1.Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang in Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review
Yalong KANG ; Bo NING ; Juanjuan TAN ; Hongfei QI ; Yan SHI ; Fang GUAN ; Haifang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):256-267
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD),a group of common diseases in clinical practice,are witnessing a steady rise in both incidence and mortality rates,posing a challenge to public health. Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang,originating from Synopsis of the Golden Chamber (《金匮要略》),was initially used to treat severe cases of chest impediment. The formula consists of Trichosanthis Fructus,Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus,Pinelliae Rhizoma,and Baijiu. It has a wide range of clinical applications,with therapeutic effects including moving Qi to relieve depression,activating Yang to dissipate mass,and expelling phlegm to alleviate chest congestion. In recent years,clinical research has confirmed that Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang,with or without modification,used alone or in combination with Western medicine,has definite effects in the treatment of CVD such as hyperlipidemia,coronary atherosclerotic heart disease,hypertension,heart failure,and arrhythmia. It can alleviate disease symptoms and reduce the risk of re-hospitalization. Basic research indicates that the mechanisms of Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang include improving endothelial functions,exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties,countering oxidative stress,preventing apoptosis,inhibiting ventricular remodeling,regulating mitochondrial functions,improving hemorheology,and modulating autophagy and neurotransmitters. This article reviews relevant articles in recent years with focuses on the compatibility,clinical application,and mechanism of Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang. This review is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism research and clinical application of this formula in treating CVD and to offer ideas and reference for in-depth research.
2.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.
3.Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategies of Tumor Angiogenesis Based on the Theory "Latent Wind in Collaterals"
Zhenqing PU ; Guibin WANG ; Chenyang ZHANG ; Yi LI ; Bo PANG ; Baojin HUA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):139-144
This article combined the pathogenic characteristics of "latent wind" with the theory of collateral diseases to clarify the pathological features of tumor blood vessels, including their active proliferation, high permeabi-lity, and promotion of metastasis. The theory framework of "latent wind in collaterals" as the tumor mechanism was proposed, which suggests that at the site of tumor lesions, the collaterals inherit the nature of latent wind to grow excessively, adopt an open and discharge nature to leak essence, and tumor toxins, characterized by their rapid movement and frequent changes, spread and metastasize, driving the progression of malignant tumors. Focusing on the fundamental pathogenesis of "latent wind in collaterals", specific clinical treatment principles and methods centered on treating wind are proposed, including regulating qi and dispelling wind, clearing heat and extinguishing wind, unblocking collaterals and expelling wind, and reinforcing healthy qi to calm wind, so as to provide references for enhancing the precision of traditional Chinese medicine in treating malignant tumors.
4.Availability and use of child safety seats among children aged 0-3 years
CHEN Bo ; WANG Xihui ; QIU Fengqian ; YU Yan ; GAO Shuna ; HE Lihua ; LI Weiyi ; JI Yunfang ; CHEN Weihua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):21-25
Objective:
To investigate the availability and use of child safety seats among children aged 0-3 years, so as to provide the basis for improving riding safety for children.
Methods:
Parents of children aged 0-3 years in Huangpu District, Shanghai Municipality, were recruited using the stratified multistage random sampling method from May to July 2024. Demographic information, family travel patterns, the use of child safety seat and related health beliefs were collected using questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting the use of child safety seats were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Totally 514 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 96.98%. The respondents included 122 fathers (23.74%) and 392 mothers (76.26%), with a median age of 34.00 (interquartile range, 5.00) years. There were 446 families equipping with child safety seats, accounting for 86.77%; and 169 families using child safety seats, accounting for 32.88%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the parents who had children aged >1-2 years (OR=0.597, 95%CI: 0.366-0.973), travelled 2-4 times per month (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.213-0.607) or once per month or less (OR=0.384, 95%CI: 0.202-0.729), and scored high in perceived barrier (OR=0.634, 95%CI: 0.486-0.827) were less likely to use child safety seats; the parents who had children with local household registration (OR=2.506, 95%CI: 1.356-4.633), travelled 5-<10 km (OR=1.887, 95%CI: 1.148-3.101) or ≥10 km (OR=2.319, 95%CI: 1.355-3.967), always wore seat belts (OR=2.342, 95%CI: 1.212-4.524), scored high in perceived susceptibility (OR=1.392, 95%CI: 1.091-1.778) and self-efficacy (OR=1.413, 95%CI: 1.156-1.727) were more likely to use child safety seats.
Conclusions
Equipping family cars with child safety seats and using them can prevent and reduce traffic injuries among children aged 0-3 years. It is recommended to strengthen publicity to promote the use of child safety seats.
5.Pathogenic characteristics and drug sensitivity analysis of hospital-acquired infections in lung transplant recipients: a single-center 5-year retrospective study
Sangsang QIU ; Qinfen XU ; Bo WU ; Xiaojun CAI ; Qinhong HUANG ; Dapeng WANG ; Chunxiao HU ; Jingyu CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):114-121
Objective To analyze the characteristics of postoperative hospital-acquired infections and drug sensitivity in lung transplant recipients over the past 5 years in a single center. Methods A total of 724 lung transplant recipients at Wuxi People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023 were selected. Based on the principles of hospital-acquired infection diagnosis, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the hospital infection situation and infection sites of lung transplant recipients, and an analysis of the distribution of hospital-acquired infection pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility test status was performed. Results Among the 724 lung transplant recipients, 275 cases of hospital-acquired infection occurred, with an infection rate of 38.0%. The case-time infection rate decreased from 54.2% in 2019 to 22.8% in 2023, showing a downward trend year by year (Z=30.98, P<0.001). The main infection site was the lower respiratory tract, accounting for 73.6%. The pathogens were mainly Gram-negative bacteria, with the top four being Acinetobacter baumannii (37.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.7%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (13.4%), with imipenem resistance rates of 89%, 53%, 58% and 100%, respectively. Gram-positive bacteria were mainly Staphylococcus aureus (3.6%), with a methicillin resistance rate of 67%. Conclusions Over the past 5 years, the hospital-acquired infections in lung transplant recipients have shown a downward trend, mainly involving lower respiratory tract infections, with the main pathogens being Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, all of which have high resistance rates to imipenem.
6.Construction of a predictive model for poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in pulmonary nodules using CT combined with tumor markers
Jie JIANG ; Feng LIU ; Bo WANG ; Qin WANG ; Jian ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):73-79
Objective To establish and internally validate a predictive model for poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma based on CT imaging and tumor marker results. Methods Patients with solid and partially solid lung nodules who underwent lung nodule surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. Patients' CT features, including average density value, maximum diameter, pleural indentation sign, and bronchial inflation sign, as well as patient tumor marker results, were collected. Based on postoperative pathological results, patients were divided into a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma group and a non-poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma group. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed on the training set to establish the predictive model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the model's discriminability, the calibration curve to assess the model's consistency, and the decision curve to evaluate the clinical value of the model, which was then validated in the validation set. Results A total of 299 patients were included, with 103 males and 196 females, with a median age of 57.00 (51.00, 67.25) years. There were 211 patients in the training set and 88 patients in the validation set. Multivariate analysis showed that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) value [OR=1.476, 95%CI (1.184, 1.983), P=0.002], cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen (CYFRA21-1) value [OR=1.388, 95%CI (1.084, 1.993), P=0.035], maximum tumor diameter [OR=6.233, 95%CI (1.069, 15.415), P=0.017], and average density [OR=1.083, 95%CI (1.020, 1.194), P=0.040] were independent risk factors for solid and partially solid lung nodules as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Based on this, a predictive model was constructed with an area under the ROC curve of 0.896 [95%CI (0.810, 0.982)], a maximum Youden index corresponding cut-off value of 0.103, sensitivity of 0.750, and specificity of 0.936. Using the Bootstrap method for 1000 samplings, the calibration curve predicted probability was consistent with actual risk. Decision curve analysis indicated positive benefits across all prediction probabilities, demonstrating good clinical value. Conclusion For patients with solid and partially solid lung nodules, preoperative use of CT to measure tumor average density value and maximum diameter, combined with tumor markers CEA and CYFRA21-1 values, can effectively predict whether it is poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, allowing for early intervention.
