1.Evaluation of Effect of Tongnaoyin on Blood-brain Barrier Injury in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Yangjingyi XIA ; Shanshan LI ; Li LI ; Xiaogang TANG ; Xintong WANG ; Qing ZHU ; Hui JIANG ; Cuiping YUAN ; Yongkang LIU ; Zhaoyao CHEN ; Wenlei LI ; Yuan ZHU ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):140-146
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method,the patients were assigned into a control group (32 cases) and an observation group (31 cases). The control group received conventional Western medical treatment,and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals,twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment,the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans,rKep,and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest (ROI) of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment,the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment,the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone,conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients,thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.
2.Resveratrol activates extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5 signaling protein to promote proliferation of mouse MC3T3-E1 cells
Yongkang NIU ; Zhiwei FENG ; Yaobin WANG ; Zhongcheng LIU ; Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Zhi YI ; Hongwei ZHAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):908-916
BACKGROUND:The extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5(ERK5)signaling protein is essential for the survival of organisms,and resveratrol can promote osteoblast proliferation through various pathways.However,whether resveratrol can regulate osteoblast function through the ERK5 signaling protein needs further verification. OBJECTIVE:To explore the regulatory effect of ERK5 on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and related secreted proteins,and to further verify whether resveratrol can complete the above process by activating ERK5. METHODS:Mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were treated with complete culture medium,XMD8-92(an ERK5 inhibitor),epidermal growth factor(an ERK5 activator),resveratrol alone,XMD8-92+EGF,and resveratrol+XMD8-92,respectively.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of ERK5 and p-ERK5 proteins,proliferation-related proteins Cyclin D1,CDK4 and PCNA,and osteoblast-secreted proteins osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in MC3T3-E1 cells of each group.The fluorescence intensity of ERK5,osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in each group was detected by cell immunofluorescence staining,and cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining,respectively.The appropriate concentration and time of resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells were determined by cell morphology observation and cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The activation of ERK5 signaling protein could effectively promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells,up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio.The appropriate concentration and time for resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells was 5 μmol/L and 24 hours,respectively.Resveratrol could activate ERK5 signaling protein,thereby promoting osteoblast proliferation and up-regulating the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio.All these results indicate that resveratrol can promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio by activating the ERK5 signaling protein.
3.Clinical Characteristics and Potential Risk Factors Analysis of Liver Injury Related to Epimedii Folium Preparation
Yongkang ZHAO ; Yuyang LIU ; Wei SHI ; Han GAO ; Zheng LI ; Zhaofang BAI ; Haibo SONG ; Yuan GAO ; Jiabo WANG ; Xiaohe XIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):205-210
ObjectiveThis paper aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and medication rationality of liver injury related to Epimedii Folium preparation (EP) and explore the possible risk factors of liver injury, so as to provide a reference for the safe clinical application of Epimedii Folium (EF). MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted on liver injury cases related to EP from 2012 to 2016. ResultThe number of reported liver injury cases and the proportion of severe cases related to the use of EP show an increasing trend, indicating the objective existence of liver injury caused by EP. There are more cases of liver injury related to EP in women than in men, with an onset age range of 15-91 years old and a median onset age of 60 years old (median onset ages for men and women are 59 and 60 years old, respectively). The time span from taking EP alone to the occurrence of liver injury is 1-386 days, with a median of 38 days. The time span from taking both EP and Western medicine to the occurrence of liver injury is 1-794 days, with a median of 34 days. EF-related liver injury preparations are mostly composed of traditional Chinese medicines that promote immunity and tonify the liver and kidney, indicating that immune stress in the body may be the mechanism of liver injury caused by the use of EP alone or in combination. There is no increasing trend of toxicity with time or dose in the liver injury caused by EP. By further exploring its risk factors, it is found that patients have unreasonable medication methods such as excessive dosage, repeated use, and multi-drug combination, which may also be one of the important risk factors for EF-related liver injury. ConclusionEP has a certain risk of liver injury and should be emphasized in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Immune stress may be the mechanism of liver injury caused by EP, and in clinical use, it is necessary to be vigilant about the risk of liver injury caused by unreasonable use and combined use with Western medicine.
