1.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
2.Professor LIU Jinmin's Clinical Experience in Treating Epilepsy Based on the Method of Closing Yangming and Regaining Vital Activity
Lin ZOU ; Tianye SUN ; Mingyuan YAN ; Mi ZHAGN ; Shuai ZHAO ; Kaiyue WANG ; Lili LI ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):344-348
To summarize the clinical experience of Professor LIU Jinmin in treatment for epilepsy. It is believed that main pathogenesis of epilepsy is yangming failure to close and vital activity loss control, so a therapeutic approach focused on restoring the closure of yangming and regaining vital activity was proposed for the treatment of epilepsy. For excess syndrome, the treatment focuses on draining excess and descending qi, promoting purgation and restoring spirit. When yangming dryness-heat predominates, the approach involves unblock the bowels and regulating the spirit, descending qi and reducing fire, with modified Chengqi Decoction (承气汤) as prescription; when yangming phlegm-fire predominates, the treatment focuses on clearing heat and resolving phlegm, calming mind and suppressing fright, with modified Qingxin Wendan Decoction (清心温胆汤) as prescription; when yangming blood stasis predominates, the approach involves breaking up blood stasis and promoting purgation, eliminating stasis and awakening the mind, with Taoren Chengqi Decoction (桃核承气汤) as prescription. For deficiency syndrome, the treatment emphasizes tonifying deficiency and raising qi, strengthening the stomach and nourishing the spirit. When center qi deficiency and sinking of clear qi of the nutrients from food, the approach involves replenishing and uplifting qi while nourishing vital activity, with modified Liujunzi Decoction (六君子汤) as prescription; when yin deficiency and fluid consumption, the treatment focuses on nourishing stomach and tonifying yin, promoting fluid production and calming the spirit, with modified Maimendong Decoction (麦门冬汤) combined with Yiwei Decoction (益胃汤) as prescriptions. In clinical situations of deficiency-excess complex, it is essential to distinguish the primary condition from the secondary, applying both supplementing and draining methods flexibly to achieve optimal treatment.
3.Analysis of Major Syndromes and Their Typical Related Symptoms and Signs in 135 Patients with Metabolic Syndrome:A Clinical Study Based on Syndrome Element Differentiation and Latent Class Analysis
Tong WANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Lifen MI ; Shanyi SHEN ; Shujie XIA ; Candong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):376-381
ObjectiveTo explore the typical syndromes and their characteristic of symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). MethodsTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic information was collected from 135 MS patients. Syndrome element differentiation and latent class analysis (LCA) were applied to identify the major TCM syndromes in MS patients. Symptoms were analyzed based on the differentiated syndromes, and a binary logistic regression model was constructed to determine symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value. ResultsA total of 135 MS patients were included, involving 163 symptoms and signs with a total frequency of 1749; twenty-three syndrome elements were extracted, 367 times frequency in total, among which 8 syndrome elements occurred ≥10 times with 323 frequencies (88.01% of the total). These included location-related elements such as kidney (48 times), spleen (14 times), and stomach (14 times), and nature-related elements such as phlegm (71 times), yin deficiency (64 times), dampness (57 times), heat (42 times), and qi deficiency (13 times). Based on LCA, the 135 patients were categorized into two groups distinguished by the syndrome elements of dampness and phlegm, forming the "phlegm-dampness syndrome" as the major syndrome type. Nine high-frequency symptoms and signs associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome were identified,i.e. obesity (39 times), greasy coating (38 times), slippery pulse (33 times), white coating (31 times), preference for fatty and heavy foods (30 times), excessive urination (30 times), fatigue and lack of strength (29 times), wiry pulse (25 times), and dark red tongue (25 times). A binary logistic regression model was constructed combining these nine symptoms and signs with the LCA classification results, ultimately identifying obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating as independent factors associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients (P<0.05). ConclusionThe major TCM syndrome in MS patients is phlegm-dampness syndrome, and obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating are the typical symptoms and signs for diagnosing phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients.
4.Clinical Observation of Modified Zhigancao Tang in Treating Patients with Liver and Kidney Deficiency of Parkinson's Disease and Its Effect on Neuronal Signal-related Proteins
Yifo WEI ; Furong LYU ; Jia YAO ; Guonian LI ; Xianyi LUO ; Meng LUO ; Zhengzheng WEN ; Qiuqi LI ; Yihan LIU ; Linlin YANG ; Rui ZUO ; Wenxin DANG ; Fang MI ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhigang CHEN ; Fan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):166-173
ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 (MAP-2), alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin), and synaptophysin (SYP) are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease (PD), analyzed their correlation, and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine, and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score, TCM syndrome score, and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment, the TCM syndrome score, UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% (19/30), and that of the treatment group was 86.7% (26/30). The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group (Z=-2.03, P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.136, P<0.05). After treatment, the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group, were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 (P<0.05). ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.
5.Analysis on current situation of position training of clinical pharmacists in medical institutions in China
Dongni ZHENG ; Ya CHEN ; Mi GAN ; Shunlong OU ; Yongdong JIN ; Zhiqiang HU ; Xiaoyi CHEN ; Jinqi LI ; Qian JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1424-1429
OBJECTIVE To summarize the current status of position training for clinical pharmacists in China and provide references for the continuous optimization of such training programs. METHODS SinoMed, CNKI,VIP and Wanfang Data were electronically searched to collect position training of clinical pharmacists studies from the inception until November 5th 2024. After data extraction and quality evaluation, descriptive analysis was performed on the results of the included studies. RESULTS & A total of 68 pieces of relevant literature were included in the study. Among them, 50 studies reported on training content, 49 involved the allocation of teaching resources in the bases, 48 addressed training methods, and 39 focused on training evaluation; only 2 studies mentioned faculty development. There were notable variations in the clinical pharmacist training programs across different bases, particularly in the allocation of teaching resources, such as the composition of the teaching team and the utilization of auxiliary teaching tools. Additionally, differences existed in training approaches, such as those employing a single method versus a blended approach. Conversely, the core training content of each base generally revolved around clinical pharmacy practice, demonstrating a degree of consistency. Moreover, the overall emphasis on teacher training and assessment tended to be obviously insufficient. Each base can focus on enhancing the competence of clinical pharmacists by allocating teaching resources, selecting training methods, improving training content, and using evaluation tools, to further enhance the quality of clinical pharmacist training.
6.Effects of music assisted drug treatment on behavioral and psychological symptoms and cognitive function in the elderly with moderate to severe dementia
Cairun LUO ; Hongyan MI ; Ying YANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Xiaobin YANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):235-240
BackgroundWith the acceleration of population aging in China, studies have documented an increased prevalence of dementia in the elderly. Behavioral and psychological symptoms and impaired cognitive function are important problems affecting the quality of life in the elderly with dementia. It has been noted that there are certain limitations on the management of problems mentioned above by drug treatment alone, while its combination with music intervention is emerging as an effective approach. However, the application of this approach in the elderly with moderate to severe dementia is still in its relative infancy. ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of music assisted drug treatment on behavioral and psychological symptoms and cognitive function in the elderly with moderate to severe dementia, so as to provide insights for the development of effective intervention. MethodsA randomized controlled study was utilized to enroll a coherent of 43 elderly patients with moderate to severe dementia who were hospitalized in Geriatric Psychiatry of Deyang Mental Health Center from January to July 2023 and met the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) diagnostic criteria for dementia. Eligible subjects were divided into study group (n=22) and control group (n=21) based on random allocation using SPSS 26.0. Both groups received routine drug treatment and nursing care, while the study group added music intervention, which consisted of two 30-minute sessions per week for 8 weeks. Neuro Psychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were administered to all patients before and after intervention. ResultsA total of 36 patients completed the study, including 20 case in study group and 16 case in control group. No statistical difference was noted in baseline NPI score and MMSE score between two groups (P>0.05). After intervention, study group reported a statistical reduction in NPI total score [58.00 (49.00, 79.25) vs. 78.50 (55.00, 95.50), Z=-3.902, P<0.01)] along with a clinically unremarkable increase in MMSE score (P>0.05) compared with baseline data. After intervention, NPI total score and scores on sub-domains including agitation/aggression, depression/dysphoria, anxiety and aberrant motor behavior were all significantly lower in study group than those in control group (Z=-2.183, -2.438, -2.691, -3.716, -2.250, P<0.05 or 0.01), while there was no significant difference in MMSE score between two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionMusic assisted drugintervention may ameliorate behavioral and psychological symptoms in the elderly with moderate to severe dementia, while no significant improvement is documented on cognitive function. [Fund by the "14th Five Year Plan" for Philosophy and Social Sciences Research in Deyang (number, DY232C002)]
7.Chemical constituents from the stems of Fritillaria unibracteata
Min LI ; Yahui MI ; Haimin KUAI ; Xiaolong HU ; Hao WANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(2):160-165
Chemical investigation of the stems of Fritillaria unibracteata P.K. Hsiao & K.C. Hsia resulted in the isolation of nine compounds, by means of silica gel column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. Based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence, these compounds were identified as: 27-hydroxychlorogenone (1), sieboldogenin (2), (3β, 25S)-spirost-5-ene-3,17,27-triol (3), laxogenin (4), tigogenone (5), cerevisterol (6), ergosterol peroxide (7), stigmaterol (8), and β-sitosterol (9). Compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 2-9 were isolated from the stems of Fritillaria unibracteata for the first time. The inhibitory effects of compounds 1−9 on A549 cells were determined using the MTT method. The results show that compound 6 exhibits moderate inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of (14.16 ± 1.11) μmol/L.
8.The Effects of Tai Chi Training on Bone Density,Bone Turnover Markers,and Heart Rate Variability in High-Risk Osteoporosis Population
Jiaming LIN ; Chao LI ; Wei ZHAO ; Jun ZHOU ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Xiangyu XI ; Haijun HE ; Baohong MI ; Yuefeng CHEN ; Weiheng CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(15):1566-1571
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of the Tai Chi training on bone density, bone turnover markers, and heart rate variability for people with high-risk osteoporosis, and to provide evidence for the prevention of osteoporosis at early stage. MethodsSixty-six cases of people with high risk of osteoporosis were included, and they were divided into 33 cases each in the intervention group and the control group using the random number table method. The control group received osteoporosis health education three times a week, and the intervention group received Tai Chi training under the guidance of a trainer three times a week for 40 mins each time on the basis of the control group, and both groups were intervened for 12 weeks. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the bone density of L1~L4 vertebrae, bilateral femoral necks and bilateral total hips in the two groups before and after the intervention; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine bone turnover markers before and after the intervention, including pro-collagen type Ⅰ pro-amino-terminal prepropyl peptide (P1NP) and β-collagen type Ⅰ cross-linking carboxy-terminal peptide (β-CTX). Seven cases with good compliance in the intervention group were selected. After wearing the heart rate sensor, they successively performed Tai Chi training and walking activities recommended by the guideline for 20 mins each, and the heart rate variability (HRV) during exercise was collected, including time-domain indexes such as standard deviation of normal sinus intervals (SDNN), root-mean-square of the difference between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD), frequency-domain metrics such as low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency power (HF), and low-frequency/high-frequency power ratio (LF/HF), as well as nonlinear metrics such as approximate entropy (ApEn), sample entropy (SampEn). ResultsFinally, 63 cases were included in the outcome analysis, including 30 cases in the intervention group and 33 cases in the control group. After the intervention, the differences of L1~L4 vertebrae, bone density of bilateral femoral neck and bilateral total hip in the intervention group were not statistically significant when compared with those before intervention (P>0.05), while the bone density of all parts of the control group decreased significantly compared with that before intervention (P<0.05), and the difference in the bone density of the L1~L4 vertebrae, bilateral femoral neck, and the right total hip before and after the intervention of the intervention group was smaller than that of the control group (P<0.05). The differences in P1NP and β-CTX between groups before and after intervention was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with walking exercise, LF decreased, HF increased and LF/HF decreased during Tai Chi exercise (P<0.05); the time domain indexes and non-linear indexes between groups had no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). ConclusionTai Chi exercise can maintain lumbar, hip, and femoral bone density and improve sympathetic/parasympathetic balance in people at high risk for osteoporosis, but cannot significantly improve bone turnover markers.
9.Effects of Epothilone D on Social Defeat Stress-induced Changes in Microtubule-related and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Protein Expression
Thi-Hung LE ; Ling LI ; Fatima Zahra RAMI ; Jung-Mi OH ; Sungkun CHUN ; Young-Chul CHUNG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):110-119
Objective:
Epothilone D (EpoD), microtubule (MT) stabilizing agent, demonstrated promising results in the animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. The present study sought to investigate preventive effects of EpoD on altered changes of MT related proteins and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins induced by social defeat stress (SDS).
Methods:
We measured protein expression levels of -tubulin and its post-translational modifications, MT-associated protein 2, stathmin1 and 2 with their phosphorylated forms, and ER stress markers, 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP-78) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)-homologous protein (CHOP) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP) of C57BL/6J strain mice treated with EpoD (2 mg/kg) or its vehicle, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and exposed to SDS.
Results:
We observed lower levels of acetylated -tubulin, MAP2, p-STMN (Ser16), and GRP-78 in the PFC of the EpoD-Con group when compared to the DMSO-Con group. On the other hand, in the HIP, there were significantly higher levels of tyrosinated -tubulin and GRP-78 in the EpoD-Defeat group compared to the DMSO-Defeat group.Furthermore, the level of MAP2 in the HIP was found to be lower in the EpoD-Con group compared to the DMSO-Con group.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that EpoD exhibits a dual impact, manifesting both beneficial and detrimental effects on the aberrant changes of MT-related proteins and ER stress proteins induced by SDS, depending on the brain regions.These findings underscore the complexity of EpoD’s effects, necessitating further exploration to understand its intricate mechanisms in cellular pathways linked to SDS.
10.Effects of Epothilone D on Social Defeat Stress-induced Changes in Microtubule-related and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Protein Expression
Thi-Hung LE ; Ling LI ; Fatima Zahra RAMI ; Jung-Mi OH ; Sungkun CHUN ; Young-Chul CHUNG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):110-119
Objective:
Epothilone D (EpoD), microtubule (MT) stabilizing agent, demonstrated promising results in the animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. The present study sought to investigate preventive effects of EpoD on altered changes of MT related proteins and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins induced by social defeat stress (SDS).
Methods:
We measured protein expression levels of -tubulin and its post-translational modifications, MT-associated protein 2, stathmin1 and 2 with their phosphorylated forms, and ER stress markers, 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP-78) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)-homologous protein (CHOP) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP) of C57BL/6J strain mice treated with EpoD (2 mg/kg) or its vehicle, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and exposed to SDS.
Results:
We observed lower levels of acetylated -tubulin, MAP2, p-STMN (Ser16), and GRP-78 in the PFC of the EpoD-Con group when compared to the DMSO-Con group. On the other hand, in the HIP, there were significantly higher levels of tyrosinated -tubulin and GRP-78 in the EpoD-Defeat group compared to the DMSO-Defeat group.Furthermore, the level of MAP2 in the HIP was found to be lower in the EpoD-Con group compared to the DMSO-Con group.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that EpoD exhibits a dual impact, manifesting both beneficial and detrimental effects on the aberrant changes of MT-related proteins and ER stress proteins induced by SDS, depending on the brain regions.These findings underscore the complexity of EpoD’s effects, necessitating further exploration to understand its intricate mechanisms in cellular pathways linked to SDS.

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