1.Zuogui Wan Improve Ovarian Inflammatory Microenvironment and Stemness of Ovarian Germline Stem Cells in Ovarian Aging via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Yunling ZHENG ; Xinyi PAN ; Zuang LI ; Yixuan WANG ; Junyi AN ; Yuxin ZOU ; Mengting XIAO ; Zheng CHEN ; Ling ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Zuogui Wan (ZGW) in improving ovarian inflammatory microenvironment and stemness of ovarian germline stem cells (OSCs) for treating ovarian aging via the cyclic guanosine monophosphate/adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a low-dose ZGW group (2.7 g·kg-1), a high-dose ZGW group (5.4 g·kg-1), and an estradiol valerate group (0.15 mg·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Except the blank group, all other groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at 120 mg·kg-1 to establish an ovarian aging mouse model. After successful modeling, each group was continuously administered for 4 weeks, once daily. The physiological status of the mice was observed, and the ovarian index was calculated. The estrus cycle of the mice was monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in ovarian tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum sex hormone levels. Serum inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and mouse interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected using kits. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of ovarian cGAS, STING, p-STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), p-TBK1, interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (Fragilis), and Vasa homolog protein (MVH). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence double labeling was performed to locate OSCs in ovarian tissues, and fluorescence intensities of OSCs markers MVH and octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) were calculated. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reduced body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.01) and a disordered estrus cycle (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were increased (P<0.01), while anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2) levels were decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while that of OSCs stemness factors MVH and Fragilis was reduced (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence indicated a reduction in MVH and Oct4 expression in OSCs (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups exhibited improved body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.05) and a reduced rate of estrus cycle disorder (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum FSH, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while AMH and E2 levels were increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein expression of MVH and Fragilis was increased (P<0.05), and the fluorescence intensities of MVH and Oct4 were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue was decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionZGW alleviate ovarian inflammatory response, regulate ovarian microenvironment homeostasis, and maintain stemness of OSCs in ovarian aging mice probably by modulating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, thereby improving ovarian function and delaying ovarian aging.
2.Experience in Treating Ischemic Stroke with Triple-Medicinal Combinations
Xueru ZHANG ; Wei SHEN ; Xiao LIANG ; Xiansu CHI ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Liuding WANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):407-410
This paper summarized the clinical experience in treating ischemic stroke with jiao (角) medicine (triple-medicinal combinations). Clinically, the combination of Roucongrong (Cistanche deserticola)-Shanyurou (Cornus officinalis)-Guijia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) is used to nourish the kidneys and liver for disease mechanism of liver-kidney depletion, and foundation deficiency due to insufficient essence and blood; the combination of Xixiancao (Sigesbeckia orientalis)-Tianma (Gastrodia elata)-Gouteng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) is used to extinguish wind and eliminate dampness for treating numbness and swelling of limbs caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Shichangpu (Acorus Tatarinowii)-Yuanzhi (Polygala tenuifolia)-Yujin (Curcumae Radix) is used to improve intelligence, refresh the brain, and clear the mind for treating cognitive impairment, memory loss, or speech difficulties caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Banxia (Pinellia ternata)-Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)- Tianma (Gastrodiae rhizoma) is used to dissolve phlegm and extinguish wind, unblock meridians and relieve dizziness for treating dizziness or headache caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Danggui (Angelica sinensis radix)- Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)-Guijianyu (Euonymus alatus) is used to nourish and activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis and unblock meridians for treating weak limbs and activiry difficulty caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Chaihu (Bupleurum chinense)-Zhiziz (Gardenia jasminoides)-Guanye Jinsitao (Hypericum perforatum) is used to soothe the liver and resolve constraint, cool the blood and calm the mind for treating emotional complications.
3.Reconsideraton of Stroke with Syndrome of Combined Blood Stasis and Toxin from the Perspective of Xiang Thinking
Yunfan ZHANG ; Di ZHAO ; Lina MIAO ; Hongxi LIU ; Jingjing WEI ; Xiao LIANG ; Liuding WANG ; Xueru ZHANG ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1305-1310
Xiang thinking is a cognitive approach that reflects the relationships between phenomena and their underlying principles by analyzing their external manifestations through methods such as analogy, reasoning, deduction, and symbolism. This article applied xiang thinking to analyze the etiology and pathogenesis of "wind, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis" in stroke, thereby exploring its impact on the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment of this condition. Meanwhile, the article traced the construction process of xiang thinking, and interpreted the concept of "toxin pathogen" in traditional Chinese medicine from four perspectives, state, attribute, origin, and law. Furthermore, the relationship between the process of constructing xiang thinking and the origin of etiology, identification methods, pathogenesis evolution, and treatment strategies for stroke with syndrome of combined blood stasis and toxin was explored, so as to provide insights into research on the etiology and pathogenesis of stroke, as well as clinical diagnosis and treatment approaches.
