1.Isometric exercise reduces resting blood pressure:a meta-analysis of moderating factors and dose effects
Yang JIANG ; Hao PENG ; Yanping SONG ; Na YAO ; Yueyu SONG ; Xingxiao YIN ; Yanqi LI ; Qigang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):975-986
OBJECTIVE:Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Isometric exercise training has been shown to significantly reduce resting blood pressure,but the factors influencing its effectiveness remain unclear,and specific application guidelines are yet to be established.This study aims to evaluate the impact of isometric exercise training on resting blood pressure through meta-analysis,explore its moderating factors,and provide evidence-based recommendations based on its dose-response relationship.METHODS:Following the PRISMA guidelines,a systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Scopus,and Web of Science databases using keywords"Isometric exercise training,""Systolic blood pressure,"and"Diastolic blood pressure,"covering literature up to September 2024.Randomized controlled trials involving isometric exercise training and resting blood pressure were included.Three independent researchers performed literature screening and data extraction,assessing bias risk and quality grades using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and GRADE framework.Main effect pooling,publication bias assessment,subgroup,and regression analysis were conducted using R software(version 4.3.4).RESULTS:A total of 28 articles(comprising 32 randomized controlled trials)involving 977 participants were included.(1)Meta-analysis results indicated that isometric exercise training significantly reduced resting systolic blood pressure(MD=-8.01,95%CI=-9.22 to-6.80,P<0.01,I2=18.20%,low evidence grade)and diastolic blood pressure(MD=-3.46,95%CI=-4.64 to-2.28,P<0.01,I2=0%,moderate evidence grade)compared to no exercise.(2)Subgroup analysis results revealed significant influences of gender,health status,exercise modality,frequency,intensity,duration,sets per session,rest duration,and baseline blood pressure on the main effects for both systolic(P<0.01)and diastolic blood pressure(P<0.05).(3)Regression analysis results did not show any significant influencing factors,but body mass index(β=-4.11,P=0.091)showed a significant negative trend on the main effect for systolic blood pressure.(4)No significant publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis results(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:(1)Isometric exercise training significantly lowers systolic(low evidence grade)and diastolic(moderate evidence grade)blood pressure with clinically meaningful thresholds.(2)Participant characteristics(gender,health status,baseline blood pressure,and body mass index)and isometric exercise training protocols(modality,frequency,intensity,duration,cycle,sets per session,and rest duration)influence its antihypertensive effects.(3)The article recommends the optimal blood pressure management prescription:three sessions per week,with four sets per session,each set lasting 2 minutes with a 2-minute rest,at an intensity of 95%HRpeak using isometric wall squat exercises;the intervention period can be adjusted around a 6-week node.Future high-quality research is urgently needed to further validate and support these conclusions.
2.A meta-analysis of risk factors for residual back pain after vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Peng YANG ; Chenghan XU ; Yingjie ZHOU ; Xubin CHAI ; Hanjie ZHUO ; Lin LI ; Jinyu SHI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):731-739
OBJECTIVE:Patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures still have residual back pain after vertebral augmentation.The current research is characterized by limited sample size,complex confounding factors,and inconsistent research results.To gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon,the aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the risk factors for residual back pain after surgery through a systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS:A comprehensive search was conducted in CNKI,VIP,WanFang,CBMdisc,PubMed,The Cochrane Library,Embase,and Web of Science for case-control studies on residual back pain after vertebral body augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures from database inception to July 2024.The search terms were a combination of subject terms and free terms.The basic information,patient characteristics,surgical-related indicators,and risk factors for surgical back pain of the included studies were extracted.After evaluating the bias risk of all included studies,a meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 14.0 software on the relevant indicators.RESULTS:(1)21 case-control studies with a total of 8 043 patients were included.Among them,965 patients developed back pain.The quality score of all 21 studies was ≥7.(2)The meta-analysis results showed that age(WMD=0.98,95%CI:0.40-1.56,P=0.010),bone mineral density(WMD=-0.28,95%CI:-0.34 to-0.21,P=0.000),the number of vertebral fractures(OR=3.50,95%CI:2.65-4.62,P=0.000),thoracolumbar fracture index(OR=3.65,95%CI:2.61-5.11,P=0.000),cement volume(OR=6.89,95%CI:2.62-18.17,P=0.000),and cement distribution(OR=2.38,95%CI:1.93-2.93,P=0.000)were risk factors for the development of back pain after vertebral body augmentation in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.CONCLUSION:Current evidence indicates that age,bone mineral density,the number of vertebral fractures,thoracolumbar fracture index,bone cement injection volume,and the distribution of bone cement are risk factors for low back pain.Specifically,bone mineral density,the number of vertebral fractures,thoracolumbar fracture index,and non-uniform distribution of bone cement are identified as independent risk factors for low back pain.Patients exhibiting these high-risk factors require vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention to mitigate the occurrence of clinical low back pain,thereby enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
3.Effects of long-term endurance exercise on kl/FGF23 axis and calcium-phosphorus metabolism in naturally aging mice
Tuanhui PENG ; Hongming SONG ; Ling YANG ; Xiaoge DING ; Pengjun MENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1089-1095
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that disorders of mineral metabolism may be responsible for premature aging and that the kl/FGF23 axis plays an important role in mineral metabolism.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of long-term endurance exercise on the kl/FGF23 axis in naturally aging mice,and to observe the impact of long-term endurance exercise on calcium and phosphorus metabolism,so as to provide a reference for the influence of long-term endurance exercise on natural aging.METHODS:Twenty-two 5-week-old SPF male balb/c mice were randomly divided into three groups:young and quiet control group,natural aging quiet group and natural aging exercise group.Mice in the young and quiet control group were then killed immediately.Mice in the natural aging quiet group were raised normally until 60 weeks of age.Mice in the natural aging exercise group were subjected to adaptive exercise for 1 week,followed by the maximum running speed test.The official exercise speed was set at 70%of the maximum running speed,and exercise was performed on Mondays,Wednesdays,and Fridays for 50 minutes each.Maximum running speed was retested at 8-week intervals to adjust the official exercise speed until the age of 60 weeks.(3)Enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure the levels of femoral fibroblast growth factor 23,renal fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,1α-hydroxylase,and serum 1,25(OH)2D3.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the young and quiet control group,serum calcium and phosphorus levels in natural aging quiet group had no significant changes(P>0.05),but bone calcium and phosphorus levels were significantly reduced(P<0.01).Compared with the natural aging quiet group,the serum phosphorus level was significantly reduced(P<0.05),the serum calcium level did not change(P>0.05),and bone calcium and phosphorus levels were significantly increased in the natural aging exercise group(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the young and quiet control group,the level of fibroblast growth factor 23 in the femur of the natural aging quiet group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the natural aging quiet group,the level of fibroblast growth factor 23 in the femur of the natural aging exercise group was reduced,but it was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(3)Compared with the young and quiet control group,the renal Klotho protein expression,the renal fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,1α-hydroxylase,and serum 1,25(OH)2 D3 levels in the natural aging quiet group were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the natural aging quiet group,the levels of the above-mentioned indicators were significantly increased in the natural aging exercise group(P<0.05,P<0.01).To conclude,long-term endurance exercise can regulate Klotho protein and fibroblast growth factor 23 through the kl/FGF23 axis,thereby affecting the expression of 1α-hydroxylase and the level of 1,25(OH)2D3,and further regulating the body's calcium and phosphorus metabolism,especially phosphate metabolism.This indicates that long-term endurance exercise can delay the natural aging of the body through the kl/FGF23 axis.
4.Isometric exercise reduces resting blood pressure:a meta-analysis of moderating factors and dose effects
Yang JIANG ; Hao PENG ; Yanping SONG ; Na YAO ; Yueyu SONG ; Xingxiao YIN ; Yanqi LI ; Qigang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):975-986
OBJECTIVE:Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Isometric exercise training has been shown to significantly reduce resting blood pressure,but the factors influencing its effectiveness remain unclear,and specific application guidelines are yet to be established.This study aims to evaluate the impact of isometric exercise training on resting blood pressure through meta-analysis,explore its moderating factors,and provide evidence-based recommendations based on its dose-response relationship.METHODS:Following the PRISMA guidelines,a systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Scopus,and Web of Science databases using keywords"Isometric exercise training,""Systolic blood pressure,"and"Diastolic blood pressure,"covering literature up to September 2024.Randomized controlled trials involving isometric exercise training and resting blood pressure were included.Three independent researchers performed literature screening and data extraction,assessing bias risk and quality grades using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and GRADE framework.Main effect pooling,publication bias assessment,subgroup,and regression analysis were conducted using R software(version 4.3.4).RESULTS:A total of 28 articles(comprising 32 randomized controlled trials)involving 977 participants were included.(1)Meta-analysis results indicated that isometric exercise training significantly reduced resting systolic blood pressure(MD=-8.01,95%CI=-9.22 to-6.80,P<0.01,I2=18.20%,low evidence grade)and diastolic blood pressure(MD=-3.46,95%CI=-4.64 to-2.28,P<0.01,I2=0%,moderate evidence grade)compared to no exercise.(2)Subgroup analysis results revealed significant influences of gender,health status,exercise modality,frequency,intensity,duration,sets per session,rest duration,and baseline blood pressure on the main effects for both systolic(P<0.01)and diastolic blood pressure(P<0.05).(3)Regression analysis results did not show any significant influencing factors,but body mass index(β=-4.11,P=0.091)showed a significant negative trend on the main effect for systolic blood pressure.(4)No significant publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis results(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:(1)Isometric exercise training significantly lowers systolic(low evidence grade)and diastolic(moderate evidence grade)blood pressure with clinically meaningful thresholds.(2)Participant characteristics(gender,health status,baseline blood pressure,and body mass index)and isometric exercise training protocols(modality,frequency,intensity,duration,cycle,sets per session,and rest duration)influence its antihypertensive effects.(3)The article recommends the optimal blood pressure management prescription:three sessions per week,with four sets per session,each set lasting 2 minutes with a 2-minute rest,at an intensity of 95%HRpeak using isometric wall squat exercises;the intervention period can be adjusted around a 6-week node.Future high-quality research is urgently needed to further validate and support these conclusions.
5.Clinical Efficacy of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Combination with Chinese Herbal Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis:A Retrospective Study and A Meta-analysis
Chenguang ZHAN ; Shengqin YANG ; Xin LI ; Yu WEN ; Peng ZHANG ; Xingrui YAN ; Haifang DU ; Maojie WANG ; Xiaodong WU ; Liyan MEI ; Xiumin CHEN ; Yanlin LI ; Runyue HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):534-543
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors combined with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MethodsClinical data from 169 RA patients were retrospectively collected. Among them, 71 cases received JAK inhibitors as the control group, while 98 cases received JAK inhibitors plus CHM as the observation group, both treated for 24 weeks. The rheumatoid factor (RF), cyclic citic peptide antibody (anti-CCP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count (WBC) were recorded before and after treatment. Databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception till August 31st, 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the combined use of JAK inhibitors and CHM for RA. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analyses were performed for RF, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP, 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28), overall clinical effective rate, and incidence of adverse events. Sensitivity analysis were also performed. ResultsThe retrospective study demonstrated that after treatment, ESR, CRP, and anti-CCP levels decreased in the observation group, while ESR and CRP levels decreased in the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, ESR and RF levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). A total of 9 RCTs involving 770 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that the JAK inhibitors plus CHM group was superior to the JAK inhibitors group in reducing RF (MD=-8.97, 95%CI -15.01 to -2.94, P=0.004), CRP (MD=-3.34, 95%CI -3.82 to -2.86, P<0.001), ESR (MD=-5.33, 95%CI -7.98 to -2.69, P<0.001), and DAS28 score (MD=-0.54, 95%CI -0.74 to -0.34, P<0.001), as well as in improving the overall clinical effective rate (OR=4.53, 95%CI 2.55 to 8.03, P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in anti-CCP levels (SMD=-2.08, 95%CI -4.41 to 0.24, P=0.080) or incidence of adverse events (OR=0.93, 95%CI 0.55 to 1.57, P=0.790). ConclusionThe combination of JAK inhibitors and CHM demonstrates remarkable efficacy in treating RA, contributing to improved disease activity and reduced inflammatory markers with a favorable safety profile.
6.Discussion on "Five Views" Treatment Principles in Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Mingxing SU ; Junning LIU ; Ruifang YANG ; Zhuoming ZHENG ; Yan XIAO ; Peng CHEN ; Youxin SU ; Jiemei GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1125-1129
The key to the onset and progression of the functional impairments of orthopedic diseases is imba-lance of deficiency and excess, disharmony of movement and stillness, dislocation of sinews and bones, imbalance of rigidity and flexibility, and disharmony of body and spirit. Based on this, the "five views" treatment principle has been proposed for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) orthopedic rehabilitation, which include the view of balancing deficiency and excess, combining movement and stillness, focusing on both sinews and bones, integrating rigidity and flexibility, and harmonizing body and spirit. Correspondingly, the "five views" collaborative rehabilitation clinical model is established, providing a reference for enhancing the systematization and targeting of TCM orthopedic rehabilitation.
7.Relationship between mental health literacy and anxiety symptoms in the elderly: the pathways of insomnia
Zhiyue CAO ; Xianmei YANG ; Xumei PENG ; Nvshi ZHOU ; Congwen YANG ; Chengcheng LIU ; Jing YAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):158-164
BackgroundAnxiety symptoms have become a public health issue affecting the physical and mental health of the elderly population. Mental health literacy is a predictor of anxiety symptoms in the elderly. Currently, there are limited studies on the pathogenic mechanism between the two. Exploring the relationship and mechanism between mental health literacy and anxiety symptoms among the elderly is of great significance for improving the mental health level of the elderly. ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of mental health literacy on anxiety symptoms in the elderly, and to analyze the role of insomnia in this process, in order to provide references for the formulation of prevention and intervention strategies for anxiety symptoms in the elderly. MethodsFrom August 2021 to December 2022, a total of 10 650 older adults aged 60 years old and above were selected from a city in Sichuan Province using a multistage stratified sampling method. Participants completed the self-compiled demographic questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 item (GAD-7), and the National Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire (NMHLQ). Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to examine the correlation between the scores of the scales. Model 4 in SPSS 27.0 plugin Process 4.1 was employed to test the pathway of insomnia between mental health literacy (and its various dimensions) and anxiety symptoms. ResultsAmong the participants, 9 609 cases (90.23%) completed the valid questionnaire survey, and 1 680 cases (17.48%) were found to have anxiety symptoms. The total score of the NMHLQ for the elderly, as well as the scores of the knowledge, awareness, and skills dimensions, were negatively correlated with the GAD-7 score and the ISI score (rs=-0.506–-0.054, P<0.01), and the ISI score was positively correlated with the GAD-7 score (rs=0.666, P<0.01). Insomnia served as the mediating pathway between the mental health literacy and anxiety symptoms, with an indirect effect value of -0.210 (95% CI: -0.227–-0.193), accounting for 54.97% of the total effect. Insomnia was the mediating pathway between the mental health literacy knowledge and anxiety symptoms of the elderly, with an indirect effect value of -0.161 (95% CI: -0.178–-0.144), accounting for 52.61% of the total effect. Insomnia played a mediating role in the relationship between the awareness of mental health literacy and anxiety symptoms, with an indirect effect value of -0.323 (95% CI: -0.342–-0.302), accounting for 76.36% of the total effect. Insomnia was the mediating pathway between the mental health literacy skills and anxiety symptoms of the elderly, with an indirect effect value of -0.172 (95% CI: -0.187–-0.159), accounting for 53.75% of the total effect. ConclusionThe dimensions of mental health literacy, knowledge, awareness and skills of the elderly not only directly affect anxiety symptoms, but also indirectly influence anxiety symptoms through the pathway of insomnia.[Funded by Medical Research Project Plan of Sichuan Province (number, S23049)]
8.Research progress on the source and biosynthesis of tetrodotoxin
Wei WU ; Dunning YU ; Xingchi YANG ; Peng SUN ; Zhiyong CHU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(1):1-6
Tetrodotoxin(TTX)is a potent neurotoxin known for its specific sodium channel blocking effects, widely used in biomedical research. While TTX has been identified in various marine organisms, its true origin remains unclear, and the specific biosynthetic pathways are yet to be elucidated. The reported sources of TTX and the progress in research on TTX biosynthesis were summarized, with a focus on potential microbial sources of TTX, which could provide scientific reference for the production and biosynthesis studies of TTX.
9.Functional connectivity in default mode network and medial temporal lobe in mild cognitive impairment stage of Alzheimer's disease based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging: a meta-analysis
Tianxing HAN ; Haotian LIU ; Ziqi XU ; Xiaohan PENG ; Yang WANG ; Danna CAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):522-533
ObjectiveTo explore the diagnostic value of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to investigate the changes in brain functional connectivity in default mode network (DMN) and medial temporal lobe (MTL) regions. MethodsLiteratures were retrieved from multiple databases including CNKI, PubMed, Medline, and Embase, etc. from January, 2020 to October, 2025, investigating the changes in functional connectivity of DMN and MTL in patients with MCI compared to health control (HC) using rs-fMRI. Two researchers independently screened and extracted the literatures and methodological quality was assessed using QUADAS-2. Review Manager 5.4 was used to perform a meta-analysis of neuroimaging indicators in MCI patients and HC subjects. Stata and SDM were utilized to summarize diagnostic efficacy and brain functional connectivity, calculating the over all sensitivity, specificity and summary receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve (SROC-AUC). Deeks funnel plots were drawn, literature weights were analyzed, and subgroup analyses were conducted. ResultsA total of ten literatures were ultimately included, involving 1 010 patients with MCI and 1 714 HC subjects. MCI patients showed decreased or abnormal blood oxygen level dependence signals in DMN, focusing on bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex. The SROC-AUC was 0.91. In MTL, there was a characteristic decrease of spontaneous neural functional connectivities between the hippocampus and other regions, reflecting the obstruction of information transmission from episodic memory to the central nodes. Abnormal functional connectivity in DMN and MTL resulted in compensatory resting-state functional connectivity enhancement in other subnetworks or local functional connections, such as frontoparietal network and the hippocampal-parietal network. Abnormal activation of mPFC suggested atrophy of the hippocampus or abnormal brain function. The decline in functional connectivity between DMN and MTL indicated impairment of memory and information processing in the early stage. ConclusionThe early functional decoupling between DMN and MTL is a crucial neural mechanism at the MCI stage of AD, providing important neuroimaging evidence for the early diagnosis of AD.
10.Effects and mechanisms of action of Yiqi wenyang huwei decoction in improving bronchial asthma in rats
Yunqing YANG ; Jianyu XIE ; Wei TANG ; Chao YE ; Qiangqiang YU ; Peng SUN ; Yuping YANG ; Jianwei YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1264-1271
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Yiqi wenyang huwei decoction (YQWY) in improving airway inflammation and remodeling in rats with bronchial asthma (BA) based on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the dexamethasone group (positive control, 0.5 mg/kg), and YQWY low-, medium- and high-dose groups (5, 10, 20 g/kg, calculated by the crude drug), with 8 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were sensitized twice with ovalbumin combined with aerosol challenge to establish a BA model. From day 14 to day 34 of the experiment, the rats in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, 1 hour before aerosol challenge. At 24 hours after the final aerosol challenge, asthma symptom scores were assessed, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-13 and tumor necrosis factor-α) and the numbers of inflammatory cells (white blood cell, eosinophil, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and basophil) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined. Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed. The mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB, as well as the protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in lung tissue, were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the pathological changes, such as inflammatory cell infiltration, abnormal deposition of collagen fibers, and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lung tissue of rats in each drug group, were alleviated to varying degrees. The asthma symptom scores (except for the YQWY low-dose group), the levels of IgE and inflammatory cytokines (except for interleukin-5 in the YQWY medium-dose group), the number of inflammatory cells (except for monocyte and basophil in the YQWY low-dose group), the mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB, as well as the protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (except for MyD88 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the YQWY low-dose group as detected by Western blo t) were all significantly reduced or down-regulated ( P <0.05 or P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS YQWY can alleviate asthma-like manifestations in BA rats and improve their airway inflammation and remodeling; these effects may be related to the formula’s inhibition of the abnormal activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

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