1.Effect of Ligustilide on Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Qian WU ; Yang WANG ; Jianing ZHOU ; Zhihan WAN ; Ke HU ; Qi HUANG ; Ning WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):82-88
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms by which ligustilide (LIG) exerts neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke (IS) by inhibiting the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), promoting blood-brain barrier repair, and alleviating post-ischemic neuroinflammation, thereby providing a new direction for IS treatment. MethodsA middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in rats. The rats were divided into the sham operation (Sham) group, model (Model) group, low- and high-dose LIG groups (20, 40 mg·kg-1), and the NET inhibitor CI-amidine group (CI-amidine, 10 mg·kg-1). Drug treatments were administered for 3 days. Neurological injury after ischemia was evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, neurological deficit scoring, and brain index measurement. Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to analyze changes in neutrophil expression. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the fluorescence intensity of the NET marker citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit). Western blot was performed to detect the expression of blood-brain barrier tight junction-related proteins and inflammatory factors, including interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the Model group exhibited significant brain tissue injury (P<0.05), significantly increased neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.05), significantly impaired blood-brain barrier permeability (P<0.05), and significantly increased expression of inflammatory factors (P<0.05). Compared with the Model group, both low- and high-dose LIG significantly alleviated brain tissue injury in rats (P<0.01), inhibited neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.01), reduced blood-brain barrier damage (P<0.01), and suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors IL-18 and IL-1β (P<0.01), thereby ultimately exerting a neuroprotective effect. ConclusionThe neuroprotective effect of LIG in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury may be related to inhibition of neutrophils and the NETs induced by them.
2.Analysis of latent classes of health literacy and related factors among junior high school students in Zhongshan
WU Zhuowen, PU Xueya, HUANG Sizhe, CHEN Yajun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):342-346
Objective:
To identify the latent class characteristics of health literacy and related factors among junior high school students, so as to provide evidence for developing precise and systematic health literacy promotion strategies.
Methods:
In November 2024, a two stage random cluster sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 8 933 junior high school students in Zhongshan. Health literacy was assessed across six dimensions: health behavior and lifestyle, disease prevention and control, mental health, growth development and puberty health, safety emergency and risk avoidance, and medical knowledge and appropriate healthcare utilization. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct health literacy classes, and multinomial Logistic regression was applied to analyze the related factors.
Results:
Three latent classes of health literacy among junior high school students were identified: the well balanced type(71.7%,6 406), the medical knowledge deficit type(22.3%,1 992), and the overall low literacy type(6.0%,537). Logistic regression analysis showed that girls had lower risks of belonging to the medical knowledge deficit type( OR =0.53, 95% CI =0.48-0.59) and the overall low literacy type( OR =0.27,95% CI =0.22-0.33) compared with boys(both P <0.05). Students in rural schools had the highest risks of belonging to these two profiles above [ OR (95% CI ) =1.89 (1.61-2.21), 3.18 (2.50-4.06),both P <0.05]. Junior high school students having ≥2 siblings were positively associated with belonging to these two profiles, with risks 1.60 (95% CI = 1.35-1.89) and 2.25 times (95% CI =1.66-3.05) higher than those of only children (both P <0.05). Junior high school students with parental education of bachelor s degree or above were associated with lower risk of belonging to the medical knowledge deficit type (father: OR =0.63, 95% CI =0.47-0.84; mother: OR =0.68, 95% CI = 0.52 -0.90,both P <0.05). Junior high school students with receiving health education courses ≥3 times per month were associated with lower risks of belonging to both the medical knowledge deficit type and overall low literacy type ( OR =0.51, 95% CI =0.43- 0.60 ; OR =0.33, 95% CI =0.25-0.42, both P <0.05).
Conclusions
Three latent classes of health literacy exist among junior high school students in Zhongshan. Targeted interventions should be implemented based on profile characteristics, with an emphasis on strengthening medical knowledge education and providing comprehensive support for vulnerable groups.
3.Staged Efficacy of Qijia Rougan Prescription Combined with Entecavir for Chronic Hepatitis B-related Hepatic Fibrosis with Qi Deficiency and Collateral Stasis Syndrome Based on "Zhu Ke Jiao" Theory
Baixue LI ; Xin WANG ; Jibin LIU ; Li WEN ; Cen JIANG ; Wenjun WU ; Dong WANG ; Shuwan LIU ; Huabao LIU ; Yongli ZHENG ; Liang HUANG ; Yue SU ; Song ZHANG ; Yanan SHANG ; Hang ZHOU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):180-188
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate and evaluate the staged efficacy and safety of the representative empirical prescription of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory, Qijia Rougan prescription, combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled clinical study was conducted, and 101 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatic fibrosis (CHB-HF) who met the diagnosis and inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an observation group (Qijia Rougan prescription + entecavir) and a control group (entecavir). The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), portal vein diameter, hepatitis B serology, biochemical indicators, hepatic fibrosis markers in serum [hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP), and type Ⅳ collagen (Ⅳ-C)], and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores were used as efficacy evaluation indicators. Efficacy assessments and explorations of different staged subgroups of Qijia Rougan prescription were conducted according to LSM values based on the Metavir pathological staging standard. ResultsA total of 98 cases were included for statistical analysis, with 49 cases in the observation group and 49 in the control group. The general data of the patients in both groups were comparable. Compared with the same group before treatment, the observation group showed a significant reduction in LSM and FIB-4 (P<0.01), as well as notable improvements in LN, Ⅳ-C, and various TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in LSM, FIB-4, and various TCM syndrome score indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that the observation group performed better than the control group. Subgroup analysis of the regression of hepatic fibrosis stages showed that compared to the same group before treatment, the observation group had better improvement in regression of stages F2 and F3 (P<0.05). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group exhibited superior improvement in regression of stage F3 (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionCompared with entecavir alone, the combination of Qijia Rougan prescription and entecavir significantly improves the degree of hepatic fibrosis and clinical TCM symptoms in patients. The optimal intervention period is primarily during stage F3, which is a potential “interception” point of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory.
4.Regulatory Pathways of Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yunjie YANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Chen QIU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Senlin CHEN ; Wenxin HUANG ; Hangbin ZHENG ; Yi WEI ; Pengfei LI ; Xueqin LIN ; Jing WU ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):294-306
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD) is a chronic kidney structural and functional disorder caused by diabetes. With the global prevalence of diabetes continuing to rise, DKD has gradually become a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease(ESRD), posing a serious threat to patients' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. Studies have shown that apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of DKD, with its mechanisms involving abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase(Caspase)-3, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)/activating transcript factor 4(ATF4)/CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/tumor suppressor protein 53(p53), thereby accelerating renal pathological damage in DKD. Extensive evidence-based medical studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), leveraging its unique therapeutic advantages of multi-target, multi-component and multi-pathway approaches, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety profiles in treating DKD. Recent studies have demonstrated that active components of TCM can specifically target and modulate key effectors in apoptotic signaling pathways. Meanwhile, traditional compound formulations exert synergistic effects through multiple approaches such as replenishing deficiency and activating blood circulation, detoxifying and dredging collaterals, tonifying kidney essence, and removing stasis and purging turbidity, thereby comprehensively regulating critical pathological processes including endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This combined therapeutic approach of molecular targeting and holistic regulation provides novel strategies for delaying the progression of DKD. Based on this, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of key apoptotic signaling pathways and their regulatory mechanisms, while systematically summarizing recent research advances regarding the therapeutic effects of TCM active components, compound formulations, and proprietary Chinese medicines on DKD through modulation of these pathways, with particular emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings not only elucidate the modern scientific connotation and theoretical basis of TCM in treating DKD but also establish a solid theoretical and practical foundation for promoting the wider clinical application and further research of TCM in the field of DKD treatment.
5.Research Advances in Endocrine Therapy for Hormone Receptor-Positive/HER2-Negative Early Breast Cancer
Wenqin HUANG ; Yalong YANG ; Xinhong WU ; LAMBERTINI MATTEO ; Hongmei ZHENG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(3):169-175
Hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer is the most common subtype of breast cancer, and endocrine therapy serves as the cornerstone of adjuvant treatment. In recent years, with the publication of key clinical trials such as SOFT, TEXT, and monarchE, and breakthroughs in novel agents studies like lidERA, the endocrine therapy strategy for HR-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer has evolved toward increased precision and intensity. This article systematically reviews the latest advances in endocrine therapy, focusing on the consolidation of ovarian function suppression as a standard for high-risk premenopausal patients with updated follow-up evidence, the benefit-risk assessment of extended endocrine therapy, and the current application and interdrug differences of CDK4/6 inhibitors in the adjuvant setting. This manuscript also addresses existing challenges, including optimizing treatment-related quality of life and precisely identifying beneficiary populations, and briefly introduces the clinical trial progress of novel agents, such as oral selective estrogen receptor degraders. Furthermore, it outlines evidence-based strategies for ovarian protection during chemotherapy and fertility preservation for young patients. This review aims to provide clinicians with a comprehensive perspective, balancing the pursuit of maximal efficacy with patients′ long-term quality of life and individualized needs.
6.LIU Shangyi's Experience in Differentiating and Treating Rectal Carcinoma Under the Theory of "Treating Ulcers as Tumors"
Wenqi HUANG ; Bing YANG ; Zhenming XIE ; Jinghui WANG ; Dingxue WANG ; Wenyu WU ; Dongxin TANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):716-719
This paper summarizes the experience of professor LIU Shangyi in differentiating and treating rectal carcinoma from the perspective of "treating ulcers as tumors". It is believed that the manifestations of rectal cancer, such as anal itching, cauliflower-like or ulcerative tumors, and bloody stools, are similar to external skin itching, skin ulceration, swelling, and skin bleeding. Therefore, the treatment principles of sores and ulcers department can be applied to treat tumors. Following the diagnostic and treatment approach of dermatology regarding the clinical typical symptoms, for anal itching, the main treatment is to dispel wind and remove dampness, clear heat to relieve itching, using "skin medicinals" such as Difuzi (Fructus Kochiae) and Baixianpi (Cortex Dictamni), as well as wind medicinals such as Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) and Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae). For constipation, the method of clearing heat and resolving toxins, unblocking the bowels and discharging heat can be used, commonly using Baitouweng (Radix Pulsatillae), Donglingcao (Herba Rabdosiae Rubescentis) and Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei). In terms of mucosal ulcers, it is critical to differentiate between yin and yang; the treatment of yang ulcers should focus on clearing heat and resolving toxins, commonly using modified Xianfang Huoming Beverage (仙方活命饮); for yin ulcers, emphasis should be placed on removing dampness and resolving phlegm, commonly with modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder (薏苡附子败酱散). For bloody stool, differentiation is made between deficiency and excess, with the use of Diyu (Radix Sanguisorbae) and Huaihua (Flos Sophorae) for excess syndrome to cool and stop blee-ding, and both herbs dry-fried until charred combined with liver-tonifying medicinals for deficiency syndrome
7.A retrospective cohort analysis on the association between blood donation intervals and adverse reactions to blood donation in Shenzhen, China
Li NING ; Yanyan ZHANG ; Jinfeng ZENG ; Jingya HUANG ; Liqin HUANG ; Xuqun WU ; Litao WU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):346-352
Objective: To statistically analyze the association between blood donation intervals and the incidence of adverse reactions to blood donation based on blood donor data from Shenzhen. Methods: Basic data and records of adverse reactions to blood donation among voluntary whole blood donors in Shenzhen from January 2017 to June 2025 were extracted. A total of 795 404 whole blood donations were recorded, including 502 743 from males and 292 661 from females, with 1 088 and 751 cases of adverse reactions, respectively. Analyses were performed using R software, including restricted cubic spline (RCS), binary logistic regression, and generalized estimating equations (GEE) to evaluate the correlation between donation intervals and adverse reactions. Results: A total of 1 839 cases of adverse reactions were recorded, accounting for 0.23% of the total donations. Both binary logistic regression analysis and the generalized estimating equations (GEE) model showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between male and female donors with an interval of ≥6 months compared to those with an interval of ≥3 months but<6 months. Furthermore, using the 3-5 month interval group as the reference, the analysis indicated that the incidence of adverse reactions significantly increased in males with a 9-12 month interval, while no statistically significant differences were observed across any of the female subgroups. Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between adverse reactions to blood donation and the donation interval. Compared with a donation interval of ≥6 months, an interval of<6 months does not lead to an increase in the incidence of adverse reactions among male or female donors. The findings of this study may help enhance the willingness of blood donors to participate.
8.A retrospective cohort analysis on the association between blood donor age and adverse reactions to blood donation in Shenzhen
Litao WU ; Yanyan ZHANG ; Jinfeng ZENG ; Jingya HUANG ; Liqin HUANG ; Xuqun WU ; Li NING
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):353-359
Objective: To statistically analyze the association between blood donor age and the incidence of adverse reactions based on whole blood donor data from Shenzhen. Methods: Data on basic characteristics and records of adverse donation reactions among voluntary whole blood donors in Shenzhen from January 2017 to June 2025 were extracted. A total of 795 404 whole blood donations were recorded, including 502 743 from males and 292 661 from females, with 1 088 and 751 cases of adverse reactions, respectively. Analyses were performed using R software, including restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, binary logistic regression, and generalized estimating equations (GEE) to evaluate the correlation between donor age and adverse reactions. Results: A total of 1 839 cases of adverse reactions were recorded, accounting for 0.23% of the total donations. Both binary logistic regression and GEE model revealed that, compared with the≤55 years age group, the incidence of adverse reactions was reduced in both male and female donors in the >55 years age group, with the difference being statistically significant in males. Using the <23 years age group as a reference, the incidence of adverse reactions significantly decreased in both male and female donors across the 23-30, 31-40, 41-50, and 51-60 age groups, with the differences being statistically significant. Conclusion: There is a negative correlation between the rate of adverse donation reactions and age, with the incidence of such reactions among whole blood donors over 55 years old being no higher than that among donors aged 55 years or younger. These findings carry positive significance for safeguarding the donation rights of older donors and meeting clinical blood demand.
9.Physical exercise improves physical function in burn patients:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Qiang CHEN ; Wenjuan WU ; Shuhua JIANG ; Da HUANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1269-1281
OBJECTIVE:Some studies have shown that physical exercise can effectively improve knee extensor strength and cardiorespiratory function in burn patients;some studies have also shown that physical exercise is not effective in improving respiratory function in burn patients.Improvement effects of physical exercise on physical functions(muscle function,walking function,cardiopulmonary function,and lean body mass)of burn patients were evaluated by a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis.METHODS:Based on databases including Web of Science,PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang,and the Chinese Biomedical Database,literature on the improvement of physical function in burn patients through physical exercise was searched using subject headings and free terms.With muscle function,walking ability,cardiopulmonary function,and lean body mass as the primary outcome measures,a meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy of physical exercise with traditional physical therapy or conventional care methods.RESULTS:A total of 38 papers were included,of which 26 papers were included in the meta-analysis,involving 1 658 patients.Meta-analysis results showed that:(1)Physical exercise significantly enhances the knee extensor strength of the dominant leg in burn patients(mean difference[MD]=8.34,95%confidence interval[CI]:6.95-9.72,P<0.000 01),increases quadriceps strength,peak oxygen uptake,forced vital capacity and maximum ventilation volume in 1 second,and resting heart rate(standardized mean difference[SMD]=4.41,95%CI:2.52-6.30,P<0.000 01;MD=4.91,95%CI:3.52-6.29,P<0.000 01;MD=5.86,95%CI:0.09-11.63,P=0.05;MD=6.90,95%CI:2.93-10.87,P=0.000 7;MD=5.03,95%CI:1.45-8.61,P=0.006),and improves the 6-minute walking distance,gait parameters,and total lean body mass(MD=45.29,95%CI:24.7-65.89,P<0.0001;SMD=7.84,95%CI:6.05-9.63,P<0.000 01;MD=2.47,95%CI:2.01-2.93,P<0.000 01).(2)The subgroup analysis results indicated that the improvement in knee extensor strength of the dominant leg may be better in children than in adults and better in the extra-heavy group than in the heavy group.Improvement in the 6-minute walking distance is better in children than in adults,and higher degree of burn indicates better improvement effects,with no difference from the control group for<12 weeks.Peak oxygen uptake may be better in adults and severe burn groups than in children and moderate burn groups,resistance combined with aerobic exercise modalities may be better than aerobic exercise alone,and exercise duration>60 minutes may be better than<60 minutes.CONCLUSION:Physical activity is effective in improving physical function in burn patients,as evidenced by improvements in muscle strength,walking ability,cardiorespiratory fitness,and lean body mass.The quality of evidence recommended for all indicator results is moderate or below,with imprecision and inconsistency being the main factors for downgrading.Therefore,more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to verify the reliability of the results.
10.Liuwei Dihuangwan Promote Mitophagy to Modulate Neuroinflammation and Behavioral Impairments in Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Pengjue HUANG ; Mingyue JIANG ; Ji WU ; Niya YIN ; Lei OUYANG ; Qinquan ZHU ; Di ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):52-60
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on behavioral impairments in the rat model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and explore the mechanism of action. MethodsTwelve SD pregnant rats were intraperitoneally injected with valproic acid (VPA) (10 rats) or normal saline (2 rats), and male offspring were selected to establish the model of ASD and the control rats. Rats were randomly assigned into model, low-dose (0.75 g·kg-1) and high-dose (1.5 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan, vitamin D (positive drug, 3.7×10-5 g·kg-1), and blank groups. Each group was administrated with the corresponding concentration of drugs or the same volume of normal saline by gavage for 2 weeks. After the intervention, the three-chamber social test was conducted to evaluate social interaction and social preference. The open field test was carried out to observe spontaneous behavior and anxiety state. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the pathological changes of the prefrontal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructure of mitochondria in prefrontal neurons. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the prefrontal tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Western blot was employed to assess the expression differences of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (p-ULK1), Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (ULK1), and FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group spent less time sniffing stranger 1 and stranger 2 in the three-chamber social test (P<0.01) and showed reductions in the total distance traveled, average speed, distance traveled in the central area, and time spent in the central area in the open field test (P<0.01). In addition, the model group showed extensive apoptosis of neurons, with shrunken nuclei and red-stained cytoplasm, and extensive necrosis of neurons in the prefrontal tissue, mitochondrial swelling, decreased matrix density, disrupted cristae, and autophagic lysosomes in neurons, increases in the rate of Iba-1 positive cells in the prefrontal area (P<0.01) and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.01), and down-regulation in the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-ULK1/ULK1, and FUNDC1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, low-dose and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan and the vitamin D prolonged the time spent sniffing stranger 1 and stranger 2 in the three-chamber social test (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the total distance traveled, average speed, distance traveled in the central area, and time spent in the central area in the open field test (P<0.05, P<0.01), restored the morphology of neurons in the prefrontal tissue, decreased the number of apoptotic cells, alleviated the swelling of mitochondria in neurons, increased the matrix density, mitigated the fragmentation and disorder of cristae, and increased the number of autophagosomes. Moreover, the drugs decreased the rate of Iba-1 positive cells in the prefrontal area (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.01), and up-regulated the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-ULK1/ULK1, and FUNDC1 (P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan ameliorate autism-like behaviors and reduce neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammatory damage in the rat model of ASD by promoting mitophagy mediated by the AMPK/ULK1/FUNDC1 pathway.


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