1.Application of Huangkui Capsules in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review
Jia LUO ; Beile JIANG ; Qiuxiang HE ; Shilong LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):314-324
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a kidney disease caused by hyperglycemia,which is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. Due to the high incidence of diabetes,the incidence of DKD has also increased year by year,and DKD has become a global public health problem. The pathogenesis of DKD is related to mechanisms such as oxidative stress,inflammation,renal fibrosis,and decreased mitophagy activity,which are developed under a variety of complex mechanisms. In traditional Chinese medicine,it is believed that the incidence of DKD is closely related to damp heat. Therefore,it is necessary to grasp the treatment method of clearing heat and removing dampness in clinical medication. Huangkui Capsules (HKC) have the effect of clearing damp heat,detoxifying, and detumescence. Because of its unique curative effect on DKD,HKC is often used in the treatment of DKD. HKC plays a role in the treatment of DKD with a variety of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. In many laboratory studies,it has been found that the specific mechanisms of HKC in the treatment of DKD include increasing mitophagy,reducing mitochondrial damage,reducing renal fibrosis,controlling inflammatory response,and inhibiting oxidative stress,which can achieve the purpose of reducing renal damage and promoting renal function. Some clinical studies have also verified that the application of HKC alone can exert renal protective function through anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative stress,anti-renal fibrosis effects,as well as reduction of urinary protein. Since DKD is not a single injury of renal function,it is often accompanied by problems in blood pressure,blood lipids,blood circulation,body immunity, and other aspects. Therefore,the combination of HKC with other drugs can often achieve more comprehensive results,improve the advantages of various drugs,and improve the therapeutic effect. The combination of drugs such as antihypertensive,lipid-lowering, vascular circulation improvement,immunity inhibition,and anti-oxidative stress with HKC has achieved good results. In addition,HKC is often used in combination with other Chinese patent medicines in clinics. The application of HKC in the treatment of DKD has made some progress,but there are still many places worthy of further study,and the research on the mechanism of HKC is not comprehensive enough. The research on its long-term effect and safety in clinical application is relatively lacking,and the drug variety is relatively single when combined with certain drugs. These problems deserve further attention. Finally,it is necessary to pay attention to the promotion and application of HKC in clinical practice so that HKC can be better applied in clinical practice and better solve practical problems for patients.
2.Application of Huangkui Capsules in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review
Jia LUO ; Beile JIANG ; Qiuxiang HE ; Shilong LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):314-324
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a kidney disease caused by hyperglycemia,which is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. Due to the high incidence of diabetes,the incidence of DKD has also increased year by year,and DKD has become a global public health problem. The pathogenesis of DKD is related to mechanisms such as oxidative stress,inflammation,renal fibrosis,and decreased mitophagy activity,which are developed under a variety of complex mechanisms. In traditional Chinese medicine,it is believed that the incidence of DKD is closely related to damp heat. Therefore,it is necessary to grasp the treatment method of clearing heat and removing dampness in clinical medication. Huangkui Capsules (HKC) have the effect of clearing damp heat,detoxifying, and detumescence. Because of its unique curative effect on DKD,HKC is often used in the treatment of DKD. HKC plays a role in the treatment of DKD with a variety of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. In many laboratory studies,it has been found that the specific mechanisms of HKC in the treatment of DKD include increasing mitophagy,reducing mitochondrial damage,reducing renal fibrosis,controlling inflammatory response,and inhibiting oxidative stress,which can achieve the purpose of reducing renal damage and promoting renal function. Some clinical studies have also verified that the application of HKC alone can exert renal protective function through anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative stress,anti-renal fibrosis effects,as well as reduction of urinary protein. Since DKD is not a single injury of renal function,it is often accompanied by problems in blood pressure,blood lipids,blood circulation,body immunity, and other aspects. Therefore,the combination of HKC with other drugs can often achieve more comprehensive results,improve the advantages of various drugs,and improve the therapeutic effect. The combination of drugs such as antihypertensive,lipid-lowering, vascular circulation improvement,immunity inhibition,and anti-oxidative stress with HKC has achieved good results. In addition,HKC is often used in combination with other Chinese patent medicines in clinics. The application of HKC in the treatment of DKD has made some progress,but there are still many places worthy of further study,and the research on the mechanism of HKC is not comprehensive enough. The research on its long-term effect and safety in clinical application is relatively lacking,and the drug variety is relatively single when combined with certain drugs. These problems deserve further attention. Finally,it is necessary to pay attention to the promotion and application of HKC in clinical practice so that HKC can be better applied in clinical practice and better solve practical problems for patients.
3.Effect of Modified Chaihu Shugansan on CaMKⅡ/CREB Signaling Pathway in Rats with Myocardial Ischemia and Depression
Fen WAN ; Xiaohong LI ; Ying CHEN ; Yangyu PAN ; Yanna LUO ; Fangge LU ; Chuncheng ZHENG ; Pengyun KONG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Liqiang YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):1-11
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Chaihu Shugansan on the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(CaMKⅡ)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in the hippocampus and heart tissue of a rat model with myocardial ischemia and depression and explore the mechanism by which this formula prevents and treats coronary heart disease combined with depression. MethodsThe model of myocardial ischemia combined with depression was established by high-fat diet, intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol (ISO), and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). A total of 108 SD male rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, high (23.4 g·kg-1), medium (11.7 g·kg-1), and low (5.85 g·kg-1) dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan, CaMKⅡ inhibitor (KN93) group, and KN93 + high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan, with 12 rats in each group. From the first day of modeling to the end of modeling, drugs were administered once a day. In the seventh and eighth weeks, the KN93 group and the KN93 + high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan were intraperitoneally injected with KN93 three times weekly. At the end of the eighth week, behavioral tests including sucrose preference, open field, and elevated plus maze were conducted. Electrocardiogram (ECG) lead Ⅱ changes were observed in each group of rats, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe changes in heart tissue. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured by using an enzyme-labeled instrument. Creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry, while serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB in hippocampal and heart tissue, and Western blot was performed to assess protein expression of CaMKⅡ, phosphorylated (p)-CaMKⅡ, CREB, and p-CREB. ResultsCompared to the normal group, the model group showed significant reductions in sucrose preference rate, total activity distance in the open field, number of entries into the center area of the open field, and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.01). The ECG showed ST-segment elevation, and HE staining showed serious degeneration of myocardial fibers, disordered arrangement, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. In addition, serum TC and LDL levels increased (P<0.01), and HDL level decreased (P<0.01). CK, CK-MB, LDH, and MCP-1 levels significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB decreased in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), but those increased in the heart tissue (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed improvements in these abnormalities. The KN93 group had reduced sucrose preference, total activity distance in the open field, number of entries into the center area of the open field, and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.01), as well as decreased serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, and MCP-1 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). KN93 also reduced ST-segment elevation, alleviated the degeneration degree of myocardial fibrosis, and lowered inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB in both the hippocampal and heart tissue were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The KN93 + high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed further improvements in these abnormalities compared to the KN93 group. ConclusionThe modified Chaihu Shugansan exerts antidepressant and myocardial protective effects in rats with myocardial ischemia and depression, possibly related to bidirectional regulation of the CaMKⅡ/CREB signaling pathway, with the high-dose modified Chaihu Shugansan showing the best effects.
4.Simulation analysis of work posture and muscle fatigue in breaking and connecting contact terminal
Ruijian PAN ; Xin LU ; Conghan LIU ; Chu CHEN ; Lei LIU ; Min LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):260-269
Background When live working line operators engage in upper limb operations, working for a long time with raising arms and the exposure to adverse ergonomic factors tend to increase muscle load, cause fatigue accumulation, and increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Objective To analyze work posture and associated muscle fatigue during executing breaking/connecting contact terminal, and identify adverse ergonomic factors of the work process. Methods This study recruited 10 volunteers to perform breaking/connecting contact terminal simulation. At a distance of 4.5, 3.5, and 2.5 m from the body to the wire, each performed the task 5 times. Visual 3D was used to analyze the kinematic data from motion capture. The surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of the deltoid, biceps, triceps, and brachioradialis were recorded during the simulation and analyzed for muscle fatigue using root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MF), and jointed EMG amplitude and spectrum analysis (JASA). After completion of each task, Borg scale was used to query the volunteers of their subjective fatigue. A 2-min rest was required between each distance. Results The kinematic data from motion capture showed that in the entire process of the task, the right upper limb was higher when lifting, with the right shoulder joint maintaining flexion and fluctuating periodically between abduction and adduction, external and internal rotation, the right elbow joint maintaining flexion and supination. The frequency of task cycle showed a significant effect on the Borg scale scores (P<0.001, partial
5.Prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in neck and shoulder among power distribution workers
Conghan LIU ; Min LI ; Chu CHEN ; Lei LIU ; Xin LU ; Ruijian PAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):310-318
Background Power grid is an important component of the national infrastructure. The occupational health issues among the workers in this industry are attracting great concern nationwide. Objective To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in neck and shoulder among the power distribution workers of power supply enterprises, and analyze the related influencing factors. Method In April 2023, a total of
6.Research progress on correlation between circadian rhythm disturbance and work-related musculoskeletal disorders
Lichong LAI ; Pinyue TAO ; Dejing FAN ; Shuyu LU ; Jie PENG ; Huiqiao HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):319-324
Circadian rhythm refers to the 24-hour periodic changes in behavior, physiology, and molecular processes in the human body. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm not only affect mental health but are also associated with various metabolic disorders, including the regulation of bone and muscle metabolism. Research has shown that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are influenced not only by workload but also by circadian rhythm factors, such as shift work. This review examined the relationships between circadian rhythm-related antecedents, outcomes, and WMSDs, exploring their shared metabolic markers and mechanisms. It provided a systematic overview of the intrinsic connection between circadian rhythm disruptions and WMSDs. While current studies highlight the impact of circadian rhythm disturbances on musculoskeletal disorders, further investigation is required to address the confounding factors involved. Future research should integrate chronobiology with both subjective and objective data to explore the pathway from environmental factors to intermediate phenotypes to diseases, ultimately providing a more comprehensive understanding of the network mechanisms underlying WMSDs.
7.Effects and mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure
Meiling MAO ; Jianqi LU ; Zhide ZHU ; Yan PANG ; Liyu XIE ; Jiayong CHEN ; Xinyu WU ; Xiang XIAO ; Junshen LU ; Weiqi SHI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):160-165
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS The CHF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Modeled rats were divided into model group, Qiangxin decoction low-dose and high-dose groups (12.25, 24.50 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), and chemical medicine group (Sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets, 10.42 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group; control group was set up without treatment. Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication or normal saline twice a day for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication, the contents of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in serum and phosphatidic acid (PA) and cardiolipin (CL) in myocardial tissue were all detected; the pathological damage and collagen fibrosis of rat myocardial tissue were observed; the apoptosis of myocardial cells was determined; the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue was observed; the protein expressions of mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) were all detected in myocardial tissue. RESULTS Compared with control group,the serum content of NT-proBNP, apoptotic rate of myocardial cells, and relative expressions of S-OPA1 and Drp1 proteins were all increased significantly; serum content of ATP,contents of PA and CL, and relative expressions of Mfn1, Mfn2 and L-OPA1 proteins were all significantly reduced (P<0.05). There were abnormal membrane tissue structure in various layers of myocardial tissue, degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells, and severe fibrosis; the mitochondria were swollen, with reduced or absent cristae, and uneven matrix density. After intervention with Qiangxin decoction, the levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators in serum and myocardial tissue of rats (excluding CL content in the Qiangxin decoction low- dose group) were significantly reversed (P<0.05); the pathological damage of myocardial tissue had significantly improved, fibrosis had significantly reduced, mitochondrial morphology tended to be normal, cristae had increased, and matrix density was uniform. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can regulate myocardial mitochondrial function and structural integrity of CHF rats, thereby improving myocardial energy metabolism and antagonizing myocardial fibrosis, the mechanism of which may be associated with activating PA/Mfn/CL signaling pathway.
8.Effects and mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure
Meiling MAO ; Jianqi LU ; Zhide ZHU ; Yan PANG ; Liyu XIE ; Jiayong CHEN ; Xinyu WU ; Xiang XIAO ; Junshen LU ; Weiqi SHI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):160-165
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS The CHF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Modeled rats were divided into model group, Qiangxin decoction low-dose and high-dose groups (12.25, 24.50 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), and chemical medicine group (Sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets, 10.42 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group; control group was set up without treatment. Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication or normal saline twice a day for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication, the contents of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in serum and phosphatidic acid (PA) and cardiolipin (CL) in myocardial tissue were all detected; the pathological damage and collagen fibrosis of rat myocardial tissue were observed; the apoptosis of myocardial cells was determined; the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue was observed; the protein expressions of mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) were all detected in myocardial tissue. RESULTS Compared with control group,the serum content of NT-proBNP, apoptotic rate of myocardial cells, and relative expressions of S-OPA1 and Drp1 proteins were all increased significantly; serum content of ATP,contents of PA and CL, and relative expressions of Mfn1, Mfn2 and L-OPA1 proteins were all significantly reduced (P<0.05). There were abnormal membrane tissue structure in various layers of myocardial tissue, degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells, and severe fibrosis; the mitochondria were swollen, with reduced or absent cristae, and uneven matrix density. After intervention with Qiangxin decoction, the levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators in serum and myocardial tissue of rats (excluding CL content in the Qiangxin decoction low- dose group) were significantly reversed (P<0.05); the pathological damage of myocardial tissue had significantly improved, fibrosis had significantly reduced, mitochondrial morphology tended to be normal, cristae had increased, and matrix density was uniform. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can regulate myocardial mitochondrial function and structural integrity of CHF rats, thereby improving myocardial energy metabolism and antagonizing myocardial fibrosis, the mechanism of which may be associated with activating PA/Mfn/CL signaling pathway.
9.Dynamic Monitoring and Correlation Analysis of General Body Indicators, Blood Glucose, and Blood Lipid in Obese Cynomolgus Monkeys
Yanye WEI ; Guo SHEN ; Pengfei ZHANG ; Songping SHI ; Jiahao HU ; Xuzhe ZHANG ; Huiyuan HUA ; Guanyang HUA ; Hongzheng LU ; Yong ZENG ; Feng JI ; Zhumei WEI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):30-36
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in general body parameters, blood glucose, and blood lipid profiles in obese cynomolgus monkeys, exploring the correlations among these parameters and providing a reference for research on the obese cynomolgus monkey model. Methods30 normal male cynomolgus monkeys aged 5 - 17 years old (with body mass index < 35 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin content < 4.50%) and 99 spontaneously obese male cynomolgus monkeys (with body mass index ≥35 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin content < 4.50%) were selected. Over a period of three years, their abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and four blood lipid indicators were monitored. The correlations between each indicator were analyzed using repeated measurement ANOVA, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression correlation analysis method. Results Compared to the control group, the obese group exhibited significantly higher levels of abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, and triglyceride (P<0.05). In the control group, skinfold thickness increased annually, while other indicators remained stable. Compared with the first year, the obese group showed significantly increased abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose in the second year(P<0.05), with this increasing trend persisting in the third year (P<0.05). In the control group, the obesity incidence rates in the second and third years were 16.67% and 23.33%, respectively, while the prevalence of diabetes remained at 16.67%. In the obese group, the diabetes incidence rates were 29.29% and 44.44% in years 2 and 3, respectively. Among the 11-13 year age group, the incidence rates were 36.36% and 44.68%, while for the group older than 13 years, the rates were 28.13% and 51.35%. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations (P<0.05) between fasting blood glucose and age, abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, and triglyceride in the diabetic monkeys. Conclusion Long-term obesity can lead to the increases in general physical indicators and fasting blood glucose levels in cynomolgus monkeys, and an increase in the incidence of diabetes. In diabetic cynomolgus monkeys caused by obesity, there is a high correlation between their fasting blood glucose and age, weight, abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, and triglyceride levels, which is of some significance for predicting the occurrence of spontaneous diabetes.
10.Analysis of the results from national interlaboratory comparisons of radionuclide analysis by γ spectrometry
Yanghai SHI ; Yongyong CHEN ; Yuhua SHI ; Yuansheng LU ; Dezhi HE ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):55-60
Objective To verify the accuracy of γ spectrometry by analyzing the results of national interlaboratory comparisons of radionuclide analysis by γ spectrometry from 2018 to 2023. Methods A statistical analysis was conducted on the results from multiple years of participation in the national interlaboratory comparisons of radionuclide analysis by γ spectrometry. The measurement results of radionuclide specific activities in soil were analyzed to provide technical support for improving the capability to analyze radionuclides in soil. Results The laboratory participated in six interlaboratory comparisons and conducted 23 radionuclide analyses by γ spectrometry from 2018 to 2023. The relative deviation was −12.20% to 8.11%, the |Ztest| was 0 to 0.61, the Utest was 0 to 0.62, and the Urel was 0.07 to 0.12. The overall pass rate was 100% and the excellent rate was 33.3%. In addition, 21 of the 23 (91.3%) radionuclide analyses showed full scores in experiment operation. However, the total scores were relatively low due to multiple oversights and lack of rigor in the preparation of the test reports, which prevented the laboratory from qualifying for the excellence evaluation process, resulting in a relatively low excellent rate. Conclusion The interlaboratory comparisons indicate that the measurements of radionuclides in this laboratory were all qualified, with full scores for experiment operation in several analyses. These results demonstrate that the soil radionuclide analysis system based on γ spectrometry is reliable and stable.

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