1.Protective Effect and Mechanisms of Taohong Siwutang Against Retinal Vasculitis Based on JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):49-56
ObjectiveBased on the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, this study explores the protective effect and mechanism of Taohong Siwutang against retinal vasculitis (RV) from the perspective of angiogenesis. MethodsSPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a RV model induced by experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), and the protective effect of Taohong Siwutang on RV was investigated. Fifty mice were randomly assigned to a blank group, model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Taohong Siwutang groups (3.315、6.63、13.26 g·kg-1,10 mice in each group). After modeling, gavage administration was performed for 20 consecutive days. A small-animal retinal imaging system and fluorescein sodium angiography were used to observe pathological changes in the retinal tissue and vessels. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess retinal histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate CD31-positive expression. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of JAK2, phosphorylated (p)-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in retinal tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the relative expression level of VEGFR2 mRNA in retinal vessels. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed relative optic disc swelling, multiple areas of inflammatory cell infiltration around retinal veins with partial vascular occlusion, vessel thickening and morphological alterations, uneven retinal thickness, wrinkling and bending of inner and outer layers, vascular dilation, and disordered cellular arrangement. Compared with the model group, the Taohong Siwutang groups showed markedly reduced CD31-positive expression and effectively improved perivascular inflammatory infiltration, vascular tortuous dilation, angiogenesis, vascular occlusion, and hemorrhage. Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, the expression of VEGFR2 and the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were significantly decreased in the Taohong Siwutang groups (P0.01). Real-time PCR results indicated that VEGFR2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the Taohong Siwutang groups compared with the model group (P0.05). ConclusionTaohong Siwutang can effectively alleviate angiogenesis in RV and, through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, reduce angiogenesis and improve retinal pathological injury, thereby exerting a protective effect on retinal vessels.
2.Protective Effect and Mechanisms of Taohong Siwutang Against Retinal Vasculitis Based on JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):49-56
ObjectiveBased on the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, this study explores the protective effect and mechanism of Taohong Siwutang against retinal vasculitis (RV) from the perspective of angiogenesis. MethodsSPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a RV model induced by experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), and the protective effect of Taohong Siwutang on RV was investigated. Fifty mice were randomly assigned to a blank group, model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Taohong Siwutang groups (3.315、6.63、13.26 g·kg-1,10 mice in each group). After modeling, gavage administration was performed for 20 consecutive days. A small-animal retinal imaging system and fluorescein sodium angiography were used to observe pathological changes in the retinal tissue and vessels. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess retinal histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate CD31-positive expression. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of JAK2, phosphorylated (p)-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in retinal tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the relative expression level of VEGFR2 mRNA in retinal vessels. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed relative optic disc swelling, multiple areas of inflammatory cell infiltration around retinal veins with partial vascular occlusion, vessel thickening and morphological alterations, uneven retinal thickness, wrinkling and bending of inner and outer layers, vascular dilation, and disordered cellular arrangement. Compared with the model group, the Taohong Siwutang groups showed markedly reduced CD31-positive expression and effectively improved perivascular inflammatory infiltration, vascular tortuous dilation, angiogenesis, vascular occlusion, and hemorrhage. Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, the expression of VEGFR2 and the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were significantly decreased in the Taohong Siwutang groups (P0.01). Real-time PCR results indicated that VEGFR2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the Taohong Siwutang groups compared with the model group (P0.05). ConclusionTaohong Siwutang can effectively alleviate angiogenesis in RV and, through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, reduce angiogenesis and improve retinal pathological injury, thereby exerting a protective effect on retinal vessels.
3.Exploring Biological Characteristics of Rat Model of Atrial Fibrillation with Phlegm-heat and Blood Stasis Pattern Based on Metabolomics
Ailin HOU ; Yuxuan LIU ; Wenxi YU ; Xing JI ; Chan WU ; Dazhuo SHI ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):245-255
ObjectiveTo establish an animal model of atrial fibrillation(AF) that accurately reflects the phlegm-heat and blood stasis(TRYZ) pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned using a random number table to the following groups:the control group, the TRYZ+AF group,the AF group and the TRYZ group, with ten rats in each group. The TRYZ+AF and TRYZ groups underwent a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide(LPS) injection to simulate the pathological alterations of TRYZ syndrome. Groups TRYZ+AF and AF were induced with acetylcholine-calcium chloride(Ach-CaCl2) via caudal vein injection to induce AF. The control group received no intervention and was maintained under normal conditions. The modeling period lasted 3 weeks. Electrocardiography was used to assess AF episodes and duration, echocardiography evaluated left atrial dimensions and cardiac function, fully automated biochemical analyzer measured the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), hemoreometer analyzed the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and whole blood reduced viscosity, a coagulation analyzer assessed prothrombin time(PT), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), thrombin time(TT), and fibrinogen(FIB), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9), galectin-3(Gal-3), Collagen Ⅰ, and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to analyze pathological changes in atrial myocardium, Western blot was employed to detect MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA protein expression in myocardial tissue, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) evaluated fibrous factor gene expression levels. Changes in the TRYZ syndrome were assessed via body weight, tongue color[red(R), green(G), and blue(B)], and rectal temperature. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to detect differential metabolites between the control group and the TRYZ+AF group. ResultsFollowing three weeks of sustained modeling, compared with the control group, rats in the TRYZ+AF and the TRYZ groups exhibited reduced body weight, dry faeces, elevated rectal temperature, dark red tongue, decreased RGB values on the tongue surface, and markedly elevated TC and LDL-C levels(P<0.05, P<0.01). The TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups exhibited significantly decreased TT, APTT and PT, along with markedly elevated whole blood viscosity and FIB(P<0.05, P<0.01). Rats in the TRYZ+AF and AF groups exhibited AF rhythm, markedly decreased heart rate, prolonged RR intervals, enlarged left atrium, and significantly reduced ejection fraction and shortening fraction(P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum levels of CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, MMP-9, Gal-3, Collagen Ⅰ, and α-SMA were elevated in rats from the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups compared to the control group, with the most pronounced increase observed in the TRYZ+AF group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology revealed that the collagen fiber deposition in the atrial of rats in the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ and AF groups was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot and Real-time PCR results further demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in the myocardial tissue of the TRYZ+AF group were higher than those in the other three groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed 173 differentially expressed metabolites in the TRYZ+AF group and the control group, primarily enriched in pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. ConclusionThis study successfully establishes a rat model of AF integrated with the TRYZ syndrome, demonstrating the pathological process where the interactions of phlegm, heat and stasis jointly trigger tremor, this provides a reliable experimental tool for in-depth research into the biological basis of this disease syndrome.
4.Regulation of Relevant Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Intervention of Pancreatic Cancer: A Review
Quanyou ZHAO ; Conghui ZHAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yiping FU ; Yuting LIU ; Xiaoran WANG ; Zhanzhan LI ; Mingsan MIAO ; Li BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):280-289
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant solid tumor of the digestive system with extremely poor treatment prognosis. Although its incidence rate is low, its mortality rate is extremely high. In recent years, the number of diagnosed cases worldwide has continued to rise, making pancreatic cancer the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Currently, clinical treatment primarily relies on operation and chemotherapy to suppress tumors. However, these approaches face challenges such as suboptimal efficacy, high postoperative recurrence rates, and severe adverse reactions. Therefore, identifying safe and effective treatment modalities remains a pressing challenge for the medical community. In recent years, research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions for pancreatic cancer has increased significantly. Multiple studies have shown that single-herb TCM, TCM formulas, and their derived single compounds can regulate the levels of tumor cell signaling pathways through multiple action targets. They inhibit the development and progression of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, promoting cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reducing cancer cell invasion and migration capabilities, regulating the cell cycle, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, TCM has the advantages of significantly enhancing the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and causing fewer adverse reactions. However, the specific action mechanisms by which TCM intervenes in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. Further extensive research is still needed to validate the role of regulating classical signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), notch, and hedgehog in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this paper reviewed Chinese and international studies on TCM intervention in pancreatic cancer through relevant signaling pathways in recent years, summarized the potential action mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and provided references for related research in the future.
5.Characterization and Application of Moisture Absorption Kinetics of Traditional Chinese Medicines Based on Double Exponential Model:A Review
Yanting YU ; Lei XIONG ; Yan HE ; Wei LIU ; Jing YANG ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiali CHEN ; Xiaojian LUO ; Xiaoyong RAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):340-346
Hygroscopicity research has long been a key focus and hot topic in Chinese materia medica(CMM). Elucidating hygroscopic mechanisms plays a vital role in formulation design, process optimization, and storage condition selection. Hygroscopic models serve as essential tools for characterizing CMM hygroscopic mechanisms, with various types available. The double exponential model is a kinetic mathematical model constructed based on the law of conservation of energy and Fick's first law of diffusion, tailored to the physical properties of CMM extracts. In recent years, this model has been extensively applied to simulate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of CMM extracts and solid dosage forms under varying humidity conditions. It has revealed the correlation between moisture absorption kinetic parameters and material properties, offering a new perspective for characterizing the moisture uptake behavior of CMM. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of this model in the field of CMM, analyzes its advantages, disadvantages, and challenges in this domain, and explores its potential application trends in other fields. It aims to provide references for elucidating the moisture absorption mechanisms of CMM and researching moisture-proofing technologies, while also offering insights for its broader application in food and polymer materials.
6.Empirical study of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations
Xiayao CHEN ; Ying DONG ; Xue DONG ; Zhongxiang MI ; Jun CHENG ; Aimin ZHANG ; Didi LU ; Jun WANG ; Jude LIU ; Qianmo AN ; Hui GUO ; Xiaochen LIU ; Zefeng YU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):83-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the present situation of input, output, outcome and impact of all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia in China, and analyze how the input predict the output, outcome and impact. MethodsFrom March 1st to April 30th, 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted on all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia, covering four dimensions: input, output, outcome and impact. A total of 1 365 questionnaires were distributed. The input included four items: laws and policies, human resources, equipment and facilities, and rehabilitation information management. The output included two items: technical paths and benefits/effectiveness. The outcome included three items: coverage rates, rehabilitation interventions and functional results. The impact included two items: health and sustainability. Each item contained several questions, all of which were described in a positive way. Each question was scored from one to five. A lower score indicated that the situation of the community-based rehabilitation station was more in line with the content described in the question. Regression analysis was performed using the total score of each item of input dimension as independent variables, and the total scores of the output, outcome and impact dimensions as dependent variables. ResultsA total of 1 262 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean values of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations were 1.827 to 1.904, with coefficient of variation of 45.892% to 49.239%. The regression analysis showed that, rehabilitation information management, human resources, and laws and policies significantly predicted the output dimension (R² = 0.910, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, all four items in the input dimension predicted both the outcome (R² = 0.850, P < 0.001) and impact dimensions (R² = 0.833, P < 0.001). ConclusionInput, output, outcome and impact of the community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia were generally in line with the content of the questions, although some imbalances were observed. Additionally, the input of community-based rehabilitation stations could significantly predict their output, outcome and impact.
7.Anti-osteoporosis Effect of Isorhamnetin: A Review
Shilong MENG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yawei XU ; Yang YU ; Wei LI ; Yanguang CAO ; Xiaolin SHI ; Wei ZHANG ; Kang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):347-352
Osteoporosis is a common senile bone metabolism disease, clinically characterized by decreased bone mass, destruction of bone microstructure, increased bone fragility, and easy fracture. It tends to occur in the elderly and postmenopausal women, seriously threatening the quality of life and physical and mental health of the elderly. At present, the treatment of osteoporosis is mainly based on oral western medicines, such as calcium, Vitamin D, and bisphosphonates. Still, there are drawbacks such as a long medication cycle and many adverse reactions. In recent years, due to the advantages of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target, some traditional Chinese medicines and effective ingredients can regulate the osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation process in both directions and are widely used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Hippophae rhamnoides is a commonly used herbal medicine, and its fruits are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements, which have been proven to have a good anti-osteoporosis effect. Isorhamnetin is the main effective ingredient of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits, which has many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, and anti-tumor. Studies have shown that isorhamnetin can participate in the regulation of bone metabolism and has a good anti-osteoporosis effect. However, the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, this paper reviewed the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis by referring to relevant literature to provide more basis for the development and application of isorhamnetin.
8.Reevaluation of systematic evluation of Xianling gubao capsules for knee osteoarthritis
Dongdong CAO ; Jixin CHEN ; Weijie YU ; Tianci GUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Puyu NIU ; Aifeng LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):232-238
OBJECTIVE To conduct a reevaluation of the systematic review (SR)/meta-analysis on the use of Xianling gubao capsules (XLGBC) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and provide evidence-based support for the clinical use of the drugs. METHODS Computerized searches including CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were conducted to collect systematic reviews (SR) or meta-analyses of XLGBC for the treatment of KOA from the inception to May 31st, 2024. The report quality, methodological quality, risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed using the PRISMA 2020 statement, AMSTAR 2 scale, ROBIS tool and GRADE tool, respectively. A comprehensive quality analysis of the quantitative results from the SR/meta-analysis was also performed. RESULTS A total of five SR/meta-analyses were included. The evaluation results based on the PRISMA 2020 statement showed that one study report was relatively complete (21 points), while four studies had deficiencies (18-20 points). The assessment using the AMSTAR 2 scale indicated that the methodological quality of all five studies was rated as very low. According to the ROBIS tool evaluation, the risk of comprehensive bias in all five studies was classified as high. GRADE tool evaluation revealed that among 49 outcome indicators, 5 (10.2%) were rated as moderate-quality evidence (10.2%), 12 as low-quality evidence (24.5%), and 32 as very low-quality evidence (65.3%). The results of comprehensive quality analysis showed that the clinical efficacy, visual analogue scale score, pain relief time, comprehensive indexes of knee joint function, the levels of inflammatory factors and the incidence of adverse events in patients with XLGBC combined with conventional treatment were significantly better than conventional treatment alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with conventional treatment, XLGBC in combination with conventional treatment for KOA may have some efficacy and safety advantages. However, due to the low quality of evidence for the outcome indicators included in the studies, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution.
9.Reevaluation of systematic evluation of Xianling gubao capsules for knee osteoarthritis
Dongdong CAO ; Jixin CHEN ; Weijie YU ; Tianci GUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Puyu NIU ; Aifeng LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):232-238
OBJECTIVE To conduct a reevaluation of the systematic review (SR)/meta-analysis on the use of Xianling gubao capsules (XLGBC) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and provide evidence-based support for the clinical use of the drugs. METHODS Computerized searches including CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were conducted to collect systematic reviews (SR) or meta-analyses of XLGBC for the treatment of KOA from the inception to May 31st, 2024. The report quality, methodological quality, risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed using the PRISMA 2020 statement, AMSTAR 2 scale, ROBIS tool and GRADE tool, respectively. A comprehensive quality analysis of the quantitative results from the SR/meta-analysis was also performed. RESULTS A total of five SR/meta-analyses were included. The evaluation results based on the PRISMA 2020 statement showed that one study report was relatively complete (21 points), while four studies had deficiencies (18-20 points). The assessment using the AMSTAR 2 scale indicated that the methodological quality of all five studies was rated as very low. According to the ROBIS tool evaluation, the risk of comprehensive bias in all five studies was classified as high. GRADE tool evaluation revealed that among 49 outcome indicators, 5 (10.2%) were rated as moderate-quality evidence (10.2%), 12 as low-quality evidence (24.5%), and 32 as very low-quality evidence (65.3%). The results of comprehensive quality analysis showed that the clinical efficacy, visual analogue scale score, pain relief time, comprehensive indexes of knee joint function, the levels of inflammatory factors and the incidence of adverse events in patients with XLGBC combined with conventional treatment were significantly better than conventional treatment alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with conventional treatment, XLGBC in combination with conventional treatment for KOA may have some efficacy and safety advantages. However, due to the low quality of evidence for the outcome indicators included in the studies, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution.
10.Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, Weakness in Limbs, Edema, and Dyspnea: A Rare Inflammatory Myopathy with Positive Aniti-mitochondrial Antibodies and Cardiac Involvement
Chunsu LIANG ; Xuchang ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Lin KANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Jiaqi YU ; Yingxian LIU ; Lin QIAO ; Yanli YANG ; Xiaoyi ZHAO ; Ruijie ZHAO ; Na NIU ; Xuelian YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):248-255
This article presents a case study of a patient who visited the Geriatric Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to "palpitations, shortness of breath for more than 2 years, limb weakness for 6 months, edema, and nocturnal dyspnea for 2 months". The patient exhibited decreased muscle strength in the limbs and involvement of swallowing and respiratory muscles, alongside complications of heart failure and various arrhythmias which were predominantly atrial. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of multiple autoantibodies and notably anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with anti-mitochondrial antibody-associated inflammatory myopathy. Treatment involved a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, along with resistance exercises for muscle strength and rehabilitation training for lung function, resulting in significant improvement of clinical symptoms. The case underscores the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing and treating rare diseases in elderly patients, where careful consideration of clinical manifestations and subtle abnormal clinical data can lead to effective interventions.

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