1.Bioinformatics and Animal Experiments Reveal Mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian Capsules in Treating Constipation
Yong LIANG ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Bin GE ; Yang ZHANG ; Yu SHI ; Yue LU ; Hongxi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):150-157
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian capsules in treating constipation based on the research foundation of its active components combined with network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsThe drug components were imported into SwissTargetPrediction to predict the targets of Shouhui Tongbian capsules, and constipation-related targets were collected from disease databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for the common targets shared by Shouhui Tongbian capsules and constipation to screen key targets, which was followed by gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A "bioactive component-target-pathway" network was constructed, and the core components of Shouhui Tongbian capsules in treating constipation were screened based on the topological parameters of this network. Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding affinity of core components to key targets. A mouse model of constipation was constructed to screen the key pathways and targets of the drug intervention in constipation. ResultsThe PPI network revealed six key constipation-related targets: protein kinase B (Akt1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The KEGG pathway analysis showed that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was the most enriched. The topological parameter analysis of the "bioactive component-target-pathway" network screened out the top 10 core components: auranetin, isosinensetin, naringin, diosmetin, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, hesperidin, isorhapontigenin, and chrysophanol. Molecular docking results showed that the 10 core components had strong binding affinity with the 6 key targets. Animal experiments showed that after intervention with different doses of Shouhui Tongbian capsules, the time to the first black stool excretion was reduced and the fecal water content and small intestine charcoal propulsion rate of mice were improved. After treatment with Shouhui Tongbian capsules, the colonic mucosal injury and glandular arrangement were alleviated, and the muscle layer thickness was increased. Western blot results showed that Shouhui Tongbian capsules recovered the expression of apoptosis-related molecules mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway in the colonic tissue of constipated mice. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) results showed that the cell apoptosis rate of the colon significantly reduced after intervention with Shouhui Tongbian capsules. ConclusionThe results of network pharmacology and animal experiments confirmed that Shouhui Tongbian capsules can treat constipation through multiple targets and pathways. The capsules can effectively intervene in loperamide-induced constipation in mice by regulating the constipation indicators and reducing cell apoptosis in the colon tissue via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Reconsideraton of Stroke with Syndrome of Combined Blood Stasis and Toxin from the Perspective of Xiang Thinking
Yunfan ZHANG ; Di ZHAO ; Lina MIAO ; Hongxi LIU ; Jingjing WEI ; Xiao LIANG ; Liuding WANG ; Xueru ZHANG ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1305-1310
Xiang thinking is a cognitive approach that reflects the relationships between phenomena and their underlying principles by analyzing their external manifestations through methods such as analogy, reasoning, deduction, and symbolism. This article applied xiang thinking to analyze the etiology and pathogenesis of "wind, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis" in stroke, thereby exploring its impact on the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment of this condition. Meanwhile, the article traced the construction process of xiang thinking, and interpreted the concept of "toxin pathogen" in traditional Chinese medicine from four perspectives, state, attribute, origin, and law. Furthermore, the relationship between the process of constructing xiang thinking and the origin of etiology, identification methods, pathogenesis evolution, and treatment strategies for stroke with syndrome of combined blood stasis and toxin was explored, so as to provide insights into research on the etiology and pathogenesis of stroke, as well as clinical diagnosis and treatment approaches.
3.Study of methods to optimise the use of chloral hydrate sedation
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(2):278-280,296
Objective To analyze the effects of different age groups of children and different routes of administration on the sedation effect of chloral hydrate.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 671 children who underwent MRI examination.Children sedated with chloral hydrate were selected and divided into four groups according to their age:group A(0-1 month),group B(>1 month-1 year old),group C(>1-2 years old),group D(>2-6 years old),and each group was further divided into oral administration and enema administration.The success rate of sedation in each group was recorded.Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software.Results(1)The sedation success rate of chloral hydrate in group A was 82.5%,including 87.5%by oral administration and 85.1%by enema administration;(2)The sedation success rate of chloral hydrate in group B was 71.8%,including 78.5%by oral administration and 71.2%by enema administration;(3)The sedation success rate of chloral hydrate in group C was 87.7%,including 89.6%by oral administration and 82.2%by enema administration;(4)The sedation success rate of chloral hydrate in group D was 89.6%,including 89.5%by oral administration and 90.8%by enema administration.There was a difference in the sedation success rate between group B and groups A,C and D,and there was a difference in the sedation success rate between group D and groups A,B,and C.There was a difference in the sedation success rate of oral administration versus enema administration between groups B and D.The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The sedation success rate of chloral hydrate is different in different age groups,the sedation success rate in the same age group is also different due to different administration methods.Therefore,it is necessary to choose the appropriate sedation strategy according to the age of children.
