1.In Vitro and In Vivo Chemical Composition Analysis of Reference Sample of Jinshui Liujunjian Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Xinyue YANG ; Huiyu LI ; Yaqi LOU ; Xingxing WANG ; Guifang YU ; Chenfeng ZHANG ; Zhenzhong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):166-173
ObjectiveTo elucidate the chemical composition of the reference sample of Jinshui Liujunjian and its distribution characteristics in blood and tissues of rats. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to detect the reference sample solution, plasma, and tissue samples of Jinshui Liujunjian under positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Qualitative Analysis 10.0 software and a self-constructed database were employed for primary mass spectrum matching.Compound identification was further validated by comparing retention times, secondary mass spectral fragments, reference standards, and literature data to deduce fragmentation pathways. ResultsA total of 122 compounds were identified in the reference sample of Jinshui Liujunjian, including 47 flavonoids, 5 amino acids, 13 iridoids, 16 triterpenoid saponins, etc., of which 42 compounds were confirmed by comparison with reference substances. A total of 21 prototype components were identified in blood components; 50 prototype components were identified in different tissues, among which 13, 10, 7, 21, 11, 6, 14, and 40 prototype components were identified in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, large intestine, and stomach, respectively. Among them, 7 compounds such as ferulic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, and nobiletin were exposed in the target organs of lung and kidney. ConclusionThis study elucidates the material basis of the reference samples of Jinshui Liujunjian, primarily composed of flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins, along with their in vivo distribution characteristics. These findings provide a scientific basis for establishing quality evaluation indicators and offer references for subsequent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic investigations.
2.In Vitro and In Vivo Chemical Composition Analysis of Reference Sample of Jinshui Liujunjian Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Xinyue YANG ; Huiyu LI ; Yaqi LOU ; Xingxing WANG ; Guifang YU ; Chenfeng ZHANG ; Zhenzhong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):166-173
ObjectiveTo elucidate the chemical composition of the reference sample of Jinshui Liujunjian and its distribution characteristics in blood and tissues of rats. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to detect the reference sample solution, plasma, and tissue samples of Jinshui Liujunjian under positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Qualitative Analysis 10.0 software and a self-constructed database were employed for primary mass spectrum matching.Compound identification was further validated by comparing retention times, secondary mass spectral fragments, reference standards, and literature data to deduce fragmentation pathways. ResultsA total of 122 compounds were identified in the reference sample of Jinshui Liujunjian, including 47 flavonoids, 5 amino acids, 13 iridoids, 16 triterpenoid saponins, etc., of which 42 compounds were confirmed by comparison with reference substances. A total of 21 prototype components were identified in blood components; 50 prototype components were identified in different tissues, among which 13, 10, 7, 21, 11, 6, 14, and 40 prototype components were identified in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, large intestine, and stomach, respectively. Among them, 7 compounds such as ferulic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, and nobiletin were exposed in the target organs of lung and kidney. ConclusionThis study elucidates the material basis of the reference samples of Jinshui Liujunjian, primarily composed of flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins, along with their in vivo distribution characteristics. These findings provide a scientific basis for establishing quality evaluation indicators and offer references for subsequent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic investigations.
3.Effect of Yang-Reinforcing and Blood-Activating Therapy on the Long-Term Prognosis for Dilated Cardio-myopathy Patients with Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Shiyi TAO ; Jun LI ; Lintong YU ; Ji WU ; Yuqing TAN ; Xiao XIA ; Fuyuan ZHANG ; Tiantian XUE ; Xuanchun HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):53-59
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the long-term prognosis for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) of yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 371 DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was defined as the exposure factor. Patients were categorized into exposure group (186 cases) and non-exposure group (185 cases) according to whether they received yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy combined with conventional western medicine for 6 months or longer. The follow-up period was set at 48 months, and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in both groups. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the risk of MACE, and subgroup analysis was performed. Changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score were compared between groups at the time of first combined use of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy (before treatment) and 1 year after receiving the therapy (after treatment). ResultsMACE occurred in 31 cases (16.67%) in the exposure group and 47 cases (25.41%) in the non-exposure group. The cumulative incidence of MACE in the exposure group was significantly lower than that in the non-exposure group [HR=0.559, 95%CI(0.361,0.895), P=0.014]. Cox regression analysis showed that yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was an independent factor for reducing the risk of MACE in DCM patients [HR=0.623, 95%CI(0.396,0.980), P=0.041], and consistent results were observed in different subgroups. Compared with pre-treatment, the exposure group showed decreased TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score, reduced LVEDD, and increased LVEF and LVFS after treatment (P<0.05); in the non-exposure group, TCM syndrome score decreased, LVEF and LVFS increased, and LVEDD reduced after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the exposure group had higher LVEF and LVFS, smaller LVEDD, and lower TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score compared with the non-exposure group (P<0.05). ConclusionCombining yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy with conventional western medicine can reduce the risk of MACE in DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, meanwhile improving their clinical symptoms, cardiac function, and quality of life.
