1.Development status and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine
Jiaqing DAI ; Yuxuan JIANG ; Jingnan HU ; Liu YANG ; Lifang GUO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):173-178
In the context of the rapid development of 5G technology, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) faces new opportunities and challenges. Focusing on how to uphold tradition while innovating in the development of AI in TCM, starting from the current development status of AI in Chinese medicine, including the integration of four diagnostic methods, syndrome differentiation and treatment, auxiliary diagnosis and treatment, research and development of Chinese herbal medicine, prevention and treatment of diseases, knowledge inheritance, and other aspects, this paper discussed the support of policies and technical advancements, as well as development opportunities such as increased demand for health. Regarding machine ethics, data ethics, regulatory review, and other aspects, it also proposed some suggestions that the training algorithm should be improved to assist medical work; data ownership should be clarified to ensure data security; and an AI ethics committee should be set up to improve the review system, aiming to maximize the advantages of smart healthcare and accelerate the modernization of TCM for the benefit of patients and the service of human health.
2.Role of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic retinopathy
Jingnan LIU ; Hanyu WU ; Xiaosi CHEN ; Yiyun ZENG ; Linghui PI ; Xinyuan ZHANG ; Xinyuan ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1694-1698
AIM:To investigate the role of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP)in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic retinopathy(DR)in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS:A nested case-control study was conducted involving 187 T2DM patients(187 eyes)who attended at Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from June 2017 to October 2024. Patients were categorized into three groups: the diabetes mellitus(DM)group, non-proliferative DR(NPDR)group, and proliferative DR(PDR)group. Baseline information was collected, including age, sex, duration of DM, and duration of hypertension. All patients underwent fasting biochemical tests and comprehensive ophthalmic examinations.RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed between hsCRP and fasting blood glucose(FBG; P=0.004)and glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c; P=0.048)by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariable Logistic regression identified hsCRP as a significant risk factor for DR(OR=2.67, 95% CI: 1.19-5.96, P=0.017). CONCLUSION:Serum hsCRP is positively correlated with FBG and HbA1c and can serve as an important predictor of the severity of DR.
3.Summary of best evidence for the early rehabilitation exercise of patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Wei ZHANG ; Jingnan CHEN ; Ying GAO ; Lei ZHONG ; Yan WANG ; Jinping LI
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(6):1419-1426,1434
Objective To summarize the best evidence for the evaluation,implementation,and assess-ment of early rehabilitation exercise for patients with severe traumatic brain injury,provide evidence-based support for clinical nursing and reduce disability and mortality rates.Methods Relevant evidence on early re-habilitation exercise of patients with severe traumatic brain injury from 14 databases or official websites inclu-ding BMJ Best Practice,UpToDate,BMJ Clinical Evidence,the official website of the World Health Organiza-tion(WHO),International Guidelines Collaboration Network(GIN),National Guidelines Library(NGC)in the United States,Scottish Inter Collegiate Guidelines Network(SIGN),JBI Evidence Based Healthcare Knowledge Base,Cochrane Library,PubMed,Embase,Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Litera-ture(CINAHL),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),and Wanfang were retrieved,the latest clinical decisions,guidelines,evidence summaries,expert consensus,systematic reviews,clinical practices,and review results were integrated,the best evidence were extracted,and quality evaluation and classification were conducted.Results A total of 15 articles were included,summarizing 26 best pieces of evidence from six as-pects:early rehabilitation exercise assessment,early awakening rehabilitation treatment therapy,early respira-tory and airway management,early limb activity and muscle joint rehabilitation training,early bladder function training,and early nutritional management.Conclusion This study integrates the best evidence of early reha-bilitation exercise for patients with severe traumatic brain injury,providing evidence-based support for further clinical nursing practice,promoting the rehabilitation process of patients with traumatic brain injury,and im-proving their quality of life.
4.Pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial function as novel strategies for treating intestinal inflammatory diseases and colorectal cancer.
Boya WANG ; Xinrui GUO ; Lanhui QIN ; Liheng HE ; Jingnan LI ; Xudong JIN ; Dapeng CHEN ; Guangbo GE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):101074-101074
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and recurrent intestinal disease, and has become a major global health issue. Individuals with IBD face an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), and recent studies have indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of both IBD and CRC. This review covers the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC, focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction, and explores pharmacological targets and strategies for addressing both conditions by modulating mitochondrial function. Additionally, recent advancements in the pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction for treating IBD and CRC, encompassing mitochondrial damage, release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and impairment of mitophagy, are thoroughly summarized. The review also provides a systematic overview of natural compounds (such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and diterpenoids), Chinese medicines, and intestinal microbiota, which can alleviate IBD and attenuate the progression of CRC by modulating mitochondrial function. In the future, it will be imperative to develop more practical methodologies for real-time monitoring and accurate detection of mitochondrial function, which will greatly aid scientists in identifying more effective agents for treating IBD and CRC through modulation of mitochondrial function.
5.Mechanism of Qizhi Jiangtang capsule inhibits podocyte pyroptosis to improve kidney injury in diabetes nephropathy by regulating NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
Shanshan SU ; Zhaoan GUO ; Huan YANG ; Hui LIU ; Jingnan TANG ; Xiaoyu JIANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(3):204-210
Objective To investigate the impact of Qizhi Jiangtang Capsule (QZJT) on renal damage in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice via NOD like receptors family pyrin domain containing 3/caspase-1/ Gasdermin D (NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD) signaling pathway. Methods Mice were randomly allocated into six experimental groups: a normal control group (NC), a diabetic nephropathy model group (DN), a low-dose QZJT treatment group (L-QZJT), a high-dose QZJT treatment group (H-QZJT), a positive control group administered Shenqi Jiangtang Granules (SQJT), and an ML385 group (treated with an inhibitor of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Nrf2). Upon successful model induction, therapeutic interventions were commenced. Renal function impairment in the mice was evaluated through quantification of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24-hour urinary albumin (UAlb), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the kidney-to-body mass ratio (K/B). Renal tissue pathology was evaluated using HE and PAS staining. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were quantified by ELISA. Levels of podocyte markers and proteins involved in relevant pathways were assessed using Western blot analysis. Results Compared with the NC group, FBG, 24 h UAlb, SCr, and BUN were increased in the DN group, and the K/B mass ratio was also increased. In contrast, compared with the DN group, FBG, 24 h UAlb, SCr, and BUN in both the low-dose (L-QZJT) and high-dose Quanzhou Jintang (H-QZJT) groups were decreased, and the K/B mass ratio was decreased as well. The therapeutic efficacy of H-QZJT was comparable to that of Shenqi Jiangtang Granules. QZJT ameliorated renal histopathological injury in DN mouse, increased the protein levels of Nephrin (a podocyte marker), and decreased the protein levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), pro-caspase-1, and GSDMD-N. After ML385 treatment, renal cells exhibited swelling and morphological changes, the inflammatory infiltrate area was enlarged, the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, and GSDMD-N were up-regulated, and the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were increased. Conclusion QZJT may inhibit podocyte pyroptosis by acting on the Nrf2 to regulate the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway, thus improving renal damage in DN mouse.
