1.Mechanisms of Yishen Juanbi Pills-containing Bone Marrow Fluid in Improving Kidney-deficiency Rheumatoid Arthritis by Regulating CD4+ T Lymphocyte Differentiation via SDF-1/CXCR4 Signaling Pathway
Jinlin TONG ; Yuyao WANG ; Hong LIU ; Jinghua PAN ; Danping FAN ; Hongyan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):90-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Yishen Juanbi pills (YSJB)-containing bone marrow fluid on the migration and differentiation phenotypes of CD4⁺T lymphocytes based on the stromal cell-derived factor-1/chemokine receptor 4 (SDF-1/CXCR4) signaling pathway. MethodsPrimary CD4⁺T lymphocytes were isolated from mice using magnetic bead separation and identified for purity by flow cytometry. A CD4⁺T lymphocyte culture system was then established to observe the effects of SDF-1 on CD4⁺T-cell migration and differentiation. On this basis, the experimental groups included the Sham group, the ovariectomy (OVX) group, the Sham+collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) group, the OVX+CIA group, the Sham+CIA+YSJB group (2.16 g·kg-1), the OVX+CIA+YSJB group (2.16 g·kg-1), and the OVX+CIA+methotrexate (MTX) group (1.5 mg·kg-1). Bone marrow fluid from each group was prepared according to previous methods and added to the CD4⁺ T-cell culture system at 5% (v/v). Transwell assays were used to examine CD4⁺T-cell migration in each group. Real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), retinoic-acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), IL-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), CXCR4, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt). Western blot was used to detect the expression of helper T (Th)17/regulatory T (Treg) cell signature factors (RORγt, FoxP3), CXCR4, PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt. In a separate set of experiments, cells were divided into the Sham group, OVX+CIA group, OVX+CIA+CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 group, and OVX+CIA+YSJB+AMD3100 group to observe changes in the above indicators following AMD3100 intervention. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the number of migrated cells in the lower chamber was significantly increased in the Sham+CIA and OVX+CIA groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of RORγt, IL-17, TNF-α, CXCR4, PI3K, and Akt was significantly upregulated, whereas FoxP3, IL-10, and TGF-β mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Protein expression of RORγt, CXCR4, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt was significantly increased, while FoxP3 protein expression was markedly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the OVX+CIA group, the OVX+CIA+YSJB group and OVX+CIA+MTX group showed significantly reduced migration (P<0.05), mRNA expression of RORγt, IL-17, TNF-α, CXCR4, PI3K, and Akt was also significantly decreased, while FoxP3, IL-10, and TGF-β mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). RORγt protein expression was significantly downregulated, and FoxP3 protein expression markedly upregulated (P<0.05). In the OVX+CIA+YSJB group, CXCR4, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the OVX+CIA group, RORγt, CXCR4, PI3K, and Akt mRNA expression in CD4⁺T cells was significantly decreased in the OVX+CIA+AMD3100 group and the OVX+CIA+YSJB+AMD3100 group, while FoxP3 mRNA and protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). RORγt, CXCR4, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt protein expression was also markedly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the OVX+CIA+AMD3100 group, the OVX+CIA+YSJB+AMD3100 group showed significantly decreased RORγt and Akt mRNA expression (P<0.05) and significantly lower p-Akt/Akt protein expression (P<0.05). ConclusionYSJB-containing bone marrow fluid suppresses CD4⁺T-cell migration and regulates Th17/Treg balance by downregulating Th17-associated signature factors and upregulating Treg-associated signature factors through inhibition of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway is one of the targets through which YSJB inhibits CD4⁺T-cell differentiation.
2.Key Information Research and Modern Clinical Application of Xiaofengsan
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Cuicui SHEN ; Ningli WANG ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):238-249
Employing bibliometric methods and adhering to principles of textual research, this study systematically investigated prescription source, formula name, composition evolution, dose evolution, origin, processing, ancient and modern applications of Xiaofengsan. Xiaofengsan, also known as Renshen Xiaofengsan and Chantui Xiaofengsan, was first recorded in the Taiping Huimin Hejijufang(hereafter referred to as Jufang) of the Southern Song dynasty. The formula composition included Schizonepetae Spica, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Notoptery Rhizoma et Radix, Bombyx Batryticatus, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Poria, Cicadae Periostracum, Pogostemonis Herba, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, a total of 12 medicinal materials. In terms of the evolution of formula composition, formulas across dynasties largely aligned with those recorded in Jufang, with only minor variations in application. The results of the formula dosage research indicated that one dose of medication in Jufang corresponded to the following modern dosages:Schizonepetae Spica of 82.6 g, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma of 82.6 g, Chuanxiong Rhizoma of 82.6 g, Notoptery Rhizoma et Radix of 82.6 g, Bombyx Batryticatus of 82.6 g, Saposhnikoviae Radix of 82.6 g, Poria of 82.6 g, Cicadae Periostracum of 82.6 g, Pogostemonis Herba of 82.6 g, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma of 82.6 g, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex of 20.65 g and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium of 20.65 g, the origins of all the constituent drugs were consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The results of the investigation into the decoction method indicated that the aforementioned drugs should be finely ground into powder(pass through the No.5 sieve), and 8.26 g was taken for each dose, which was taken with the clear liquid obtained by steeping tea leaves in boiling water for several minutes. This mixture was administered three times daily, 30 min after meals. The ancient functional indications of this formula mainly involved dispelling wind-heat, eliminating pathogenic factors and regulating the middle Jiao. It primarily treated all wind-heat syndromes manifesting as skin diseases, predominantly affecting the upper body, especially the head and face. The diseases involved in modern applications were mostly dermatological diseases, including urticaria, eczema, atopic dermatitis and others. In this paper, by combing the relevant ancient literature, the key information of Xiaofengsan was textual researched, in order to provide reference for the modern application and development of this formula.
3.Analyses of the epidemiological characteristics of injury-related deaths among the elderly in Yuyao City of Zhejiang Province from 2013 to 2022
Bibo HU ; Shanshan SHI ; Lifeng WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):235-239
ObjectiveTo analyze the causes and trends of injury-related mortality among elderly residents in Yuyao City, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies for injury-related deaths among the elderly. MethodsData on injury-related deaths among elderly residents aged 60 years old and above in Yuyao City from 2013 to 2022 were collected. The epidemiological characteristics were analyzed, including the crude mortality rates, standardized mortality rates, age-specific mortality rates, annual percent change (APC), and average annual percent change (AAPC). ResultsThe crude mortality rate of injury among elderly people aged 60 years old and above in Yuyao City was 263.90/100 000, with a standardized mortality rate of 131.21/100 000. A statistically significant decreasing trend in standardized mortality was observed from 2013 to 2020 (APC=-3.17%, P=0.017). The standardized mortality rates of injury for elderly males and females were 154.74/100 000 and 134.46/100 000, respectively. Among elderly females, the standardized mortality rate of injury initially decreased and then increased (APC2013—2020=-5.14%, APC2021—2022=22.86%, both P<0.05). The top five causes for injury-related deaths among the elderly were accidental falls, traffic injuries from motor vehicles, drowning, accidental asphyxia, and suicide, accounting for 74.78% of all injury-related deaths among the elderly. Among these top five causes, mortality rates due to accidental falls, motor vehicle traffic injuries, and accidental asphyxia all increased significantly with age (χtrend2=8 315.40, 25.12, and 37.26, respectively; all P<0.001). Analyses of the annual trends showed a significant increase in deaths caused by accidental falls (AAPC=4.97%, P=0.013) and a significant decrease in deaths caused by suicide (AAPC=-14.87%, P<0.001). ConclusionFrom 2013 to 2022, the injury-related mortality burden among adults aged 60 years old and above in Yuyao City remained considerable, primarily caused by accidental falls, motor vehicle traffic injuries, drowning, accidental asphyxia, and suicide. There is an urgent need to develop targeted injury prevention strategies and measures to reduce the risk of unintentional injury deaths among the elderly.
4.Analysis of Dynamic Change Patterns of Color and Composition During Fermentation of Myristicae Semen Koji
Zhenxing WANG ; Mengmeng FAN ; Le NIU ; Suqin CAO ; Hongwei LI ; Zhenling ZHANG ; Hanwei LI ; Jianguang ZHU ; Kai LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):222-229
ObjectiveTo explore the changes in volatile components, total polysaccharides, enzyme activity, and chromaticity value of Myristicae Semen Koji(MSK) during the fermentation process, and conduct correlation analysis. MethodsBased on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS), the changes of volatile components in MSK at different fermentation times were identified. The phenol sulfuric acid method, dinitrosalicylic acid method(DNS), and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt method(CMC-Na) were used to investigate the total polysaccharide content, amylase activity, and cellulase activity during the fermentation process. Visual analysis technology was used to explore the changes in chromaticity values, revealing the fermentation process of MSK and the dynamic changes of various measurement indicators, partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) was used to explore the differential compounds of MSK at different fermentation degrees, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile components of MSK and total polysaccharides, enzyme activity, and chromaticity values. ResultsA total of 60 volatile compounds were identified from MSK, the relative contents of components such as (+)-α-pinene, β-phellandrene, β-pinene, (+)-limonene, and p-cymene obviously increased, while the relative contents of components such as safrole, methyl isoeugenol, methyleugenol, myristicin, and elemicin significantly decreased. During the fermentation process, the total polysaccharide content showed an upward trend, while the activities of amylase and cellulase showed an initial increase followed by a decrease, and reached their maximum value at 40 h. the overall brightness(L*) and total color difference(ΔE*) gradually increased, while the changes in red-green value(a*) and yellow-blue value(b*) were not obvious. PLS-DA results showed that MSK could be clearly distinguished at different fermentation times, and 13 differential biomarkers were screened out. Pearson correlation analysis results showed that the contents of α-terpinene, β-phellandrene, methyleugenol, β-cubebene and myristic acid had an obvious correlation with chromaticity values. ConclusionAfter fermentation, the volatile components, total polysaccharides, amylase activity, and cellulase activity of MSK undergo significant changes, and there is a clear correlation between them and chromaticity values, which reveals the dynamic changes in the fermentation process and related indicators of MSK, laying a foundation for the quality control.
5.Global and contextual dual attention U-Net model for segmenting thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in spinal sagittal X-ray images
Lin XIAO ; Li ZHANG ; Yu TANG ; Yuyao HUANG ; Lihang WANG ; Li HE ; Zhiqin HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(1):128-132
Objective To observe the value of global and contextual dual attention U-Net model for segmenting thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in spinal sagittal X-ray images.Methods Totally 600 spinal sagittal X-ray images of 600 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were retrospectively enrolled.The images were preprocessed,and T4-T12 and L1-L5 were manually annotated as reference standards.The global attention refinement(GAR)module and attention-based atrous spatial pyramid pooling(A-ASPP)module were added to U-Net model,fivefold cross validation method was used for training and validation,and its performance for segmenting sagittal X-ray images was analyzed,and compared with pyramid scene parsing network(PSPNet),visual geometry group(VGG)-UNet and DeepLabv3+.Results The precision,sensitivity and Dice similarity coefficient of global and contextual dual attention U-Net model for segmenting thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in spinal sagittal X-ray images was 90.58%,89.51%,and 90.20%,respectively,which were superior to PSPNet,VGG-UNet and DeepLabv3+.The loss function and mean intersection over union curves showed that it converged quickly and had good generalization ability.Conclusion The global and contextual dual attention U-Net model could effectively segment thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in spinal sagittal X-ray images.
6.Wound Repairing Mechanomedicine
Zhixing LAN ; Yuchen WANG ; Zhihao GAO ; Huicong DU ; Yuyao LIN ; Maoguo SHU ; Jing LI ; Tianjian LU ; Feng XU ; Hao LIU
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(3):749-759
The application of mechanics in clinical wound healing has a long history;however,the systematic underlying mechanisms remain unclear.With recent advancements in biomechanics and mechanobiology,the principles regarding how mechanical factors influence the formation,progression,and healing of wounds have gradually been elucidated.Herein,based on progress in theories,technologies,and clinical practices concerning the interplay between mechanics and wound healing,this study introduces the concept of wound-repairing mechanomedicine.Relevant research is systematically reviewed from the perspectives of biomechanics,mechanobiology,and mechanotherapy.Additionally,potential future development directions are prospectively analyzed to provide novel insights into wound care and strategies for preventing scar formation.
7.Development of features analysis workflow for Klebsiella pneumoniae based on clinical metagenomics next generation sequencing data
Shuyi WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yuyao YIN ; Yifan GUO ; Shuai MA ; Guankun YIN ; Hui WANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1149-1157
Objective:To identify strain-specific features of Klebsiella pneumoniae by analyzing metagenomics next generation sequencing (mNGS) data, thereby expanding the downstream applications of mNGS. Methods:The sequences of K.pneumoniae strains were organized from both the self-built database of the long-term multi-center research cohort in China established by the Peking University People′s Hospital from 2009 to 2020 (with 2 345 sequences) and the public databases (with 19 648 sequences). The existing large-scale databases were compressed, and a set of strains representative of clonal groups were screened. A strain genome information library was constructed based on k-mer features, and the most matching representative sequences in the database were searched for the raw mNGS data. The search results of the self-built library and public library were merged and optimized to update the prediction of antimicrobial-resistance characteristics and avoid the impact of uneven data distribution on the results. A total of 314 clinical samples from patients with K.pneumoniae detected by mNGS in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Peking University People′s Hospital from 2022 to 2024 were retrospectively collected, and 101 samples with positive clinical culture results were selected to validate the prediction results. The antimicrobial-resistance phenotypes were verified by clinical antimicrobial susceptibility test results. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on the culture strains of 14 samples randomly selected using random numbers to verify the genotypes. Single nucleotide polymorphism distance analysis was used to verify the occurrence of outbreak events. The χ2 test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results:A representative strain sequence k-mer feature library containing self-built and public sub-libraries was constructed. The library construction required only about 1 hour with <3 GB storage, with a high compression ratio and low update cost. Using k-mer-based analysis, mNGS data achieved precise strain characterization within 4 minutes and and <5 GB memory occupation. There was a significant difference in the antimicrobial-resistance rates to more than half of the antibiotics between the self-built database (90.8%, 2 130/2 345) and the public database (22.7%, 4 457/19 648) ( χ2=4 634.1, P<0.001). After optimizing the search results, the mean category agreement, sensitivity, and specificity of the prediction for eight antibiotics reached 84.8% (323/381), 78.9% (131/166), and 91.2% (196/215), respectively. The target genotypes were successfully detected in 10 out of 12 samples, and two outbreak events (2 samples per event) were successfully identified. Conclusions:An independent analysis process adapted to the needs of identifying the features of K. pneumoniae strains in mNGS data was developed. This process requires minimal computational resources and processing time and can directly achieve the simultaneous analysis of the antimicrobial-resistance phenotypes of K. pneumoniae at the strain level and their corresponding genomic characteristic profiles based on the raw mNGS reads.
8.Historical Evolution and Modern Clinical Application of Huoxiang Zhengqisan
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Cuicui SHEN ; Congcong LI ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):156-167
In this study, bibliometric methods were used to systematically investigate the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition, dose evolution, origin and processing method, decoction method, ancient application, modified application, modern application and other information of Huoxiang Zhengqisan. After research, Huoxiang Zhengqisan, also known as Huoxiang Zhengqitang, was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Hejijufang. The original formula is composed of 41.3 g of Arecae Pericarpium, 41.3 g of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 41.3 g of Perilla frutescens(actually Perillae Folium), 41.3 g of Poria, 82.6 g of Pinelliae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(actually Citri Exocarpium Rubbum), 82.6 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 82.6 g of Platycodonis Radix, 123.9 g of Pogostemonis Herba, and 103.25 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. In this formula, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex is processed according to the specifications for ginger-processed products, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is processed according to the specifications for stir-fried products, and other herbs are used in their raw products. The botanical sources of the herbs are consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The above herbs are ground into a fine powder with a particle size passing through a No. 5 sieve. For each dose, take 8.26 g of the powdered formula, add 300 mL of water, along with 3 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and 3 g of Jujubae Fructus, and decoct until reduced to 140 mL. The decoction should be administered hot, with three times daily. To induce sweating, the patient should be kept warm under a quilt, and an additional dose should be prepared and taken if needed. This formula is traditionally used to relieve the exterior and resolve dampness, regulate Qi and harmonize the middle, which is mainly used to treat a series of diseases of digestive and respiratory systems. However, potential adverse reactions, including allergies, purpura and disulfiram-like reactions, should be considered during clinical use. Huoxiang Zhengqisan features a rational composition, extensive clinical application, and strong potential for further research and development.
9.Historical Evolution and Modern Clinical Application of Huoxiang Zhengqisan
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Cuicui SHEN ; Congcong LI ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):156-167
In this study, bibliometric methods were used to systematically investigate the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition, dose evolution, origin and processing method, decoction method, ancient application, modified application, modern application and other information of Huoxiang Zhengqisan. After research, Huoxiang Zhengqisan, also known as Huoxiang Zhengqitang, was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Hejijufang. The original formula is composed of 41.3 g of Arecae Pericarpium, 41.3 g of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 41.3 g of Perilla frutescens(actually Perillae Folium), 41.3 g of Poria, 82.6 g of Pinelliae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(actually Citri Exocarpium Rubbum), 82.6 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 82.6 g of Platycodonis Radix, 123.9 g of Pogostemonis Herba, and 103.25 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. In this formula, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex is processed according to the specifications for ginger-processed products, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is processed according to the specifications for stir-fried products, and other herbs are used in their raw products. The botanical sources of the herbs are consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The above herbs are ground into a fine powder with a particle size passing through a No. 5 sieve. For each dose, take 8.26 g of the powdered formula, add 300 mL of water, along with 3 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and 3 g of Jujubae Fructus, and decoct until reduced to 140 mL. The decoction should be administered hot, with three times daily. To induce sweating, the patient should be kept warm under a quilt, and an additional dose should be prepared and taken if needed. This formula is traditionally used to relieve the exterior and resolve dampness, regulate Qi and harmonize the middle, which is mainly used to treat a series of diseases of digestive and respiratory systems. However, potential adverse reactions, including allergies, purpura and disulfiram-like reactions, should be considered during clinical use. Huoxiang Zhengqisan features a rational composition, extensive clinical application, and strong potential for further research and development.
10.IMM-H007 promotes hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism by activating AMPKα to attenuate hypercholesterolemia.
Jiaqi LI ; Mingchao WANG ; Kai QU ; Yuyao SUN ; Zequn YIN ; Na DONG ; Xin SUN ; Yitong XU ; Liang CHEN ; Shuang ZHANG ; Xunde XIAN ; Suowen XU ; Likun MA ; Yajun DUAN ; Haibo ZHU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4047-4063
Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. 2',3',5'-Tri-O-acetyl-N 6-(3-hydroxyphenyl) adenosine (IMM-H007), a novel AMPK agonist, has shown protective effects in metabolic diseases. However, its impact on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in hypercholesterolemia remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects and specific mechanisms by which IMM-H007 regulates cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. To achieve this goal, we used Apoe -/- and Ldlr -/- mice to establish a hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis model. Additionally, hepatocyte-specific Ampka1/2 knockout mice were subjected to a 5-week high-cholesterol diet to establish hypercholesterolemia, while atherosclerosis was induced via AAV-PCSK9 injection combined with a 16-week high-cholesterol diet. Our results demonstrated that IMM-H007 improved cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in mice with hypercholesterolemia. Mechanistically, IMM-H007 modulated the AMPKα1/2-LDLR signaling pathway, increasing cholesterol uptake in the liver. Furthermore, IMM-H007 activated the AMPKα1-FXR pathway, promoting the conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile acids. Additionally, IMM-H007 prevented hepatic steatosis by activating the AMPKα1/2-ATGL pathway. In conclusion, our study suggests that IMM-H007 is a promising therapeutic agent for improving hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis through the activation of AMPKα.

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