1.Study on Compatibility and Efficacy of Blood-activating Herb Pairs Based on Graph Convolution Network
Jingai WANG ; Qikai NIU ; Wenjing ZONG ; Ziling ZENG ; Siwei TIAN ; Siqi ZHANG ; Yuwen ZHAO ; Huamin ZHANG ; Bingjie HUO ; Bing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):228-234
ObjectiveThis study aims to develop a prediction model for the compatibility of Chinese medicinal pairs based on Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN), named HC-GCN. The model integrates the properties of herbs with modern pharmacological mechanisms to predict pairs with specific therapeutic effects. It serves as a demonstration by applying the model to predict and validate the efficacy of blood-activating herb pairs. MethodsThe training dataset for herb pair prediction was constructed by systematically collecting commonly used herb pairs along with their characteristic data, including Qi, flavor, meridian tropism, and target genes. Integrating traditional characteristics of herb with modern bioinformatics, we developed an efficacy-oriented herb pair compatibility prediction model (HC-GCN) using graph convolutional networks (GCN). This model leverages machine learning to capture the complex relationships in herb pair compatibility, weighted by efficacy features. The performance of the HC-GCN model was evaluated using accuracy (ACC), recall, precision, F1 score (F1), and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Its predictive effectiveness was then compared to five other machine learning models: eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), logistic regression (LR), Naive Bayes, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM). ResultsUsing herb pairs with blood-activating effects as a demonstration, a prediction model was constructed based on a foundational dataset of 46 blood-activating herb pairs, incorporating their Qi, flavor, meridian tropism, and target gene characteristics. The HC-GCN model outperforms other commonly used machine learning models in key performance metrics, including ACC, recall, precision, F1 score, and AUC. Through the predictive analysis of the HC-GCN model, 60 herb pairs with blood-activating effects were successfully identified. Among of these potential herb pairs, 44 include at least one herb with blood-activating effects. ConclusionIn this study, we established an efficacy-oriented compatibility prediction model for herb pairs based on GCN by integrating the unique characteristics of traditional herbs with modern pharmacological mechanisms. This model demonstrated high predictive performance, offering a novel approach for the intelligent screening and optimization of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, as well as their clinical applications.
2.Association between polymorphisms in the glucose metabolism and lipid regulation genes with metabolic abnormalities in childhood obesity
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):888-893
Objective:
To explore the association between CDKAL1 rs35261542, FAIM2 rs 3205718, and VGLL4 rs 2574704 polymorphisms with childhood obesity and related metabolic phenotypes to provide evidence for personalized prevention and management strategies.
Methods:
Based on the 2023 Long term Nutritional Health Effects of Early Childhood Nutrition Package Intervention project, the study enrolled 1 078 children aged 5-7 years from four counties in Henan (Songxian and Ruyang countries) and Guizhou (Guiding and Fuquan countries) provinces. Using BMI Z scores, 87 overweight and obese(OVOB) children were selected and matched by sex, age, and BMI Z score with 117 normal weight controls. Participants were further stratified into four metabolic phenotype groups: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW, n =51), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW, n =66), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO, n =31) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO, n =56) based on four conventional cardiometabolic risk factor (CR) criteria. Data were collected through questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, serum biochemical tests, and KASP genotyping. The distribution of three genetic polymorphisms ( CDKAL1 rs35261542, FAIM2 rs3205718, VGLL4 rs 2574704) across metabolic subgroups was analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression models assessed associations between these polymorphisms and obesity/metabolic phenotypes.
Results:
Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Homozygous mutant AA genotype of CDKAL1 rs 35261542 was positively associated with OVOB( OR =3.63), MHO ( OR =11.04), MUO ( OR = 4.88 ) ( P <0.05). Homozygous TT genotype of FAIM2 rs 3205718 increased OVOB risk ( OR =4.44, P <0.05) but showed no association with metabolic phenotypes ( P >0.05). Homozygous mutant TT of VGLL4 rs 2574704 reduced the risks of MHO and MUO ( OR = 0.30, 0.24, P <0.05). Cumulative genetic effects analysis demonstrated carriers of 1 or 2 risk genotypes of rs 35261542 and rs 3205718 had progressively higher OVOB risk ( OR =2.53, 20.79), and the combination of rs 35261542 and rs 2574704 increased risks for both MHO ( OR =8.50) and MUO ( OR =5.00) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The AA genotype of rs 35261542 ( CDKAL1 ) positively correlates with childhood obesity and metabolic abnormalities. The TT genotype of rs 3205718 ( FAIM 2) increases obesity risk but not metabolic phenotypes. The TT genotype of rs 2574704 ( VGLL 4) shows protective effects against metabolic dysfunction. Risk genotypes exhibit dosedependent cumulative effects on obesity and metabolic outcomes.
3.Status quo and influencing factors of amputation decision-making dilemma in patients with diabetic foot
Yanmei WANG ; Meijun WANG ; Cancan CAO ; Bingjie WANG ; Qianwen CHAI ; Minghui LU ; Li WEI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(33):4579-4584
Objective:To explore the current situation and influencing factors of amputation decision-making dilemma of diabetic foot patients.Methods:From July to December 2023, 200 patients with diabetic foot in the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital were selected as study subjects by convenience sampling. General Information Questionnaire, Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), Family APGAR Index, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to conduct a cross-sectional survey. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between diabetic foot patients' amputation decision-making dilemma and family caring, anxiety and depression, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of diabetic foot patients' amputation decision-making dilemma.Results:A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed, and 180 valid questionnaires were collected, with a valid response rate of 90.0% (180/200). The DCS score of 180 patients with diabetic foot was (30.04±9.77), 76.7% (138/180) patients scored ≥25.0, and they had decision-making dilemma, and 25.0% (45/180) of patients scored ≥37.5, indicating decision-making delay. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that occupational status, diabetes course, family caring, anxiety and depression were the influencing factors of amputation decision-making dilemma of diabetic foot patients ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Diabetic foot patients face certain dilemmas in the process of amputation decision-making. Clinical medical and nursing staff should reasonably evaluate the patient's occupational status, disease course, family caring, and psychological state, and develop personalized decision support strategies to improve decision quality and prevent changes in the patient's condition caused by delayed decision-making.
4.Development of negative pressure cabin environment detector for aviation
Wei YONG ; Muzhe ZHANG ; Falin LI ; Hailiang ZHOU ; Yuanyuan JIANG ; Bingjie XUE ; Tian TIAN ; Yan JIANG ; Haibo DU ; Lei GUO ; Lang JIANG
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(8):187-189
In order to detect the environmental data of isolated cabin under various environmental conditions,a negative pressure cabin environment detector for aviation was developed,which was composed of a shell,a differential pressure transmitter,a pressure sensor,a carbon dioxide concentration sensor,an oxygen concentration sensor,a temperature and humidity sensor,a data processing module,a liquid crystal display(LCD)screen and USB data interface.It could environmental data such as carbon dioxide concentration,oxygen concentration,temperature,humidity,pressure difference between cabin and outside the cabin and air pressure outside the cabin in real time,the data processing module collected and processed the data,the data and data change curves was displayed in real time by the LCD screen,and the detection data was extracted through the USB data interface.When used in aviation environment,the detector could work continuously without fault for no less than 300 hours,and the average fault repair time was about 30 minutes,with good performance and high detection accuracy,which can provide convenience for the environmental data detection of negative pressure cabins,and is worthy of popularization.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Acute Pancreatitis Based on TLR4 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Zuomei LUO ; Yuqing WANG ; Nan CHEN ; Bingjie HAN ; Liqun LI ; Lijian LIU ; Guangwen CHEN ; Chengning YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):263-271
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most clinically common acute digestive disorders characterized by quick onset,rapid progression,severe condition,and high mortality. If the disease is not timely intervened in the early stage,it can develop into severe AP in the later stage,which damages the long-term quality of life and brings serious economic burden to patients and their families. However, the pathogenesis of this disease is complex and has not been fully explained. The generation and development of AP is closely related to many signaling pathways. Among them,Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),as a transmembrane signal transduction receptor,can mediate immune response and inflammatory response,and play a key role in the occurrence and development of AP. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)can regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway with multiple targets,multiple effects,and multiple administration methods to inhibit inflammatory response,and effectively intervene in the progression of AP, which has gradually become a new craze for preventing and treating AP. Many studies have shown that TCM has obvious advantages in the prevention and treatment of AP. It can effectively treat AP by regulating TLR4 signaling pathway,strengthening immune resistance and defense,and inhibiting inflammatory response. Despite of the research progress,there is still a lack of comprehensive review on TCM regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway in the treatment of AP. Therefore,the literature on TCM regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway published in recent years was systematically reviewed and elaborated,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of AP and further drug development.
