based on Bayesian network meta-analysis(BNMA).Methods The randomized controlled trial(RCT)study of Chinese patent medicine for intervening in post-operative patients of ICH was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science.The retrieval time is from the establishment of databases to August 25,2023.ROB 2.0 was used for risk of bias assessments.BNMA was performed by using R 4.2.2 loaded with the BUGSnet 1.1.0 package.Results A total of 28 RCTs were included,with a total sample size of 2 530 cases,including 9 kinds of Chinese patent medicines[Angong Niuhuang Pills(AGNH),Suhexiang Pills(SHX),Naoxueshu Oral Liquid(NXS),Naoxintong Capsules(NXT),Naoxuekang Tablets(NXK),Xiaoyukang Capsules(XYK),Yangxue Qingnao Granules(YXQN),Tongtian Oral Liquid(TT),Sanqi Tongshu Capsules(SQTS)].All patients underwent surgical treatment and postoperative treatment of conventional western medicine(CWMT),the experimental group was additionally given Chinese patent medicine orally or by nasal feeding.The BNMA results showed that AGNH+CWMT group ranked first in reducing short-term mortality,NIHSS score,and perihematomal edema,with P<0.05 compared to CWMT group.SHX+CWMT group ranked first in improving total effective efficiency,with P<0.05 compared to CWMT group.TT+CWMT group ranked first in increasing GCS scores,with P<0.05 compared to CWMT group.YXQN+CWMT group ranked first in improving BI index,with P<0.05 compared to CWMT group.NXS+CWMT group ranked first in promoting the absorption of cerebral hematoma,with P>0.05 compared to CWMT group.NXT+CWMT group ranked first in shortening the average length of hospital stay,with P>0.05 compared to CWMT group.Conclusion Compared with CWMT group,the combined use of Chinese patent medicine and CWMT is effective in improving the total effective rate,reducing mortality and NIHSS score,increasing GCS score and BI after operation in patients with ICH.There is no significant difference in promoting hematoma absorption and shortening the average length of hospital stay.AGNH has good effect,which may be the best Chinese patent medicine in the post-operative treatment of ICH patients.However,due to limitations in quality and methodology of included research,the conclusions obtained still need further validation.

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