7.Mechanism of Icariin in Regulating TGF-β1/Smad Pathway to Induce Autophagy in Human Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Yaqi ZHANG ; Yankun JIANG ; Guoyuan SUN ; Bo LI ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Weiguo WANG ; Qidong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):123-130
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of icariin (ICA) on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and the effect on autophagy in BMECs. MethodsBMECs were isolated and cultured, and the cell types were identified by immunofluorescence. Cells were divided into the control group, model group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone), ICA group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA), and TGF-β inhibitor group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA +1×10-5 mol·L-1 LY2157299). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure and autophagosome number of BMECs. Autophagy double-standard adenovirus was used to monitor the confocal autophagy flow generation of each cell. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the gene and protein expression of autophagy in the TGF-β1/ Smad pathway. ResultsAfter cell separation culture, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) and von willebrand factor (vWF) immunofluorescence identified BMECs. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cell membrane was damaged, and the nucleus was pyknotic and broken in the model group. Compared with the model group, the ICA group had complete cell membranes, clear structures, with autophagy-lysosome sparsely distributed. The confocal photo showed that BMECs had autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes, and the autophagy expression of the ICA group was similar to that of the blank group. Compared with the blank group, in the model group and the LY2157299 group, autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes were barely seen in the autophagy flow. Compared with the blank group, the mRNA and protein expressions of autophagy effector protein 1 (Beclin1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of ubiquitin-binding protein (p62) were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad homolog 2 (Smad2), and Smad homolog 3 (Smad3) decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expressions of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the mRNA and protein expression of Beclin1 and LC3B in BMECs of the ICA group increased (P<0.01), and those of p62 significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). The protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Beclin1, LC3B, and p62 in the inhibitor group were not statistically significant. The expression of key genes and proteins of the TGF-β1 pathway in the inhibitor group was not statistically significant. ConclusionICA can promote glucocorticoid-induced autophagy expression of BMECs, and its mechanism may be related to activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
8.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head via Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Yaqi ZHANG ; Bo LI ; Jiancheng TANG ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Yaping XU ; Qidong ZHANG ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):141-149
Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a severe musculoskeletal disorder often induced by the prolonged or excessive use of glucocorticoids. Characterized by ischemia of bone cells, necrosis, and trabecular fractures, SONFH is accompanied by pain, femoral head collapse, and joint dysfunction, which can lead to disability in severe cases. The pathogenesis of SONFH involves hormone-induced osteoblast apoptosis, bone microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of the disease. Modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can promote Akt phosphorylation, thereby stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts, promoting angiogenesis in BMECs, and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. The research on the treatment of SONFH with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained increasing attention. Recent studies have shown that TCM monomers and compounds have potential therapeutic effect on SONFH by intervening in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These studies not only provide a scientific basis for the application of TCM in the treatment of SONFH but also offer new ideas for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review summarized the progress in Chinese and international research on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SONFH over the past five years. It involved the composition and transmission mechanisms of the signaling pathway, as well as its regulatory effects on osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclasts, BMECs, and other cells. Additionally, the review explored the TCM understanding of SONFH and the application of TCM monomers and compounds in the intervention of the PI3K/Akt pathway. By systematically analyzing and organizing these research findings, this article aimed to provide references and point out directions for the clinical prevention and treatment of SONFH and promote further development of TCM in this field. With in-depth research on the PI3K/Akt pathway and the modern application of TCM, it is expected to bring safer and more effective treatment options for patients with SONFH.
9.Key Information Research on Famous Classical Formula Shegan Mahuangtang
Cheng LUO ; Yuanhang YE ; Bo NING ; Fei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):180-188
Shegan Mahuangtang was a famous classical formula for treating asthma and is included in the the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas(The Second Batch). By means of bibliometrics, this study conducts a textual research and analysis on the key information of its formula origin, composition, drug origins, processing, dosage, decocting methods, efficacy, and clinical application. According to research, Shegan Mahuangtang was first recorded in Synopsis of the Golden Chamber and is the ancestral formula for treating cold asthma, which has been used to this day. Suggestions for the drug origins in Shegan Mahuangtang is as follows:Shegan is selected from the dried rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis(Iridaceae), Mahuang is selected from the dried herbaceous stems of Ephedra sinica(Ephedraceae), Shengjiang is selected from the fresh rhizomes of Zingiber officinale(Zingiberaceae), Xixin is selected from the dried roots and rhizomes of Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum, A. sieboldii var. seoulense or A. sieboldii(Aristolochiaceae), Ziwan is selected from the dried roots and rhizomes of Aster tataricus(Compositae), Kuandonghua is selected from the dried flower buds of Tussilago farfara(Compositae), Nanwuweizi is selected from the dried mature fruits of Schisandra sphenanthera(Magnoliaceae), Dazao is selected from the dried mature fruit of Ziziphus jujuba(Rhamnaceae), and Banxia, a plant of the Araceae family, is selected as the processed products of dried tubers from Pinellia ternata. The recommended dosage is 41.4 g of Shegan, Xixin, Ziwan and Kuandonghua, 55.2 g of Mahuang and Shengjiang, 37.5 g of Nanwuweizi, 21 g of Dazao, 34.5 g of Banxia. The decoction method is to boil Mahuang first in 2.4 L of water, remove the froth on the top, and add the rest of the herbs and decoct them together, and then boil them to 600 mL, and then take it at warm temperature, 200 mL each time, 3 times a day. In terms of clinical application, Shegan Mahuangtang is most commonly used for respiratory system diseases, especially in the treatment of adult or pediatric bronchial asthma and cough variant asthma. Phlegm sound in the throat is the core symptom of Shegan Mahuangtang in clinical practice, and the core pathogenesis is "cold fluid stagnated in the lungs". By excavating and sorting out the ancient and modern literature of Shegan Mahuangtang, key information is confirmed, which can provide literature reference for the modern clinical application and new drug development of this famous classical formula.
10.A Fitting Method for Photoacoustic Pump-probe Imaging Based on Phase Correction
Zhuo-Jun XIE ; Hong-Wen ZHONG ; Run-Xiang LIU ; Bo WANG ; Ping XUE ; Bin HE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):525-532
ObjectivePhotoacoustic pump-probe imaging can effectively eliminate the interference of blood background signal in traditional photoacoustic imaging, and realize the imaging of weak phosphorescence molecules and their triplet lifetimes in deep tissues. However, background differential noise in photoacoustic pump-probe imaging often leads to large fitting results of phosphorescent molecule concentration and triplet lifetime. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel triplet lifetime fitting method for photoacoustic pump-probe imaging. By extracting the phase of the triplet differential signal and the background noise, the fitting bias caused by the background noise can be effectively corrected. MethodsThe advantages and feasibility of the proposed algorithm are verified by numerical simulation, phantom and in vivo experiments, respectively. ResultsIn the numerical simulation, under the condition of noise intensity being 10% of the signal amplitude, the new method can optimize the fitting deviation from 48.5% to about 5%, and has a higher exclusion coefficient (0.88>0.79), which greatly improves the fitting accuracy. The high specificity imaging ability of photoacoustic pump imaging for phosphorescent molecules has been demonstrated by phantom experiments. In vivo experiments have verified the feasibility of the new fitting method proposed in this paper for fitting phosphoometric lifetime to monitor oxygen partial pressure content during photodynamic therapy of tumors in nude mice. ConclusionThis work will play an important role in promoting the application of photoacoustic pump-probe imaging in biomedicine.


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