Animals
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Diabetic Nephropathies/pathology*
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Podocytes/pathology*
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
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Pyroptosis/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Caspase 1/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Mice
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Phosphate-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Male
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Kidney/pathology*
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Gasdermins
6.Inhibitory effect of Xinhui tangerine peel polysaccharides on mouse skin fibroblasts and its mechanism based on TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway
Jingnan LIANG ; Wei LU ; Yingyi LIAO ; Wenjiao XIAN
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):333-338
Objective To explore the inhibitory effect of Xinhui tangerine peel polysaccharides on the mouse skin fibroblasts so as to understand the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods We separated and purified the components of tangerine peel polysaccharides from Xinhui tangerine peel.C57BL/6 mouse skin fibroblasts were isolated and cultured for the cellular experimental study.We set up a blank control group(normal culture)and low-,medium-and high-dose experimental groups(50,100 and 200 μg/mL tangerine peel polysaccharides).After 24 hours of treatment,cell survival rate was assessed by CCK-8 assay.The mRNA and protein expression levels of collagen type Ⅰ(Col1a1),collagen type Ⅲ(Col1a3),TGF-β1 and ACTA2 in fibroblasts were examined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Smad3 was examined by Western blotting.Results The cell survival rate in the blank control group,the medium-and high-dose experimental groups was 100%,(90.54±6.74)%,and(78.90±4.24)%,respectively.The relative expression level of Col1a1 protein was 1.13±0.15,0.57±0.16,and 0.48±0.05,respectively;the relative expression level of Col3a1 protein was 0.81±0.13,0.49±0.11 and 0.50±0.03;the relative expression level of TGF-β1 protein was 1.11±0.15,0.60±0.13,and 0.33±0.11;the relative expression level of p-Smad3/Smad3 proteins was 0.96±0.05,0.75±0.06 and 0.71±0.03.The mRNA expression level of Col1a1 was 1.01±0.17,0.58±0.11,and 0.52±0.12;the mRNA expression level of Col3a1 was 1.01±0.12,0.56±0.19,and 0.65±0.14;the expression level of ACTA2 mRNA was 1.01±0.13,0.24±0.04,and 0.22±0.07;the mRNA expression level of TGF-β1 was 1.00±0.09,0.50±0.10,and 0.49±0.15.The relative expression levels of p-Smad3/Smad3 proteins were 0.86±0.06,0.66±0.06,0.55±0.13,0.43±0.09,0.35±0.06,and 0.27±0.12,respectively,after time-related treatment with high-dose tangerine peel polysaccharides.The above indicators in medium-and high-dose tangerine peel polysaccharide groups showed statistically significant differences compared to those in the blank control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Tangerine peel polysaccharides can inhibit the cell proliferation and the synthesis of keloid-related genes on fibroblasts by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.
7.Efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii as an adjuvant therapy for ulcerative colitis
Xiang XU ; Pengguang YAN ; Ye MA ; Jing WANG ; Jingnan LI
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(1):50-57
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii ( S. boulardii) as an adjuvant therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods:Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database were retrieved from their inception to September 1, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about S. boulardii as an adjuvant therapy for UC were included. The intervention method was S. boulardii monotherapy or as an adjunct to other medications ( Saccharomyces group), while the control group received other medications. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2.0). Primary outcome indicators included overall efficacy, clinical remission rate, and endoscopic remission rate. Secondary outcome indicators included Baron score, Sutherland disease activity index, indicators of intestinal mucosal barrier function, levels of inflammatory cytokines, and overall adverse events. RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. RR and MD were taken as effect indicators of count data and measurement data, respectively. Results:A total of 26 RCTs were included, all from China. Among them, 22 studies reported the overall efficacy in UC patients. The results indicated that the overall efficacy of Saccharomyces group was higher than that of the control group (93.5%(943/1 009) vs. 76.8%(771/1 004)), and the difference was statistically significant ( RR=1.20, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.16 to 1.25, P<0.001). And 9 studies assessed the efficacy in patients with mild or moderate UC. The results showed that the clinical remission rate and endoscopic remission rate of Saccharomyces group were both higher that those of the control group (68.1%(581/853) vs. 53.1%(455/857); 54.9%(425/774) vs. 35.5%(273/769)), and the differences were statistically significant ( RR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.25, P<0.001; RR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.28 to 1.73, P<0.001). S. boulardii as an adjunctive therapy could significantly lower the Baron score in patients with UC (7 studies) and mild to moderate UC (5 studies) ( MD=-0.51, 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.33; MD=-0.50, 95% CI: -0.75 to -0.26; both P<0.001). Additionally, S. boulardii as an adjunctive therapy could significantly decrease the Sutherland disease activity index in patients with UC (6 studies) and mild to moderate UC (3 studies), and the differences were statistically significant ( MD=-1.50, 95% CI: -2.26 to -0.74; MD=-0.92, 95% CI: -1.16 to -0.69; both P<0.001). Compared with the control group, S. boulardii as an adjunctive therapy significantly improved intestinal mucosal barrier function and decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with UC and patients with mild to moderate UC (all P<0.05), such as D-lactate ( MD=-2.44, 95% CI: -4.43 to -0.45; MD=-1.47, 95% CI: -2.03 to -0.91), Geboes index ( MD=-0.40, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.35; MD=-0.39, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.32), C-reactive protein ( MD=-3.70, 95% CI: -5.65 to -1.76; MD=-3.36, 95% CI: -5.07 to -1.64), and tumor necrosis factor-α levels ( MD=-7.64, 95% CI: -11.27 to -4.01; MD=-7.75, 95% CI: -12.25 to -3.25). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between Saccharomyces group and the control group (13 studies) (7.8%(47/602) vs. 10.9%(65/596)), RR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.52 to 1.09, P=0.130). Conclusions:The additional use of S. boulardii in the treatment of UC. It can improve the clinical remission rate, alleviate intestinal inflammation, promote the recovery is safe of the injury in intestinal mucosal barrier.
8.Analysis of clinical and endoscopic characteristics of autoimmune gastritis
Yijun ZHANG ; Rui JIN ; Tianming XU ; Ji LI ; Jing WANG ; Aiming YANG ; Jingnan LI
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(4):235-240
Objective:To investigate the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of patients with autoimmune gastritis (AIG).Methods:From January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2023, 73 AIG patients who visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical data of all the patients were analyzed, including gender, age, symptoms, laboratory examination results (such as serum hemoglobin, vitamin B 12, serum iron, gastrin, anti-parietal cell antibody (APCA), anti-intrinsic factor antibody (AIFA), Helicobacter pylori ( HP) infection status; the indicators were judged based on the normal reference value), and endoscopic and histopathological examination results. Descriptive statistical methods were used for statistical analysis. Results:Among the 73 AIG patients, there were 27 males (37.0%) and 46 females (63.0%), with a median age of 57 years old (ranged from 25 to 85 years old). Among the 73 AIG patients, 68 patients received APCA test, with a positivity rate of 88.2% (60/68); 67 patients took the AIFA test, with a positivity rate of 52.2%(35/67); 62 patients underwent both APCA and AIFA tests, of which 22 patients (35.5%) showed double positive. Serum level of vitamin B 12 was detected in 59 patients, and decreased in 27 cases (median level: 0.100 ng/L, mean level: 0.102 ng/L). Gastrin level was detected in 58 patients, and increased in 55 cases (median level: 0.930 ng/L, mean level: 1.203 ng/L). The levels of serum iron and ferritin were tested in 52 patients, the level of serum iron of 5 cases decreased, and the level of ferritin of 17 cases decreased (median level: 780.0 and 26.0 μg/L, mean level: 807.8 and 76.0 ng/L, respectively).Among the 73 AIG patients, the urea breath test was performed in 12 patients, and the result was positive in 6 cases. Endoscopic rapid urease test was performed in 69 patients, and the result was positive in 11 cases (15.9%). Regular blood analysis was performed in 71 patients, 24 cases (33.8%) were diagnosed with anemia, the median age of patients with anemia was 55 years old, and male-to-female ratio was 1∶5. There were 6 cases of iron-deficiency anemia and 5 cases of pernicious anemia. The endoscopic examination results of 73 patients indicated that 65 cases (89.0%) with mucosal atrophy under endoscopy, including 47 cases (64.4%) with mucosal atrophy in the gastric fundus and body, and 18 cases (24.7%) with whole gastric atrophy, more obviously in the gastric body. The pathological examination results showed type Ⅰ gastric neuroendocrine tumor(g-NET) in 35 cases (47.9%). Conclusions:The early clinical symptoms of AIG patients are nonspecific, often present with anemia and vitamin B 12 deficiency. Close monitoring of serological markers including APCA, AIFA and gastrin is essential. For patients diagnosed or suspected with AIG, intervals of endoscopic surveillance should be shortened to prevent the genesis and development of neoplasms such as g-NET.
9.Protective effect and mechanism of acteoside in diabetic nephropathy
Dongyan WANG ; Zhaoan GUO ; Jingnan TANG ; Hui LIU ; Shanshan SU
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(9):769-774,780
Objective To investigate the effects of acteoside in a rat model on of diabetic nephropathy(DN)and high-glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs),focusing on the role of acteoside in the silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/nuclear factor eryth-roid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)signaling pathway.Methods GMCs were cultured under normal glucose conditions or stimulated with high glucose.Fibrosis,oxidative stress,SIRT1 and Nrf2 protein expression,and mitochondrial structure were assessed in four groups:normal glucose,high glucose,high glucose+acteoside,and high glucose+acteoside+SIRT1 inhibitor(hsa62).DN was induced in rats via intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection,and animals were divided into control,model,and acteoside-treated groups.Pathological kidney changes,blood glucose changes,renal function indices,and protein expression of SIRT1 and Nrf2 were evaluated.Results Compared with controls,DN model rats showed significantly elevated fasting blood glucose,serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen,and 24-h urinary protein levels of rats in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01).GMCs exhibited increased fibrosis,oxidative stress,and mitochondrial damage.Acteoside treatment significantly improved all measured parameters(P<0.01);and mitigated mitochondrial injury.In vitro,acteoside reduced high-glucose-induced fibrosis and oxidative stress in GMCs,effects that were reversed by SIRT1 inhibition.Western blotting confirmed upregulation of SIRT1 and Nrf2 expression in both treated rat kidney tissues and GMCs(P<0.01).Conclusion Acteoside alleviates glomerular fibrosis and oxidative stress in DN by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway,suggesting its potential therapeutic agent for DN.
10.Danlou tablet ameliorates lipid deposition in HepG2 cells by regulating oxidative stress
Zhiqi SONG ; Nan SONG ; Yu LIU ; Jingnan LIU ; Qun WANG ; Lianqun JIA ; Dongyu MIN
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(10):865-868,882
Objective To investigate whether Danlou tablet-containing serum ameliorates lipid deposition in HepG2 cells by regulating oxidative stress.Methods Optimal treatment conditions,including concentration and exposure time of Danlou tablet and concentration of oleic acid,were determined,and their effects on cell viability were assessed using the CCK-8 assay.An in vitro model of lipid depo-sition was established by inducing HepG2 cells with oleic acid.HepG2 cells were divided into control,model(treated with oleic acid),and Danlou tablet groups(treated with oleic acid and Danlou tablet).Intracellular lipid droplets were visualized using oil red O staining.Lipid content including non-esterified fatty acid(NEFA)and triglyceride(TG),as well as oxidative stress markers in the cell supernatant,were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Ultimately,reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were measured using a fluores-cent probe.Results The optimal conditions were 10%Danlou tablet,24-hour treatment,and 800 μmol/L oleic acid.Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited significantly increased lipid droplet number and size,elevated supernatant levels of NEFA,TG,malondialdehyde,cyclooxygenase-2,and ROS(P<0.01),and decreased levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Danlou tablet group showed reduced lipid deposition and oxidative stress markers,and increased antioxidant enzyme activity.Conclusion Danlou tablet may ameliorate oleic acid-induced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells by regulating oxidative stress response.

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