1.From Cathartic Colon to Cathartic-dependent Constipation: Diagnostic-therapeutic Strategies from Integrative Medicine Perspective
Youcheng HE ; Fengru JIANG ; Yanru WANG ; Minghan HUANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lian MO ; Lifeng WEI ; Keyi PAN ; Shuyu CAI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):162-172
Both cathartic colon (CC) and cathartic-dependent constipation (CDC) are caused by the abuse of stimulant laxatives, while their concepts are not completely the same.Starting from the disease name of CC, this article traced the origin and evolution of the concept of CC, summarizes and compared the similarities and differences between CC, CDC, and slow transit constipation (STC), and called for strict differentiation among the three.Furthermore, this article explored the specific contents of Western medicine clinical subtypes and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation of CDC and delved into the TCM pathogenesis of CDC according to both literature and clinical practice.The relationship between clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes was established, and the syndrome characteristics of CDC of different clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes were summarized.The recommended prescriptions for corresponding syndromes were listed.A systematic CDC diagnosis and treatment approach of "clinical subtypes-syndrome differentiation-syndrome characteristics-recommended prescriptions" was thus formed.Additionally, the paper provides an overview of current research on CDC in both Western medicine and TCM contexts, identifies future research directions, and suggests research pathways for refining and advancing CDC studies.
2.Clinical Efficacy of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Prescription in Treatment of Cathartic Colon and Analysis of Influencing Factors of Disease Severity
Youcheng HE ; Jingyi SHAN ; Fengru JIANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lu HANG ; Yan ZHOU ; Lian MO ; Shuyu CAI ; Keyi PAN ; Lifeng WEI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):173-184
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue prescription (YYHP) in the treatment of cathartic colon (CC) and its effects on fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 98 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and Western medicine for CC with the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency complicated by blood stasis were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group. The observation group received YYHP granules, while the control group received lactulose. Both medications were administered twice daily, one sachet each time, half an hour after breakfast and dinner, with a treatment course of 8 weeks. The primary constipation symptom score, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) score, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment and at the 8th week after the end of treatment. The overall clinical effective rate, as well as the efficacy attenuation index and degree, were evaluated. Fecal SCFA levels were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. ResultsThe overall clinical effective rate in the observation group (95.83%) was higher than that in the control group (78.72%) (P<0.05). After treatment, the total scores for primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes decreased in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). The severity of all primary constipation symptoms was alleviated in both groups (P<0.05). In terms of "excessive straining and difficult defecation", "anal heaviness, incomplete evacuation, and bloating sensation", "abdominal distension", and "defecation frequency", the observation group showed better efficacy than the control group (P<0.05). Scores of the four PAC-QOL dimensions and the scores and severity of primary and secondary TCM symptoms were reduced in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFAs in the observation group increased significantly (P<0.05). The efficacy attenuation index and degree in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Positive correlations of varying degrees were observed among the total scores of primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes, as well as between these scores and the history of stimulant laxative use, disease duration, and age. ConclusionYYHP can effectively alleviate the primary constipation symptoms in CC patients, improve quality of life, and ameliorate TCM syndromes, with good safety. It also has the advantage of a lower rebound degree after drug withdrawal, and its mechanism may be related to increasing fecal SCFA levels. Long-term abuse of stimulant laxatives may aggravate the severity of CC and prolong the disease course.
3.Qi and Yin Deficiency with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis in Rat Model of Rhein-induced Cathartic Colon
Youcheng HE ; Fengru JIANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Erhao LIU ; Pengfei ZHOU ; Keyi PAN ; Shuyu CAI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):185-195
ObjectiveTo evaluate and analyze the syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis in a rhein-induced cathartic colon (CC) rat model. MethodsTwenty-four rats were divided into a normal group and a model group (CC group). The rats were administered equal volumes of physiological saline or 2% rhein suspension by gavage to establish the model over three cycles (approximately 118 days). The first cycle lasted 46 days, with a dosage of 12 mL·kg-1·d-1, administered every other day. The second cycle lasted 37 days, with a dosage of 12 mL·kg-1·d-1, administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. The third cycle lasted 35 days, with a dosage of 16 mL·kg-1·d-1, also administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. Each cycle ended when 80% of the rats no longer exhibited loose stools. Body mass, 24 h food intake, coat condition, and coat red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values were recorded. The open field test (OFT) was used to measure the total distance traveled to evaluate Qi deficiency. The body mass coefficient and 24 h water intake were recorded to assess Yin deficiency. The sucrose preference test (SPT) was used to determine the sucrose preference rate (SPR), and the average speed in OFT was measured to evaluate depressive status (liver depression and Qi stagnation). Tongue images and their R, G, and B values were recorded. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) and plasma viscosity (PV) were measured using an automatic hemorheological analyzer to evaluate blood stasis. A carbon ink propulsion test was performed to determine the intestinal transit rate (ITR) for disease model evaluation. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the colon. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) in colon tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of TRPA1 and TPH1. ResultsIn terms of syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the body mass of the CC group decreased (P<0.05), while 24 h food intake increased (P<0.01). The coats of the CC group appeared withered, disheveled, and dull, and the R, G, and B values of the coat decreased (P<0.01). The total distance traveled in OFT decreased (P<0.01). The body mass coefficient decreased (P<0.01), while 24 h water intake increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SPR decreased (P<0.01), and the average speed in OFT slowed (P<0.01). The tongue appeared dark red, and the R, G, and B values of tongue images decreased (P<0.01). WBV and PV increased (P<0.01). Regarding disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the ITR decreased in the CC group (P<0.01). Pathologically, HE staining showed necrosis and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, disruption of mucosal continuity, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria in the CC group. Semi-quantitative analysis showed increased HAI scores (P<0.05) and increased inflammatory cell counts and area proportion (P<0.05). In terms of molecular biological indicators, compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPA1 and TPH1 in colon tissue decreased in the CC group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe rhein-induced CC rat model conforms to the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
4.Correlations of degree of myopia in adolescents with axial length, corneal curvature, and axial ratio
Hengjing JI ; Liang LYU ; Like GUAN ; Tianqi HUO ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lixiao ZHOU
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1678-1682
AIM: To investigate the correlation of degree of myopia in adolescents with axial length, corneal curvature and axial ratio.METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 246 adolescents(492 eyes)aged 8-18 years consecutively enrolled for orthokeratology lens fitting at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between 2021 and 2023 were included based on random sampling method, with 447 eyes finally included due to the elimination of 45 eyes that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Biometric measurements under scotopic conditions assessed axial length(AL), corneal radius of curvature(CR), and AL/CR ratio. Cycloplegic refraction determined spherical equivalent(SE), classifying eyes into mild(216 eyes)or moderate(231 eyes)myopia groups. Furthermore, the correlation of degree of myopia with AL, CR and AL/CR was analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis.RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in myopia severity was observed between the 8-12-year-old and 13-18-year-old age groups(all P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences between mild and moderate groups in SE, AL and AL/CR(all P<0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed significant negative correlations of SE with AL and AL/CR(r=-0.531, -0.598, all P<0.001). The areas under the ROC curve(AUC)for predicting moderate myopia were 0.812(95% CI: 0.773-0.852)for AL/CR combined with gender and age, 0.800(95% CI: 0.759-0.841)for AL/CR alone, 0.726(95% CI: 0.680-0.773)for AL alone, and 0.548(95% CI: 0.494-0.601)for CR alone. The optimal AL/CR cut-off value for predicting moderate myopia was 3.189(sensitivity: 0.632, specificity: 0.852), suggesting its potential as a clinical threshold.CONCLUSION: In adolescents with mild-to-moderate myopia, AL/CR, AL, and SE showed significant negative correlations. The combination of AL/CR with gender and age demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy for SE. AL/CR shows independent predictive value for myopia degree in adolescents, irrespective of refractive status.
5.Effect of miR-147a Targeting INHBA-TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway on Proliferation,Migration and Invasion of Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells
Chunyu ZHANG ; Junkai ZOU ; Qi ZHOU
Journal of Medical Research 2025;54(8):80-87
Objective To investigate the role of miR-147a targeting inhibin subunit beta A(INHBA)in transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/Smads signaling pathway in the invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer HeLa cells.Methods The miR-147a mimics,miR-147a inhibitors and their negative controls(mimicsNC and inhibitor NC)were transfected into HeLa cells and divid-ed into five groups:control group(blank control),mimics NC group,miR-147a mimics group,inhibitor NC group,and miR-147a in-hibitor group.The proliferation activity of HeLa cells after miR-147a intervention was detected by the MTT method,the invasion and me-tastasis abilities of HeLa cells after the intervention of miR-147a were detected by Transwell and cell scratch assay,the mRNA expres-sion changes of miR-147a and INHBA in different groups were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR),the relationship between miR-147a and the target gene INHBA was detected by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay,the protein expressions of TGF-β1,TGFBR1,Smad3,Smad2 and INHBA in different groups were detected by Western blot,and the ex-pression changes of TGF-β1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results Compared with blank control and negative control,miR-147a mimics inhibited cell proliferation,decreased cell invasion and migration ability,and decreased cell healing ability.miR-147a inhibitor promoted cell proliferation,increased invasion and migration ability,and improved cell healing abili-ty.In the miR-147a mimics group,miR-147a was significantly increased,and the target gene INHBA was significantly decreased(P<0.05).In the miR-147a inhibitor group,miR-147a was significantly decreased,and the target gene INHBA was significantly in-creased(P<0.05).The fluorescence intensity ratio of miR-147a mimics+WT group was significantly lower than that of mimics NC+WT group(P<0.05).The expression levels of TGFBR1,TGF-β1,Smad3,Smad2 and INHBA in miR-147a mimics group were sig-nificantly decreased(P<0.05).The expression levels of TGFBR1,TGF-β1,Smad3,Smad2,and INHBA in miR-147a inhibitor group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion miR-147a targets the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway mediated by IN-HBA,which plays an important role in inhibiting the proliferation,invasion and migration of cervical cancer HeLa cells,and provides a potential molecular target and theoretical basis for the treatment of cervical cancer.
6.Disrupted aperiodic neural activity and differential cognitive correlates in patients with schizophrenia
Kexin ZHANG ; Yilin YUAN ; Tianhang ZHOU ; Tingfang WU ; Chunyu DU ; Chenmei XIE ; Weiran CHEN ; Jing WANG ; Xin YU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(6):477-482
Objective:To explore the aperiodic components(1/f slopes)and their associations with cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia.Methods:Nineteen patients with schizophrenia according to the Interna-tional Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problem,Tenth Revision(ICD-10)and 21 normal controls were administrated the total Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia(BACS)to measure the cogni-tive performance.The 5-minute eyes-closed and eyes-open resting EEG signals were collected and parameterized in-to aperiodic components(1/f slope).Finally,Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationships between the 1/f slope and cognition assessment scores.Results:The patients with schizophrenia had higher 1/f slope compared to HC on central location of scalp(P<0.05).The vocal memory scores showed a significantly positive relation with 1/f slopes in patients with schizophrenia(anterior location:r=-0.68,P<0.05;central location:r=-0.44,P<0.05),but a significantly negative relation in normal controls(anterior location:r=0.57,P<0.05;posterior lo-cation:r=0.54,P<0.05).Conclusion:The 1/f slopes of EEG in schizophrenia were steeper than normal control,suggesting its strong cognitive functional significance and complex mechanisms in schizophrenia.
7.miR-147a Regulates Ferroptosis and Affects Invasion and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer Cells
Chunyu ZHANG ; Jian LUO ; Qi ZHOU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(10):53-60
Objective To investigate the regulatory role of miR-147a in affecting cell proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer Hela cells through ferroptosis.Methods Hela cells were cultured and passaged,and then a Hela single-cell suspension was prepared and transfected.After transfection,the cells were divided into control group,miR-147a mimics NC group,miR-147a mimics group,miR-147a inhibitor NC group,miR-147a inhibitor group,and miR-147a mimics+Ferrostatin-1(1 μM)group.MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation,Transwell assay to assess cell invasion capacity,scratch test to evaluate cell healing ability,flow cytometry to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS)expression,and assay kits to measure expression changes of ferrous ions(Fe2+),ferric ions(Fe3+),lactoperoxidase(LPO),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX),and glutathione(GSH).Results Compared to the control group,the miR-147a mimics group showed reduced cell proliferation rate,cell invasion quantity,and cell migration distance(P<0.05);the miR-147a inhibitor group exhibited increased cell proliferation rate,cell invasion quantity,and cell migration distance(P<0.05).Compared to the control group,the miR-147a mimics group showed increased Fe2+,LPO,and ROS expression,with decreased Fe3+,GSH-PX,and GSH expression(P<0.05).The miR-147a inhibitor group showed decreased Fe2+,LPO,and ROS expression,with increased Fe3+,GSH-PX,and GSH expression(P<0.05).The miR-147a mimics+Ferrostatin-1 group exhibited increased cell proliferation rate,cell invasion quantity,and cell migration distance compared to the miR-147a mimics group(P<0.05).Compared to the miR-147a mimics group,the miR-147a mimics+Ferrostatin-1 group showed decreased Fe2+,LPO,and ROS expression levels(P<0.05),with increased Fe3+,GSH-PX,and GSH expression levels(P<0.05).Conclusion miR-147a can promote ferroptosis and inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells.
