1.Effect Difference and Mechanisms of Zishenwan Against Chronic Prostatitis Before and After Salt-processing of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex by Integrating Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics
Shangling ZHAO ; Xiao MENG ; Sirui LI ; Rui TAN ; Changjiang HU ; Lingying YU ; Zhimin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):177-187
ObjectiveThis paper aims to systematically reveal the effect difference and mechanisms of Zishenwan against chronic prostatitis (CP) before and after salt-processing of Anemarrhenae rhizoma and Phellodendri chinensis cortex based on an integrated strategy of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS), network pharmacology, and serum metabolomics. MethodsZishenwan samples before and after salt-processing of Anemarrhenae rhizoma and Phellodendri chinensis cortex were extracted by alcohol-water dual extraction. The chemical components of each sample were detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS, and differential components were screened by multivariate statistical analysis. Network pharmacology analysis was performed based on the identified chemical components of Zishenwan to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of "component, target, and pathway", and the core components, targets, and pathways of Zishenwan against CP were screened. Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Qianliekang group (1.54 g·kg-1), low- and high-dose raw Zishenwan groups (1.8, 5.4 g·kg-1), and low- and high-dose salt-processed Zishenwan groups (1.8, 5.4 g·kg-1). The CP rat model was established by intraprostatic injection of carrageenan. After one week of recovery, the rats were administered the corresponding drugs for 21 days, while those in the blank group and model group received the same volume of normal saline. After the experiment, serum and tissue samples were collected to evaluate pharmacodynamic indicators including organ indices, histopathology, and inflammatory factors in serum. Subsequently, untargeted serum metabolomics technology was used to analyze metabolite changes and perform pathway enrichment analysis. The network pharmacology was used to construct a network of "differential metabolite, reaction, enzyme, and gene". ResultsA total of 76 components were identified in raw and salt-processed Zishenwan, and 34 differential components were screened by multivariate statistical analysis. Among them, the contents of 14 components, including berberine, berberrubine, and phellodendrine, increased after salt-processing, while the contents of 20 components, such as neomangiferin, decreased. The 28 active components and 185 potential targets were screened out by network pharmacology. The core components included berberine, phellodendrine, magnoflorine, and jatrorrhizine, and the core targets included signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and transcription factor AP-1 (JUN). These targets were significantly enriched in pro-inflammatory signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Compared with the model group, all Zishenwan administration groups showed decreased prostate index, reduced levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as varying degrees of alleviation in histopathological damage. At the same dose, compared with the raw Zishenwan groups, the salt-processed Zishenwan groups showed lower prostate index, pathological scores, and IL-1β, IL-18, and Bcl-2 levels in serum, but the differences were not statistically significant. Metabolomics reveals that 38 differential metabolites were reversed after salt-processed Zishenwan administration. Both raw and salt-processed Zishenwan regulated pathways such as β-alanine metabolism and tryptophan metabolism. In addition to the common regulated pathways, the salt-processed group specifically regulated pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. The intersecting pathways between network pharmacology and metabolomics were tryptophan metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism, with overlapping targets including monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and arginase 1 (ARG1). ConclusionThe increased contents of components such as berberine and phellodendrine in salt-processed Zishenwan may enhance its therapeutic effect on CP by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, along with multi-target regulation of tryptophan, arginine, and pantothenate metabolism pathways to comprehensively regulate inflammatory and immune responses.
2.Efficacy of Da Shuyu Gao in Treating Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness Based on the Theory of Phlegm-Qi Obstruction
Ziye ZHAO ; Zhimin TAN ; Jiaojiao CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(6):1348-1355
Objective To explore the efficacy of Da Shuyu Gao(DSG,a formulation developed from the modification of Shuyu Wan and Ziwan Decoction)in treating persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD)based on the theory of phlegm-qi obstruction.Methods A prospective study was conducted on 120 cases of PPPD patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to July 2023.The patients were randomly divided into a combination group and a control group using a random number table,with 60 patients in each group.The control group received conventional western medicine treatment(Betahistine+Mecobalamin),while the combination group was treated with the decoction of DSG orally in addition to the conventional treatment.The treatment course for the two groups lasted for 2 months.Before and after treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,Somatic Symptom Self-Rating Scale(SSSRS),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)score,Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)score,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score,and the frequency and duration of dizziness episodes.After two months of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.Results(1)After 2 months of treatment,the total effective rate of the combination group was 93.33%(56/60),and that of the control group was 78.33%(47/60).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the combination group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the scores of TCM symptoms of dizziness,tinnitus,vexation,irritability,dry mouth,and bitterness in the mouth in both groups were improved compared to those before treatment(P<0.05),and the combination group showed significant improvement compared with the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the scores of the cognitive,imaginative,biological,irritability,and inhibitory dimension of SSSRS,as well as the total scores on the SSSRS were significantly improved in both groups compared to those before treatment(P<0.05),and the combination group showed significant improvement compared with the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,HAMA,HAMD,and PSQI scores were significantly decreased in both groups compared to those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(5)After treatment,the frequency and duration of dizziness episodes were significantly decreased in both groups compared to those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion DSG,formulated based on the theory of phlegm-qi obstruction and clinical practice,demonstrates significant efficacy in treating PPPD.It is effective in decreasing TCM syndrome scores,alleviating somatic symptoms,improving emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression,enhancing sleep quality,and reducing the frequency and duration of dizziness episodes,thereby improving patients'quality of life.The application of DSG will provide a new approach for the clinical treatment of PPPD.