6.Related factors of post-stroke depression in patients with cerebral infarction during hospitalization in rehabilitation department
Fang LI ; Huizhen LIU ; Liping MEI ; Tong ZHANG ; Haojie ZHANG ; Bingjie LI ; Jun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(2):217-222
ObjectTo explore the risk factors related to the intensity of post-stroke depression in patients with cerebral infarction during hospitalization in the rehabilitation department. MethodsThe hospital consultation records of cerebral infarction patients in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital from December, 2019 to February, 2023 were reviewed from the hospital information system, and those who were diagnosed as depression visited the department of psychology were selected. It was collected including general information of sexes, ages, education levels, matrimony; medical features of course, location, affected side, sensory disorders, aphasia, agrypnia, dysphagia, hand-shoulder syndrome, constipation; functioning of muscle strength and Brunnstrom stages; and scores of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Balance (FMA-B), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Patients with HAMD scores ≤ 20 were as the low group, and those > 20 were as the high group. ResultA total of 2 403 hospitalized stroke patients were included, out of which 269 patients with cerebral infarction were diagnosed as depression and visited the department of psychology; while 103 cases were in the low group and 166 cases were in the high group. The incidence of constipation was less, and the incidence of dysphagia and shoulder-hand syndrome was higher in the high group (χ2 > 5.379, P < 0.05), with weaker strength of iliopsoas muscle and quadriceps muscle, earlier of Brunnstrom stage of lower extremities and hands, and worse scores of NIHSS, MMSE, FMA, FMA-B and MBI (|Z| > 2.020, t > 2.171, P < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that constipation (OR = 0.435), quadriceps muscle strength (OR = 0.782) and dysphagia (OR = 2.602) related to the intensity of post-stroke depression in convalescent patients (P < 0.05). ConclusionPost-stroke dysphagia and poor quadriceps muscle strength may exacerbate post-stroke depression; however, constipation may not.
7.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Sepsis Based on TLR4 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Jing YAN ; Sheng XIE ; Laian GE ; Guangyao WANG ; Zhu LIU ; Bingjie HAN ; Yaoxuan ZENG ; Jinchan PENG ; Jincheng QIAN ; Liqun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):282-291
Sepsis is one of the common severe diseases caused by the dysregulated host response to infection, which seriously threatens the life and health of human beings all over the world. The incidence and mortality of the disease are extremely high, and it has always been an urgent problem to be solved in the field of acute and critical diseases. At present, anti-infection, fluid resuscitation, mechanical ventilation and other programs are most used in clinic to treat sepsis, but their poor prognosis and high cost and other issues remain to be resolved. Therefore, it is necessary to explore a new, efficient, safe and inexpensive drug and treatment model at this stage. The treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on syndrome differentiation and holistic concept. It can effectively regulate the progression of sepsis, maintain the homeostasis of the body, and has fewer adverse reactions. It has achieved good clinical results. In recent years, a large number of studies have shown that TCM can reduce the inflammatory response by regulating the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) signaling pathway, thereby reducing the severity and mortality of sepsis patients. However, there is still a lack of systematic exposition of TCM regulating TLR4 signaling pathway in the treatment of sepsis. Therefore, this article summarizes the relationship between TLR4 signaling pathway and sepsis and the mechanism of TCM in the disease by searching and consulting relevant literature in recent years. It is found that some Chinese medicine monomers and active ingredients, Chinese medicine compounds and Chinese medicine preparations can effectively reduce systemic inflammatory response, repair organ damage and improve the prognosis of sepsis by inhibiting the activation of TLR4 signaling pathway. However, due to various limitations, some studies have directly focused on the differential expression and function of TLR4, ignoring the downstream molecular expression and phenotypic effects of TLR4. The alternative mechanism, relationship and specific molecular mechanism of the pathway are still unclear. There are problems such as unclear pharmacokinetics and unclear mechanism in the pro- and anti-inflammatory balance, which need to be further studied and explored in order to provide new ideas for the potential treatment and drug development for sepsis.
