1.The mechanism of effective traditional Chinese medicine components and prescriptions in treatment of chronic pancreatitis by intervening against pancreatic stellate cells
Ruyang CHENG ; Weining SONG ; Xin JIANG ; Yehao WANG ; Lin LIU ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):793-800
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent inflammation and progressive damage to pancreatic tissue, and its deterioration may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with CP, which seriously threatens the health of patients with CP. In recent years, studies on the pathogenesis of CP have mostly focused on the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and its role in pancreatic fibrosis. This article elaborates on the mechanism of action of PSCs in CP, summarizes the current status of research on effective traditional Chinese medicine components and prescriptions for intervention of PSCs in the treatment of chronic CP, and proposes the future research directions for effective traditional Chinese medicine components and prescriptions, so as to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of CP patients in the future.
2.Coagulation abnormalities in acute decompensated cirrhosis comorbid with infection: A prospective observational study based on thromboelastography
Ruiqing ZHANG ; Shumin CAI ; Xiuhua JIANG ; Jianming HUANG ; Beiling LI ; Jinjun CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):907-913
ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in coagulation system in acute decompensated cirrhosis (ADC) patients with or without sepsis and the association of these changes with short-term prognosis. MethodsA prospective study was conducted among 116 ADC patients who were hospitalized in Nanfang Hospital from January 2021 to July 2023, among whom there were 86 patients with sepsis and 30 patients without sepsis, and 54 patients with sepsis alone who had no chronic liver disease were enrolled as control group. Thromboelastography (TEG) and other conventional coagulation parameters were used to comprehensively evaluate the coagulation function of patients. The data including TEG results and short-term prognosis were collected, and a correlation analysis was performed. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated to investigate the correlation between different variables. The Logistic regression model was used to perform the univariate and multivariate analyses. ResultsFor the ADC patients with sepsis, the lungs and bloodstream were the main infection sites, and bacteria were the main pathogenic microorganism. TEG results showed that compared with the patients with sepsis alone, the patients with ADC and sepsis had a significant reduction in median maximum amplitude (MA), a significant increase in coagulation time (K time), and a significant reduction in α angle (all P<0.05); the patients with ADC and sepsis had a significantly longer reaction time (R time) than those with ADC alone (P=0.02), and the patients with sepsis alone had a significantly longer R time than those with ADC and sepsis (P=0.04). There was no correlation between MA and platelet count in the patients with ADC and sepsis (r=-0.133, P=0.057), while there was a significant correlation between MA and platelet count in the patients with sepsis alone (r=0.595, P=0.001). SOFA score was negatively correlated with MA in sepsis patients with or without ADC (r=-0.503 and -0.561, both P<0.001), and for the patients with ADC and sepsis, R time, K time, and α angle were weakly correlated with SOFA score and had a relatively strong correlation with APTT (all P<0.05). The patients with ADC alone all survived within 90 days, and compared with the death group, the patients with sepsis alone who survived had significantly higher values of MA and α angle (all P<0.05); there was a significant difference in α angle on day 90 between the survival group and the death group, no matter whether the patients were comorbid with ADC or not (both P<0.01), while for the patients with ADC and sepsis, there was no significant difference in MA value on day 90 between the survival group and the death group (P>0.05). ConclusionFor ADC patients comorbid with sepsis, coagulation function assessment and monitoring should be taken seriously in clinical practice, and TEG parameters and SOFA score should be monitored when necessary to develop individualized treatment regimens.
3.Study on mechanism of Chanbao zhichuang suppository in treating hemorrhoids based on network pharmacology and metabolomics
Chunfeng GUO ; Xin JIANG ; Ruyang CHENG ; Shumin LIU ; Chunxiang XIE ; Fang LU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1622-1628
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of improvement effect of Chanbao zhichuang suppository (CBZCS) on hemorrhoids in rats through network pharmacology and metabolomics. METHODS A hemorrhoid model was established by subcutaneous injection of rhododendron oil to induce anal swelling. SD rats were divided into blank group (NC group, 0.32 g/kg vaseline), model group (Model group, 0.32 g/kg vaseline), CBZCS low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (CBZCS-L, CBZCS- M, CBZCS-H groups, with dosages of 0.16, 0.32, and 0.64 g/kg respectively), and Mayinglong musk hemorrhoids suppository group (Positive group, 0.32 g/kg), with 9 rats in each group. Anal administration was performed at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after modeling. After the last administration, the pathological changes of the anal tissues in rats were observed, and the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rats were detected. Differential metabolite analysis and enrichment analysis were conducted by metabolomics methods, and the target proteins of CBZCS in treating hemorrhoids were obtained by network pharmacology. The core metabolic pathways were screened by interaction and enrichment analysis of differential metabolites and proteins, and the core proteins were experimentally verified. RESULTS Compared with the NC group, the anal tissues of the Model group showed obvious lesions, and the levels of IL-6 and TNF- α in the serum were significantly increased (P<0.05); compared with the Model group, the pathological damage of the anal tissues in the treatment groups was alleviated to varying degrees, and serum levels of IL-6 in CBZCS-H group, CBZCS-M group, and Positive group as well as serum levels of TNF-α in CBZCS-H group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The metabolomics results showed that 34 differential metabolites were screened from the anal tissues of rats, and 22 of them showed a return after CBZCS administration. The differential metabolites mainly enriched in arachidonic acid metabolism, histidine metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Through the network pharmacology, 138 intersection genes of CBZCS against hemorrhoids were determined. The analysis results showed that differential metabolites and target proteins were mainly enriched in the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway, and the regulation of this pathway might be related to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Myc proto-oncogene protein (c-MYC), cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 protein expression. The experimental verification results showed that the expression levels of key proteins (COX-2, c-MYC, CYP1B1, IL-6, IL-1β) in the anal tissues of the Model group were significantly higher than those in the NC group (P<0.05), and the levels of the above proteins in the anal tissues of CBZCS-H group and Positive group were significantly lower than those in the Model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The mechanism of CBZCS in treating hemorrhoids may be to inhibit the expression of COX-2, c-MYC and CYP1B1 proteins, thereby inhibiting arachidonic acid metabolism and reducing the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-1β.
4.Application of Lycii Fructus and Its Compound Formulas in Central Nervous System Diseases: A Review
Ruyang CHENG ; Weining SONG ; Xin JIANG ; Yehao WANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Zhendong ZHANG ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):273-281
The pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) diseases is complex, seriously affecting patients' physical and mental health and imposing a heavy economic burden on society. Western medicine shows limited efficacy in treating CNS diseases and is often associated with numerous adverse reactions and contraindications. Chinese medicine Lycii Fructus exhibits multiple pharmacological effects, including immune regulation, enhancement of hematopoietic function, liver protection, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, antipyretic, anti-aging, and anti-radiation activities, and has gradually been applied in clinical treatment. In recent years, the active components of Lycii Fructus have attracted considerable attention for their potential therapeutic effects on CNS diseases. Studies indicate that these active components may exert neuroprotective effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, and repair of neuronal damage, involving multiple targets and pathways. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects of Lycii Fructus active components in CNS diseases over the past decade by searching PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and other electronic databases, aiming to provide new treatment strategies and insights for future research on Lycii Fructus in CNS disorders.
5.Expression and clinical application value of serum resistin in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Junqiao GUO ; Shumin WANG ; Yu CHEN ; Tingting JIANG ; Haolin WU ; Yue WANG ; Xiaojing LI ; Genhong YAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2024;42(11):851-854
Objective To investigate the expression level and clinical application value of serum resistin in patients with systemic lu-pus erythematosus(SLE).Methods Forty-five SLE patients visited Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,Clinical College of Nanjing Uni-versity of Chinese Medicine from January to August 2023 were enrolled in the study.The patients were scored and grouped according to the SLE disease activity index(SLEDAI),with SLEDAI<9 score in the inactive group(n=32)and SLEDAI≥9 score in the active group(n=13).Thirty-four healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in our hospital were recruited as healthy controls.The clinical data and laboratory related indicators such as urine protein and serum complement C3 levels were collected from SLE pa-tients and healthy controls.Serum resistin levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The clinical screening value of serum resistin for SLE was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The correlations of serum resistin levels with different laboratory indicators were determined by Pearson correlation analysis.Results The serum resistin levels in SLE patients([7.64±0.64]ng/mL)were significantly higher than that in healthy controls([2.56±0.43]ng/mL),and the difference was statistically significant(t=6.195,P<0.01).The serum resistin levels in active SLE patients([10.10±1.45]ng/mL)were significant-ly higher than that in inactive SLE patients([6.64±0.60]ng/mL),and the difference was statistically significant(t=2.632,P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve(AUCROC)of serum resistin for screening SLE was 0.897.When the cut-off value was 5.893 ng/mL,the sensitivity was 86.67%and the specificity was 82.35%.The serum resistin level in SLE patients was positively correlated with urine protein(r=0.692,P<0.01),while negatively correlated with serum complement C3(r=-0.354,P<0.05).Conclusion The expression levels of serum resistin in SLE patients are significantly increased and positively correlated with SLE disease activity and urine protein.Serum resistin may become a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and therapeutic effect assessment of SLE.
6.Exploring the mechanism of acute liver injury induced by Cortex dictamni based on network pharmacology and in vivo experiments
Wenkai HU ; Xiaomin XU ; Xin JIANG ; Jiameixue WO ; Suxia JIA ; Shumin LIU ; Fang LU
China Pharmacist 2024;27(7):1089-1098
Objective To explore the mechanism of acute liver injury induced by Cortex dictamni through network pharmacology and in vivo experiment in animal.Methods The chemical constituents and targets of Cortex dictamni were retrieved from TCMSP,TCMIP and SwissTargetPrediction databases,and the related targets of liver injury diseases were identified through GeneCards and CTD databases.The protein interaction network of the intersection targets was analyzed by STRING database and the core targets were selected.The GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were completed by DAVID database,and the multi-level association network diagram of"drug-component-target"was constructed by Cytoscape software.In the animal study,Cortex dictamni was administered to mice at a dosage of 92.7 g/(kg·d)via intragastric administration,and the biological samples were collected after 7 days.The pathological changes of liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE),Masson and Oil Red O staining.The expression levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in serum,as well as malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin(IL)-1β in liver tissues,were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expressions of protein kinase B1(AKT1),IL-6,TNF-α,tumor protein p53(TP53),cystatin 3(CASP3),and IL-1β mRNA in liver tissues were determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR).Molecular docking was employed to verify the binding affinity of potentially toxic components to their respective targets.Results A total of 14 chemical constituents,244 predicted targets and 202 intersection targets with liver injury were obtained.The GO biological process analysis mainly involved positive regulation of gene expression,negative regulation of apoptosis process.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis mainly included cancer pathway and PI3K-Akt,TNF,IL-17 signaling pathways.The pathological sections revealed severe hemorrhage,a considerable amount of hepatocyte necrosis,nuclear fragmentation or dissolution in the liver tissues of mouse with HE staining after the administration of Cortex dictamni.Masson staining showed evident fibrosis in the liver tissues,while Oil Red O staining indicated a substantial production of lipid droplets.Compared with the control group,the ELISA results demonstrated a significant increase in serum AST,ALT,ALP,LDH levels,as well as hepatic MDA,TNF-α,and IL-1β levels(P<0.05),and a decrease in hepatic SOD levels(P<0.05)in the treated group.The qRT-PCR results indicated a significant elevation in the expression levels of relevant mRNAs in the liver tissues of the treated mice(P<0.05).Molecular docking showed that the potentially toxic components of obacunone,dictamnine and fraxinellon had good binding affinity to AKT1,IL-6,TNF-α,TP53,CASP3 and IL-1β.Conclusion Obacunone,dictamnine,fraxinellon,and limonin might be the potential toxic components of acute liver injury induced by Cortex dictamni in mice.Cortex dictamni could act on the liver by changing the expressions of AKT1,IL-6,TNF-α,TP53,CASP3,IL-1β and other proteins,affecting energy metabolism,cell differentiation,inflammation,oxidative stress and immunity,leading to liver injury.
7.Research progress on chemical constituents,pharmacological effects and toxicity of Dictamni cortex
Wenkai HU ; Xiaomin XU ; Xin JIANG ; Jiameixue WO ; Suxia JIA ; Shumin LIU ; Fang LU
China Pharmacist 2024;28(10):252-267
Dictamni cortex is the root bark of Rutaceae plants.It is the main medicinal part and the key drug of 'Zhuhuang Fengbi'.It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying,dispelling wind and drying dampness,and relieving itching.Dictamni cortex mainly contains 228 chemical components such as alkaloids,sesquiterpenes,limonoids,fatty acids,volatile oils,flavonoids,steroids,etw.Its pharmacological activities in vivo and in vitro include antibacterial activity,anti-inflammatory activity,hepatoprotective activity,cardiovascular protection activity,insecticidal activity,anticancer activity,anti-allergic activity,and improvement of gastrointestinal activity.It has been reported that Dictamni cortex also has potential hepatotoxicity,among which dictamnine,fraxinellone and limonin compounds are potential hepatotoxic components.In this paper,the chemical constituents,pharmacological effects and toxicity of Dictamni cortex are reviewed by consulting domestic and foreign literature,to provide theoretical support for the clinical rational application and related product development of Dictamni cortex.
8.Research progress on chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Bupleuri radix
Xiwen YANG ; Wenkai HU ; Xin JIANG ; Mengmeng ZHANG ; Qiuyue LIU ; Shumin LIU ; Fang LU
China Pharmacist 2024;28(11):507-522
Bupleuri radix is the dried root of Bupleuri radix or narrow-leaved Bupleuri radix of the umbelliferae family,and it is the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicine,which was first published in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica.It has a variety of pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,hepatoprotective,antitumor,antidepressant,et al.In the modern study,the extract of Bupleuri radix mainly includes a variety of chemical components such as Bupleuri radix saponin,flavonoids and volatile oil.By reviewing the relevant literature at home and abroad,this paper summarizes the research progress on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Bupleuri radix,and points out the future research direction to provide a certain reference basis for the subsequent research.
9.Application of nasal pedicle mucosal flap based on nasal blood supply in reconstruction of nasal skull base defects
Hua ZHANG ; Kelei GAO ; Caixia ZHANG ; Ruohao FAN ; Zhihai XIE ; Junyi ZHANG ; Shumin XIE ; Weihong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;59(11):1173-1182
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of nasal pedicle tissue flap based on nasal blood supply in the reconstruction of nasal skull base defects.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 138 clinical cases of skull base tumors and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea treated at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from March 2017 to March 2023. A total of 79 males and 59 females were enrolled, aged from 8 to 82 years, with a median age of 51 years, including 108 patients (78.3%) with skull base tumors and 30 patients (21.7%) with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (and/or meningoencephalocele). During the surgery, 88 cases (63.8%) were repaired with nasal septal mucosal flaps pedicled with the posterior nasal septal artery, 14 cases (10.1%) with mucosal flaps pedicled with the anterior ethmoidal artery on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, 6 cases (4.3%) with mucosal flaps pedicled with the posterior lateral nasal artery on the lateral wall and nasal floor, 12 cases (8.7%) with mucosal flaps pedicled with the anterior ethmoidal artery and posterior ethmoidal artery, and 18 cases (13.0%) with nasal septal mucosal extension flaps pedicled with the sphenopalatine artery or internal maxillary artery. Patients were followed up for 12 to 72 months postoperatively. Endoscopic examination or skull base enhanced MRI was performed to assess the growth and tumor recurrence in the skull base repair area. The t-test was used for statistical analysis.Results:Among 138 patients, primary repair was successful in 133 patients (96.4%), while 5 patients (3.6%) experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. These 5 patients all underwent nasal septal mucosal flap repair with the posterior nasal septal artery as the pedicle. Complications included 1 case of mucosal flap necrosis, 1 case of mucosal flap central perforation, and 3 cases of mucosal flap survival peripheral leakage, of which were all successfully treated with a second repair.Conclusion:The use of nasal pedicle mucosal flap based on nasal blood supply is a reliable, safe, and effective technique for repairing skull base defects.
10.Clinical Efficacy of Yunpi Huatan Tongqiao Prescription in Promoting M2-type Polarization of Macrophages in Treatment of Adenoid Hypertrophy in Children
Yixing ZHANG ; Anqi LIU ; Shumin WANG ; Xuejun LI ; Zhiyan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(14):88-95
ObjectiveTo reveal the clinical efficacy of Yunpi Huatan Tongqiao prescription in relieving inflammation, hypoxia, and adenoidal hypertrophy (AH), and improving the quality of sleep-disordered breathing in children with AH by promoting M2-type polarization of macrophages through a randomized double-blind clinical trial. MethodSeventy-one AH children who met the research criteria and were treated in the Department of Pediatrics of Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2022 to February 2023 were divided into an observation group (36 cases) and a control group (35 cases). A randomized double-blind method was adopted. The patients in the observation group were given Yunpi Huatan Tongqiao prescription combined with placebo of montelukast sodium chewable tablets, while those in the control group were given montelukast sodium chewable tablets combined with placebo of Yunpi Huatan Tongqiao prescription. The treatment course was 84 days. After treatment, the therapeutic effect and sleep monitoring indicators were compared. Before and after treatment, venous blood was collected to compare the levels of macrophage polarization-related inflammatory factors between the two groups. ResultThe adenoidal/nasopharyngeal space (A/N) integral in the nasal and pharyngeal lateral radiographs, After treatment, the AH therapeutic effect score, and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome therapeutic effect score in both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed a more significant reduction in various integral levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). The improvement degree of A/N in the nasal and pharyngeal lateral radiographs in the observation group was better than that in the control group (Z=-2.970, P<0.01), and the total effective rate of the therapeutic effect of AH (χ2=7.715, P<0.01) and the TCM syndrome therapeutic effect (χ2=13.239, P<0.01) were superior to those in the control group. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in both groups after treatment were lower, and the level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) was higher than those before treatment (P<0.01). The level of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) showed an increasing trend, but the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed more significant improvement in IL-10 and TNF-α levels (P<0.01), a decreasing trend in IL-6, and an increasing trend in TGF-β, but the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with the results before treatment, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) in both groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). The observation group showed a significant reduction in the duration of the longest apnea and the longest hypopnea, as well as a significant increase in the mean and lowest oxygen saturation (P<0.01). The control group also showed improvements in the above indicators, but the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed a more significant improvement in AHI, ODI, the duration of the longest hypopnea, and mean and lowest oxygen saturation (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was a decreasing trend in the longest duration of apnea, but the difference was not statistically significant. ConclusionYunpi Huatan Tongqiao prescription can reduce the size of adenoids, alleviate clinical symptoms and signs in AH children, improve the constitution characterized by "spleen deficiency and phlegm obstruction", reduce the occurrence of sleep-disordered breathing events, alleviate the degree of hypoxia in the child's body during sleep at night, and has satisfactory clinical efficacy. The improvement of clinical symptoms and sleep quality in AH children by Yunpi Huatan Tongqiao prescription may be achieved by promoting macrophage polarization from M1 to M2.

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