3.“Blood flow control techniques” in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: strategy and application
Zhijian TAN ; Xiaosheng ZHONG ; Chengjiang QIU ; Zhimin YU ; Guihao CHEN ; Sheng ZHANG ; Yanchen CHEN ; Youxing HUANG ; Zhangyuanzhu LIU ; Yifeng LIU ; Zhantao SHEN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(11):1005-1008
Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) poses a high risk of intraoperative bleeding due to the complex anatomy and rich blood supply in the pancreatic head region. This paper innovatively proposes a blood flow control technique system for LPD, adopting a strategy of “priority devascularization and pre-blocking”.By first addressing the peripheral collateral blood supply and the gastroduodenal artery, and then performing dual-system pre-blocking, the dorsal pancreatic artery and the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery are treated in situ through a combined middle and left posterior approach. This progressive blood flow control method enhances surgical safety and oncological radicality, offering a new paradigm for the development of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.
4.“Blood flow control techniques” in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: strategy and application
Zhijian TAN ; Xiaosheng ZHONG ; Chengjiang QIU ; Zhimin YU ; Guihao CHEN ; Sheng ZHANG ; Yanchen CHEN ; Youxing HUANG ; Zhangyuanzhu LIU ; Yifeng LIU ; Zhantao SHEN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(11):1005-1008
Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) poses a high risk of intraoperative bleeding due to the complex anatomy and rich blood supply in the pancreatic head region. This paper innovatively proposes a blood flow control technique system for LPD, adopting a strategy of “priority devascularization and pre-blocking”.By first addressing the peripheral collateral blood supply and the gastroduodenal artery, and then performing dual-system pre-blocking, the dorsal pancreatic artery and the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery are treated in situ through a combined middle and left posterior approach. This progressive blood flow control method enhances surgical safety and oncological radicality, offering a new paradigm for the development of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.
5.Clinical application of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery management in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Zhantao SHEN ; Zhimin YU ; Xiaosheng ZHONG ; Youxing HUANG ; Chengjiang QIU ; Yanchen CHEN ; Guihao CHEN ; Sheng ZHANG ; Chunbao ZHU ; Zhangyuanzhu LIU ; Yifeng LIU ; Zhijian TAN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(10):947-952
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of proper management of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical and pathological data of 70 patients who received LPD due to pancreatic head tumors, periampullary tumors, or distal common bile duct tumors in the Pancreatic Center of the Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. There were 47 males(67.1%) and 23 females(32.9%),aged (59.9±12.8)years(range:13 to 87 years).The procedure of IPDA exposure was as follows:a middle approach was utilized to expose the right half of superior mesenteric artery(SMA) and its right branches between the SMA and superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in superior colonic region. In the subcolonic region,SMA trunk exposure via dissection along the jejunal artery from feet to head and identification the association between IPDA and jejunal artery were prior to IPDA root ligation and dissection. The safety and efficacy of intraoperative IPDA handling were assessed based on surgical videos. Follow-up was carried out in outpatient clinic or by telephone, and outpatient follow-up was conducted once every 1 to 3 months after surgery.Results:The percentage of total LPD was 98.6%(69/70),with all patients achieving R0 resection. Nine cases(12.9%) were involved in combined vascular resection and reconstruction,with 1 case (1.4%) requiring additional upper abdominal incision for vascular and gastrointestinal reconstruction,while the remaining eight cases (11.4%) were completed laparoscopically. The operative time was (432.7±115.4)minutes(range:282 to 727 minutes), and the blood loss was (140.0±125.7)ml(range:20 to 800 ml). Only two patients(2.9%) received fresh frozen plasma transfusion,with an average volume of 650 ml. Reliable ligation and safe handling of the IPDA were achieved in 91.4%(64/70) of cases, with 8.6%(6/70) suffering from IPDA injury-related bleeding. No one was converted to opened surgery. Pathologically,the mean tumor size was (3.3±1.6)cm (range:1 to 7 cm),and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.0±7.3(range:0 to 46). Lymph node metastasis was observed in 13 cases (18.6%). Five cases (13.2%) developed grade B pancreatic fistula,while no grade C pancreatic fistula occurred. Other complications included bile leakage in one case(1.4%),delayed gastric emptying in two cases(2.9%), lymphatic leakage in 2 cases(2.9%),intra-abdominal infection in 9 cases(12.9%),and fat liquefaction of surgical incision in 1 case(1.4%). Two cases(2.9%) experienced postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding,one due to mesangial bleeding of lesser curvature of the stomach and the other due to oozing from the hepatic arterial sheath. These bleeding events were not concerned with IPDA. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was (15.2±4.6)days(range:9 to 28 days).Conclusion:Proper intraoperative management of IPDA in LPD might reduce IPDA-related bleeding during and after surgery and improve the safety of LPD.
