1.Regulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: A Review
Minmin HU ; Aimin LIU ; Mengying MA ; Changyu WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):315-321
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an atopic disease with a complex etiology and pathogenesis resulting from the interaction of multiple factors. The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an important component of innate immunity and is involved in the onset and progression of AD, encompassing multiple processes such as inflammation, pyroptosis, and autophagy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of AD and also offers advantages including flexible compatibility, multi-target effects, and low drug resistance. A large number of studies have shown that single Chinese medicinal components and compound prescriptions can treat atopic diseases by modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. This article elaborates on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its influence on the pathogenesis and progression of AD, and summarizes recent studies on the mechanisms by which active constituents, extracts, and compound formulations of Chinese medicine treat AD through regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and related signaling pathways, with the aim of providing a reference for the clinical treatment of AD and the development of TCM.
2.Huanglian Jiedutang Improves Cognitive Impairment after Schemic Stroke by Regulating Neuron via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Mengying SUN ; Lizhen WANG ; Tong LI ; Leilei WANG ; Shiyan JIA ; Tingting WANG ; Yanwen YANG ; Kaiqiang SI ; Youxiang CUI ; Zhilong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):68-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) on cognitive function in mice with ischemic stroke (IS) and to elucidate whether its neuroprotective effects are mediated by inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and subsequent suppression of NF-κB-regulated neuronal apoptosis. MethodsAn IS model was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n =12 per group), i.e., sham operation, model, HLJDT low-dose (3.9 g·kg-1·d-1), HLJDT high-dose (7.8 g·kg-1·d-1), and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE, 31.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). Post-operatively, neurological deficit scores (Longa score), cerebral infarct volume assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and brain water content were evaluated. Learning and memory were assessed using new object recognition (NOR) and fear conditioning (FC) tests. Hippocampal pathology was examined via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence detected expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocyte marker), cellular oncogene Fos (c-Fos, neuronal activation marker), and glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). Western blot measured nuclear factor-κB inhibitor protein α (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), ionic calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and apoptosis-related proteins, such as cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to assess mRNA levels of Iba-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB p65, cleaved Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficit scores, brain water content, and cerebral infarct volume (P<0.01). Hippocampal CA1 neurons were disorganized, showing nuclear pyknosis and karyolysis. NOR exploration time and FC freezing time were significantly reduced (P<0.01). GFAP and c-Fos expression were increased, while GAD65 expression was decreased (P<0.01). Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax were upregulated, Bcl-2 was downregulated, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was elevated (P<0.01). Expression levels of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Iba-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, HLJDT high-dose, low-dose, and GBE groups showed significant improvements in all parameters (P<0.01). Among them, the HLJDT high-dose group showed the most pronounced neuronal structural recovery and superior performance in NOR and FC tests (P<0.01). In this group, GFAP and c-Fos decreased, GAD65 increased (P<0.01), apoptosis-related protein expression was reversed, and NF-κB signaling and related inflammatory factor expression were suppressed (P<0.01). ConclusionHLJDT ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in mice after IS, potentially by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
3.Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy–Detected Fumarate Peak for Diagnosing Fumarate Hydratase Deficiency in Uterine Leiomyomas: A Prospective Study
Guiqin LIU ; Wenxin YU ; Shihang PAN ; Yuansheng LUO ; Jingli CHEN ; Mengying ZHU ; Zaoyu WANG ; Yang SONG ; Jin ZHANG ; Jianrong XU ; Yan ZHOU ; Jun MA ; Guangyu WU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(5):440-451
Objective:
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in discriminating fumarate hydratase-deficient (FH-d) uterine leiomyomas (ULs) from FH-preserved ULs.
Materials and Methods:
This study consisted of three stages, with independent cohorts recruited for each stage: 1) sample-size estimation was retrospectively performed on UL specimens (diameter ≥3 cm; age, 20–40 years) from our database with immunohistochemistry (IHC) for 2-succinocysteine (2-SC) as the reference, without genetic testing, 2) MRS sequence optimization in confirmed FH germline mutation participants with ultrasound-detected ULs (diameter ≥3 cm), without IHC analysis, and 3) prospective diagnostic test accuracy was evaluated in consecutive participants with ultrasound-detected ULs (diameter ≥3 cm;age, 20–40 years), using IHC for 2-SC for determining the FH status and subsequent genetic testing in those with positive 2-SC results to identify whether FH mutations were germline or somatic in origin. The choline and fumarate peaks in MRS were classified as positive, negative, or technical failure (TF). TFs were analyzed separately and excluded from the primary diagnostic accuracy calculations. T1-, T2-, and diffusion-weighted images were interpreted as hyperintense or hypointense. The enhancement rate and apparent diffusion coefficient were also acquired. Diagnostic performance was compared between MRS and various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.
Results:
The optimal MRS parameters for the fumarate peak were echo time (TE) = 140 ms and an average of 256. Among the 360 prospective participants, 37 were confirmed to have FH-dULs. MRS showed positive fumarate peaks in 35 of 37 FH-dULs.After excluding six TFs, the positive fumarate peak on MRS showed 94.6% (35/37) sensitivity, 99.7% (316/317) specificity, and 99.2% (351/354) accuracy, all of which were significantly superior to those of other MRI features (P ≤ 0.002).
Conclusion
A positive fumarate peak on MRS may be a useful imaging biomarker for diagnosing FH-dULs.
4.Application of health education based on integrated behavior change theory in life management of Helicobacter pylori positive chronic gastritis patients
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(8):844-848
Objective To investigate the application of health education based on integrated behavior change theory in life management of Helicobacter pylori(Hp)positive chronic gastritis patients.Methods A total of 1 000 patients diagnosed with Hp-positive chronic gastritis in The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University between January and December 2023 were allocated into two groups using an envelope method.The control group(n=500)received conventional nursing care.The study group(n=500)were given conventional nursing care along with health education based on integrated behavior change theory.The scores of Connor-Davidson resilience scale(CD-RISC),health promotion lifestyle profile-Ⅱ(HPLP-Ⅱ),and generic quality of life inventory-74(GQOL-74)were compared between the two groups.Hp eradication rate and recurrence rate were calculated.Results After three months of intervention,the scores of CD-RISC,HPLP-Ⅱ and GQOL-74 and the eradication rate of the study group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05),while the recurrence rate in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Health education based on integrated behavior change theory can enhance psychological resilience,promote the healthy lifestyle,achieve effective disease management,and ultimately improve quality of life in Hp-positive chronic gastritis patients.
5.Characteristics of ocular biometric parameters and distribution of corneal astigmatism before cataract surgery in cataract patients with high myopia
Yehui TAN ; Yi SHAO ; Zhonggang PEI ; Tao ZHANG ; Jie RAO ; Mengying PENG ; Chun LIU ; Lijuan ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):1919-1925
AIM:To evaluate the characteristics of ocular biometric parameters and the distribution of corneal astigmatism(CA)in patients with high myopia before cataract surgery.METHODS:A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted, and 695 cataract patients(695 eyes)with high myopia [defined as an axial length(AL)≥26.00 mm] scheduled to undergo cataract surgery at our hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were consecutively enrolled, another 695 cataract patients(695 eyes)with normal ALs(22.00 mm ≤AL≤25.00 mm)who underwent cataract surgery at our hospital during the same period were included in the control group. For patients with both eyes eligible, the right eye was used for analysis. Before cataract surgery, IOL Master 700 was used to measure the ocular biometric parameters of both eyes for each patient in the two groups. The medical records and ocular biometric data in the two groups were recorded and collected.RESULTS:There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in genger, age, corneal diameter, and central corneal thickness(all P>0.05). In the high myopia group, the mean AL was 29.20±2.61 mm, and 252 eyes(34.1%)had AL ≥30.00 mm(extremely high myopia). The mean anterior chamber depth(ACD), lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth(VCD), CA, AL/corneal radius of curvature and VCD/AL in the high myopia group were 3.45±0.40, 4.41±0.47, 21.34±2.60 mm, 1.18±0.78 D, 3.79±0.38, and 0.73±0.03, respectively, which were all greater than those in the control group(all P<0.01). In the high myopia group, 350 eyes(50.4%)had CA ≥1.00 D, 192 eyes(27.6%)had CA ≥1.50 D, and 94 eyes(13.5%)had CA ≥2.00 D, which were all higher than those in the control group(32.8%, 15.1%, and 6.6%, respectively; all P<0.001). In the high myopia group, 87 eyes(12.5%)had flat corneas, 424 eyes(61.0%)had moderate CA, and 40 eyes(5.8%)had high CA. These proportions were all higher than those in the control group(6.0%, 46.9%, and 2.9%, respectively; all P<0.001). In the high myopia group, ACD and ACD/AL were negatively correlated with AL(r=-0.162 and -0.661, respectively; all P<0.001), while both ACD and ACD/AL in the control group were positively correlated with AL(r=0.338 and 0.105, respectively; both P<0.01). In the high myopia group, CA increased with age when the patient's age was ≥50 years(r=0.197, P<0.001), which was consistent with the control group.CONCLUSION: The standardized ocular biometric data of cataract patients with high myopia before cataract surgery are helpful for ophthalmologists to accurately calculate the intraocular lens(IOLs)power and select the appropriate IOL type. The majority of high myopia patients need simultaneous correction of CA during cataract surgery.
6.Regulation of autophagy on diabetic cataract under the interaction of glycation and oxidative stress
Rong WANG ; Pengfei LI ; Jiawei LIU ; Yuxin DAI ; Mengying ZHOU ; Xiaoxi QIAN ; Wei CHEN ; Min JI
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):1932-1937
Diabetic cataract, a prevalent ocular complication of diabetes mellitus, arises from a complex interplay of pathological mechanisms, with oxidative stress and glycation stress playing central roles. Autophagy, a critical cellular self-protection mechanism, sustains intracellular homeostasis by selectively degrading damaged organelles and misfolded proteins, thereby counteracting the detrimental effects of oxidative and glycation stress under hyperglycemic conditions. Emerging evidence indicates a synergistic interaction between glycation stress and oxidative stress, which may exacerbate autophagic dysfunction and accelerate the onset and progression of diabetic cataract. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship remain incompletely understood. This review systematically examines the regulatory role of autophagy inthe pathogenesis of diabetic cataract, with a particular focus on how autophagic impairment influences disease progression under the combined effects of glycation and oxidative stress. By elucidating these mechanisms, the paper aims to provide novel insights into molecular diagnostic approaches and targeted therapeutic strategies for diabetic cataract.
7.Cuttlebone extract on wound healing and VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway in rats with refractory ulcers
Guowei WANG ; Tao ZHUO ; Quanwei ZHENG ; Mengying LI ; Jiehui LI ; Jianhang LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(5):577-585
AIM:To observe the effect and mech-anism of cuttlebone extract regulating vascular en-dothelial growth factor(VEGF)/phosphatidylinosi-tol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)pathway on refractory wounds in rats.METHODS:Cuttle-bone extract(CE)was obtained by water extraction of cuttlebone.Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into negative Control group,Model group,Cuttle-bone extract low-dose(CE(L))group,Cuttlebone extract high-dose(CE(H))group,and cuttlebone ex-tract high-dose+inhibitor(CE(H)+LY294002)group.After the refractory wound model was successfully established,0.02%furacillin solution or cuttlebone extract solution were applied to the wound area of rats in each group,and the treatment was adminis-tered once a day.After 14 days of treatment for re-fractory wounds,the changes in wound healing,angiogenesis,inflammation and expression of relat-ed regulatory proteins were quantitatively ana-lyzed by measuring skin ulcer wound area,patho-logical sections,immunofluorescence staining,Eli-sa,Western blot,RT-qPCR and other methods.RE-SULTS:Compared with Model group,CE(L)and CE(H)groups can increase the number of epithelial cells and collagen,and promote the healing of re-fractory wound in rats.Serum VEGF,skin tissue mi-crovascular density,P-PI3K,P-AKT,VEGF protein ex-pression and mRNA expression levels of PI3K,Akt,VEGF and eNOS were increased(P<0.05),while se-rum TNF-α and IL-6 levels were decreased(P<0.05).LY294002 could partially reverse the repair-ing effect of high dose cuttlebone extract on refrac-tory wound(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Cuttlebone ex-tract can regulate the VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,inhibit the inflammatory response of re-fractory wounds in rats,induce angiogenesis and promote wound healing.
8.A systematic review of validation studies on the performance of GLIM criteria for malnutrition assessment
Yongshuai MENG ; Yanjuan LU ; Chunlei LIU ; Huilin JIA ; Mengying SUN ; Xiaoge HE ; Xiaoya SHENG ; Linna ZHANG ; Yinan MA ; Sangsang KE ; Lichuan ZHANG ; Qian LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(4):290-298
Objective:To systematically evaluate studies validating the performance of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) in diagnosing malnutrition.Methods:Seven Chinese and English databases including Embase, Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP Database were searched for articles on the validation of GLIM criteria published between September 2018 and September 2024. Two researchers independently performed literature screening and data extraction. The concurrent and predictive validity of the criteria was analyzed.Results:A total of 136 papers were included for analysis. The GLIM criteria for diagnosing malnutrition had a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 87%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90. Malnutrition diagnosed by the GLIM criteria predicted prolonged hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, increased readmission and complication rates (both overall and infectious), reduced survivals (median, overall, and disease-free), and increased in-hospital and follow-up mortalities. Both moderate and severe malnutrition predicted decreased overall survival. However, only three studies analyzed the impact of nutritional therapy on the clinical outcomes of malnourished patients.Conclusions:The GLIM criteria accurately differentiate malnutrition and are a valid predictive tool of clinical outcomes. However, the validity criteria in these validation studies were questionable, along with high methodological heterogeneity. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies validating the role of nutritional therapy in improving the clinical outcomes of malnourished patients.
9.Practical pathways for hospital culture building in public traditional Chinese medicine hospitals
Bailong LI ; Xiping XING ; Rongjuan MAO ; Yongli ZHAO ; Jianjun LIU ; Mengying SHI
Modern Hospital 2025;25(8):1164-1166
The enhancement of cultural development in public Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)hospitals serves as a crucial foundation for maintaining TCM-centered healthcare delivery,preserving institutional public welfare values,and advancing the inheritance and innovation of TCM practices.This study examines practical strategies for hospital cultural development through an integrated approach encompassing ideological cultivation via party building initiatives,core value system development,thera-peutic environment optimization,clinical behavior standardization,and healthcare service quality enhancement.The framework further incorporates targeted efforts in TCM cultural promotion,research innovation grounded in TCM principles,and international dissemination of TCM culture.
10.The influence of daily lifestyle on depressive symptoms among middle school students in Jingzhou city
Mengying LUO ; Bo LIU ; Xiaopeng DENG ; Suocheng NIE ; Xingfeng ZHANG
Modern Hospital 2025;25(1):131-134
Objective This study aimed to analyze the current status of depressive symptoms among middle school students in Jingzhou City in 2023 and the influence of daily lifestyle on these symptoms.Methods A convenience cluster sam-pling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among students in 25 middle schools in Jingzhou City from September 2023 to November 2023.The questionnaire included demographic information and standardized questionnaires.Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis,and binary logistic regression model was used for analysis of influencing factors.Results A-mong the 17,499 valid questionnaires,the prevalence of depressive symptoms among middle school students in Jingzhou City was 32.60%.Univariate analysis revealed that students with unhealthy lifestyles(including internet addiction,insomnia,lack of si-esta,frequent late-night activities,less participation in physical exercise,passive participation in group activities,and unbal-anced dietary habits)had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms.Moreover,high school students(40.95%)had a higher prevalence than middle school students(27.57%),and females(37.43%)had a higher prevalence than males(27.96%);all differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Binary logistic regression analysis showed that being female,being a high school student,internet addiction,insomnia,lack of siesta,frequent late-night activities,less participation in physical exercise,passive participation in group activities,and unbalanced dietary habits were risk factors for depressive symptoms among middle school students in Jingzhou City.Conclusion This study revealed the association between depressive symptoms and daily lifes-tyle among middle school students in Jingzhou City.The prevalence of depressive symptoms was related to factors including being female,being a high school student,internet addiction,insomnia,lack of siesta,unbalanced dietary habits,less participation in physical exercise,and passive participation in group activities.It is recommended to focus on cultivating good daily behavioral habits among students in both school and family environments to improve their mental health.

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