4.Effects of bacterial lysates on immune function in elderly mice with pulmonary fibrosis
Li QIAN ; Ziyue SUN ; Xiangrui GUO ; Dan LI ; Xuejun LIU ; Yongkang HAN ; Yufeng DU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(2):209-215
Objective:To investigate the correlation between immune function and age-related pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the potential impact of bacterial lysates on this condition.Methods:Twenty-four healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 24, were randomly divided into three groups: a control group(Group N), a pulmonary fibrosis group(Group M), and a pulmonary fibrosis+ bacterial lysis product intervention group(Group P). Mice in Groups M and P were intratracheally injected with bleomycin(5 mg/kg)to induce a mouse pulmonary fibrosis model, while mice in Group N were injected with saline.After modeling, mice in Group P were orally administered 0.4 ml of a bacterial lysis product once a day.After 28 days, lung tissue and blood samples were collected for analysis.Pathological changes in lung tissue were assessed using hematoxylin and tosin staining(HE)and Masson staining and the Ashcroft score.The expression of CD4+ and CD8+ in lung tissue was evaluated using immunohistochemistry.The levels of serum interferon-γ(INF-γ), interleukin-3(IL-13), and immunoglobulin A(IgA)protein were measured using Enzyme-linked Immuno Sorbent Assay(ELISA). The levels of INF-γ and IL-13 mRNA in lung tissue were determined using Real-Time Quantitative Transcription PCR(RT-qPCR). Additionally, the protein expression levels of matrix metalloprotein-9(MMP-9)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteincise 1(TIMP-1)in lung tissue were assessed using blot analysis.Results:The degree of lung fibrosis was significantly reduced in mice in group P compared with group M when treated with bacterial lysis products.Group M showed a significant decrease in the expression of CD4+ T cells and an increase in the expression of CD8+ T cells( P<0.05)compared to group N. Additionally, the content of IgA was decreased( P<0.05)in group M. On the other hand, group P showed a significant increase in the expression of CD4+ T cells and a decrease in the expression of CD8+ T cells( P<0.05)compared to group M. Furthermore, the content of IgA was elevated( P<0.05)in group P. After bacterial lysis product intervention, mRNA and protein expression levels of IFN-γ were elevated( P<0.05), while mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-13 were reduced( P<0.05). Moreover, protein expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was significantly up-regulated in group M compared with group N( P<0.05), and decreased after bacterial lysis product intervention( P<0.05). Conclusions:It is well-known that immune mechanisms play a crucial role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.The use of bacterial lysates has been found to effectively regulate immune balance and mitigate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in elderly mice.
5.Clinical characteristics and current status of organ donations and Organ Procurement Organizations in foreign countries
Fushun ZHONG ; Yongkang FANG ; Linjiong LIU ; Xiaoli FAN ; Qifa YE
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2024;45(1):47-56
Organ transplantation has been an important means of rescuing the lives of end-stage patients with organ failure. However, an acute shortage of donor organs has become a common dilemma for organ transplantation all over the world so as to seriously restrict the development of organ transplantation. Many foreign countries have established a relatively mature organ donation system to foster favorable conditions for alleviating a shortage of donor organs. This review summarized the global measures and current domestic efforts of facilitating organ donation to provide theoretical rationales for further optimizing organ donations and transplantation system in China.
