1.Overview of Physical Biological Research on the Activation of Acupoint Effects by Acupuncture
Junyi LI ; Shiwei TU ; Yangyang LIU ; Baomin DOU ; Zezhi FAN ; Jiangjiang FU ; Jiangqi ZHOU ; Kaiyuan DENG ; Yanwei LI ; Yi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1130-1136
By reviewing the physical biological research on the activation of acupoint effects by acupuncture, this paper explains the activation mechanism from the perspective of the generation and transmission of mechanical signals caused by acupuncture, and reveals the physical-chemical coupling processes in the acupoint microenvironment. Future research should focus on locally mechanosensitive cells, further exploring how acupuncture mechanical signals trigger dynamic changes in cells and molecules in the acupoints, and the physical-chemical information transduction mechanism, which will provide scientific evidence for the acupoint activation during acupuncture. Related studies will contribute to a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind acupuncture and promote its clinical application and development.
2.Mortality and potential years of life lost of lymphoma in Wuhan residents,2010—2019
Xiaoxia ZHANG ; Pulin LIU ; Yuanyuan ZHAO ; Qing DENG ; Jinmeng XIONG ; Juan DAI
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):71-74
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of lymphoma mortality and potential years of life lost among Wuhan residents, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of lymphoma. Methods Data on lymphoma deaths among residents in Wuhan from 2010 to 2019 were collected from the population-based Wuhan Mortality Surveillance System. Joinpoint regression model was used to evaluate the trends in age-standardized mortality rates and potential years of life lost due to lymphoma among the residents of different ages and genders. Potential years of life lost rate was used to assess the disease burden. Results There were 4 055 deaths (2481in male and 1 574 in female) from major kidney diseases in Wuhan residents between 2010 to 2019, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 5.11/100 000. The mortality rate of major kidney diseases showed an upward trend with increasing age. Between 2010 and 2019, the age-standardized mortality rates of the multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were significantly increased (APC=6.924%, APC=1.407%, P<0.05), and the potential years of life lost rate of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in female were significantly increased (APC=7.935%,P<0.05). Conclusion From 2010 to 2019, the mortality rate of lymphoma among residents of Wuhan City shows an upward trend, especially for multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The disease burden of multiple myeloma shows an increasing trend in the female population, suggesting the need to take corresponding preventive and control measures.
3.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
4.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
5.Pharmaceutical care for a case of severe dermal toxicity induced by durvalumab
Liulian JI ; Zhengbi QIN ; Pengcheng LIU ; Xiaowen DENG ; Lili LIU ; Lijuan YAO ; Tingting LIU ; Pingchen GU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):88-91
OBJECTIVE To provide references for the accurate identification and management of immune-related cutaneous adverse events (irCAEs) caused by durvalumab, and ensuring safe clinical drug use. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with gallbladder cancer who developed irCAEs caused by durvalumab. The clinical pharmacists systematically reviewed the patient’s past medical history and medication history, and assisted physicians in assessing the association between adverse drug reactions and administered drugs. Meanwhile, the clinical pharmacists conducted a graded assessment of the adverse reaction, proposed recommendations such as discontinuing durvalumab and adjusting the administration regimen of glucocorticoids, assisted physicians in restarting immunotherapy, and carried out medication education and other pharmaceutical care. RESULTS The occurrence of irCAEs in this patient was “highly likely” related to durvalumab and was classified as severe. The physicians adopted the clinical pharmacist’s opinion, and after symptomatic treatment, the patient’s skin symptoms improved, and discharged with medication. After the completion of glucocorticoid therapy for the patient, the physician restarted immunotherapy with tislelizumab, and no related adverse reactions occurred again in the patient. CONCLUSIONS Durvalumab can cause irCAEs such as severe skin maculopapular rash. In clinical practice, it is crucial to promptly identify and discontinue suspicious drugs, immediately implement effective symptomatic treatment measures, and actively resume immunotherapy to ensure the continuity and safety of the patient’s treatment.
6.Study on the mechanism of Juanxiao decoction in improving bronchial asthma
Bangqing CAO ; Qiangqiang YU ; Meinian LIU ; Zhixi WU ; Lizhen ZENG ; Mengyao TONG ; Yunhua DENG ; Hanrong XUE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):155-160
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism by which Juanxiao decoction improves bronchial asthma (hereinafter referred to as “asthma”) based on the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathway. METHODS Female SD rats were randomly assigned to normal group, model group and Juanxiao decoction low-, medium- and high-dose groups (0.36, 0.72 and 1.44 g/kg, calculated based on crude drug weight), as well as positive control group (Dexamethasone acetate tablets, 0.2 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, asthma models were established in the remaining groups via intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin combined with aluminum hydroxide, followed by nebulized inhalation of ovalbumin. On day 14 of the experiment, rats in each group received intragastric administration of the corresponding solution or normal saline, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. Following the final administration, the following parameters were measured in each group: lung function indexes (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second, peak expiratory flow), serum levels of inflammatory markers (interleukin-1β, interleukin- 18), and the percentages of inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were observed, and the protein and mRNA expressions of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- κB), NLRP3 and caspase-1 in lung tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, pathological changes such as alveolar wall thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in rats in the model group. All pulmonary function indicators were significantly reduced in rats in the model group and the administration groups. The levels of inflammatory markers, the percentages of inflammatory cells, and the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κB, NLRP3 and caspase-1 were significantly elevated or up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, pathological changes in rats in each dosage group of Juanxiao decoction were significantly alleviated, and all quantitative indicators showed dose-dependent improvements (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Juanxiao decoction can reduce airway inflammatory responses in asthmatic rats, alleviate lung function impairment, and improve pathological changes such as inflammatory cell infiltration. Those effects may be related to the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
7.Mechanism of Huayu Jiedu Prescription in Preventing and Treating Cerebral Ischemia Injury by Regulating NETosis After Acute Cerebral Infarction with Blood Stasis and Toxin Syndrome
Wuchaonan LIU ; Dingxiang LI ; Le YANG ; Jing LIU ; Shengping LUO ; Fang LEI ; Hanlin LEI ; Yihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):50-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury with blood stasis and toxin syndrome and to explore the protective effects of Huayu Jiedu prescription (HYJDP) on neutrophil extracellular trap-related cell death (NETosis) in cerebral ischemic injury following acute cerebral infarction. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=12 per group): sham operation (Sham) group, blood stasis and toxin model (Model) group, low-, medium-, and high-dose HYJDP groups (HYJDP-L, HYJDP-M, and HYJDP-H; 9, 18, and 36 g·kg-1, respectively), and butylphthalide (NBP) group (0.06 g·kg-1). Except for the Sham group, rats in all other groups were subjected to carrageenan/dry yeast combined with a modified intraluminal filament method to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model of the middle cerebral artery with blood stasis and toxin syndrome. Neurological function was evaluated at 24 h after modeling using the Zea-Longa neurological deficit score. Cerebral infarction rate was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Pathological morphology of brain tissue was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3). Protein expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (p-Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), sequestosome 1 (p62), and CitH3 in brain tissue was detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of neutrophil-specific marker Ly6G, CitH3, and neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) in brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction rates in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01 for both). HE staining showed varying degrees of neuronal degeneration and necrosis, characterized by blurred neuronal structures, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, cytoplasmic dissolution into a vacuolated reticular pattern, and mild glial cell proliferation. ELISA results showed that serum levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated decreased expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62, while CitH3 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). IF results showed an increased number of NETs+ cells and a significant decrease in NeuN+ cells (P<0.01). Compared with the Model group, neurological deficit scores in the HYJDP-H group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and cerebral infarction rates in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). HE staining showed that brain tissue damage was markedly alleviated in the HYJDP-H group. ELISA results showed that levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly decreased in the HYJDP-M, HYJDP-H, and NBP groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62 was significantly increased in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups, while CitH3 expression was significantly reduced in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). IF results showed that the number of NETs+ cells was significantly decreased and the number of NeuN⁺ cells was significantly increased in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). ConclusionNETs may be the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury characterized by blood stasis and toxin. HYJDP can regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and NETosis-related products, alleviate cerebral ischemic injury caused by autophagy-dependent NETosis, and thereby exert a neuroprotective effect.
8.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
9.Simvastatin alleviates kidney ischemia reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis
Zhihui FU ; Zhongzhong LIU ; Qifa YE ; Qi XIAO ; Qin DENG ; Jiansheng XIAO ; Biqi FU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):45-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of simvastatin pretreatment on kidney ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice. MethodsFifteen male C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into three groups: Sham operation group (Sham group), kidney IRI group (IR group), and simvastatin pretreatment+kidney IRI group (SIM group). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of kidney tissue and detection of serum creatinine (SCr) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were used to evaluate kidney injury. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected to evaluate oxidative stress. The contents of ferrous iron (Fe2+) and ferric iron (Fe3+) in kidney tissue were detected, and the morphological changes of mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscope. The relative expression levels of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and acyl-coa synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) protein in kidney tissue were detected. ResultsCompared with the IR group, the SIM group had significantly reduced renal tubular injury and decreased contents of Scr and LDH in serum (P < 0.001). It also showed increased expression of SOD and GSH and decreased expression of MDA and ROS (P < 0.01). Simvastatin pretreatment reduced the contents of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the tissues (P < 0.01) and alleviated mitochondrial damage. It also promoted the expression of KLF2 (P < 0.01), up-regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related protective proteins GPX4 and SLC7A11, and down-regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related damage protein ACSL4 (P < 0.05). ConclusionSimvastatin pretreatment may inhibit kidney ferroptosis by promoting the expression of KLF2 to alleviate kidney IRI.
10.Advances in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and its inhibitors in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Chuanyang LU ; Qiuni CHEN ; Yuye SHI ; Yuan DENG ; Tingting JI ; Zhengyuan LIU ; Chunling WANG ; Liang YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):682-688
Abnormal activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In recent years, inhibitors targeting JAK2 and STAT3 have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates in DLBCL. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety profiles of JAK2 inhibitors (e.g., ruxolitinib) and STAT3 inhibitors (direct small-molecule inhibitors, the antisense oligonucleotide, and proteolysis targeting chimeras, etc.) in preclinical models and clinical trials. Accumulating evidence indicates that JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitors exhibit antitumor activity and are generally well tolerated in a subset of DLBCL patients. Meanwhile, the development of novel drug delivery systems has significantly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and targeting ability of the compounds. Furthermore, JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitors may exhibit synergistic effects when combined with other therapy strategies (such as combinations with B-cell receptor signaling pathway inhibitors, immunomodulators, or other targeted drugs). However, current clinical applications are still in their early stages. Future research should concentrate on precision treatment strategies based on the genetic subtyping of DLBCL, and further refine the delivery systems for inhibitors as well as combination drug regimens to improve clinical outcomes.


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