1.Textual Research on Historic Evolution and Ancient and Modern Application of Classic Prescription Huangqintang
Yuxin LI ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Tongyi HUANG ; Hejia WAN ; Bingqi WEI ; Mengting ZHAO ; Xiaoyang TIAN ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):184-191
Huangqintang, with its accurate efficacy, is a classic formula specialized in treating dysentery recommended and promoted by medical experts from successive generations, and it was included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Prescriptions (the Second Batch, Han Chinese medicine prescriptions) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinses Medicine (TCM) in 2023. The method of bibliometrics was applied in this study to conduct textual research on the classic formula Huangqintang and provide a literature reference for the development of modern preparations of Huangqintang. A total of 2 026 pieces of ancient literature were searched with "Huangqintang" as the key word, and 23 pieces of effective data were selected, involving 15 ancient TCM books. The historic evolution, composition, dosage, origin, processing methods, preparation and decocting methods, efficiency, and application of Huangqintang were carefully reviewed. The results showed that Huangqintang was first recorded in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases written by ZHANG Zhongjing. It has the effect of clearing heat, stopping dysentery, regulating the middle, and downbearing counterflow and has become one of the classic formulas widely used in clinical practice. Because of its accurate efficacy, medical experts from later generations have modified it from its original composition. Though many prescriptions have different names, it is the manifestation of physicians' inheritance and development of the thought of ZHANG Zhongjing. Ancient literature showed this prescription had wide indications yet centered on digestive system diseases such as dysentery and abdominal pain. Modern applications of Huangqintang involve digestive, respiratory, ophthalmology and otolaryngology, gynecological, skin, musculoskeletal system, and connective tissue, and this prescription has great potential in treating ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, acute enteritis, and damp-heat dysentery. Through a systematic textual excavation and review of the ancient literature about Huangqintang, the paper has confirmed its key information, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and new drug development of classic formulas.
2.Mechanism of Herbal Cake-separated Moxibustion in Improving Neuroimmune Inflammation in Rats with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Interfering TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway
Chuntao ZHAI ; Yawei HOU ; Linjuan SHI ; Yixiao WANG ; Wei LI ; Yuefeng TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):140-149
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of herbal cake-separated moxibustion using the classical formula Xiaoyaosan in alleviating neuroimmune inflammatory responses in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) rats, based on the regulation of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty SPF-grade SD rats aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into five groups: Normal group, model group, sham herbal cake moxibustion group, Chinese medicine intragastric administration group, and herbal cake-separated moxibustion group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, all other groups underwent a 21-day modeling process, followed by behavioral testing. The herbal cake-separated moxibustion and sham herbal cake moxibustion groups received interventions at the Shenque (CV8), Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36), and Qimen (LR14) acupoints. The Chinese medicine intragastric administration group was treated with a Xiaoyaosan suspension via gavage. Behavioral tests were conducted after 10 days of continuous intervention. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as hippocampal levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB, were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in the hippocampus were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the hippocampus. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the relative expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and p65 proteins in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant decrease in upright times during the open field test (P<0.01), as well as significant reductions in total movement distance, resting time, and center region duration (P<0.01). In the tail suspension test, immobility time increased (P<0.01), and struggle times decreased (P<0.01). Serum and hippocampal levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as hippocampal NF-κB levels and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, the total movement distance and upright times in the open field test were significantly increased in all treatment groups (P<0.01), while resting time and center region duration were notably prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.01). Immobility time in the tail suspension test was significantly shortened (P<0.01), and struggle times significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum and hippocampal levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, hippocampal NF-κB levels, and TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA expression were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the sham herbal cake moxibustion group, the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group showed a significant extension in center region duration during the open field test (P<0.05) and a significant increase in upright times (P<0.01). In the tail suspension test, immobility time was reduced (P<0.01), and struggle times increased (P<0.01). Serum TNF-α levels in the Chinese medicine intragastric administration group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while serum IL-6 levels, as well as hippocampal levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA expression, were significantly decreased in both the Chinese medicine intragastric administration group and the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chinese medicine intragastric administration group, the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group exhibited significantly increased upright times in the open field test (P<0.01). In the tail suspension test, immobility time was reduced (P<0.01), and struggle times increased (P<0.01). Serum IL-1β, hippocampal TNF-α levels, and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHerbal cake-separated moxibustion effectively improves fatigue and memory function in CFS rats, regulates neuroimmune inflammatory responses, and its mechanism may be related to the modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Effect of refractive status before small incision lenticule extraction surgery on postoperative accommodative function
Meiluo ZHANG ; Chunyu TIAN ; Qinghua YANG ; Liexi JIA ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Manmei LI ; Zhengqing DU ; Zhuo ZENG ; Xue WANG ; Wei ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):323-327
AIM: To investigate the abnormal conditions and change patterns of accommodative facility in patients with different refractive states before and after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)surgery.METHODS:A prospective clinical cohort study was conducted. A total of 59 patients(118 eyes)who underwent SMILE surgery and had visual function files established in our hospital from June to December 2023 were randomly selected, including 37 males and 22 females, aged 18-35 years(with an average age of 25.19±5.65 years). According to the preoperative spherical equivalent(SE), they were divided into two groups: the low-to-moderate myopia group(SE≥-6.00 DS)with 40 patients(80 eyes), and the high myopia group(SE<-6.00 DS)with 19 patients(38 eyes). The monocular and binocular accommodative facility before surgery and at 1 wk and 1 mo after surgery were compared, and the changes in accommodative facility before and after SMILE surgery in the two groups of patients were analyzed.RESULTS:All surgeries were completed successfully. In the low-to-moderate myopia group, 33 cases(66 eyes)completed the 1-month follow-up after surgery, with a loss to follow-up rate of 17.5%(7/40). In the high myopia group, 15 patients(30 eyes)completed the 1-month follow-up after surgery, with a loss to follow-up rate of 21.1%(4/19). After SMILE surgery, the uncorrected visual acuity and SE of both low-to-moderate myopia and high myopia were significantly improved(all P<0.05). The accommodative facility of the right eyes in all the patients at 1 mo after surgery was better than that before surgery and at 1 wk after surgery(P=0.002, 0.006), the accommodative facility of the left eyes was significantly increased at 1 mo after surgery than that at 1 wk after surgery(P=0.005), and the binocular accommodative facility at 1 mo after surgery was significantly increased compared with that before surgery(P<0.017). Furthermore, there were statistical significance in accommodative facility of the right eyes in the low-to-moderate group at 1 mo compared with that before surgery and at 1 wk after surgery(P=0.011, 0.004); it was significantly increased in the left eyes at 1 mo after surgery compared with that at 1 wk after surgery(P=0.001), and binocular accommodative facility at 1 mo after surgery was significantly better than that before surgery(P<0.001). Furthermore, there was no statistical significance in the right, left and binocular accommodative facility of patients in the high myopia group(all P>0.017).CONCLUSION: After SMILE surgery, the monocular accommodative facility shows a transient decrease and then exceeds the preoperative level at 1 mo after surgery, and the binocular accommodative facility gradually improves after surgery. SMILE surgery has a positive impact on the monocular and binocular accommodative facility in patients with low-to-moderate myopia, but has no significant impact on the accommodative facility in patients with high myopia. It is of clinical significance to strengthen the detection of monocular and binocular accommodative facility before and after SMILE surgery.
4.Genetic analysis of weak expression of ABO blood group antigens in neonates
Jiali YANG ; Ding ZHAO ; Wei LI ; Xiaopan ZHANG ; Zhihao LI ; Dongdong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):85-90
[Objective] To perform genetic analysis on samples with weak agglutination and mixed agglutination of ABO blood group antigens in neonates, and to investigate the molecular biological characteristics of ABO subtypes in neonates. [Methods] Serological identification of ABO blood group was performed by tube method and microcolumn gel method. The ABO exons 2-7 were amplified by PCR, and the amplified products were sequenced by Sanger sequencing method to determine the genotype. [Results] Among the ABO blood group serological results of 14 neonates, 8 cases showed weakened A antigen, and 6 cases showed weakened B antigen. Seven samples were identified with ABO subtype alleles, with genotypes as A102/B101+c.538C>T, Aw26/B102, A205/O02, A205/B101(2 cases), Aw26/O02, B(A)06/O01, B101/O01(3 cases), A102/O01(2 cases), A102/B101 and B101/O02. Additionally, three other family members were also found to carry B(A)06 allele in a pedigree investigation. [Conclusion] For samples showing weakened antigens in ABO blood type identification of neonates, it is necessary to consider the possibility of ABO subtype in addition to age factors, and genetic testing can be used to prevent missed detection of ABO subtypes in neonates.
5.Development of a new paradigm for precision diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine
Jingnian NI ; Mingqing WEI ; Ting LI ; Jing SHI ; Wei XIAO ; Jing CHENG ; Bin CONG ; Boli ZHANG ; Jinzhou TIAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):43-47
The development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis and treatment has undergone multiple paradigms, evolving from sporadic experiential practices to systematic approaches in syndrome differentiation and treatment and further integration of disease and syndrome frameworks. TCM is a vital component of the medical system, valued alongside Western medicine. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation embodies both personalized treatment and holistic approaches; however, the inconsistency and lack of stability in syndrome differentiation limit clinical efficacy. The existing integration of diseases and syndromes primarily relies on patchwork and embedded systems, where the full advantages of synergy between Chinese and Western medicine are not fully realized. Recently, driven by the development of diagnosis and treatment concepts and advances in analytical technology, Western medicine has been rapidly transforming from a traditional biological model to a precision medicine model. TCM faces a similar need to progress beyond traditional syndrome differentiation and disease-syndrome integration toward a more precise diagnosis and treatment paradigm. Unlike the micro-level precision trend of Western medicine, precision diagnosis and treatment in TCM is primarily reflected in data-driven applications that incorporate information at various levels, including precise syndrome differentiation, medication, disease management, and efficacy evaluation. The current priority is to accelerate the development of TCM precision diagnosis and treatment technology platforms and advance discipline construction in this area.
6.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
7.Panax notoginseng saponins regulate differential miRNA expression in osteoclast exosomes and inhibit ferroptosis in osteoblasts
Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Zhao TIAN ; Qiang DING ; Chaohui LI ; Jianjie WEI ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4011-4021
BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced femoral head necrosis is mostly caused by long-term and extensive use of hormones,but its specific pathogenesis is not yet clear and needs further study. OBJECTIVE:To screen out the differential miRNAs in osteoclast exosomes after the intervention of Panax notoginseng saponins,and on this basis,to further construct an osteogenic-related ferroptosis regulatory network to explore the potential mechanism and research direction of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:MTT assay was used to detect the toxic effects of different concentrations of dexamethasone and different mass concentrations of Panax notoginseng saponins on Raw264.7 cell line.Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining and TUNEL assay were used to detect the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on osteoclast inhibition and apoptosis.Exosomes were extracted from cultured osteoclasts with Panax notoginseng saponins intervention.Exosomes from different groups were sequenced to identify differentially expressed miRNAs.CytoScape 3.9.1 was used to construct and visualize the regulatory network between differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs.Candidate mRNAs were screened by GO analysis and KEGG analysis.Finally,the differential genes related to ferroptosis were screened out,and the regulatory network of ferroptosis-related genes was constructed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The concentration of dexamethasone(0.1 μmol/L)and Panax notoginseng saponins(1 736.85 μg/mL)suitable for intervention of Raw264.7 cells was determined by MTT assay.(2)Panax notoginseng saponins had an inhibitory effect on osteoclasts and could promote their apoptosis.(3)Totally 20 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified from osteoclast-derived exosome samples,and 11 differentially expressed miRNAs related to osteogenesis were predicted by target mRNAs.The regulatory networks of 4 up-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to 155 down-regulated candidate mRNAs and 7 down-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to 238 up-regulated candidate mRNAs were constructed.(4)Twenty-four genes related to ferroptosis were screened out from the differential genes.Finally,12 networks were constructed(miR-98-5p/PTGS2,miR-23b-3p/PTGS2,miR-425-5p/TFRC,miR-133a-3p/TFRC,miR-185-5p/TFRC,miR-23b-3p/NFE2L2,miR-23b-3p/LAMP2,miR-98-5p/LAMP2,miR-182-5p/LAMP2,miR-182-5p/TLR4,miR-23b-3p/ZFP36,and miR-182-5p/ZFP36).These results indicate that Panax notoginseng saponins may regulate osteoblast ferroptosis by regulating the expression of miRNAs derived from osteoclast exosomes,thus providing a new idea for the study of the mechanism of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis.