4.Study on Zhang Yunling's Medication Law in Treating Headache Based on Data Mining
Hongxi LIU ; Xiao LIANG ; Jingzi SHI ; Jingjing WEI ; Wei SHEN ; Guojing FU ; Yue LIU ; Liuding WANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(1):59-64
Objective To study the medication law of Professor Zhang Yunling in the treatment of headache based on data mining technology;To provide ideas for the clinical treatment of headache.Methods Professor Zhang Yunling's outpatient TCM prescription data for the treatment of headache from Sep.2017 to Dec.2020 were collected,and the Ancient and Modern Medical Record Cloud Platform 2.3.5 was used to mine the selected TCM prescriptions for herbal medicine frequency statistics,property,taste and meridian tropism statistics,herbal medicine efficacy statistics,correlation analysis,clustering analysis,complex network analysis,etc.Results Through collection and screening,totally 332 prescriptions were included,involving 178 kinds of Chinese materia medica,with a total frequency of 5 380 times.The top 10 kinds of Chinese materia medica were Chuanxiaong Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix alba,Atractyodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum,Bambusae Caulis in Taenia,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Astragali Radix,Amomi Fructus Rotundus,Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum,and Polygalae Radix.They were mainly warm,mild and slightly cold in properties,sweet,pungent and bitter in tastes,and liver,lung,spleen meridian in meridian tropism.In the statistics of herbal medicine efficacy,expelling wind and relieving pain,suppressing liver yang,promoting blood circulation and qi,clearing heart and relieving restlessness,clearing heat and detoxifying,softening liver and relieving pain were used more frequently.The combinations in herbal medicines association included"Atractyodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma","Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum-Paeoniae Radix alba","Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix alba","Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma","Bambusae Caulis in Taenia-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma".Herbal medicines clustering clustered 32 kinds of high-frequency herbal medicines used more than 60 times into 6 categories.Complex network analysis screened out the core formula for the treatment of headache:Chuanxiaong Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix alba,Atractyodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Bambusae Caulis in Taenia,Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum,Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum,Astragali Radix,Amomi Fructus Rotundus,and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.Conclusion In the treatment of headache,Professor Zhang Yunling holds that the pathogenesis of headache is deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality,deficiency of qi and blood,loss of nourishment of brain collaterals,stagnation of phlegm and dampness,disturbance of wind pathogen,obstruction of brain collaterals,and the location of the disease is related to the five viscera and involves the stomach.Focuses on tonifying deficiency and reducing excess,treats exterior and interior separately,and gives consideration to both the symptoms and the root causes,which often uses drugs to treat headache,such as dispelling wind and relieving pain,promoting blood circulation and relieving pain,relieving spasm and relieving pains,eliminating phlegm and dampness,invigorating qi and spleen,nourishing blood and yin,eliminating dampness and regulating stomach,relieving depression and restlessness,which can provide some reference for the clinical treatment of headache.
5.Exploring the Disease Mechanism and Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Based on Ascending and Descending of Qi Movement from the Perspective of Xiang Thinking
Liuding WANG ; Xiao LIANG ; Yifan CHEN ; Yue LIU ; Hongxi LIU ; Di ZHAO ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Xueru ZHANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1443-1448
Xiang thinking is the key way of thinking to construct the life model of human body in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the theory of ascending and descending of qi movement is an important manifestation of xiang thinking in the theory of TCM. Based on the theory of qi movement, this paper interpreted the mechanism of ischemic stroke through the perspective of xiang thinking "earth weakness - wood constraint - fire hyperactivity", as "earth weakness in the central and dampness accumulated to phlegm" "wood constraint and stirring wind led to blood stasis" and "fire hyperactivity and fire toxin showed flaming upward" due to disorder of qi movement. Combined with the "xiang of medicinal properties and therapy methods" to discuss the treatment and prescriptions of ischaemic stroke, applying wind medicinals to elevate ji-earth (己土) and yi-wood (乙木), so that phlegm and stasis can be eliminated, and cold medicinals to descend jia-wood (甲木) and wu-earth (戊土) so that fire toxin can be cleared, with a view to restore ascending and descending of qi movement for ischaemic stroke.
6.Mediating role of self-regulatory fatigue between psychological distress and patient activation among old patients receiving PCI
Wenjing ZHANG ; Feifei GUO ; Zhihao WANG ; Hongli GUO ; Yunling XIAO
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(8):1025-1029
Objective:To investigate the mediating role of self-regulatory fatigue between psychological distress and patient activation among elderly patients undergoing PCI, in order to establish a foundation for enhancing patient activation in this population.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 267 elderly patients hospitalized in the Department of Geriatrics at Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, for PCI treatment of coronary artery disease from March to August 2023.The study utilized the Patient Self-Regulation Fatigue Scale(SRF-S), the Positivity Scale(PAM), and the Kessler Scale of Psychological Distress(K10)to evaluate self-regulation fatigue, positivity, and psychological distress in the patients.Additionally, a structural equation model was developed to investigate the relationships among these variables.Results:The study found that the scores of PAM, SRF-S, and K10 were as follows: (56.49±9.52), (42.74±8.11), and(23.42±4.45)respectively.Patient activation showed a negative correlation with self-regulatory fatigue and psychological distress, while self-regulatory fatigue was positively correlated with psychological distress.Furthermore, self-regulatory fatigue was identified as playing a partial mediating role between psychological distress and patient activation, with a mediating effect of 0.198, which accounted for 53.8% of the total effect.Conclusions:self-regulatory fatigue serving as a mediating factor between psychological distress and patient activation.Clinicians should prioritize addressing self-regulatory fatigue to enhance the efficacy of patient activation interventions.
7.Thought of Treatment of Orifices Based on Correspondence Between Drugs and Symptoms in Chinese Herbal Classics in Past Dynasties
Hongxi LIU ; Jingzi SHI ; Jingjing WEI ; Yue LIU ; Wei SHEN ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Liuding WANG ; Xiansu CHI ; Xiao LIANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(5):185-193
ObjectiveTo discuss the thought of treatment of orifices in the Chinese herbal classics in the past dynasties based on the correspondence between drugs and symptoms to guide the clinical treatment based on syndrome differentiation. MethodAll the literature data of Chinese herbal classics were retrieved from the database of the Chinese Medical Dictionary, involving 76 works of Chinese herbal classics and covering representative works from the Han dynasty to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The information on Chines herbal drugs for the treatment of orifices was collected and sorted out. According to Chinese Materia Medica (11th Edition) and Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition), the nature, flavor, and meridian tropism of the selected Chinese herbal drugs were statistically analyzed. The pathogenesis elements in the treatment of orifices were classified and counted, and the contents of syndrome differentiation and treatment in various Chinese herbal classics were extracted. ResultIn 76 Chinese herbal classics in the past dynasties, 93 Chinese herbal drugs for the treatment of orifices were selected. The nature of drugs was mainly warm, followed by cold and mild. The flavor was mainly pungent, followed by bitter and sweet. In terms of meridian tropism, drugs mainly acted on the lung meridian, followed by stomach, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney meridians. The pathogenesis elements of orifices could be divided into six categories, i.e., wind invasion, turbid obstruction and Qi stagnation, water and dampness stagnation, blood stasis and collaterals blockage, heat and toxin damage, deficiency of vital Qi and cold coagulation. ConclusionOrifices are mainly treated with drugs effective in dispelling wind and pathogenic factors, resolving turbidity and removing stagnation, inducing diuresis and eliminating dampness, promoting blood circulation and dredging collaterals, clearing heat and purging fire, tonifying deficiency and dispelling cold, which are used in combination. Eliminating pathogenic factors and dredging, tonifying deficiency and purging excess are the main characteristics of treatment of orifices based on syndrome differentiation, which is in line with the physiological dysfunction state of orifices in losing the function, evil Qi blockage and healthy Qi deficiency.
8.Establishment and Evaluation of Animal Models of Combined Stasis and Toxin Syndrome
Yue LIU ; Mingjiang YAO ; Xiao LIANG ; Wenqiang CUI ; Wei SHEN ; Jingjing WEI ; Xiansu CHI ; Hongxi LIU ; Jianxun LIU ; Yunling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(13):72-78
ObjectiveTo screen and establish animal models of combined stasis and toxin syndrome based on the comparison of three modeling methods, i.e., carrageenan (Ca), Ca combined with dried yeast (Ca+Yeast), and Ca combined with lipopolysaccharide (Ca+LPS). MethodForty SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, Ca group, Ca+Yeast group, and Ca+LPS group, with 10 rats in each group. The Ca group, Ca+Yeast group, and Ca+LPS group received an intraperitoneal injection of Ca (10 mg·kg-1) on the first day. The Ca+LPS group received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (50 μg·kg-1) on the second day, and the Ca+Yeast group received a subcutaneous injection of dry yeast suspension (2 mg·kg-1) on the back on the second day. The rectal temperature of each group was dynamically observed after modeling. After 24 hours of modeling, the macroscopic evaluation indexes, including tongue manifestation, pulse, and black tail length in each group were observed. The PeriCam PSI imaging system was used to detect the blood flow perfusion of the rat tail. The automatic hemorheology analyzer was used to measure the whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity of each group. The PL platelet function analyzer was used to detect the platelet aggregation rate of the rats. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the interleukin-6 (IL-6) level in the rat plasma. The myocardial tissue, brain tissue, and lung tissue of each group of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultCompared with the normal group, all three model groups showed varying degrees of black tail (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced blood flow perfusion at the tail end (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased R, G, and B values of tongue manifestation (P<0.05, P<0.01), and increased maximum platelet aggregation rate (P<0.05, P<0.01). The pulse amplitudes of the Ca+Yeast group and the Ca+LPS group were lower than that of the normal group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the average rectal temperature of the Ca+Yeast group increased after 24 hours of modeling (P<0.01), and the low-, medium-, and high-shear whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity increased (P<0.05, P<0.01) as compared with those in the normal group. Additionally, the expression level of the plasma inflammatory factor IL-6 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). Pathological morphology results showed that the Ca+Yeast group had the most severe pathological changes, with small foci of myocardial fiber dissolution, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibroblast proliferation observed. In the hippocampal area, the neurons were sparse and had undergone red degeneration. In the small focus of the lung interstitium, lymphocytes and neutrophils were infiltrated. ConclusionThe animal model of combined stasis and toxin syndrome was properly established using Ca+Yeast. The systematic evaluation system of the model, which includes traditional Chinese medicine four diagnostic information, western medicine microscopic indicators, and tissue pathological morphology, is worthy of consideration and reference by researchers.
9.Herbal Textural Research on Treatment of Headache Based on Syndrome Differentiation
Hongxi LIU ; Mengying LU ; Xiao LIANG ; Xiansu CHI ; Jingjing WEI ; Yue LIU ; Liuding WANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(22):155-162
ObjectiveTo summarize the thinking of treatment of headache based on syndrome differentiation by reviewing the literature of materia medica in the past dynasties, so as to guide the clinical practice. MethodAll the literature of materia medica in the Chinese Medical Dictionary, involving 76 works from Han to Qing Dynasties, were searched, and the information of the herbs for treating headache was extracted. According to Chinese Materia Medica (11th Edition) and Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition), the nature, taste, and meridian tropism of the selected herbs were statistically analyzed, and the syndrome elements of headache were classified and counted. In addition, the contents of syndrome differentiation and treatment of headache by different herbs were extracted. ResultFrom the 76 monographs of materia medica in the past dynasties, 114 herbs for treating headache were selected. The herbs mainly had cold or warm nature, pungent or bitter taste, and tropism to the lung and live meridians. The syndrome elements of headache treated by the herbs mainly included wind attack, fire disturbance, turbid obstruction, stagnation, cold coagulation, and healthy Qi deficiency. ConclusionHeadache is mainly treated with the herbs with the effects of dispelling pathogenic wind, clearing heat and purging fire, eliminating phlegm and resolving dampness, regulating Qi movement and activating blood, warming Yang and dispelling cold, and tonifying deficiency and reinforcing healthy Qi, and the herbs are often used in combinations. Headache is treated following the principles of dispelling wind and pathogen, regulating Qi and blood, and tonifying deficiency and purging excess, which is in line with the laws of obstruction and nutrient deficiency causing pain.
10.Diagnosis and Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Encephalopathy Based on the Theory of “Identificating the Onset of Diseases”
Di ZHAO ; Zhenmin XU ; Xiao LIANG ; Hongxi LIU ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;64(22):2295-2299
Brain diseases in traditional Chinese medicine were complex and difficult to diagnosis and treatment, and new diagnostic and therapeutic ideas are urgently needed. The onset of the disease was the result of the struggle between healthy qi and pathogenic qi. Common types of the onset of diseases included sudden onset, slow onset, latent onset, secondary onset, and recurrent onset, reflecting the strength of the healthy qi and pathogenic qi, the pathogenic qi that reduced diseases, the site of onset, and other informatin. “Identificating the onset of diseases” was simple and easy to operate, and helped to clarify the complex development of encephalopathy. When applying it, we should first identify urgency and importance, focus on the characteristics; grasp the tendency of diseases, and know the overall situation of the disease; compare similarities and differences horizontally; and carefully observe and dynamically understand the disease. “Identificating the onset of diseases” has the characteristics of comprehensiveness and prognosis, and can lay the foundation for pattern identification and treatment and “treating disease before its onset”.

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