6.Clinical application of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery management in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Zhantao SHEN ; Zhimin YU ; Xiaosheng ZHONG ; Youxing HUANG ; Chengjiang QIU ; Yanchen CHEN ; Guihao CHEN ; Sheng ZHANG ; Chunbao ZHU ; Zhangyuanzhu LIU ; Yifeng LIU ; Zhijian TAN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(10):947-952
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of proper management of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical and pathological data of 70 patients who received LPD due to pancreatic head tumors, periampullary tumors, or distal common bile duct tumors in the Pancreatic Center of the Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. There were 47 males(67.1%) and 23 females(32.9%),aged (59.9±12.8)years(range:13 to 87 years).The procedure of IPDA exposure was as follows:a middle approach was utilized to expose the right half of superior mesenteric artery(SMA) and its right branches between the SMA and superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in superior colonic region. In the subcolonic region,SMA trunk exposure via dissection along the jejunal artery from feet to head and identification the association between IPDA and jejunal artery were prior to IPDA root ligation and dissection. The safety and efficacy of intraoperative IPDA handling were assessed based on surgical videos. Follow-up was carried out in outpatient clinic or by telephone, and outpatient follow-up was conducted once every 1 to 3 months after surgery.Results:The percentage of total LPD was 98.6%(69/70),with all patients achieving R0 resection. Nine cases(12.9%) were involved in combined vascular resection and reconstruction,with 1 case (1.4%) requiring additional upper abdominal incision for vascular and gastrointestinal reconstruction,while the remaining eight cases (11.4%) were completed laparoscopically. The operative time was (432.7±115.4)minutes(range:282 to 727 minutes), and the blood loss was (140.0±125.7)ml(range:20 to 800 ml). Only two patients(2.9%) received fresh frozen plasma transfusion,with an average volume of 650 ml. Reliable ligation and safe handling of the IPDA were achieved in 91.4%(64/70) of cases, with 8.6%(6/70) suffering from IPDA injury-related bleeding. No one was converted to opened surgery. Pathologically,the mean tumor size was (3.3±1.6)cm (range:1 to 7 cm),and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.0±7.3(range:0 to 46). Lymph node metastasis was observed in 13 cases (18.6%). Five cases (13.2%) developed grade B pancreatic fistula,while no grade C pancreatic fistula occurred. Other complications included bile leakage in one case(1.4%),delayed gastric emptying in two cases(2.9%), lymphatic leakage in 2 cases(2.9%),intra-abdominal infection in 9 cases(12.9%),and fat liquefaction of surgical incision in 1 case(1.4%). Two cases(2.9%) experienced postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding,one due to mesangial bleeding of lesser curvature of the stomach and the other due to oozing from the hepatic arterial sheath. These bleeding events were not concerned with IPDA. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was (15.2±4.6)days(range:9 to 28 days).Conclusion:Proper intraoperative management of IPDA in LPD might reduce IPDA-related bleeding during and after surgery and improve the safety of LPD.
7.Fuling Zexie Decoction Combined with Lifestyle for the Intervention of Metabolic Syndrome of Dampness Syndrome:A Clinical Randomized Trial
Shaoqin LIN ; Chengcheng WANG ; Qing XU ; Fei TAN ; Zhimin YANG ; Xinyan CHEN
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(10):1453-1461
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of Fuling Zexie Decoction combined with lifestyle intervention in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) of dampness syndrome. Methods A total of 40 patients with MetS of dampness syndrome were randomly divided into experimental group (n=20) and control group (n=20) according to a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design. The experimental group was given oral administration of Fuling Zexie Decoction,the control group was given placebo,150 mL each time,twice a day. Both groups were given healthy lifestyle(healthy eating habits and exercise mode) education. The intervention period was 16 weeks. Traditional Chinese medicine dampness syndrome scale score and the diagnostic indexes of MetS,including waist circumference (WC),systolic blood pressure (SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP),triglyceride (TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting blood glucose (FBG),were evaluated before and after treatment. Other metabolic indexes such as body mass index(BMI),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),uric acid(UC),as well as inflammation related indexes including C-reactive protein (CRP),interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) were also evaluated. Results A total of 33 people completed the trial,including 17 people in the experimental group and 16 people in the control group. Compared to the baseline period,FBG,BMI,LDL-C and dampness syndrome scale score in the experimental group were significantly decreased at the 8th and 16th week of intervention(P<0.05). WC was significantly decreased at the 8th week of intervention(P<0.05). CRP showed a downward trend at the 16th week of intervention(P<0.05). Moreover,SBP and IL-6 in control group decreased significantly at the 8th and 16th week of intervention(P<0.05). WC,DBP and HOMA-IR decreased significantly at the 8th week of intervention (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other outcome indexes between the two groups at the 8th and 16th week of intervention (P>0.05). The safety indexes of all patients before and after intervention were not significantly abnormal,and no serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion This study initially shows the positive regulatory effect of Fuling Zexie Decoction combined with lifestyle on metabolism and inflammation-related indexes in people with MetS of dampness syndrome,which helps to improve the level of dampness syndrome and provides a basis for further research.
8.Chinese Medicine in Regulating Signaling Pathways Related to Allergic Rhinitis: A Review
Dandan ZHANG ; Yunhong NING ; Jingchao SUN ; Zhimin TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(13):260-268
Allergic rhinitis (AR), a common disease in otolaryngology, is intractable with prolonged attack and greatly affects the daily life of patients. Western medicine adopts many therapeutic protocols, such as medication, immunotherapy, and surgery, and also shows disadvantages, including severe side effects and poor long-term curative effect. As reported by modern research, Chinese medicine has the characteristics of good safety, stable curative effect, multi-target and overall regulation, and has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of AR. With the increasing clinical practice of Chinese medicine in the treatment of AR, scholars have carried out substantial basic research on the regulation of AR signaling pathways by monomers and Chinese medicinal compounds from molecule-cell-biology. To further explain the transduction mechanism of AR signaling pathways, this paper systematically summarized the research progress based on the studies of monomers and Chinese medicinal compounds to provide references for the in-depth research on the intervention of related signaling pathways by Chinese medicine. The conclusions were drawn as follows. The main signaling pathways involved included nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, TLR signaling pathway, interleukin (IL)-33/growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2) signaling pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. As revealed, the signaling pathways involved in the treatment of AR by Chinese medicine interacted with each other and genes were not independent in exerting the effects. For example, TLR, as the upstream signal, affected the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, and NF-κB was the downstream substrate of PI3K/Akt, TLR, IL-33/ST2, and MAPK signaling pathways. It was found that IL-33/ST2, as a new signaling pathway, was correlated with the severity and prognosis of AR.
9.Screening and identification of H-2 d-restricted T cell epitopes in fusion and attachment glycoproteins of Nipah virus by ELISPOT
Mengjing HUANG ; Yao DENG ; Zhimin ZHAO ; Jinni CHEN ; Jiao REN ; Wen WANG ; Xiaoling SHEN ; Wenjie TAN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2022;42(4):287-292
Objective:To screen and identify H-2 d-restricted T cell epitopes in fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoproteins of Nipah virus (NiV) in mice. Methods:The complete peptides (single peptide contains 15 amino acids, and 10 amino acids were repeated in the front and back peptides) derived from F and G antigens were mixed into peptide libraries. BALB/c mice were immunized with DNA vaccines expressing NiV F and G proteins alone and in combination. The full sequence peptide libraries of F and G antigens were mixed into peptide pools by matrix design, and spleen cells of immunized mice were collected and analyzed by IFN-γ ELISPOT assay to detect the dominant H-2 d-restricted epitope peptides. Results:Twelve dominant H-2 d-restricted peptides were screened from the F protein-specific peptide library and the 56th peptide produced the strongest reaction. Four dominant peptides were screened from the G protein-specific peptide library and the 72nd peptide produced the strongest reaction. Conclusions:In this study, 12 F antigen-specific and 4 G antigen-specific H-2 d restricted dominant T cell epitopes of NiV were screened and identified by IFN-γ ELISPOT, which could provide reference for immunological analysis of NiV and vaccine research.

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