1.Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Research on Mechanism
Junxiang LI ; Hong SHEN ; Tangyou MAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):103-110
In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved significant progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 30, 2024, across Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The clinical applications and mechanistic studies of TCM in IBD were systematically reviewed. The current status of TCM research on the etiology and pathogenesis of IBD, innovative clinical practices, and multimodal therapeutic approaches, including Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs or active compounds, acupuncture, herbal retention enema, and acupoint application, were summarized, together with their synergistic effects when combined with western medical treatments. The development and application of Chinese patent medicines for IBD are undergoing a profound transition from efficacy validation to mechanistic exploration. Mechanistic studies on the effects of TCM in IBD mainly focus on regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and modulating intestinal immune balance. Furthermore, future research directions for TCM-based IBD management are proposed, including the establishment of TCM diagnostic and treatment models, expanding integrated applications of external and internal TCM therapies, innovating personalized treatment strategies, and advancing drug development. These efforts aim to provide insights for the standardized and precision-oriented development of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
2.The renoprotective effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza injection on HBOC-CHP01 resuscitated haemorrhagic shock rats
Shasha HAO ; Xintong XIE ; Shen LI ; Honghui ZHANG ; Hong WANG ; Chengmin YANG ; Wentao ZHOU ; Jiaxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):172-180
[Objective] To investigate the protective effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (SMI) on the kidneys of HBOC-CHP01 resuscitated haemorrhagic shock rats. [Methods] A 50% haemorrhagic shock rat model was established, with 12 rats divided into two groups: SMI + HBOC-CHP01 group and HBOC-CHP01 group, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in the SMI+ HBOC-CHP01 group were given an equal volume of HBOC-CHP01 for resuscitation after haemorrhagic shock, and an 8 mL/kg dose of SMI. Rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group were resuscitated by administering an equilibrium blood loss volume of HBOC-CHP01 and given an 8 mL/kg dose of 0.9% NaCl solution. Blood was taken from rats at five points: before bloodletting (baseline), during haemorrhagic shock (HS), immediately after resuscitation (RS0h), 1 h after resuscitation (RS1h), and 24 h after resuscitation (RS24h). A blood gas analyser was used to detect the lactate level (Lac), glucose content (Glu), residual base (BEecf), pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), high iron haemoglobin (MetHb). White blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), haemoglobin content (Hb), carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) were detected using a quintuple classification. Blood creatinine (SCr), uric acid (UA), kidney-related indexes were detected using biochemistry instrument. Kidney tissues of the rats were taken after 24 h of resuscitation and after execution, and the inflammation of kidneys of the rats of the two groups was analyzed using HE staining. Fluorescence staining was used to detect the level of ROS in the kidneys of rats in both groups. [Results] At RS 0h, the Beecf, Glu and Lac levels of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group were significantly lower than those of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group, and the pH level of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly higher than that of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group, and the Glu levels of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group were significantly lower than those of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group at RS 1h. At RS 0h, the WBC, PLT and COHb contents of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group were all significantly higher than those of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group, and at RS 1h, the WBC content of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly higher than that of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group; at RS 1h, the UA content of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly lower than that of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group; at RS 24h, the SCr content of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly lower than that of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group; at RS 24h, the inflammation level of kidney tissues of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly lower than that of rats in the HBOC -CHP01 group rats, and the ROS and MPO levels in the kidney tissues of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group were significantly lower than those of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group. [Conclusion] The combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza injection during the resuscitation of rats with severe haemorrhagic shock by HBOC-CHP01 can alleviate renal injury by reducing inflammatory response and oxidative stress.
3.Overview of the Research on Mechanisms and Application of Essential Oil of Aromatic Chinese Medicinals in Prevention of Respiratory Infectious Disease
Wan Ling LI ; Xinxin WU ; Xiaolei LI ; Mingzhao HAO ; Fang ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Haoyue LI ; Jing ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):638-644
Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs, which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition, immune regulation, and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation, smearing, topical application, bathing, gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification, through methods like diffusion, vaporization, or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience, quick absorption, and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However, there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions, indications, safety, and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils, and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation, and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently, accurately, and safely, thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Effect and mechanism of Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula on insulin resistance in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Yuxin HONG ; Lei ZHANG ; Mingxue ZHOU ; Sinai LI ; Li LIN ; Meng ZHANG ; Zixuan GUO ; Weihong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effect and potential mechanism of Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula on insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS T2DM rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin combined with high-fat and high-sugar diet. The rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula low-dose and high-dose groups (6.525, 13.05 g/kg, calculated by raw material) and metformin group (positive control, 0.18 g/kg), with 8 rats in each group. Administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically; normal control group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for consecutive 6 weeks. Body mass and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were determined, and oral glucose tolerance test was conducted. Serum fasting insulin (FINS) level was measured to calculate the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Additionally, the level of serum lipids, liver function, oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors were assessed. The phosphorylation levels of kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) protein in liver tissue of rats were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group, the body weight, ISI, the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and superoxide dismutase were increased significantly in Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula high-dose group and metformin group (P<0.05); FBG, blood glucose level at 120 minutes of glucose loading, area under the curve of glucose, FINS, HOMA-IR, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein levels were significantly reduced (P< Δ0.05); the pathological damage of liver tissue had significantlyimproved, and the phosphorylation levels of PERK and FOXO1 proteins in liver tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation factor and oxidative stress levels, and alleviate insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the PERK/FOXO1 signaling pathway.
5.Ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Pancreatic Endocrine and Exocrine Co-Morbidities from the Attributes of Zang-Fu Organs of Pancreas
Yulin LENG ; Jiacheng YIN ; Xianglong LI ; Jiahong ZHANG ; Yi SU ; Hong GAO ; Chunguang XIE ; Xiaoxu FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):145-149
Based on advancements in modern medical research regarding the intricate connection between the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas, as well as the relationship between pancreatic functions and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) spleen system, this paper discussed the categorization of the pancreas. It is proposed that the pancreas is neither a true zang organ nor a fu organ, but possessed the attributes of an extraordinary fu-organ and can be classified under the spleen. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, ascent of the clear and dispersion of essence, which encompasses the endocrine and exocrine functions, and pancreatic enzymes and glucose-regulating hormones form the material basis for the spleen's function of dispersing essence. Diseases of the pancreas exhibit characteristics of both zang-organ deficiency and fu-organ excess, so treatment should simultaneously supplement zang-organ disease and regulate fu-organ disease when pancreas showing endocrine and exocrine co-morbidities, with focus on restoring the pancreas (spleen)'s dispersing essence function. Therapeutic strategies include supplementing spleen qi, nourishing spleen yin to strengthen spleen earth, unblocking spleen collaterals, raising spleen yang, and removing spleen turbidity to support the spleen's dispersing essence function, so as to replenish the essential qi of zang-fu organs, ensure their distribution throughout the body, and improve the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas.
6.Trend of periodontal disease burden among Chinese women of reproductive age from 1990 to 2021
WEN Ping ; ZHANG Feng ; XU Weijie ; YANG Xiuqiao ; LIN Hong ; LI Xiaotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(3):221-229
Objective:
To analyze the status and trends of the disease burden of periodontal disease among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in China from 1990 to 2021, and to provide a reference for the development of periodontal disease prevention and control strategies for women of reproductive age.
Methods:
Using the global burden of disease (GBD) data from 1990 to 2021, this study investigated the periodontal disease burden among women of reproductive age, including prevalence, incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), DALY rates, and their corresponding standardized indicators. Joinpoint 5.2.0.0 software was used for time trend analysis of DALYs, age-specific DALY rates, and annual average percentage change (AAPC) values. A log-linear regression model was used to test trends for DALYs and DALY rates.
Results:
Compared with 1990, the prevalence and incidence of periodontal disease among Chinese women in 2021 increased by 45.67% (per 100,000 people) and 29.29% (per 100,000 people), respectively. The distribution of periodontal disease among women (15-49 years) showed a continuous and rapid upward trend, with the growth rate increasing rapidly with age. The number of cases increased the fastest in the 45-49 age group, and the prevalence increased the fastest in the 35-44 age group. The incidence of periodontal disease continued to rise with age, with the fastest increase in the 35-44 age group among women of reproductive age. The Joinpoint regression model results showed that periodontal disease led to an expanding trend in the disease burden among women of reproductive age in China, with an AAPC of DALYs = 1.20% and an AAPC of DALY rate = 1.25% (P<0.001).
Conclusion
The periodontal disease burden among Chinese women aged 15-49 years showed a gradually increasing trend from 1990 to 2021.
7.Study on anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of blood components of Guanxin Qiwei tablets based on HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS and network pharmacology
Yuan-hong LIAO ; Jing-kun LU ; Yan NIU ; Jun LI ; Ren BU ; Peng-peng ZHANG ; Yue KANG ; Yue-wu WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):449-458
The analysis presented here is based on the blood components of Guanxin Qiwei tablets, the key anti-atherosclerosis pathway of Guanxin Qiwei tablets was screened by network pharmacology, and the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of Guanxin Qiwei tablets was clarified and verified by cell experiments. HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS technique was used to analyze the components of Guanxin Qiwei tablets into blood, to determine the precise mass charge ratio of the compounds, and to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the components by using secondary mass spectrometry fragments and literature comparison. Finally, a total of 42 components of Guanxin Qiwei tablets into blood were identified. To better understand the interactions, we employed the Swiss Target Prediction database to predict the associated targets. Atherosclerosis (AS) disease targets were searched in disease databases Genecard, OMIM and Disgent, and 181 intersection targets of disease targets and component targets were obtained by Venny 2.1.0 software. Protein interactions were analyzed by String database. The 32 core targets were selected by Cytscape software. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed in DAVID database. It was found that the anti-atherosclerosis pathways of Guanxin Qiwei tablets mainly include lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and other signal pathways. The core targets and the core compounds were interlinked, and it was found that cryptotanshinone and tanshinone ⅡA in Guanxin Qiwei tablets were well bound to TNF, PPAR
8.Study on soluble microneedles loaded with aPexos and EGCG for healing of burn wounds in rats
Along ZHANG ; Wanjing LI ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Ye CAO ; Rui ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):333-342
[Objective] To use Chitosan Methacryloyl (CSMA) loaded with artificial platelet-derived exosomes (aPexos) as the needle body material, and gelatin and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) loaded with Epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) as the backing material to prepare microneedles, aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of aPexos-EGCG microneedles in the treatment of burn wound healing. [Methods] First, aPexos were extracted using ultrasound and gradient ultracentrifugation. The concentration, morphology, and growth factor content (TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, VEGF) of the exosomes were assessed using NTA, transmission electron microscopy, and ELISA kits. The aPexos and EGCG were then dissolved in the needle body and backing materials, respectively. The aPexos and EGCG were loaded into the needle body and backing layer, respectively. The morphology, mechanical properties, and puncture performance of the microneedles were examined, and the preparation conditions for the microneedles loaded with aPexos-EGCG were optimized. Finally, animal experiments and tissue staining were conducted to assess the efficacy of the aPexos-EGCG microneedles in promoting burn wound healing in rats. [Results] The size distribution of aPexos was mainly in the range of 50-150 nm, with an average diameter of 132.7±3.8 nm and an average concentration of approximately 2.88×1013±3.62×1012 particles/mL. The concentrations of TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, and VEGF were approximately 1 363±135.9 ng/mL, 63.5±14.8 ng/mL, and 1 606.0±77.5 pg/mL, respectively. Mechanical property testing of the microneedles indicated that, compared with the blank microneedles, the drug-loaded microneedles had sufficient piercing ability to penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin. The results of the rat burn wound healing experiment showed that the wound healing rates of the d 3, d 7, aPexos-EGCG microneedle group compared to the control group showed significant differences, with respective values of (47.64±12.5)% vs (18.11±6.40)%, (87.45±5.57)% vs (79.85±5.03)%(P<0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining revealed more intact epidermal layers in the aPexos-EGCG microneedle group. Masson staining showed that the collagen deposition percentage in the aPexos-EGCG microneedle group was higher than in the control group. Immunofluorescence staining results indicated that the aPexos-EGCG microneedle group had a reduced content of M1-type macrophages and an increased content of M2-type macrophages. Additionally, the vascular markers CD31 and α-SMA showed elevated expression in this group, with significant differences compared to the other groups (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The aPexos-EGCG microneedle developed in this study exhibits good mechanical properties, capable of successfully penetrating the skin's stratum corneum and delivering aPexos and EGCG. aPexos promotes wound repair, while EGCG regulates the ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages at the wound site and suppresses the inflammatory response. This microneedle can effectively promote wound healing in rats with burn injuries, offering a novel approach for tissue repair.
9.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
10.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.


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