1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.Application evaluation of the care-need grading assessment tool for adult with disabilities in welfare institutions
Qi TANG ; Jun LÜ ; Chunhua MA ; Haoying HUANG ; Jiayao SUN ; Ran TAO ; Chunlei LU ; Aihua HUANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(8):946-958
ObjectiveTo apply and systematically evaluate the care-need grading assessment tool for adults with disabilities in welfare institutions. MethodsFrom June to July, 2025, four disability care institutions in Shanghai were selected, and a total of 1 002 adults with disabilities were assessed using the self-developed care-need grading assessment tool for adults with disabilities in welfare institutions. The application effectiveness of the tool was evaluated by analyzing the classification results of care need grading and the reclassification in grade distribution. The application validity was assessed through score differences across functional dimensions, reduced-dimension clustering scatter plots for each grade, and external variables. The application efficiency was evaluated based on the average assessment duration and learning curves. The application utility value was assessed through the distribution characteristics and mapping relationships of service lists across different grades. ResultsThe distribution across disability levels was 84 in Level 1, 298 in Level 2, 92 in Level 3, 246 in Level 4, and 282 in Level 5, indicating a trend where individuals from higher levels in the original system shifted toward the middle and lower levels of the new system. The tool demonstrated strong discriminatory power across the four functional dimensions (P < 0.001), indicating favorable discriminant validity. The five classified levels exhibited clear clustering boundaries in the reduced-dimension space, reflecting robust structural validity. The classification results were consistent with theoretical expectations regarding external variables, including age, disability type, disability grade, number of comorbidities, and primary clinical diagnoses (P < 0.05), demonstrating sound external validity. The median assessment duration was 5.80 minutes, with a significant learning effect (P = 0.037), showcasing high efficiency. Finally, service lists tailored to different care levels were developed, where service content exhibited graded differences across care levels and accurately mapped the care-need characteristics of each grade, reflecting substantial utility value. ConclusionThis tool can classify the care needs of adults with disabilities into five levels, with sound validity and high assessment efficiency; while the resulting service lists for different care levels can be used to guide practical implementation, which can be used for the graded assessment of care needs among adults with disabilities.
3.Application of Non-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
Yu-Feng ZHANG ; Wei WANG ; Zi-Jun LU ; Jiao-Jiao LÜ ; Yu LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1196-1205
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts patients’ independence and quality of life, imposing a substantial burden on both individuals and society. Although dopaminergic replacement therapies provide temporary relief from various symptoms, their long-term use often leads to motor complications, limiting overall effectiveness. In recent years, non-invasive deep brain stimulation (DBS) techniques have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives for PD, offering a means to modulate deep brain regions with high precision without invasive procedures. These techniques include temporal interference stimulation (TIs), low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (LITFUS), transcranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS), non-invasive optogenetic modulation, and non-invasive magnetoelectric stimulation. They have demonstrated significant potential in alleviating various PD symptoms by modulating neural activity within specific deep brain structures affected by the disease. Among these approaches, TIs and LITFUS have received considerable attention. TIs generate low-frequency interference by applying two slightly different high-frequency electric fields, targeting specific brain areas to alleviate symptoms such as tremors and bradykinesia. LITFUS, on the other hand, uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to non-invasively stimulate deep brain structures, showing promise in improving both motor function and cognition in PD patients. The other three techniques, while still in early research stages, also hold significant promise for deep brain modulation and broader clinical applications, potentially complementing existing treatment strategies. Despite these promising findings, significant challenges remain in translating these techniques into clinical practice. The heterogeneous nature of PD, characterized by variable disease progression and individualized treatment responses, necessitates flexible protocols tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying these treatments is crucial for refining protocols and maximizing their therapeutic potential. Personalized medicine approaches, such as the integration of neuroimaging and biomarkers, will be pivotal in customizing stimulation parameters to optimize efficacy. Furthermore, while early-stage clinical trials have reported improvements in certain symptoms, long-term efficacy and safety data are limited. To validate these techniques, large-scale, multi-center, randomized controlled trials are essential. Parallel advancements in device design, including the development of portable and cost-effective systems, will improve patient access and adherence to treatment protocols. Combining non-invasive DBS with other interventions, such as pharmacological treatments and physical therapy, could also provide a more comprehensive and synergistic approach to managing PD. In conclusion, non-invasive deep brain stimulation techniques represent a promising frontier in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. While they have demonstrated considerable potential in improving symptoms and restoring neural function, further research is needed to refine protocols, validate long-term outcomes, and optimize clinical applications. With ongoing technological and scientific advancements, these methods could offer PD patients safer, more effective, and personalized treatment options, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing the societal burden of the disease.
4.Comparison of classification and grading approach in four selected disability standards using ICF framework
Yifan TIAN ; Di CHEN ; Zhuoying QIU ; Yaru YANG ; Jun LÜ ; Xiangbing DONG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(4):382-390
Objective Based on the theoretical framework of International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health(ICF),this paper compared the classification and grading methods of disability standards in four areas in China,focusing on definition,classification,grading,coding systems and assessment tools.Methods Four disability standards including Disability Assessment and Code for Life Insurance(insurance standard),Classification of Disability Degrees for Human Body Injury(judicial standard),Grading of Disability for Work-Related Injuries and Occupational Diseases(work-related injury standard),and Classification and Grading of Dis-abilities for Persons with Disabilities(disability eligibility standard)were systematically analyzed.Each standard was reviewed to identify core elements of disability definitions,classification,and grading methods.Content analysis was used to extract and compare the definitions,classification,grading,coding systems,and assessment tools.The strengths,weaknesses,and practical limitations of each standard were analyzed using the ICF frame-work.Results There were different in disability definitions,classification and grading,coding systems,and assessment tools across the standards.In terms of definitions,the insurance standard emphasized ICF's body structure and function impairments;the judicial standard defined disability as limitations in life and work capacity due to bodily injury,covering ICF's body structure and function,activity and participation;the work-related injury standard focused on loss of labor capacity due to work-related injuries,involving body structure and function,activity and partici-pation;the disability eligibility standard refered to the ICF model,defining disability as impairments in body function and structure,and activity limitations and participation restriction.Regarding classification and grading,the insurance standard divided disabilities into eight categories based on body structure and function,with ten grades of disability severity;the judicial standard first graded disabilities into ten levels and then classified as in-jury site;the work-related injury standard divided disabilities into five categories based on clinical disciplines,grading from one to ten;the disability eligibility standard divided disabilities into seven categories,each with four grades.For coding systems and assessment tools,the insurance standard used ICF coding system,while the disability standard for persons with disabilities used a numerical coding system other from ICF,and the other standards did not use coding systems.Assessment tools varied significantly.The use of World Health Organiza-tion Disability Assessment Schedule(WHODAS 2.0)was proposed but not applying it in grading.Conclusion This study has systematically compared and analyzed four typical disability-related standards in China using the ICF framework.Personal Insurance Disability Assessment and Coding,Grading of Disability Caused by Bodily Injury,and Classification and Grading of Disabilities for Persons with Disabilities are all promulgated af-ter 2011,and adopt ICF concepts and methods to define and classify disabilities,considering body function and structure,activity and participation,and environmental factors.However,due to different purposes,their grading methods and levels vary:except for Classification and Grading of Disabilities for Persons with Disabilities,which uses a four-level grading system,the other standards use a ten-level system,primarily based on body func-tion and structure.In disability assessment,the recommended methods differ by category,showing significant variability.Due to differing classification and grading methods,disability data from various standards are lack in comparability.The international trend advocates for a unified disability standard framework based on ICF and ICD-11 to enhance the comparability and exchangeability of disability data.
5.Disability definition,classification,grading and assessment in disability eligibility:an ICF and ICD-11 frame-work perspective
Yaru YANG ; Zhuoying QIU ; Di CHEN ; Jun LÜ ; Yifan TIAN ; Aimin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(4):373-381
Objective Utilizing the International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health(ICF)framework and Interna-tional Classification of Diseases,the 11th Revision(ICD-11)system,alongside evidence from World Health Or-ganization(WHO)global reports and technical reports from relevant countries,this study systematically exam-ines the definitions,classifications,grading,and assessment methods for visual,hearing,speech,physical,intel-lectual,and mental(psychiatric)disabilities.Methods Employing the ICF's biopsychosocial model,classification,and coding system and ICD-11,and referencing WHO global reports and national technical reports,this study systematically investigated the definitions,classifi-cations,grading and assessment approaches for six prevalent disabilities:visual,hearing,speech,physical,intel-lectual and mental.Results The ICF and ICD-11model and classification system offered a robust framework for defining,classifying,grad-ing and assessing disabilities.Disability definitions should address body function impairments,activity limita-tions,participation restrictions and environmental factors.The definitions,classifications and grading of visual,hearing,speech,physical,intellectual and mental disabilities aligned with ICF categories for body functions and structures,activities and participation and categories of ICD-11.Standardized tools like the WHO Disability As-sessment Schedule(WHODAS 2.0)effectively measured overall activity and participation levels.Conclusion Anchored in the ICF and ICD-11 framework,disabilities are defined,classified,graded and assessed across body functions and structure,activities and participation,and environmental factors.WHODAS 2.0 serves as a universal tool for assessing activities and participation,enabling both comprehensive functional evaluations and the conversion of results from other assessment tools.By analyzing WHO global reports and technical documents in some countries within the ICF and ICD-11 classifications framework,this study highlights global advance-ments in disability definitions,classifications,grading and assessments.Variations in disability statistics stem from differing definitions,diagnostic criteria and assessments.Disability service eligibility criteria should be tai-lored to the needs of recipients and the capacity of providers.
6.Development of a needs assessment tool for grading care services for adults with disabilities in welfare institutions
Jiayao SUN ; Chunhua MA ; Jun LÜ ; Qi TANG ; Zhimin SHAO ; Kangning HU ; Haoying HUANG ; Aihua HUANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(7):802-811
Objective To develop a tool for assessing the needs for care services for adults with disabilities in welfare institutions,and formulate criteria for classifying care needs.Methods Based on the theory of the International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health,the core contents of domestic and international care service assessment standards were analysed,and the first draft of the assess-ment tool was formed integrating with the current practice of welfare institutions.A total of eleven experts in the field of care services validated the first draft,and the assessment tool was revised according to the experts'opin-ions.From May to June,2024,340 adults with disabilities from Second Social Welfare Institute of Shanghai were graded to analyze the reliability and validity of the assessment tool.And then,1 046 subjects from Second Social Welfare Institute of Shanghai were graded using the assessment tool,and the scoring intervals for the five levels of care were determined using cluster analysis.Results The assessment tool included four first-level dimensions,eleven second-level dimensions,39 third-level dimen-sions and 43 indicators.The coefficients of variation of each dimension and indicator were less than 0.25 for ex-pert validation,while the average score of the importance of each indicator was above 4.63,with a full score rate more than 0.86.The overall Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.956,the test-retest reliability was 0.997,and the con-tent validity index of each indicator was 0.83 to 1.00.The exploratory factor analysis extracted four common fac-tors,with a cumulative variance contribution of 86.679%;the loading coefficients of indicators were 0.675 to 0.878,and the correlation coefficients among the dimensions were 0.325 to 0.476.Cluster analysis determined the level of institutional care needs as level 1(severe),level 2(medium-heavy),level 3(medium),level 4(light-moderate),and level 5(light).Conclusion The needs assessment tool for care services for adults with disabilities in welfare institutions developed in this study is good in reliability and validity,and can be used in guiding the care services provided for people with disabilities more efficient and targeted.
7.Treatment of hypertensive nephropathy based on"five viscera in one"view
Hong WANG ; Lu-fan SHEN ; Rui-ling MA ; Ming-shuang HOU ; Hong-ying LÜ ; Guan-jun JIA ; Lin YI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):121-126
Hypertensive nephropathy is one of the common chronic kidney diseases in China,the morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year,which seriously endangers the physical and mental health of patients.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that human is an organic whole,the five viscera and six organs are closely related in physiology and pathology,based on the theory of"holistic concept",the application of Chinese medicine in the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy can effectively improve kidney function and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.Therefore,based on the theory of"five viscera in one",this paper summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy and the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy from the five aspects of liver,heart,spleen,lung and kidney,aiming to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease by traditional Chinese medicine.
8.Research status on the therapeutic potential of paeoniflorin in renal fibrosis based on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Lin-zhen JIA ; Tian-tian HAN ; Li-bo WEN ; Kun ZHAO ; Ren-jun GAO ; Ying LÜ ; Xue LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):132-136
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the regulation of renal fibrosis by participating in inflammatory response,oxidative stress and autophagy.Paeoniflorin exhibits remarkable efficacy in treating myocardial and liver fibrosis.This article provides a comprehensive review on the research progress of paeoniflora in preventing and treating renal fibrosis through modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,offering novel insights for traditional Chinese medicine-based approaches to prevent and treat renal fibrosis.
9.Development of a needs assessment tool for grading care services for adults with disabilities in welfare institutions
Jiayao SUN ; Chunhua MA ; Jun LÜ ; Qi TANG ; Zhimin SHAO ; Kangning HU ; Haoying HUANG ; Aihua HUANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(7):802-811
Objective To develop a tool for assessing the needs for care services for adults with disabilities in welfare institutions,and formulate criteria for classifying care needs.Methods Based on the theory of the International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health,the core contents of domestic and international care service assessment standards were analysed,and the first draft of the assess-ment tool was formed integrating with the current practice of welfare institutions.A total of eleven experts in the field of care services validated the first draft,and the assessment tool was revised according to the experts'opin-ions.From May to June,2024,340 adults with disabilities from Second Social Welfare Institute of Shanghai were graded to analyze the reliability and validity of the assessment tool.And then,1 046 subjects from Second Social Welfare Institute of Shanghai were graded using the assessment tool,and the scoring intervals for the five levels of care were determined using cluster analysis.Results The assessment tool included four first-level dimensions,eleven second-level dimensions,39 third-level dimen-sions and 43 indicators.The coefficients of variation of each dimension and indicator were less than 0.25 for ex-pert validation,while the average score of the importance of each indicator was above 4.63,with a full score rate more than 0.86.The overall Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.956,the test-retest reliability was 0.997,and the con-tent validity index of each indicator was 0.83 to 1.00.The exploratory factor analysis extracted four common fac-tors,with a cumulative variance contribution of 86.679%;the loading coefficients of indicators were 0.675 to 0.878,and the correlation coefficients among the dimensions were 0.325 to 0.476.Cluster analysis determined the level of institutional care needs as level 1(severe),level 2(medium-heavy),level 3(medium),level 4(light-moderate),and level 5(light).Conclusion The needs assessment tool for care services for adults with disabilities in welfare institutions developed in this study is good in reliability and validity,and can be used in guiding the care services provided for people with disabilities more efficient and targeted.
10.Treatment of hypertensive nephropathy based on"five viscera in one"view
Hong WANG ; Lu-fan SHEN ; Rui-ling MA ; Ming-shuang HOU ; Hong-ying LÜ ; Guan-jun JIA ; Lin YI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):121-126
Hypertensive nephropathy is one of the common chronic kidney diseases in China,the morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year,which seriously endangers the physical and mental health of patients.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that human is an organic whole,the five viscera and six organs are closely related in physiology and pathology,based on the theory of"holistic concept",the application of Chinese medicine in the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy can effectively improve kidney function and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.Therefore,based on the theory of"five viscera in one",this paper summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy and the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy from the five aspects of liver,heart,spleen,lung and kidney,aiming to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease by traditional Chinese medicine.

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