1.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
2.Cage design-centric glider approach to full-endoscopic lumbar fusion: optimizing nerve root protection in facet-sparing and facet-resecting techniques
Yu-Chia HSU ; Hao-Chun CHUANG ; Yuan-Fu LIU ; Chao-Jui CHANG ; Yu-Meng HSIAO ; Yi-Hung HUANG ; Keng-Chang LIU ; Chien-Min CHEN ; Hyeun-Sung KIM ; Cheng-Li LIN
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):343-353
Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) offers substantial advantages in the management of degenerative spinal diseases, including accelerated postoperative recovery. However, its technical complexity and steep learning curve pose risks for nerve root injury. Optimizing nerve root protection in full-endoscopic facet-sparing TLIF (FE fs-TLIF) and full-endoscopic facet-resecting TLIF (FE fr-TLIF) is essential for enhancing surgical safety. This study aimed to improve the nerve root protection in FE fs-TLIF and FE fr-TLIF by optimizing cage glider selection and insertion techniques based on the specific cage shape—banana-shaped or bullet-shaped. The goal was to ensure safe cage positioning and mitigate nerve root injury during discectomy, endplate preparation, and cage insertion. These strategies were validated through cadaveric simulations and clinical implementation. In FE fr-TLIF utilizing bullet-shaped (straight) cages, one-tip and two-tip cage gliders effectively protected the traversing nerve root by facilitating medial cage entry, thereby minimizing irritation of the exiting nerve root. Conversely, in FE fr-TLIF with banana-shaped cages, the lateral tilt of the cage holder during implantation required the use of a two-tip cage glider to protect the traversing and exiting nerve roots, thereby mitigating the potential risk of nerve irritation. In FE fs-TLIF, a one-tip cage glider is preferred for safeguarding the exiting nerve root, while the traversing root is inherently protected by the medial wall of the facet joint. The use of a two-tip cage glider in FE fs-TLIF can cause injury to the nerve root during glider insertion. In addition to the selection of cage gliders, improper cage insertion steps can also contribute to postoperative neurapraxia. The appropriate selection of cage gliders with corresponding insertion techniques is critical for nerve root protection in endoscopic TLIF. Tailoring these choices to the specific approach (FE fs-TLIF or FE fr-TLIF) and cage type (banana or bullet) enhances surgical safety and clinical outcomes.
3.Pathological Roles and Regulatory Mechanisms of Macrophage Polarization Imbalance in Steroid-associated Osteonecrosis of The Femoral Head
Hui LI ; Duo-Xian WANG ; Wei-Chuang LIU ; Bo-Bo TUO ; Xin CHEN ; Jian-Jun LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2392-2401
Steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) is a progressive osteoarticular disorder associated with prolonged or high-dose glucocorticoid exposure. Its development involves local ischemia, oxidative stress, dysregulated bone metabolism, and disruption of the osteoimmune microenvironment. Macrophages exhibit marked phenotypic plasticity, and their polarization is essential for maintaining the dynamic balance among inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone remodeling. Persistent glucocorticoid stimulation, hypoxia, excessive reactive oxygen species, and damage-associated signals released from necrotic tissues can shift macrophages toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Classically activated macrophages (M1 macrophages) predominantly mediate inflammatory responses. By releasing tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and other mediators, promoting osteoclast activation, suppressing the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and impairing vascular endothelial function, M1 macrophages accelerate trabecular destruction and expansion of the necrotic lesion. In contrast, alternatively activated macrophages (M2 macrophages) contribute to inflammation resolution, neovascularization, osteogenic repair, and tissue remodeling, thereby supporting regeneration within the necrotic region. Macrophage-derived exosomes further influence disease progression through intercellular communication. Exosomes from different macrophage phenotypes can differentially regulate adipogenic differentiation, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and endothelial phenotypic transition, thereby affecting the repair capacity of the necrotic area. These findings indicate that macrophage polarization shapes the local microenvironment not only through soluble mediators but also through vesicle-mediated communication with BMSCs, neutrophils, endothelial cells, and other cell populations. At the molecular level, the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3(NLRP3) inflammasome, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‑κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathways jointly regulate macrophage polarization and its downstream osteoimmune effects. Dysregulation of these pathways may sustain inflammatory activation, aggravate oxidative and vascular injury, inhibit osteogenesis, and impair tissue repair. NLRP3 inflammasome activation links danger signals and oxidative stress to inflammatory cytokine maturation and pyroptotic injury; NF-κB signaling promotes pro-inflammatory gene transcription and M1 polarization; JAK/STAT signaling participates in the balance between inflammatory and reparative macrophage programs; and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling regulates cellular metabolism, survival, autophagy, and regeneration. Notably, the biological effects of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling are cell-type dependent, and Akt-mediated repair signaling should be distinguished from mTOR-related autophagy regulation. The pathological significance of macrophage polarization in SANFH is not determined simply by an increase or decrease in a single phenotype. Rather, disease progression appears to result from an imbalance between persistent pro-inflammatory activity and insufficient reparative responses at different stages of the disease. Such an imbalance disrupts the coordinated coupling of inflammation resolution, vascular regeneration, and bone remodeling, ultimately contributing to structural deterioration of the femoral head. This review summarizes the pathological roles, signaling regulation, and exosome-mediated intercellular communication associated with macrophage polarization imbalance in SANFH. A more precise understanding of these mechanisms may clarify the osteoimmune basis of SANFH and support the development of macrophage-targeted interventions. However, most available evidence is derived from cellular and animal studies, and the temporal evolution of macrophage phenotypes in patients remains insufficiently characterized. Therapeutic strategies should therefore move beyond the simple suppression of M1 macrophages or enhancement of M2 macrophages and instead aim to restore a stage-appropriate balance between inflammatory control and tissue repair while promoting angiogenesis and bone reconstruction.
4.Clinical efficacy of intensive conservative treatment for acute aortic syndrome
Yinfan ZHU ; Lu DAI ; Haotian WU ; Yamin LI ; Dongjie LI ; Shipan WANG ; Jiajun LIANG ; Yan YAN ; Jianjun GAO ; Yeting LOU ; Zhenze TAO ; Yifan LU ; Zhiran YANG ; Jia LI ; Siji CHEN ; Chuang LIU ; Yazhe ZHANG ; Yuhong MI ; Haiyang LI ; Wenjian JIANG ; Hongjia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(3):143-150
Objective:To evaluate the outcomes of intensive conservative treatment compared to conventional conservative treatment in patients with acute aortic syndrome(AAS).Methods:The study prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with AAS who were admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, and Beijing Dawanglu Emergency Rescue Hospital from January 2024 to December 2024. These patients with surgical contraindications or refused surgery for various reasons opted for conservative treatment. A total of 282 patients were included, and 15 patients with missing data or those who died without any treatment were excluded. Finally, 267 patients were enrolled, of whom 94 received intensive conservative treatment, and 173 received conventional conservative treatment, the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to reduce the influence of confoundings. After adjusting of baseline datas via IPTW, the survival outcomes of the two groups were compared at 14 days, 30 days, and at the end of follow-up.Results:The results showed significant differences in acute phase survival rates between the enhanced conservative treatment group and the conventional conservative treatment group at 14 days(82.40%vs.53.20%, P<0.0001). Significant survival differences were also observed at 30 days and at 276-day mid-term follow-up (96.29% vs.51.60%, P<0.0001; 78.50% vs.48.50%, P<0.0001). In the subgroup analysis, for type A aortic dissection, the enhanced conservative treatment group had higher survival rates compared to the conventional conservative treatment group at 14, 30 and 276 days (63.46% vs.41.35%, P<0.05; 52.17% vs.37.90%, P<0.05; 50.00% vs. 31.97%, P<0.05). However, for type B aortic dissection, although the enhanced conservative treatment group had higher survival rates than the conventional conservative treatment group, no statistically significant differences were observed (96.29% vs. 80.00%, P=0.054; 95.65% vs.78.37%, P=0.067; 94.12% vs.74.20%, P=0.088). Conclusion:For patients diagnosed with AAS are forced to choose conservative treatment if emergency surgery is not possible in the first place, intensive conservative treatment strategies can significantly reduce the mortality in the acute phase compared with conventional conservative treatment. Mid-term follow-up, intensive conservative treatment still has a significant survival advantage.
