1.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
3.Immunity-inflammation Mechanism of Viral Pneumonia and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Based on Theory of Healthy Qi and Pathogenic Qi
Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Xin PENG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Yunhui LI ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):239-247
Viral pneumonia is an infectious disease caused by virus invading the lung parenchyma and interstitial tissue and causing lung inflammation, with the incidence rising year by year. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can treat viral pneumonia in a multi-component, multi-target, and holistic manner by targeting the core pathogenesis of pneumonia caused by different respiratory viruses, demonstrating minimal side effects and significant advantages. According to the theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi in TCM, the struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi and the imbalance between immunity and inflammation run through the entire process of viral pneumonia, and the immunity-inflammation status at different stages of the disease reflects different relationships between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi. Immune dysfunction leads to the deficiency of healthy Qi, causing viral infections. The struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi causes immunity-inflammation imbalance, leading to the onset of viral pneumonia. Inflammatory damage causes persistent accumulation of phlegm and stasis, leading to the progression of viral pneumonia. The cytokine storm causes immunodepletion, leading to the excess of pathogenic Qi and diminution of healthy Qi and the deterioration of viral pneumonia. After the recovery from viral pneumonia, there is a long-term imbalance between immunity and micro-inflammation, which results in healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi lingering. Healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi excess act as common core causes of pneumonia caused by different respiratory viruses. Clinical treatment should emphasize both replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi, helping to restore the balance between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi as well as between immunity and inflammation, thus promoting the recovery of patients from viral pneumonia. According to the TCM theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi, this article summarizes the immunity-inflammation mechanisms at different stages of viral pneumonia, and explores the application of the method of replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi in viral pneumonia. The aim is to probe into the scientific connotation of the TCM theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi in viral pneumonia and provide ideas for the clinical application of the method of replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi to assist in the treatment of viral pneumonia.
4.Advances in applications of platelet-derived extracellular vesicles in drug target delivery
Yunhui PENG ; Shikun ZHANG ; Shouping JI
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(4):303-309
Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are subcellular components released by cells,which can carry proteins,lipids,mRNA and miRNA,and other biomolecules.They play a significant role in main-taining the intracellular environment and mediating intercellular communication.In recent years,EVs have attracted much attention in the field of drug delivery.Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles(P-EVs)not only possess the advantages of extracellular vesicles but also integrate the unique properties of platelets.P-EVs have unique application value in in vivo drug delivery.This article reviews the extrac-tion methods of P-EVs,their targeting mechanisms and drug loading methods as drug delivery carriers,as well as the research progress in the treatment of various diseases,providing new solutions and ideas for drug application and disease treatment.
5.Advances in applications of platelet-derived extracellular vesicles in drug target delivery
Yunhui PENG ; Shikun ZHANG ; Shouping JI
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(4):303-309
Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are subcellular components released by cells,which can carry proteins,lipids,mRNA and miRNA,and other biomolecules.They play a significant role in main-taining the intracellular environment and mediating intercellular communication.In recent years,EVs have attracted much attention in the field of drug delivery.Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles(P-EVs)not only possess the advantages of extracellular vesicles but also integrate the unique properties of platelets.P-EVs have unique application value in in vivo drug delivery.This article reviews the extrac-tion methods of P-EVs,their targeting mechanisms and drug loading methods as drug delivery carriers,as well as the research progress in the treatment of various diseases,providing new solutions and ideas for drug application and disease treatment.
6.Incidence and recovery of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among residents aged 65 years old and above in Xinqiao Town, Songjiang District, Shanghai
Xinxing LIANG ; Jinghong PENG ; Yiling WU ; Genming ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Yunhui WANG ; Xing LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(8):793-801
ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence, recovery rate and associated factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among residents aged 65 years old and above in Xinqiao Community of Songjiang, Shanghai, and to provide basic data for further efficient community management. MethodsData of annual geriatric physical examination program for residents aged 65 and above were collected in Xinqiao Community, Songjiang from 2016 to 2022. Those residents who participated twice or more were included in this analysis. Data were collated into longitudinal form. For each participant, data of the first physical examination was used as baseline, and each subsequent examination was taken as follow-up. Incidence and recovery rate of NAFLD were calculated. Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore the associated factors and their changes with the onset and recovery of NAFLD. ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 11 983 residents participated in physical examinations, of which 8 644 participated twice or more, and 8 154 had no history of excessive alcohol consumption. B-ultrasound showed that there were 5 267 residents without NAFLD and 2 887 with NAFLD at baseline. After a median follow-up of 3.3 years, the incidence density of NAFLD in this population was estimated to be 11.5 per 100 person-years, and the recovery density was 23.4 per 100 person-years. The incidence density of NAFLD was negatively associated with age, and positively associated with baseline BMI, abdominal obesity, high fasting blood glucose, and high triglycerides. The recovery density was negatively associated with baseline BMI and abdominal obesity. Compared with those with normal BMI at both baseline and follow-up, those with persistent obesity showed the highest risk of NAFLD (males: HR: 3.19, 95%CI: 2.16-4.70; females: HR: 3.34, 95%CI: 2.46-4.54) and the lowest potential of recovery (males: HR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.42-0.82; females: HR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.44-0.77). Persistently high triglycerides were also associated with a higher risk of developing the disease. ConclusionResidents aged 65 years old and above in Xinqiao, Shanghai had a higher incidence and recovery rate of NAFLD. Women, being obese and having hyperlipidemia are at a higher risk for the development and persistence of NAFLD.
7.Progress in application of suture anchor in rotator cuff injury
Yunhui LIU ; Jing WANG ; Peng GAO
Journal of Chinese Physician 2023;25(6):950-953
Rotator cuff injury is the most important cause of shoulder joint pain and dysfunction. In recent years, the incidence of rotator cuff injuries has gradually increased, reaching 30%-50% in people >50 years old. In the clinical treatment of rotator cuff injuries, suture anchors are widely used to fix the tendon to the bone and keep it in place without loosening or moderate tension until physiological healing is completed. The materials of suture anchors are constantly updated in clinical practice and have undergone the evolution of metal suture anchors, biodegradable suture anchors, biostable suture anchors, biocomposite suture anchors, and all suture anchors.This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of anchors of various materials reported in domestic and foreign literatures.
8.Mechanism of Danggui Shanyaosan in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Yunhui CHEN ; Jun XIA ; Dan LIU ; Xinglong LIU ; Tiane ZHANG ; DAVID Baxter GEORGE ; Lizhou LIU ; Yu YOU ; Yongmei XIE ; Yuanyuan GONG ; Wei PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(24):1-7
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a deleterious neurodegenerative disorder, which has become a significant public health concern and economic burden. The pathogenesis of AD is complex and involves several hypotheses such as amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. There is an urgent need for a holism-based comprehensive intervention with multi-pathway, multi-level, and multi-target characteristics, which demonstrates the unique advantage of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Therefore, it is of great significance to conduct and promote research on TCM treatment of AD. Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) from the Synopsis of Golden Chamber (《金匮要略》) by ZHANG Zhongjing (150 AD-219 AD) was originally designed for reliving gynecological ailments. It is a classic TCM formula that modulates liver and spleen and dispels blood stasis and water retention. Since the late 1980s when Japanese researchers reported its therapeutic effect on AD, it has been widely used in the clinic with clear effects. The elucidation of the mechanism of this formula helps exert its effects. Hereby, this paper reviewed relative research progress and made an analysis in terms of attenuating aberrant accumulation of Aβ and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, mediating neurotransmitters, ameliorating lipid metabolism, modulating gut microbiota, reduced neuron apoptosis, decreasing intracellular Ca2+ overloading, and increasing the expression of estradiol. This paper is expected to provide references for understanding the scientific connotation of DDS in the treatment of AD and lay a solid foundation for further investigation.
