1.Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers and Compounds on Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: A Review
Xiaonan YAN ; Jigao LI ; Ruixiang YANG ; Ruilin LIU ; Quan ZHOU ; Zhen LI ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):289-298
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic systemic autoimmune disease with synovitis as the main manifestation, which often causes joint swelling and pain or even deformity. It is considered to be an incurable lifelong disease. Although the current Western medicine treatment can alleviate the progression of the disease, it has the clinical limitations of liver injury, cardiovascular complications, and other adverse reactions, along with easy recurrence. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and has the advantages of individualized treatment and fewer adverse reactions. It can effectively relieve the symptoms of joint swelling and pain in RA patients and slow down the progression of bone destruction, which has attracted wide concern in the medical community. Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is an important intracellular pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune regulation, and other biological behaviors, and plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of RA. In recent years, many studies have confirmed that TCM monomers and compounds can inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis by regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), regulate immune response, and thus exert an effect in the treatment of RA. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic induction and overview. Therefore, by searching the relevant literature in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed databases from 2009 to 2024, this study described the mechanism of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of RA and summarized the research progress of TCM monomers and compounds in regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in RA intervention. The study aims to provide new ideas and strategies for the clinical treatment of RA with TCM and the research and development of new drugs.
2.Current Status and Strategies of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Xuezhi ZHANG ; Xia DING ; Zhen LIU ; Hui YE ; Xiaofen JIA ; Hong CHENG ; Zhenyu WU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):111-116
This paper systematically reviews the current status of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, as well as recent progress in clinical and basic research both in China and internationally. It summarizes the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Hp infection management, including improving Hp eradication rates, enhancing antibiotic sensitivity, reducing antimicrobial resistance, decreasing drug-related adverse effects, and ameliorating gastric mucosal lesions. These advantages are particularly evident in patients who are intolerant to bismuth-containing regimens, those with refractory Hp infection, and individuals with precancerous gastric lesions. An integrated, whole-process management approach and individualized, staged comprehensive treatment strategies combining TCM and western medicine are proposed for Hp infection. Future prevention and control of Hp infection should adopt an integrative Chinese-western medical strategy, emphasizing prevention, strengthening primary care, implementing proactive long-term monitoring, optimizing screening strategies, and advancing the development of novel technologies and mechanistic studies of Chinese herbal interventions. These efforts aim to provide a theoretical basis and practical pathways for the establishment and improvement of Hp infection prevention and control systems.
3.Modified Ditan Tang Regulates Biorhythm-related Genes in Rat Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Zhiwen PANG ; Yu LIU ; Nan SONG ; Jie WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Zhen HUA ; Yupeng PEI ; Qun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):115-124
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Ditan tang on genes related to the transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) of biorhythm in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its mechanism for prevention and treatment of NAFLD. MethodsSixty-five healthy SPF male SD rats were randomly assigned into blank (n=20), model (n=15), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.68, 5.36, and 10.72 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) modified Ditan tang (n=10) groups. Other groups except the blank group were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The modified Ditan tang groups were treated with the decoction at corresponding doses by gavage, and the blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline from the 9th week for 4 weeks. The levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. TG and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) assay kits were used to measure the levels of TG and NEFA in the liver. The pathological changes in the hypothalamus and liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the lipid deposition in the liver was observed by oil red O staining. The levels of brain-muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1/ARNTL) in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein levels of BMAL1, circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK), period circadian clock 2 (PER2), and cryptochrome1 (Cry1) in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, AST, and ALT (P<0.01) and a lowered level of HDL-C (P<0.05) in the serum, elevated levels of TG and NEFA in the liver (P<0.01), pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells, and a large number of vacuoles in the brain area. In addition, the model group showed lipid deposition in the liver, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 (P<0.01) in the hypothalamus and liver. Compared with the model group, all the three modified Ditan tang groups showed lowered levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, and AST (P<0.05, P<0.01) and an elevated level of HDL-C (P<0.05) in the serum, and lowered levels of TG and NEFA (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the liver. Furthermore, the three groups showed alleviated pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells, reduced lipid deposition in the liver, down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the hypothalamus and liver. ConclusionModified Ditan tang can reduce lipid deposition in the liver and regulate the expression of CLOCK, BMAL1, Cry1, and PER2 in the TTFL of NAFLD rats.
4.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
5.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
6.Impact of "Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right on psychological craving, anxiety symptoms and relapse rates in patients with alcohol dependence
Hao WANG ; Wei LI ; Wen'ge ZHEN ; Yuanyuan LI ; Jie LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):34-40
BackgroundAlcohol dependence patients are prone to relapse after their attempts to quit drinking, which poses a considerable threat to their physical and mental health and creates a heavy burden on their families. Currently, empowerment education is increasingly being utilized in the rehabilitation management of chronic diseases, but there remains a striking lack of empirical research on the application of "Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right in alcohol dependence patients. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of "Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right on patients with alcohol dependence, in order to maximize the reduction in relapse rates, craving for alcohol and severity of anxiety symptoms. MethodsA total of 120 patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Addiction Medicine, Hebei Provincial Mental Health Center from May 2022 to April 2023 and met the diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence in the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) were enrolled, and they were classified into study group (n=62) and control group (n=58) using random number table methods. Both groups received standard medication and routine care. Additionally, study group underwent a 6-month "Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right. At baseline, all subjects were assessed using Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Three months and six months after intervention, assessments were conducted using PACS, SAS and Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). ResultsThe relapse rates after three and six months of intervention were both lower in study group than those in control group, with statistically significant differences (χ2=8.575, 8.828, P<0.01). ANOVA with repeated measures on PACS total score and scores of each item revealed a significant time effect, group effect and time×group interaction effect (F=159.714~837.751, 84.645~393.606, 24.302~137.896, P<0.01). And significant time effect, group effect and time×group interaction effect were also reported on SAS scores (F=166.237, 65.325, 24.724, P<0.01). Conclusion"Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right may help reduce relapse rates, alcohol cravings and severity of anxiety symptoms among patients with alcohol dependence. [Funded by 2023 Annual Hebei Provincial Medical Scientific Research Project Plan (number, 20231537)]
7.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
8.Brain Aperiodic Dynamics
Zhi-Cai HU ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiang WANG ; Gui-Ping LI ; Shan LIU ; Hai-Tao YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):99-118
Brain’s neural activities encompass both periodic rhythmic oscillations and aperiodic neural fluctuations. Rhythmic oscillations manifest as spectral peaks of neural signals, directly reflecting the synchronized activities of neural populations and closely tied to cognitive and behavioral states. In contrast, aperiodic fluctuations exhibit a power-law decaying spectral trend, revealing the multiscale dynamics of brain neural activity. In recent years, researchers have made notable progress in studying brain aperiodic dynamics. These studies demonstrate that aperiodic activity holds significant physiological relevance, correlating with various physiological states such as external stimuli, drug induction, sleep states, and aging. Aperiodic activity serves as a reflection of the brain’s sensory capacity, consciousness level, and cognitive ability. In clinical research, the aperiodic exponent has emerged as a significant potential biomarker, capable of reflecting the progression and trends of brain diseases while being intricately intertwined with the excitation-inhibition balance of neural system. The physiological mechanisms underlying aperiodic dynamics span multiple neural scales, with activities at the levels of individual neurons, neuronal ensembles, and neural networks collectively influencing the frequency, oscillatory patterns, and spatiotemporal characteristics of aperiodic signals. Aperiodic dynamics currently boasts broad application prospects. It not only provides a novel perspective for investigating brain neural dynamics but also holds immense potential as a neural marker in neuromodulation or brain-computer interface technologies. This paper summarizes methods for extracting characteristic parameters of aperiodic activity, analyzes its physiological relevance and potential as a biomarker in brain diseases, summarizes its physiological mechanisms, and based on these findings, elaborates on the research prospects of aperiodic dynamics.
9.Treating immunoglobulin A nephropathy based on the " qi cycle in round" theory
Leying ZHAO ; Yaoxian WANG ; Zhen WANG ; Yaotan LI ; Boning CAO ; Jiayin TAO ; Danting LI ; Qingqing LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):223-228
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is a globally prevalent type of primary glomerulonephritis, characterized by complex symptoms and diverse clinical manifestations. The internationally recognized " multiple hit hypothesis" explains the systemic immune disease features of IgA nephropathy. However, current treatment strategies primarily focus on local pathological changes, inadequately addressing its complex systemic mechanisms. The " qi cycle in round" theory, an integral concept of the academic thought of HUANG Yuanyu, a prominent medical expert from the Qing Dynasty, offers a concise and insightful framework for understanding complex pathologies. For example, this theory provides valuable insights for elucidating the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy and guiding its clinical management by simplifying intricate systemic processes. This study applies the " qi cycle in round" theory to postulate that patients with IgA nephropathy experience disrupted qi flow owing to spleen-stomach qi deficiency and dampness-heat accumulation. These imbalances manifest as internal symptoms, such as diarrhea; external vulnerability to illness; upper body symptoms, like sore throat; and lower body symptoms, such as hematuria and proteinuria. Pathologically, the condition is characterized by immune complex deposition. This article also emphasizes strategies that prioritize tonifying spleen-stomach qi to enhance the pivotal functions of transportation and transformation. Regulating qi and relieving stagnation are emphasized to harmonize ascending and descending dynamics. Additionally, eliminating turbidity and unblocking collaterals are highlighted to promote qi transformation. These approaches aim to restore the harmonious operation of organ qi dynamics and harmonious qi transformation functions. This study aims to provide a reference for syndrome differentiation and IgA nephropathy treatment using traditional Chinese medicine based on the " qi cycle in round" theory.
10.Gene frequencies and polymorphism of the MNS blood group system in the Han population of voluntary blood donors in Suzhou
Zihao XU ; Xiaoyan FU ; Zhen LIU ; Jia JIANG ; Yiming JIN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):397-401
[Objective] To investigate the antigen and gene frequency distribution of the MNS blood group system in the Han population of voluntary blood donors in Suzhou, and to explore the polymorphism of rare MNS blood group genes, in order to improve the construction of the local rare blood group database. [Methods] A total of 8 034 whole blood samples were randomly collected from Han blood donors at our station from October 2023 to June 2024. The MNS blood group phenotypes were identified using serological methods. Gene frequencies were analyzed and compared with those of ethnic populations in other regions. Rare MNS phenotype samples were subjected to gene sequencing. [Results] The distribution of MNS blood group system phenotypes within the population was as follows: the MM, NN, and MN phenotypes accounted for 23.00%, 27.12%, and 49.88% respectively; the SS, ss, and Ss phenotypes accounted for 0.30%, 90.99%, and 8.70% respectively. The gene frequencies of M, N, S, and s were 0.4794, 0.5206, 0.0465, and 0.9534 respectively. Chi-squared tests confirmed adherence to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with P-values of 0.997 and 0.349, showing statistical significance compared to some other regional ethnic populations (P<0.05). Additionally, one rare serological phenotype, S-s-, with a frequency of 0.01%, was identified. [Conclusion] The MNS blood group system in the Han population of voluntary blood donors in Suzhou exhibits polymorphism and regional distribution characteristics. Gene frequencies differ from those observed in other regions of China. It is essential to enhance the establishment of a rare blood type database in Suzhou to provide data support for precise clinical transfusion.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail