1.Exploration in Pathological Mechanisms of Myocardial Infarction and Osteoporosis Based on "Heart-bone" Axis Theory
Yuzhuo ZHANG ; Qi SHANG ; Hui REN ; Bin LIU ; Jingzhi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):251-257
Myocardial infarction (MI) and osteoporosis (OP), as two prevalent metabolic diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates, are respectively characterized by cardiovascular system dysfunction and bone homeostasis imbalance, collectively posing significant global public health challenges. While clinically often considered as independent diseases, recent studies have revealed shared pathological mechanisms between the two. This study initiated its exploration from the traditional Chinese medicine concept of the "heart-bone" axis, systematically analyzing the correlation between MI and OP from perspectives including hemodynamics, neuroendocrinology, calcium homeostasis, inflammation and vascular injury, as well as hormone levels. By discussing the pathological mechanisms of "heart disease affecting the bones and bone disease affecting the heart", the study also elucidated advancements in both Western and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. The goal is to provide novel insights and methodologies for the prevention and treatment of "heart-bone comorbidities", thereby facilitating comprehensive management of cardiovascular and skeletal diseases.
2.Effects of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊) on Serum NETs Levels and Macrophage Polarization in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model Rats
Nina REN ; Wukai MA ; Yi LING ; Xueming YAO ; Ying HUANG ; Daomin LU ; Changming CHEN ; Weichen HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):60-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊, JQC) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the perspective of macrophage polarization mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsTwenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, blank control group, model group, JQC group, and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitor group with 6 rats in each group. All groups but the blank control group were subjected to the induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After successful model establishment, rats in the JQC group received intragastric administration of JQC 1.47 g/kg daily; rats in the PAD4 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injections of the PAD4 inhibitor 4 mg/kg weekly. Rats in the blank, model, and PAD4 inhibitor groups received 2 ml of pure water daily by gavage. All treatments lasted 4 weeks. Joint lesions of each group were assessed on day 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after model establishment, and arthritis index (AI) scores were recorded. At 24 h after the final administration, histopathology of knee joints, including HE staining, safranin O-fast green staining, and TRAP staining, was performed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the counts of M1 and M2 macrophages in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS. Western Blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure MPO, NE, RANKL, OPG, and p65 protein and mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased AI scores (P<0.05), marked synovial inflammatory infiltration, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage destruction, increased TRAP-positive osteoclasts, increased M1 macrophages and decreased M2 macrophages, elevated serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), elevated MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and decreased OPG protein/mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the JQC group exhibited improved synovial inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage damage, reduced AI scores on day 21, 28, and 35, decreased osteoclast counts, decreased M1 macrophages and increased M2 macrophages, reduced serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), decreased MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and increased OPG expression (P<0.05). Compared with the PAD4 inhibitor group, the JQC group showed significantly lower AI scores, reduced M1 macrophages, increased M2 macrophages (P<0.05), reduced serum TRACP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS, decreased MPO, RANKL, and p65 expression, and increased OPG levels (P<0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic mechanism of JQC for RA may involve inhibition of NETs formation, downregulation of the RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway, and regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization imbalance, thereby suppressing osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone destruction.
3.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
4.Living donor liver transplantation for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases
Xiangyu ZHANG ; Shiqiao LUO ; Ao REN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):150-156
Objective To assess the current status and outcomes of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in patients with unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). Methods Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic search of Medline (via PubMed), the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews guidelines. English-language publications reporting LDLT for unresectable CRLM were identified; study characteristics and recipient outcomes were extracted. Results Twelve studies were retrieved, six completed studies enrolling 55 patients and six ongoing trials. Selected patients appeared to derive benefit from LDLT. Reported overall survival was 100% at 1 year and 100%, 71.4% at 3 years. The 1-year progression-free survival was 85.7% and 75.1%, and 3-year progression-free survival was 68.6% and 53.7%. Conclusions Prospective data on LDLT for unresectable CRLM remain scarce. The approach is still investigational and warrants validation through prospective clinical trials.
5.Inhibition of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Mechanism in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Rats by Banxia Xiexintang via Regulating IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ Signaling Pathway
Wenyu WU ; Xinyu ZENG ; Hao LI ; Weiqi SUN ; Jiahui REN ; Yang YU ; Tingting ZHOU ; Aili XU ; Wei WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):1-10
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the action mechanism by which Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats by regulating the interleukin-17(IL-17)/extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ)signaling pathway, thereby providing new theoretical evidence for the treatment of CAG with classic traditional Chinese medicine formulas. MethodsA CAG rat model was established by using the combined factor method. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.549, 1.098, 2.196 g·kg-1, respectively) of BXT, and the positive drug group (vitacoenzyme, 0.3 g·kg-1). A normal control group was also set up. After 8 weeks of intervention, the pathological changes of gastric tissue were evaluated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and C/EBPβ in serum, as well as the contents of EMT markers in gastric mucosal tissue including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. The immunohistochemistry method was employed to determine the localization and protein expression levels of IL-17, p-ERK, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and its phosphorylated form (p)-ERK in gastric mucosa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of ERK, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosa. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, the rats in the model group showed gastric mucosal glandular atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein and their related mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased, while the content of E-cadherin was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with different doses of BXT, the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa was improved to varying degrees. The protein and mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBP β in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosa tissue were decreased, while the content of E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBXT can effectively improve the pathological damage of gastric mucosal tissue in CAG rats. Its action mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum, regulating the IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ signaling pathway and inhibiting the EMT process.
