1.Inheritance and Current Research Status of Major Spleen-Stomach Theories in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ling HU ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG ; Beihua ZHANG ; Yunkai DAI ; Xu CHEN ; Shiqi LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):87-94
This paper systematically reviews the core concepts and lines of theoretical inheritance of major spleen-stomach theories in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including spleen deficiency theory, spleen-stomach damp-heat theory, and liver-spleen disharmony theory. It is found that these theories have all undergone a developmental trajectory characterized by classical foundation, refinement of therapeutic methods, systematization of pathogenesis, and modern innovation. The evolution of spleen-stomach theory has achieved a shift from a singular focus on tonifying the spleen to regulating dynamic middle-jiao (焦) balance, and from localized spleen-stomach regulation to the circular movement of qi involving all five zang organs. In terms of modern disease-syndrome integrative research, spleen deficiency syndrome is shown to be closely associated with impairment of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier, metabolic disorders, and gene polymorphisms related to Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases. Spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome is closely linked to hyperactive energy metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, and abnormal expression of aquaporins. Liver-spleen disharmony syndrome is mainly associated with dysregulation of the brain-gut axis and microbiota-related metabolic disorders. It is proposed that future research on spleen-stomach diseases and syndromes should further elucidate their potential multidimensional differential biological characteristics, thereby promoting the modernization of the TCM discipline of spleen-stomach studies.
2.Research progress on the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation
Kankan SHUI ; Haoran ZHOU ; Ye XU ; Qiulin LUO ; Tengfang LI ; Hedong ZHANG ; Longkai PENG ; Helong DAI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):9-15
Organ transplantation is an effective alternative treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. However, the shortage of donor organs has limited the widespread application of clinical transplantation. In recent years, breakthroughs in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology have overcome the barrier of hyperacute rejection in xenotransplantation, offering a potential solution to the organ shortage crisis. Rejection remains a critical factor affecting graft survival. Antigen-presenting cells play a vital role in the initiation and progression of rejection and immune regulation in xenotransplantation. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation is of great significance. This article summarizes the roles and therapeutic strategies of professional antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells in xenotransplantation, aiming to provide insights for future research on immune regulation mechanisms in this field.
3.Research progress and clinical application prospects of heparin-binding protein in organ transplantation
Chengchang ZHANG ; Ruozhu LI ; Yeqiming WANG ; Chen DAI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):51-60
Heparin-binding protein (HBP) is a pro-inflammatory granule protein released by activated neutrophils, known for its role in modulating vascular permeability and its pathological significance in infectious diseases. In recent years, HBP has garnered attention due to its immune-activating effects in contexts such as sepsis, acute lung injury and organ transplantation. It has been proposed as a potential biomarker for early detection of infection and inflammation. While preliminary progress has been made in animal studies, clinical evidence remains limited. Therefore, this article focuses on the mechanism of action of HBP in transplantation-related complications, explores its potential pathways for predicting infection risk, mediating ischemia-reperfusion injury and rejection, and evaluates the feasibility of intervention strategies such as neutralizing antibodies, heparin derivatives and albumin. The pivotal role of HBP in regulating inflammatory responses post-transplant may offer a novel target for postoperative infection monitoring and personalized therapeutic interventions.
4.Effect of Zishen Tongguan Formula on "Gut-prostate" Axis of Rats with Chronic Non-bacterial Prostatitis Based on 16S rDNA Sequencing
Xiran LI ; Mengjiao CHEN ; Kaiping ZOU ; Chenguang ZHAO ; Xingbin DAI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Shun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):63-71
ObjectiveBased on the theory of "gut-prostate" axis, this study explored the effects and mechanisms of Zishen Tongguan formula and Cinnamomi Cortex in the formula in treating rats with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis(CNP) by detecting the levels of inflammatory factors, and the composition and structure of intestinal flora in CNP rats. MethodsEight out of 42 SD rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining rats were injected with carrageenan to prepare the CNP model. After successful modeling, 32 rats were randomly divided into the model group, Ningmitai capsule group(0.50 g·kg-1), Zishen Tongguan formula group(2.00 g·kg-1), and the Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-Anemarrhenae Rhizoma pair group(PCC-AR group, 2.00 g·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. The administered groups were given the corresponding medicinal solution by gavage, and the normal and model groups were intragastrically administered with an equal volume of normal saline, once a day for 14 consecutive days. The prostate tissues of rats were collected and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining to observe the pathological changes of the tissues in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of related inflammatory factors in rat serum, and 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the abundance and diversity changes of gut microbiota before and after administration, and species difference analysis was performed. ResultsAll the administered groups could alleviate the inflammatory symptoms of CNP rats, increase the expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors and decrease the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors, with the most sIgnificant effect observed in the Zishen Tongguan formula group. Compared with the normal group, the expression levels of interleukin(IL)-8, hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP), immunoglobulin(Ig)M, secretory IgA (sIgA), and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) were sIgnificantly increased in the model group(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of the above inflammatory factors in all administered groups were significantly reduced(P<0.01). When compared with the PCC-AR group, the Zishen Tongguan formula group showed a significant decrease in transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 expression level(P<0.05) and a significant increase in IgM expression level(P<0.01). The results of gut microbiota analysis showed that, compared with the PCC-AR group, at the order level, the Zishen Tongguan formula group significantly reduced the relative abundance of conditional pathogens such as Bacteroidales, Acidaminococcales, Rhodospirillales, Clostridiales, and Elusimicrobiales(P<0.01). And at the genus level, the Zishen Tongguan formula group significantly decreased the relative abundance of pathogenic microbiota such as Lachnospira and Bacteroides(P<0.01) and significantly increased the relative abundances of beneficial microbiota such as Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus(P<0.01). ConclusionZishen Tongguan formula can reduce the level of harmful intestinal bacteria, increase the level of beneficial intestinal bacteria, down-regulate the expression of serum inflammatory factors, and the small amount of Cinnamomi Cortex in the formula may play a key role in the treatment of CNP with this formula.
5.Effect of Zishen Tongguan Formula on "Gut-prostate" Axis of Rats with Chronic Non-bacterial Prostatitis Based on 16S rDNA Sequencing
Xiran LI ; Mengjiao CHEN ; Kaiping ZOU ; Chenguang ZHAO ; Xingbin DAI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Shun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):63-71
ObjectiveBased on the theory of "gut-prostate" axis, this study explored the effects and mechanisms of Zishen Tongguan formula and Cinnamomi Cortex in the formula in treating rats with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis(CNP) by detecting the levels of inflammatory factors, and the composition and structure of intestinal flora in CNP rats. MethodsEight out of 42 SD rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining rats were injected with carrageenan to prepare the CNP model. After successful modeling, 32 rats were randomly divided into the model group, Ningmitai capsule group(0.50 g·kg-1), Zishen Tongguan formula group(2.00 g·kg-1), and the Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-Anemarrhenae Rhizoma pair group(PCC-AR group, 2.00 g·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. The administered groups were given the corresponding medicinal solution by gavage, and the normal and model groups were intragastrically administered with an equal volume of normal saline, once a day for 14 consecutive days. The prostate tissues of rats were collected and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining to observe the pathological changes of the tissues in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of related inflammatory factors in rat serum, and 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the abundance and diversity changes of gut microbiota before and after administration, and species difference analysis was performed. ResultsAll the administered groups could alleviate the inflammatory symptoms of CNP rats, increase the expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors and decrease the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors, with the most sIgnificant effect observed in the Zishen Tongguan formula group. Compared with the normal group, the expression levels of interleukin(IL)-8, hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP), immunoglobulin(Ig)M, secretory IgA (sIgA), and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) were sIgnificantly increased in the model group(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of the above inflammatory factors in all administered groups were significantly reduced(P<0.01). When compared with the PCC-AR group, the Zishen Tongguan formula group showed a significant decrease in transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 expression level(P<0.05) and a significant increase in IgM expression level(P<0.01). The results of gut microbiota analysis showed that, compared with the PCC-AR group, at the order level, the Zishen Tongguan formula group significantly reduced the relative abundance of conditional pathogens such as Bacteroidales, Acidaminococcales, Rhodospirillales, Clostridiales, and Elusimicrobiales(P<0.01). And at the genus level, the Zishen Tongguan formula group significantly decreased the relative abundance of pathogenic microbiota such as Lachnospira and Bacteroides(P<0.01) and significantly increased the relative abundances of beneficial microbiota such as Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus(P<0.01). ConclusionZishen Tongguan formula can reduce the level of harmful intestinal bacteria, increase the level of beneficial intestinal bacteria, down-regulate the expression of serum inflammatory factors, and the small amount of Cinnamomi Cortex in the formula may play a key role in the treatment of CNP with this formula.
