1.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
3.Impact of height-desk-chair matching intervention on viewing distance of primary school students
ZHANG Yaxin*, YAO Yuan, FENG Mian, WU Yuxuan, CHEN Guoping, TAO Fangbiao, XU Shaojun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):51-54
Objective:
To compare the effects of height-desk-chair matching on the viewing distance of primary school students before and after intervention, so as to provide scientific basis for the hygiene management of desks and chairs.
Methods:
From April to June 2025, a random cluster sampling method was used to select 141 third grade students from three classes equipped with adjustable desks and chairs in a primary school in Hefei City for a height-desk-chair matching intervention study. The height of students desks and chairs was adjusted according to the standard height and height range specified in the Functional Sizes and Technical Requirements of Chairs and Tables for Educational Institutions (GB/T 3976-2014), with an intervention period of one week. Before and after the intervention, eye use data were measured by using the electronic smart device "Cloud Clip", while collecting data on vision data viewing distance, time spent using eyes at close range and outdoor time, desk and chair height, and physical examination. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the factors related to viewing distance before the intervention of height-desk-chair matching, and a paired t-test was used to analyze the difference in viewing distance before and after the intervention. A mixed effects model was used to explore the effect of height desk and chair adaptation intervention on viewing distance.
Results:
The compliance rates for desk and chair adjustments before and after the intervention were 1.4% and 18.4%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2=22.84, P <0.01). The viewing distance increased from (30.48±5.01) cm before intervention to (32.06±5.75) cm post intervention, with a statistically significant difference ( t=4.57, P <0.01). The proportion of students meeting the viewing distance standard increased from 33.3% to 51.1%. The linear mixedeffects model results indicated that the association between height appropriate desk and chair interventions and viewing distance was statistically significant, regardless of whether covariates such as time spent using eyes at close range and outdoor time were adjusted ( β=-1.58, 95%CI = -2.25 to -0.91; β=-1.14, 95%CI =-1.85 to -0.43, both P <0.05).
Conclusion
Height adjusted desks and chairs, which can effectively increase the viewing distance for primary school students, has positive implications for improving healthy eye care behaviors among children and adolescents.
4.Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked in a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced immune-mediated liver injury
Zhenzhen PAN ; Ling XU ; Xianru ZHU ; Zihao FAN ; Yaling CAO ; Yinkang MO ; Sai YAN ; Feng REN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked (DDX3X) in immune-mediated liver injury (ILI), and to clarify its mechanism by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-dependent apoptotic pathway and its association with the clinical progression of hepatitis B. MethodsMice were given injection of concanavalin A (ConA) via the caudal vein to establish a model of ILI, PBS (control group) and different concentrations of ConA were injected into the tail vein of hepatocyte-specific DDX3X-knockout mice (DDX3XΔHep and DDX3X-flox mice (DDX3Xfl/fl), respectively.. The log-rank survival analysis, measurement of the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and HE staining of liver tissue were performed to assess liver injury, and qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and DDX3X in liver tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, 100 mg/kg) was performed to inhibit ERS. Serum samples (n=30) and liver tissue samples (n=6) were collected from healthy controls, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and hepatitis B virus-associated liver failure (HBV-LF) patients; ELISA was used to measure the serum level of DDX3X, and qRT-PCR/Western Blot was used to analyze the expression of targets in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group of mice, the expression of DDX3X in the liver of mice induced by ConA was significantly increased after liver injury (P<0.05), and hepatocyte-specific DDX3X knockout increased the 72-hour survival rate of mice by 55% (compared with 20% in the DDX3Xfl/fl group), with significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT and AST (P<0.000 1) and the expression levels of the ERS markers GRP78 and CHOP (P<0.05). After ERS was inhibited by 4-PBA, there was alleviation of liver injury (with reductions in ALT and AST, P <0.001) and a reduction in DDX3X expression (P<0.01). The analysis of clinical samples showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of liver DDX3X in CHB patients and HBV-LF patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (all P<0.01), and there was a significant increase in the serum level of DDX3X in HBV-LF patients (P<0.000 1). ConclusionDDX3X exacerbates ILI by regulating the ERS-dependent apoptotic pathway (GRP78/CHOP), and its expression is associated with the progression of hepatitis B. Therefore, it can be used as a potential therapeutic target.
