1.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
2.Ranibizumab on blood flow density in different macular regions in ME patients secondary to ischemic and non-ischemic BRVO
Jun ZHAO ; Zhenhua FENG ; Shuna WANG ; Hongchen FU ; Qin YUAN ; Yu ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):579-586
AIM:To investigate the effect of ranibizumab on blood flow density in different regions of the macula in patients with macular edema(ME)secondary to ischemic and non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).METHODS:This retrospective study enrolled patients with BRVO-ME who were treated at the hospital from September 2019 to March 2021. Patients were divided into ischemic and non-ischemic groups based on fundus findings. All patients received intravitreal injections of ranibizumab once monthly for three consecutive months. Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), and macular blood flow density were measured before treatment and at 1 d, 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after treatment.RESULTS: A total of 46 patients(46 eyes)with BRVO-ME were included, comprising 21 eyes in the ischemic group(7 males, 14 females; mean age 55.81±10.36 y)and 25 eyes in the non-ischemic group(11 males, 14 females; mean age 54.84±9.81 y). At 3 mo after treatment, BCVA(LogMAR)in the non-ischemic group was superior to that in the ischemic group(0.19±0.19 vs 0.38±0.27, P=0.009). Analysis of CMT changes showed that the reduction amplitude in the ischemic group was significantly greater than that in the non-ischemic group at both 1 and 3 mo after treatment(all P<0.05). Blood flow densities in the whole, parafoveal, and perifoveal regions of the superficial capillary plexus(SCP), as well as in the whole and perifoveal regions of the deep capillary plexus(DCP), were significantly lower in ischemic patients than in non-ischemic patients, while blood flow density in the foveal region of DCP was significantly higher in the ischemic group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab is effective for both types of patients. Non-ischemic patients have a better long-term visual prognosis, and the advantage may be related to better blood flow perfusion patterns in specific areas 3 mo after treatment. Monitoring changes in blood flow density in these areas can help provide personalized treatment for patients.
3.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
4.Interpretation of the key points of the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation and management of high blood pressure in adults
Qin SUN ; Aiai LI ; Jing YU ; Dongze LI ; Haihong ZHANG ; Yan ZHONG ; Zhi WAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):204-210
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), in collaboration with multiple professional organizations, jointly released the "Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults" in August 2025. Based on the latest evidence-based medical findings from February 2015 to January 2025, the guideline proposes an individualized treatment strategy grounded in total cardiovascular disease risk stratification, incorporates the novel PREVENT risk assessment model, lowers the medication initiation threshold and control targets for high-risk populations, and provides specific management recommendations for special populations. This article provides an interpretation of these updates and conducts a comparative analysis with the current status of hypertension prevention and treatment in China as well as Chinese guidelines, aiming to offer reference for hypertension control practices in China.
5.Interpretation of the heart disease section in 2025 AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics
Aiai LI ; Qin SUN ; Jing YU ; Dongze LI ; Haihong ZHANG ; Yan ZHONG ; Zhi WAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):339-346
The American Heart Association (AHA) officially released the "2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association" on January 27, 2025. This report systematically compiles the latest statistics on major cardiovascular diseases worldwide, while simultaneously integrating relevant outcome indicators, including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs, and updating the global prevalence patterns and evolving trends of diverse risk factors impacting cardiovascular health, providing essential guidance for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Synthesizing insights from this pivotal report and other relevant studies, this article highlights key findings concerning the global prevalence and mortality of heart diseases, associated risk factors, and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
6.Modified Yacoub technique for patients with aortic root aneurysm
Hongjia MA ; Qianlei LANG ; Chaoyi QIN ; Hong QIAN ; Zhenghua XIAO ; Wei MENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):611-614
Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of Remodeling+Ring (modified Yacoub) for patients with aortic root aneurysm. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent modified Yacoub surgery at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from July 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Four male patients were enrolled, with an average age of (47.3±10.3) years and body surface area of (1.9±0.2) m2. One patient had bicuspid aortic valve. Aortic valve regurgitation was mild in three patients and moderate in one patient. Preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function was gradeⅠin one patient and gradeⅡin three patients. The maximum diameter of the aortic sinus was (59.3±8.1) mm. All four patients recovered and were discharged without a second thoracotomy. No postoperative complications such as brain injury, infection, respiratory failure or renal insufficiency occurred. During the follow-up of (17.0±13.1) months, two patients showed no regurgitation of the aortic valve, two patients exhibited mild regurgitation. Three patients had a heart function of gradeⅠ and one patient of gradeⅡ. Conclusion Modified Yacoub technique is safe and effective for patients with aortic root aneurysm.
7.Risk factors for postoperative delirium after pneumonectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Lei YE ; Guanghong WU ; Jiefang DING ; Qin WANG ; Guanghui XIA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):624-630
Objective To systematically evaluate the risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched from the inception to November 7, 2024 for cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies on POD in patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the literature. RevMan 5.4.1 software was used for meta-analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. Results A total of 12 studies were included, with 5 574 patients. The NOS scores of the literature were all≥6 points. Meta-analysis results showed that age (≥60 years) [OR=2.43, 95%CI (2.01, 2.93), P<0.01], American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (Ⅳ) [OR=8.74, 95%CI (5.23, 14.61), P<0.01], history of diabetes [OR=12.81, 95%CI (10.45, 15.71), P<0.01], history of cerebrovascular disease [OR=3.00, 95%CI (2.46, 3.67), P<0.01], depression [OR=7.27, 95%CI (5.46, 9.67), P<0.01], squamous cell carcinoma [OR=4.79, 95%CI (1.83, 12.51), P<0.01], malnutrition [OR=5.25, 95%CI (3.35, 8.25), P<0.01], sleep disorders [OR=2.79, 95%CI (2.28, 3.42), P<0.01], and duration of one-lung ventilation during surgery [OR=1.32, 95%CI (1.11, 1.57), P<0.01] were all risk factors for POD, while high body mass index (BMI) [OR=0.96, 95%CI (0.95, 0.97), P<0.01] was a protective factor for POD. Conclusion Age (≥60 years), ASA classification (Ⅳ), history of diabetes, history of cerebrovascular disease, depression, squamous cell carcinoma, malnutrition, sleep disorders, and duration of one-lung ventilation during surgery are independent risk factors for POD, while high BMI is a protective factor.
8.Impact of birth weight on the trajectory of blood pressure among primary school students
CUI Chengpeng, YE Siyan, FANG Yanfei, LI Yan, PENG Zeqin, XIAO Yuqing, WU Meng, LIU Qin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):309-313
Objective:
To explore the early effects of birth weight at different gestational ages on blood pressure trajectory among primary school students, so as to provide evidence for incorporating gestational age birth weight into individualized early warning and intervention strategies for childhood hypertension.
Methods:
From May to November 2023, a purposeful sampling method was used to recruit 1 676 students in grade 1-3 from three primary schools in a certain urban district of Chongqing. Follow up assessments were conducted in May 2024(T1), November 2024(T2), and May 2025(T3). General demographic and birth related information were collected via self administered questionnaires, while height, weight and blood pressure were obtained through physical examinations. Linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the associations between birth weight at different gestational ages and blood pressure trajectories.
Results:
During the T1-T3 period, the systolic blood pressure of boys were 98.5 (93.0, 104.5 ),98.5 (93.5, 105.0), and 97.5 (92.5, 103.5)mmHg, respectively, while the diastolic blood pressure were 60.5 (56.5, 65.0), 61.5 ( 57.0 , 65.5), and 60.0 (56.0, 64.0)mmHg, respectively. For girls, the systolic blood pressure were 95.5 (90.0, 102.0),95.5 (90.5, 101.5), and 96.0 (90.5, 101.5)mmHg, respectively, and the diastolic blood pressure were 60.5 (56.0, 64.5 ),61.5 (57.5, 65.5), and 59.5 (56.0, 63.0)mmHg, respectively. Through Friedman test within both boys and girls, diostolic blood pressure were statistically significant across three measurements( χ 2=48.85,81.54,both P <0.01). The proportion of normal blood pressure increased , and the proportion of prehypertension and hypertension decreased with time( χ 2=39.72,25.62,both P < 0.01 ). Linear mixed effects model analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, sex, household income monthly, parental education, family history of hypertension and maternal pregnancy complications, large for gestational age had significantly higher trajectories of systolic ( β = 1.50) and diastolic( β =0.94) blood pressure compared to appropriate for gestational age(both P <0.01).
