1.Yishen Tongluo Prescription Ameliorates Oxidative Stress Injury in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Signaling Pathway
Yifei ZHANG ; Xuehui BAI ; Zijing CAO ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Jingyi TANG ; Junyu XI ; Shujiao ZHANG ; Shuaixing ZHANG ; Yiran XIE ; Yuqi WU ; Zhongjie LIU ; Weijing LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):41-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yishen Tongluo prescription in protecting mice from oxidative stress injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) signaling pathway. MethodsSpecific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were assigned into a control group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=50). The DKD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The mice in the modeling group were randomized into a model group, a semaglutide (40 μg·kg-1) group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose (18.2, 9.1, 4.55 g·kg-1, respectively) Yishen Tongluo prescription groups, with 10 mice in each group. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Blood glucose and 24-h urine protein levels were measured, and the kidney index (KI) was calculated. Serum levels of creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic acid-silver methenamine, and Masson’s trichrome staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to measure the levels of β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of factors in the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway. ResultsCompared with the control group, the DKD model group showed rises in blood glucose, 24-h urine protein, KI, SCr, BUN, and ALT levels, along with glomerular hypertrophy, renal tubular dilation, thickened basement membrane, mesangial expansion, and collagen deposition. Additionally, the model group showed elevated levels of β2-MG, NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, NOS, and 8-OHdG, lowered levels of GSH and T-AOC, up-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1, and down-regulated expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the semaglutide group and the medium- and high-dose Yishen Tongluo prescription groups showed reductions in blood glucose, 24-h urine protein, KI, SCr, BUN, and ALT levels, along with alleviated pathological injuries in the renal tissue. In addition, the three groups showed lowered levels of β2-MG, NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, NOS, and 8-OHdG, elevated levels of GSH and T-AOC, down-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1, and up-regulated expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and GCLC (P<0.05). ConclusionYishen Tongluo prescription exerts renoprotective effects in the mouse model of DKD by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway, mitigating oxidative stress, and reducing renal tubular injuries.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway for Treatment of Obesity: A Review
Zijing WU ; Jixin LI ; Linjie QIU ; Yan REN ; Chacha ZOU ; Meijie LI ; Wenjie LI ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):310-318
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammation and a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and malignant tumors, demonstrating an increasingly grim development situation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the immune response and inflammatory response. In obese individuals, the expression of NF-κB is overactivated, which leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Therefore, it is expected to alleviate inflammation and treat obesity by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which has been proven effective by a large number of studies. The available studies on the NF-κB signaling pathway mostly focus on tumors, and there is no systematic review of the mechanism of this pathway in mediating obesity and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. We reviewed the research progress in the pathological and physiological processes of obesity mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and TCM treatment, aiming to give insights into the clinical treatment of obesity with TCM and provide reference targets and research directions for exploring the biological foundations and the development of new TCM preparations.
3.Mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to ameliorate pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice
Yifei ZHANG ; Zijing CAO ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Xuehui BAI ; Jingyi TANG ; Junyu XI ; Jiayi WANG ; Yiran XIE ; Yuqi WU ; Xi GUO ; Zhongjie LIU ; Weijing LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):21-33
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula in ameliorating renal pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.
Methods:
Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (10 mice) and intervention groups (50 mice) using random number table method. The diabetes nephropathy model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin(50 mg/kg). After modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model, semaglutide (40 μg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups (15.6, 7.8, and 3.9 g/kg, respectively) using random number table method. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups were administered corresponding doses of medication by gavage, the semaglutide group received a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide injection, and the control group and model groups were administered distilled water by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Random blood glucose levels of mice in each group were monitored, and the 24-h urinary protein content was measured using biochemical method every 4 weeks; after treatment, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured using biochemical method. The weight of the kidneys was measured, and the renal index was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic Schiff-methenamine, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proportion of protein staining area of the TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in renal tissue.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the random blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index of the model group increased, and the urine β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels increased. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissue increased, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas increased (P<0.05). Pathological changes such as glomerular hypertrophy were observed in the renal tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the Yishen Tongluo Formula high-dose group showed a decrease in random blood glucose after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The Yishen Tongluo Formula high- and medium-dose groups showed a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index, as well as decreased β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels. NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1 β, and IL-18 relative protein and mRNA expression levels were also reduced, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas was reduced (P<0.05). Pathological damage to renal tissue was ameliorated.
Conclusion
Yishen Tongluo Formula may exert protective renal effects by inhibiting renal pyroptosis and alleviating tubular interstitial injury in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
4.Effect of Anmeidan on Cognitive Function and Metabolic Profiling in Insomnia Model Rats Based on Untargeted Metabolomics
Feizhou LI ; Bo XU ; Zijing YE ; Lianyu LI ; Andong ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Linlin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):54-64
ObjectiveTo elucidate the potential mechanisms by which the classic prescription Anmeidan alleviates cognitive impairment in insomnia model rats through metabolic profiling. MethodsA total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups, and the Suvorexant group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the insomnia model was established in all other groups via intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine. The Suvorexant group was administered Suvorexant solution (30 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, while the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups received Anmeidan decoction (4.55, 9.09, 18.18 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage. The blank group received an equivalent volume of normal saline. The open field test was used to assess spatial exploration and anxiety/depressive-like behaviors in rats. Serum levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify differential metabolites in rat serum, and systematic biological methods were applied to analyze the potential targets and pathways of Anmeidan. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group exhibited significant reductions in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.01), along with significant decreases in VIP, EGF, and BDNF levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). A total of 100 differential metabolites were identified between the model and blank groups. Compared to the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups showed significant increases in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.05,P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in VIP levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). Anmeidan significantly reversed abnormal changes in 67 metabolites compared to the model group. A combined analysis identified 134 potential targets of Anmeidan, with network topology analysis suggesting that Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), among others, may serve as key targets of Anmeidan. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed major enriched pathways, including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Anmeidan can recalibrate abnormal metabolic profiles in insomnia model rats to mitigate cognitive impairment, with its mechanisms of action potentially involving the regulation of immune-inflammatory responses, energy metabolism, and apoptosis-related pathways.
5.Meta-analysis of the efficacy of dydrogesterone combined with estradiol valerate for the prevention of intrauterine adhesion and prognosis improvement after induced abortion
Yue MA ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Jing TIAN ; Guofeng CAO ; Jianwei TAN ; Zijing WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1802-1806
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy of dydrogesterone combined with estradiol valerate for the prevention of intrauterine adhesion (IUA) and prognosis improvement after induced abortion. METHODS Retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library, randomized controlled trial (RCT) about conventional treatment combined with dydrogesterone and estradiol valerate (trial group) versus conventional treatment (control group) for the prevention of IUA in patients after induced abortion were collected from the inception to Dec. 2024. After screening the literature, extracting data and evaluating the quality of literature, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 12 RCTs were included, involving 1 109 patients. Meta-analysis showed that the postoperative incidence of IUA [RR=0.30, 95%CI (0.22, 0.41), P<0.000 01], postoperative vaginal bleeding time [MD=-1.69, 95%CI (-2.05, -1.32), P<0.000 01], postoperative vaginal bleeding volume [MD=-10.78, 95%CI (-12.19, -9.37), P<0.000 01], postoperative menstrual resumption time [MD=-6.99, 95%CI (-8.27, -5.71), P<0.000 01], and the incidence of postoperative reduced menstrual flow [RR=0.25, 95%CI (0.12, 0.56), P=0.000 7] were significantly lower, less or shorter than control group; postoperative endometrial thickness [MD= 1.90, 95%CI (1.68, 2.13), P<0.000 01] and the rate of postoperative re-pregnancy [RR=6.26, 95%CI (1.88, 20.83), P=0.003] were significantly higher than control group. CONCLUSIONS Dydrogesterone combined with estradiol valerate may reduce the incidence of IUA after induced abortion patients, decrease postoperative vaginal bleeding volume, shorten postoperative vaginal bleeding time and postoperative menstrual resumption time, and increase postoperative endometrial thickness.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Farfarae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Tao WANG ; Xiaoying DING ; Hengyang LI ; Qi AN ; Zijing XUE ; Huikang ZHANG ; Yuguang ZHENG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Dan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):67-76
By consulting ancient and modern literature, the herbal textual research of Farfarae Flos has been conducted to verify the name, origin, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing methods, so as to provide reference for the development and utilization of the famous classical formulas containing Farfarae Flos. According to the research, the results showed that Farfarae Flos was first described as a medicinal material by the name of Kuandonghua in Shennong Bencaojing(《神农本草经》), and the name was used and justified by later generations. The main origin was the folwer buds of Tussilago farfara, in addition, the flower buds of Petasites japonicus were used as medicine in ancient times. The ancient harvesting time of Farfarae Flos was mostly in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, and the modern harvesting time is in December or before the ground freeze when the flower buds have not been excavated. Hebei, Gansu, Shaanxi are the authentic producing areas with the good quality products. Since modern times, its quality is summarized as big, fat, purple-red color, no pedicel is better. Processing method from soaking with licorice water in the Northern and Southern dynasties to stir-frying with honey water followed by micro-fire in the Ming dynasty, and gradually evolved to the modern mainstream processing method of honey processing. Based on the research results, it is suggested that the dried flower buds of T. farfara, a Compositae plant, should be selected for the development of famous classical formulas containing Farfarae Flos, and the corresponding processed products should be selected according to the specific processing requirements of the formulas, and raw products are recommended for medicinal use without indicating processing requirements.
7.Preliminary investigation of adult CT diagnostic reference levels in selected institutions in Qingdao City, China
Xiaoyu LIU ; Xiuyun ZHANG ; Dong ZHANG ; Guohua WANG ; Zijing CHE ; Zhenyou LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2024;33(4):409-414
Objective To provide data base for the development of X-ray computed tomography (CT) diagnostic reference levels suitable for the physical characteristics of residents in Qingdao City, China. Methods A total of
8.Herbal Textual Research on Asteris Radix et Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Hengyang LI ; Wenjie LI ; Xiaoying DING ; Dan ZHANG ; Zijing XUE ; Qi AN ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Yuguang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):20-30
By reviewing the ancient and modern literature, the name, origin, scientific name evolution, place of origin, quality, harvesting, processing, efficacy and toxicity of Asteris Radix et Rhizoma(ARR) were systematically sorted out, so as to provide reference for the development and utilization of the relevant famous classical formulas. According to textual research, ARR was first contained in Shennong Bencaojing, all generations are Ziwan for its proper name, and there are still aliases such as Ziyuan, Ziqian and Xiaobianer. Its mainstream origin in successive generations was Aster tataricus, and there are also Ligularia fischeri and others in local area of use. The medicinal parts of ARR are root and rhizome, but in modern times, the rhizome is mostly used for propagation and cultivation, so some of ARR medicinal materials only have the root without the rhizome. The earliest recorded ancient origin of ARR was now Fangxian(Hubei), Zhengding and Handan(Heibei), then the range of production areas gradually expanded, the mainstream production areas from the Song dynasty to the Ming and Qing dynasties included Hebei, Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan and other places, since modern times, two major producing areas have been formed in Anguo, Hebei province and Bozhou, Anhui province. From the quality evaluation, it is clear that from ancient times, flexible roots and purple color are the best. The ancient harvesting was mainly in lunar February or March, and then dried in the shade, and the modern harvesting is mostly in spring and autumn, and the roots are braided into pigtails and then dried in the sun or dried in the sun after 1-2 d. The ancient and modern processing method of ARR are basically the same, mainly honey processing, there are still methods of frying, steaming, vinegar sizzling, etc. Based on the results, it is recommended that the dried roots and rhizomes of A. tataricus should be used in clinical and the development of related famous classical formulas, and those whose original formulas specify the processing requirements can be processed according to the relevant requirements, while whose processing requirements are not specified should be used in the form of raw products.
9.Curative Effect Observation of Burosumab for Children and Adults with X-Linked Hypophosphatemicrickets
Qingyang LIU ; Zijing HOU ; Zixia YANG ; Xin LIU ; Bo ZHANG ; Yan TANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2024;3(1):108-113
We studied the patients diagnosed with X-linked hypophosphatemicrickets(XLH) and treated with burosumab in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022. In addition, we described the clinical characteristics of the patients, the changes of clinical indexes before and after burosumab treatment, and the adverse drug reactions during treatment. We also evaluated the efficacy and safety of burosumab for XLH. The results showed that three children XLH patients and one adult XLH patients received burosumab treatment. After treatment, the serum phosphorus level of all patients increased; the serum phosphorus of 3 children patients increased above the lower limit of the reference value range; the serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP) of all patients was lower than that of before treatment; the serum ALP of one adult patient was close to the normal range after 2.5 years of treatment. One child patient showed small crystals in kidney through ultrasound 48 weeks after treatment; one child and one adult showed increased serum parathyroid hormone(PTH)level before treatment and serum PTH continued increasing after treatment. Finally, it may be concluded that burosumab increased serum phosphorus levels in XLH patients, kept the level relatively stable, and reduced serum ALP levels. No serious adverse reactions occurred during treatment, in order to provide reference for the use of burosumab in patients with XLH.
10.The Chinese guideline for management of snakebites
Lai RONGDE ; Yan SHIJIAO ; Wang SHIJUN ; Yang SHUQING ; Yan ZHANGREN ; Lan PIN ; Wang YONGGAO ; Li QI ; Wang JINLONG ; Wang WEI ; Ma YUEFENG ; Liang ZIJING ; Zhang JIANFENG ; Zhou NING ; Han XIAOTONG ; Zhang XINCHAO ; Zhang MAO ; Zhao XIAODONG ; Zhang GUOQIANG ; Zhu HUADONG ; Yu XUEZHONG ; Lyu CHUANZHU
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;15(5):333-355
In 2009,the World Health Organization included snakebite on the list of neglected tropical diseases,acknowledging it as a common occupational hazard for farmers,plantation workers,and others,causing tens of thousands of deaths and chronic physical disabilities every year.This guideline aims to provide practical information to help clinical professionals evaluate and treat snakebite victims.These recommendations are based on clinical experience and clinical research evidence.This guideline focuses on the following topics:snake venom,clinical manifestations,auxiliary examination,diagnosis,treatments,and prevention.


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