1.Discussion on Theory of "Gaozhuo" and Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Microcirculatory Disorders in Diabetic Retinopathy
Kai WU ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qianhong LIU ; Fangfang LI ; Rong YU ; Xiaolei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):245-252
Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo, while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR, encompassing two stages: Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis, thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo", microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction, deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically, treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, resolving turbidity, and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies, such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang, modified Buyang Huanwutang, modified Danggui Buxuetang, Zhuixue Mingmu decoction, Tangmuqing, Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription, Danhong Huayu decoction, and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.
2.Diagnosis and malignant analysis of mass versus pneumonia type of primary pulmonary mucinous adenocarcinoma
Yihui FENG ; Xiaolei ZHU ; Shaohan FANG ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Ning LI ; Guojun GENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):360-365
Objective To investigate the relationship between primary pulmonary mucinous adenocarcinoma (PPMA) mass type and pneumonia type and their difference in malignant degree, and to analyze the role of clinical manifestations and CT features in the diagnosis of this disease. Methods The clinical data of PPMA patients admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from May 2011 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to CT features, they were divided into a mass type group and a pneumonia type group. The clinical manifestations, CT features and the degree of malignancy between the two groups were analyzed and compared. Results A total of 57 PPMA patients were enrolled. There were 17 males and 40 females, with an average age of (53.82±10.65) years, and 28 (49%) patients had reversed hato-like sign. There were 42 patients in the mass type group and 15 patients in the pneumonia type group. PPMA often occurs in both lower lungs, with clinical manifestations mainly of coughing and expectorating white mucoid sputum. There were statistical differences between the two groups in the maximum diameter of tumor (P<0.001), boundary condition (P<0.001) and pleural indentation sign (P=0.019). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in Ki-67 index (P>0.05). Conclusion There is no statistical difference in the degree of malignancy between the two types of PPMA. Considering their clinical manifestations and differences in imaging features, it is supported that the pneumonia type is just a progression of the mass type. CT can present various manifestations, among which the reversed hato-like sign is expected to become an important imaging feature. Combined with a high proportion of solid components, pleural indentation sign, and vacuole sign, reversed hato-like sign can play a significant role in the diagnosis of PPMA.
3.Trend and influencing factors of low birth weight among newborns in Chongming District of Shanghai from 2008 to 2022
Aiyu SHI ; Tianyi GU ; Yan XU ; Yuhua HUANG ; Xiaolei SUN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):168-173
ObjectiveTo analyze the trend and influencing factors of low birth weight (LBW) among newborns in Chongming District of Shanghai from 2008 to 2022, so as to provide references for the development of intervention measures reducing the rate of LBW. MethodsBirth surveillance data of Chongming District of Shanghai from 2008 to 2022 were collected and organized, and the annual percentage change (APC) of LBW was calculated by using Joinpoint 5.0.2 software for trend change analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of LBW. ResultsThe overall incidence of LBW was 3.71% in Chongming District, Shanghai from 2008 to 2022. Joinpoint trend analysis showed that the incidence of LBW in Chongming District had an upward trend (APC=5.49%, 95%CI: 3.31%‒7.72%, P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preterm birth, multiple births, female infants, birth defects, first pregnancy, primiparity, and a young father age (<20 years) were risk factors for LBW in Chongming District. Among the term infants, female infants, birth defects, and first pregnancy were risk factors for LBW (P<0.05). Female infants, birth defects, first pregnancy, primiparity, advanced maternal age (≥35 years), and a young father age (<20 years) were risk factors in singleton neonates. ConclusionThe incidence of LBW among newborns is on the rise in Chongming District of Shanghai. Therefore, high risk groups need to be identified, and prenatal check-ups and pregnancy care should be strengthened to reduce the risk of neonatal LBW.
