1.Mechanism of Shenfu Xiongze Prescription in Regulating Autophagy Level to Intervene in Myocardial Remodeling in Rats via AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xueqing WANG ; Wei ZHONG ; Liangliang PAN ; Caihong LI ; Man HAN ; Xiaowei YANG ; Yuanwang YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):136-144
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the Shenfu Xiongze prescription regulates autophagy in rats with myocardial remodeling through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsA rat model of myocardial remodeling induced by isoprenaline (ISO) was established. Rats were divided into the blank group,the model group,the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription,and the captopril group, 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group,the rat model of myocardial remodeling was established in the other groups by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg·kg-1 ISO for 3 consecutive weeks. At the same time of modeling, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription were administered the corresponding doses of Shenfu Xiongze prescription solution (8.4,16.8,and 33.6 g·kg-1),and the captopril group was administered captopril solution (25 mg·kg-1). As for the blank group and the model group, the same volume of normal saline was given. The treatment was continued for 3 weeks. Echocardiography was used to observe the cardiac structure and function,and the heart weight index was detected. Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to observe the pathological morphology changes of myocardial tissue. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Collagen Ⅰ),type Ⅲ collagen (Collagen Ⅲ),and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) proteins in myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),LC3,yeast Atg6 homolog protein (Beclin-1),AMPK,and mTOR in myocardial tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ,α-SMA,transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),LC3,Beclin-1,p62, phosphorylation(p)-AMPK,p-mTOR,AMPK,and mTOR was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group,rats in the model group exhibited significantly decreased values of ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) (P<0.01), significantly increased values of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) (P<0.01). Additionally, the model group also showed increased degrees of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis of myocardial tissue, significantly elevated levels of serum IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-SMA,and mTOR (P<0.01),and markedly decreased mRNA and protein levels of LC3,Beclin-1,and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription presented significantly elevated EF and FS values (P<0.01) and lowered LVIDd and LVIDs (P<0.05). In these groups, the inflammation and fibrosis were alleviated significantly. They also exhibited decreased serum levels of IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly reduced protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, p62, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), significantly decreased mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, α-SMA, and mTOR (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of LC3, Beclin-1, and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe Shenfu Xiongze prescription can improve the myocardial remodeling induced by ISO in rats by regulating the autophagy level,enhance cardiac function,and reduce inflammatory and fibrotic levels. This effect may be achieved through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
3.Quality Evaluation of Naomaili Granules Based on Multi-component Content Determination and Fingerprint and Screening of Its Anti-neuroinflammatory Substance Basis
Ya WANG ; Yanan KANG ; Bo LIU ; Zimo WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Wei LAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Lu YANG ; Yi SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):170-178
ObjectiveTo establish an ultra-performance liquid fingerprint and multi-components determination method for Naomaili granules. To evaluate the quality of different batches by chemometrics, and the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of water extract and main components of Naomaili granules were tested in vitro. MethodsThe similarity and common peaks of 27 batches of Naomaili granules were evaluated by using Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) fingerprint detection. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology was used to determine the content of the index components in Naomaili granules and to evaluate the quality of different batches of Naomaili granules by chemometrics. LPS-induced BV-2 cell inflammation model was used to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the water extract and main components of Naomaili granules. ResultsThe similarity of fingerprints of 27 batches of samples was > 0.90. A total of 32 common peaks were calibrated, and 23 of them were identified and assigned. In 27 batches of Naomaili granules, the mass fractions of 14 components that were stachydrine hydrochloride, leonurine hydrochloride, calycosin-7-O-glucoside, calycosin,tanshinoneⅠ, cryptotanshinone, tanshinoneⅡA, ginsenoside Rb1, notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, lactiflorin, and salvianolic acid B were found to be 2.902-3.498, 0.233-0.343, 0.111-0.301, 0.07-0.152, 0.136-0.228, 0.195-0.390, 0.324-0.482, 1.056-1.435, 0.271-0.397, 1.318-1.649, 3.038-4.059, 2.263-3.455, 0.152-0.232, 2.931-3.991 mg∙g-1, respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1 and staphylline hydrochloride were quality difference markers to control the stability of the preparation. The results of bioactive experiment showed that the water extract of Naomaili granules and the eight main components with high content in the prescription had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the release of NO in the cell supernatant. Among them, salvianolic acid B and ginsenoside Rb1 had strong anti-inflammatory activity, with IC50 values of (36.11±0.15) mg∙L-1 and (27.24±0.54) mg∙L-1, respectively. ConclusionThe quality evaluation method of Naomaili granules established in this study was accurate and reproducible. Four quality difference markers were screened out, and eight key pharmacodynamic substances of Naomaili granules against neuroinflammation were screened out by in vitro cell experiments.
