1.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.
2.Analysis of the safety, economic benefit and social psychological satisfaction of day breast conserving surgery for breast cancer
Jiao ZHOU ; Xiaoxiao XIAO ; Jiabin YANG ; Yu FENG ; Huanzuo YANG ; Mengxue QIU ; Qing ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Mingjun HUANG ; Peng LIANG ; Zhenggui DU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):160-166
Objective To investigate the safety, economic benefits and psychological effects of day breast conserving surgery for breast cancer. Methods The demographic data and clinical data of breast cancer patients undergoing day (day surgery group) and ward (ward surgery group) breast conserving surgeries in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from March 2020 to June 2021 were retrospectively collected; the demographic data, clinical data, medical and related transportation costs, and preoperative and postoperative BREAST-Q scores of breast cancer patients undergoing day (day surgery group) and ward (ward surgery group) breast conserving surgery in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2021 to June 2022 were prospectively collected. The safety, economic benefit, and psychological satisfaction of day surgery was analyzed. Results A total of 42 women with breast cancer were included in the retrospective study and 39 women with breast cancer were included in the prospective study. In both prospective and retrospective studies, the mean age of patients in both groups were <50 years. There were only statistical differences between the two groups in the aspects of hypertension (P=0.022), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.037) and postoperative pathological estrogen receptor (P=0.033) in the prospective study. In postoperative complications, there were no statistical differences in the surgical-related complications or anesthesia-related complications between the two groups in either the prospective study or the retrospective study (P>0.05). In terms of the overall cost, we found that the day surgery group was more economical than the ward surgery group in the prospective study (P=0.002). There were no statistical differences in postoperative psychosocical well-being, sexual well-being, satisfaction with breasts or chest condition between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion It is safe and reliable to carry out breast conserving surgery in day surgery center under strict management standards, which can save medical costs and will not cause great psychological burden to patients.
3.Effects of different activators on platelet-rich plasma growth factors
Jianxiang LIU ; Xingxing FENG ; Shuxia WANG ; Rong ZHOU ; Mengxing LYU ; Kexuan QU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2067-2073
BACKGROUND:Growth factor is the key effect molecule that plays a role in platelet-rich plasma in clinical treatment.There are differences in the concentration of growth factor after different activators activate platelet-rich plasma,which is an important factor affecting clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the influence of different activators on the mass concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma. METHODS:Totally 12 healthy volunteers were recruited to collect EDTA-K2 anticoagulant venous blood.Secondary centrifugation was used to prepare platelet-rich plasma.The difference in mass concentrations of growth factors was compared between venous blood and platelet-rich plasma.The platelet-rich plasma was mixed with four activators(normal saline,thrombin,calcium gluconate,calcium gluconate+thrombin)according to the volume ratio of 10:1,and incubated in a constant temperature water bath at 37 °C for 30 minutes.After centrifugation,the supernatant was extracted and the mass concentration of growth factor was detected.The bacterial growth in supernatant was measured by blood agar plate.Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between different activators and the mass concentration of growth factor in platelet-rich plasma,and the correlation between the value of thrombocytometer and the mass concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The mass concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor-BB,platelet-derived growth factor-AB,vascular endothelial growth factor,and epidermal growth factor in platelet-rich plasma were 8.7,22.2,2.3,and 2.8 times of those in venous blood,respectively(P<0.05).(2)Compared with normal saline group,the mass concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor BB,platelet-derived growth factor AB,vascular endothelial growth factor,and epidermal growth factor were increased in the thrombin group,calcium gluconate group,and calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05).The mass concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB in the thrombin group and calcium gluconate group was higher than that in the calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05),and the mass concentration of platelet-derived growth factor AB in the thrombin group was higher than that in the calcium gluconate group and calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05).Epidermal growth factor mass concentration in the thrombin group was lower than that in the calcium gluconate group and calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05).(3)The results of blood agar plate test showed no bacterial growth in the supernatant of the four groups.(4)Pearson correlation analysis showed that the mass concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB in platelet-rich plasma was strongly positively correlated with thrombin(r=0.683,P<0.05),and the mass concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor was strongly positively correlated with thrombin,calcium gluconate,calcium gluconate+thrombin stimulant(r=0.730,0.789,0.686,P<0.05).There was no correlation between the value of thrombocytometer and the mass concentration of four kinds of growth factors(P>0.05).(5)The results suggest that different activators have an impact on the concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma.It is suggested to choose different activators to improve clinical efficacy according to different growth factor mass concentrations and treatment needs.
4.Progress in the application of lung transplantation in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Hanzhou HUANG ; Yongqi CHENG ; Jiaji ZHOU ; Rongguo LU ; Feng LIU ; Mingfeng ZHENG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):309-314
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease characterized by the abnormal proliferation of pulmonary lymphatic smooth muscle cells. It is common in women and often accompanied by recurrent pneumothorax, chylothorax and progressive dyspnea, imaging characterized by diffuse cystic lesions in both lungs. Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis progresses aggressively and has a very poor prognosis, with a lack of effective medical treatment options in the advanced stages. Lung transplantation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of advanced pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, which may significantly improve the survival rate and quality of life of patients. The median survival period after surgery can reach 12 years. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and the current status and existing problems of lung transplantation in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment and subsequent research of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Picrorhizae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Kaizhi WU ; Cheng FENG ; Wenyue LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):228-239
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Picrorhizae Rhizoma by referring to the medical books, prescription books, and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. The research results indicate that Picrorhizae Rhizoma was first recorded in New Revised Materia Medica from the Tang dynasty. Throughout history, Huhuanglian has been used as its official name, and there are also aliases such as Gehu Luze, Jiahuanglian and Hulian. The main source of past dynasties is the the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa and P. scrophulariiflora. In ancient times, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was mainly imported by foreign traders via Guangzhou and other regions, and also produced in China, mainly in Xizang. In ancient times, it was harvested and dried in early August of the lunar calendar, while in modern times, it is mostly harvested from July to September, with the best quality being those with thick and crispy rhizomes without impurities, and bitter taste. Throughout history, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was collected, washed, sliced, and dried before being used as a raw material for medicine, it has a bitter and cold taste, mainly used to treat bone steaming, hot flashes, infantile chancre fever, and dysentery. There is no significant difference in taste and efficacy between ancient and modern times. Based on the research results, it is recommended that the rhizomes of P. scrophulariiflora in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, or the rhizomes of P. kurrooa, can be used in famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb, which can be processed according to the processing requirements marked by the original formula. For those without clear processing requirements, the dried raw products are used as medicine.
6.Protective Effect of Tongluo Baoshen Prescription-containing Serum on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Podocyte Injury of Rats
Yongfang LIU ; Tiantian YIN ; Huiyang LIU ; Rui HUANG ; Zhiying FENG ; Li ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):139-148
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Tongluo Baoshen prescription (TLBS)-containing serum on the rat podocyte injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and explore the potential mechanisms. MethodsSD rats were used to prepare the blank serum, losartan potassium-containing serum, and low-, medium-, and high-dose TLBS-containing sera. Rat podocytes were cultured in vitro, and the effects of drug-containing sera on podocyte viability were detected by the cell counting kit-8 (CKK-8) method. The optimal intervention volume fraction of drug-containing sera and the optimal concentration of LPS for inducing the podocyte injury were determined. Rat podocytes were grouped as follows: normal control (NC, 10% blank serum), model control (MC, 20.00 mg·L-1 LPS+10% black serum), losartan potassium (LP, 20.00 mg·L-1 LPS+10% losartan potassium-containing serum), low-dose TLBS (TLBS-L, 20.00 mg·L-1 LPS+10% low-dose TLBS-containing serum), medium-dose TLBS (TLBS-M, 20.00 mg·L-1 LPS+10% medium-dose TLBS-containing serum), and high-dose TLBS (TLBS-H, 20.00 mg·L-1 LPS+10% high-dose TLBS-containing serum), and the interventions lasted for 48 h. The ultrastructure of podocytes was observed under a transmission electron microscope. The podocyte apoptosis was detected by the terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) kit. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of gasdermin D N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT) in podocytes. The mRNA and protein levels of G protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member B (GPRC5B), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p50, NF-κB p52, NF-κB p65, Rel B, c-Rel, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), GSDMD-NT, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, nephrin, integrin α3, and integrin β1 in podocytes were determined by real-time quaritiative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the MC group showed reduced podocyte protrusions and organelles, segmental missing of cell membranes, increased and swollen mitochondria, irregular nuclear membranes, light chromatin, increased TUNEL fluorescence-positive nuclei (P<0.01), obviously enhanced fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-NT, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of GPRC5B, NF-κB p50, NF-κB p52, NF-κB p65, Rel B, c-Rel, NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD-NT, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of nephrin, integrin α3, and integrin β1 (P<0.01) in podocytes. Compared with the MC group, the LP, TLBS-M, and TLBS-H groups showed improved ultrastructure of podocytes with increased protrusions, intact cell membranes, reduced organelles, and alleviated mitochondrial swelling, decreased TUNEL fluorescence-positive nuclei (P<0.01), weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-NT, down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of GPRC5B, NF-κB p50, NF-κB p52, NF-κB p65, Rel B, c-Rel, NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD-NT, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of nephrin, integrin α3, and integrin β1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the changes above were the most obvious in the TLBS-H group. ConclusionThe TLBS-containing serum can regulate the GPRC5B/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway to inhibit pyroptosis, thereby ameliorating the podocyte injury induced by LPS.
7.Role of ATG12 in The Development of Disease
Wei LIU ; Rui TIAN ; Ce-Fan ZHOU ; Jing-Feng TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1081-1098
Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular degradation mechanism, maintains intracellular homeostasis by removing damaged organelles and abnormal proteins. Its dysregulation is closely associated with various diseases. Autophagy-related protein 12 (ATG12), a core member of the ubiquitin-like protein family, covalently binds to ATG5 through a ubiquitin-like conjugation system to form the ATG12-ATG5-ATG16L1 complex. This complex directly regulates the formation and maturation of autophagosomes, making ATG12 a key molecule in the initiation of autophagy. Recent studies have revealed that ATG12 functions extend far beyond the classical autophagy context. It promotes apoptosis by binding to anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family (e.g., Bcl-2 and Mcl-1) and enhances host antiviral immunity by regulating the NF-κB and interferon signaling pathways. Moreover, ATG12 deficiency can lead to mitochondrial biogenesis impairment, energy metabolism disorders, and substrate-dependent metabolic shifts, underscoring its pivotal role in cellular metabolic homeostasis. At the disease level, dysregulation of ATG12 expression is closely linked to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. By modulating the dynamic balance between autophagy and apoptosis, ATG12 influences cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Notably, ATG12 is abnormally overexpressed in multiple cancers, including breast, liver, and gastric cancer, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, ATG12 mitigates protein toxicity by enhancing mitochondrial autophagy. In cardiovascular diseases, it alleviates ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating cardiomyocyte autophagy and apoptosis, demonstrating its broad regulatory role across various pathological conditions. Genetic studies further underscore the clinical significance of ATG12. Polymorphisms in the ATG12 gene (e.g., rs26537 and rs26538) have been significantly associated with the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and atrophic gastritis. Notably, the risk allele of rs26537 enhances ATG12 promoter activity, leading to its overexpression and promoting tumorigenesis. These findings provide a molecular basis for individualized risk assessment and targeted interventions based on ATG12 genotype. Despite significant progress, many aspects of ATG12 biology remain unclear. The precise regulatory mechanisms of its post-translational modifications (e.g., ubiquitination and acetylation) are yet to be fully elucidated. Additionally, the molecular pathways underlying its non-canonical functions, such as metabolic regulation and immune modulation, require further investigation. Moreover, the functional heterogeneity of ATG12 in different tumor microenvironments and its role in drug resistance warrant in-depth exploration. Future research should integrate advanced technologies such as cryo-electron microscopy, single-cell sequencing, and organoid models to decipher the intricate regulatory network of ATG12. Additionally, developing small-molecule inhibitors or gene-editing tools targeting its protein interaction interfaces (e.g., the ATG12-ATG3 binding domain) may help overcome current therapeutic challenges. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical translation, ATG12 holds promise as a next-generation molecular target for precision intervention in autophagy-related diseases. This review summarizes the structure and function of ATG12, its role in autophagy initiation, its physiological functions, and its involvement in disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, it discusses future research directions and potential challenges, emphasizing ATG12’s potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in autophagy-related diseases.
8.Identification of Alumen and Ammonium alum Based on XRD, FTIR, TG-DTA Combined with Chemometrics
Bin WANG ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Huangsheng ZHANG ; Jian FENG ; Hanxi LI ; Guorong MEI ; Jiaquan JIANG ; Hongping CHEN ; Fu WANG ; Yuan HU ; Youping LIU ; Shilin CHEN ; Lin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):178-186
ObjectiveTo establish the multi-technique characteristic profiles of Alumen by X-ray diffraction(XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis(TG-DTA), and to explore the spectral characteristics for rapid identification of Alumen and its potential adulterant, Ammonium alum. MethodsA total of 27 batches of Alumen samples from 8 production regions were collected for preliminary identification based on visual characteristics. The PDF standard cards of XRD were used to differentiate Alumen from A. alum, and the XRD characteristic profiles of Alumen were established, and then the common peaks were screened. Based on hierarchical clustering analysis(HCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), the characteristic information that could be used for identification of Alumen was selected with variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1. FTIR characteristic profiles of Alumen were established, and key wavenumbers for identification were screened by HCA and OPLS-DA with VIP value>1. Meanwhile, the thermogravimetric differences between Alumen and A. alum were analyzed by TG-DTA, and the thermogravimetric traits that could be used for identification were screened. ResultsAlumen and A. alum could not be effectively distinguished by traits alone. However, by comparing the PDF standard cards of XRD, 15 batches of Alumen and 12 batches of A. alum could be distinguished. In the XRD profiles, 10 characteristic peaks were confirmed, corresponding to diffraction angles of 14.560°, 24.316°, 12.620°, 32.122°, 17.898°, 34.642°, 27.496°, 46.048°, 40.697° and 21.973°. In the FTIR profiles, 4 wavenumber ranges(399.193-403.050, 1 186.010-1 471.420, 1 801.190-2 620.790, 3 612.020-3 997.710 cm-1) and 12 characteristic wavenumbers(1 428.994, 1 430.922, 1 432.851, 1 434.779, 1 436.708, 1 438.636, 1 440.565, 1 442.493, 1 444.422, 1 446.350, 1 448.279, 1 450.207 cm-1) were identified. In the TG-DTA profiles, there were characteristic decomposition peaks of ammonium ion and mass reduction features near 555.34 ℃ for A. alum. These characteristics could serve as important criteria for distinguishing the authenticity of Alumen. ConclusionXRD, FTIR and TG-DTA can be used to rapidly detect Alumen and A. alum, and combined with the discriminant features selected through chemometrics, the rapid and accurate identification of Alumen and A. alum can be achieved. The research findings provide new approaches for the rapid identification of Alumen.
9.Identification of Alumen and Ammonium alum Based on XRD, FTIR, TG-DTA Combined with Chemometrics
Bin WANG ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Huangsheng ZHANG ; Jian FENG ; Hanxi LI ; Guorong MEI ; Jiaquan JIANG ; Hongping CHEN ; Fu WANG ; Yuan HU ; Youping LIU ; Shilin CHEN ; Lin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):178-186
ObjectiveTo establish the multi-technique characteristic profiles of Alumen by X-ray diffraction(XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis(TG-DTA), and to explore the spectral characteristics for rapid identification of Alumen and its potential adulterant, Ammonium alum. MethodsA total of 27 batches of Alumen samples from 8 production regions were collected for preliminary identification based on visual characteristics. The PDF standard cards of XRD were used to differentiate Alumen from A. alum, and the XRD characteristic profiles of Alumen were established, and then the common peaks were screened. Based on hierarchical clustering analysis(HCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), the characteristic information that could be used for identification of Alumen was selected with variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1. FTIR characteristic profiles of Alumen were established, and key wavenumbers for identification were screened by HCA and OPLS-DA with VIP value>1. Meanwhile, the thermogravimetric differences between Alumen and A. alum were analyzed by TG-DTA, and the thermogravimetric traits that could be used for identification were screened. ResultsAlumen and A. alum could not be effectively distinguished by traits alone. However, by comparing the PDF standard cards of XRD, 15 batches of Alumen and 12 batches of A. alum could be distinguished. In the XRD profiles, 10 characteristic peaks were confirmed, corresponding to diffraction angles of 14.560°, 24.316°, 12.620°, 32.122°, 17.898°, 34.642°, 27.496°, 46.048°, 40.697° and 21.973°. In the FTIR profiles, 4 wavenumber ranges(399.193-403.050, 1 186.010-1 471.420, 1 801.190-2 620.790, 3 612.020-3 997.710 cm-1) and 12 characteristic wavenumbers(1 428.994, 1 430.922, 1 432.851, 1 434.779, 1 436.708, 1 438.636, 1 440.565, 1 442.493, 1 444.422, 1 446.350, 1 448.279, 1 450.207 cm-1) were identified. In the TG-DTA profiles, there were characteristic decomposition peaks of ammonium ion and mass reduction features near 555.34 ℃ for A. alum. These characteristics could serve as important criteria for distinguishing the authenticity of Alumen. ConclusionXRD, FTIR and TG-DTA can be used to rapidly detect Alumen and A. alum, and combined with the discriminant features selected through chemometrics, the rapid and accurate identification of Alumen and A. alum can be achieved. The research findings provide new approaches for the rapid identification of Alumen.
10.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

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