6.Effect of Tongnaoyin on Cerebral Hemodynamics in Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction of Phlegm and Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on CTA/CTP
Lianhong JI ; Peian LIU ; Li LI ; Yunze LI ; Qing ZHU ; Xiaogang TANG ; Hui JIANG ; Yongkang LIU ; Cuiping YUAN ; Wenlei LI ; Yuan ZHU ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):105-111
ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in cerebral blood perfusion in patients with acute cerebral infarction after taking Tongnaoyin, a traditional Chinese medicine, based on head and neck computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) combined with brain CT perfusion imaging (CTP). MethodA total of 240 patients with cerebral infarction of phlegm and blood stasis syndrome treated in Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2018 to September 2023 were randomly divided into a control group (99 cases) and a Tongnaoyin group (141 cases). Based on the guidelines, the control group was treated with conventional treatment such as anti-aggregation, anticoagulation, lipid-lowering and plaque stabilization, brain protection, and supportive treatment. The Tongnaoyin group was treated with Tongnaoyin of 200 mL in warm conditions in the morning and evening on the basis of the control group. Both groups underwent CTA combined with CTP within 24 hours after admission, and they were reexamined by CTA and CTP in the sixth month after admission. The degree of intracranial artery stenosis was determined according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) method. The relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), mean transit time (MTT), and time to peak (TTP) of the lesion area before and after treatment were compared. The adverse outcomes of the two groups within six months after discharge were compared. ResultCompared with the group before treatment, the degree of vascular stenosis in the Tongnaoyin group was significantly reduced, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=105.369,P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the improvement rate of vascular stenosis in the Tongnaoyin group was higher (χ2=84.179,P<0.01), and the curative effect was better.After treatment, the rCBV and rCBF of patients in the Tongnaoyin group were significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). MTT and TTP showed a trend of shortening, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in rCBV, rCBF, MTT, and TTP in the control group. Compared with those in the control group after treatment, the rCBV and rCBF in the Tongnaoyin group were significantly increased, while MTT and TTP were significantly reduced (P<0.01). After six months of discharge, the risk of poor prognosis in the Tongnaoyin group was significantly reduced compared with the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionTongnaoyin has a good effect on improving cerebral blood perfusion in patients with acute cerebral infarction. It can be used as an effective supplement for the conventional treatment of ischemic stroke to improve clinical efficacy.
7.Treating Emotional Disorders from the Classification of Gallbladder
Yijun WU ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Wenbo LIU ; Shuang JIANG ; Haohao LIAO ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(3):309-314
This article summarizes the unique viewpoints and experience application of the famous and veteran Chinese medicine practitioner,Professor Wang Xinzhi,in treating emotional diseases from the perspective of gallbladder theory.Based on the physiologi-cal functions and characteristics of the gallbladder in Chinese medicine,it is proposed that the"heart mind-gallbladder-viscera"axis dominates the generation and changes of emotions,and it is believed that gallbladder failure is the key pathogenesis of emotional disor-ders.The treatment of clinical syndromes should be based on the type of gallbladder,and emotional diseases can be divided into types of insufficient gallbladder qi,unfavorable Shaoyang,gallbladder and heat excess,timidity-deficiency,and heart-gallbladder indeci-sion,according to clinical manifestations;based on the basic principle of adjusting the functions of the heart,spleen,liver,gallblad-der,kidney and other organs,treatment methods such as tonifying the spleen and kidneys,increasing gallbladder qi,resolving Shaoy-ang,clearing gallbladder heat,warming yang and replenishing qi,calming the mind,resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis should be used,highlighting the joint treatment of the heart and the gallbladder,and the simultaneous regulation of the liver and gall-bladder,so that the mind can be at ease,the gallbladder can be decisive,and the emotions can be harmonious.
8.Understanding the excellent use of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction from xiang thinking
Yilong SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Yuhe HU ; Yongkang SUN ; Wenbo LIU ; Liuping YUE ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1512-1519
Chaihu Guizhi Decoction is an excellent prescription of ZHANG Zhongjing;however,nowadays the application of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction is primarily derived from the text.The xiang thinking is the source of traditional Chinese medicine thinking.Understanding Chaihu Guizhi Decoction from the xiang thinking,it is easy to perceive the true meaning of ZHANG Zhongjing,and grasp the location of the disease and the patient's overall qi,so as to make better use of this formula.This article discusses the understanding of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction from five perspectives:firstly,it gives an overview of the xiang thinking,pointing out the source and essential value of the xiang thinking;secondly,it analyses the disease position and the patient's qi of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction under the perspective of the xiang thinking as a whole;thirdly,it discusses the disease position and the patient's qi of the original text of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction from the xiang thinking;fourthly,it discusses how to understand the principle of formula formation and the main and minor parts of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction by xiang thinking;finally,it analyses the primary medicines in Chaihu Guizhi Decoction by using xiang thinking based on the records of Shennong Bencao Jing.Based on these five points,we hope to reveal the traditional Chinese medicine thinking behind Chaihu Guizhi Decoction,and provide new ideas for the clinical application of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction.