8.Mechanism of Yiqi Jiedu Formula Against Ischemic Stroke Based on Microbial-gut-brain Axis
Jialin YANG ; Bingjie CAI ; Yuhao DAI ; Shuting LI ; Keke ZHANG ; Yanhua GAO ; Qiman ZHANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jianying SHEN ; Shaojing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):91-100
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of the Yiqi Jiedu formula (YQ) in treating ischemic stroke (IS) from the perspective of the microbial-gut-brain axis (MGBA). MethodRats were randomly divided into five groups, with six in each group, including sham surgery group, model group, and low, medium, and high dose YQ groups (1, 5, and 25 mg·kg-1). Except for the sham surgery group, all other groups were established with a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model using the thread occlusion method. The success of modeling was determined through neurobehavioral scoring, and the protective effect of YQ on IS was evaluated. Then, the changes in gut microbiota before and after MCAO modeling and YQ administration were compared using 16S rDNA sequencing technology, and the possible biological pathways related to the effect of this formula were analyzed. The expression of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin in brain and intestinal tissue, and hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe pathological changes in the cerebral cortex and colon, so as to validate the possible mechanism of action. ResultYQ significantly improved the neurobehavioral score of MCAO rats (P<0.01) and played a good regulatory role in intestinal microbial disorders caused by enriched pathogens and opportunistic pathogens during the acute phase. Among them, significantly changed microorganisms include Morgentia, Escherichia Shigella, Adlercreutzia, and Androbacter. Bioinformatics analysis found that these bacteria may be related to the regulation of inflammation in the brain. Compared with the blank group, the detection of inflammatory factors in the serum of IS model rats showed an increase in inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-17A (P<0.01) and a decrease in the content of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the content of inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-17A in the serum of the treatment group decreased (P<0.05), and that of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 increased (P<0.01). The expression results of barrier proteins ZO-1 and Occludin in brain and intestinal tissue showed that the expression levels of both decreased in IS model rats (P<0.05), while the expression levels of both increased in the treatment group (P<0.05). ConclusionAcute cerebral ischemia can lead to an imbalance of intestinal microbiota and damage to the intestinal barrier, and it can increase intestinal permeability. YQ can regulate intestinal microbiota imbalance caused by ischemia, inhibit systemic inflammatory response, and improve the disruption of the gut-blood brain barrier, preventing secondary cascade damage to brain tissue caused by inflammation. The MGBA may be an important mechanism against the IS.
9.Clinical research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of GERD with anxiety and depression by regulating brain-gut axis
Yuqing WANG ; Zuomei LUO ; Nan CHEN ; Bingjie HAN ; Liqun LI ; Lijian LIU ; Guangwen CHEN ; Chengning YANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(18):2315-2320
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a gastrointestinal motility disorder characterized by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn. The incidence of GERD is closely associated with psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression. The brain-gut axis, serving as a mediator of the bidirectional connection between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of GERD with anxiety and depression. Various therapeutic approaches, including compound Chinese medicine internal therapy (such as Pingchong jiangni decoction, Tiaozhong huashi decoction, etc.), combination therapy of internal and external Chinese medicine (such as Lianzhi xiere decoction combined with acupoint application, acupuncture at the back segment of governor vessel plus Chinese medication of soothing the liver and gallbladder, etc.), and combination therapy of internal Chinese and western medicine (including Jianpi shugan decoction combined with rabeprazole, rabeprazole combined with Jianzhong jiangni decoction, etc.), have been shown to regulate brain-gut peptides, intestinal flora, inflammatory factors and gastrointestinal hormones, thereby effectively alleviating GERD symptoms, anxiety and depression, and enhancing patients’ quality of life.