9.Effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on Improvement of Cognitive Ability of SAMP8 Mice and Its Mechanism via Regulating Ubiquitin Proteasome Pathway
Yunhui CHEN ; Jun XIA ; Wenying HUAI ; Dan LIU ; Tiane ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Yongmei XIE ; Songqi TANG ; Yu YOU ; Wei PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(24):8-16
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) in the improvement of the cognitive ability of SAMP8 mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD) via regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP). MethodFifteen SAMR1 mice were used as a normal group, and 60 SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into a model group and DSS high, medium, and low-dose groups (57.6, 28.8, and 14.4 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 mice in each group. Intragastric administration was conducted for eight continuous weeks. Place navigation and spatial capacity were evaluated by Morris water maze. Pathological structure changes in neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area was detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The protein expression levels of hippocampal β-amyloid protein(Aβ) and phosphorylation(p)-Tau were determined by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of hippocampal ubiquitin (Ub), ubiquitin ligase E3 (E3), 26S proteasome, ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase-1 (UCHL1), and UCHL3 were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultAs compared with the normal group, the escape latency was prolonged in the model group (P<0.05) with the reduced number of crossing platform quadrants and time ratio in the platform quadrant (P<0.05). The model group decreased neurons and condensed cell bodies in the CA1 area, and increased β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) and p-Tau positive cells (P<0.05). In the model group, the protein expression levels of Aβ and p-Tau were increased (P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ub were increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of E3, 26S proteasome, UCHL1, and UCHL3 were decreased (P<0.05). As compared with the model group, the escape latency was shortened in the DSS high and medium-dose groups (P<0.05) with an increased number of crossing platform quadrants and residence time ratio (P<0.05). The pathological changes in CA1 of each DSS group were significantly improved, and the number of β-APP positive staining cells decreased (P<0.05). The number of p-Tau positive staining cells decreased in the DDS medium and low-dose groups (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Aβ and p-Tau in each DDS group decreased (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression level of Ub in each group decreased (P <0.05). The mRNA expression levels of 26S, E3, and UCHL3 in the DDS high and medium-dose groups increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression level of UCHL1 in the DDS medium-dose group increased (P<0.05). The protein expression level of Ub in each DDS group decreased, and the protein expression levels of 26S, E3, UCHL1+3 in the DDS high and medium-dose groups increased (P<0.05). ConclusionDSS can improve the cognitive ability of SAMP8 mice, and its mechanism may be related to the reduction of the abnormal deposition of Aβ and p-Tau via decreasing the expression of Ub and increasing that of E3, 26S, UCHL1, and UCHL3 in the UPP.
10.Protective Effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan-contained Serum on Aβ1-40-injured PC12 Cells via Regulating UPP and Its Mechanism
Yunhui CHEN ; Jun XIA ; Xinglong LIU ; Wenying HUAI ; Dan LIU ; Tiane ZHANG ; Yongmei XIE ; Yu YOU ; Wen YUE ; Songqi TANG ; Wei PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(24):17-25
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS)-contained serum on β-amyloid (Aβ)1-40-injured rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and its mechanism in regulating ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP). MethodAβ1-40 was used to intervene PC12 cells to prepare the cell models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the experiment was divided into the blank, model, and DSS-contained serum high, medium, and low-dose groups (10%, 5%, and 2.5%). Cell viability and apoptosis were detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method and flow cytometry, respectively. The content of Aβ and p-Tau protein was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ubiquitin (Ub), ubiquitin ligase E3 (E3), 26S proteasome, ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase1 (UCHL1), and UCHL3 protein expressions of UPP were displayed using immunofluorescence cytochemistry (ICC), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ub, E3-parkin, 26S, UCHL1, and UCHL3 were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultThe data of the CCK8 experiment verified that 5 μmol·L-1 and 48 hours were the optimal conditions for modeling Aβ1-40-injured PC12 cells. As compared with the blank group, the cell viability rate in the model group decreased (P<0.05) with an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.05), the content of Aβ and p-Tau contents was elevated (P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ub increased, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of 26S, E3, and UCHL1+3 decreased (P<0.05). As compared with the model group, the cell viability rate in the DSS-contained medium-dose group increased (P<0.05), whereas the apoptosis rate in each DSS-contained group decreased (P<0.05). The content of Aβ in each DDS-contained group decreased (P<0.05), and the content of p-Tau in the DDS-contained high and medium-dose groups decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of Ub decreased, and that of 26S increased in each DDS-contained group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of UCHL1 in the DDS-contained medium-dose group increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of E3 and UCHL 3 in the DDS-contained high and medium-dose groups increased (P<0.05). The protein expression level of Ub in each DDS-contained group decreased, and the protein expression levels of 26S, E3, and UCHL1+3 in the DDS high and medium-dose groups increased. The DSS-contained serum medium-dose group exerted the optimal effect. ConclusionDSS-contained serum can increase cell viability rate, reduce cell apoptosis rate, eliminate Aβ and p-Tau protein deposits, and exert protective effects on Aβ1-40-injured PC12 cells. Its mechanism may involve UPP via decreasing the expression of Ub and increasing that of 26S, E3, UCHL1, and UCHL3.

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