4.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
5.Textual Research and Application of Famous Classical Formula Huopo Xialingtang
Miao YU ; Huikang ZHANG ; Xiaofan QI ; Fuping LI ; Jichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):192-200
Huopo Xialingtang is a famous classical formula for treating dampness and warmth, which is included in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas(The First Batch). In this paper, bibliometric methods was used to collect the literature related to Huopo Xialingtang, and 16 items of related literature were retrieved, involving five medical books, which were used to textual research on the origin, name, composition, drug dosage, preparation method, processing and main treatment symptoms of this formula. The results indicated that Huopo Xialingtang was originated from Yiyuan written by Shi Funan in the Qing dynasty, and and was later named and extended by He Lianchen. The composition of the proposed formula was consistent with the record of Yiyuan, and the origin of each Chinese materia medica was basically clear. Houpo was the dried bark and root bark of Magnolia officinalis, Zexie was the dried tubers of Alisma orientale, Kuxingren was the dried mature seeds of Prunus armeniaca, Doukou was the dried mature fruits of Amomum kravanh, the origin of Tuhuoxiang was consistent with the 2018 edition of Shanghai Standards of Processing Chinese Crud Drugs, and the origins of the remaining Chinese medicines were consistent with the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The converted dose of each Chinese medicine was 7.46 g for Agastache rugosa, 3.73 g for Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 8.39 g for Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Zingibere et Alumine, 11.19 g for Poria, 11.19 g for Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 14.92 g for Coicis Semen, 2.61 g for Amomi Fructus Rotundus, 5.60 g for Polyporus, 5.60 g for Alismatis Rhizoma, 14.92 g for Tetrapanacis Medulla. Huopo Xialingtang was initially used for the treatment of dampness and warmth at the beginning of the disease, and was later expanded to treat dampness obstruction, dampness-warming dysentery and so on, but always with the dampness-heat in the lungs and spleen as the pathogenesis. In modern times, the clinical application is more extensive, used in digestive, respiratory, endocrine, nervous system and other types of diseases, especially for chronic gastritis, stomach pain and fever. By combing the ancient literature of Huopo Xialingtang, we verified the origin of the formula and determined the key information of the prescription, which can provide literature reference for the clinical application and drug development of this formula.
6.Textual Research on Key Information and Modern Clinical Application of Classical Famous Formula Liumotang
Xinyu ZHANG ; Chong LI ; Yixuan HU ; Luming LIANG ; Ye ZHAO ; Xiaoting LU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):201-212
Liumotang comes from the Yuan dynasty's Effective Prescription Handed Down for Generations of Physicians. It is composed of six medicinal materials: Arecae Semen, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum, Aucklandiae Radix, Linderae Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and Aurantii Fructus. It is a classical formula for treating abdominal pain due to Qi stagnation and constipation accompanied by heat. This study systematically collated the records of Liumotang in ancient medical books and modern clinical literature and conducted in-depth analysis and textual research on its formula source, main diseases, composition, dosage, medical books, container capacity, processing, preparation method, usage, drug basis, formula meaning, and other key information, so as to provide a powerful reference for the development and clinical application of compound preparations of the classical formula Liumotang. The results show that Liumotang was first seen in Effective Prescription Handed Down for Generations of Physicians, and many medical books of the past dynasties have imitated this. In terms of drug basis, the dried and mature seeds of the palm plant Areca catechu, resin-containing wood of the Daphneaceae plant Aquilaria sinensis, the dried roots of the Asteraceae plant woody Aucklandia lappa, the dried tuber root of the Lauraceae plant Lindera aggregata, the dried roots and rhizomes of the knotweed plant, R. palmatum, R.tangutikum, and R. officinale, and the dried and unripe fruits of the citrus genus C. aurantium and its cultivated varieties from the family Rutaceae were selected. In terms of dosage, through the textual research on bowls in the Ming and Qing dynasties, combined with the conversion of medicines and bowl capacity in the Qing dynasty, it was estimated that the dosage of each drug in the Yuan dynasty was 10.86 g. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the dosage of drugs was mostly equal, but the dosage of drugs was somewhat different. In terms of processing, preparation method, and usage, in the medical books of the past dynasties, the processing of drugs has slightly changed, but raw drugs are used in all preparations. The preparation method and usage did not change much during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, except for certain differences in dosage. In terms of syndrome, Liumotang was first used to treat abdominal pain due to Qi stagnation and constipation accompanied by heat. Medical books of the past dynasties often omit the symptoms of heat. In modern clinical practice, Liumotang is mainly used in the digestive system and urinary system diseases and is mostly used to treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, biliary reflux gastritis, functional constipation, slow transit constipation, and other diseases, with no adverse reactions found yet. The above results provide a reliable scientific basis for the development and clinical treatment of Liumotang compound preparations.
7.Analysis of Application of Animal Model of Spleen Deficiency and Dampness Syndrome Based on Data Mining
Qingqian YU ; Yifei ZHANG ; Zehan ZHANG ; Weiyue ZHANG ; Yuebo WANG ; Fengzhi WU ; Feng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):235-243
ObjectiveThe research focuses on developing modeling and evaluation methodologies for an animal model exhibiting spleen deficiency and dampness excess syndrome, with the aim of standardizing such animal models for future reference. MethodsBy conducting a literature search on animal models of spleen deficiency and dampness excess syndrome, relevant publications meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria will be identified based on publication date, data source, types of diseases involved, animal characteristics, modeling methods, modeling duration, macroscopic syndrome assessment indicators, macroscopic quantification indicators, laboratory testing parameters, intervention approaches, positive controls and application context. A database will be established to facilitate the extraction of this information for quantitative analysis, statistical evaluation, and visual representation. ResultsA total of 137 literature articles meeting the standards have been included in the research. The primary animal species used in animal models of spleen deficiency and dampness excess are SD rats. Modeling methods include single-factor, dual-factor composite, and triple-factor composite methods, with various models widely applied in validation of pharmacological effects and mechanistic explorations. Evaluation indices of animal models for spleen deficiency and dampness excess primarily consist of macroscopic syndrome evaluation indicators and macroscopic quantitative indicators. Laboratory testing indicators are mostly related to research areas such as fluid metabolism and gastrointestinal function. The most commonly studied herbal formulas currently include Shenling Baizhu San and Pingwei San, with natural recovery and the use of the western medicine metronidazole as the most frequently used positive controls. ConclusionThe application of animal models for spleen deficiency and dampness excess is gradually increasing, with various modeling methods already simulating the typical characteristics of this syndrome pattern. However, there are still many areas that are worth contemplating and improving. This study aims to provide reference and ideas for the standardization of symptom names in animal models of spleen deficiency and dampness excess, as well as for the improvement of model construction and evaluation systems.
8.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
9.Relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes
YU Dandan ; ZHANG Yaping ; XU Huilin ; HE Dandan ; LIANG Tongtong ; YANG Jiali ; LI Jun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):130-134
Objective:
To examine the relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes, so as to provide the evidence for improving self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes.
Methods:
The patients with comorbid diabetes who were registered in the chronic disease health management system of Minhang District, Shanghai Municipality in 2021, followed up regularly, and lived in Meilong Town were recruited. Demographic information and family history of diabetes were collected through questionnaire surveys. Time perspective and self-management behaviors were assessed using the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and Diabetes Self-Management Behavior Scale, respectively. The relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective was analyzed using a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 907 patients with comorbid diabetes were enrolled, including 472 males (52.04%) and 435 females (47.96%). There were 652 cases aged 65 years and above, accounting for 71.89%. In terms of the types of time perspective, 280 patients were future-oriented (30.87%), 236 were balanced (26.02%), 162 were sensation-seeking (17.86%), 123 were fatalistic (13.56%), and 106 were negative (11.69%). In terms of the self-management behaviors, 46 patients were good (5.07%), 643 were moderate (70.89%), and 218 were poor (24.04%). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, educational level, marital status, occupation status, monthly income, and family history of diabetes, the patients with comorbid diabetes who had a future-oriented time perspective had better self-management behaviors (OR=1.874, 95%CI: 1.204-2.915).
Conclusion
The self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes are moderate to poor, and patients with a future-oriented time perspective can better engage in self-management behaviors.
10.Application of Aromatic Inhalation Therapy in Preventing Respiratory Infectious Diseases Based on the Theory of "Aromatics Acting on the Spleen"
Xinxin WU ; Yue ZHANG ; Xiaolei LI ; Haoyue LI ; Fang ZHANG ; Nanjiang YU ; ZHAOJING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):432-436
Aromatic inhalation therapy is a key traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach for preventing respiratory infectious diseases. Its foundational theory, "aromatics acting on the spleen", is deeply rooted in TCM principles and supported by modern medical research. The theory posits that the aromatic properties of medicinals primarily act on the spleen, and the aromatic inhalation therapy achieved its protective effects by modulation of the spleen and spleen channel to enhance the regulation of wei qi, striae and interstices. In TCM, the spleen is considered the mother of the lungs, with the function of nurturing lung; it is also seen as the source of wei qi, responsible for external defense; and the root of healthy qi, forming the foundation of acquired (postnatal) constitution. Thus, preventive strategies for respiratory infectious diseases focus on strengthening the spleen. From a modern medical perspective, the spleen's role in regulating lung immune responses, the shared immune functions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal mucosa, and the spleen's overall immune modulation provide scientific evidence for using aromatic inhalation therapy to prevent respiratory infections. Additionally, aromatic inhalation therapy offers several advantages, including direct action, rapid onset, minimal side effects, controllable risks, convenience, and ease of dissemination, making it a practical and effective preventive measure for respiratory infectious diseases.


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