6.Antigen distribution frequency of Han and Tujia polyhemia systems in Chongqing
Pengwei YIN ; Bujin LIU ; Danli CUI ; Huayou DAI ; Haiman ZOU ; Siqi WU ; Xia HUANG ; Yongzhu XU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):214-221
[Objective] To analyse the distribution of antigen phenotypes in the Rh, MNS and Kidd blood group systems of Han and Tujia blood donors in Chongqing, and to provide data support for the establishment of an expanded blood group antigen phenotype database and the development of expanded blood group coordinated transfusion in blood donors. [Methods] The antigens of Rh, MNS and Kidd blood group systems in Han and Tujia blood donors in Chongqing were detected by test-tube method, and the Hardy-Weinborg anastomosis of the three blood group systems was calculated. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact probability method were used to compare the differences in phenotypic distribution frequencies among different regions and ethnic groups. [Results] Han and Tujia blood donors accounted for the highest proportion of CCee in the antigenic phenotype of the Rh blood group system, followed by CcEe, and then Ccee and ccEE. Tujia blood donors accounted for 52.02% of CCee, which was higher than that of Han blood donors (47.24%), while Han blood donors accounted for 32.20% of CcEe, which was higher than that of Tujia blood donors (28.94%). In the antigenic phenotype of the MNS blood group system, the blood donors of Han nationality and Tujia were MN>MM>NN,. The antigen phenotype distribution frequency of the Kidd blood group system was highest for Jk(a+b+) among both Han and Tujia blood donors, and the blood donors of Han nationality were Jk(a+b+)>Jk(a+b+), while those of Tujia were Jk(a-b+)>Jk(a+b-). The antigens of the three blood groups of Han and Tujia blood donors were consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg balance(P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of antigen phenotypes of the three blood group systems between Han and Tujia blood donors(P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the phenotypic distribution frequency of Rh antigens between Chongqing and Xi'an, Zhejiang, Shantou, Foshan, Nanning and Yangzhou(P<0.05), but not with Guang'an and Shenzhen(P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the phenotypic distribution frequency of Rh antigens between Han, Tujia, Zang, Mongolian, Korean and Hani ethnic groups in Chongqing(P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the phenotypic distribution frequency of MNS antigens between Han blood donors in Chongqing and Urumqi, Hainan and Yuncheng, but not with Xi'an and Wenzhou. There was a statistically significant difference in the phenotypic distribution frequency of MNS antigen between Tujia blood donors in Chongqing and Urumqi and Hainan(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the phenotypic distribution frequency of MNS antigen between Tujia blood donors in Chongqing, Urumqi and Hainan(P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the phenotypic distribution frequency of Kidd antigens between blood donors in Chongqing and Harbin(P<0.05), but not in Huizhou, Wenzhou and Yichang(P>0.05). [Conclusion] The population in Chongqing has multi-ethnic characteristics, and the antigenic phenotypes of Rh, MNS and Kidd blood group systems exhibit diversity and regional differences. Establishing an expanded blood bank can provide more options for precision blood transfusion.
7.Assessment and discussion of quality monitoring data for red blood cell preparations
Yun QING ; Huayou DAI ; Junhong YANG ; Qian XU ; Siqi WU ; Yunbo TIAN ; Xia HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):227-232
[Objective] To assess the data characteristics of quality monitoring indicators for red blood cell (RBC) preparations, so as to provide reference for continuous improvement of blood quality. [Methods] The quality inspection data of 6 types of RBC preparations from Chongqing blood center from 2019 to 2023 were summarized. For the same indicators, the numerical range of quality indicators was monitored by comparing different types of preparations with the national standard GB18469. The loss and/or damage to RBCs caused by different preparation process were compared, and the impact of different preparation processes on the quality of RBCs was discussed. [Results] The appearance and sterility test compliance rates of the six types of RBC preparations were both 100%, while the compliance rates of other items were all ≥75%. The compliance rate of hematocrit for suspended RBCs was the lowest at 75%, with a median of 0.52, which was close to the lower limit of GB18469, while the medians of hematocrit for the other types were all at the midline level of GB18469. The Hb content for different types of RBCs was significantly higher than the corresponding requirements of GB18469 (P<0.05). The hemolysis rate at the end of storage for different types of RBCs was significantly lower than the requirements of GB18469 (P<0.05). The 1 U leukoreduction process resulted in a hemoglobin content loss of about 5% and had a significant impact on the hemolysis rate at the end of storage (P<0.05). The washing process resulted in a hemoglobin content loss of <3% and had no significant impact on the hemolysis rate at the end of storage (P>0.05). The concentration process resulted in a hemoglobin content loss of <3% and had a significant impact on the hemolysis rate at the end of storage (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The impact of different processes on RBC preparations is within a controllable range and meets the requirements of GB18469. The quality monitoring data can provide a reference for clinical blood selection, effectiveness evaluation and revision of related standards.
