1.Active Components of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Its Compound in Treatment of Nervous System Diseases: A Review
Weining SONG ; Shuxiang ZHANG ; Fang LU ; Zhize WANG ; Ruyang CHENG ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):303-313
Nervous system diseases, also known as neuropathies, encompass a wide range of conditions, primarily including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders, as well as depression, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, vascular dementia, and other neurological diseases. These diseases pose serious threats to the health and lives of patients, bringing heavy burdens to society and families. The pathogenesis of nervous system diseases is highly complex, involving mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, brain-derived neurotrophic factor deficiency, reduced cholinergic activity, axonal injury, and demyelination. In recent years, the incidence and mortality of nervous system diseases have been rising annually. Currently, western medicine primarily focuses on symptomatic treatment, often accompanied by many adverse reactions, including lethargy, excessive sedation, dizziness, headaches, tachycardia, liver function damage, metabolic disorders, and incomplete recovery after surgery. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma has effects such as promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, cooling the blood, clearing the heart, nourishing the blood, and calming the nerves. It can play a role in the treatment and protection against nervous system diseases through multiple targets, pathways, and mechanisms. Studies have found that the water-soluble phenolic acids and fat-soluble diterpenoid quinones in Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the main active ingredients for the treatment of nervous system diseases. This paper summarized the effects of the active components and compounds of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on nervous system diseases over the past ten years, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and research ideas for the development and application of active components and compounds of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in nervous system diseases.
2.The characteristics and mechanism of dynamic changes of different components in microenvironment in regulating the progression of liver fibrosis
Huilan ZHAO ; Zongxu LIU ; Shumin LI ; Zhifeng WANG ; Minghui LIU ; Qian SHENG ; Kunbin KE ; Xinan SHI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):755-760
The liver has diverse functions such as metabolism, detoxification, and immune defense, and the maintenance of hepatic microenvironment homeostasis is crucial for overall bodily health. The hepatic microenvironment consists of the components such as parenchymal cells, non-parenchymal cells, and non-cellular components. Chronic inflammatory responses induced by various etiological factors may promote the formation and progression of liver fibrosis. During the dynamic progression of liver fibrosis, from the early to advanced stages, various components within the hepatic microenvironment undergo a series of changes, which can promote the malignant progression of liver fibrosis. An in-depth exploration of the mechanisms underlying such changes in each component of the liver fibrosis microenvironment is of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and discovering potential treatment strategies.
3.The mechanism of effective traditional Chinese medicine components and prescriptions in treatment of chronic pancreatitis by intervening against pancreatic stellate cells
Ruyang CHENG ; Weining SONG ; Xin JIANG ; Yehao WANG ; Lin LIU ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):793-800
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent inflammation and progressive damage to pancreatic tissue, and its deterioration may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with CP, which seriously threatens the health of patients with CP. In recent years, studies on the pathogenesis of CP have mostly focused on the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and its role in pancreatic fibrosis. This article elaborates on the mechanism of action of PSCs in CP, summarizes the current status of research on effective traditional Chinese medicine components and prescriptions for intervention of PSCs in the treatment of chronic CP, and proposes the future research directions for effective traditional Chinese medicine components and prescriptions, so as to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of CP patients in the future.
4.Total Saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma Alleviates Gouty Arthritis by Down-regulating COX-2-mediated M1 Macrophage Reprogramming
Lin HUANG ; Shumin LIU ; Huijuan SUN ; Geyu DENG ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):200-207
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of total saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma (TSDN) in treating gouty arthritis (GA) by regulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming by in vivo and in vitro experiments. MethodsIn vivo experiment: 24 male SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model (GA), TSDN, and celecoxib groups, with 6 rats in each group. After 7 days of administration, pathological changes in the ankle synovial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to quantify the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, COX-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the synovial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the serum levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1). In vitro experiment: The GA model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + MSU induction, and the inhibitor concentration was screened by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. RAW264.7 cells were allocated into blank, model, TSDN, dexamethasone, COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib), and TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor groups. The levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and Arg-1 in the cell supernatant of each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in each group were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsIn vivo experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN reduced the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the synovial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA results showed that TSDN lowered the serum levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, and CD80 (P<0.01) while increasing the serum levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN and inhibitor down-regulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α and the protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, cleaved IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor further reduced the mRNA and protein levels of the markers above (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TSDN and COX-2 inhibitor decreased the levels of IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 (P<0.01) and increased the levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01) in cells. Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor reduced IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated CD206 and Arg-1 levels (P<0.01) in cells. ConclusionTSDN can alleviate GA by downregulating COX-2-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming and suppressing the inflammatory factors.
5.Total Saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma Alleviates Gouty Arthritis by Down-regulating COX-2-mediated M1 Macrophage Reprogramming
Lin HUANG ; Shumin LIU ; Huijuan SUN ; Geyu DENG ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):200-207
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of total saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma (TSDN) in treating gouty arthritis (GA) by regulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming by in vivo and in vitro experiments. MethodsIn vivo experiment: 24 male SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model (GA), TSDN, and celecoxib groups, with 6 rats in each group. After 7 days of administration, pathological changes in the ankle synovial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to quantify the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, COX-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the synovial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the serum levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1). In vitro experiment: The GA model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + MSU induction, and the inhibitor concentration was screened by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. RAW264.7 cells were allocated into blank, model, TSDN, dexamethasone, COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib), and TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor groups. The levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and Arg-1 in the cell supernatant of each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in each group were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsIn vivo experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN reduced the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the synovial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA results showed that TSDN lowered the serum levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, and CD80 (P<0.01) while increasing the serum levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN and inhibitor down-regulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α and the protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, cleaved IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor further reduced the mRNA and protein levels of the markers above (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TSDN and COX-2 inhibitor decreased the levels of IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 (P<0.01) and increased the levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01) in cells. Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor reduced IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated CD206 and Arg-1 levels (P<0.01) in cells. ConclusionTSDN can alleviate GA by downregulating COX-2-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming and suppressing the inflammatory factors.
6.Tension hydrocele: report of 2 cases and literature review
Xun ZHAO ; Shumin WANG ; Min QIU ; Chuxiao XU ; Guoliang WANG ; Shudong ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):69-72
[Objective] To explore the diagnosis and treatment experience of tension hydrocele. [Methods] The clinical data of 2 patients with tension hydrocele treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Relevant literature was retrieved to analyze the clinical characteristics of this disease. [Results] Case 1 was diagnosed due to swelling and pain of the left scrotum after trauma for more than one month, which worsened for one day.Physical examination showed high tension in the left scrotum and positive light transmission test.Ultrasound examination revealed that the blood flow signal in the left testis disappeared.Emergency left scrotal exploration and hydrocelectomy were performed.There was no sign of testis torsion during the operation.Case 2 was diagnosed mainly due to hydrocele of the right testis for 1 year, which worsened for 1 week and complicated with testis distension and pain.Physical examination showed high tension in the right scrotum and positive light transmission test.Ultrasound examination revealed that the blood flow signal in the right testis decreased.After 40ml of fluid was extracted under ultrasound monitoring, the blood flow signal in the right testis recovered.Hydrocelectomy was performed the next day.During the follow-up of 8 months, there was no recurrence of hydrocele.A search of domestic and foreign literature showed that there were no reports in domestic literature, while a total of 11 cases were reported in foreign literature. [Conclusion] Tension hydrocele of the testis is a rare emergency of the scrotum.Surgery or decompression should be performed as soon as possible to restore testicular blood supply, and hydrocelectomy should be performed simultaneously or in stages to prevent recurrence.
7.Hepatitis E virus infection among blood donors in Zhengzhou
Hongna ZHAO ; Yueguang WEI ; Lumin YAN ; Tiantian TU ; Shumin WANG ; Yihui WEI ; Yifang WANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Mingjun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):13-18
[Objective] To analyze the infection status of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors in Zhengzhou, so as to provide data support for formulating local blood screening strategies. [Methods] Random samples from blood donors from January to December 2022 were tested for HEV RNA using PCR technology. Reactive samples were sequenced for gene analysis, and the donors were followed up. [Results] Among 21 311 samples, 3(0.14‰) were reactive for HEV RNA, all of whom were male. Genetic sequencing results revealed that one strong positive sample was genotype 4, while sequencing failed for the other two due to low viral load. A follow-up of 25 strong positive donors showed that ALT significantly increased on day 7 after donation, anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG turned positive. On day 21, ALT returned to normal, and on day 35, HEV RNA turned negative. Notably, anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG persisted until day 482. [Conclusion] There is HEV infection among blood donors in Zhengzhou, and it is necessary to expand the screening scope to comprehensively explore the prevalence and genotype distribution of HEV among blood donors.
8.Current Status and Prospects of Research on the Potential Neurobiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Tobacco Dependence
Shumin CHEN ; Jin CHANG ; Chaoren TAN ; Hao ZHU ; Jinsheng YANG ; Zhao LIU ; Yingying WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):421-426
This paper comprehensively discusses on the potential neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of tobacco dependence, focusing on three important aspects, including acupuncture's regulation of tobacco dependence behavior, effects of acupuncture on withdrawal syndrome, and the role of acupuncture in preventing relapse. It is found that acupuncture can inhibit drug-seeking behavior by regulating the reward pathway and related neurons, such as dopamine, thus modulating tobacco dependence behavior. It also alleviates withdrawal symptoms by improving the oral environment of smokers and reducing negative emotions after quitting. Furthermore, acupuncture can prevent relapse by decreasing brain network activity related to smoking cravings and improving cognitive brain functions like addiction memory. Currently, research on the specific neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture in treating tobacco dependence and the involved neural circuits is limited. Future research directions are proposed, including the evaluation of clinical effects, exploration of specific therapeutic mechanisms, investigation of brain pathology, and strengthening the exploration of brain functions. Additionally, combining modern technologies to clarify the neural circuits involved in acupuncture intervention will provide a basis for acupuncture treatment of tobacco addiction.
9.Underlying Mechanism of Wuwei Shenqintang in Amelioration of Pulmonary Fibrosis by Regulating "Lung-intestine Axis" Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS Metabolomics Technology
Mengdi SUN ; Fang LU ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):11-20
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of action of Wuwei Shenqintang in improving pulmonary fibrosis by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for metabolomic analysis of lung tissue and feces. MethodsA rat model with pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal injection of 5 mg·kg-1 bleomycin. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a prednisone (3.15 mg·kg-1) group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Wuwei Shenqintang (4.586, 9.172, 18.344 g·kg-1). The rats were given intragastric administration once a day for 28 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to measure the pathological changes in lung and colon tissue, and Masson staining was used to detect the degree of pulmonary fibrosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect the expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Col-Ⅰ), fibronectin (FN), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in lung tissue. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to study the changes in the metabolic network of lung tissue and feces in rats with pulmonary fibrosis treated with Wuwei Shenqintang, screen potential biomarkers for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis by Wuwei Shenqintang, and perform pathway enrichment analysis. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration and continuous fibrotic lesions in lung tissue, colonic mucosal damage, and connective tissue hyperplasia. The expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of Col-Ⅰ, FN, and α-SMA proteins and mRNAs in lung tissue was significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the groups of Wuwei Shenqintang exhibited significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration and blue collagen deposition in lung tissue, alleviated colonic damage, decreased expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus (P<0.01), and reduced average absorbance values and mRNA expression of Col-Ⅰ, FN, and α-SMA in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the prednisone group and the medium-dose and high-dose groups of Wuwei Shenqintang showing the most significant effects. The metabolomics results for lung tissue showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had 19 significantly different compounds (P<0.05, P<0.01). Wuwei Shenqintang could normalize 17 of these compounds compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Fecal metabolomics results showed that compared with those in the blank group, there were 42 compounds with significant differences in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, Wuwei Shenqintang could normalize 41 of these compounds (P<0.05, P<0.01). The combined analysis results indicated that Wuwei Shenqintang might inhibit pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan as well as the retinol metabolism pathway. ConclusionWuwei Shenqintang can ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis, which may be related to the regulation of the "lung-intestine axis".
10.Underlying Mechanism of Wuwei Shenqintang in Amelioration of Pulmonary Fibrosis by Regulating "Lung-intestine Axis" Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS Metabolomics Technology
Mengdi SUN ; Fang LU ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):11-20
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of action of Wuwei Shenqintang in improving pulmonary fibrosis by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for metabolomic analysis of lung tissue and feces. MethodsA rat model with pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal injection of 5 mg·kg-1 bleomycin. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a prednisone (3.15 mg·kg-1) group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Wuwei Shenqintang (4.586, 9.172, 18.344 g·kg-1). The rats were given intragastric administration once a day for 28 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to measure the pathological changes in lung and colon tissue, and Masson staining was used to detect the degree of pulmonary fibrosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect the expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Col-Ⅰ), fibronectin (FN), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in lung tissue. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to study the changes in the metabolic network of lung tissue and feces in rats with pulmonary fibrosis treated with Wuwei Shenqintang, screen potential biomarkers for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis by Wuwei Shenqintang, and perform pathway enrichment analysis. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration and continuous fibrotic lesions in lung tissue, colonic mucosal damage, and connective tissue hyperplasia. The expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of Col-Ⅰ, FN, and α-SMA proteins and mRNAs in lung tissue was significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the groups of Wuwei Shenqintang exhibited significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration and blue collagen deposition in lung tissue, alleviated colonic damage, decreased expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus (P<0.01), and reduced average absorbance values and mRNA expression of Col-Ⅰ, FN, and α-SMA in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the prednisone group and the medium-dose and high-dose groups of Wuwei Shenqintang showing the most significant effects. The metabolomics results for lung tissue showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had 19 significantly different compounds (P<0.05, P<0.01). Wuwei Shenqintang could normalize 17 of these compounds compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Fecal metabolomics results showed that compared with those in the blank group, there were 42 compounds with significant differences in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, Wuwei Shenqintang could normalize 41 of these compounds (P<0.05, P<0.01). The combined analysis results indicated that Wuwei Shenqintang might inhibit pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan as well as the retinol metabolism pathway. ConclusionWuwei Shenqintang can ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis, which may be related to the regulation of the "lung-intestine axis".

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