9.Application of O-RADS US combined with MV-Flow to diagnose ovarian-adnexal tumors
Linlin RUAN ; Hui LIU ; Hong XIANG ; Yongkang NI ; Yuling FENG ; Huili ZHOU ; Mengtong QI
Ultrasonography 2024;43(1):15-24
Purpose:
This study aimed to explore the application of Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound (O-RADS US) combined with MV-Flow (Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.) to diagnose ovarian-adnexal masses.
Methods:
A total of 112 ovarian-adnexal masses (81 benign and 31 malignant) from 105 consecutive patients were analyzed. The O-RADS US and vascular index from MV-Flow (VIMV) were measured and compared with the reference standard. O-RADS US and MV-Flow were tested for consistency.
Results:
Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn for O-RADS US, MV-Flow, and their combination. The combined methods had the largest area under the curve (0.955), followed by O-RADS US (0.929) and MV-Flow (0.923). A mass was considered malignant when the O-RADS US classification was 5 and VIMV was ≥7.15. With this definition, MV-Flow had the highest sensitivity (87.10%), with consistent findings for the combined diagnostic methods and O-RADS US (83.87%). The specificity of the combined diagnostic methods (93.83%) was higher than that of MV-Flow (91.36%). O-RADS US had the lowest specificity (90.12%). The combined diagnostic methods had the highest coincidence rate (91.07%), and MV-Flow (90.18%) had a significantly higher coincidence rate than O-RADS US (88.39%). Both O-RADS US and MV-Flow showed good consistency among different physicians (former kappa, 0.974; latter intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.986). MV-Flow had a high consistency for the same physician (ICC, 1).
Conclusion
O-RADS US and MV-Flow exhibited good diagnostic efficacy, and their combined diagnostic efficacy was higher than that of each individually. O-RADS US and MV-Flow can improve the diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian-adnexal masses.
10.Application of O-RADS US combined with MV-Flow to diagnose ovarian-adnexal tumors
Linlin RUAN ; Hui LIU ; Hong XIANG ; Yongkang NI ; Yuling FENG ; Huili ZHOU ; Mengtong QI
Ultrasonography 2024;43(1):15-24
Purpose:
This study aimed to explore the application of Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound (O-RADS US) combined with MV-Flow (Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.) to diagnose ovarian-adnexal masses.
Methods:
A total of 112 ovarian-adnexal masses (81 benign and 31 malignant) from 105 consecutive patients were analyzed. The O-RADS US and vascular index from MV-Flow (VIMV) were measured and compared with the reference standard. O-RADS US and MV-Flow were tested for consistency.
Results:
Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn for O-RADS US, MV-Flow, and their combination. The combined methods had the largest area under the curve (0.955), followed by O-RADS US (0.929) and MV-Flow (0.923). A mass was considered malignant when the O-RADS US classification was 5 and VIMV was ≥7.15. With this definition, MV-Flow had the highest sensitivity (87.10%), with consistent findings for the combined diagnostic methods and O-RADS US (83.87%). The specificity of the combined diagnostic methods (93.83%) was higher than that of MV-Flow (91.36%). O-RADS US had the lowest specificity (90.12%). The combined diagnostic methods had the highest coincidence rate (91.07%), and MV-Flow (90.18%) had a significantly higher coincidence rate than O-RADS US (88.39%). Both O-RADS US and MV-Flow showed good consistency among different physicians (former kappa, 0.974; latter intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.986). MV-Flow had a high consistency for the same physician (ICC, 1).
Conclusion
O-RADS US and MV-Flow exhibited good diagnostic efficacy, and their combined diagnostic efficacy was higher than that of each individually. O-RADS US and MV-Flow can improve the diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian-adnexal masses.

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