4.Study on Zhang Yunling's Medication Law in Treating Headache Based on Data Mining
Hongxi LIU ; Xiao LIANG ; Jingzi SHI ; Jingjing WEI ; Wei SHEN ; Guojing FU ; Yue LIU ; Liuding WANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(1):59-64
Objective To study the medication law of Professor Zhang Yunling in the treatment of headache based on data mining technology;To provide ideas for the clinical treatment of headache.Methods Professor Zhang Yunling's outpatient TCM prescription data for the treatment of headache from Sep.2017 to Dec.2020 were collected,and the Ancient and Modern Medical Record Cloud Platform 2.3.5 was used to mine the selected TCM prescriptions for herbal medicine frequency statistics,property,taste and meridian tropism statistics,herbal medicine efficacy statistics,correlation analysis,clustering analysis,complex network analysis,etc.Results Through collection and screening,totally 332 prescriptions were included,involving 178 kinds of Chinese materia medica,with a total frequency of 5 380 times.The top 10 kinds of Chinese materia medica were Chuanxiaong Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix alba,Atractyodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum,Bambusae Caulis in Taenia,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Astragali Radix,Amomi Fructus Rotundus,Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum,and Polygalae Radix.They were mainly warm,mild and slightly cold in properties,sweet,pungent and bitter in tastes,and liver,lung,spleen meridian in meridian tropism.In the statistics of herbal medicine efficacy,expelling wind and relieving pain,suppressing liver yang,promoting blood circulation and qi,clearing heart and relieving restlessness,clearing heat and detoxifying,softening liver and relieving pain were used more frequently.The combinations in herbal medicines association included"Atractyodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma","Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum-Paeoniae Radix alba","Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix alba","Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma","Bambusae Caulis in Taenia-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma".Herbal medicines clustering clustered 32 kinds of high-frequency herbal medicines used more than 60 times into 6 categories.Complex network analysis screened out the core formula for the treatment of headache:Chuanxiaong Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix alba,Atractyodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Bambusae Caulis in Taenia,Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum,Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum,Astragali Radix,Amomi Fructus Rotundus,and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.Conclusion In the treatment of headache,Professor Zhang Yunling holds that the pathogenesis of headache is deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality,deficiency of qi and blood,loss of nourishment of brain collaterals,stagnation of phlegm and dampness,disturbance of wind pathogen,obstruction of brain collaterals,and the location of the disease is related to the five viscera and involves the stomach.Focuses on tonifying deficiency and reducing excess,treats exterior and interior separately,and gives consideration to both the symptoms and the root causes,which often uses drugs to treat headache,such as dispelling wind and relieving pain,promoting blood circulation and relieving pain,relieving spasm and relieving pains,eliminating phlegm and dampness,invigorating qi and spleen,nourishing blood and yin,eliminating dampness and regulating stomach,relieving depression and restlessness,which can provide some reference for the clinical treatment of headache.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Constipation Based on 5-HT Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yong LIANG ; Bin GE ; Yu SHI ; Yang ZHANG ; Hongxi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):271-279
Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal diseases. At present, the overall therapeutic effect of CC is still not satisfactory worldwide, which seriously affects the quality of life and social function of patients. The etiology and pathophysiological mechanism of constipation are still unclear. It involves comprehensive factors such as heredity, social psychology, diet, intestinal flora imbalance, intestinal motility disorder, visceral sensitivity change, pelvic floor muscle group dysfunction and enteric nervous system (ENS) disorder. Among them, the abnormal factors of the brain-gut-microbiome axis are particularly significant. The brain-gut-microbiome axis is a complex network of interactions between the intestine and the brain, integrating and coordinating the physiological functions and pathological processes of the gastrointestinal tract. Microorganisms in the intestinal lumen play an important role in it, and can communicate with the intestinal tract and the central nervous system through nerve, endocrine and immune pathways. As a key brain-gut peptide in the regulation pathway of the brain-gut-microbiome axis, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility, sensation and secretion. The abnormal conduction of the 5-HT signaling pathway is closely related to the occurrence and development of constipation. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is a unique precious resource in China, which has good curative effects and safety. In recent years, it has received extensive attention in the treatment of constipation. TCM and active ingredients, acupuncture and massage specifically regulate 5-HT signal transmission, so that the expressions of related molecules tend to be suitable for individual disease state levels to effectively improve constipation symptoms, with unique advantages. Therefore, this study used ''constipation'', ''intestinal flora'', ''5-HT'', and ''traditional Chinese medicine'' as the keywords to search PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and other literature databases. The correlation between 5-HT and constipation as well as brain-gut-microbiome axis and the research progress of TCM intervention in the 5-HT signaling pathway in the treatment of constipation were reviewed in order to explore the potential therapeutic value of 5-HT system in this disease and provide references for subsequent research.
6.Exploring the Disease Mechanism and Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Based on Ascending and Descending of Qi Movement from the Perspective of Xiang Thinking
Liuding WANG ; Xiao LIANG ; Yifan CHEN ; Yue LIU ; Hongxi LIU ; Di ZHAO ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Xueru ZHANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1443-1448
Xiang thinking is the key way of thinking to construct the life model of human body in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the theory of ascending and descending of qi movement is an important manifestation of xiang thinking in the theory of TCM. Based on the theory of qi movement, this paper interpreted the mechanism of ischemic stroke through the perspective of xiang thinking "earth weakness - wood constraint - fire hyperactivity", as "earth weakness in the central and dampness accumulated to phlegm" "wood constraint and stirring wind led to blood stasis" and "fire hyperactivity and fire toxin showed flaming upward" due to disorder of qi movement. Combined with the "xiang of medicinal properties and therapy methods" to discuss the treatment and prescriptions of ischaemic stroke, applying wind medicinals to elevate ji-earth (己土) and yi-wood (乙木), so that phlegm and stasis can be eliminated, and cold medicinals to descend jia-wood (甲木) and wu-earth (戊土) so that fire toxin can be cleared, with a view to restore ascending and descending of qi movement for ischaemic stroke.
7.Regulation of Constipation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yong LIANG ; Bin GE ; Yu SHI ; Yang ZHANG ; Hongxi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):230-240
Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the common and frequent functional gastrointestinal diseases in clinic. At present, the overall therapeutic effect of CC is still not satisfactory in China and abroad, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. The pathophysiological mechanism of constipation has not been fully elucidated, and studies have mainly focused on the dysfunction of the enteric nervous system (ENS), abnormalities of Cajal interstitial cells (ICCs), alterations in mucosal immune function (low-grade intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier damage, and immune activation), abnormalities of gastrointestinal hormones, dysregulation of intestinal flora, and dysfunctions of intestinal dynamics. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a unique and precious resource in China with good efficacy and safety. TCM and its active ingredients can effectively treat constipation, and its mechanism of action needs to be further investigated. Signaling pathways are involved in the development of constipation, which is one of the main targets in the study of pathological mechanisms of constipation and the pharmacological study of therapeutic drugs. Therefore, the authors searched PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and other literature databases with the keywords of ''constipation'', ''signaling pathway'', and ''traditional Chinese medicine'' to systematically summarize the signaling pathways related to constipation regulated by TCM. The comprehensive analysis shows that TCM mainly plays a role in regulating autophagy, apoptosis, and proliferation and ensuring anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, and protection of intestinal barrier of ICCs by modulating signaling pathways such as stem cell factor/tyrosine kinase receptor (SCF/c-kit), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). TCM regulates neurotransmitter secretion and intestinal water metabolism to improve constipation. This demonstrates the advantages of multi-level, multi-target, and multi-level effects of TCM, and in-depth research can provide new ideas for exploring the pathogenesis of constipation and developing new drugs.
8.YTE-17 inhibits colonic carcinogenesis by resetting antitumor immune response via Wnt5a/JNK mediated metabolic signaling
Sui HUA ; Deng WANLI ; Chai QIONG ; Han BING ; Zhang YULI ; Wei ZHENZHEN ; Li ZAN ; Wang TING ; Feng JILING ; Yuan MAN ; Tang QINGFENG ; Xu HONGXI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(4):525-541
The density and composition of lymphocytes infiltrating colon tumors serve as predictive factors for the clinical outcome of colon cancer.Our previous studies highlighted the potent anti-cancer properties of the principal compounds found in Garcinia yunnanensis(YTE-17),attributing these effects to the regu-lation of multiple signaling pathways.However,knowledge regarding the mechanism and effect of YTE-17 in the prevention of colorectal cancer is limited.In this study,we conducted isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification(iTRAQ)analysis on intestinal epithelial cells(IECs)exposed YTE-17,both in vitro and in vivo,revealing a significant inhibition of the Wnt family member 5a(Wnt5a)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)signaling pathway.Subsequently,we elucidated the influence and mechanism of YTE-17 on the tumor microenvironment(TME),specifically focusing on macrophage-mediated T helper 17(Th17)cell induction in a colitis-associated cancer(CAC)model with Wnt5a deletion.Additionally,we performed the single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)on the colonic tissue from the Wnt5a-deleted CAC model to characterize the composition,lineage,and functional status of immune mesenchymal cells during different stages of colorectal cancer(CRC)progression.Remarkably,our findings demon-strate a significant reduction in M2 macrophage polarization and Th17 cell phenotype upon treatment with YTE-17,leading to the restoration of regulatory T(Treg)/Th17 cell balance in azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)model.Furthermore,we also confirmed that YTE-17 effectively inhibited the glycolysis of Th17 cells in both direct and indirect co-culture systems with M2 macrophages.Notably,our study shed light on potential mechanisms linking the non-canonical Wnt5a/JNK signaling pathway and well-established canonical β-catenin oncogenic pathway in vivo.Specifically,we proposed that Wnt5a/JNK signaling activity in IECs promotes the development of cancer stem cells with β-catenin activity within the TME,involving macrophages and T cells.In summary,our study undergoes the po-tential of YTE-17 as a preventive strategy against CRC development by addressing the imbalance with the immune microenvironment,thereby mitigating the risk of malignancies.
9.Clinicopathological features of breast cancer with HER2 low expression: a real-world retrospective study
Kaimi LI ; Shafei WU ; Mingchen SUN ; Hongxi ZHANG ; Xinyi TENG ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Zhiyong LIANG ; Xuan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(7):691-696
Objective:To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of breast cancer with HER2 low expression.Methods:The data from 3 422 patients with invasive breast cancer which archived in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between April 2019 and July 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 136 patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The tumor size, histological type, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, Ki-67 index, the status of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 as well as pathological complete response (pCR) rate were collected.Results:The HER2 status of 3 286 patients without neoadjuvant therapy, 616 (616/3 286, 18.7%) score 0, 1 047 (1 047/3 286, 31.9%) score 1+, 1 099 (1 099/3 286,33.4%) score 2+ and 524 (524/3 286,15.9%) score 3+ by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Among the 1 070 IHC 2+ cases, 161 were classified as HER2 positive by reflex fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. In our cohort, 1 956 cases of HER2-low (IHC 1+ and IHC 2+/FISH-) breast cancer were identified. Compared to the HER2 IHC 0 group, HER2-low tumors more frequently occurred in patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive ( P<0.001), Ki-67 index below 35% ( P<0.001), well or moderate differentiation ( P<0.001) and over the age of 50 ( P=0.008). However, there were no significant differences in histological type, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis between HER2-low and HER2 IHC 0 group. For patients who had neoadjuvant therapy, the pCR rate in the patients with HER2-low was lower than those with HER2 IHC 0 (13.3%, 23.9%), but there was no significant difference. Although HER2-low breast cancers showed a slightly lower pCR rate than HER2 IHC 0 tumors, no remarkable difference was observed between tumors with HER2-low and HER2 IHC 0 regardless of hormone receptor status. Conclusions:The clinicopathological features of HER2-low breast cancers are different from those with HER2 IHC 0. It is necessary to accurately distinguish HER2-low breast cancer from HER2 IHC 0 and to reveal whether HER2-low tumor is a distinct biological entity.
10.Herbal Textural Research on Treatment of Headache Based on Syndrome Differentiation
Hongxi LIU ; Mengying LU ; Xiao LIANG ; Xiansu CHI ; Jingjing WEI ; Yue LIU ; Liuding WANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(22):155-162
ObjectiveTo summarize the thinking of treatment of headache based on syndrome differentiation by reviewing the literature of materia medica in the past dynasties, so as to guide the clinical practice. MethodAll the literature of materia medica in the Chinese Medical Dictionary, involving 76 works from Han to Qing Dynasties, were searched, and the information of the herbs for treating headache was extracted. According to Chinese Materia Medica (11th Edition) and Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition), the nature, taste, and meridian tropism of the selected herbs were statistically analyzed, and the syndrome elements of headache were classified and counted. In addition, the contents of syndrome differentiation and treatment of headache by different herbs were extracted. ResultFrom the 76 monographs of materia medica in the past dynasties, 114 herbs for treating headache were selected. The herbs mainly had cold or warm nature, pungent or bitter taste, and tropism to the lung and live meridians. The syndrome elements of headache treated by the herbs mainly included wind attack, fire disturbance, turbid obstruction, stagnation, cold coagulation, and healthy Qi deficiency. ConclusionHeadache is mainly treated with the herbs with the effects of dispelling pathogenic wind, clearing heat and purging fire, eliminating phlegm and resolving dampness, regulating Qi movement and activating blood, warming Yang and dispelling cold, and tonifying deficiency and reinforcing healthy Qi, and the herbs are often used in combinations. Headache is treated following the principles of dispelling wind and pathogen, regulating Qi and blood, and tonifying deficiency and purging excess, which is in line with the laws of obstruction and nutrient deficiency causing pain.

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