1.Exploring Mechanism of Anti-atherosclerosis Effect of Huangqi Chifengtang Based on AMPK/PPARα Signaling Pathway and NLRP3 Inflammasome
Yuqin LIANG ; Jie LIU ; Chi ZHANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):131-139
ObjectiveTo explore the improving effect of Huangqi Chifengtang(HCT) on atherosclerosis(AS), and elucidate its mechanism in relation to adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα) signaling pathway and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome. MethodsEight C57BL/6J mice were set as the normal group, and 32 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into the model group, the positive drug group(atorvastatin, 5 mg·kg-1·d-1), HCT low- and high-dose groups(1.95, 3.90 g·kg-1·d-1). ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat and high-cholesterol feed to establish an AS mouse model. After modeling, they were orally administered corresponding dose of drugs for 28 days, while the normal and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via oral gavage. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological status of the aorta and liver in mice, Biochemical testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) were used to detect the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18 in the serum, as well as superoxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde(MDA), and reduced glutathione(GSH) in the liver. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) in the aorta, and fatty acid synthase(FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1), PPARα, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A(CPT1A) in the liver. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and ASC in the aorta, and Western blot was used to measure the protein expressions of AMPK, p-AMPK, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c(SREBP-1c), CPT1A, and FAS in the liver. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in lipid plaque deposition in the aorta and lipid accumulation in the liver, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT, IL-1β, IL-18 and CRP in the serum were significantly increased(P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of aortic TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). The levels of SOD and GSH in the liver were significantly reduced, while the level of MDA was significantly increased(P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of FAS and SCD1 in the liver were significantly downregulated, while the mRNA expressions of PPARα and CPT1A were significantly upregulated. The protein expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK and CPT1A in the liver were significantly reduced, while the expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and high-dose HCT groups showed significant improvements in aortic plaques and hepatic lipid deposition. The levels of TC, LDL-C, AST, IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of the low-dose HCT group, as well as TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT, IL-1β, IL-18 and CRP in the serum of the high-dose HCT group, were significantly reduced(P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of TLR4, NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the aorta of the low-dose HCT group, as well as TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC in the aorta of the high-dose HCT group, were significantly downregulated(P<0.01). The protein expressions of Caspase-1 and ASC in the aorta of the low-dose HCT group, as well as NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC in the high-dose HCT group, were significantly downregulated(P<0.01). The levels of SOD and GSH in the liver of the low- and high-dose HCT groups were significantly increased, while the level of MDA in the high-dose HCT group was significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). In the HCT-treated group, the mRNA expressions of FAS and SCD1 in the liver were significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expressions of PPARα and CPT1A were significantly downregulated, the protein expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK and CPT1A in the liver were significantly increased, while the protein expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHCT can improve lipid metabolism by activating the AMPK/PPARα pathway and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammatory responses, thereby reducing hepatic lipid deposition and AS plaque formation.
2.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
3.Analysis of factors influencing insufficient hyperopia reserve and refractive parameters in preschool children in Hefei
ZHANG Bolin, ZHANG Shanshan, WAN Qianqian, TONG Min, L Pingping, WANG Ke, SHI Huijing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):873-877
Objective:
To investigate the current status of refractive errors and insufficient hyperopia reserve in preschool children aged 3-6 years in Hefei and to analyze influencing factors, so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted myopia prevention policies and comprehensive interventions.
Methods:
In May 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 897 preschool children from 8 kindergartens across four districts (Baohe, Yaohai, Shushan, and Economic and Technological Development Zone) in Hefei, and Children’s Visual Health related Behavior Assessment Scale was used to collect personal information and environmental factors. Pre and post cycloplegic refraction tests were conducted to assess insufficient hyperopic reserve and refractive development levels. Group comparisons were conducted using 2 test, t-test or analysis of variance. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify key factors influencing hyperopic reserve, axial length and spherical equivalent in preschool children.
Results:
The detection rates of refractive errors among preschool children were 6.8% for hyperopia, 1.6% for myopia, and 11.1% for astigmatism. Notably, the prevalence of myopia was significantly higher in boys (2.3%) than in girls (0.7%) ( χ 2=3.88, P <0.05). Additionally, 8.8% of the children exhibited insufficient hyperopic reserve. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that preschool children with high myopia in the father, high myopia in the mother, longer daily duration of near work, and longer daily electronic product use time had increased risks of axial growth ( β =0.12, 0.09, 0.15, 0.11), SE reduction ( β =-0.10, -0.07, -0.18, -0.13), and insufficient hyperopic reserve ( OR=1.87, 2.22, 1.40, 1.28) (P <0.05). While, preschool children with longer sleep time and daily outdoor activity duration had lower risks of axial growth ( β =-0.11, -0.10 ), SE reduction ( β =0.39, 0.51), and insufficient hyperopia reserve ( OR =0.54, 0.51) in preschool children ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The rates of refractive errors and insufficient hyperopia reserve in preschool children in Hefei are relatively low, which are influenced by many factors. Parents, kindergartens and relevant departments should implement early vision monitoring and intervention for preschool children, and cultivate their scientific eye use habits.
4.Association between dietary quality and overweight / obesity among primary school students
HE Yiyang ; WANG Bilian ; ZHANG Pingping ; LI Li
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(11):1099-1102
Objective:
To investigate the association between dietary quality and overweight / obesity among primary school students, so as to provide a basis for the prevention and control of childhood obesity.
Methods:
In September 2022, third-grade students from six primary schools in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province were selected by a random cluster sampling method. Data on gender, age, height, and weight were collected through questionnaire surveys and physical examinations. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and overweight and obesity were determined using gender- and age-specific BMI cut-off points. The Chinese dietary quality questionnaires was administered to assess the intake of health-promoting and restricted foods over the past 24 hours, thereby evaluating overall dietary quality. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between dietary quality and overweight / obesity among primary school students.
Results:
A total of 1 375 primary school students were included, comprising 722 (52.51%) boys and 653 (47.49%) girls, with a mean age of (8.47±0.30) years. Among them, 165 (12.00%) were overweight and 171 (12.44%) were obese. The score for health-promoting foods was (4.29±2.27) points. The median score of restricted foods was 2.00 (interquartile range, 3.00) points. The total dietary quality score was (10.84±2.42) points. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the restricted food score was positively associated with overweight (OR=1.073, 95%CI: 1.002-1.148), while the total dietary quality score was negatively associated with overweight (OR=0.911, 95%CI: 0.851-0.976). However, no statistically significant associations were observed between the health-promoting food score and overweight or obesity (both P>0.05), nor between the restricted food score or total dietary quality score and obesity (both P>0.05).
Conclusion
A higher intake of restricted foods was associated with an increased risk of overweight, while a better dietary quality was associated with a decreased risk of overweight among primary school students.
5.Functional decellularized porcine cartilage particles promote the repair of articular osteochondral de-fects
Peixue ZHUANG ; Pingping YUAN ; Na WEI ; Xinchi ZHANG ; Yujiao WANG ; Wei WU
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(3):305-313
Objectives:To evaluate the effectiveness of functionalized decellularized extracellular matrix(F-dECM)prepared from porcine auricular cartilage or porcine rib cartilage in repairing xenogeneic articular osteochondral defects.Methods:The por-cine auricular cartilage and rib cartilage were crushed and decellularized.Heparin modification and multi-factor loading were a-chieved through amide bond reaction.The physical characteristics of the particles were characterized by SEM observation and mer-cury intrusion.The chemical characteristics of the particles were characterized by tissue section staining and kit detection.The rabbit knee joint full-thickness defect models were established and implanted by different particles respectively.After 6 weeks and 12 weeks of operation,the samples were taken for gross observation,CT scanning and tissue sectioning to comprehensively evaluate the repair effect.Results:After heparin modification,the glycosaminoglycan lost during the decellularization process was replen-ished.Both heparinized auricular cartilage and costal cartilage presented a highly developed porous structure.Among them,the porosity and pore diameter of costal cartilage were both lower than those of auricular cartilage(P<0.05).During the observation periods of 6 weeks and 12 weeks,the porcine costal cartilage F-dECM implantation group was superior to other experimental groups in knee joint repair effects(P<0.05).Conclusion:Costal-derived F-dECM is a joint osteochondral defect repair material with application potential.
6.Predictive value of clinical combined MRI scoring scale in placenta previa with placenta implantation
Qi YAO ; Oucheng WANG ; Pingping JIE ; Liulu ZHANG ; Yao XIAO
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(1):72-76
Objective To explore the clinical value of clinical combined MRI scoring scale in predicting placenta previa with pla-centa accreta spectrum disorders(PAS).Methods The clinical and MRI data of 96 pregnant women with placenta previa were ana-lyzed retrospectively,including 37 cases in the non-PAS group and 59 cases in the PAS group.In the PAS group,there were 14 cases in the placenta accreta(PA)group,33 cases in the placenta increta(PI)group and 12 cases in the placenta percreta(PP)group.The differences in clinical and imaging features of the variables between non-PAS,PA,PI,and PP groups were analyzed to establish a sco-ring scale,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to calculate the critical values of the different groups.Results Ten clinical and 15 imaging features were included for evaluation,there were statistically significant differences in 14 indicators,including the number of caesarean sections,placental thickness,abnormal subplacental vessels,and short T2 signal bands within the placenta(P<0.05).Incorporate the above indicators into the MRI scoring scale.The ROC curves showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the MRI scoring scale analyzed diagnostic non-PAS group versus PA group was 0.874,with a significance of 0.000 and a critical value of 5.5,the AUC of the PA group versus PI group was 0.784,with a significance of 0.002 and a critical value of 9.5,and the AUC of the PI group versus PP group was 0.986,with a significance of 0.000 and a critical value of 14.5.Conclusion Clini-cal combined MRI scoring scale can evaluate whether placenta previa is accompanied by PAS and evaluate the depth of PAS,which has important clinical value.
7.Biomechanical Analysis of a Self-Force Source Power-Assisted Knee Orthosis Actuated by Liquid Spring
Xuan ZHANG ; Shichang WAN ; Haoming ZHU ; Qingtao LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Pingping WEI ; Zhongmin JIN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(2):387-395
Objective To conduct the biomechanical analysis on a new power-assisted knee orthosis.Methods A self-force source power-assisted knee orthosis was used,and four motions(level walking,sitting and standing,ascending and descending stairs)were measured before and after wearing the orthosis.A musculoskeletal multibody dynamic model was adopted to calculate the joint angles and pressures at the knee,patellofemoral and hip joints.The effects of power-assisted knee orthosis on biomechanical changes of lower limbs were investigated by comparing the joint angles and pressures before and after wearing this orthosis.Results The orthosis would reduce the knee angles during level walking,as well as the knee pressures during sitting and standing on the wearing side.Wearing the orthosis did not significantly affect the joint angles during sitting and standing;however,it led to a significant decrease in joint pressures at both bilateral knee joints and patellofemoral joints.During ascending and descending stairs,the knee angle change on the wearing side was opposite to that on the non-wearing side.The increase of the peak knee angle was(14.3±3.6)%on the non-wearing side during ascending stairs.Conclusions The power-assisted knee orthosis can offer a conservative treatment for individuals with various knee diseases by reducing joint angles and pressures in daily motions.
8.Analysis of molecules and drug-resistant-characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus causing bone and joint infections
Yan WANG ; Jing YANG ; Guofei ZHAO ; Pingping SONG ; Yulong LIANG ; Ao ZHANG ; Jun WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(4):261-267
Objective To investigate the molecular typing,virulence,and drug resistance characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus(SA)in bone and joint infections,providing basis for anti-infection treatment.Methods The SA strains isolated from inpatients with bone and joint infections in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital,Capital Medical University from January 2014 to December 2021 were collected.Multi-locus sequence typing(MLST)and Staphylococcal A protein(Spa)typing for all the strains and Staphylococcal cassette chromo-some mec(SCCmec)typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)were performed based on whole genome sequencing.The virulence genes and drug resistance genes of the strains were identified by online database.The antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried by automatic microbiological assay system.Results MRSA accounted for 30.0%of the 100 isolated strains of SA.A total of 22 ST types and 39 Spa types were identified in the 100 strains of S.aureus,among which ST59(16.0%)and ST239(14.0%)were the dominant ST types,and t437(13.0%)and t030(10.0%)were the dominant Spa types.ST239-SCCmecⅢ-t030/t037 clone(46.7%)was the main epidemic clone in MRSA isolates.The biofilm gene(icaA,icaB,icaC,icaD,icaR),hemolysin gene(hlb,hld,hlgA,hlgB,hlgC),adhesion gene(clfA,clfB,fnbA,fnbB,ebp),and immune escape gene(adsA,sbi,scn)were widespread in all SA strains,with detection rates ranging from 89.0%to 100.0%.The detection rates of enterotoxin genes seb(43.3%),selk(93.8%)and selq(83.3%)in MRSA were significantly higher than those in methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus(MSSA)(all P<0.05).In terms of drug-resistance characteristics,the detection rate of the resistance gene blaZ(87.0%)was the highest among all the S.aureus strains.In the isolated MRSA strains,the detection rate of resistance genes for erm(A),tet(M),aph(3')-Ⅲ,ant(6)-Ⅰa,ant(9)-Ⅰa,and aac(6')-aph(2")ranged from 43.3%to 50.0%,which were significantly higher than those in MSSA(all P<0.05).The results of the drug-sensitivity test showed that the resistant rates of S.aureus strains to penicillin,erythromycin,and clindamycin were relatively high(89.0%,67.0%,and 51.0%,respectively).The resistant rates of MRSA to the antimicrobial agents commonly used in clinical practice were significantly higher than those of MSSA(all P<0.05).Conclusion The molecular epidemiological char-acteristics of SA strains isolated from bone and joint infections were diversified in our hospital.ST239-SCCmecⅢ-t030/t037 was the most common epidemic clone among the strains.There were significant differences in the resistance genes and drug resistance rates be-tween MRSA and MSSA strains,for which clinical attention should be paid.
9.Application of multidisciplinary comprehensive nursing under the Green Intensive Nursing Model in patients with post-traumatic epilepsy
Xiuxia ZHAO ; Hui LIU ; Pingping ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(30):4169-4174
Objective:To explore the effect of multidisciplinary comprehensive nursing under the Green Intensive Nursing Model on the clinical outcomes of patients with post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) .Methods:A convenience sampling method was used to select 120 patients with PTE admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, Zhumadian Central Hospital, from January 2022 to May 2024. Patients were randomly divided into an intervention group ( n=60) and a control group ( n=60) using a computer-generated random number table. The control group received routine neurosurgical nursing, while the intervention group received multidisciplinary comprehensive nursing under the Green Intensive Nursing Model in addition to routine nursing. The Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Barthel Index, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used for evaluation. Seizure frequency, quality of life, anxiety and depression, activities of daily living, and cognitive-behavioral function were compared between the two groups after intervention. Results:At the 3-month follow-up, the intervention group had fewer seizures than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). After the intervention, the QOLIE-31 scores, Barthel Index, and MoCA scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group, while the HADS scores were lower, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Multidisciplinary comprehensive nursing under the Green Intensive Nursing Model can reduce seizure frequency in PTE patients, improve their quality of life, decrease anxiety and depression, enhance daily living ability, and improve cognitive-behavioral function.
10.A case report of recurrent posterior circulation infarction caused by bilateral bow hunter's syndrome
Jun ZHANG ; Huan ZHANG ; Pingping WANG ; Yuan WANG ; Ting YANG ; Qingfeng MA ; Longfei WU
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(9):631-635
Bow hunter's syndrome,also referred to as rotational vertebral artery occlusion syndrome,is a rare etiological factor of posterior circulation infarction.This article reported a case of a young male patient who experienced recurrent posterior circulation infarctions caused by bilateral bow hunter's syndrome.Carotid ultrasonography confirmed a marked reduction in blood flow velocity in both vertebral arteries during neck rotation.High-resolution MR angiography and CT angiography of the head and neck revealed dissection involving the V3 segment of the left vertebral artery.The findings suggested that bow hunter's syndrome may be associated with thrombus formation secondary to repetitive mechanical compression of the vertebral artery intima,which could potentially lead to arterial embolism and subsequent cerebral infarction.This paper presents the patient's diagnostic and therapeutic course and includes a review of relevant literature aimed to enhance clinical awareness and understanding of this uncommon condition.


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