1.The Role and Mechanism of Circadian Rhythm Regulation in Skin Tissue Regeneration
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Xiao-Meng MA ; Zhen-Kai JIN ; Kun LI ; Min WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1165-1178
Circadian rhythm is an endogenous biological clock mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to the earth’s alternation of day and night. It plays a fundamental role in regulating physiological functions and behavioral patterns, such as sleep, feeding, hormone levels and body temperature. By aligning these processes with environmental changes, circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting optimal health. However, modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular work schedules and pervasive exposure to artificial light, have disrupted these rhythms for many individuals. Such disruptions have been linked to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythm in human health. Among the numerous systems influenced by circadian rhythm, the skin—a multifunctional organ and the largest by surface area—is particularly noteworthy. As the body’s first line of defense against environmental insults such as UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens, the skin is highly affected by changes in circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm regulates multiple skin-related processes, including cyclic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as DNA repair mechanisms and antioxidant defenses. For instance, studies have shown that keratinocyte proliferation peaks during the night, coinciding with reduced environmental stress, while DNA repair mechanisms are most active during the day to counteract UV-induced damage. This temporal coordination highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in preserving skin integrity and function. Beyond maintaining homeostasis, circadian rhythm is also pivotal in the skin’s repair and regeneration processes following injury. Skin regeneration is a complex, multi-stage process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, all of which are influenced by circadian regulation. Key cellular activities, such as fibroblast migration, keratinocyte activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, are modulated by the circadian clock, ensuring that repair processes occur with optimal efficiency. Additionally, circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, which are critical for coordinating cellular communication and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Disruptions to these rhythms can impair the repair process, leading to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, or chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent information on the interactions between circadian rhythms and skin physiology, with a particular focus on skin tissue repair and regeneration. Molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in skin cells, including the role of core clock genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per and Cry. These genes control the expression of downstream effectors involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. By understanding how these mechanisms operate in healthy and diseased states, we can discover new insights into the temporal dynamics of skin regeneration. In addition, by exploring the therapeutic potential of circadian biology in enhancing skin repair and regeneration, strategies such as topical medications that can be applied in a time-limited manner, phototherapy that is synchronized with circadian rhythms, and pharmacological modulation of clock genes are expected to optimize clinical outcomes. Interventions based on the skin’s natural rhythms can provide a personalized and efficient approach to promote skin regeneration and recovery. This review not only introduces the important role of circadian rhythms in skin biology, but also provides a new idea for future innovative therapies and regenerative medicine based on circadian rhythms.
2.The Effects of Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-Relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方) on Cough Sensitivity,TRPV4 in Lung and Nasal Mucosal Tissues,and Neurogenic Inflammation in a Guinea Pig Model of Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Jingshu LUO ; Jianling MA ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Song LIU ; Yuhan FAN ; Xianli LI ; Zhaodi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):518-525
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方, QTCD) in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group, model group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and inhibitor group, with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group, guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection, followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling, the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/(100 g·d) by gavage, the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L, 5 min by nebulisation, and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/(100 g·d) normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment, a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group, while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased cough frequency, serum IgE level, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency, serum IgE level, and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, reduced IL-6 in BALF, reduced IL-8 in NLF, and decreased TRPV4, SP, and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the TCM group, the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, increased IL-6 level in BALF, and increased IL-8 levle in NLF, but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues (P<0.01). ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway, improving airway neurogenic inflammation, alleviating inflammatory responses, and reducing cough hypersensitivity.
3.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
4.Theoretical Exploration of Diabetic Retinopathy Guided by Luobing Theory
Liping CHANG ; Jing MA ; Kun MA ; Zhenhua JIA ; Cong WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):253-258
Diabetic retinopathy(DR), as one of the most common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, seriously threatens human health, and belongs to "Xiaoke eye diseases" in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which has been richly experienced by medical practitioners through the ages, but is mostly recorded in a piecemeal manner and has not been systematically researched. This disease is featured by long course and repeated attack, and is refractory, which belongs to the research category of "persistent illness entering collaterals". Systematic establishment of TCM collateral disease theory for guiding prevention and treatment of DR has important clinical value. On the basis of close correlation between tertiary collaterals at the terminal of collaterals and capillaries and microcirculation, the concept of "tertiary collaterals-microvascular" is proposed. It is pointed out that DR falls within the scope of "tertiary collaterals-microvascular" diseases, and presents four types of micro-pathological characteristics, including stasis, insufficiency, growth and bleeding of tertiary collaterals. It is concluded that "deficiency of both Qi and Yin" is the basic pathogenesis of DR, and "blood stasis and collateral obstruction" is the important pathogenesis and key factor. Thus, the treatment method of "dispersing blood stasis, dredging collateral, tonifying Qi and Yin, stopping hemorrhage and improving eyesight" is determined, and the formula of Tongluo Mingmu capsules is developed. The article tightly focuses on the pathological changes such as stasis, growth, insufficiency and bleeding of collaterals, addresses both symptoms and root causes, and plays a synergistic role of both dispersing stasis and stopping bleeding. In this way, it can realize the purpose of tonifying Qi and Yin to replenish the essence, dispersing stasis and dredging collaterals to meet the requirement, as well as stopping hemorrhage and improving eyesight to deal with changes. Fundamental researches demonstrate that Tongluo Mingmu capsules has synergy effects of protecting both retinal capillaries and retinal cells. Phase-Ⅲ clinical trial of new drug has proven definite clinical efficacy and good safety, which provides a new drug choice for enhancing clinical effect of DR, and further supports the scientific value of Luobing theory in preventing and treating DR and other clinically significant diseases.
5.Premature Aging Prevention and Treatment Guided by Essence-Qi-Spirit Theory of Qiluo Doctrine: A Review
Chuanyuan JI ; Hongrong LI ; Jiameng HAO ; Dandong WANG ; Yucong MA ; Kun MA ; Cong WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):279-285
The theoretical basis of premature aging originates from The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic. The etiology of premature aging is complex, and the disease mechanism is based on deficiency. The treatment for premature aging is based on tonicity. The essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine summarizes that "essence is the origin of life, Qi is the driving force of life, and spirit is the embodiment of life", which is the law of life. The theory puts forward the core disease mechanism of aging, which states that "deficiency of kidney essence is the root of aging, deficiency of primordial Qi is the key to aging, impairment of soma and spirit is the manifestation of aging". The theory also proposes the treatment of "tonifying kidney and supplementing essence, harmonizing Yin and Yang, warming and supporting primordial Qi, and nourishing soma and spirit" and the representative anti-aging drugs. The article unfolds from the perspective of the concepts of natural life span, premature senility before fifty, decline, and aging and also explains the origins and connotations of premature aging. The article explains the disease mechanism of premature aging under the guidance of the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine, which is "early deprivation of kidney essence, deficiency of primordial Qi, accumulation of deficiencies into impairment, and decline and impairment of soma and spirit", summarizes the progress of modern medical research on the treatment of premature aging and representative drugs, and finds that Bazi Bushen capsules have a precise therapeutic effect on the overall premature aging, systematic functional decline, and related diseases. The study provides theoretical basis and new ideas to solve the problems of premature aging and geriatric diseases.
6.Research progress on the role of extracellular histones in xenotransplantation
Kun WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Xiaojie MA ; Tao LI ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(6):962-969
Organ transplantation faces the challenge of a shortage of donors. Although xenotransplantation holds great potential, it is limited by rejection. Extracellular histones, as key members of damage-associated molecular patterns, have been proven in recent years to play a crucial role in transplant rejection by activating innate immunity, regulating the coagulation-inflammation network, and modulating adaptive immune responses. However, the specific functions and key mechanisms remain to be clarified. Therefore, this article reviews the structural characteristics of histones, their release pathways, the biological functions of extracellular histones, and their potential roles in xenotransplantation. It summarizes the latest research progress of extracellular histones in xenotransplantation, analyzes the shortcomings of existing research and the direction for future research, with the expectation of providing references for the application of extracellular histones in xenogeneic kidney transplantation.
7.Atrial septal puncture in swine guided by X-ray fluoroscopy
Gai-Gai MA ; Feng-Xu FAN ; Jun CHEN ; Bao-Kun WANG ; Ming-Yang QIAO ; Kang-An CHENG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(5):257-260
Objective To explore the standardized process and method of atrial septum puncture(ASP)in swine guided by X-ray fluoroscopy and make ASP more safe and effective.Methods ASP was performed in 48 Pudong swines guided by X-ray fluoroscopy.Three protocols for precise location of atrial septal puncture points were recommended.(1)Site of atrial septal puncture point in cranial-caudal direction was determined under posterior-anterior projection,which was confined to the cranial side of the coronary sinus(CS)orifice at a distance of 1 cone body height along the midline of spine.(2)With 10° intervals,the fluoroscopy of the CS catheter was completed according to the right anterior oblique 10°~60° and the left anterior oblique 10°~60°,and the connection line of the CS 5-6 and 7-8 electrodes was perpendicular to the oval fossa,so as to confirm the perspective angle of the CS 5-6 and 7-8 electrodes in the same straight line.(3)The arch feature of puncture needle and distal part of sheath turned into a straight line under the perspective angle,of which the CS 5-6 and 7-8 electrodes were in the same straight line.Results ASP was successfully performed in 48 Pudong swines without any complications.Echocardiography showed left to right shunt through atrial septum after ASP.The average time of ASP was(25.7±11.5)minutes,the average X-ray exposure time is(14.0±3.4)min and the average radiation dose was(47.6±20.2)Gmy.Conclusions Using the coronal sinus electrode as a reference,atrial septal puncture in swine guided by X-ray fluoroscopy was safe and reliable.
8.The international pharmaceutical trade policies of the BRICS countries and its implications for China
Zuo-Kun LIU ; Wang-Yao MA ; Yi-Wu GU ; Yu-Yang ZHANG ; Ji-Yan MA ; Ming-Fan PANG ; Yi-Nuo SUN ; Yang-Mu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(4):65-71
This study adopted the policy text analysis method,review the historical background of the enactment,aimed to comparatively analyze the international pharmaceutical trade policies of the BRICS countries.The main objectives of the BRICS countries'international pharmaceutical trade policies included ensuring stable and accessible drug supply,expanding exports of domestic products and creating a favorable political environment.For these purposes,Brazil,Russia,and South Africa all ensure drug supply through substantial imports.However,they have also taken measures such as compulsory patent licensing and promoting localization of production by foreign companies to reduce import dependence.India,on the other hand,protects its domestic industry by resisting drug imports to ensure drug supply while simultaneously promoting the export of pharmaceutical products.China continually optimizes approval and data monitoring procedures to align with international standards,creating a favorable trade environment and expanding exports.China should further refine its international pharmaceutical trade policies while ensuring the autonomy of domestic drug research and supply,fostering stronger collaboration within BRICS nations and promoting global access to public healthcare products.
9.Biomechanical Evaluation of 2 Endoscopic Spine Surgery Methods for Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Finite Element Study
Yang ZOU ; Shuo JI ; Hui Wen YANG ; Tao MA ; Yue Kun FANG ; Zhi Cheng WANG ; Miao Miao LIU ; Ping Hui ZHOU ; Zheng Qi BAO ; Chang Chun ZHANG ; Yu Chen YE
Neurospine 2024;21(1):273-285
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines.
Methods:
Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud.
Results:
In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model.
Conclusion
In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.
10.Effect of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with esketamine mixed with hydromorphone on postoperative sleep quality in pediatric patients
Yang LI ; Liwei LI ; Kun LIU ; Zhonghua XIE ; Lingling WANG ; Chunyu MA ; Jianjun YANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(6):698-701
Objective:To evaluate the effect of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with esketamine mixed with hydromorphone on the postoperative sleep quality in pediatric patients.Methods:This was a prospective randomised controlled study. One hundred pediatric patients of both sexes, aged 4-12 yr, with a body mass index of 13-26 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, undergoing elective abdominal surgery with general anesthesia, who agreed to use postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia in our hospital from January to November 2023, were divided into esktamine mixed with hydromorphone group (EH group) and hydromorphone group (H group), with 50 patients in each group. PCIA solution contained esketamine 1 mg/kg and hydromorphon 0.1 mg/kg in 100 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride in EH group and hydromorphone 0.2 mg/kg in 100 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride in H group. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate the preoperative sleep quality by asking pediatric patients themselves or their guardians. On the morning of 1-3 days after surgery, the numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to evaluate the sleep quality of the first 3 nights after surgery. At 24 and 48 h after surgery, the FLACC pain scale was used to evaluate the intensity of pain. The consumption of hydromorphone within 48 h after surgery and the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, itching and delirium were recorded. Results:Compared with group H, the NRS score was significantly increased on the 1st postoperative night, the ratio of poor sleep quality was decreased ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the NRS score on the 2nd or 3rd postoperative night and ratio of poor sleep quality ( P>0.05), and the FLACC pain scale score at 24 and 48 h after surgery and consumption of hydromorphone within 48 h after surgery were decreased in group EH ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:PCIA with esketamine mixed with hydromorphone can improve the postoperative sleep quality in pediatric patients.

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