8.HerbRNomes: ushering in the post-genome era of modernizing traditional Chinese medicine research
Yu TIAN ; Hai SHANG ; Gui-bo SUN ; Wei-dong ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):300-313
With the completion of the "Human Genome Project" and the smooth progress of the "Herbal Genome Project", the research wave of RNAomics is gradually advancing, opening the research gateway for the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and initiating the post-genome era of medicinal plant RNA research. Therefore, this article proposes for the first time the concept of HerbRNomes, which involves constructing databases of medicinal plant, medicinal fungus, and medicinal animal RNA at different stages, from different origins, and in different organs. This research aims to explore the role of HerbRNA in self-genetic information transmission, functional regulation, as well as cross-species regulation functional mechanisms and key technologies. It also investigates application scenarios, providing a theoretical basis and research ideas for the resistance of TCM or medicinal plants to adversity and stress, molecular assistant breeding, and the development of small nucleic acid drugs. This article reviews recent research progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the transmission and expression of genetic information, self-regulation and cross-species regulation of herbs at the RNA level, along with key technologies. It proposes a development strategy for small nucleic acid drugs based on HerbRNomes, providing theoretical support and guidance for the modernization of TCM based on HerbRNomes research.
9.Textual Research and Clinical Application Analysis of Classic Formula Fangji Fulingtang
Xiaoyang TIAN ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Mengting ZHAO ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Bingqi WEI ; Yihan LI ; Jing TANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):270-277
The classic formula Fangji Fulingtang is from ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han dynasty. It is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effects of reinforcing Qi and invigorating spleen, warming Yang and promoting urination. By a review of ancient medical books, this paper summarizes the composition, original plants, processing, dosage, decocting methods, indications and other key information of Fangji Fulingtang, aiming to provide a literature basis for the research, development, and clinical application of preparations based on this formula. Synonyms of Fangji Fulingtang exist in ancient medical books, while the formula composition in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber is more widespread and far-reaching. In this formula, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried root of Stephania tetrandra, the dried root of Astragalus embranaceus var. mongholicus, the dried shoot of Cinnamomum cassia, the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, respectively. Fangji Fulingtang is mainly produced into powder, with the dosage and decocting method used in the past dynasties basically following the original formula. Each bag is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix 13.80 g, Astragali Radix 13.80 g, Cinnamomi Ramulus 13.80 g, Poria 27.60 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 9.20 g. The raw materials are purified, decocted in water from 1 200 mL to 400 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm, 3 times a day. Fangji Fulingtang was originally designed for treating skin edema, and then it was used to treat impediment in the Qing dynasty. In modern times, it is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and circulatory system diseases, demonstrating definite effects on various types of edema and heart failure. This paper clarifies the inheritance of Fangji Fulingtang and reveals its key information (attached to the end of this paper), aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of preparations based on this formula.
10.Textual Research and Clinical Application Analysis of Classic Formula Fangji Fulingtang
Xiaoyang TIAN ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Mengting ZHAO ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Bingqi WEI ; Yihan LI ; Jing TANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):270-277
The classic formula Fangji Fulingtang is from ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han dynasty. It is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effects of reinforcing Qi and invigorating spleen, warming Yang and promoting urination. By a review of ancient medical books, this paper summarizes the composition, original plants, processing, dosage, decocting methods, indications and other key information of Fangji Fulingtang, aiming to provide a literature basis for the research, development, and clinical application of preparations based on this formula. Synonyms of Fangji Fulingtang exist in ancient medical books, while the formula composition in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber is more widespread and far-reaching. In this formula, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried root of Stephania tetrandra, the dried root of Astragalus embranaceus var. mongholicus, the dried shoot of Cinnamomum cassia, the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, respectively. Fangji Fulingtang is mainly produced into powder, with the dosage and decocting method used in the past dynasties basically following the original formula. Each bag is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix 13.80 g, Astragali Radix 13.80 g, Cinnamomi Ramulus 13.80 g, Poria 27.60 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 9.20 g. The raw materials are purified, decocted in water from 1 200 mL to 400 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm, 3 times a day. Fangji Fulingtang was originally designed for treating skin edema, and then it was used to treat impediment in the Qing dynasty. In modern times, it is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and circulatory system diseases, demonstrating definite effects on various types of edema and heart failure. This paper clarifies the inheritance of Fangji Fulingtang and reveals its key information (attached to the end of this paper), aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of preparations based on this formula.


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