1.Key Issues and Research Ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine Anti-aging Guided by Essence-Qi-spirit Theory of Qiluo Doctrine
Peipei JIN ; Liping CHANG ; Cong WEI ; Mengnan LI ; Hui QI ; Hongrong LI ; Yunlong HOU ; Zhenhua JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):240-246
Aging has emerged as a cutting edge and hotspot in global life science field, with anti-aging and geriatric disease prevention and treatment becoming critical issues urgently demanding solutions in international medical communities. In the face of the challenge of accelerating global population aging, in-depth exploration of aging mechanisms and the development of effective intervention strategies hold significant scientific and clinical value. This study supported by the national key research and development program of China, employed the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine as its guiding framework, focusing on the key scientific issue of the core traditional Chinese pathogenesis of aging, namely "depletion of kidney essence, deficiency of primordial Qi, and impairment of body and spirit". The treatment principle of "tonifying the kidney to replenish essence, harmonizing Yin and Yang, warming and invigorating primordial Qi, and nourishing the body and spirit" was established. Centered on holistic aging, systemic aging, and aging-related diseases, the research integrated multidisciplinary research approaches to construct multi-modal aging models and a multi-dimensional evaluation system, and it utilized multi-omics technologies to deeply analyze aging mechanisms. By systematically reviewing historical kidney-tonifying and anti-aging formulas and combining big data with artificial intelligence technologies, an information database of anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine substance was developed to reveal the differences and synergistic effects of various treatment methods and formulas on anti-aging. Based on this treatment method, the research integrated two millennia of kidney-tonifying medicinal experience to develop the innovative anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine, namely Bazhi Bushen capsules. It was validated that this capsule can delay holistic and systemic aging through multiple targets and mechanisms, thereby elucidating the scientific connotation of the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine in guiding anti-aging research from multiple dimensions and providing robust support for leveraging the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine to occupy the commanding heights of international anti-aging research.
2.Mechanism of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in rats
Chunyan WANG ; Zhenhua SONG ; Muzi ZHANG ; Xiaodi JIN ; Jie LI ; Shihong LYU ; Qing LI ; Yonghao YU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(8):673-679
Objective:To explore the expression changes of nerve growth factor (NGF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) signaling pathway of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in incisional rat remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia and its effect on the expression of membrane delta opioid receptor (DOR).Methods:A total of 48 SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups based on body weight matching, with 8 in each group, which were control group (infusion of 0.9% NaCl solution via the tail vein), incision pain group (incision pain model established using the Brennan method), remifentanil group (infusion of remifentanil via the tail vein), incision pain+ remifentanil model group (incision pain model established using the Brennan method, followed by infusion of remifentanil via the tail vein), NGF group and TrkA inhibitor group(established incision pain+ remifentanil model after intrathecal injection of NGF (0.06 μg/g) or K252a (0.3 μg/g, TrkA inhibitor)). Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was used to assess pain sensitivity in rats. Western blot was employed to measure the expression of NGF, TrkA, and the total DOR(tDOR) and the membrane DOR(mDOR) in DRG tissues. Immunoelectron microscopy was used to detect subcellular DOR expression in DRG. Data were processed using SPSS 24.0 software. Multiple comparisons among groups were conducted by repeated measures ANOVA or one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni test.Results:(1) The results of pain behavior showed that there was a significant interaction effect between time and group in the comparison of PWT among the six groups of rats before and after intervention ( F=345.817, P<0.001). At each time point after intervention, the PWTs of the incision pain+ remifentanil group were lower than those of the incision pain group and remifentanil group, the PWTs of the NGF group were lower than those of the incision pain+ remifentanil group, and the PWTs of the TrkA inhibitor group were higher than those of the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (all P<0.05). (2)The Western blot results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the relative levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR in the DRG tissues of the six groups of rats ( F=156.2, 163.8, 421.2, all P<0.001). The levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR proteins in the incision pain+ remifentanil group (1.45±0.07, 1.46±0.04, 3.01±0.20) were higher than those in the incision pain group (1.25±0.05, 1.24±0.04, 1.84±0.05) and remifentanil group (1.24±0.04, 1.26±0.03, 1.84±0.04) (all P<0.05). The levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR in the NGF group (1.57±0.03, 1.58±0.07, 3.74±0.25) were higher than those in the incision pain+ remifentanil group (all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of TrkA, and mDOR in the TrkA inhibitor group (1.25±0.04, 1.68±0.07) were lower than those in the incision pain+ remifentanil group and the NGF group (all P<0.05). (3)The results of immunoelectron microscopy showed that there were statistically significant differences in the localization of DOR in the cell membrane, subcellular sites of synthesis pathways, and subcellular localization of degradation pathways among the six groups of rat DRG tissues ( F=140.3, 60.63, 60.28, all P<0.01). The DOR of the synthesis pathway of incision pain+ remifentanil group was higher than that of the incision pain group and remifentanil group, while the DOR of the synthesis pathway of NGF was higher than that of the incision pain+ remifentanil group.The DOR of the synthesis pathway of TrkA inhibitor group was lower than that of the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (both P<0.05). The DOR of the degradation pathway in the incision pain+ remifentanil group was lower than that in the incision pain group and remifentanil group, the DOR of the degradation pathway in the NGF group was lower than that in the incision pain+ remifentanil group, and the DOR of the degradation pathway in the TrkA inhibitor group was higher than that in the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (both P<0.05). Conclusion:The NGF/TrkA signaling pathway is involved in rat incisional pain-remifentanil hyperalgesia by upregulating the delta opioid receptor of the dorsal root ganglia.
3.Research Progress on the Role of the Interaction Between Chronic Inflammation and Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Jin XU ; Jianxing LI ; Zhenhua LIU ; Xinli ZHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(4):980-988
Diabetic nephropathy(DN),a primary cause of end-stage renal disease(ESRD)in diabetic patients,is pathologically characterized by chronic inflammation and renal fibrosis.Chronic inflammation promotes renal cellular damage,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,and extracellular matrix(ECM)accumulation through mechanisms including immune cell activation,pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion,and initiation of multiple sig-naling pathways.Excessive ECM deposition disrupts renal architecture and drives tubulointerstitial expansion,thereby accelerating renal functional decline.Recent studies demonstrate that chronic inflammation and fibrosis synergistically propagate DN progression via bidirectional crosstalk.Inflammation serves as an early driver of fibro-genesis and further amplifies fibrotic processes through positive feedback mechanisms,establishing a self-perpetu-ating inflammation-fibrosis vicious cycle.However,the precise molecular interplay between chronic inflammation and fibrosis remains incompletely elucidated.Thus,in-depth exploration of their interaction mechanisms is crucial for developing novel DN interventions.This review delineates the pathogenic roles of chronic inflamma-tion and fibrosis in DN to advance mechanistic understanding and provide foundational insights for designing in-novative therapeutic strategies.
4.Biomechanical characteristics of different orthopedic modalities for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on finite element simulation analysis
Bo YUE ; Zhenhua CAO ; Yunfeng ZHANG ; Yangyang XU ; Feng JIN ; Baoke SU ; Lidong WANG ; Xing WANG ; Ling TONG ; Qinghua LIU ; Yuan FANG ; Lirong SHA ; Haiyan WANG ; Xiaohe LI ; Zhijun LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(15):3129-3137
BACKGROUND:The asymmetrical biomechanical environment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can lead to further wedge deformation of the vertebral body,which may affect cardiopulmonary function and compress nerves in severe cases.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with different degrees of scoliosis should be treated with exercise,bracing,and surgery.However,the mechanical mechanism of selecting an orthopedic approach remains unclear due to the individual variability of patients.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical mechanism of different orthopedic modalities for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to provide a basis for clinical selection of treatment modalities based on the spine model of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.METHODS:Based on the CT images of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patient,a scoliosis model(C7-L5)was reconstructed in Mimics software in three dimensions,and lateral thrust force was applied at the T8/T9 thorax and vertical distraction force was applied over the C7 vertebra with the magnitude of 20,40,60,80,100,and 120 N.The intervertebral disc stress and vertebral displacement in concave and convex sides,and Cobb angle of the spine were analyzed under two orthopedic modalities.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With lateral thrust,there was no significant change in the C7T1-T7T8 intervertebral disc.The concave and convex stress of T7T8-L4L5 segment decreased first and then increased with the increase of lateral thrust force.The correction effect of lateral thrust on the segment near T8T9 was obvious and weakened with the extension of the segment to the cephalic and caudal ends.At 120 N of lateral thrust,the thoracic Cobb angle changed from 53.2° to 32.5° and the lumbar Cobb angle changed from 50.2° to 43.9°.(2)With the vertical distraction,the thoracic intervertebral disc stresses first decreased and then increased,and all the lumbar disc stresses decreased.The C7 displacement was the most obvious,and the correction effect gradually diminished with the segment extended to the caudal end.At a vertical distraction force of 120 N,the thoracic Cobb angle changed from 53.2° to 39.4° and the lumbar Cobb angle changed from 50.2° to 47.6°.(3)It is concluded that both orthopedic modalities provide improvement in the degree of scoliosis,with the thoracic correction being greater than the lumbar correction.Also,the asymmetric stress distribution on the concave and convex sides is improved,which contributes to normal bone growth.A vertical distraction approach is appropriate for larger Cobb angles,and a lateral thrust approach is appropriate for smaller Cobb angles.The results of this study help to understand the mechanism of spinal orthosis and provide a theoretical basis for the choice of orthopedic approach.
5.Analysis of Medication Patterns for Ancient Epidemic Treatment Based on Data Mining
Peipei JIN ; Tongxing WANG ; Liping CHANG ; Bin HOU ; Ningxin HAN ; Xiaoqi WANG ; Zhenhua JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):287-294
ObjectiveExploring the formula rules of commonly used traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) for epidemic treatment from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Qing dynasty through data mining, providing reference for the prevention and control of contemporary epidemics. MethodsThe articles on epidemic treatment in the electronic database of Chinese Medical Code V5.0 were systematically searched, and the contents such as source, dynasty, author, diagnosis, formula name, therapeutic method and efficacy, and composition of medicines from each article that met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Then, an Excel standardized database was established, and Python programs were used for data mining to summarize the frequency of commonly used medicines and perform hierarchical cluster analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and association rule analysis. ResultsA total of 1 595 formulas were included, involving 558 TCMs. The efficacy of these medicines could be classified into two categories, namely, expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi. According to the frequency deconstruction analysis, high-frequency medicines were mainly detoxification, Fu-organ dredging, aromatization and promoting blood circulation, followed by the medicines with the effect of treating the lungs, such as clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm, clearing heat and purging the lungs, relieving cough and asthma, and purging the lungs and relieving asthma. And the proportions of acrid-warm herbs and acrid-cold herbs varied in different periods. Hierarchical clustering and correlation analysis both suggested TCMs for expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi often formed stable combinations with high association degrees. Association rule analysis showed that the core acrid-warm herb was mainly Ephedrae Herba, and the core acrid-cold herb was mainly Forsythiae Fructus, resulting in the core formulas of Maxing Shigantang and Yinqiaosan. ConclusionThroughout history, the prevention and control of epidemics have been based on the principle of "preserving healthy Qi and avoiding toxic Qi", focusing on the treatment of the causes and characteristics of epidemics through detoxification, Fu-organ dredging, and aromatization, emphasizing the use of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and other herbs to dredge Fu-organ, eliminate toxins and pathogens, and playing the role of actively intervene with symptomatic medication. And based on the external manifestations of the body's struggle between evil and righteousness, diagnose and treatment according to syndrome differentiation was performed.
6.Analysis of Medication Patterns for Ancient Epidemic Treatment Based on Data Mining
Peipei JIN ; Tongxing WANG ; Liping CHANG ; Bin HOU ; Ningxin HAN ; Xiaoqi WANG ; Zhenhua JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):287-294
ObjectiveExploring the formula rules of commonly used traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) for epidemic treatment from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Qing dynasty through data mining, providing reference for the prevention and control of contemporary epidemics. MethodsThe articles on epidemic treatment in the electronic database of Chinese Medical Code V5.0 were systematically searched, and the contents such as source, dynasty, author, diagnosis, formula name, therapeutic method and efficacy, and composition of medicines from each article that met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Then, an Excel standardized database was established, and Python programs were used for data mining to summarize the frequency of commonly used medicines and perform hierarchical cluster analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and association rule analysis. ResultsA total of 1 595 formulas were included, involving 558 TCMs. The efficacy of these medicines could be classified into two categories, namely, expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi. According to the frequency deconstruction analysis, high-frequency medicines were mainly detoxification, Fu-organ dredging, aromatization and promoting blood circulation, followed by the medicines with the effect of treating the lungs, such as clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm, clearing heat and purging the lungs, relieving cough and asthma, and purging the lungs and relieving asthma. And the proportions of acrid-warm herbs and acrid-cold herbs varied in different periods. Hierarchical clustering and correlation analysis both suggested TCMs for expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi often formed stable combinations with high association degrees. Association rule analysis showed that the core acrid-warm herb was mainly Ephedrae Herba, and the core acrid-cold herb was mainly Forsythiae Fructus, resulting in the core formulas of Maxing Shigantang and Yinqiaosan. ConclusionThroughout history, the prevention and control of epidemics have been based on the principle of "preserving healthy Qi and avoiding toxic Qi", focusing on the treatment of the causes and characteristics of epidemics through detoxification, Fu-organ dredging, and aromatization, emphasizing the use of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and other herbs to dredge Fu-organ, eliminate toxins and pathogens, and playing the role of actively intervene with symptomatic medication. And based on the external manifestations of the body's struggle between evil and righteousness, diagnose and treatment according to syndrome differentiation was performed.
7.Mechanism of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in rats
Chunyan WANG ; Zhenhua SONG ; Muzi ZHANG ; Xiaodi JIN ; Jie LI ; Shihong LYU ; Qing LI ; Yonghao YU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(8):673-679
Objective:To explore the expression changes of nerve growth factor (NGF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) signaling pathway of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in incisional rat remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia and its effect on the expression of membrane delta opioid receptor (DOR).Methods:A total of 48 SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups based on body weight matching, with 8 in each group, which were control group (infusion of 0.9% NaCl solution via the tail vein), incision pain group (incision pain model established using the Brennan method), remifentanil group (infusion of remifentanil via the tail vein), incision pain+ remifentanil model group (incision pain model established using the Brennan method, followed by infusion of remifentanil via the tail vein), NGF group and TrkA inhibitor group(established incision pain+ remifentanil model after intrathecal injection of NGF (0.06 μg/g) or K252a (0.3 μg/g, TrkA inhibitor)). Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was used to assess pain sensitivity in rats. Western blot was employed to measure the expression of NGF, TrkA, and the total DOR(tDOR) and the membrane DOR(mDOR) in DRG tissues. Immunoelectron microscopy was used to detect subcellular DOR expression in DRG. Data were processed using SPSS 24.0 software. Multiple comparisons among groups were conducted by repeated measures ANOVA or one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni test.Results:(1) The results of pain behavior showed that there was a significant interaction effect between time and group in the comparison of PWT among the six groups of rats before and after intervention ( F=345.817, P<0.001). At each time point after intervention, the PWTs of the incision pain+ remifentanil group were lower than those of the incision pain group and remifentanil group, the PWTs of the NGF group were lower than those of the incision pain+ remifentanil group, and the PWTs of the TrkA inhibitor group were higher than those of the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (all P<0.05). (2)The Western blot results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the relative levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR in the DRG tissues of the six groups of rats ( F=156.2, 163.8, 421.2, all P<0.001). The levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR proteins in the incision pain+ remifentanil group (1.45±0.07, 1.46±0.04, 3.01±0.20) were higher than those in the incision pain group (1.25±0.05, 1.24±0.04, 1.84±0.05) and remifentanil group (1.24±0.04, 1.26±0.03, 1.84±0.04) (all P<0.05). The levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR in the NGF group (1.57±0.03, 1.58±0.07, 3.74±0.25) were higher than those in the incision pain+ remifentanil group (all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of TrkA, and mDOR in the TrkA inhibitor group (1.25±0.04, 1.68±0.07) were lower than those in the incision pain+ remifentanil group and the NGF group (all P<0.05). (3)The results of immunoelectron microscopy showed that there were statistically significant differences in the localization of DOR in the cell membrane, subcellular sites of synthesis pathways, and subcellular localization of degradation pathways among the six groups of rat DRG tissues ( F=140.3, 60.63, 60.28, all P<0.01). The DOR of the synthesis pathway of incision pain+ remifentanil group was higher than that of the incision pain group and remifentanil group, while the DOR of the synthesis pathway of NGF was higher than that of the incision pain+ remifentanil group.The DOR of the synthesis pathway of TrkA inhibitor group was lower than that of the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (both P<0.05). The DOR of the degradation pathway in the incision pain+ remifentanil group was lower than that in the incision pain group and remifentanil group, the DOR of the degradation pathway in the NGF group was lower than that in the incision pain+ remifentanil group, and the DOR of the degradation pathway in the TrkA inhibitor group was higher than that in the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (both P<0.05). Conclusion:The NGF/TrkA signaling pathway is involved in rat incisional pain-remifentanil hyperalgesia by upregulating the delta opioid receptor of the dorsal root ganglia.
8.Research Progress on the Role of the Interaction Between Chronic Inflammation and Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Jin XU ; Jianxing LI ; Zhenhua LIU ; Xinli ZHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(4):980-988
Diabetic nephropathy(DN),a primary cause of end-stage renal disease(ESRD)in diabetic patients,is pathologically characterized by chronic inflammation and renal fibrosis.Chronic inflammation promotes renal cellular damage,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,and extracellular matrix(ECM)accumulation through mechanisms including immune cell activation,pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion,and initiation of multiple sig-naling pathways.Excessive ECM deposition disrupts renal architecture and drives tubulointerstitial expansion,thereby accelerating renal functional decline.Recent studies demonstrate that chronic inflammation and fibrosis synergistically propagate DN progression via bidirectional crosstalk.Inflammation serves as an early driver of fibro-genesis and further amplifies fibrotic processes through positive feedback mechanisms,establishing a self-perpetu-ating inflammation-fibrosis vicious cycle.However,the precise molecular interplay between chronic inflammation and fibrosis remains incompletely elucidated.Thus,in-depth exploration of their interaction mechanisms is crucial for developing novel DN interventions.This review delineates the pathogenic roles of chronic inflamma-tion and fibrosis in DN to advance mechanistic understanding and provide foundational insights for designing in-novative therapeutic strategies.
9.Biomechanical characteristics of different orthopedic modalities for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on finite element simulation analysis
Bo YUE ; Zhenhua CAO ; Yunfeng ZHANG ; Yangyang XU ; Feng JIN ; Baoke SU ; Lidong WANG ; Xing WANG ; Ling TONG ; Qinghua LIU ; Yuan FANG ; Lirong SHA ; Haiyan WANG ; Xiaohe LI ; Zhijun LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(15):3129-3137
BACKGROUND:The asymmetrical biomechanical environment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can lead to further wedge deformation of the vertebral body,which may affect cardiopulmonary function and compress nerves in severe cases.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with different degrees of scoliosis should be treated with exercise,bracing,and surgery.However,the mechanical mechanism of selecting an orthopedic approach remains unclear due to the individual variability of patients.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical mechanism of different orthopedic modalities for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to provide a basis for clinical selection of treatment modalities based on the spine model of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.METHODS:Based on the CT images of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patient,a scoliosis model(C7-L5)was reconstructed in Mimics software in three dimensions,and lateral thrust force was applied at the T8/T9 thorax and vertical distraction force was applied over the C7 vertebra with the magnitude of 20,40,60,80,100,and 120 N.The intervertebral disc stress and vertebral displacement in concave and convex sides,and Cobb angle of the spine were analyzed under two orthopedic modalities.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With lateral thrust,there was no significant change in the C7T1-T7T8 intervertebral disc.The concave and convex stress of T7T8-L4L5 segment decreased first and then increased with the increase of lateral thrust force.The correction effect of lateral thrust on the segment near T8T9 was obvious and weakened with the extension of the segment to the cephalic and caudal ends.At 120 N of lateral thrust,the thoracic Cobb angle changed from 53.2° to 32.5° and the lumbar Cobb angle changed from 50.2° to 43.9°.(2)With the vertical distraction,the thoracic intervertebral disc stresses first decreased and then increased,and all the lumbar disc stresses decreased.The C7 displacement was the most obvious,and the correction effect gradually diminished with the segment extended to the caudal end.At a vertical distraction force of 120 N,the thoracic Cobb angle changed from 53.2° to 39.4° and the lumbar Cobb angle changed from 50.2° to 47.6°.(3)It is concluded that both orthopedic modalities provide improvement in the degree of scoliosis,with the thoracic correction being greater than the lumbar correction.Also,the asymmetric stress distribution on the concave and convex sides is improved,which contributes to normal bone growth.A vertical distraction approach is appropriate for larger Cobb angles,and a lateral thrust approach is appropriate for smaller Cobb angles.The results of this study help to understand the mechanism of spinal orthosis and provide a theoretical basis for the choice of orthopedic approach.
10.Zhenwutang Ameliorates Diabetic Kidney Disease in Mice with Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency via Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhe ZHAO ; Guangshun CHEN ; Min BAI ; Yuqiu JIN ; Mengyuan TIAN ; Bing SONG ; Zhenhua LIU ; Yanying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):29-37
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Zhenwutang on renal oxidative damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodTwenty-five 7-week-old SPF-grade male db/m mice and 95 7-week-old SPF-grade male db/db mice were adaptively fed for a week. A blank group was set with the db/m mice without treatment, and the other mice were administrated with Rhei Radix et Rhizoma decoction and hydrocortisone for the modeling of diabetic kidney disease with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. The modeled mice were randomized into the model, irbesartan (25 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, low-dose (33.8, 16.9, 8.45 g·kg-1) Zhenwutang groups (n=15) and administrated with corresponding drugs for 8 weeks. The survival status of mice was observed, and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score was recorded. The indicators related to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and renal function indicators were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of the renal tissue in each group. Biochemical kits were used to determine the oxidative stress-related indicators in the renal tissue. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of Nrf2, HO-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and GPX4 in the renal tissue of mice in each group. ResultCompared with the blank group, the modeling increased the TCM syndrome score (P<0.05), elevated the estradiol (E2) and FBG levels (P<0.05), lowered the testosterone (T), triiodothyronine (T3), and tetraiodothyronine (T4) levels (P<0.05), and weakened the renal function (P<0.05). In addition, the modeling led to glomerular hypertrophy and glomerular mesangial and basal thickening, decreased the catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione (GSH) content (P<0.05), increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P<0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC, and GPX4 in the renal tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high and medium doses of Zhenwutang decreased the TCM syndrome score and E2 content (P<0.05), increased the T, T3, and T4 content (P<0.05), improved the renal function (P<0.05), alleviated the pathological changes in the renal tissue, increased CAT, T-AOC, and GSH (P<0.05), reduced MDA (P<0.05), and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC, and GPX4 in the renal tissue (P<0.05). ConclusionZhenwutang can improve the general state and renal function and reduce the oxidative damage and pathological changes in the renal tissue of db/db mice with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.

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