1.Protective Effect of Xuebijing on Lung Injury in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Blocking FPRs/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway
Guixian ZHANG ; Dawei LIU ; Xia LI ; Xijing LI ; Pengcheng SHI ; Zhiqiao FENG ; Jun CAI ; Wenhui ZONG ; Xiumei ZHAO ; Hongbin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):113-120
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on severe acute pancreatitis induced acute lung injury (SAP-ALI) by regulating formyl peptide receptors (FPRs)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a SAP-ALI model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose XBJ groups (4, 8, and 12 mL·kg-1), and a positive drug (BOC2, 0.2 mg·kg-1) group. For the sham group, the pancreas of rats was only gently flipped after laparotomy, and then the abdomen was closed, while for the remaining five groups, SAP-ALI rat models were established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (Na-Tc) via the biliopancreatic duct. XBJ and BOC2 were administered via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 d prior to modeling and 0.5 h after modeling. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 6 h after the completion of modeling, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of ascites was measured, and the dry-wet weight ratios of pancreatic and lung tissue were determined. Pancreatic and lung tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe pathological changes and then scored. The protein expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue were detected by the immunohistochemical method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the SAP-ALI model group showed significantly decreased dry-wet weight ratio of lung tissue (P<0.01), serious pathological changes of lung tissue, a significantly increased pathological score (P<0.01), and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue (P<0.01). After BOC2 intervention, the above detection indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.01). After treatment with XBJ, the groups of different XBJ doses achieved results consistent with BOC2 intervention. ConclusionXBJ can effectively improve the inflammatory response of the lungs in SAP-ALI rats and reduce damage. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of FPRs and NLRP3 in lung tissue, which thereby reduces IL-1β and simultaneously antagonize the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.
2.Effect of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma Before and After Steaming with Wine on Intestinal Flora and Immune Environment in Constipation Model Mice
Yaya BAI ; Rui TIAN ; Yajun SHI ; Chongbo ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Li ZHANG ; Yonggang YAN ; Yuping TANG ; Qiao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):192-199
ObjectiveTo study on the different therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RH) before and after steaming with wine on constipation model mice. MethodsFifty-four male ICR mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, lactulose group(1.5 mg·kg-1), high, medium and low dose groups of RH and RH steaming with wine(PRH)(8, 4, 1 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the constipation model was replicated by gavage of loperamide hydrochloride(6 mg·kg-1) in the other groups. After 2 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding dose of drug solution, and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline, 1 time/d for 2 consecutive weeks. After administration, the feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing, the levels of gastrin(GAS), motilin(MTL), interleukin-6(IL-6), γ-interferon(IFN-γ) in the colonic tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), the histopathological changes of colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion changes of CD4+, CD8+ and regulatory T cell(Treg) in peripheral blood. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly decrease in fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate(P<0.01), the colon was seen to have necrotic shedding of mucosal epithelium, localized intestinal glands in the lamina propria were degenerated, necrotic and atrophied, a few lymphocytes were seen to infiltrate in the necrotic area in a scattered manner, the contents of GAS and MTL, the proportions of CD4+, CD8+ and Treg were significantly reduced(P<0.01), the contents of IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate of high-dose groups of RH and PRH were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the pathological damage of the colon was alleviated to varying degrees, the contents of GAS, MTL, IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly regressed(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly increased(P<0.01), although the proportion of Treg showed an upward trend, there was no significant difference. In addition, the results of intestinal flora showed that the number of amplicon sequence variant(ASV) and Alpha diversity were decreased in the model group compared with the control group, and there was a significant difference in Beta diversity, with a decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and an increase in the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter. Compared with the model group, the ASV number and Alpha diversity were increased in the high-dose groups of RH and PRH, and there was a trend of regression of Beta diversity to the control group, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased, and the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter decreased. ConclusionRH and PRH can improve dysbacteriosis, promote immune system activation, inhibit the release of inflammatory factors for enhancing the gastrointestinal function, which may be one of the potential mechanisms of their therapeutic effect on constipation.
3.Discussion of sequential diagnosis and treatment model of diabetes mellitus of spatiotemporal syndrome differentiation from the perspective of qi, blood, and fluid
Jinhao HU ; Guiyan SUN ; Yufeng YANG ; Yan SHI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):8-13
The dysfunction of qi, blood, and fluid underlies the pathology of diabetes mellitus. The symptoms, signs, and physical and chemical indexes of diabetes mellitus patients reflect the duration, degree, primary and secondary pathological state of the abnormal metabolism of qi, blood, and fluid. It is necessary to construct a three-dimensional syndrome differentiation system of diabetes mellitus based on spatial and temporal dimensions. According to the four stages of depression, heat, deficiency, and damage, the location of the disease can be locked into qi, ying, and blood levels. The process reflects the pathological trend of the abnormal metabolism of qi, blood, and fluid: qi depression (prodromal stage: asymptomatic metabolic disorder/early stage of qi level) → qi heat (initial stage: index stage/late stage of qi level) → deficiency of both qi and yin (middle stage: symptom stage of three more and one less/stage of ying level) → damage of zang-fu viscera and meridians (late stage: complication stage/stage of blood level). According to the time process, the treatment principles are proposed as follows: during the early stage of qi level, treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen to regulate qi flow, to prevent the accumulation of glucose; during the late stage of qi level, treatment should focus on clearing heat and resolving turbidity, to remove the stagnated heat caused by glucose; during the stage of ying level, treatment should focus on benefiting qi and nourishing yin, to improve the symptoms about deficiency of both qi and yin; during the stage of blood level, treatment should focus on promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, to remove the complication. According to the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, the sequential treatment strategy is thus proposed, which is strengthening the spleen to regulate qi flow, clearing heat and resolving turbidity, benefiting qi and nourishing yin, and promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. The compound prescriptions such as Houpo Sanwu Decoction, Baihu Jia Renshen Decoction, Danggui Liuhuang Decoction, and Taohong Siwu Decoction are used with modification in the stage-based treatment.
4.Role of Macrophage Activation and Polarization in Diabetes Mellitus and Its Related Complications and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention
Zhichao CHEN ; Qiaoni LIN ; Liya SUN ; Jinxi WANG ; Zishan FU ; Yufeng YANG ; Yan SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):311-320
The occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is closely related to insulin resistance and islet β cell dysfunction. Modern studies have found that macrophages are widely present in the liver,fat,skeletal muscle,islets, and other tissues and organs. Macrophage M1/M2 polarization plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus and its related complications by intervening in inflammatory response,improving insulin resistance,and promoting tissue repair. Most of the traditional Chinese medicines that regulate the activation and polarization of macrophages are Qi-replenishing and Yin-nourishing,heat-clearing, and detoxicating medicinal,which are consistent with the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes and its related complications. Therefore,by summarizing the mechanisms between macrophage activation,polarization, and insulin resistance in various tissues,this paper reviewed traditional Chinese medicine and its effective components and compounds in improving diabetes mellitus and its related complications through multi-channel regulation of macrophage polarization and regulation of M1/M2 ratio,providing references for the future treatment of DM and its related complications with traditional Chinese medicine.
5.Network pharmacology-based mechanism of combined leech and bear bile on hepatobiliary diseases
Chen GAO ; Yu-shi GUO ; Xin-yi GUO ; Ling-zhi ZHANG ; Guo-hua YANG ; Yu-sheng YANG ; Tao MA ; Hua SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):105-116
In order to explore the possible role and molecular mechanism of the combined action of leech and bear bile in liver and gallbladder diseases, this study first used network pharmacology methods to screen the components and targets of leech and bear bile, as well as the related target genes of liver and gallbladder diseases. The selected key genes were subjected to interaction network and GO/KEGG enrichment analysis. Then, using sodium oleate induced HepG2 cell lipid deposition model and
6.Research progress on advance care planning for elderly patients with chronic diseases
Yongpeng SUN ; Song LI ; Kangli SHI ; Guiying FENG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(3):281-288
With the continuous intensification of aging, chronic diseases among the elderly have become a widely concerned public health issue. In the terminal stage, they often lose the ability to express their medical care wishes autonomously, leading to a disconnect between medical decision-making and the actual needs of the patients and increasing their physical and psychological suffering. With the rapid aging process in China, the incidence of chronic diseases in the elderly is continuously rising, which has become a serious public health problem. Studies have shown that advance care planning (ACP) has achieved remarkable results in maintaining the dignity of life for terminal chronic disease patients, improving patients’ quality of life, as well as alleviating the physical, mental, and economic burdens on their families. Therefore, the implementation of ACP is crucial for elderly patients with chronic diseases. This paper reviewed the concept of ACP, as well as application effects, challenges and limitations, and corresponding recommendations and countermeasures of ACP in elderly patients with chronic diseases, with a view to providing a solid theoretical and practical basis for the application of ACP in elderly population with chronic diseases in China.
7.Effect of Exercise on Blood Glucose Metabolism of Type 2 Diabetes Patients in East Asian Population: A Meta-Analysis
Yuxin SUN ; Bingtai HAN ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Xueqing ZHENG ; Shi CHEN ; Hongbo YANG ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):492-505
To explore the effects of different exercise prescriptions on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to compare the differences in the impact of population characteristics and exercise components on glycemic metabolism. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EmBase, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform to identify relevant studies published from database inception to June 15, 2024, on the effects of exercise on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with T2DM. The study type was limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where the intervention group received exercise interventions and the control group did not. Two researchers independently screened the literature based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted relevant data. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test in Stata 17.0 and funnel plots in RevMan 5.3. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. A total of 21 RCTs involving 1289 participants (675 in the intervention group and 614 in the control group) were included. Publication bias assessment indicated overall good quality of the included studies. The random-effects model showed that exercise interventions significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (MD=-1.31 mg/L, 95% CI: -1.55 to -1.07, Exercise interventions can improve glycemic control and reduce insulin resistance in East Asian patients with T2DM. Aerobic exercise and combined exercise are more effective exercise prescriptions for glycemic management in this population.
8.Mechanism of Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 in rat pressure injury
Jiaqi SUN ; Lu BIAN ; Wentao SHI ; Xuechao WU ; Xiaojie LU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1578-1584
BACKGROUND:The mechanisms underlying the occurrence of pressure injuries are complex,and it is not entirely clear which factors play a central role in the development of pressure injuries and how these factors operate. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1(Piezo1)and the occurrence of pressure injuries. METHODS:(1)Cellular experiment:Human immortalized keratinocytes(HaCaT)were treated with Yoda1,a Piezo1 agonist,at different concentrations.Cell viability,calcium ion influx,Piezo1,and apoptosis-related protein expression were detected.(2)Animal experiment:Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group and three experimental groups,with three rats in each group.The control group was not subjected to pressure,while in the three experimental groups,magnets with a thickness of 1,2,and 3 mm were used to press on both sides of the rats'back for 1 hour,respectively,to establish the animal models of pressure injuries.After modeling,all traumatic tissues were excised and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin,Masson,immunofluorescence staining and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Cellular experiments:The results of live/dead cell staining showed that HaCaT cell apoptosis increased with the increase of Yoda1 concentration(0,2.5,5,and 10 μmol/L),and calcium ion influx increased with the increase of Yoda1 concentration(0,5,and 10 μmol/L),as well as with the prolongation of treatment time.Western blot assay results showed an increase in the expression of BAX,TG2,and PIEZO1 and a decrease in the expression of the expression of Bcl-2 protein in HaCaT cells in 5 and 10 μmol/L Yoda1 groups compared with the control group(0 μmol/L Yoda1).Animal experiments:The results of hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining showed that the skin structure of the three experimental groups was damaged at the compression site,there was subcutaneous fat liquefaction and necrosis,and collagen was sparse and disorganized,and damage to the skin structure at the compression site was aggravated with the increase of magnet thickness.Immunofluorescence staining and western blot results showed that compared with the control group,the expression of BAX,TG2,Yap1 and PIEZO1 proteins was elevated,and the expression of Bcl-2 proteins was lowered in the three experimental groups.Moreover,the expression of related proteins showed more significant changes with the increase of magnet thickness(pressure).To conclude,skin compression activates PIEZO1,leading to a significant influx of calcium ions.As the pressure increases,this ultimately results in cell apoptosis due to calcium overload.
9.Clinical Efficacy of Tangning Tongluo Tablets for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Fuwen ZHANG ; Junguo DUAN ; Wen XIA ; Tiantian SUN ; Yuheng SHI ; Shicui MEI ; Xiangxia LUO ; Xing LI ; Yujie PAN ; Yong DENG ; Chuanlian RAN ; Hao CHEN ; Li PEI ; Shuyu YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangning Tongluo tablets in the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsFourteen research centers participated in this study, which spanned a time interval from September 2021 to May 2023. A total of 240 patients with nonproliferative DR were included and randomly assigned into an observation group (120 cases) and a control group (120 cases). The observation group was treated with Tangning Tongluo tablets, and the control group with calcium dobesilate capsules. Both groups were treated for 24 consecutive weeks. The vision, DR progression rate, retinal microhemangioma, hemorrhage area, exudation area, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment, and the safety was observed. ResultsThe vision changed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group showed higher best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) than the control group (P<0.05). The DR progression was slow with similar rates in the two groups. The fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area did not change significantly after treatment in both groups, while the observation group outperformed the control group in reducing the fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area. There was no significant difference in the number of microhemangiomas between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the number of microhemangiomas decreased in both the observation group (Z=-1.437, P<0.05) and the control group (Z=-2.238, P<0.05), and it showed no significant difference between the two groups. As the treatment time prolonged, the number of microhemangiomas gradually decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the decline in the HbA1c level showed no significant difference between the two groups. The TCM syndrome score did not have a statistically significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, neither the TCM syndrome score nor the response rate had significant difference between the two groups. With the extension of the treatment time, both groups showed amelioration of TCM syndrome compared with the baseline. ConclusionTangning Tongluo tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of nonproliferative DR, being capable of improving vision and reducing hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus.
10.Clinical Advantages and Key Research Points of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Cong SUN ; Yujiang DONG ; Hongmei GAO ; Qing WEI ; Menghe ZHANG ; Xiaojing SHI ; Liya FENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):133-138
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy has unique clinical advantages in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, mainly reflected in five aspects, improving quality of life, enabling early diagnosis and treatment, promoting cardiac rehabilitation, making up for the limitations of Western medicine, and improving the success rate of catheter ablation. However, there is insufficient evidence in current clinical research. Based on the current status of TCM research in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, it is suggested that future studies should focus on standardized research on syndrome differentiation and classification. This can be achieved through clinical epidemiological surveys, expert consensus, and other methods to establish a unified syndrome differentiation and classification standard for atrial fibrillation. Clinical efficacy evaluation indicators should be standardized, and core outcome measures for clinical research on TCM treatment of atrial fibrillation should be developed through systematic reviews, patient interviews, and other methods. Additionally, clinical research design, implementation, and data management should be improved. By leveraging modern information technologies such as artificial intelligence, the scientific and standardized nature of TCM intervention research on atrial fibrillation can be enhanced, ultimately improving the quality of research.


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