5.Ion Filtering and Reactivity Investigation Based on Tandem Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Yi-Qian XU ; Qi-Mu YANG ; Man-Man PAN ; Dan-Dan JIANG ; Chuang CHEN ; Hai-Yang LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):740-748
In analytical techniques such as ion mobility spectrometry(IMS)and mass spectrometry(MS),the ionization efficiency of target analytes is primarily constrained by the type of ionization source and factors such as the species and number density of the reactant ions.Systematic investigation into the reactivity differences of various reactant ions under varying conditions can not only significantly enhance the detection sensitivity of target compound product ions but also provide a theoretical foundation for establishing efficient detection methods based on ion-molecule reaction mechanisms.In this study,the pressure of a pressure-tunable photoionization tandem ion mobility spectrometry(PI-tandem-IMS)was reduced from ambient pressure(100 kPa)to low pressure(20 kPa)to systematically examine the reactivity differences between two negative reactant ions,CO3-and CO4-,and methyl salicylate(MeSA)under varying pressures.When the pressure decreased,the increased relative signal intensity of CO4-significantly influenced the detection sensitivity of the characteristic product ion[MeSA·O2]-.Based on differences in ion mobility(k0),the delay time for the opening of TPG2 was adjusted to selectively inject CO-3 and CO-4 in the drift region 2.Independent characterization of the reactivity of these reactant ions with MeSA in the reaction region confirmed that CO4-exhibited superior reactivity toward MeSA.The theoretical model revealed an Arrhenius plot for the ion-molecule reaction between CO4-and MeSA,showing a positive correlation between the reaction rate coefficient(k)and temperature,the activation energy Ea was 62.45 kJ/mol.Furthermore,controlling parameters such as pressure or temperature significantly influenced the progression of this ion-molecule reaction,demonstrating the technical advantages of PI-tandem-IMS in mechanistic studies and regulation of ion-molecule reactions.
6.Improvement of Performance of Ion Mobility Spectrometry Using A Low Discrimination Bradbury-Nielsen Gate Controlling Method
Qi-Mu YANG ; Yi-Qian XU ; Man-Man PAN ; Dan-Dan JIANG ; Chuang CHEN ; Hai-Yang LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):875-884
The resolving power and sensitivity are critical for on-site detection of hazardous chemicals using stand-alone ion mobility spectrometry(IMS).However,improving the sensitivity and resolving power of IMS has long been a prominent research hot spot.In the commonly used IMS based on the Bradbury-Nielsen gate(BNG),the gating voltage difference(GVD)applied between the two sets of grid wires affects the electric field distribution in the ionization region and the drift region.This,in turn,influences the spatial distribution and temporal width of the injected ion swarm,and has an impact on the ion mobility discrimination,sensitivity,and resolving power of the instrument.This study showed that increasing the GVD could induce an ion converging effect,boosting the ion number density in front of the BNG by nearly 300%.To simultaneously utilize temporal compression and ion converging effects,a novel BNG controlling mode was proposed by adding a chopping state to the conventional controlling mode.This chopping state reduced the mobility discrimination effects between ions with mobility differences up to about 0.90 cm2/(V·s)to 1/22 of their original value.When analyzing hazardous chemical mixtures using the novel BNG controlling mode,compared with conventional mode,the signal intensity of low-mobility methyl salicylate ions(MS·O2)-increased by 18-fold while the resolving power maintained around 100,and the detection limit for MS was improved from 3.75 μg/L to 97 ng/L.This novel BNG controlling mode only added a potential wave to the low voltage wires,with no requirement of changing the structure of the drift tube,and was easy to apply to existing commercial instruments.
7.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.
8.Effect of Shugan Yishen Recipe on Microenvironment Gene Expression Profile and Immune-Related Gene Expression in Lung Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Xinyi LI ; Chuang CUI ; Wanqing CHEN ; Weikang ZHU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(3):352-362
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of inhibition of breast cancer lung metastasis by Shugan Yishen Recipe by studying the effects of Shugan Yishen Recipe(SGYSR)on gene expression in the lung microenvironment of mice with breast cancer.METHODS A high metastasis model of breast cancer was constructed,and the mice were randomly divided into saline group,low,medium,high(0.5,1,2 g·kg-1)Shugan Yishen Recipe groups,and docetaxel group(5 mg·kg-1),and intervened for 28 days.HE staining was used to observe the lung tissue structure;transcriptome analysis was performed on the metastatic foci,and the key differential gene expression was screened by bioinformatics analysis of the GO and KEGG pathway characteristics of the gene ex-pression profiles,and the expression of key immune genes was analyzed by qPCR and Western blot.The expression of MDSCs was de-tected by flow cytometry;the expression of cytokines and chemokines including Cxcl2,and GM-CSF was detected by ELISA.RE-SULTS Compared with the saline group,the number of metastatic nodules in lung tissues of the middle and high dose groups of Shu-gan Yishen Recipe and docetaxel group were correspondingly lower;HE staining suggested that the degree of lung pathology was im-proved.There were 814 differentially expressed genes in the lung microenvironment of the high-dose group of Shugan Yishen Recipe and the saline group,of which 713 genes were down-regulated and 101 genes were up-regulated;screening for key inflammatory medi-ator genes in the Shugan Yishen Recipe group,Nfkbiz,Tnfaip3,Maff,Hspa1a,Hspb1 and Cxcl2,the inflammatory genes in the Shu-gan Yishen Recipe,as compared with that of the saline group,were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05,P<0.01),and ultimately its results were consistent with the trend of the transcriptome results.Western blot was used to verify the results at the protein level,and it was found that compared with the saline group,the protein expression levels of Nfkbiz,Tnfaip3,Maff,Hspa1a and Cxcl2 in the Shugan Yishen Recipe group were decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the protein expression of Hspb1 was up-regulated(P<0.01).Both the Shugan Yishen Recipe group and the docetaxel group could inhibit the expression of MDSCs(P<0.001),and the ex-pression of Cxcl2,and GM-CSF decreased to a certain extent(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Shugan Yishen Recipe can in-hibit breast cancer lung metastasis and regulate the lung immune microenvironment genes in a wide range.
9.Effect of Shugan Yishen Recipe on Microenvironment Gene Expression Profile and Immune-Related Gene Expression in Lung Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Xinyi LI ; Chuang CUI ; Wanqing CHEN ; Weikang ZHU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(3):352-362
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of inhibition of breast cancer lung metastasis by Shugan Yishen Recipe by studying the effects of Shugan Yishen Recipe(SGYSR)on gene expression in the lung microenvironment of mice with breast cancer.METHODS A high metastasis model of breast cancer was constructed,and the mice were randomly divided into saline group,low,medium,high(0.5,1,2 g·kg-1)Shugan Yishen Recipe groups,and docetaxel group(5 mg·kg-1),and intervened for 28 days.HE staining was used to observe the lung tissue structure;transcriptome analysis was performed on the metastatic foci,and the key differential gene expression was screened by bioinformatics analysis of the GO and KEGG pathway characteristics of the gene ex-pression profiles,and the expression of key immune genes was analyzed by qPCR and Western blot.The expression of MDSCs was de-tected by flow cytometry;the expression of cytokines and chemokines including Cxcl2,and GM-CSF was detected by ELISA.RE-SULTS Compared with the saline group,the number of metastatic nodules in lung tissues of the middle and high dose groups of Shu-gan Yishen Recipe and docetaxel group were correspondingly lower;HE staining suggested that the degree of lung pathology was im-proved.There were 814 differentially expressed genes in the lung microenvironment of the high-dose group of Shugan Yishen Recipe and the saline group,of which 713 genes were down-regulated and 101 genes were up-regulated;screening for key inflammatory medi-ator genes in the Shugan Yishen Recipe group,Nfkbiz,Tnfaip3,Maff,Hspa1a,Hspb1 and Cxcl2,the inflammatory genes in the Shu-gan Yishen Recipe,as compared with that of the saline group,were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05,P<0.01),and ultimately its results were consistent with the trend of the transcriptome results.Western blot was used to verify the results at the protein level,and it was found that compared with the saline group,the protein expression levels of Nfkbiz,Tnfaip3,Maff,Hspa1a and Cxcl2 in the Shugan Yishen Recipe group were decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the protein expression of Hspb1 was up-regulated(P<0.01).Both the Shugan Yishen Recipe group and the docetaxel group could inhibit the expression of MDSCs(P<0.001),and the ex-pression of Cxcl2,and GM-CSF decreased to a certain extent(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Shugan Yishen Recipe can in-hibit breast cancer lung metastasis and regulate the lung immune microenvironment genes in a wide range.
10.Clinical efficacy of intensive conservative treatment for acute aortic syndrome
Yinfan ZHU ; Lu DAI ; Haotian WU ; Yamin LI ; Dongjie LI ; Shipan WANG ; Jiajun LIANG ; Yan YAN ; Jianjun GAO ; Yeting LOU ; Zhenze TAO ; Yifan LU ; Zhiran YANG ; Jia LI ; Siji CHEN ; Chuang LIU ; Yazhe ZHANG ; Yuhong MI ; Haiyang LI ; Wenjian JIANG ; Hongjia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(3):143-150
Objective:To evaluate the outcomes of intensive conservative treatment compared to conventional conservative treatment in patients with acute aortic syndrome(AAS).Methods:The study prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with AAS who were admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, and Beijing Dawanglu Emergency Rescue Hospital from January 2024 to December 2024. These patients with surgical contraindications or refused surgery for various reasons opted for conservative treatment. A total of 282 patients were included, and 15 patients with missing data or those who died without any treatment were excluded. Finally, 267 patients were enrolled, of whom 94 received intensive conservative treatment, and 173 received conventional conservative treatment, the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to reduce the influence of confoundings. After adjusting of baseline datas via IPTW, the survival outcomes of the two groups were compared at 14 days, 30 days, and at the end of follow-up.Results:The results showed significant differences in acute phase survival rates between the enhanced conservative treatment group and the conventional conservative treatment group at 14 days(82.40%vs.53.20%, P<0.0001). Significant survival differences were also observed at 30 days and at 276-day mid-term follow-up (96.29% vs.51.60%, P<0.0001; 78.50% vs.48.50%, P<0.0001). In the subgroup analysis, for type A aortic dissection, the enhanced conservative treatment group had higher survival rates compared to the conventional conservative treatment group at 14, 30 and 276 days (63.46% vs.41.35%, P<0.05; 52.17% vs.37.90%, P<0.05; 50.00% vs. 31.97%, P<0.05). However, for type B aortic dissection, although the enhanced conservative treatment group had higher survival rates than the conventional conservative treatment group, no statistically significant differences were observed (96.29% vs. 80.00%, P=0.054; 95.65% vs.78.37%, P=0.067; 94.12% vs.74.20%, P=0.088). Conclusion:For patients diagnosed with AAS are forced to choose conservative treatment if emergency surgery is not possible in the first place, intensive conservative treatment strategies can significantly reduce the mortality in the acute phase compared with conventional conservative treatment. Mid-term follow-up, intensive conservative treatment still has a significant survival advantage.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail