1.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
2.Association of personality and sleep quality with psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):65-69
Objective:
To explore the effects of personality and sleep quality with psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents, so as to provide a reference basis for precise interventions of junior and senior high school students mental health.
Methods:
In October 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to select 9 034 students aged 12-17 from Shiyan City as the study subjects. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) were used to collect information on sleep quality and psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents. Between group comparison was conducted by using t-test and Chi-square test. Generalized linear models were employed to analyze the interaction and joint effects of personality and sleep quality on psychological distress.
Results:
The generalized linear model analysis showed that the interaction between personality and sleep quality on psychological distress was statistically significant of junior and senior high school students(effect size=0.80, P <0.01). The general linear model analysis indicated that, after adjusting for variables such as age, gender, screen time, and daily sitting time with the extroverted and good sleep quality group as the reference, the introverted and poor sleep quality group had the largest mean difference in psychological distress scores (difference=0.51, P <0.05). When stratified by sleep quality, psychological distress scores were higher in the introverted and neutral personality groups with both poor and good sleep quality compared to the extroverted group (poor sleep quality: introverted difference=3.71, neutral difference=1.14; good sleep quality: introverted difference=2.23, neutral difference=0.57, all P < 0.05). When stratified by personality, psychological distress scores were higher in the poor sleep quality groups for introverted, neutral, and extroverted individuals compared to their good sleep quality counterparts (differences=8.66, 7.83, 7.34, all P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
Personality and sleep quality have interactive and joint effects on psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents. Personalized psychological interventions should be developed based on personality and sleep quality.
3.The hypolipidemic function and hepatic protective effects of Xuetong capsules
Lin HE ; Yanqiong CHENG ; Juanjuan ZHAO ; Huilan LU ; Jun YANG ; Fangjian CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):289-295
Objective To investigate the effects of Xuetong capsule on blood lipids and liver lesion in hyperlipidemic model animals. Methods Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups. The normal control group was fed with normal diet, the other groups were fed with high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. After four weeks feeding, the three groups were given low, middle, and high doses of Xuetong capsules (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg) by gavage, and the positive drug control group was given atorvastatin calcium (1.5 mg/kg) by gavage. The model group was given solvent (0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium). After treatment for 8 weeks, the body weight, organ index, blood lipids, blood glucose and liver function index were measured. The liver oil red staining was used to determine the lipid droplet content, and quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Results The body weight, the weight of liver and spleen were significantly increased by high-fat diet. High-fat diet increased the organ indexes of the liver and spleen, the degree of liver oil red staining, and also significantly increased the levels of glucose, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum. Compared with the model group, the level of TG has no significant change in low, middle and high doses groups. The level of CHOL in serum was reduced by Xuetong capsule with a dose dependent manner. There were significant difference between the model group and middle, high doses groups. The results of LDL-C were similar, the level of LDL-C was significantly reduced by middle and high doses groups [middle dose (0.55±0.21) mmol/L, high dose (0.52±0.22) mmol/L vs (0.81±0.29) mmol/L in model group, P<0.05]. Compared with the normal control, there was no significant difference in HDL-C levels between the high-fat model and each drug-treated group. Liver function showed that Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the degree of liver oil red staining and decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) induced by high-fat diet. The body weight, the weight and organ indexes of liver and spleen were significantly reduced by positive drug control group. The levels of CHOL, LDL-C, and TG, and the degree of liver oil red staining were also significantly reduced in positive drug control group. Further studies have shown that high dose of Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by high-fat diet (P<0.05), while the reduction of IL-1β was not so significant (P>0.05). Conclusion Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the body weight of animals with high fat, liver size, fat deposition, inflammatory damage and also significantly reduced blood lipid CHOL and LDL-C levels and transaminase elevation. The above effects may be related to Xuetong capsules reducing the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver.
4.The hypolipidemic function and hepatic protective effects of Xuetong capsules
Lin HE ; Yanqiong CHENG ; Juanjuan ZHAO ; Huilan LU ; Jun YANG ; Fangjian CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):289-295
Objective To investigate the effects of Xuetong capsule on blood lipids and liver lesion in hyperlipidemic model animals. Methods Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups. The normal control group was fed with normal diet, the other groups were fed with high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. After four weeks feeding, the three groups were given low, middle, and high doses of Xuetong capsules (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg) by gavage, and the positive drug control group was given atorvastatin calcium (1.5 mg/kg) by gavage. The model group was given solvent (0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium). After treatment for 8 weeks, the body weight, organ index, blood lipids, blood glucose and liver function index were measured. The liver oil red staining was used to determine the lipid droplet content, and quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Results The body weight, the weight of liver and spleen were significantly increased by high-fat diet. High-fat diet increased the organ indexes of the liver and spleen, the degree of liver oil red staining, and also significantly increased the levels of glucose, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum. Compared with the model group, the level of TG has no significant change in low, middle and high doses groups. The level of CHOL in serum was reduced by Xuetong capsule with a dose dependent manner. There were significant difference between the model group and middle, high doses groups. The results of LDL-C were similar, the level of LDL-C was significantly reduced by middle and high doses groups [middle dose (0.55±0.21) mmol/L, high dose (0.52±0.22) mmol/L vs (0.81±0.29) mmol/L in model group, P<0.05]. Compared with the normal control, there was no significant difference in HDL-C levels between the high-fat model and each drug-treated group. Liver function showed that Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the degree of liver oil red staining and decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) induced by high-fat diet. The body weight, the weight and organ indexes of liver and spleen were significantly reduced by positive drug control group. The levels of CHOL, LDL-C, and TG, and the degree of liver oil red staining were also significantly reduced in positive drug control group. Further studies have shown that high dose of Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by high-fat diet (P<0.05), while the reduction of IL-1β was not so significant (P>0.05). Conclusion Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the body weight of animals with high fat, liver size, fat deposition, inflammatory damage and also significantly reduced blood lipid CHOL and LDL-C levels and transaminase elevation. The above effects may be related to Xuetong capsules reducing the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver.
5.Associations of Life's Crucial 9 and the risk of thyroid dysfunction: a cohort study
Juanjuan ZHANG ; Yuerong HE ; Zhiyuan TANG ; Xiangdong SUN ; Jiale SHEN ; Jianping GONG ; Chao LIU ; Yang XIA
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(8):1400-1408
Objective:Exploring the association between Life's Crucial 9 (LC9) and the risk of thyroid dysfunction (TD), as well as its potential predictive capacity.Methods:A total of 247 600 TD-free participants from the UK Biobank were enrolled in the study. The LC9 score was divided into three CVH groups: low (0-), medium (50-), and high (80-100). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the HRs and 95% CIs of the risk of TD with LC9 CVH status. Calculate Harrell's concordance index ( C-index), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) to evaluate the predictive ability of the LC9 score and Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score. Results:During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 5 515, 911, and 4 869 new cases of TD, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism were documented, respectively. Participants with a high LE8 CVH group had 57.00% ( HR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.38-0.49), 55.00% ( HR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.34-0.60), and 58.00% ( HR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.37-0.47) lower risk of TD, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, respectively, than those with low CVH group. Compared with the LE8 score, the improvement in C-index for the LC9 score predicted TD risk was 0.004 (95% CI: 0.001-0.007), the NRI was 0.101 (95% CI: 0.021-0.103), and the IDI was 0.001 (95% CI: 0.000-0.001). Conclusions:The better CVH status, defined by LC9, was associated with a lower risk of TD. Compared to the LE8 score, the LC9 score demonstrated a significant enhancement in both risk discrimination and reclassification capability for TD risk.
6.Qingre Sanzhuo Decoction Treats Gouty Arthritis Combined with Hyperuricaemia in Rats via NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 Pathway
Haolin LI ; Qian BAI ; Weigang CHENG ; Weiqing LI ; Juanjuan YANG ; Peixin HE ; Huijun YANG ; Haidong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):49-57
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Qingre Sanzhuo decoction in treating gouty arthritis (GA) combined with hyperuricaemia (HUA). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.5 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (17, 34, 68 g·kg-1, respectively) Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups (n=10). The rats in other groups except the normal group were treated with the modified method for the modeling of GA combined with HUA. The drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage in the afternoon every day and the normal group and the model group were administrated with an equal volume of sterile normal saline by gavage. The level of uric acid (SUA) in the serum was measured 2 h after the last administration. The degree of ankle joint swelling was calculated 0.5, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling, and joint inflammation was scored. The pathological changes of ankle joints were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), C reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), gasdermin D (GSDMD), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in ankle joints. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of GSDMD and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed increased SUA in the serum (P<0.05), ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation (P<0.05), increased number of blood vessels in the synovium, inflammatory cell foci in the synovial bursa, elevated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18 (P<0.05), and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups showed reduced SUA in the serum (P<0.05), alleviated ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation (P<0.05), lowered serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18 (P<0.05), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints (P<0.05). However, in terms of ameliorating the pathological changes of ankle joints, only the high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction group showed normal morphology of the synovial membrane of ankle joints and no obvious lesion in the articular cartilage. ConclusionQingre Sanzhuo decoction may play a role in preventing and controlling GA combined with HUA by down-regulating the activity of NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18.
7.Schroth therapy combined with core strength training improves scoliosis angle in patients with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Juanjuan ZHANG ; Nannan JIANG ; Yajun WU ; Qian GU ; Linfei HE ; Yongxin JI ; Su LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(27):5876-5882
BACKGROUND:The definitive cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is not yet known.The search for a clinical approach to address adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is imminent.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Schroth therapy combined with core strength training on mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and to provide more bases for the clinical treatment of mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.METHODS:110 patients with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis attending the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Spine Surgery of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from July 2022 to January 2024 were selected as the study subjects.They were divided into the trial group and the control group according to the wishes of the patients and their parents,with 55 cases in each group.The control group was observed and followed up,and the trial group underwent Schroth therapy combined with core strength training for 45 minutes a day for 24 weeks.The differences in imaging parameters,body surface indexes,three-dimensional ultrasound imaging angle,and quality of life were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)At 24 weeks after treatment,major curve Cobb,apical vertebral translation,and cervical lordosis were significantly improved in the trial group(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the control group(P>0.05).Major curve Cobb and apical vertebral translation in the trial group were significantly better than those in the control group(P<0.05).(2)At 24 weeks after treatment,angle of trunk rotation in the trial group was significantly lower than that before treatment(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between before and after treatment in the control group(P>0.05),and angle of trunk rotation in the trial group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).(3)At 24 weeks after treatment,the center of laminae angle of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging was significantly reduced in the trial group(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the control group before and after treatment(P>0.05).The center of laminae angle of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging was smaller in the trial group than that in the control group(P<0.05).(4)At 24 weeks after treatment,in terms of the quality of life,pain dimension score in the trial group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Both trial and control groups showed significantly higher scores in the self-image dimension compared with that before treatment(P<0.05).Both groups had significantly lower scores in the mental health dimension compared with that before treatment(P<0.05).In the dimensions of pain,self-image,mental health,and satisfaction,the trial group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).(5)It is indicated that Schroth therapy combined with core strength training can improve the major curve Cobb,apical vertebral translation,and cervical lordosis angle,reduce the angle of trunk rotation,decrease the center of laminae angle of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging,and improve the quality of life,and it is effective in the treatment of mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
8.Associations of Life's Crucial 9 and the risk of thyroid dysfunction: a cohort study
Juanjuan ZHANG ; Yuerong HE ; Zhiyuan TANG ; Xiangdong SUN ; Jiale SHEN ; Jianping GONG ; Chao LIU ; Yang XIA
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(8):1400-1408
Objective:Exploring the association between Life's Crucial 9 (LC9) and the risk of thyroid dysfunction (TD), as well as its potential predictive capacity.Methods:A total of 247 600 TD-free participants from the UK Biobank were enrolled in the study. The LC9 score was divided into three CVH groups: low (0-), medium (50-), and high (80-100). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the HRs and 95% CIs of the risk of TD with LC9 CVH status. Calculate Harrell's concordance index ( C-index), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) to evaluate the predictive ability of the LC9 score and Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score. Results:During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 5 515, 911, and 4 869 new cases of TD, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism were documented, respectively. Participants with a high LE8 CVH group had 57.00% ( HR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.38-0.49), 55.00% ( HR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.34-0.60), and 58.00% ( HR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.37-0.47) lower risk of TD, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, respectively, than those with low CVH group. Compared with the LE8 score, the improvement in C-index for the LC9 score predicted TD risk was 0.004 (95% CI: 0.001-0.007), the NRI was 0.101 (95% CI: 0.021-0.103), and the IDI was 0.001 (95% CI: 0.000-0.001). Conclusions:The better CVH status, defined by LC9, was associated with a lower risk of TD. Compared to the LE8 score, the LC9 score demonstrated a significant enhancement in both risk discrimination and reclassification capability for TD risk.
9.Research progress in surface modification strategies for blood purification materials
Di HE ; Juanjuan LIU ; Weihua YIN ; Fengjie HAN ; Guiming SHU
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(1):96-102
The development of blood purification materials has progressed from cellulose membranes to high-strength polymer membranes, but the blood compatibility of the membranes remains a major challenge for their clinical applications. In this review, blood purification materials were categorized according to the commonly used material surface modification strategies, including surface grafting of anticoagulant groups, surface coating of materials and electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly, covalent attachment of superhydrophilic hydrogels, and blending method. Anticoagulant properties such as clotting time and surface hydrophilicity of various blood purification materials were also discussed to further analyze the value and challenges of blood purification materials in clinical practice.
10.Research on the Allocation Balance of Health Resources in Shanxi Province under the Background of Healthy Shanxi
Yimin KANG ; Juanjuan YAN ; Chaoshuo HE ; Miao WANG
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(8):49-54,60
Objective:Under the background of the"Healthy Shanxi 2030"strategy,it systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and equilibrium of health resource allocation in Shanxi Province,and explores the optimization path to promote the high-quality development of health care.Methods:Based on the health statistics of Shanxi Province from 2012 to 2023,it systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and equilibrium of health resource allocation in Shanxi Province by using Gini coefficient,Theil index and statistical description method.Results:The total number of health resources in Shanxi Province continues to grow steadily,and by the end of 2023,the total number of medical and health institutions in the province will reach to 37 838,the number of hospital beds will reach to 223 650,and the total number of health technicians will be 260 536.Despite this,the imbalance of regional allocation is still significant,showing a"core-periphery"structure.According to the calculation of the Gini coefficient and the Theil index,from 2011 to 2023,the overall equilibrium of the health resources allocation in Shanxi Province showed a gradual improvement trend,which was reflected in the fact that the Gini coefficient of the number of health institutions decreased from 0.287 to 0.268,and the Theil index decreased by 42.40%.However,the structural imbalance of key human resources such as registered nurses is still significant,and the Gini coefficient continues to be higher than 0.30.The regional differences are mainly due to the economic gradient differentiation,policy orientation and population aging pressure,among which the Gini coefficient in the Jinzhong region group is 0.33,and the contribution of regional differences to the overall imbalance is more than 51.00%.Conclusion:Promote the balanced allocation of health resources and help achieve the strategic goal of"Healthy Shanxi"by optimizing the spatial distribution of resources,strengthening the capacity of grassroots services,improving the talent training and mobility mechanism,and deepening the reform of the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system.


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