6.Efficacy and safety of diquafosol sodium eye drops for children with dry eye wearing orthokeratology lens
Zhongming LI ; Yongchuan HE ; Mengyao WANG ; Ying LIU ; Yi REN
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):375-382
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3% diquafosol sodium eye drops in children wearing orthokeratology lenses and with dry eye disease(DED)or at risk of DED.METHODS: Randomized controlled trials. Children with DED or at risk of DED were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 3% diquafosol sodium eye drops 6 times daily or a blank control at Chongqing Aier Children's Eye Hospital from November 2023 to November 2024. The primary endpoint was the change in the Dry Eye Questionnaire-5(DEQ-5)score from baseline at 12 wk. Secondary assessments included non-invasive breakup time(NIBUT), tear meniscus height, Schirmer's test, corneal fluorescein staining score, and axial length.RESULTS: A total of 80 participants(80 eyes)were enrolled(40 in each group), the average age of the participants was 11.11±1.88 years, with 43 females(54%)and 37 males(46%), and all completed the trial. After 12 wk, the DEQ-5 scores for the diquafosol sodium group and the blank control group were 1.88±2.02 and 2.88±2.79, respectively(P=0.079). The diquafosol sodium group demonstrated a significant improvement in DEQ-5 dryness symptom scores(-0.33±0.66 vs. 0.05±0.81, P=0.023)and NIBUT(6.18±3.73 vs. -1.09±4.40 s, P<0.001)at 12 wk. Additionally, the diquafosol sodium group showed no axial length elongation, in contrast to the blank control group, which exhibited elongation(0.00±0.08 vs. 0.05±0.10 mm, P=0.013). No other significant differences were found in the secondary endpoints. No adverse events occurred during the trial.CONCLUSION: Although no statistically significant improvements were noted in the overall DEQ-5 scores, the 3% diquafosol sodium eye drops significantly improved dryness symptoms and NIBUT when compared to the blank control group.
7.Application of visual perception training in ophthalmic clinical practice
Yang GU ; Qionglei ZHONG ; Han REN
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):473-476
Vision is the primary perceptual mode through which humans and higher animals acquire external information. Visual perception encompasses various aspects of visual processing and has been widely applied in ophthalmic clinical practice. Based on the principle of neural plasticity, visual perception training relies on the visual signal processing mechanism. After receiving external visual signals, the retina transmits them via the optic nerve to the brain, where the cerebral cortex decodes, extracts, and processes the information. By stimulating specific visual information, visual perception training activates visual processing pathways, strengthens synaptic connections among neurons within these pathways, and ultimately enhances the cerebral cortex's ability to integrate and process information, thereby improving patients' visual function and experience. This article explores the application of visual perception training in conditions such as amblyopia, myopia, presbyopia, strabismus, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and optic pathway lesions, discussing its value in improving visual function. It provides theoretical references for the intervention and treatment of related diseases. Visual perception training has been widely applied in various ophthalmic diseases with confirmed clinical efficacy, and it may play a broader role in neurologically related systemic diseases, demonstrating certain clinical application value.
8.A preliminary study on Toxoplasma gondii interfering with copper metabolism pathways in mouse kidney
Jun YANG ; Chuanming REN ; Min LIU ; Kunting WANG ; He CHEN ; Yihong CAI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):127-132
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on copper metabolism in the kidneys of mice. MethodsA total of 80 7-8-week-old C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into four groups of 20 mice in each group after one week of adaptation, including Control group, Cu group, TgCtwh6 group and Cu+TgCtwh6 group. Mice that were not infected and fed with normal diet and water were used as the Control group; Mice fed with 1 g/kg of copper chloride processing diet and 0.1% copper chloride water for 60 consecutive days were used as Cu group; Mice infected with 25-30 TgCtwh6 cysts (one of the predominant genotype Chinese 1 in China) fed with normal diet and water were used as the TgCtwh6 group; mice infected with 25-30 TgCtwh6 cysts and fed with a processed diet containing 1 g/kg of copper chloride and water with 0.1% copper chloride for 60 consecutive days were used as the Cu+TgCtwh6 group. ICP-MS was used to determine the changes in copper content in kidney tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of mouse kidney tissue. The number of apoptotic cells was observed by PI staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1, SOD2). RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of cuproptosis-related genes. ResultsPathological manifestations such as inflammatory cell infiltration in the Cu group and TgCtwh6 group were seen under the microscope, and the inflammatory infiltrating cells of the renal interstitial were reduced in the Cu+TgCtwh6 group, and the pathological manifestations
9.Epidemiological characteristics and spatial-temporal clustering of varicella in Changchun City from 2020 to 2024
WU Hui ; XU Qiumin ; REN Zhixing ; YIN Yuan ; ZHAI Qianqian ; YAO Laishun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):66-70,74
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and spatial-temporal clustering of varicella in Changchun City from 2020 to 2024, so as to provide the evidence for formulating local varicella prevention and control measures.