10.Exploring Mechanism of Neferine in Promoting Vascular Regeneration Against Cerebral Ischemia Based on Mitochondrial MCU Channel
Qiman ZHANG ; Yanhua GAO ; Wenjie WU ; Wei YANG ; Chen LIU ; Shuting LI ; Bingjie CAI ; Jialin YANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jing MA ; Shaojing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):103-113
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of neferine(Nef) in promoting vascular regeneration against cerebral ischemia through modulation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter(MCU) ion channel. MethodTaking the area of subintestinal vessels in microvascular deficiency zebrafish as an index, the vascular regenerative efficacy of Nef was evaluated, and the median effective concentration(EC50) was calculated. Rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a positive drug group(butylphthalide, 6 mg·kg-1), and Nef low, medium, and high dose groups(0.125, 0.625, 3.125 μg·kg-1). Except for the sham operation group, the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) model was established in other groups. After modeling, the groups were administered the corresponding dose of drugs by gavage, while the sham operation and model groups received equal volumes of saline, once a day for 7 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral scores were assessed for each group of rats, and the infarct rate of ischemic brain tissue was calculated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining. The regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) of each group was measured using a speckle contrast imaging. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were conducted to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) proteins in each group. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) were divided into the normal group, model group, positive drug group(astragaloside Ⅳ, 10 μmol·L-1), and Nef group (32 nmol·L-1). In the verification of mitochondrial protection of Nef and its mechanism in promoting vascular regeneration, the spermine(MCU agonist) and Nef+spermine group were added. HUVECs model of oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD) was established in all groups except the normal group, the cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay, and cell migration ability was evaluated through scratch and tube formation assays. Fluorescent probes(Rhod-2 AM, Fluo-3 AM, JC-1, Calcein AM) and a cellular energy metabolism analyzer were used to analyze the mitochondrial protective effects of Nef. Molecular docking was performed to predict the binding ability of Nef with MCU and HIF-1α, and Western blot was used to detect the effects of Nef on the protein expressions of MCU, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein(Bax), Caspase-3 and HIF-1α in the OGD model HUVECs. ResultThe results of vascular regeneration in microvascular deficiency zebrafish showed that compared to the normal group, the area of subintestinal vessels in the model group significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared to the model group, different concentrations of Nef could significantly increase the area of subintestinal vessels(P<0.01), with the maximum tolerated concentration of 10.24 μmol·L-1 and the EC50 of 0.23 μmol·L-1. Anti-cerebral ischemia results on MCAO rats showed that compared to the sham operation group, the model group had a significant decrease in rCBF and a significant increase in infarct rate, while CD31 expression significantly decreased(P<0.01), and VEGF and HIF-1α protein expressions significantly increased(P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the treated groups showed significant increases in rCBF, significant reductions in infarct volume, and significant increases in CD31, VEGF, and HIF-1α protein expression(P<0.01). Cell experiment results showed that compared to the normal group, the model group had decreased cell viability and migration ability, increased intracellular Ca2+ and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, reduced mitochondrial permeability transition pore(MPTP) opening, and decreased mitochondrial energy metabolism capability, with increased expressions of MCU, Bax, Caspase-3 and HIF-1α proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the Nef group showed increased cell viability and migration ability, decreased intracellular Ca2+ and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, increased MPTP opening, enhanced mitochondrial energy metabolism capability, decreased expressions of MCU, Bax and Caspase-3 proteins, and increased HIF-1α protein expression(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionNef can stabilize mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibit mitochondrial apoptosis. By down-regulating the expression of MCU, it suppresses the activation of intracellular Bax and Caspase-3 while activating the HIF-1α signaling pathway, enhancing the expression of VEGF and CD31, thereby promoting vascular regeneration to treat ischemic brain injury.


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