1.Analysis of ancient medical physicians′ spatial theory from the perspective of liver and mingmen visceral manifestation
Chongcheng XI ; Jie ZHANG ; Wenjun WU ; Zhiwen ZHANG ; Shuangqing ZHAI ; Quansheng FENG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):187-192
Yin-yang, visceral manifestation, and ti-yong theories are the core theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and play a crucial role in its formation and development. With the continuous evolution of Chinese philosophy, TCM philosophy and theories have undergone significant influence, resulting in differing interpretations of the visceral manifestation of liver and mingmen across various historical periods by different medical practitioners. This paper focuses on the different understandings of the position of liver and mingmen, combining relevant philosophical images and TCM anatomical illustrations to deeply explore ancient medical theorists′ concepts regarding the four spatial directions of left, right, up, and down. The research reveals that ancient medical theorists′ conceptualization of spatial theory transitioned from an initial circular motion to a vertical movement, with the focus shifting from the upper part to the lower part. The primary reasons for these differences and changes could be explained by the varying emphasis on the ti-yong theory and differing focal points within the yin-yang theory. This study systematically examines the evolution of visceral manifestation theories related to liver and mingmen, highlights the shifts in physicians′ perspectives on spatial theory, and analyzes the influence of the ti-yong theory and yin-yang theory on these changes. The findings aim to provide a theoretical guide for advancing research and clinical application of spatial theory in TCM, thereby fostering the integration of TCM philosophy with medical theory.
2.Hypoxia Exercise Mediates The miR-27/PPARγ Pathway to Improve Lipid Metabolism in Obese Rats at Target Genes and Protein Levels
Wei KONG ; Jie SHAO ; Teng ZHAI ; Qian CHENG ; Fang-Zheng HAN ; Yi QU ; Lei ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1386-1400
ObjectiveTo explore the sequential effects of hypoxic exercising on miR-27/PPARγ and lipid metabolism target gene and protein expression levels in the obesity rats’ liver. Methods13-week-old male diet-induced obesity rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): normal oxygen concentration quiet group (N), hypoxia quiet group (H), hypoxic exercise group (HE). Exercise training on the horizontal animal treadmill for 1 h/d, 5 d/week for a total of 4 week, and the intensity of horizontal treadmill training was 20 m/min (hypoxic concentration was 13.6%). Comparison of the weights of perirenal fat and epididymal fat in rats across different groups and calculation of Lee’s index based on body weight and body length of rats in each group were done. And the serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were detected. RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the levels of miR-27, PPARγ, CYP7A1 and CD36. ResultsHypoxic exercise decreased the expression levels of miR-27 in the obese rats’ liver, however, the expression level of PPARγ was gradually increased. The expression levels of miR-27 in HE group were significantly lower than N group (P<0.05). The expression levels of PPARγ mRNA in N group were significantly lower than H group (P<0.05), especially lower than HE group (P<0.01). The protein expression of PPARγ protein in N group was significantly lower than that other groups (P<0.01). The expression of lipid metabolism-related genes and proteins increased in the obese rats’ liver. The expression of CYP7A1 mRNA in N group was significantly lower than H group (P<0.05), especially lower than HE group (P<0.01). The expression of CYP7A1 protein in the obese rats’ liver in N group was extremely lower than H group and HE group (P<0.01). The protein expression of CD36 in N group was significantly lower than that in HE group (P<0.05). Hypoxia exercise improved the related physiological and biochemical indexes of lipid metabolism disorder. The perirenal fat weight of obese rats in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01), and the perirenal fat weight in N group was significantly higher than H group (P<0.05). The epididymal fat weight in N group was significantly higher than H group (P<0.05), and extremely higher than HE group (P<0.01). The Lee’s index in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of TC in obese rats in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of TG in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of LDL-C in N group was extremely higher than HE group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of HDL-C in N group was extremely lower than H group (P<0.01). ConclusionHypoxia and hypoxia exercise may negatively regulate the levels of PPARγ by inhibiting miR-27 in the obese rats’ liver, thereby affecting the expression of downstream target genes CYP7A1 and CD36, and promoting cholesterol, fatty acid oxidation and HDL-C transport in the liver, and ultimately the lipid levels in obese rats were improved. The effect of hypoxia exercise on improving blood lipid is better than simple hypoxia intervention.
3.Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Formula in Treating Ulcerative Colitis Through Pyroptosis Regulation Based on Bioinformatics and Animal Experiments
Qiang CHUAI ; Wenjing ZHAI ; Shijie REN ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Xin KANG ; Wenli WEI ; Jingyuan LIU ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):105-113
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the potential mechanism of the Xiezhuo Jiedu formula in regulating pyroptosis for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using bioinformatics and in vivo animal experiments. MethodsDifferentially expressed genes (DEGs) in colon tissues of UC patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Pyroptosis-related genes were obtained from the GEO and GeneCards databases. The intersection of these datasets yielded pyroptosis-related DEGs (Pyro-DEGs). Pyro-DEGs were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis using the Metascape database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) prediction model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were conducted to identify core Pyro-DEGs with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Immune infiltration analysis of the UC datasets was performed using the deconvolution method (CIBERSORT), along with correlation analysis with core Pyro-DEGs. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of Xiezhuo Jiedu formula (26.64, 13.32, 6.66 g·kg-1), and a mesalazine group (0.27 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. UC was established by intrarectal administration of 3,5-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in ethanol. The control and model groups were given distilled water by gavage, while the treatment groups were administered the corresponding drugs for 7 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the colon histopathology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-18, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were applied to detect the expression of Caspase-1, gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to measure mRNA expression of Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8. Western blot was performed to assess protein expression levels of Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8. ResultsGEO datasets GSE87466 and GSE87473 yielded 64 Pyro-DEGs. KEGG analysis indicated that these genes were enriched in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. Four core Pyro-DEGs (Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8) were identified. Immune infiltration analysis showed that expression of these genes was positively correlated with mast cells, neutrophils, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells. Animal experimental results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group had significantly increased levels of IL-1β and IL-18, significantly decreased levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. The model group showed enhanced Caspase-1, GJA1, and S100A8 staining, and significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of Caspase-1, GJA1, and S100A8 (P<0.01). In contrast, the expression of PPARG was reduced in the model group (P<0.01). After treatment, all dosage groups showed varying degrees of improvement (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the high-dose group showing the most significant improvement (P<0.01). ConclusionCaspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8 are core Pyro-DEGs closely associated with the pathogenesis of UC. These genes may collaborate with immune cells such as mast cells, neutrophils, and M0 macrophages to mediate disease development. The Xiezhuo Jiedu formula may regulate the expression of core Pyro-DEGs through the NOD-like receptor, TNF, and HIF-1 core signaling pathways, thereby modulating immune homeostasis in UC rats and effectively alleviating UC.
4.Study on the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction regulating macrophage polarization in mice with autoimmune thyroiditis
Lanting WANG ; Zhaohan ZHAI ; Shouxin JU ; Liang KONG ; Jie DING ; Yao XIAO ; Yiran CHEN ; Zhimin WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):529-541
Objective:
To explore the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction in modulating macrophage polarization and intervening in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) mice.
Methods:
Using the random number table method, 48 SPF-grade NOD.H-2h4 mice were assigned to the normal, model, low-dose (4.10 g/kg), medium-dose (8.19 g/kg), high-dose group (16.38 g/kg) of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction, and selenium yeast tablet (0.026 mg/kg) groups, with eight mice in each group. All groups, except the normal group, were free to drink high iodine water (0.05% sodium iodide) to prepare AIT mouse models for 8 consecutive weeks. After the modeling was complete, each treatment group was orally administered with the corresponding medication, while the normal and model groups were orally administered with an equal volume of distilled water once a day for 8 consecutive weeks. High-performance liquid chromatography with an oscillometric refractive detector was used to analyze the content of Astragaloside Ⅳ in Buzhong Yiqi Decoction. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of mouse thyroid tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). An immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the positive area percentage of M1 and M2 macrophages in mouse thyroid tissue. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect macrophage polarization in mouse spleen tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), nuclear factor kappa B inhibitory protein α (IκBα), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in mouse spleen tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and NLRP3 protein in mouse spleen tissue.
Results:
The content of Astragaloside Ⅳ in Buzhong Yiqi Decoction was (7.09±0.06) g/L. Compared to the normal group, significant lymphocyte infiltration was observed in the thyroid tissue of mice in the model group. The levels of serum TPO-Ab, TgAb, IL-6, and TNF-α increased (P<0.05). The positive area percentage of M1 macrophages in thyroid tissue increased (P<0.05). The proportion of M1 macrophages and M1/M2 in spleen tissue increased (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 mRNA in spleen tissue increased (P<0.05). The relative expression of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, and NLRP3 proteins increased (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the inflammation infiltration degree in the thyroid tissue of mice in each dose group of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction and selenium yeast tablet group was reduced, the serum TPO-Ab, TgAb, IL-6, TNF-α content was decreased, the spleen tissue M1/M2 was reduced, the expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA was reduced, and the relative expression levels of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65 protein were reduced (P<0.05). The Buzhong Yiqi Decoction high-dose and selenium yeast tablets groups showed an increase in IL-10 content, an increase in positive area percentage of M2 macrophages in thyroid tissue, an increase in M2 macrophages proportion in spleen tissue, and a decrease in NLRP3 mRNA and protein relative expression levels (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Buzhong Yiqi Decoction may regulate macrophage polarization by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thus improving the inflammatory damage in mice with AIT.
5.Assessment of the implementation of Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy room—Part 4: Radiotherapy room of 252Cf neutron afterloading (GBZ/T 201.4-2015)
Yuze YANG ; Hongfang WANG ; Haoxian YANG ; Quan WU ; Mingsheng LI ; Bala HARI ; Yongzhong MA ; Zechen FENG ; Bin BAI ; Jie GAO ; Wei ZHOU ; Weixu HUANG ; Zhengjie SHI ; Hezheng ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(5):660-665
Objective To track and evaluate the implementation and application of the occupational health standard Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy room—Part 4: Radiotherapy room of 252Cf neutron afterloading (GBZ/T 201.4-2015) by radiation health technical service agencies, medical institutions, health supervision agencies, and radiotherapy facility design units, and to provide a scientific basis for the further revision and implementation of this standard. Methods Following the Guideline for health standards tracking evaluation (WS/T 536-2017) and the project implementation plan, relevant practitioners were randomly selected for a questionnaire survey. The survey primarily focused on their awareness, standard training, application, and revision suggestions of GBZ/T 201.4-2015. The results were summarized and analyzed. Results A total of 168 evaluation questionnaires were collected from relevant practitioners in 28 provinces. Only 31.6% of the respondents reported being “well familiar” or “ familiar” with the standard, 27.4% of the respondents believed that the standard was widely used, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard could meet the needs of their work. Only 14.9% of the respondents had received relevant training on the standard, more than half of the respondents had not applied the standard within the past 10 years, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard "needs to be revised". Conclusion Due to the small number of californium-252 neutron afterloading radiotherapy devices in operation on the market, the overall awareness of the standard is low, suggesting that relevant authorities need to strengthen training and publicity of the standard, and that certain sections of the standard need to be revised or merged.
6.Serum CCL21 and CXCR3 predict stroke-associated pneumonia in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Haiyan ZHAI ; Lin LI ; Lifang ZHU ; Chunjuan REN ; Dan WEI ; Jie YANG
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024;32(7):495-499
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) for stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:Patients with AIS admitted to No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Industry from July 2020 to December 2023 were prospectively included. Serum CCL21 and CXCR3 test results and general clinical data at admission were collected using the hospital electronic medical record system. The independent influencing factors of SAP were identified through multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the predictive value of serum CCL21 and CXCR3 levels for SAP were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results:A total of 150 patients with AIS were enrolled, including 91 males (60.67%), aged 61.48±7.92 years. Among them, 41 patients (27.33%) developed SAP during hospitalization. There were significant differences in serum CCL21 and CXCR3 levels, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, invasive mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and the proportion of patients with hypertension and diabetes between the SAP group and the non-SAP group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum CCL21 (odds ratio [ OR] 1.022, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.006-1.039; P=0.006) and CXCR3 ( OR 1.036, 95% CI 1.018-1.054; P<0.001) levels were the independent risk factors for SAP. ROC curve analysis showed that serum CCL21 and CXCR3 levels had good predictive power separately for SAP. The areas under the curve was 0.730 (95% CI 0.634-0.825) and 0.807 (95% CI 0.721-0.892), respectively. The combined prediction of the two showed an area under the curve of 0.881 (95% CI 0.819-0.943). Conclusion:The patients with AIS generally have higher levels of serum CCL21 and CXCR3. The levels of serum CCL21 and CXCR3 are closely associated with SAP, and both of them have a good predictive effect on SAP alone or in combination.
7.Based on"gut-joint axis",to explore new progress of TCM-intestinal flora interaction in treatment of autoimmune arthritis
Jie CHEN ; Jingbo ZHAI ; Changlong LYU ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(11):2434-2439
Intestinal flora can mediate intestinal inflammation to the joint site through the"gut-joint axis",activate local or systemic immune response,and cause joint inflammation and injury.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has unique advantages in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.Recent studies have shown that the interaction between TCM and intestinal flora in the mucosal immune system is closely related to the occurrence and development of autoimmune diseases.Therefore,the possible therapeutic mechanism of the interaction of TCM and intestinal flora in autoimmune arthritis is discussed in this paper,with the view of"gut-joint axis",in order to bring new ideas for clinical prevention and treatment.
8.Research progress in animal models of audiogenic seizures
Wenji ZHAI ; Jie WU ; Tihua ZHENG ; Qingyin ZHENG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(6):786-792
Audiogenic seizures(AGS)are the result of an epilepsy caused by strong acoustic stimulation and are characterized by generalized muscle spasms.AGS models are vital for studies of epileptogenesis,the search for causative genes and regulatory channels,and the screening of new antiepileptic drugs(AEDs).This paper summarizes the current progress of research on common animal models of AGS in terms of their pathogenetic features,possible pathogenesis,and causative genes to provide new research directions and targets for the development of AEDs.
9.Clinical Analysis of Philadelphia Chromosome-Like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children
Tian-Dan LI ; Shao-Yan HU ; Zong ZHAI ; Guang-Hua CHEN ; Jun LU ; Hai-Long HE ; Pei-Fang XIAO ; Jie LI ; Yi WANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):78-84
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics,molecular characteristics,treatment and prognosis of pediatric Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia(Ph-like ALL)with a therapeutic target.Methods:A total of 27 patients of Ph-like ALL with targeted drug target were initially diagnosed in Children's Hospital of Soochow University from December 2017 to June 2021.The data of age,gender,white blood cell(WBC)count at initial diagnosis,genetic characteristics,molecular biological changes,chemotherapy regimen,different targeted drugs were given,and minimal residual disease(MRD)on day 19,MRD on day 46,whether hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT)were retrospective analyed,and the clinical characteristics and treatment effect were summarized.Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method.Results:The intensity of chemotherapy was adjusted according to the MRD level during induced remission therapy in 27 patients,10 patients were treated with targeted drugs during treatment,and 3 patients were bridged with HSCT,1 patient died and 2 patients survived.Among the 24 patients who did not receive HSCT,1 patient developed relapse,and achieved complete remission(CR)after treatment with chimeric antigen receptors T cells(CAR-T).The 3-year overall survival,3-year relapse-free survival and 3-year event-free survival rate of 27 patients were(95.5±4.4)%,(95.0±4.9)%and(90.7±6.3)%respectively.Conclusion:Risk stratification chemotherapy based on MRD monitoring can improve the prognosis of Ph-like ALL in children,combined with targeted drugs can achieve complete remission as soon as possible in children whose chemotherapy response is poor,and sequential CAR-T and HSCT can significantly improve the therapeutic effect of Ph-like ALL in children whose MRD is continuously positive during induced remission therapy.
10.Design and Application of Hospital 5G Ward Round Robot Platform
Yanjia ZHANG ; Baozhan CHEN ; Yunkai ZHAI ; Yutao LIU ; Jie ZHAO
Journal of Medical Informatics 2024;45(10):75-80
Purpose/Significance To apply the 5G ward round robot platform in primary hospitals,so as to effectively improve the treatment capability and management service level of patients with critical and severe diseases.Method/Process Based on technologies such as 5 G,internet of things(IoT)and robotics,the researchers build and deploy a 5 G ward round robot platform and collaborate with domestic experts to provide mobile ward round,remote consultation,intensive care,health education and other services for patients.Re-sult/Conclusion Real time sharing of patient clinical data and efficient collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment process can be a-chieved,multi-mode,accurate and standardized remote ward round and treatment guidance can be carried out according to patients'conditions.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail