1.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
2.Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis and Its Active Components in Treatment of Tourette Syndrome: A Review
Jiayu WANG ; Pan ZHENG ; Shaoyu LI ; Feng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):337-346
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, clinically characterized primarily by motor and/or vocal tics. Its pathogenesis is associated with hyperactivity of the dopaminergic system in the basal ganglia, and current medical treatments are limited by adverse reactions and unsatisfactory efficacy. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), TS is classified under categories such as "liver wind" and "convulsions", and is considered to be closely related to liver dysregulation. Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (URCU) is a commonly used wind-dispelling herb. URCU has a clearly defined origin and a rich chemical composition, with alkaloids as its major active constituents, including rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline. Its plasma components include multiple prototype alkaloids, which exhibit metabolic differences and phenomena such as enterohepatic circulation. Its brain-entering components possess blood-brain barrier permeability, and their distribution is associated with pharmacological effects. In recent years, increasing numbers of studies have focused on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of the active components of URCU in the treatment of TS. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which URCU and its main active constituents exert therapeutic effects on TS from the following aspects: regulation of monoamine and amino acid neurotransmitters to improve neurotransmitter system imbalance, neuroprotection and intervention in neuroinflammation-related pathways; antioxidant effects through activation of antioxidant signaling pathways, and immunomodulatory functions influencing immune cells and the gut microbiota. In addition, the clinical application of compound formulas containing URCU in the treatment of TS is summarized, with the aim of providing new perspectives for further research on the pharmacological mechanisms of URCU and the treatment of TS.
3.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
4.Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis and Its Active Components in Treatment of Tourette Syndrome: A Review
Jiayu WANG ; Pan ZHENG ; Shaoyu LI ; Feng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):337-346
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, clinically characterized primarily by motor and/or vocal tics. Its pathogenesis is associated with hyperactivity of the dopaminergic system in the basal ganglia, and current medical treatments are limited by adverse reactions and unsatisfactory efficacy. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), TS is classified under categories such as "liver wind" and "convulsions", and is considered to be closely related to liver dysregulation. Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (URCU) is a commonly used wind-dispelling herb. URCU has a clearly defined origin and a rich chemical composition, with alkaloids as its major active constituents, including rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline. Its plasma components include multiple prototype alkaloids, which exhibit metabolic differences and phenomena such as enterohepatic circulation. Its brain-entering components possess blood-brain barrier permeability, and their distribution is associated with pharmacological effects. In recent years, increasing numbers of studies have focused on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of the active components of URCU in the treatment of TS. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which URCU and its main active constituents exert therapeutic effects on TS from the following aspects: regulation of monoamine and amino acid neurotransmitters to improve neurotransmitter system imbalance, neuroprotection and intervention in neuroinflammation-related pathways; antioxidant effects through activation of antioxidant signaling pathways, and immunomodulatory functions influencing immune cells and the gut microbiota. In addition, the clinical application of compound formulas containing URCU in the treatment of TS is summarized, with the aim of providing new perspectives for further research on the pharmacological mechanisms of URCU and the treatment of TS.
5.Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation complicated by Takayasu arteritis: A case report
Jianbin GAO ; Jian LI ; Yu YANG ; Mier MA ; Kairui YANG ; Wei LUO ; Ning WANG ; Da ZHU ; Wenbin OUYANG ; Xiangbin PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):163-166
Patients with Takayasu arteritis combined with aortic valve disease often have a poor prognosis following surgical valve replacement, frequently encountering complications such as perivalvular leakage, valve detachment, and anastomotic aneurysm. This article presents a high-risk case wherein severe aortic valve insufficiency associated with Takayasu arteritis was successfully managed through transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the transapical approach. The patient had satisfactory valve function with no complications observed during the six-month postoperative follow-up. This case provides a minimally invasive and feasible alternative for the clinical management of such high-risk patients.
6.Analysis of undernutrition and associated factors among left behind and nonleftbehind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program areas in central and western China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):327-331
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among left behind and non left behind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) areas of central and western China, so as to provide evidence for improving the nutritional status of children and adolescents.
Methods:
A survey was conducted among 123 782 students selected by random cluster sampling method in grades 3-9 from NIPRCES in central (Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, and Hainan) and western (Gansu, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Tibet, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Chongqing) China in 2023. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were used to assess nutritional and dietary status. The prevalence of undernutrition was compared between left behind and non left behind students by Chi square test, and associated factors were analyzed by three level Logistic mixed effects model.
Results:
The prevalence of undernutrition was 8.5% (4 326) in left behind students and 8.1% (5 905) in non left behind students. Three level Logistic mixed effect model analysis showed that whether left behind or non left behind, the undernutrition rates of primary and secondary students in western regions were higher than those of students in central regions [ OR (95% CI )=1.72(1.57-1.87),2.25(2.07- 2.43 )]; the undernutrition risk was lower for those whose fathers had a cultural level of high school or above [ OR (95% CI )=0.69(0.62-0.77),0.90(0.82-0.98)] or junior high school [ OR (95% CI )=0.72(0.66-0.79),0.92(0.85-0.99)] compared to those with primary school or below; picky eating or selective eating increased the risk of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=2.36(2.07-2.68),2.28(2.04-2.55)], and primary and secondary school students without nutritional content in health education classes had higher rates of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=1.12(1.03-1.23),1.09(1.01-1.17)](all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The prevalence of undernutrition is slightly higher in left behind primary and secondary students than in non left behind primary and secondary students in central and western NIPRCES areas, with variations across different characteristics.
7.Temporal trends in the frequency of meat, egg and milk consumption among primary and secondary school students in rural central and western China, 2015-2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):332-336
Objective:
To analyze the trends of the frequency of meat, egg, and milk consumption among rural primary and junior high school students in central and western China covered by the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) from 2015 to 2023, so as to provide basis for formulating more targeted nutrition intervention policies and health education strategies.
Methods:
Using data from six rounds of monitoring and evaluation (2015-2021 and 2023), the study included 323 870 students from grade 3 to 9 across 22 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in central and western China. The consumption frequencies of meat, egg, and milk over the past week were collected via questionnaires. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyze temporal trends, and multivariable Logistic regression models were employed to analyze factors associated with the frequency of meat, egg and milk consumption and to test for interaction effects between the year and gender, region, and grade level.
Results:
From 2015 to 2023, the proportion of students consuming meat, egg, and milk ≥1 time/day increased from 23.20 %, 10.71%, and 0.74% to 35.53%, 22.09%, and 26.63%, respectively. Trend tests indicated a significant upward trend for the daily intake of all three food categories for meat, egg and milk over the years ( Z =67.18, 64.90, 93.14, all P <0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that the daily meat intake was lower in the central region than in the western region ( OR=0.77, 95%CI =0.76-0.78), whereas the daily intake of eggs ( OR=1.19, 95%CI =1.17-1.22) and milk ( OR= 1.27 , 95%CI =1.24-1.29) was higher in the central region (all P <0.05). Compared with grade 3-4 students, junior high school students had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk≥1 time/day ( OR =0.95, 0.77, 0.77, all P <0.05), with a declining trend as grade increased. Girls also had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk ≥1 time/day than boys ( OR =0.95,0.93,0.91, all P < 0.05). Significant interactions were observed between year and region, as well as between year and grade (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
From 2015 to 2023, the NIPRCES improved the intake level of among rural students, but the situation of relatively insufficient intake of egg and milk among females, junior high school students and those in the western region still exists.
8.Interventional effect and mechanism of Bifidobacterium in chronic liver disease
Liyi PAN ; Yueqiao CHEN ; Yu CHEN ; Yuyun HUANG ; Hao PEI ; Fenglan WU ; Lyuping YE ; Na WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):464-471
Compared with traditional therapies for chronic liver disease (CLD), Bifidobacterium has the characteristics of multi-target intervention, high biosafety, and good host compatibility and provides new strategies for intervention of CLD progression in terms of microecological regulation. Various studies have shown that Bifidobacterium regulates liver homeostasis and exerts a therapeutic effect on CLD by regulating intestinal flora, maintaining antioxidation, promoting energy consumption, alleviating inflammation, improving glycolipid metabolism, and exerting an antitumor effect. This article systematically reviews the studies on Bifidobacterium in the treatment of CLD in China and globally, explores their different mechanisms, and elaborates on the interaction between related signaling pathways (such as the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway and the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway) and the liver, in order to provide a basis for probiotic intervention in liver pathology, as well as new ideas for the comprehensive treatment of CLD.
9.Drinking water disinfection by-products in Wuhan urban area for 2023-2024
Qin WANG ; Yixuan WANG ; Junling JUNLING ; Feng PAN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):128-131
Objective To monitor the concentrations of six disinfection byproducts including trichloromethane,dibromochloromethane,bromodichloromethane, tribromomethane, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid in drinking water in the main urban area of Wuhan, and to assess the potential health risks. Methods A total of 373 samples were collected from the central urban area during 2023 to 2024. The concentrations of the substances were tested according to the national Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water. The detection rates of the six disinfection byproducts were statistically analyzed, and the concentration differences of the six disinfection byproducts in different time periods and different types of water samples were compared. The health risk assessment model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was used for risk assessment. Results Trichloromethane was the most common substance found in drinking water, followed by dichlorobromomethane, chlorodibromomethane, trichloroacetic acid, tribromomethane, and finally dichloroacetic acid. The concentration of dichlorobromomethane in treated water was higher than that in tap water, while the concentration of dichloroacetic acid was lower than the tap water, both with significant differences. The concentrations of the six chlorination disinfection by-products in the dry season were all significantly higher than those in the wet season. The carcinogenic risks of the disinfection byproducts were trichloroacetic acid > dichloroacetic acid > dichlorobromomethane > chlorodibromomethane > tribromomethane, and the non-carcinogenic risks were trichloromethane > trichloroacetic acid > dichlorobromomethane > chlorodibromomethane > dichloroacetic acid > tribromomethane. Conclusion Trichloroacetic acid is the substance with the highest carcinogenic risk, while trichloromethane is the non-carcinogenic substance with the highest risk, which requires special attention.
10.Regulatory Effect of Danhe Granules on Oxidative Stress in Rats with Mixed Hyperlipidemia
Jingke MENG ; Susu LIU ; Pan GAO ; Mingjiao JIA ; Bochao JIA ; Qingzheng XING ; Yulong CHEN ; Wei WANG ; Xinlou CHAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):112-122
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Danhe granules in treating mixed hyperlipidemia based on network pharmacology, as well as animal and cell experiments. MethodsThe active compounds and targets of Danhe granules were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM). Related targets for mixed hyperlipidemia were obtained from the GeneCards database. The intersecting targets were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A high-fat model was established in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) induced by palmitic acid (PA), followed by intervention with Danhe granules to assess intracellular lipid accumulation and oxidative stress levels. A mixed hyperlipidemia rat model was also established and divided into low-, medium-, and high-dose Danhe granules groups (1.134, 2.268, and 4.536 g·kg-1, respectively), as well as a positive control group treated with pravastatin sodium (4.020 mg·kg-1). After eight weeks of intervention, serum lipid levels, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indices, and the expression of key hepatic lipid metabolism-related proteins were determined. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified 93 intersecting targets between Danhe granules and mixed hyperlipidemia, with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1B among the key nodes. The PPAR signaling pathway, AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were among the most significantly enriched pathways. Cellular experiments demonstrated that Danhe granules significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while increasing catalase (CAT) activity (P<0.05), thereby alleviating intracellular lipid accumulation and triglyceride (TG) content in HepG2. In animal experiments, Danhe granules markedly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), TG, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (P<0.05), reduced hepatic MDA levels, and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CAT levels. Histological analysis showed alleviation of hepatic steatosis, upregulation of hepatic PPARA and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expressions, and downregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhe granules improve lipid metabolism disorders in mixed hyperlipidemia by reducing MDA levels, enhancing SOD and CAT activities, scavenging excessive ROS, inhibiting oxidative stress, and mitigating liver injury. The underlying mechanism may involve the upregulation of PPARA and LPL and the suppression of SREBP1 expression.


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