1.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.
2.Early predictive value of pre-treatment tear inflammatory factor levels in patients with dry eye
Yingxing JIANG ; Yuqiu XU ; Yunyun YANG ; Yu ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):157-162
AIM: To investigate the application value of pre-treatment tear inflammatory factor levels in predicting therapeutic efficacy for dry eye patients.METHODS:Prospective controlled observational study. A total of 120 patients with dry eye(240 eyes)admitted to our hospital from November 2022 to March 2024 were included. Before dry eye treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors, including interlukin-4(IL-4), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-18, IL-1β, interferon-γ(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)in the tear fluid were detected by ELISA. According to the treatment protocol in the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Treatment of Dry Eye(2020), the patients were given treatments, and the related factors affecting the treatment outcomes of dry eye patients were analyzed.RESULTS:After continuous treatment for 4 wk, all the patients completed follow-up, and they were divided into the markedly effective group(60 patients, 120 eyes)and the ineffective group(60 patients, 120 eyes)based on their therapeutic effects. The markedly effective group had significantly lower pre-treatment levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α than the poor efficacy group(all P<0.05). IL-6(OR=0.994), IL-18(OR=0.998), IL-1β(OR=0.933), and TNF-α(OR=0.998)were independently associated with treatment efficacy(all P<0.05). The nomogram model yielded a C-index of 0.971(95% CI: 0.950-0.993), with calibration curves closely aligned to the ideal curve. The model demonstrated significant predictive value for early therapeutic efficacy(sensitivity=96.67%, specificity=71.67%, cutoff=208, AUC=0.866, 95% CI=0.794-0.952, P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The nomogram model constructed based on the levels of inflammatory factors in dry eye patients before treatment can well predict the treatment effect of patients.
3.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
4.Research progress on the anti-nasopharyngeal carcinoma effect of traditional Chinese medicine based on MAPK signaling pathway
Yuanyuan LI ; Yang CAO ; Yuyin JIANG ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Jingbo LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):117-123
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating from the mucosal epithelium of the nasopharynx. In recent years, its incidence and mortality rates have shown a continuous upward trend, and there is still a lack of therapeutic regimens with both favorable efficacy and safety in clinical practice. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays a key regulatory role in biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and invasion. It is widely involved in the occurrence and progression of NPC, and serves as an important target in the research field of anti-NPC therapy. This article systematically elaborates on the mechanism of action of the MAPK signaling pathway in NPC, and reviews the research status regarding the anti-NPC effect of active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and TCM compound prescriptions by regulating this signaling pathway. The results show that TCM active components, including flavonoids (luteolin, maackiain, baicalein, etc.), alkaloids (picrasidine Ⅰ, tetrandrine, etc.), terpenoids (bakuchiol, cantharidic acid), as well as traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas (such as Biyan jiedu capsules and Yiqi jiedu formula) can exert effects including inducing autophagy and apoptosis of NPC cells, promoting pyroptosis, reversing drug resistance, blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition, weakening cell stemness and arresting cell cycle progression by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the occurrence and development of NPC through multiple pathways.
5.Review on identification and prevention-control strategies for public health risks in pharmacy intravenous admix-ture services
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):268-272
Pharmacy intravenous admixture serves as a core link in the clinical medication supply chain. Its operational quality is directly related to drug safety and patient medication safety. This paper examines the challenges and measures for public health risk prevention and control in practical operational aspects of intravenous drug preparation, including prescription verification, drug compounding, drug management, and finished product distribution and traceability. Grounded in the “prevention-control-emergency response” full-chain management framework, it proposes systematic prevention and control strategies, including establishing a “public health-oriented” pharmacy intravenous admixture service management system, strengthening risk intervention measures throughout the entire process, improving risk monitoring and emergency response mechanisms, promoting technological empowerment, and refining pharmacist training and personnel qualification control mechanisms. These efforts aim to establish a comprehensive public health safety system that shifts from a “passive response” to an “active prevention and control” approach, thereby ensuring patient medication safety.
6.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
7.Epidemiological analysis of a cluster outbreak of pulmonary tuberculosis among grade 12 students from a boaring high school in Chongqing
LEI Rongrong, FENG Xinyu, XIA Siyue, JIANG Chuan, ZHANG Ting, WU Chengguo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):113-116
Objective:
To analyze the process of handling a pulmonary tuberculosis(TB) outbreak among senior high school students in a boarding school in Chongqing, as well as to investigate the underlying causes of the outbreak, so as to provide evidence to inform TB prevention and control strategies in school settings.
Methods:
From November 2023 to April 2024, an epidemiological investigation was conducted into the TB outbreak in a grade 12 class from a boarding high school. Suspected cases were screened using symptom screening, tuberculin skin test (TST), and chest X-ray examinations. Confirmed cases underwent individual epidemiological interviews and sputum culture; Cultured positive mycobacterial strains were subjected to whole genome sequencing after identification as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Results:
A total of 10 active pulmonary TB cases were identified, all from the same class, yielding a student attack rate of 16.67%. Three isolates were culture positive, as well as all strains were of L2 type,and the WGS analysis of the strains suggested a common transmission chain. Excluding the index case, four additional cases were detected through symptom driven health care visits. Notably, 70% of patients presented with "chest tightness and chest pain" symptoms, and 50% had "cough" symptoms,but none were detected during morning health checks or tracking of absences due to illness. A total of 326 contacts were identified and underwent three rounds of screening and one follow up examination. In the initial screening, 35 close contacts from the same class showed strong TST positivity, corresponding to a strong positivity rate of 55.56%, significantly higher than the 20.76% observed among casual contacts ( χ 2=29.80, P <0.01). Among the 35 strongly TST positivvity close contacts and five individuals with moderate TST positivity whose induration had increased by ≥10 mm over two years, none received timely preventive treatment initially; five of them were subsequently diagnosed with active TB within three months. Following this, 25 individuals initiated preventive therapy, resulting in a preventive treatment initiation rate of 62.50%. Among TST negative classmates who converted to strong positivity on repeat TST testing at three months, 75.00% started preventive treatment, but only 22.22% completed the full course.
Conclusion
Inadequate implementation of morning health checks and cause tracking for absenteeism due to illness, poorly standardized screening procedures, and delayed preventive treatment may have been key factors contributing to the spread of the outbreak.
8.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
9.Treating diabetic kidney disease based on "using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory
Weimin JIANG ; Yaoxian WANG ; Shuwu WEI ; Jiale ZHANG ; Chenhui XIA ; Jie YANG ; Liqiao SUN ; Xinrong LI ; Weiwei SUN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):1-7
The Huangdi Neijing proposes the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory to guide clinical prescription and formulation of herbal remedies based on the physiological characteristics and functions of the five zang viscera, along with the properties and flavors of medicinal herbs. This study explored diabetic kidney disease pathogenesis and treatment based on the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory. Kidney dryness is a key pathological factor in diabetic kidney disease, and the disharmony of kidney dryness is an essential aspect of its pathogenesis. Strengthening is the primary therapeutic principle, and kidney dryness is a persistent factor throughout the occurrence and progression of diabetic kidney disease. In the early stage, the pathogenesis involves heat-consuming qi and injuring yin, leading to kidney dryness. In the middle stage, the pathogenesis manifests as qi deficiency and blood stasis in the collaterals, resulting in turbidity owing to kidney dryness. In the late stage, the pathogenesis involves yin and yang deficiency, with kidney dryness and disharmony. This study proposes the staging-based treatment based on the " need for firmness" characteristic of the kidney. The aim is to provide new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine by rationally using pungent, bitter, and salty medicinal herbs to nourish and moisturize the kidney. This approach seeks to promote precise syndrome differentiation and personalized treatment for different stages of diabetic kidney disease, thereby enhancing clinical efficacy.
10.Research advances in the association of adipokines with metabolic associated fatty liver disease and its associated liver cancer
Yixiao ZHANG ; Jianguang SUN ; Bowen JIANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):151-158
With the emergence of unhealthy dietary structures in people’s life, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has gradually become the most important chronic liver disease in China, and there is also a gradual increase in the cases of MAFLD-associated liver cancer. Adipose tissue not only has the function of energy storage, but also secretes adipokines that play an important role in the development and progression of MAFLD and its associated liver cancer. Studies on the mechanism of adipokines have provided important help for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD, and a large number of studies have shown that the abnormal secretion of adipokines is associated with MAFLD and plays an important regulatory role in the development and progression of liver cancer. Adipokines are not only regulated at the gene level, but they can also interact with genes through specific pathways to co-regulate pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, metabolism, immunity, and cell proliferation in MAFLD and its associated liver cancer. This article reviews the latest studies on the association of adipokines with MAFLD and its associated liver cancer, in order to provide new directions for further research on the pathogenesis of liver cancer.


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