4.Mechanism of Tangbikang Dry Paste in Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Based on GLO-1/AGE/RAGE Pathway
Lijia WU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Yukun HUANG ; You WANG ; Xincui BAO ; Jing YANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Tangbikang dry paste in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on the glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1)/advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathway. MethodsA total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided, with eight assigned to the normal group. The remaining 48 rats were fed a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. Based on blood glucose levels, the rats were randomly assigned to the model group, Tanglin group (13.5 mg·kg-1), metformin group (135 mg·kg-1), and Tangbikang dry paste low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (3, 6, 12 g·kg-1). Successful modeling of DPN was confirmed by a decrease in mechanical pain threshold in the model group at week 4. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, and mechanical pain threshold were measured every 4 weeks. After 16 weeks of intervention, the pathological morphology of the sciatic nerve was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of RAGE, AGE, protein kinase C (PKC), and collagen (COL) in the sciatic nerve was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of RAGE, PKC, Toll-like receptor (TLR), COL, and GLO-1 was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), urea (UREA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased body weight and mechanical pain threshold (P<0.01), and elevated serum AST, ALT, CREA, UREA, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was significantly increased (P<0.01), while COL expression was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas COL and GLO-1 mRNA levels were downregulated (P<0.01). Histological examination showed irregular nerve morphology, axonal alterations, and myelin degeneration. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose levels in the Tangbikang dry paste high-dose group at all time points and in the medium-dose group at weeks 4 and 16 were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant changes in body weight were observed across all Tangbikang dose groups. The mechanical pain threshold was elevated at different time points after administration in all Tangbikang groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was reduced (P<0.01), while COL expression was increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was downregulated (P<0.01), whereas GLO-1 mRNA expression was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, COL mRNA expression was significantly increased in the low- and high-dose groups (P<0.01). Pathological changes in the sciatic nerve were milder in all Tangbikang groups compared to the model group. ConclusionTangbikang dry paste significantly improves DPN, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the GLO-1/AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Diabetic Nephropathy Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Miao XU ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; You WANG ; Yuzhuo CHANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):90-97
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a renal disorder induced by prolonged hyperglycemia, with major pathological features including persistent albuminuria, progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate, and elevated arterial blood pressure. As one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes, the pathogenesis of DN is complex and multifactorial. Without timely and effective treatment, DN may eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently available therapeutic options are often associated with significant adverse effects and high costs, and a large number of patients still progress to ESRD due to delayed treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safer and more effective treatment strategies to improve the living standards and enhance the survival and quality of life of patients with DN. Modern studies have demonstrated that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway plays a critical role in oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, autophagy, and glycolysis, and is closely associated with the pathophysiological progression of DN. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved remarkable progress in the prevention and treatment of DN, supported by rich clinical experience and confirmed therapeutic efficacy. With its characteristics of multi-target, multi-component, and multi-pathway actions, along with minimal side effects, TCM can delay the progression of DN and alleviate patient symptoms. Among these mechanisms, the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has gradually become a research hotspot. This paper systematically reviews the role and mechanisms of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of DN based on extensive literature research, summarizes the latest research advances on the precise modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by Chinese medicine monomers, active constituents, Chinese patent medicines, and herbal compound formulas in the treatment of DN, aiming to provide a strong theoretical reference for the development of clinically effective agents for DN prevention and treatment.
6.Mechanism of Tangbikang Dry Paste in Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Based on GLO-1/AGE/RAGE Pathway
Lijia WU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Yukun HUANG ; You WANG ; Xincui BAO ; Jing YANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Tangbikang dry paste in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on the glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1)/advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathway. MethodsA total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided, with eight assigned to the normal group. The remaining 48 rats were fed a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. Based on blood glucose levels, the rats were randomly assigned to the model group, Tanglin group (13.5 mg·kg-1), metformin group (135 mg·kg-1), and Tangbikang dry paste low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (3, 6, 12 g·kg-1). Successful modeling of DPN was confirmed by a decrease in mechanical pain threshold in the model group at week 4. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, and mechanical pain threshold were measured every 4 weeks. After 16 weeks of intervention, the pathological morphology of the sciatic nerve was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of RAGE, AGE, protein kinase C (PKC), and collagen (COL) in the sciatic nerve was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of RAGE, PKC, Toll-like receptor (TLR), COL, and GLO-1 was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), urea (UREA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased body weight and mechanical pain threshold (P<0.01), and elevated serum AST, ALT, CREA, UREA, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was significantly increased (P<0.01), while COL expression was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas COL and GLO-1 mRNA levels were downregulated (P<0.01). Histological examination showed irregular nerve morphology, axonal alterations, and myelin degeneration. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose levels in the Tangbikang dry paste high-dose group at all time points and in the medium-dose group at weeks 4 and 16 were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant changes in body weight were observed across all Tangbikang dose groups. The mechanical pain threshold was elevated at different time points after administration in all Tangbikang groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was reduced (P<0.01), while COL expression was increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was downregulated (P<0.01), whereas GLO-1 mRNA expression was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, COL mRNA expression was significantly increased in the low- and high-dose groups (P<0.01). Pathological changes in the sciatic nerve were milder in all Tangbikang groups compared to the model group. ConclusionTangbikang dry paste significantly improves DPN, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the GLO-1/AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.
7.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Diabetic Nephropathy Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Miao XU ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; You WANG ; Yuzhuo CHANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):90-97
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a renal disorder induced by prolonged hyperglycemia, with major pathological features including persistent albuminuria, progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate, and elevated arterial blood pressure. As one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes, the pathogenesis of DN is complex and multifactorial. Without timely and effective treatment, DN may eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently available therapeutic options are often associated with significant adverse effects and high costs, and a large number of patients still progress to ESRD due to delayed treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safer and more effective treatment strategies to improve the living standards and enhance the survival and quality of life of patients with DN. Modern studies have demonstrated that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway plays a critical role in oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, autophagy, and glycolysis, and is closely associated with the pathophysiological progression of DN. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved remarkable progress in the prevention and treatment of DN, supported by rich clinical experience and confirmed therapeutic efficacy. With its characteristics of multi-target, multi-component, and multi-pathway actions, along with minimal side effects, TCM can delay the progression of DN and alleviate patient symptoms. Among these mechanisms, the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has gradually become a research hotspot. This paper systematically reviews the role and mechanisms of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of DN based on extensive literature research, summarizes the latest research advances on the precise modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by Chinese medicine monomers, active constituents, Chinese patent medicines, and herbal compound formulas in the treatment of DN, aiming to provide a strong theoretical reference for the development of clinically effective agents for DN prevention and treatment.
8.Correlation between the health literacy of reducing salt,oil and sugar on overweight and obesity among fourthgrade elementary school students and their parents
HAO Ying, LIU Danru, CHEN Xianxian, REN Jie, XU Cong, DU Fengjun, GUO Xiaolei, DONG Jing, MA Jixiang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):489-493
Objective:
To analyze the effects of health literacy on overweight and obesity among primary school students and their parents in terms of salt, oil and sugar reduction (referred to as the "three reductions"), so as to provide a theoretical basis for the development of obesity control measures.
Methods:
From March to April 2024, a total of 1 022 fourthgrade primary school students and 913 parents were surveyed in 24 classes in six counties in Shandong Province using multistage cluster random sampling, and physical measurements of primary school students were conducted. Pearsons correlation analysis and ordered multivariate Logistic regression were used to investigate the associations between health literacy of primary school students and their parents with overweight and obesity among children.
Results:
The detection rates of overweight and obesity primary school students in Shandong Province were 14.87% and 24.66%, respectively, with significant sex difference in obesity rate (29.46% for boys and 19.76% for girls) (χ2=12.93, P<0.01). In addition to students reducing oil scores, parental reducing salt,reducing oil,reducing sugar, comprehensive health literacy scores and students reducing salt,reducing sugar and comprehensive health literacy scores showed a negative relationship with students overweight and obesity (r=-0.10, -0.08, -0.07, -0.10, -0.04, -0.07, -0.03, P<0.05). The overweight and obesity rates among primary school students with high parental reducing salt,reducing oil,reducing sugar and composite health literacy scores were lower (OR=0.69, 0.69, 0.71, 0.63, P<0.05); and the overweight and obesity rate among students with high parental and low parental and high and low parental health literacy scores were lower (OR=0.68, 0.57, P<0.05).
Conclusion
Improving health literacy regarding "three reductions" for parents and children, especially parents, can effectively reduce the risk of childhood overweight and obesity.
9.Different exercise modalities promote functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury
Xiaoxuan ZHAO ; Shuaiyi LIU ; Qi LI ; Zheng XING ; Qingwen LI ; Xiaolei CHU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1248-1256
BACKGROUND:Exercise as a form of active rehabilitation can improve the dysfunction caused by peripheral nerve injury,and different exercise modalities target different lesion sites and recovery mechanisms. OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the application and mechanisms of different exercise modalities in functional recovery from peripheral nerve injury. METHODS:A computerized search was conducted in PubMed and CNKI databases for relevant literature published before January 2024.The search terms used were"peripheral nerve injury,spinal cord,exercise,cerebral cortex,muscle atrophy,mirror therapy,blood flow restriction training"in both English and Chinese.Finally,77 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Peripheral nerve injury can cause systemic pathological changes such as skeletal muscle atrophy,corresponding spinal cord segmental lesions,and sensorimotor cortex remodeling.Aerobic exercise can improve dysfunction by enhancing the immune response,promoting glial cell polarization,and promoting the release of nerve growth factor.Blood flow restriction exercise can regulate the secretion of muscle growth factor,promote muscle growth and enhance muscle strength.Mirror movement has a good effect in activating the cerebral cortex and reducing cortical remodeling.Different exercise modalities have potential benefits in functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury;however,there are still some problems and challenges,such as the choice of exercise modalities,the control of exercise intensity and frequency,and the detailed analysis of mechanisms.
10.Overview of the Research on Mechanisms and Application of Essential Oil of Aromatic Chinese Medicinals in Prevention of Respiratory Infectious Disease
Wan Ling LI ; Xinxin WU ; Xiaolei LI ; Mingzhao HAO ; Fang ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Haoyue LI ; Jing ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):638-644
Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs, which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition, immune regulation, and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation, smearing, topical application, bathing, gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification, through methods like diffusion, vaporization, or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience, quick absorption, and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However, there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions, indications, safety, and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils, and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation, and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently, accurately, and safely, thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.


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