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.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
3.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
4.Research on the Correlation Between "Tiangui (天癸)" and Female Reproductive Genetic Diseases
Kun MA ; Ling WANG ; Lihua SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1027-1032
This article further reveals the significance of "tiangui (天癸)" in female reproductive genetic diseases by analyzing the core influence of the "kidney-tiangui-chong and ren mai (冲任)-uterus" reproductive axis on the processes of birth, growth, robustness, and aging in females. Approaching tiangui through its heredity, material basis, temporality, rhythmicity, functional diversity and genetic polymorphism, and integrating reproductive genetics with epigenetics, it explores the potential associations between the characteristics of tiangui and the pathogenesis, clinical features, and therapeutic targets of female reproductive genetic diseases. This study furnishes a novel genetic interpretation of the physiological and pathological features of tiangui, offering scientific basis for the integrated prevention and treatment of female reproductive genetic diseases with traditional Chinese and western medicine.
5.Research on the Correlation Between "Tiangui (天癸)" and Female Reproductive Genetic Diseases
Kun MA ; Ling WANG ; Lihua SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1027-1032
This article further reveals the significance of "tiangui (天癸)" in female reproductive genetic diseases by analyzing the core influence of the "kidney-tiangui-chong and ren mai (冲任)-uterus" reproductive axis on the processes of birth, growth, robustness, and aging in females. Approaching tiangui through its heredity, material basis, temporality, rhythmicity, functional diversity and genetic polymorphism, and integrating reproductive genetics with epigenetics, it explores the potential associations between the characteristics of tiangui and the pathogenesis, clinical features, and therapeutic targets of female reproductive genetic diseases. This study furnishes a novel genetic interpretation of the physiological and pathological features of tiangui, offering scientific basis for the integrated prevention and treatment of female reproductive genetic diseases with traditional Chinese and western medicine.
6.γ-Elemene Impairs Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Breast Cancer Cells by Upregulating GCN5-Mediated PGC-1α Acetylation
Ling TANG ; Mingyan WANG ; Jia LIU ; Qiong YU ; Chen CHEN ; Lihua JIA ; Jiyi XIA
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(1):165-173
Mitochondrial biogenesis represents a promising therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) due to its essential role in cancer cell metabolism and survival. The natural compound γ-Elemene exhibits potent anti-tumor activity, but its effects on mitochondrial regulation in TNBC remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that γ-Elemene induces dose-dependent cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-468 and HCC1806 TNBC cells while significantly impairing mitochondrial function, as shown by reduced membrane potential, oxidative phosphorylation capacity, and ATP production. γ-Elemene treatment markedly suppressed mitochondrial biogenesis, decreasing mitochondrial DNA content and downregulating key mitochondrial genes and proteins. These effects were associated with reduced expression of the master regulators NRF1 and TFAM, but independent of PGC-1α expression levels.Mechanistically, γ-Elemene upregulated the acetyltransferase GCN5, leading to enhanced PGC-1α acetylation. This upregulation occurs primarily through increased GCN5 transcription. Genetic ablation of GCN5 completely reversed γ-Elemene-induced PGC-1α acetylation and restored mitochondrial biogenesis and cell viability, establishing a critical role for GCN5 in mediating these effects. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism whereby γ-Elemene disrupts mitochondrial function in TNBC through GCN5-mediated PGC-1α acetylation, providing new insights into its anti-cancer properties and potential therapeutic applications against TNBC.
7.Impact of Onset-to-Door Time on Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Tianlong LIU ; Chunrong TAO ; Zhongjun CHEN ; Lihua XU ; Yuyou ZHU ; Rui LI ; Jun SUN ; Li WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianlong SONG ; Xiaozhong JING ; Adnan I. QURESHI ; Mohamad ABDALKADER ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA ; Jeffrey L. SAVER ; Wei HU
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):140-143
8.Research progress on evaluation index of workers’ task performance
Zheyu HUANG ; Yuhong SHEN ; Jian ZHANG ; Lihua HE ; Yun WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):630-636
Task performance is an important concern in ergonomics. Task performance is often affected by adverse ergonomic factors, resulting in health and economic losses. How to utilize effective indicators to evaluate the degree of impact of adverse ergonomic factors on workers' task performance is particularly important. In this paper, we conducted a literature review and analysis on the impact of adverse ergonomic factors on workers' task performance, focusing on summarizing available physiological, psychological, and neurocognitive behavioral function test indicators for evaluating workers' task performance. This summary of existing evaluation indicators provided reference and guidance for future evaluations of the impact of adverse ergonomic factors on workers' task performance.
9.Stem cell exosomes: new hope and future potential for relieving liver fibrosis
Lihua LI ; Yongjie LIU ; Kunpeng WANG ; Jinggang MO ; Zhiyong WENG ; Hao JIANG ; Chong JIN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):333-349
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver injury resulting from factors like viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cholestatic liver disease. Liver transplantation is currently the gold standard for treating severe liver diseases. However, it is limited by a shortage of donor organs and the necessity for lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various liver cells and enhance liver function when transplanted into patients due to their differentiation and proliferation capabilities. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative therapy for treating liver diseases, especially for liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver transplant complications. However, due to the potential tumorigenic effects of MSCs, researchers are exploring a new approach to treating liver fibrosis using extracellular vesicles (exosomes) secreted by stem cells. Many studies show that exosomes released by stem cells can promote liver injury repair through various pathways, contributing to the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms by which stem cell exosomes affect liver fibrosis through different pathways and their potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, we discuss the advantages of exosome therapy over stem cell therapy and the possible future directions of exosome research, including the prospects for clinical applications and the challenges to be overcome.
10.Predictive value of the brief visuospatial memory test-revised for the outcome of subjects with clinical high-risk for psychosis
Lingchuan XIONG ; Huiru CUI ; Lihua XU ; Yanyan WEI ; Dan ZHANG ; Zhenying QIAN ; Yingy-ing TANG ; Tianhong ZHANG ; Jijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(9):528-534
Objective To explore the role of the brief visuospatial memory test-revised(BVMT-R)in predicting the clinical conversion to psychosis in subjects with clinical high-risk for psychosis(CHR-P).Methods A total of 217 CHR subjects were recruited and assessed using BVMT-R at baseline.Participants were followed up for three years to determine whether they converted to psychosis.The relationship between BVMT-R total score and CHR-P conversion probability was analyzed using generalized additive model,and the cutoff values of BVMT-R total score for predicting CHR-P conversion were calculated by maximally selected rank statistics.Then,the total BVMT-R score was stratified into different intervals based on the cutoff values obtained as previously described.Finally,the positive likelihood ratios and the conversion rates at different time points were calculated for each interval.Results A total of 168 subjects with CHR-P completed the 3-year follow-up assessment.According to the results of the generalized additive model,the relationship between the BVMT-R total score and CHR-P conversion probability exhibited the characteristics of a piecewise function model.The cutoff values identified using the maximally selected rank statistics method were 18 and 29,which divided the BVMT-R total scores into three intervals:0-18,19-29,and 30-36.The positive likelihood ratios of the three intervals for predicting CHR-P psychosis conversion were significantly different(all P<0.01).All three intervals had significantly different rates of psychosis conversion at different follow-up time points(all P<0.01).Conclusion The total BVMT-R score can be divided into three intervals,each associated with a distinct positive likelihood ratio for predicting psychosis conversion in CHR-P individuals.Accordingly,the BVMT-R total score may serve as a preliminary indicator for estimating the probability of psychosis conversion in the CHR-P population.

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