1.Exploring the pathogenesis of "internal heat leading to zheng" in diabetic kidney disease from the perspective of "glucose toxicity" and its differential diagnosis and treatment
Yuxin HU ; Boning CAO ; Lin WANG ; Ziheng GAO ; Maoxuan LIN ; Zeyu XUE ; Weijing LIU ; Yaoxian WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):386-391
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes. "Internal heat leading to zheng" is the core pathogenesis of DKD, while "glucose toxicity" is transformed from subtle substances through "internal heat" and the cementation of various pathological products, which is pivotal to the transformation of diabetes to DKD. "Glucose toxicity" is characterized by deep and widespread heat, caused by various pathological factors, and its sticky nature makes it difficult to resolve, which can cause severe damage to the kidney collaterals. In the early stage of "glucose toxicity", it is yang pathogen, which can be transformed into yin pathogen in the later stage with disease progression. In clinical practice, treatment should be based on disease staging, with attention on grasping the pathogenesis of "internal heat leading to zheng" and identifying the nature of "glucose toxicity". During the diabetic period, clearing heat is the primary method, often using modified Yueju Pill and Dachaihu Decoction. In the early stage of DKD, treatment primarily focuses on clearing and penetrating latent heat to treat DKD, aiming to prevent toxic heat from transitioning from qi to blood. The approach emphasizes clearing heat and re-penetrating, detoxification, and re-clearing, often using a self-made modified Qingre Xiaozheng Decoction. In the middle and late stages of DKD, the focus shifts to clearing heat, eliminating zheng, strengthening vital qi, and dispelling turbidity, with commonly used treatments including the self-made modified Xiezhuo Xiaozheng Formula, Jingui Shenqi Pill, and Zhenwu Decoction.
2.Danggui Shaoyaosan Regulates Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Rat Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Xinqiao CHU ; Yaning BIAO ; Ying GU ; Meng LI ; Tiantong JIANG ; Yuan DING ; Xiaping TAO ; Shaoli WANG ; Ziheng WEI ; Zhen LIU ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):35-42
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on ferroptosis in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and explore the underlying mechanism based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe sixty SD rats were randomly grouped as follows: control, model, Yishanfu (0.144 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.44, 4.88, and 9.76 g·kg-1, respectively) Danggui Shaoyaosan. A high-fat diet was used to establish the rat model of NAFLD. After 12 weeks of modeling, rats were treated with corresponding agents for 4 weeks. Then, the body weight and liver weight were measured, and the liver index was calculated. At the same time, serum and liver samples were collected. The levels or activities of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Fe2+ in the serum and TC, TG, free fatty acids (FFA), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and Fe2+ in the liver were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in the liver. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in the liver were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed increases in the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), and decreases in the activities of SOD, GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, the liver tissue in the model group presented steatosis, iron deposition, mitochondrial shrinkage, and blurred or swollen mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group, all doses of Danggui Shaoyaosan reduced the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), while increasing the activities of SOD and GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.01). Furthermore, Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviated steatosis, iron deposition, and mitochondrial damage in the liver. ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may inhibit lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway to treat NAFLD.
3.The Development and Application of Chatbots in Healthcare: From Traditional Methods to Large Language Models
Zixing WANG ; Le QI ; Xiaodan LIAN ; Ziheng ZHOU ; Aiwei MENG ; Xintong WU ; Xiaoyuan GAO ; Yujie YANG ; Yiyang LIU ; Wei ZHAO ; Xiaolin DIAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1170-1178
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, chatbots have shown great potential in the healthcare sector. From personalized health advice to chronic disease management and psychological support, chatbots have demonstrated significant advantages in improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. As the scope of their applications expands, the relationship between technological complexity and practical application scenarios has become increasingly intertwined, necessitating a more comprehensive evaluation of both aspects. This paper, from the perspective of he althcare applications, systematically reviews the technological pathways and development of chatbots in the medical field, providing an in-depth analysis of their performance across various medical scenarios. It thoroughly examines the advantages and limitations of chatbots, aiming to offer theoretical support for future research and propose feasible recommendations for the broader adoption of chatbot technologies in healthcare.
4.Maggot alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice by inhibiting immune stress and complement activation
Hong YAO ; Kedi LIU ; Chengzhao LIU ; Weihong LI ; Qi DAI ; Shi ZHAO ; Ziheng DING ; Hefei WANG ; Xiaojing GE ; Peifeng WEI ; Jialin DUAN ; Miaomiao XI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2121-2130
Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of maggot for psoriasis-like lesions in mice from the perspective of immune stress and complement activation regulation.Methods Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,maggot(1.25%,2.5%,and 5%)groups,and Benvitimod(1%)group.Psoriasis-like lesions were induced by application of imiquimod cream,and the severity of skin lesions was assessed using the modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(MPASI)score.Auricular swelling of the mice was observed,and histopathological changes of the skin lesions were examined with HE staining.Scratching behavior of the mice was observed and the spleen index was calculated.Toluidine blue staining was used to detect mast cells in the skin lesions,and serum levels of IgG,IgM,the complements CH50,C1s,C3,C3a,C5 and C5a,and the inflammatory factors IL-23,IL-17A and TNF-α were determined with ELISA.Results In mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions,treatment with the maggot at the 3 doses significantly decreased MPASI score,alleviated auricular swelling and pathologies in the skin lesions,reduced scratching behaviors,spleen index,and the number of mast cells in the lesions.Treatment with high-dose maggot significantly lowered serum levels of IgG,C1s,C3a,C5a,IL-23,IL-17A and TNF-α and the levels of C1s,C3,C3a,C5 and C5a in the lesion tissue,and increased serum levels of CH50,C3,and C5.The therapeutic effect of maggot showed a dose-effect dependence.Conclusion Maggot can alleviate psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice by inhibiting immune stress and complement activation.
5.Differentiation and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection based on the Theory of 'Seminal Orifice'
Yuxin HU ; Yexin CHEN ; Ziheng GAO ; Runze WANG ; Yaoxian WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(10):1009-1012
In the differentiation and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) from the perspective of the seminal orifice, it is proposed that the urinary tract belongs to the category of "seminal orifice", and the physiological process of urination is closely related to the function of the seminal orifice. From the three dimensions of orifice body, orifice pivot and orifice spirit, the physiological relationship between seminal orifice and the function of five zang-organs (脏) is constructed, that is, lung heat, yin damage and pathogen counter-restriction lead to malnutrition of orifice body; burning heart fire and spirit disorder lead to unfavorable orifice spirit, and kidney deficiency, liver constraint and spleen stagnation lead to unfavorable orifice pivot. In the early stage of rUTI, there is usually unfavo-rable orifice pivot, for which the treatment principle should be treating the root and the branch simultaneously, consi-dering both deficiency and excess, and paying attention to the management of accompanied symptoms. Zishui Qinggan Beverage (滋水清肝饮) and Modified Shenzhuo Decoction (肾着汤加减) are often selected based on syndrome differentiation. In the middle stage, lack of nourishment of the orifice body and unfavorable orifice spirit and pivot coexist, and the treatment should be draining the orifice and unblocking strangury, commonly withmodified Qingxin Lianzi Beverage (清心莲子饮). In the late stage, loss of nourishment of the orifice body is the main pathogenesis, and it is necessary to further nourish the orifice body to prevent recurrence, and modifed Wuzi Yanzong Pills and Erxian Decoction (五子衍宗丸合二仙汤) is often used. Furthermore, the specific medicinals should be selected targeting at the orifice body, orifice pivot, and orifice spirit, so as to nourish orifice body by dispelling external pathogens and rectify healthy qi, to drain orifice pivot by freeing emotions and minds and unblocking qi movement, and to calm orifice spirit by unblocking heart and kidney and nourishing heart spirit.
6.Maggot alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice by inhibiting immune stress and complement activation
Hong YAO ; Kedi LIU ; Chengzhao LIU ; Weihong LI ; Qi DAI ; Shi ZHAO ; Ziheng DING ; Hefei WANG ; Xiaojing GE ; Peifeng WEI ; Jialin DUAN ; Miaomiao XI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2121-2130
Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of maggot for psoriasis-like lesions in mice from the perspective of immune stress and complement activation regulation.Methods Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,maggot(1.25%,2.5%,and 5%)groups,and Benvitimod(1%)group.Psoriasis-like lesions were induced by application of imiquimod cream,and the severity of skin lesions was assessed using the modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(MPASI)score.Auricular swelling of the mice was observed,and histopathological changes of the skin lesions were examined with HE staining.Scratching behavior of the mice was observed and the spleen index was calculated.Toluidine blue staining was used to detect mast cells in the skin lesions,and serum levels of IgG,IgM,the complements CH50,C1s,C3,C3a,C5 and C5a,and the inflammatory factors IL-23,IL-17A and TNF-α were determined with ELISA.Results In mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions,treatment with the maggot at the 3 doses significantly decreased MPASI score,alleviated auricular swelling and pathologies in the skin lesions,reduced scratching behaviors,spleen index,and the number of mast cells in the lesions.Treatment with high-dose maggot significantly lowered serum levels of IgG,C1s,C3a,C5a,IL-23,IL-17A and TNF-α and the levels of C1s,C3,C3a,C5 and C5a in the lesion tissue,and increased serum levels of CH50,C3,and C5.The therapeutic effect of maggot showed a dose-effect dependence.Conclusion Maggot can alleviate psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice by inhibiting immune stress and complement activation.
7.Treatment of Type 4 Cardiorenal Syndrome based on the Theory of "Yang Deficiency with Three Lackings,Controlled by the Spleen"
Yuxin HU ; Yexin CHEN ; Zeyu XUE ; Ziheng GAO ; Gaiwen CUI ; Wenkang ZHANG ; Yaoxian WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2363-2367
WANG Qishi put forward the theory of "yang deficiency with three lackings, controlled by the spleen" in Lixu Yuanjian (《理虚元鉴》), which regarded that yang deficiency can lead to consumptive diseases with changes of lacking essence, lacking qi, and lacking fire, so the treatment should start from the spleen to restore the middle yang urgently. This article summarised the experience of treating type 4 cardiorenal syndrome based on the theory of "yang deficiency with three lackings, controlled by the spleen", and proposed that lacking essence is the beginning of the onset of type 4 cardiorenal syndrome, lacking qi is the gradual development of the disease, and lacking fire is the changes of the disease, and ultimately resulted in the complex situation of kidney and qi deficiency, and edema due to yang deficiency, combined with syndromes variation. In the clinical evidence, in the stage of lacking fire, therapies should warm the middle and strengthen the spleen in order to rescue the middle yang, prescribed with modified Baoyuan Decoction (保元汤) plus Lizhong Decoction (理中汤); in the stage of lacking qi, prescriptions can add Taoren (Juglans regia), Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga sinensis), Fuling (Smilax glabra), Guizhi (Neolitsea cassia) to activate blood and drain water to transport and restore the center qi; in the stage of lacking essence, prescriptions can add Gouqizi (Lycium barbarum), Tusizi (Cuscuta chinensis), Duzhong (Eucommia ulmoides), Bajitian (Gynochthodes officinalis) to supplement deficiency and resolve masses to consolidate the root and supplement essence.
8.Comparison of vaginal flora between normal and abnormal pregnant women throughout pregnancy
Yaxin LI ; Haiyan LIU ; Zongguang LI ; Ziqiang QIAN ; Yanmin CAO ; Yao DONG ; Kailin WANG ; Ziheng LI ; Huilu CUI ; Anqun HU ; Qing LI ; Yingjie ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(6):525-535
Objective:To evaluate the characteristics of vaginal flora between normal and abnormal pregnant women throughout pregnancy.Methods:Vaginal swab specimens were collected from pregnant women in the first (<14 gestation weeks, GW), second (14~28 GW) and third trimester (>28 GW) in Anqing, Anhui Province from February 2018 to February 2020. Pregnant women were divided into normal and abnormal groups according to all clinical diagnosis. The sequences of 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4) from vaginal swabs were analyzed using QIIME2 platform. The differences in the dominance of Lactobacillus, community state type (CST) transition, Alpha diversity and Beta diversity were analyzed. Diversity data after log transition were used in the analysis of linear mixed model. Results:A total of 34 pregnant women (10 normal and 24 abnormal) with 102 samples were included for analysis. The composition of vaginal flora between two groups: the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was the highest at the genus level and Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners was the top two species with high relative abundance. The dominance of Lactobacillus, Alpha diversity and transition of CST were also similar. Both groups had a gradually decreased trend of Alpha diversity with GW, and the Chao1, Observed species and Faith′s PD indexes′ were different in different GW ( P<0.05). All Beta diversity metrics in normal group had descending trend, with lower value of the index of first distance which implied a higher microbiota stability, while Bray-Curtis, Weighted UniFrac distance had ascending trend in abnormal group, indicating lower stability. Jaccard distance′s first distance was statistically differed among GW and Unweighted UniFrac distance′s differed between normal and abnormal groups. Conclusions:The first distance of Unweighte UniFrac distance in abnormal pregnant women is higher than that of normal pregnant women and the vaginal flora in abnormal group has lower stability.