4.Joint Relation Extraction of Famous Medical Cases with CasRel Model Combining Entity Mapping and Data Augmentation
Yuxin LI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Hang YANG ; Dasheng LIU ; Jiaheng WANG ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaxu HAN ; Mengjie WU ; Qianzi CHE ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):218-225
ObjectiveTo address the challenges of unstructured classical Chinese expressions, nested entity relationships, and limited annotated data in famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) case records, this study proposes a joint relation extraction framework that integrates data augmentation and entity mapping, aiming to support the construction of TCM diagnostic knowledge graphs and clinical pattern mining. MethodsWe developed an annotation structure for entities and their relationships in TCM case texts and applied a data augmentation strategy by incorporating multiple ancient texts to expand the relation extraction dataset. A cascade binary tagging framework for relation triple extraction(CasRel) model for TCM semantics was designed, integrating a pre-trained bidirectional encoder representations from transformers(BERT) layer for classical TCM texts to enhance semantic representation, and using a head entity-relation-tail entity mapping mechanism to address entity nesting and relation overlapping issues. ResultsExperimental results showed that the CasRel model, combining data augmentation and entity mapping, outperformed the pipeline-based Bert-Radical-Lexicon(BRL)-bidirectional long short-term memory(BiLSTM)-Attention model. The overall precision, recall, and F1-score across 12 relation types reached 65.73%, 64.03%, and 64.87%, which represent improvements of 14.26%, 7.98%, and 11.21% compared to the BRL-BiLSTM-Attention model, respectively. Notably, the F1-score for tongue syndrome relations increased by 22.68%(69.32%), and the prescription-syndrome relations performed the best with the F1-score of 70.10%. ConclusionThe proposed framework significantly improves the semantic representation and complex dependencies in TCM texts, offering a reusable technical framework for structured mining of TCM case records. The constructed knowledge graph can support clinical syndrome differentiation, prescription optimization, and drug compatibility, providing a methodological reference for TCM artificial intelligence research.
5.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
6.Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Comorbid Tic Disorder in Children from the Perspective of Ministerial Fire Scorching Yin and Internal Stirring of Deficient Wind
Hongsheng YANG ; Junhong WANG ; Meifang LI ; Wei LI ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Rui ZHAI ; Yuan LI ; Kangning ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):79-82
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often accompanied by tic disorder. The core pathogenesis is considered to be ministerial fire scorching yin and internal stirring of deficient wind, which leads to disharmony between the body and spirit, resulting in clinical manifestations. The treatment principles emphasize nourishing yin fluids, calming ministerial fire, and extinguishing endogenous wind (内风). The method of nourishing yin fluids is applied throughout the entire treatment process, commonly using ingredients such as Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), and Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen). These are combined with approaches to harmonize the zang-fu organs, primarily including extinguishing liver wind, clearing heart fire, nourishing kidney water, and strengthening spleen earth, thereby stabilizing ministerial fire and extinguishing endogenous wind. Additionally, emotional regulation and smoothing emotional constraint are essential to improve clinical symptoms in children with ADHD comorbid with tic disorder.
7.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
8.Clinical study of salvage second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 17 cases
Wenqiong WANG ; Wei LIU ; Huihui LIU ; Xiaoying YANG ; Shuanglian XIE ; Hongtao LING ; Yiming ZHAO ; Yujun DONG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):124-132
Objective To summarize and analyze the efficacy and influencing factors of second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for acute leukemia relapsing after the first allo-HSCT. Methods Clinical data of 17 patients with acute leukemia who underwent second allo-HSCT at Peking University First Hospital from January 2005 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among the 17 patients, 7 achieved long-term disease-free survival after second transplantation. The median progression-free survival after successful second transplantation was 7 months (range 8 days to 69 months). The relapse fatality was 24%, and the transplant-related fatality was 35%. Conclusions Second transplantation is an effective treatment for relapsed and refractory acute leukemia, but the relapse fatality and transplant-related fatality remain high. Patient age, time of relapse after the first transplantation and disease status before second transplantation are all factors that affect the efficacy of second transplantation. Younger age, late relapse and complete remission of disease before second transplantation are all beneficial for long-term disease-free survival after second transplantation.
9.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
10.Influencing factors for autism spectrum disorder in Chinese children: a meta analysis
CHEN Xi ; YANG Hongsheng ; LI Wei ; ZHAI Rui ; JIANG Yanlin ; WANG Junhong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):181-188
Objective:
To systematically evaluate the influencing factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Chinese children, so as to provide the evidence for risk prediction and intervention of ASD.
Methods:
The publications pertaining to the influencing factors for ASD in Chinese children were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Embase database from inception to August 2024. A meta-analysis was performed using R package version 4.4.1. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the "leave-one-out" evaluation procedure. Publication bias was assessed using Egger regression test.
Results:
A total of 38 high-quality articles out of 9 015 articles were finally included, covering 149 607 individuals, with 5 974 cases of ASD. The meta-analysis showed that demographic factors including family history of related diseases (OR=14.958), maternal age of ≥35 years (OR=2.287) and parental history of hazardous occupations (OR=3.511); pregnancy-related factors including history of abortion (OR=5.832), no folate supplementation before and during pregnancy (OR=4.566), tobacco exposure before and during pregnancy (OR=2.596), history of other adverse exposures before and during pregnancy (OR=3.533), history of infectious diseases during pregnancy (OR=3.753), history of non-infectious diseases during pregnancy (OR=2.563), psychological problems during pregnancy (OR=3.864), history of medication during pregnancy (OR=6.651), adverse environmental exposures during pregnancy (OR=3.754), severe pregnancy reactions (OR=5.082), abnormal perinatal period (OR=2.987), cesarean delivery (OR=1.659), other perinatal adverse factors (OR=3.856), history of neonatal asphyxia (OR=2.792) and neonatal jaundice (OR=3.687); parenting factors including non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR=2.510), early/excessive screen exposure (OR=3.589) and feeding problems (OR=3.113); and individual factors including being male (OR=3.333) and history of convulsions/epilepsy (OR=7.035) were influencing factors for ASD in Chinese children.
Conclusions
The prevalence of ASD in Chinese children is primarily associated with 23 influencing factors, including family history of related diseases, history of abortion, no folate supplementation before and during pregnancy, medication during pregnancy, early/excessive screen exposure and history of convulsions/epilepsy.


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