1.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
2.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
3.The Neurobiological Mechanisms of Runner’s High
Yun-Teng WANG ; Jia-Qi LIANG ; Wan-Tang SU ; Li ZHAO ; Yan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):358-373
“Runner’s high” refers to a momentary sense of pleasure that suddenly appears during running or other exercise activities, characterized by anti-anxiety, pain relief, and other symptoms. The neurobiological mechanism of “runner’s high” is unclear. This review summarizes human and animal models for studying “runner’s high”, analyzes the neurotransmitters and neural circuits involved in runner’s high, and elucidates the evidence and shortcomings of researches related to “runner’s high”. This review also provides prospects for future research. Research has found that exercise lasting more than 30 min and with an intensity exceeding 70% of the maximum heart rate can reach a “runner’s high”. Human experiments on “runner’s high” mostly use treadmill exercise intervention, and evaluate it through questionnaire surveys, measurement of plasma AEA, miRNA and other indicators. Animal experiments often use voluntary wheel running intervention, and evaluate it through behavioral experiments such as conditional place preference, light dark box experiments (anxiety), hot plate experiments (pain sensitivity), and measurement of plasma AEA and other indicators. Dopamine, endogenous opioid peptides, endogenous cannabinoids, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and other substances increase after exercise, which may be related to the “runner’s high”. However, attention should be paid to the functional differences of these substances in the central and peripheral regions, as well as in different brain regions. Moreover, current studies have not identified the targets of the neurotransmitters or neural factors mentioned above, and further in-depth researches are needed. The mesolimbic dopamine system, prefrontal cortex-nucleus accumbens projection, ventral hippocampus-nucleus accumbens projection, red nucleus-ventral tegmental area projection, cerebellar-ventral tegmental area projection, and brain-gut axis may be involved in the regulation of runner’s high, but there is a lack of direct evidence to prove their involvement. There are still many issues that need to be addressed in the research on the neurobiological mechanisms of “runner’s high”. (1) Most studies on “runner’s high” involve one-time exercise, and the characteristics of changes in “runner’s high” during long-term exercise still need to be explored. (2) The using of scales to evaluate subjects lead to the lacking of objective indicators. However, some potential biomarkers (such as endocannabinoids) have inconsistent characteristics of changes after one-time and long-term exercise. (3) The neurotransmitters involved in the formation of the “runner’s high” all increase in the peripheral and/or central nervous system after exercise. Attention should be paid to whether peripheral substances can enter the blood-brain barrier and the binding effects of neurotransmitters to different receptors are completely different in different brain regions. (4) Most of the current evidence show that some brain regions are activated after exercise. Is there a functional circuit mediating “runner’s high” between these brain regions? (5) Although training at a specific exercise intensity can lead to “runner’s high”, most runners have not experienced “runner’s high”. Can more scientific training methods or technological means be used to make it easier for people to experience the “runner’s high” and thus be more willing to engage in exercise? (6) The “runner’s high” and “addiction” behaviors are extremely similar, and there are evidences that exercise can reverse addictive behaviors. However, why is there still a considerable number of people in the sports population and even athletes who smoke or use addictive drugs instead of pursuing the “pleasure” brought by exercise? Solving the problems above is of great significance for enhancing the desire of exercise, improving the clinical application of neurological and psychiatric diseases through exercise, and enhancing the overall physical fitness of the population.
4.Differention and Treatment of Brain Metastasis from Lung Cancer Based on Theory of "Yang Qi Depletion and Latent Pathogens Transmitting to the Brain"
Huiying ZHAO ; Yanxia LIANG ; Guangsen LI ; Wenwen WANG ; Wenwen SU ; Fenggu LIU ; Hongfei XING ; Maorong FAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):968-972
5.Association between negative life events and smartphone addiction among middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):619-623
Objective:
To explore the association between negative life events and smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for prevention and intervention of smartphone addiction among middle school students.
Methods:
Using cluster sampling, 8 890 students were selected to survey from 27 junior high schools and 3 senior high schools in a district of Shenzhen in 2022 (baseline) and 2023 (followup). Data were collected through selfresigned questionnaires on basic information, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and the Adolescent Selfrating Life Events Checklist. Mixedeffects models were employed to analyze the association.
Results:
Compared to 2022, the punishment scores of middle school students in 2023 [1.00 (0.00, 6.00) and 1.00 (0.00, 6.00)] decreased (Z=4.27), while the scores of interpersonal stress, learning stress and adaptation [4.00(0.00, 8.00), 4.00(0.00, 8.00); 4.00(1.00, 8.00), 5.00(2.00, 9.00); 2.00 (0.00, 6.00), 3.00 (0.00, 7.00)] increased (Z=-3.04, -8.36, -6.80) (P<0.01). Mixedeffects models revealed a positive doseresponse relationship between negative life events and smartphone addiction (OR=1.08-1.17, P<0.01). Stepwise regression showed independent positive effects of interpersonal stress (OR=1.05), academic stress (OR=1.03), and adaptation stress (OR=1.11) on smartphone addiction (P<0.01). Subgroup analysis of nonaddicted students in 2022 confirmed persistent associations for academic stress (OR=1.03) and adaptation (OR=1.07) (P<0.01).
Conclusion
Negative life events exhibit a positive doseresponse relationship with smartphone addiction, particularly interpersonal stress, academic stress, and adaptationrelated events.
6.Longitudinal association between only-child status and smartphone addiction in middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):630-633
Objective:
To explore the longitudinal association between only-child status and smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide a basis for establishing family intervention measures for smartphone addiction in middle school students.
Methods:
In October 2022 and October 2023, a preliminary survey and follow-up were conducted among 8 759 middle and high school students from 30 schools in a district of Shenzhen. A self-designed questionnaire was used to determine whether the students were the only-child, and the Chinese Version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (C-SAS-SV) was utilized to assess the students smartphone addiction status. A multilevel mixed-effects model and subgroup analysis were applied to examine the association between only-child status and smartphone addiction among middle school students.
Results:
During 2022 to 2023, the prevalence of smartphone addiction in the cohort of middle school students increased from 24.1% to 25.2%. Compared with only-child, non-only child were more likely to be addicted to smartphones (adjusted model: OR =1.2, 95% CI =1.1-1.4) and also scored higher on smartphone addiction (adjusted model: β =0.9, 95% CI =0.2-1.5)( P <0.05). Subgroup analysis further revealed that compared to baseline, non-only child demonstrated an increased prevalence of smartphone addiction (adjusted model: OR = 1.2 , 95% CI =1.0-1.5) and higher addiction scores (adjusted model: β =0.8, 95% CI =0.2-1.5) after one year( P <0.05).
Conclusions
Non-only child face higher risk of smartphone addiction. Under the current population policy, it is crucial to address smartphone addiction among middle school students who is not only child.
7.Longitudinal association between compulsive behaviour and smartphone addiction in middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):638-641
Objective:
To explore the potential causal association between adolescent compulsive behaviour and smartphone addiction based on longitudinal data, so as to provide reference for the establishment of adolescent smartphone addiction interventions.
Methods:
A preliminary survey and follow-up were conducted on 8 907 middle and high school students in a district of Shenzhen in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Compulsive behaviours were measured by using the Mental Health Inventory for Middle School Students-60 Items (MMHI-60), smartphone addiction was assessed by using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version ( SAS- SV), and the associations between compulsive behaviours and smartphone addiction were analysed by using multilevel mixed-effects models and subgroup analyses.
Results:
Smartphone addiction detection rates among middle school students were significantly associated with genders, father s education level, mother s education level, study load subgroups, and whether or not they were single-parent families, and there were statistical differences ( χ 2=17.21-175.34, P <0.05). Students with compulsive behaviours were 2.98 times more likely to develop smartphone addiction than those without compulsive behaviours ( OR=2.98, 95%CI=2.77-3.22, P <0.05). Subgroup analysis of middle school students without smartphone addiction in the first year found that compulsive behaviours significantly predicted smartphone addiction ( OR= 1.76 , 95%CI=1.54-2.01, P <0.05).
Conclusion
There is a potential causal association between obsessive-compulsive behaviours and smartphone addiction in middle school students, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours in middle school students could significantly predicted the occurrence of smartphone addiction.
8.Study on the Pathological Mechanism-Syndrome-Treatment Patterns of Approved Chinese Patent Medicines Targeting Collateral Disorders
Pengli SU ; Peng XU ; Yanhong WANG ; Yaqi ZU ; Run YUAN ; Kun LI ; Yufeng ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1711-1718
ObjectiveTo explore the pathological mechanism-syndrome-treatment patterns of approved Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) that treat collateral disorders, providing a reference for the principle of "treating different diseases with the same therapy" in collateral pathology. MethodsCPMs that apply treatment strategies based on collateral disorders were identified from the Pharmacodia database by extracting information from the "efficacy" or "indications" sections of drug package inserts. A database was established to extract the names and compositions of the CPMs, as well as their indications, related traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms, disease locations (affected areas), and pathological factors. Frequency statistics were performed. Using the Apriori algorithm, an association rule analysis was conducted on CPMs and disease-location combinations related to the top three most frequent pathological factor combinations. Core formulas for these combinations were identified and analyzed through drug network analysis and MCODE module clustering. ResultsA total of 660 CPMs targeting collateral disorders were retrieved, involving 299 indications, 323 TCM symptoms, 21 disease locations, 19 pathological factors, and 124 pathological factor combinations. The most frequent pathological factor combinations were blood stasis (involved in 109 CPMs, 16.52%), exogenous wind (外风) -cold-dampness (involved in 43 CPMs, 6.52%), and qi deficiency-blood stasis (involved in 42 CPMs, 6.36%). Analysis of the core formulas for these combinations revealed common ingredients such as Honghua (Carthami Flos), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Dilong (Pheretima). ConclusionCollateral disorders involve a wide range of pathogenesis and represent a fundamental mechanism in the onset and development of various diseases, characterized by obstruction and stagnation. The primary therapeutic principle is unblocking of the collaterals. Blood stasis obstructing the collaterals is the core pathological basis, and the strategy of activating blood circulation and resolving stasis to unblock the collaterals should be central to the treatment. The core medication pattern involves combining blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs with insect-derived medicinals that unblock collaterals. Exogenous wind is often the initiating patholo-gical factor in colla-teral disorders, and the appropriate addition of wind-dispelling herbs can enrich the treatment strategies for such conditions.
9.Evaluation progress of the application of staplers in thoracoscopic lung surgery
Shenghui LI ; Yijiu REN ; Hang SU ; Minglei YANG ; Guofang ZHAO ; Yongxiang SONG ; Xuefei HU ; Deping ZHAO ; Qi XUE ; Chang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):709-713
Compared to traditional suturing, lung stapling using automatic staplers offers advantages such as smaller trauma, faster wound healing, ease of operation, and lower complication rates, making it widely used in clinical practice. However, there are significant differences in bronchial tissue thickness at different anatomical locations, and the market is flooded with various types of staplers. Currently, there is a lack of recommended stapling schemes for bronchial staplers at different anatomical locations. This article reviews the development and application of automatic staplers and summarizes some types of staplers that are currently used in clinical practice, with the aim of promoting the formation of individualized stapler selection protocols for minimally invasive thoracic surgery based on the Chinese population.
10.Development of a nomogram-based risk prediction model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease incidence in community-dwelling population aged 40 years and above in Shanghai
Yixuan ZHANG ; Yiling WU ; Jinxin ZANG ; Xuyan SU ; Xin YIN ; Jing LI ; Wei LUO ; Minjun YU ; Wei WANG ; Qi ZHAO ; Qin WANG ; Genming ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Na WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):669-675
ObjectiveTo develop a nomogram-based risk prediction model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) incidence among the community-dwelling population aged 40 years old and above, so as to provide targeted references for the screening and prevention of COPD. MethodsBased on a natural population cohort in suburban Shanghai, a total of 3 381 randomly selected participants aged ≥40 years underwent pulmonary function tests between July and October 2021. Cox stepwise regression analysis was used to develop overall and gender-specific risk prediction models, along with the construction of corresponding risk nomograms. Model predictive performance was evaluated using the C-indice, area under the curve (AUC) values, and Brier score. Stability was assessed through 10-fold cross-validation and sensitivity analysis. ResultsA total of 3 019 participants were included, with a median follow-up duration of 4.6 years. The COPD incidence density was 17.22 per 1 000 person-years, significantly higher in males (32.04/1 000 person-years) than that in females (7.38/1 000 person-years) (P<0.001). The overall risk prediction model included the variables such as gender, age, education level, BMI, smoking, passive smoking, and respiratory comorbidities. The male-specific model incorporated the variables such as age, BMI, respiratory comorbidities, and smoking, while the female-specific model included age, marital status, respiratory comorbidities, and pulmonary tuberculosis history. The C-indices for the overall, male-specific, and female-specific models were 0.829, 0.749, and 0.807, respectively. The 5-year AUC values were 0.785, 0.658, and 0.811, with Brier scores of 0.103, 0.176, and 0.059, respectively. Both 10-fold cross-validated C-indices and sensitivity analysis (excluding participants with a follow-up duration of <6 months) yielded C-indices were above 0.740. ConclusionThis study developed concise and practical overall and gender-specific COPD risk prediction models and corresponding nomograms. The models demonstrated robust performance in predicting COPD incidence, providing a valuable reference for identifying high-risk populations and formulating targeted screening and personalized management strategies.


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