9.Landscape of respiratory syncytial virus.
Yuping DUAN ; Zimeng LIU ; Na ZANG ; Bingbing CONG ; Yuqing SHI ; Lili XU ; Mingyue JIANG ; Peixin WANG ; Jing ZOU ; Han ZHANG ; Ziheng FENG ; Luzhao FENG ; Lili REN ; Enmei LIU ; You LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Zhengde XIE
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(24):2953-2978
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus of the Orthopneumovirus genus of the Pneumoviridae family in the order Mononegavirales. RSV can cause acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections, sometimes with extrapulmonary complications. The disease burden of RSV infection is enormous, mainly affecting infants and older adults aged 75 years or above. Currently, treatment options for RSV are largely supportive. Prevention strategies remain a critical focus, with efforts centered on vaccine development and the use of prophylactic monoclonal antibodies. To date, three RSV vaccines have been approved for active immunization among individuals aged 60 years and above. For children who are not eligible for these vaccines, passive immunization is recommended. A newly approved prophylactic monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab, which offers enhanced neutralizing activity and an extended half-life, provides exceptional protection for high-risk infants and young children. This review provides a comprehensive and detailed exploration of RSV's virology, immunology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
Humans
;
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/prevention & control*
;
Respiratory Syncytial Viruses/pathogenicity*
;
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/pathogenicity*
;
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use*
10.MiR-139-5p regulates the Notch/RBP-J/Hes1 axis to promote homing of bone mesenchymal stem cells in bronchial asthma.
Kun WANG ; Haoxiang FANG ; Xiaomei CAO ; Ziheng ZHU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(12):2283-2290
OBJECTIVES:
To observe the role of miR-139-5p and Notch1 signaling pathway in regulation of homing of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) of asthmatic rats.
METHODS:
Normal rat BMSCs were co-cultured with bronchial epithelial cells from normal or asthmatic rats, followed by transfection with miR-139-5p mimics or a negative control sequence. The changes in cell viability and cell cycle were analyzed, and the cellular expressions of CXCR4 and SDF-1 were detected using immunofluorescence staining. The changes of BMSC homing after the transfection were observed, and the expressions of Notch1, RBP-J, and Hes1 mRNAs and proteins and Th1/Th2 cytokines were detected with RT-qPCR, Western blotting or ELISA.
RESULTS:
The co-cultures of BMSCs and asthmatic bronchial epithelial cells showed significantly decreased expressions of miR-139-5p, IL-2 and IL-12 and increased expressions of CXCR4, SDF-1, IL-5, IL-9, Notch1, RBP-J, and Hes1. Transfection with miR-139-5p mimics significantly increased the expressions of miR-139-5p, IL-2, CXCR4 and SDF-1 and lowered the expression levels of IL-5, IL-9, Notch1, activated Notch1, and Hes1 in the co-cultured cells. Correlation analysis showed that BMSC homing was positively correlated with miR-139-5p and IL-12 and negatively correlated with IL-5 expression. The expression of CXCR4 was negatively correlated with activated Notch1, and SDF-1 was positively correlated with miR-139-5p but negatively correlated with Notch1 expression.
CONCLUSIONS
High expression of miR-139-5p promotes homing of BMSCs in asthma by targeting the Notch1 signaling pathway to regulate the expressions of Th1/Th2 cytokines, thereby alleviating airway inflammation.
Asthma/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology*
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Transcription Factor HES-1/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Receptor, Notch1/genetics*
;
Immunoglobulin J Recombination Signal Sequence-Binding Protein/genetics*
;
Receptors, CXCR4/genetics*
;
Coculture Techniques
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Chemokine CXCL12/genetics*
;
Epithelial Cells/metabolism*


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