8.Essential tremor plus affects disease prognosis: A longitudinal study.
Runcheng HE ; Mingqiang LI ; Xun ZHOU ; Lanqing LIU ; Zhenhua LIU ; Qian XU ; Jifeng GUO ; Xinxiang YAN ; Chunyu WANG ; Hainan ZHANG ; Irene X Y WU ; Beisha TANG ; Sheng ZENG ; Qiying SUN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):117-119
9.Potential value of 18F-DPA-714 PET/MR in the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis
Xinyi SUN ; Xiaoyu CHEN ; Hangxing CHUNYU ; Yu ZHANG ; Wangxi HAI ; Huanyu MENG ; Qinming ZHOU ; Lu HE ; Sheng CHEN ; Biao LI ; Min ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(4):218-223
Objective:To evaluate the potential value of 18×10 3 translocator protein (TSPO) radioligand ( N, N-diethy1-2-(2-(4-(2- 18F-fluoroethoxy) phenyl)-5, 7-dimethylpyrazolo[1, 5-A]pyrimidin-3-yl)acetamide, 18F-DPA-714) PET compared with conventional MR in the detection of autoimmune encephalitis (AE), the correlation with clinical symptoms, and the monitoring of immunotherapy efficacy in patients with AE. Methods:From December 2021 to June 2024, 45 AE patients (17 males, 28 females, age (38.3±17.0) years) diagnosed at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and 10 healthy volunteers (7 males, 3 females, age (28.7±5.1) years) were enrolled in this prospective study. All participants underwent baseline 18F-DPA-714 PET/MR scans, and 23 of these AE patients underwent further follow-up 18F-DPA-714 PET/MR scans. 18F-DPA-714 PET positivity was defined as having an uptake intensity threshold higher than the mean SUV ratio (SUVR)+ 2 s of the corresponding brain region in healthy controls. MR positivity was defined as abnormal hyperintensity in a specific brain region or multiple brain regions on the T 2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR). The positive detection rates of 18F-DPA-714 PET and MR was analyzed using McNemar χ2 test, and the differences in the uptake intensity (SUVR) of 18F-DPA-714 between symptomatic and non-symptomatic groups, and between remission and non-remission groups after immunotherapy were compared using independent-sample t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the changing rate of SUVR and the changing of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score before and after treatment. Results:The positive detecting rate of 18F-DPA-714 PET for AE was significantly higher than that of MR (73.3%(33/45) vs 35.6%(16/45); χ2=11.56, P=0.001). The cerebellar SUVR of ataxia patients was significantly higher than that of asymptomatic patients (1.22(1.06, 1.33) vs 1.08(0.99, 1.20); Z=-2.14, P=0.034). Follow-up imaging showed that the SUVR of patients in the remission group after immunotherapy was significantly lower than that in the non-remission group ((-15.19±10.17)% vs (14.26±13.36)%; t=5.81, P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between the changing rate of SUVR and the changing of the mRS score before and after treatment ( rs=0.65, P<0.001). Conclusion:Compared with conventional MR, 18F-DPA-714 PET has a higher positive detecting rate for AE, and has the potential to reflect the clinical symptoms of AE and monitor the efficacy of immunotherapy.
10.Strengthening foundations and enhancing capabilities: current status and future directions of COPD diagnosis, treatment, and management in primary medical institutions
Hongtao NIU ; Chunyu ZHANG ; Xiang LI ; Jun ZHOU ; Cunbo JIA ; Ting YANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(8):903-909
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses a significant public health challenge in China due to its high prevalence and substantial disease burden. Primary healthcare institutions (PHIs) serve as the cornerstone for COPD prevention and management. However, they currently face critical challenges, including inadequate diagnostic capacity, suboptimal treatment standardization, and limited patient awareness. In recent years, national efforts have initiated the development of a primary-level COPD prevention and management network. Key strategies include incorporating COPD into the Fundamental Public Health Service Program (FPHSP), strengthening lung function screening, promoting tiered diagnosis and treatment systems, establishing central-local coordination mechanisms, and implementing National Major Public Health Service Programs. Future directions necessitate focused efforts on: constructing integrated prevention and treatment models; optimizing the two-way referral system; enhancing screening for high-risk populations; leveraging digital health empowerment; and establishing a multi-dimensional quality evaluation system. These concerted actions are essential to build a comprehensive, high-quality COPD healthcare management system within primary care settings, ultimately contributing to the goals of the Healthy China Initiative (2019-2030).

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