1.Mechanistic study of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside in improving nephrotic syndrome via regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 pathway
Yifan TAO ; Chundong SONG ; Xu WANG ; Chong ZHANG ; Ying SU ; Xidong JIA ; Haoran JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):602-606
OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside (TWM) on nephrotic syndrome in rats. METHODS The nephrotic syndrome model was established by intravenous injection of adriamycin via the tail vein. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group (distilled water), prednisone group (10 mg/kg), and TWM high- and low-dose groups (10 and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Additionally, blank group (distilled water) without model induction was established. Each group consisted of 9 rats. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or distilled water by gavage, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. The histopathological morphology of kidney tissues in rats was observed; the levels of 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP) and serum biochemical indicators [albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), cholesterol (CHOL), and triglyceride (TG)] in rats were determined; the levels of oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA)] in kidney tissue of rats were determined; expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p)/nuclear factor erythriod 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related mRNA and protein in the renal tissues of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the rats in the model group exhibited disordered renal tissue structure, with a small amount of glomerular necrosis and edema of the renal tubular epithelial cells. 24 h-UTP, serum levels of SCr, BUN, CHOL and TG, MDA content, mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α and Keap1 as well as the expression of miR-155-5p in renal tissues were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Serum level of ALB, SOD level in renal tissue as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 were decreased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, TWM high-dose and low-dose groups exhibited significant improvements in renal injury, with notable reversals in the levels of the above quantitative indicators ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS TWM can alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage and thereby improve nephrotic syndrome in rats by regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Keqiu YAN ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yifan CAI ; Wenjie XIAO ; Xinkun BAO ; Guangjun SUN ; Aizhen LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):341-351
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease, involves multifaceted pathological mechanisms such as intestinal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. Current therapeutic strategies remain limited in efficacy and safety. In recent years, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic target for UC due to its central role in energy metabolism, inflammatory regulation, and intestinal homeostasis. This article systematically reviewed the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prevented and treated UC through the regulation of the AMPK signaling pathway, with a focus on elucidating AMPK's multidimensional regulatory network in inflammatory signaling crosstalk, alleviating oxidative stress, restoring intestinal immune balance, repairing the intestinal barrier, and modulating gut microbiota. Leveraging its unique advantages of multi-target engagement and low toxicity, TCM demonstrates promising potential in UC treatment and has become a focal area of research. By systematically summarizing and synthesizing the existing literature on TCM-mediated AMPK pathway modulation in UC, this review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for advancing mechanistic research and clinical interventions in UC.
3.Research Progress and Exploration on Standardized Surgical Procedures for Colorectal Cancer
Kaiyuan JI ; Weixing ZHANG ; Lingxiao WANG ; Yifan KANG ; Yaoping LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):454-460
The advancement of medical technology has led to significant progress in the research of standardized surgical procedures for colorectal cancer, resulting in enhanced treatment regimens from preoperative to postoperative stages. Standardized surgical procedures are crucial for improving patient survival rates, reducing recurrence rates, minimizing complications, and improving quality of life. This article summarizes the latest research results on the classification, surgical methods, and adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer surgery; analyzes and explores standardized surgical treatment strategies; and aims to provide reference and guidance for the clinical management of colorectal cancer.
4.Reshaping Intercellular Interactions: Empowering the Exploration of Disease Mechanisms and Therapies Using Organoid Co-Culture Models
Dengxu TAN ; Yifan MA ; Ke LIU ; Yanying ZHANG ; Changhong SHI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):309-317
The organoid co-culture model, as a novel tool for recreating a three-dimensional microenvironment to study cell-cell interactions, has demonstrated significant application potential in biomedical research in recent years. By simulating the in vivo tissue microenvironment, this model provides a more precise experimental platform for investigating complex cellular interactions, particularly in areas such as tumor immune evasion mechanisms, drug sensitivity testing, and the pathological characterization of neurodegenerative diseases, where it has demonstrated significant value. However, the organoid co-culture model still faces several challenges in terms of standardized procedures, large-scale cultivation, ethical guidelines, and future development. In particular, in the field of laboratory animal science, how to effectively combine organoids with traditional animal models, and how to select the most appropriate model for different research needs while exploring its potential for replacement, remain pressing issues. In the context of ethical approval and the replacement of animal experiments, the organoid co-culture model offers an experimental approach that better aligns with the "3R" principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), potentially becoming an important tool for replacing traditional animal models. To this end, this paper reviews the latest advances and key challenges in this field, providing a detailed description of the construction methods for organoid co-culture models and discussing their applications in disease mechanism research and drug screening. The paper also systematically compares the organoid co-culture models with traditional animal models, exploring the criteria for selecting the appropriate model for specific applications. Furthermore, this paper discusses the potential value of organoid co-culture models as alternatives to animal experiments and anticipates future development trends of this technology. Through these discussions, the paper aims to promote the innovation and development of organoid co-culture technology and provide new perspectives and scientific evidence for future research.
5.Reshaping Intercellular Interactions: Empowering the Exploration of Disease Mechanisms and Therapies Using Organoid Co-Culture Models
Dengxu TAN ; Yifan MA ; Ke LIU ; Yanying ZHANG ; Changhong SHI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):309-317
The organoid co-culture model, as a novel tool for recreating a three-dimensional microenvironment to study cell-cell interactions, has demonstrated significant application potential in biomedical research in recent years. By simulating the in vivo tissue microenvironment, this model provides a more precise experimental platform for investigating complex cellular interactions, particularly in areas such as tumor immune evasion mechanisms, drug sensitivity testing, and the pathological characterization of neurodegenerative diseases, where it has demonstrated significant value. However, the organoid co-culture model still faces several challenges in terms of standardized procedures, large-scale cultivation, ethical guidelines, and future development. In particular, in the field of laboratory animal science, how to effectively combine organoids with traditional animal models, and how to select the most appropriate model for different research needs while exploring its potential for replacement, remain pressing issues. In the context of ethical approval and the replacement of animal experiments, the organoid co-culture model offers an experimental approach that better aligns with the "3R" principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), potentially becoming an important tool for replacing traditional animal models. To this end, this paper reviews the latest advances and key challenges in this field, providing a detailed description of the construction methods for organoid co-culture models and discussing their applications in disease mechanism research and drug screening. The paper also systematically compares the organoid co-culture models with traditional animal models, exploring the criteria for selecting the appropriate model for specific applications. Furthermore, this paper discusses the potential value of organoid co-culture models as alternatives to animal experiments and anticipates future development trends of this technology. Through these discussions, the paper aims to promote the innovation and development of organoid co-culture technology and provide new perspectives and scientific evidence for future research.
6.Efficacy comparison of foldable capsular body with scleral buckling in treating experimental retinal detachment
Yifan DONG ; Baike ZHANG ; Yong JIA ; Fan YANG ; Lisha GUO ; Xiangyang ZHANG ; Cong LU ; Zhonghao ZHANG ; Haiyan WU ; Xuemin TIAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1566-1573
AIM: To compare the effectiveness of foldable capsular body(FCB)with traditional scleral buckling(SB)in the treatment of experimental retinal detachment animal models.METHODS: After successfully establishing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)animal models, 24 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups(RRD models group, SB group, and FCB group), with 8 rabbits in each group. The FCB and SB groups underwent SB and FCB surgeries for the RRD animal models, while the RRD models group only consists of RRD models without any surgical intervention during the follow-up period. The follow-up duration was 3 mo. Wide-field neonatal fundus imaging system and ophthalmic B-ultrasound were used to assess the fundus conditions before and after surgery. The Icare® TONOVET Plus tonometer was utilized to evaluate intraocular pressure changes before and after surgery. The Eaton and Draize scoring systems were selected to monitor postoperative inflammatory reactions.RESULTS: The retinal reattachment rates in the FCB and SB groups were 87.5% and 75.0%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups(P>0.05). The intraocular pressure in both the FCB and SB groups increased postoperatively compared to preoperative levels(P<0.01), and there were no significant differences in intraocular pressure at any time points during the follow-up period between the groups(P>0.05). The intraocular pressure in the RRD models group remained at a low level throughout the follow-up period. The average surgical time for the FCB group was 16.87±2.29 min, which was shorter than 46.25±4.74 min in the SB group(t=-15.166, P<0.001). According to the Eaton and Draize scoring systems, the FCB group had lower grades of conjunctival hyperemia and edema in the early postoperative period compared to the SB group, indicating milder inflammatory reactions(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Both FCB and SB are effective in treating experimental RRD. Compared to SB, FCB is simpler to operate, and also has a shorter surgical time and milder postoperative inflammatory reactions.
7.Clinical Application and Pharmacological Mechanism of Sishenwan in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Review
Keqiu YAN ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Sifeng JIA ; Yuyu DUAN ; Zixing QIAN ; Yifan CAI ; Junyi SHEN ; Wenjie XIAO ; Xinkun BAO ; Guangjun SUN ; Aizhen LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):261-270
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic, non-specific inflammatory bowel disease with typical symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools, demonstrates a high relapse rate and difficulty in curing. Sishenwan, first recorded in Internal Medicine Abstract (Nei Ke Zhai Yao), are a classic prescription for treating diarrhea caused by deficiency of the spleen and kidney Yang. The core therapeutic principle of Sishenwan is warming and tonifying the spleen and kidney, and astringing the intestine and stopping diarrhea. In recent years, Sishenwan have demonstrated distinct advantages in the clinical treatment of UC. The pathogenesis of UC involves multiple factors, including immune dysregulation and gut microbiota imbalance. Although Western medicine is effective in the short term, its side effects, high relapse rate, and resistance associated with long-term use pose substantial challenges. Sishenwan have shown excellent clinical outcomes in the treatment of UC due to deficiency of the spleen and kidney Yang. Modern clinical studies indicate that Sishenwan, used alone or in combination with Western medicine or other Chinese medicine compound prescriptions, significantly improve the clinical efficacy in treating UC due to deficiency of the spleen and kidney Yang. Sishenwan effectively alleviate core symptoms such as mucus, pus, and blood in stools, and persistent abdominal pain, reduce Mayo scores and the relapse rate, and improve patients' quality of life. Research on the material basis reveals that Sishenwan contain multiple active ingredients such as psoralen, isopsoralen, and evodiamine. Mechanism studies indicate that Sishenwan inhibit the inflammatory cascade reactions by regulating the signal network through multiple targets. Sishenwan regulate cellular immunity and restore intestinal immune homeostasis. At the microecological level, Sishenwan promote the intestinal barrier repair through the "microbiota-metabolism-immunity" axis. The current research still needs to be deepened in aspects such as the mining of specific biomarkers for syndromes and the exploration of the collaborative mechanism of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. In the future, a full-chain system covering syndrome differentiation, targeting, and monitoring needs to be constructed for promoting the paradigm transformation of Sishenwan into precision drugs. This review systematically explains the treatment mechanism of Sishenwan regarding the combination of disease and syndrome and its multi-target regulatory characteristics, providing a theoretical basis and transformation direction for the treatment of UC with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
8.TCM Treatment of Lung Cancer Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Chengzhi WANG ; Yifan LIU ; Zhenyao YANG ; Wenjun LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):291-298
As a common malignant tumor of the respiratory system, the incidence and mortality of lung cancer are still rising year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, the prognosis is poor, and it seriously affects human physical and mental health. Although existing Western medical treatments can inhibit tumor growth to a certain extent and relieve patients' painful symptoms, problems such as postoperative recurrence and metastasis, numerous adverse reactions, and the tendency to develop drug resistance make the overall therapeutic effect unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is urgent to seek more efficient and safer treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway can regulate the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of lung cancer cells, and is extensively involved in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, thus being regarded as an important target for anti-lung cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exerts anti-lung cancer effects through multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets, with advantages such as preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis, alleviating the adverse reactions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improving quality of life. TCM has therefore become a key approach in current anti-lung cancer treatment. Studies have found that active components of Chinese medicine, including flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and terpenes, as well as Chinese medicine compound prescriptions such as Guiqi Yiyuan extract, Qingzao Jiufei decoction, and Yiqi Fuzheng formula, have significant regulatory effects on AMPK and its interacting signaling pathways. These effects include inducing autophagy and apoptosis of lung cancer cells, modulating macrophage polarization, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance, and blocking the cell cycle, thereby exerting anti-lung cancer activity. This article reviews and summarizes recent studies on the anti-lung cancer effects of TCM, and discusses the mechanisms by which TCM regulates the AMPK signaling pathway in the treatment of lung cancer, with the aim of providing ideas and references for the development of new clinical anti-lung cancer drugs.
9.Clinical Application and Pharmacological Mechanism of Sishenwan in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Review
Keqiu YAN ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Sifeng JIA ; Yuyu DUAN ; Zixing QIAN ; Yifan CAI ; Junyi SHEN ; Wenjie XIAO ; Xinkun BAO ; Guangjun SUN ; Aizhen LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):261-270
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic, non-specific inflammatory bowel disease with typical symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools, demonstrates a high relapse rate and difficulty in curing. Sishenwan, first recorded in Internal Medicine Abstract (Nei Ke Zhai Yao), are a classic prescription for treating diarrhea caused by deficiency of the spleen and kidney Yang. The core therapeutic principle of Sishenwan is warming and tonifying the spleen and kidney, and astringing the intestine and stopping diarrhea. In recent years, Sishenwan have demonstrated distinct advantages in the clinical treatment of UC. The pathogenesis of UC involves multiple factors, including immune dysregulation and gut microbiota imbalance. Although Western medicine is effective in the short term, its side effects, high relapse rate, and resistance associated with long-term use pose substantial challenges. Sishenwan have shown excellent clinical outcomes in the treatment of UC due to deficiency of the spleen and kidney Yang. Modern clinical studies indicate that Sishenwan, used alone or in combination with Western medicine or other Chinese medicine compound prescriptions, significantly improve the clinical efficacy in treating UC due to deficiency of the spleen and kidney Yang. Sishenwan effectively alleviate core symptoms such as mucus, pus, and blood in stools, and persistent abdominal pain, reduce Mayo scores and the relapse rate, and improve patients' quality of life. Research on the material basis reveals that Sishenwan contain multiple active ingredients such as psoralen, isopsoralen, and evodiamine. Mechanism studies indicate that Sishenwan inhibit the inflammatory cascade reactions by regulating the signal network through multiple targets. Sishenwan regulate cellular immunity and restore intestinal immune homeostasis. At the microecological level, Sishenwan promote the intestinal barrier repair through the "microbiota-metabolism-immunity" axis. The current research still needs to be deepened in aspects such as the mining of specific biomarkers for syndromes and the exploration of the collaborative mechanism of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. In the future, a full-chain system covering syndrome differentiation, targeting, and monitoring needs to be constructed for promoting the paradigm transformation of Sishenwan into precision drugs. This review systematically explains the treatment mechanism of Sishenwan regarding the combination of disease and syndrome and its multi-target regulatory characteristics, providing a theoretical basis and transformation direction for the treatment of UC with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
10.TCM Treatment of Lung Cancer Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Chengzhi WANG ; Yifan LIU ; Zhenyao YANG ; Wenjun LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):291-298
As a common malignant tumor of the respiratory system, the incidence and mortality of lung cancer are still rising year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, the prognosis is poor, and it seriously affects human physical and mental health. Although existing Western medical treatments can inhibit tumor growth to a certain extent and relieve patients' painful symptoms, problems such as postoperative recurrence and metastasis, numerous adverse reactions, and the tendency to develop drug resistance make the overall therapeutic effect unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is urgent to seek more efficient and safer treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway can regulate the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of lung cancer cells, and is extensively involved in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, thus being regarded as an important target for anti-lung cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exerts anti-lung cancer effects through multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets, with advantages such as preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis, alleviating the adverse reactions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improving quality of life. TCM has therefore become a key approach in current anti-lung cancer treatment. Studies have found that active components of Chinese medicine, including flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and terpenes, as well as Chinese medicine compound prescriptions such as Guiqi Yiyuan extract, Qingzao Jiufei decoction, and Yiqi Fuzheng formula, have significant regulatory effects on AMPK and its interacting signaling pathways. These effects include inducing autophagy and apoptosis of lung cancer cells, modulating macrophage polarization, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance, and blocking the cell cycle, thereby exerting anti-lung cancer activity. This article reviews and summarizes recent studies on the anti-lung cancer effects of TCM, and discusses the mechanisms by which TCM regulates the AMPK signaling pathway in the treatment of lung cancer, with the aim of providing ideas and references for the development of new clinical anti-lung cancer drugs.

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