8.The introduction on the revised standards of pharmaceutical excipients in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
CHEN Lei ; LUI Yanming ; YUAN Yaozuo ; CHEN Ying ; DAI Hong ; ZHANG Jun ; MA Shuangcheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):051-057
According to the work goals and tasks determined by edition outline of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 has been completed. Among them, 52 new pharmaceutical excipients monographs have been added, and the total number has reached 387. 245 pharmaceutical excipients monographs have been revised, of which 109 monographs have only textual revisions and 136 monographs have substantive revisions. This article focuses on the general framework and the main characteristics of the standards of pharmaceutical excipients in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025, which can contribute to accurately understand and utilize the standards in Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
9.Quality Evaluation of Lycii Cortex and Roasted Lycii Cortex Based on Fingerprint and Content Determination
Yihuan WU ; Wenli ZENG ; Xuemei QIN ; Zongxin SHI ; Chengcheng HUANG ; Yuntao DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):165-172
ObjectiveTo establish fingerprint profiles and a quantitative determination method for Lycii Cortex, providing a scientific basis for the formulation of quality standards for Lycii Cortex and its roasted products. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was developed for the quantitative method for determining kukoamine B in Lycii Cortex and its roasted products on an Alphasil XD-C18 CH column(4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm). HPLC fingerprint profiles were established for 10 batches of Lycii Cortex and its roasted products, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to identify the common peaks based on reference standards, literature and MS information. Quality evaluation indicators included yield of decoction pieces, appearance properties, content of kukoamine B, and fingerprint profiles. The temperature and time of the roasting process were investigated to select the optimal preparation process, which was then verified. Additionally, chemical pattern recognition was combined to assess the differences in the chemical composition of Lycii Cortex before and after roasting, as well as among samples from different origins. ResultsQuantitative analysis indicated that the contents of kukoamine B in Lycii Cortex and its roasted products were 0.35%-5.51% and 0.24%-4.15%, respectively. The transfer rate of kukoamine B was 58.6%-78.9% after roasting. The fingerprint profile analysis demonstrated that the method established in this study effectively separated kukoamine B from other components in the samples and distinctly differentiated it from its impurity peak, cis-N-caffeoylputrescine. The HPLC fingerprint profiles of Lycii Cortex and its roasted products showed high similarity(all above 0.95), with 7 common peaks identified and five common components, including kukoamine B, cis-N-caffeoylputrescine, N-coumaroyl tyramine, feruloyltyramine, and glucosyringic acid, confirmed. Process optimization confirmed that baking at 110 ℃ for 20 min was a stable and feasible method for roasting Lycii Cortex. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed that there was little difference in the chemical composition between raw and roasted Lycii Cortex, but the quality of Lycii Cortex from different origins differed greatly. ConclusionThis study successfully established the fingerprint profiles and a quantitative method for the effective component kukoamine B in Lycii Cortex and roasted Lycii Cortex. The qualitative and quantitative analyses clarified that the impact of the roasting process on the chemical composition of Lycii Cortex was less significant than the variations due to its geographical origin. The findings of this study offer a reference for the development of quality evaluation methods and the establishment of quality standards for Lycii Cortex and its processed products.
10.Cyclocarya paliurus Polysaccharide Inhibits Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Reducing 5α-Reductase 2
Qinhui DAI ; Mengxia YAN ; Chen WANG ; Chenjun SHEN ; Chenying JIANG ; Bo YANG ; Huajun ZHAO ; Zhihui ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):107-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of polysaccharide in water extract of Cyclocarya paliurus (CPWP) in inhibiting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MethodsCPWP was obtained by heating reflux, aqueous extraction, alcohol precipitation, and freeze drying. The chemical composition and structural properties of CPWP were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with 1-pheny-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone pre-column derivatization and infrared spectroscopy. Male SD rats were randomly assigned into control, model, finasteride (ig 5 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (ig 50, 75, 100 mg·kg-1) CPWP groups, with 8 rats in each group. The BPH model was established by subcutaneously injecting propionate testosterone in castrated rats. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs, and those in the control group were administrated with an equal volume of normal saline each day. After 30 consecutive days, the rats were sacrificed, and the prostate tissue was separated and weighed. The effects of drug interventions on the body weight, prostate wet weight, and prostate index of rats were examined. The prostate tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) for observation of pathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of steroid 5 alpha-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) and Ki67 in the prostate tissue. ResultsCPWP was identified as a saccharide, with characteristic absorption peaks of saccharides. CPWP showed the total sugar content of 44.15% and molecular weight within the range of 5.5-78.8 kDa, being composed of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, and arabinose. Compared with the control group, the model group had significantly increased prostate wet weight and prostate index (P<0.01), thick and tall prostate epithelial cells, increased internal wrinkles, papillary expansion into the cavity, an elevation in DHT level in the serum, and up-regulated expression of SRD5A2 and Ki67 in the prostate tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both the finasteride and CPWP groups showed decreases in prostate wet weight and prostate index (P<0.05, P<0.01), thinned prostate epithelial cells, with only a small portion of internal wrinkles and papillary expansion into the cavity, shortened papillary protrusions, lowered DHT level in the serum, and down-regulated expression of SRD5A2 and Ki67 in the prostate tissue (P<0.01). Moreover, CPWP exerted effects in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionCPWP inhibits BPH by regulating the expression of SRD5A2.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail