1.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Mechanisms of Inflammatory Injury in Diabetic Cardiomypathy from Theory of "Gaozhuo"
Xiaoyue WANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Yixin XIANG ; Sihao ZHANG ; Qin XIANG ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):235-244
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and is a major threat to global health. As a key mechanism in the occurrence and progression of DCM, the inflammatory response persists throughout the entire course of the DCM. The Gaozhuo theory suggests that the basic pathogenesis of inflammatory injury in DCM is the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and Gaozhuo invasion, and divides the pathological process into three phases: Gaozhuo invasion, turbid heat damage to the channels, and turbid blood stasis and heat junction. Among them, the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo represent the process of inflammatory factor formation induced by glucose metabolism disorders. Turbid heat damage to the channels refers to the process of myocardial inflammatory injury mediated by inflammatory factors, and turbid blood stasis and heat junction are the process of myocardial injury developing toward myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling. As the disease continues to progress, it eventually develops into a depletion of the heart Yang, leading to the ultimate regression of heart failure. According to the theory of Gaozhuo, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) should regulate inflammatory injury in DCM by strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney to address the root cause, and resolving dampness and lowering turbidity to treat the symptoms. If the turbidity has been stored for a long time and turns into heat, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney, and clearing heat and resolving turbidity should be the therapy. If the turbidity, stasis, and heat are knotted in the heart and collaterals, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney, and resolving stasis and lowering turbidity should be the therapy. TCM compounds and monomers can regulate the inflammatory response in DCM. TCM compounds can be divided into the categories for benefiting Qi to resolve turbidity, benefiting Qi and clearing heat to resolve turbidity, and benefiting Qi and activating blood to reduce turbidity. The compounds can inhibit upstream signals of inflammation and expression of inflammatory factors, improve the inflammatory damage to myocardium and blood vessels, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiac systole and diastole, and thus slow down the onset and progression of DCM.
2.Clinical Application and Pharmacological Effects of Guizhi Fulingwan in Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Review
Xiang ZHANG ; Xiaoli WEN ; Biting CHENG ; Hongning LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):299-307
Uterine fibroids are a common benign tumor of the female reproductive system, characterized by increased menstrual flow, lower abdominal pain, and prolonged menstrual periods. Modern medicine believes that the onset of this disease is related to genetic factors, environmental factors, hormone levels, et al, while the specific mechanism remains unclear, and the prevention and treatment of uterine fibroids has become a hot topic of concern for many experts and scholars in the medical field. At present, the treatment of uterine fibroids in clinical practice is mainly based on hormone drugs and uterine artery embolization, and severe cases require hysterectomy. However, the use of hormone drugs for treatment has serious side effects and is prone to recurrence after surgery. Since hysterectomy can cause severe harm to women, it is necessary to explore safer and more effective treatment methods. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has rich clinical experience in the treatment of uterine fibroids, advocating for syndrome differentiation and treatment. The TCM methods that regulate Qi and blood and balance Yin and Yang have been commonly adopted, with significant efficacy and minimal side effects, being more conducive to the recovery. Guizhi Fulingwan are first recorded in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber written by the famous medical expert ZHANG Zhongjing during the Eastern Han dynasty. This prescription has the effects of activating blood, resolving stasis, and eliminating mass, and it is thus mainly used for treating abdominal mass in women. In recent years, Guizhi Fulingwan has also been applied in the clinical treatment of tumors and has demonstrated definite efficacy in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Studies have shown that the therapeutic mechanisms of Guizhi Fulingwan for uterine fibroids involve regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, improving immune function, reducing inflammation, improving hemorheological indicators, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and regulating sex hormone levels. This article mainly reviews the treatment of uterine fibroids with Guizhi Fulingwan from three aspects: theoretical basis, clinical application, and pharmacological mechanism. It is expected to provide scientific research ideas and guidance for exploring the clinical treatment of uterine fibroids.
3.LU Fang's Clinical Experience in Differentiation and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the Perspective of Heat-Toxin and Blood-Stasis in the Collaterals
Yingchao NIU ; Yongzhu PIAO ; Xiang GENG ; Zhihui GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Huibin WU ; Zhilong WANG ; Shuangshuang GE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):16-20
This paper summarizes Professor LU Fang's clinical experience in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the differentiation and treatment of heat-toxin and blood-stasis in the collaterals. SLE is generally characterized by deficiency in origin with excess in manifestation. The core pathogenesis is heat-toxin obstructing the collaterals. During the acute active stage, the predominant pattern is blazing heat-toxin causing blood stasis, while in the chronic remitting stage, the main pattern is toxic stasis blocking the collaterals with qi and yin deficiency. Clinical treatment follows the basic principle that treat with salty-cold herbs, when heat invades internally and that assist with acrid-dispersing herbs when stasis obstructs the collaterals. The self-formulated Yimian Decoction (抑免汤) serves as the base formula and is applied in stages. During the acute active stage, it is often combined with herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and resolving stasis, and unblocking the collaterals. In the chronic remitting stage, it is often combined with herbs for activating blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals, as well as tonifying qi and nourishing yin.
4.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
5.Myocardial Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Shenfu Injection in Ameliorating Energy Metabolism Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure
Xinyue NING ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Mengna ZHANG ; Yang GUO ; Zhijia XIANG ; Kun LIAN ; Zhixi HU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):178-186
ObjectiveTo examine the influences of Shenfu injection on the endogenous metabolic byproducts in the myocardium of the rat model exhibiting chronic heart failure, thus deciphering the therapeutic mechanism of the Qi-reinforcing and Yang-warming method. MethodsSD rats were randomly allocated into a control group and a modeling group. Chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome in rats was modeled by multi-point subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol, and the rats were fed for 14 days after modeling. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model, Shenfu injection (6.0 mL·kg-1), and trimetazidine (10 mg·kg-1) groups and treated with corresponding agents for 15 days. The control group and the model group were injected with equal doses of normal saline, and the samples were collected after the intervention was completed. Cardiac color ultrasound was performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological morphology, and the serum level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mitochondrial morphological and structural changes of cardiomyocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the metabolic profiling was carried out by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quantitative exactive-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). Differential metabolites were screened and identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and other methods, and then the MetaboAnalyst database was used for further screening. The relevant biological pathways were obtained through pathway enrichment analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to evaluate the diagnostic value of each potential biomarker for myocardial injury and the evaluation value for drug efficacy. ResultsThe results of color ultrasound showed that Shenfu Injection improved the cardiac function indexes of model rats (P<0.05). The results of HE staining showed that Shenfu injection effectively alleviated the pathological phenomena such as myocardial tissue structure disorder and inflammatory cell infiltration in model rats. The results of ELISA showed that Shenfu injection effectively regulated the serum NT-proBNP level in the model rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Shenfu injection effectively restored the mitochondrial morphological structure. The results of metabolomics showed that the metabolic phenotypes of myocardial samples presented markedly differences between groups. Nine differential metabolites could be significantly reversed in the Shenfu injection group, involving three metabolic pathways: pyruvate metabolism, histidine metabolism, and citric acid cycle (TCA cycle). The results of ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of all metabolites were between 0.75 and 1.0, indicating that the differential metabolites had high diagnostic accuracy for myocardial injury, and the changes in their expression levels could be used as potential markers for efficacy evaluation. ConclusionShenfu injection significantly alleviated the damage of cardiac function, myocardium, and mitochondrial structure in the rat model of chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome by ameliorating energy metabolism remodeling. Reinforcing Qi and warming Yang is a key method for treating chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome.
6.Research progress on anti-inflammatory effects of traditional Chinese medicine under the guidance of syndrome differentiation and treatment
Jianing BAO ; Xiaonan ZHANG ; Xufeng TAO ; Hong XIANG ; Deshi DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):528-532
Inflammation is the body’s response to damage, infection or other stimuli, but its excessive or continuous development can lead to a variety of diseases. Although modern medical anti-inflammatory therapies were widely used, it is often accompanied by limitations such as more adverse reactions. Based on the “holistic view” and “differential treatment”, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regards inflammation as a manifestation of the imbalance of yin and yang in the body and the conflict between good and evil. The application of anti-inflammatory TCM is not only aimed at the pathological state of “inflammation”, but also based on the overall consideration of “syndrome”. According to different types of syndrome, anti-inflammatory TCM can be divided into heat-clearing and detoxifying agents (such as Lonicera japonica and Isatis indigotica ), heat-clearing and drying dampness agents (such as Coptidis Rhizoma), blood-activating and stasis-dissolving agents (such as Salvia miltiorrhiza ) and vital qi-strengthening and pathogenic factor-expelling agents (such as Panax ginseng ). Four types of anti-inflammatory TCM restore the body’s immune balance through the systematic regulation of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway, exhibiting a good anti-inflammatory effect. Future research should focus on integrating systematic biology, applying artificial intelligence, carrying out high-quality evidence-based research, and combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, so as to reveal the overall regulatory law of anti-inf lammatory effects of TCM and promote clinical rational use.
7.Analysis of the causes of the abnormal increases in gross α and gross β activity concentrations in Nanbei Lake water
Xiang ZHANG ; Xiaoqiong WU ; Miaohua GE ; Yanqian WU ; Daming WU ; Yikang WU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):18-22
Objective To investigate the causes of the abnormally elevated gross α and gross β activity concentrations in the water of Nanbei Lake located near the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant. Methods Water and sediment samples were measured according to GB/T
8.Analysis of diagnosis and treatment of Epstein-Barr virus-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB type) after kidney transplantation
Yan LI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Tong XU ; Guohui WANG ; Ruochen QI ; Dongjuan WU ; Kepu LIU ; Weijun QIN ; Shuaijun MA
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):257-265
Objective To analyze the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the context of specific cases and literature. Methods A case of EBV-negative DLBCL (GCB type) after kidney transplantation is reported. The patient was a 45-year-old male who underwent living-related kidney transplantation in 2016 and has been receiving triple immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone since then. In 2024, the patient presented with intermittent fever, night sweats and gastrointestinal symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic pathology, immunohistochemical staining and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The R-CDOP regimen (rituximab + cyclophosphamide + liposomal doxorubicin + vincristine + dexamethasone) was used for treatment. Results The patient was diagnosed with EBV-negative DLBCL (GCB type, Ann Arbor stage Ⅳ B). After 4 cycles of R-CDOP chemotherapy, the efficacy assessment was partial remission, and the transplant kidney function remained stable. Conclusions For EBV-negative PTLD after kidney transplantation, it is necessary to break through the "virus-dependent" diagnostic thinking. In clinical practice, the focus should be on protecting the transplant kidney, and individualized treatment plans should be developed for patients.
9.Tanyu Tongzhi Youhua Prescription Regulates cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Inflammation and Ameliorate No-reflow Phenomenon in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Sijia WU ; Yingying LI ; Haonan WU ; Xiang LI ; Lingfeng ZHOU ; Huamin ZHANG ; Danli TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):99-107
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the protective effects of the Tanyu Tongzhi Youhua prescription(TYTZP) against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats via regulation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-six 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, ticagrelor group (32.4 mg·kg-1), RU320521 (RU.521cGAS inhibitors) group (5 mL·kg-1), groups of TYTZP with low dose (3.6 g·kg-1), medium dose (7.2 g·kg-1), and high dose (14.4 g·kg-1), with eight rats per group. The ticagrelor group and groups of TYTZP with different doses received pre-treatment for seven days according to their respective protocols. The RU.521 group received an intraperitoneal injection one hour before modeling. A rat model of the no-reflow phenomenon in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in situ. Myocardial no-reflow area was determined by thioflavin staining. Histopathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Cardiac function was detected by echocardiography. Myocardial microcirculation function change was observed by using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography. The myocardial enzyme levels in the serum were measured by serum biochemical analysis. The double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) levels were detected by using PicoGreen. The protein expression of cGAS, STING, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in myocardial tissue was detected by Western blot. The levels of cardiac troponin Ⅰ (cTNⅠ), cardiac troponin T (cTNT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the peripheral blood were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group showed a significantly increased myocardial no-reflow area (P<0.01). Myocardial fiber rupture and disarray and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed by HE staining. The ultrasound results indicated that left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01) were significantly decreased. Real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography showed that the peak time of myocardial blood perfusion was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), and the levels of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cTNⅠ, cTNT, and dsDNA were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that the myocardial protein expressions of cGAS, STING, and NF-κB p65 were upregulated (P<0.01). ELISA results showed that the inflammatory factors in the serum such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the group of the TYTZP significantly reduced the levels of myocardial enzyme, troponins, and dsDNA (P<0.01, P<0.05), improved cardiac function and myocardial microcirculation, alleviated histopathological morphology and inflammatory infiltration, inhibited activation of the cGAS/STING pathway, reduced the expression of NF-κB p65 (P<0.01, P<0.05), and inhibited inflammatory response. ConclusionThe TYTZP mitigates the no-reflow phenomenon in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and its mechanism is associated with inhibiting the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway and attenuating inflammatory responses.
10.Exploring on Processing Mechanism of Enhanced "Invigorating Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea" Effect of Soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Based on "Microscopic Characterization, Chemical Analysis and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation" Trinity
Guoshun SHAN ; Yuyan XIAO ; Chu YUAN ; Xiuai CHEN ; Qimiao ZHAO ; Xiang LIU ; Hao WU ; Ke ZHANG ; Siqi LIU ; Yongduo YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):182-193
ObjectiveTo analyze the processing mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of invigorating spleen and stopping diarrhea of soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) by analyzing the changes of microstructure, chemical composition and anti-ulcerative colitis(UC) activity before and after soil stir-frying. MethodsThe microstructure and elemental composition of AMR before and after soil stir-frying were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS), to investigate the differences in microstructure and the underlying causes. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with UNIFI 1.9.2 natural product analysis platform were used to analyze and identify the chemical constituents in raw and soil-fried products, and multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to explore the differences and sources of chemical constituents between them. A dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC mouse model was established. The method of disease activity index(DAI) was used to evaluate the severity of intestinal inflammation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to analyze the expressions of key genes and proteins involved in the intestinal mucosal barrier. The 16S rRNA sequencing was used to evaluate the diversity of intestinal flora, headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) was used to explore the levels of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in feces. Base on the above findings, this paper investigated the effects of raw and soil-fried AMR on the biological, chemical, mechanical and immune barriers of model animals, and the differences in pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. ResultsSEM observation revealed numerous hearth soil particles on the surface of soil-fried AMR, accompanied by bubble-like bulges. At the same time, there were many cracks and folds on the surface of the hearth soil. EDS analysis revealed that the contents of Si, Al, Mg and Ca in soil-fried AMR were significantly higher than those of raw products, and these elements constituted the primary components of hearth soil. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with database comparison was used to identify the chemical constituents of raw and soil-fried AMR. In positive ion mode, a total of 132 components were identified, primarily comprising three categories of terpenoids, polyphenols and amino acids. In negative ion mode, a total of 40 components were identified, primarily polyphenolic and glycoside compounds. Among them, the contents of sesquiterpenes and polyphenolic acids were changed significantly before and after processing. Soil-fried AMR could reduce the DAI score of UC mice, alleviate the shortening of colon length, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-17, IL-18, γ-interferon(IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in serum, increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA), IL-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) in serum, increase the expressions of key genes and proteins of intestinal mucosal barrier such as tight junction protein-1(ZO-1), Occludin, Claudin-1 and mucin 2(MUC2) in colonic mucosa, and improve the disorders of intestinal flora diversity and the levels of SCFAs(P<0.05, P<0.01). The raw and stir-fried products of AMR also exhibited the aforementioned effects, but they were weaker than the soil-fried products. Additionally, the auxiliary material hearth soil also had a certain pharmacodynamic effect. ConclusionSoil-fried AMR can enhance the protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. These changes or heating-induced alterations in the microscopic structure and chemical composition of AMR may be attributed to the dual effects of adsorption of hearth soil.

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