5.Role of Macrophage Ferroptosis in Immune Evasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Research Progress on Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention
Jinxiang PENG ; Xiaojuan LI ; Man LU ; Xinhua XU ; Mengxian SHU ; Feng WU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):316-324
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops within a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which limits the efficacy of immunotherapy. Polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) toward a pro-tumorigenic M2 phenotype is a major driver of immune escape. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death program, intersects with hepatic iron metabolism and immune regulation and thus offers promising points of therapeutic intervention. This review systematically elucidates the mechanistic role of TAM ferroptosis in HCC immune evasion and highlights a “bidirectional regulation” intervention strategy grounded in the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principle of “fortifying healthy qi and eliminating pathogens” (Fuzheng Quxie). This strategy employs “eliminating pathogens” (Quxie) approaches to exploit the metabolic vulnerability of M2-like TAMs and precisely induce their ferroptosis. Moreover, it utilizes “fortifying healthy qi” (Fuzheng) approaches to protect M1-like TAMs and CD8+ T cells from oxidative damage. This parallel “induction-protection” paradigm demonstrates the unique advantages of TCM in systemically remodeling TIME through multitarget synergistic actions. Accordingly, precision regulation of TAM ferroptosis based on the Fuzheng Quxie theory represents a promising integrative Chinese-Western medicine strategy for overcoming current bottlenecks in HCC immunotherapy, although its clinical translational potential warrants further validation.
6.Investigation of the regulatory effect of overexpressed Ptpn2 on SiO2-mediated mouse alveolar macrophages based on iTRAQ technology
Yi WEI ; Yaqian LI ; Xinjie LI ; Mengfei FENG ; Fuyu JIN ; Hong XU ; Ying ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):183-191
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of overexpressed protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (Ptpn2) on the inflammatory response of mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S) induced by SiO₂. MethodsCells with overexpressed Ptpn2 were constructed and induced by SiO₂. The experimental groups were divided into four groups: the negative control group with an empty vector (NC), the overexpressed Ptpn2 group (P), the negative control group with an empty vector + SiO₂ induction (NS), and the overexpressed Ptpn2 + SiO₂ induction group (PS). Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used to screen differential proteins, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database analyses. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expressions of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, Gasdermin D (GSDMD), and Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of PTPN2, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and proteins related to the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the cells of each group. ResultsiTRAQ results identified 144 differential proteins among the four groups. GO analysis showed that in biological processes (BP), these differential proteins were mainly enriched in IκB kinase/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, cell activation and signal transduction involved in immune responses, and regulation of receptor signaling pathways by signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), etc. KEGG analysis revealed that the differential proteins were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the NC group, the expressions of TNF α, GSDMD, and TGF-β1 in the cells of the NS group increased (P < 0.05); compared to the NS group, the expression of the aforementioned proteins in the PS group decreased in cellular proteins(P < 0.05). The results of Western blot showed that compared with the NC group, the protein expression levels of PTPN2, p-NF-κB,MyD88,TLR4,NLRP3,GSDMD,Caspase-1,IL-1β, TGF-βR1, TGF-βR,p-Smad2/3 in the NS group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05); compared with the NS group, the expression levels of the aforementioned proteins in the PS group were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of Ptpn2 can inhibit the protein expressions of TLR4-TNF-α signaling, NLRP3 signaling, and TGF-β1 signaling closely related to inflammatory response in SiO₂-mediated MH-S macrophages.
7.Spinal cord stimulation for spinal cord injury from 1999 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Yuanyuan QI ; Haifeng GAO ; Lina LIU ; Yujie XIE ; Jing XU ; Feng GAO ; Liang CHEN ; Degang YANG ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):373-386
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends in the field of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsLiterature about SCS for SCI was retrieve from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, with a time range from January, 1999 to July, 2025. VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 6.4.R2 were used to analyze the annual publication volume, countries, authors, institutions, journals and keywords. ResultsA total of 636 literatures were included. From 1999 to 2025, the overall publication trend in this field showed an upward trajectory, with recent years fluctuating but tending to stabilize. The country with the most publications was the United States (429 papers), followed by Russia (98 papers) and China (70 papers). The institution with the highest number of publications was the University of California, Los Angeles (76 papers), the author with the most publications was V. Reggie Edgerton (70 papers), and the journal with the most publications was Journal of Clinical Medicine (31 papers). The most frequently cited study focused on exploring the combination of epidural spinal cord stimulation with task-specific training to restore motor function in patients with complete SCI. Keyword analysis showed that the research hotspots in this field were mainly focused on neuroregulation mechanisms, recovery of motor and autonomic nervous dysfunction, artificial intelligence, closed-loop stimulation and brain-computer interface technology innovations. In recent years, the research focus gradually shifted from basic mechanisms to personalized and precise multifunctional rehabilitation strategies. ConclusionThe field of SCS for SCI has undergone phases of basic mechanism exploration and clinical application expansion. Current research hotspots and future trends focus primarily on the development of new stimulation paradigms and combined innovative technologies.
8.Correlation between spinal sagittal imbalance and knee joint parameters detected by whole-body EOS imaging
Feng ZHOU ; Pengfei FU ; Yufan QIAN ; Pingcheng XU ; Jiongjiong GUO ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):596-603
BACKGROUND:With changing lifestyles and aging,sagittal spinal imbalance has become a common orthopedic issue significantly affecting knee and pelvic function.Understanding the impact of sagittal spinal imbalance and its compensatory mechanisms is crucial for improving the clinical management of chronic pain.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the alignment of the spine-pelvis-lower extremities using whole-body EOS imaging,analyze the correlation between spinal sagittal imbalance and knee joint parameters,and explore their compensatory mechanisms.METHODS:A total of 71 patients with chronic low back pain or patellofemoral pain who visited Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 1,2021 and December 31,2023 were included.Radiographic measurements were performed using whole-body EOS to determine pelvic tilt,pelvic incidence,lumbar lordosis,sagittal vertical axis,global tilt,hip-knee-angle,knee flexion angle,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle.Patients were classified into normal group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis<10°),compensated group(10°<pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis<20°),and decompensated group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis>20°)based on the SRS-Schwab spinal deformity classification according to pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis difference.The differences in radiographic parameters among the groups were analyzed.The differences in American Knee Society Knee Score and Oswestry Disability Index scores were compared among each group.Patients were divided into chronic low back pain group and non-chronic low back pain group,patellofemoral pain group and non-patellofemoral pain group based on clinical symptoms,and the relationship between radiographic parameter differences and clinical symptoms was analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was less than 20°,lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle tended to stabilize.When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was greater than 20°,it showed a linear correlation with lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle,with lateral distal femoral angle increasing and medial proximal tibial angle decreasing with increasing pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values.(2)Compared with the normal group,the compensated group had significantly increased pelvic tilt(P<0.01),while knee joint parameters hip-knee-angle and knee flexion angle showed no significant differences;the decompensated group showed significant increases in pelvic tilt(P<0.01),and decreases in hip-knee-angle,and knee flexion angle(P<0.01).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in hip-knee-angle(P<0.05),but had no significant differences in pelvic tilt and knee flexion angle.(3)Compared with the non-patellofemoral pain group,patients with patellofemoral pain had significant decreases in spinal lumbar lordosis,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle(P<0.05)and a significant increase in pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis(P<0.05).(4)Patients with low back pain had significant differences in radiographic parameters compared with the non-chronic low back pain group(P<0.05).(5)Compared with the normal group,both the compensated and decompensated groups showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P<0.05).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P<0.05).(6)Pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values increased with age and were higher in females compared with males.(7)This study systematically reveals the spine and lower limbs play an important role in disease progression and clinical symptoms.Associated symptoms low back pain and patellofemoral pain are related to the stability of the spine-pelvis-lower extremity alignment.Furthermore,spinal sagittal imbalance is more severe in elderly and female patients.
9.Discussion on Scientific Connotation of Vital Qi Strengthening for Detoxification Therapy in Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia Based on Theory of "Vital Qi Deficiency and Toxic Stasis"
Hanxiao WANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Haotian XU ; Xin PENG ; Ziming DANG ; Kun YANG ; Qianqian WANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):226-234
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) refers to an infectious inflammation of the lung parenchyma (including the alveolar wall,that is,the broad pulmonary interstitium) acquired outside the hospital. Its common pathogens include streptococcus pneumoniae,respiratory viruses, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and so on. The related factors for the occurrence and development of CAP include patient characteristics (immune function,mucus production and clearance function,coagulation function,physical condition, and comorbidity) and pathogen characteristics (susceptibility,virulence,and antibiotic resistance). The pathogenesis of CAP lies in immune deficiency,pathogen invasion,inflammatory response disorder,mucus production and clearance disorder, coagulation disorder, and so on. The pathogenesis of CAP in traditional Chinese medicine can be described as "vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis". Vital Qi deficiency (lack of immunity) is the potential pathogenesis of the disease and easy to be invaded by external pathogens (respiratory pathogens). Toxic stasis (inflammatory disorder,mucus production and clearance disorder,and coagulation dysfunction) is the key pathogenic factor. Vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis are intermingled in a state of deficiency and excess,which suggests that the treatment of CAP lies in strengthening vital Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. This involves strengthening vital Qi in the whole process to consolidate body resistance and nourish promordial Qi. It also involves clearing heat,eliminating phlegm,removing dampness,and dispelling stasis to dispel pathogenic toxins based on the syndrome differentiation. Its action mechanism is to regulate immune and inflammatory responses,resist pathogens,and improve mucus production and clearance, as well as coagulation disorders. Starting from the key pathogenesis of CAP,"vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis", this paper discussed the pathogenesis of CAP and summarized the action mechanism of vital Qi strengthening for detoxification in its treatment. It is intended to complement the theoretical system by identifying "vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis" as the key pathogenesis underlying CAP and the scientific connotation of treating CAP with vital Qi strengthening for detoxification,thereby providing insights for its clinical application.
10.Insomnia and quality of life as chain mediators between negative life events and depression severity in adolescents with depressive disorders
Xu ZHANG ; Lewei LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Feng GENG ; Daming MO ; Changhao CHEN ; Zhiwei LIU ; Xiangwang WEN ; Xiangfen LUO ; Huanzhong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):163-168
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in adolescent patients with depressive disorder, as well as the chain mediating role of insomnia symptoms and quality of life. Methods374 outpatient patients and hospitalized patients with adolescent depressive disorders were enrolled. The Adolescent Life Event Scale (ASLEC), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Center for Epidemiology Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to evaluate the negative life event situation, insomnia symptoms, quality of life level and depression severity of the subjects, respectively. In addition, the PROCESS 4.0 macroprogram was used to analyze the chain mediating effect of insomnia symptoms and quality of life between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorder. ResultsThe results of correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between negative life events and insomnia symptoms, quality of life, and depression severity (all P<0.05). In addition, the results of chain mediation showed that negative life events had a significant direct effect on depression severity, with an effect size of 0.12 (P<0.001). Insomnia symptoms and quality of life played a mediating role in the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorders, with indirect effect sizes of 0.062 (95%CI: 0.040-0.087) and 0.091 (95%CI: 0.059-0.123), respectively. It could also play a chain mediation role, and the effect size was 0.039 (95%CI: 0.024-0.057). ConclusionNegative life events experienced by patients with adolescent depressive disorder not only directly affect the severity of depressive symptoms, but may also indirectly exacerbate depression through insomnia symptoms and quality of life.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail