1.The Discipline Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Context of Mutual Understanding of Civilizations
Yongyan WANG ; Yipin FAN ; Qiang LI ; Xinyu JI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):2-5
The mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations today provides a broad perspective and new opportunity for the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), fostering the interdisciplinary integration, fusion, and innovation of the discipline. The premise of mutual understanding of civilizations is uphold the principles of Chinese traditional scholarship and original thinking, overcome academic barriers and cognitive differences, and achieve the organic integration of knowledge systems and research methods. The development of TCM as a discipline should first be based on literature as a carrier to convey ideas and ensure the continuity of the academic tradition. Secondly, the discipline development should be guided by the unique, original thinking of TCM, accurately identifying the bottlenecks in its development, focusing on the key links for improvement, continuously exploring innovative academic paths, and striving to build a leading research platform. Finally, the cultivation of talents in the field of TCM discipline should focus on leading ones with international academic discourse power and influence, and establish an academic team with clinical thinking and interdisciplinary knowledge structure.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating TLR4 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Zhiwei SU ; Juan XUE ; Jun SUN ; Heng FAN ; Rui ZHU ; Chunyan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):291-299
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease closely related to metabolism, which is mainly characterized by abnormal lipid deposition in hepatocytes. In recent years, with the increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, NAFLD has become one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and varied, involving the cross-regulation of multiple signaling pathways such as glucose-lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The TLR4 signaling pathway plays a key role in the development and progression of NAFLD, and abnormal activation of this pathway accelerates the deterioration of NAFLD by promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing oxidative stress, and exacerbating insulin resistance. Studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway to alleviate the symptoms and pathological features of NAFLD. The present review summarizes the experimental research progress in the TCM regulation of the TLR4 signaling pathway in treating NAFLD in the past 5 years, covering a wide range of TCM active ingredients (such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids) and compound prescriptions. The active ingredients and compound prescriptions of TCM can effectively ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders, reduce insulin resistance, regulate intestinal flora, and inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway via multiple targets and pathways, thus slowing down the progression of NAFLD. Through in-depth analysis of the pathological mechanisms of NAFLD and exploration of the potential of TLR4 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target, we can provide theoretical support for the application of TCM in the treatment of NAFLD, as well as new perspectives and directions for future clinical research and new drug development, thereby promoting the innovation and development of therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
3.The Effects of Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-Relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方) on Cough Sensitivity,TRPV4 in Lung and Nasal Mucosal Tissues,and Neurogenic Inflammation in a Guinea Pig Model of Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Jingshu LUO ; Jianling MA ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Song LIU ; Yuhan FAN ; Xianli LI ; Zhaodi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):518-525
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方, QTCD) in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group, model group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and inhibitor group, with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group, guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection, followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling, the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/(100 g·d) by gavage, the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L, 5 min by nebulisation, and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/(100 g·d) normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment, a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group, while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased cough frequency, serum IgE level, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency, serum IgE level, and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, reduced IL-6 in BALF, reduced IL-8 in NLF, and decreased TRPV4, SP, and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the TCM group, the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, increased IL-6 level in BALF, and increased IL-8 levle in NLF, but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues (P<0.01). ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway, improving airway neurogenic inflammation, alleviating inflammatory responses, and reducing cough hypersensitivity.
4.Four new sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Atractylodes macrocephala
Gang-gang ZHOU ; Jia-jia LIU ; Ji-qiong WANG ; Hui LIU ; Zhi-Hua LIAO ; Guo-wei WANG ; Min CHEN ; Fan-cheng MENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):179-184
The chemical constituents in dried roots of
5.The Role of Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells-mediated Muscle Regeneration in The Treatment of Age-related Sarcopenia
Wei-Xiu JI ; Jia-Lin LÜ ; Yi-Fan MA ; Yun-Gang ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2033-2050
Age-related sarcopenia is a progressive, systemic skeletal muscle disorder associated with aging. It is primarily characterized by a significant decline in muscle mass, strength, and physical function, rather than being an inevitable consequence of normal aging. Despite ongoing research, there is still no globally unified consensus among physicians regarding the diagnostic criteria and clinical indicators of this condition. Nonetheless, regardless of the diagnostic standards applied, the prevalence of age-related sarcopenia remains alarmingly high. With the global population aging at an accelerating rate, its incidence is expected to rise further, posing a significant public health challenge. Age-related sarcopenia not only markedly increases the risk of physical disability but also profoundly affects patients’ quality of life, independence, and overall survival. As such, the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate its dual burden on both societal and individual health has become an urgent and critical priority. Skeletal muscle regeneration, a vital physiological process for maintaining muscle health, is significantly impaired in age-related sarcopenia and is considered one of its primary underlying causes. Skeletal muscle satellite cells (MSCs), also known as muscle stem cells, play a pivotal role in generating new muscle fibers and maintaining muscle mass and function. A decline in both the number and functionality of MSCs is closely linked to the onset and progression of sarcopenia. This dysfunction is driven by alterations in intrinsic MSC mechanisms—such as Notch, Wnt/β‑Catenin, and mTOR signaling pathways—as well as changes in transcription factors and epigenetic modifications. Additionally, the MSC microenvironment, including both the direct niche formed by skeletal muscle fibers and their secreted cytokines, and the indirect niche composed of extracellular matrix proteins and various cell types, undergoes age-related changes. Mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation further contribute to MSC impairment, ultimately leading to the development of sarcopenia. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for age-related sarcopenia. Nutritional intervention and exercise remain the cornerstone of therapeutic strategies. Adequate protein intake, coupled with sufficient energy provision, is fundamental to both the prevention and treatment of this condition. Adjuvant therapies, such as dietary supplements and caloric restriction, offer additional therapeutic potential. Exercise promotes muscle regeneration and ameliorates sarcopenia by acting on MSCs through various mechanisms, including mechanical stress, myokine secretion, distant cytokine signaling, immune modulation, and epigenetic regulation. When combined with a structured exercise regimen, adequate protein intake has been shown to be particularly effective in preventing age-related sarcopenia. However, traditional interventions may be inadequate for patients with limited mobility, poor overall health, or advanced sarcopenia. Emerging therapeutic strategies—such as miRNA mimics or inhibitors, gut microbiota transplantation, and stem cell therapy—present promising new directions for MSC-based interventions. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in MSC-mediated muscle regeneration in age-related sarcopenia and systematically discusses therapeutic strategies targeting MSC regulation to enhance muscle mass and strength. The goal is to provide a theoretical foundation and identify future research directions for the prevention and treatment of this increasingly prevalent condition.
6.Analysis of Current Status and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Responding to Public Health Emergencies Under Healthy China Strategy: Taking Major Emerging Epidemics as an Example
Yuqing CAO ; Xinyu JI ; Xiyu SHANG ; Qiujie CAI ; Yipin FAN ; Yanping WANG ; Yan MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):222-232
Under the background of the Healthy China strategy, the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into the public health emergency response system has become an important measure to enhance the capacity for coping with public health emergencies. In recent years, the role of TCM in responding to such emergencies has become increasingly prominent. Taking major emerging epidemics as an example, TCM has developed a rich theoretical system and practical experience in epidemic prevention and treatment over thousands of years, and has played a significant role in successive outbreaks with its unique advantages. Based on the concept of ''preventing disease before its onset'' and the theoretical framework of treatment based on syndrome differentiation, TCM has achieved remarkable results through early intervention and full participation in the integrated model of TCM and Western medicine, from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19), in improving clinical symptoms and outcomes, reducing adverse reactions, and promoting recovery. From the perspective of the Healthy China strategy, this paper systematically reviews the historical development of TCM in epidemic prevention and treatment, with particular attention to recent epidemics such as SARS, influenza A (H1N1), and COVID-19. It further examines the similarities and differences between TCM and Western medicine in responding to major emerging epidemics, as well as relevant policies related to TCM in epidemic prevention and control. In addition, it summarizes the existing problems in TCM's role in the prevention and treatment of major emerging epidemics, and explores measures to improve its rapid response capacity under the Healthy China strategy. This study not only provides a ''Chinese solution'' for the prevention and control of newly emerging infectious diseases worldwide, but also offers theoretical and practical references for strengthening the public health emergency response system, carrying strategic significance for promoting the modernization and internationalization of TCM.
7.A novel TNKS/USP25 inhibitor blocks the Wnt pathway to overcome multi-drug resistance in TNKS-overexpressing colorectal cancer.
Hongrui ZHU ; Yamin GAO ; Liyun LIU ; Mengyu TAO ; Xiao LIN ; Yijia CHENG ; Yaoyao SHEN ; Haitao XUE ; Li GUAN ; Huimin ZHAO ; Li LIU ; Shuping WANG ; Fan YANG ; Yongjun ZHOU ; Hongze LIAO ; Fan SUN ; Houwen LIN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(1):207-222
Modulating Tankyrases (TNKS), interactions with USP25 to promote TNKS degradation, rather than inhibiting their enzymatic activities, is emerging as an alternative/specific approach to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we identified UAT-B, a novel neoantimycin analog isolated from Streptomyces conglobatus, as a small-molecule inhibitor of TNKS-USP25 protein-protein interaction (PPI) to overcome multi-drug resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). The disruption of TNKS-USP25 complex formation by UAT-B led to a significant decrease in TNKS levels, triggering cell apoptosis through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Importantly, UAT-B successfully inhibited the CRC cells growth that harbored high TNKS levels, as demonstrated in various in vitro and in vivo studies utilizing cell line-based and patient-derived xenografts, as well as APCmin/+ spontaneous CRC models. Collectively, these findings suggest that targeting the TNKS-USP25 PPI using a small-molecule inhibitor represents a compelling therapeutic strategy for CRC treatment, and UAT-B emerges as a promising candidate for further preclinical and clinical investigations.
8.AP2M1 inhibits proliferation and invasion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells
Yuanchun LI ; Xueqian YAN ; Dan FAN ; Yueru JI ; Fang XIAO ; Jing GAO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(3):308-316
Objective To evaluate the regulatory effect of the adaptor related protein complex 2 subunit μ1(AP2M1)on proliferation and invasion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods Human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell line OCI-LY8 was aliquoted into control group,NC-shRNA group,AP2M1-shRNA group,NC-LV group,and AP2M1-LV group.Lipofectamine 2000 was used for cell transfection.Cell proliferation was detected by tetramethylazolium salt(MTT)method,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assay.The protein expression of AP2M1,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),p-phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K),PI3K,p-protein kinase B(Akt)and AKT was detec-ted by Western blot.Results Compared with control group,the relative expression of AP2M1 mRNA and protein in the AP2M1-shRNA group was decreased(P<0.05).The relative cell viability was increased(P<0.05).The cell apoptosis rate was decreased(P<0.05).The counting number of migrating and invading cells was in-creased(P<0.05).The relative expression level of EGFR protein and the phosphorylation level of PI3K and AKT were increased(P<0.05).Compared with Control group,the expression of AP2M1 mRNA and protein relative ex-pression level in AP2M1-LV group was increased(P<0.05).The relative cell viability was decreased(P<0.05).The cell apoptosis rate was increased(P<0.05).The number of migrating and invading cells was decreased(P<0.05).The relative expression level of EGFR protein and the phosphorylation level of PI3K and AKT were all decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions The over-expression of AP2M1 partially inhibits the proliferation and invasion of DLBCL cells by inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
9.Clinical Efficacy of Abdominal Ultrasound-guided Endoscopic Retrograde Appendicitis Therapy for Acute Uncomplicated Appendicitis
Siyun LI ; Zanyou YAN ; Zan SHENG ; Jieyu LIU ; Jihua HUANG ; Zhiping GUO ; Yuping JI ; Zhongjian LIU ; Fan ZHANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(2):99-104
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of abdominal ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy(ERAT)with laparoscopic appendectomy(LA)for acute uncomplicated appendicitis using propensity score matching.Methods The clinical data of 441 patients with acute uncomplicated appendicitis admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from March 2020 to April 2023 were collected.The cases were classified based on the differences in surgical method and divided into the ERAT group(n = 30)and LA group(n = 411).The clinical efficacy of patients was compared between the two groups after reducing confounding bias by propensity score matching(PSM).Results After PSM,a total of 30 pairs of patients in the two groups were successfully matched,and the baseline data of the two groups met the requirements for comparability.At 24 hours after the operation,the ERAT group exhibited lower white blood cells,neutrophil counts,and C-reactive protein levels compared to the LA group,and these differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the operation time and total effective rate between the ERAT group and the LA group(P>0.05).However,the ERAT group had lower intraoperative blood loss and shorter pain relief time compared to the LA group,and these differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Abdominal ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis treatment is an effective,safe,and feasible technique with good prospects for the treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis.
10.Effect of Shenfu injection on acute lung injury in hemorrhagic shock rats
Gaihong LIU ; Dongbin ZHANG ; Jiafu JI ; Shangkun SI ; Fan SU ; Yingxue XU ; Yong-Liang CHI ; Xiaoqian YI
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(1):73-79
Objective To observe the effect of Shenfu injection on lung injury caused by hemor-rhagic shock(HS)in rats and explore the related potential mechanism.Methods Thirty-six SPF healthy male SD rats,aged 16-17 weeks,weighing 400-600 g,were randomly divided into three groups:sham op-eration group(group SH),HS group(group HS),and Shenfu injection group(group SF),12 rats in each group.In group SH,only the right femoral vein and femoral artery were separated after anesthesia,and ve-nous catheterization was not performed.HS model was established in groups SF and HS.In group HS,liquid resuscitation was performed through an intravenous catheter,and the resuscitation fluid consisted of the auto-blood lost and the compound sodium chloride injection equivalent to 1.5 times the blood loss and 10 ml/kg normal saline.In group SF,the resuscitation fluid consisted of the lost autoblood and the compound sodium chloride injection equivalent to 1.5 times the blood loss and Shenfu injection 10 ml/kg.The whole perfusion time was about 60 minutes.Six rats in the three groups were randomly anesthetized 24 and 48 hours after op-eration.The wet/dry weight ratio(W/D)of lung tissues was detected.The concentrations of interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-17,IL-10,and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)were detected by ELISA,the mRNA ex-pression of retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear receptor γt(RORγt),transcription factor forkhead box pro-tein 3(Foxp3),and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)in lung tissues were detected by PCR.The pro-tein contents of RORγt,Foxp3,HIF-1α,aquaporin 1(AQP1),and AQP5 in lung tissue were detected by Western blot.Pathological changesunder HE staining light microscope and lung injury scores were observed.Results Compared with 24 hours after operation,W/D,the concentrations of IL-6 and IL-17,mRNA ex-pression and protein content of RORγt and HIF-1α,and lung injury score were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the concentrations of IL-10,and TGF-β,Foxp3 mRNA expression and protein content,and AQP1 protein content were significantly increased in group SF 48 hours after operation(P<0.05).Compared with group SH,W/D,the concentrations of IL-6,IL-17,IL-10,and TGF-β,mRNA expression and protein content of RORγt,Foxp 3,and HIF-1α,and lung injury score were significantly increased(P<0.05),AQP1 and AQP5 protein contents were significantly decreased in groups HS and SF 24 and 48 hours after operation(P<0.05),and alveolar structure was damaged under light microscope and alveolar interstitium was filled with a large amount of edematous fluid,during which a large number of inflammatory cells infiltra-ted.Compared with group HS,W/D,the concentrations of IL-6 and IL-17,mRNA expression and protein content of RORγt and HIF-1α,and lung injury score were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the concen-trations of IL-10 and TGF-β,Foxp3 mRNA expression and protein content,AQP1 and AQP5 protein con-tents were significantly increased in group SF 24 and 48 hours after surgery(P<0.05),and the alveolar structure was improved under light microscope,and edema was reduced,and the number of inflammatory cells was reduced.Conclusion Shenfu injection can regulate the balance between pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-17,and anti-inflammatory factors IL-10 and TGF-β,increase the protein content of AQP1 and AQP5 in lung tissue,and decrease the W/D and injury score in lung tissue,thus alleviating lung injury in HS rats.The mechanism may be related to the regulation of HIF-1α-RORγt/Foxp3 balance.

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