Methods:
The individual case data of varicella were collected through the Surveillance and Reporting Management System of the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System in Changchun City from 2020 to 2024. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the population ,regional, and temporal distribution. Spatial autocorrelation and spatio-temporal scanning analyses were used to identify the spatial-temporal clustering characteristics.
Results:
A total of 8 850 varicella cases were reported in Changchun City from 2020 to 2024, with an average annual incidence of 19.64/105. There were 4 929 male cases and 3 921 female cases, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.26∶1. The age was mainly 0-<20 years (6 649 cases, 75.13%), and students were the predominant occupation (6 036 cases, 68.20%). The top three counties (cities, districts) with the highest number of cases were Chaoyang District (1 944 cases), Gongzhuling City (1 054 cases) and Nanguan District (987 cases), accounting for 45.03%. The peak incidence periods were from April to June and from October to December, with 2 166 and 4 226 cases, accounting for 24.47% and 47.75%, respectively. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that spatial clustering existed from 2020 to 2024. The high-high clustering areas were mainly some townships (streets) in Chaoyang District, Nanguan District, Changchun New District and Jingyue District. Spatio-temporal scanning analysis identified 6 high-risk clustering areas. The class Ⅰ clustering area was Nanhu Street in Chaoyang District, with the clustering period from September 2020 to February 2022.
Conclusions
Varicella cases in Changchun City were mainly males and students aged 0-<20 years from 2020 to 2024. The peak incidence was mainly in winter. Chaoyang District was a high-risk area, with obvious spatial-temporal clustering.
10.Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste Alleviates Bone Cancer Pain by Regulating PD-1/PD-L1-induced Osteoclast Formation
Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Guangda ZHENG ; Linghan MENG ; Lingyun WANG ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):72-79
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the action mechanism by which Xiaozheng Zhitong paste (XZP) alleviates bone cancer pain (BCP) by regulating programmed death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway-induced osteoclast formation. MethodsThirty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into the following groups (n=6 per group): normal control group, model group, low‑dose XZP group (31.5 g·kg-1), high‑dose XZP group (63 g·kg-1), and PD‑1 inhibitor (Niv) group. A bone cancer pain (BCP) model was established by injecting Lewis lung carcinoma cells. Mice in the normal control and model groups received topical application of a blank paste matrix at the wound site. Mice in the low‑ and high‑dose XZP groups were treated with XZP applied topically twice daily. Mice in the Niv group were topically administered the blank paste matrix and additionally received Niv via tail‑vein injection every two days. All interventions were continued for 21 days. During this period, behavioral tests were performed to assess mechanical, motor, and thermal nociceptive sensitivities. After 21 days, all mice were euthanized, and bone tissue from the operated side was collected for sectioning and preservation. Tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to evaluate osteoclast expression in the lesioned bone tissue. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of Runt‑related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in the lesioned bone tissue. Immunofluorescence was employed to assess the expression of PD‑1 and PD‑L1 in the lesioned bone tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased limb mechanical withdrawal threshold, spontaneous paw flinching, and thermal withdrawal latency (P<0.01), increased number of osteoclasts in the lesioned bone tissue (P<0.01), and reduced expression of Runx2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BCP mice in the XZP low-dose group, XZP high-dose group, and Niv group exhibited increased limb mechanical withdrawal threshold, movement scores, and thermal withdrawal latency (P<0.01). The XZP low-dose group showed no significant changes in osteoclast number or Runx2 expression, while the XZP high-dose group and Niv group demonstrated significantly reduced osteoclast numbers (P<0.01) and significantly increased Runx2 expression (P<0.01). In the lesioned bone tissue of BCP mice, the XZP low-dose group showed no significant decrease in the percentage of PD-1 expression, but a decrease in the percentage of PD-L1 expression (P<0.05). In contrast, both the XZP high-dose group and the Niv group exhibited significant reductions in the percentages of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression (P<0.01). ConclusionXZP alleviates the pain of mice with BCP by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to inhibit osteoclastogenesis.


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