Conclusion
Large for gestational age is associated with elevated blood pressure trajectories during school age, and it may be considered as an early indicator for individualized screening and intervention for childhood hypertension.
9.Research progress on the impact of dietary and sleep rhythm disruption on blood pressure among children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):448-451
Abstract
The prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents continues to rise with a trend toward earlier onset, presenting a phenomenon that cannot be fully explained by traditional risk factor frameworks. Circadian rhythm disruption, particularly the dual disturbance of dietary and sleep rhythms, has emerged as a novel risk factor and become a research hotspot. The review systematically summarizes the epidemiological associations, biological mechanisms, and intervention strategies regarding dietary rhythm, sleep rhythm, and their co exposure with blood pressure in children and adolescents. Future research needs to focus on Chinese pediatric populations through longitudinal cohort studies and randomized controlled trials to clarify causal relationships and regulatory mechanisms, thereby providing evidence based guidance for chronic disease prevention and control in children.
10.Effect of Shengui Jiangtang Formula on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice via PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 Signaling Pathway and Underlying Mechanisms
Zairan WANG ; Yifei ZHU ; Jiahe TANG ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):42-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Shengui Jiangtang Formula on insulin resistance and glucose-lipid metabolism in spontaneous type 2 diabetic db/db mice based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathway, and to provide theoretical foundation for its clinical application through fundamental experiments. MethodsA randomized controlled design was employed in this study. Thirty spontaneous type 2 diabetic db/db mice meeting the inclusion criteria (fasting blood glucose >7.0 mmol·L-1 and random blood glucose on a different day≥11.1 mmol·L-1) were selected as the subjects. After stratified block randomization by body weight and blood glucose levels, they were randomly assigned to a model group, a metformin group, and a Shengui Jiangtang formula group, with n=10 per group. Ten db/m mice were used as the normal group. During the 5-week intervention, general indicators (including general condition, fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, and food intake) were recorded weekly. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at week 5. After 5 weeks, serum was collected to measure glucose-lipid metabolism parameters. Liver tissues were analyzed as follows: Histopathology was observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Oil red O staining. The expression of proteins and genes related to the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway was quantitatively analyzed using Western blotting (Western blot) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsGeneral observations: The mice in the normal group were generally healthy, exhibited agile responses and had smooth and glossy fur. Compared with the normal group, the mice in the model group displayed typical symptoms of polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria, along with listlessness and rough fur. Their food intake, initial body weight, liver weight, and liver index were all significantly higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01). After 5 weeks of drug intervention, neither the Shengui Jiangtang Formula group nor the metformin group significantly affected the food intake of the model mice. Compared with the model group, no statistically significant difference was observed in liver weight or liver index in the Shengui Jiangtang formula group. Serum biochemical indicators: Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly elevated levels of FBG, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated serum protein, and blood lipids. After drug intervention, compared with the model group, the Shengui Jiangtang formula group significantly reduced FBG in the model mice (P<0.01). The blood glucose levels at all time points during the OGTT in the Shengui Jiangtang Formula group were lower than those in the model group, with statistically significant differences in the 0 min blood glucose and the area under the curve for glucose compared to the model group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the formula significantly reduced fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and glycosylated serum protein levels (P<0.05). It also showed a tendency to decrease blood lipids, liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), and blood urea nitrogen levels, and a tendency to increase creatinine levels, although these differences were not statistically significant. Liver histomorphology: HE staining indicated that Shengui Jiangtang formula improved the morphological structure of hepatocytes and attenuated steatosis in diabetic mice. Liver PAS staining showed that it increased hepatic glycogen content and promoted hepatic glycogen synthesis in diabetic mice. Oil red O staining demonstrated that it reduced lipid deposition within hepatocytes. Western blot: Compared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased protein expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and p-FoxO1, and increased FoxO1 protein expression. Compared with the model group, both the metformin and Shengui Jiangtang Formula groups showed increased protein expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and p-FoxO1, and decreased FoxO1 protein expression. Real-time PCR: Compared with the normal group, the mRNA expression of PI3K and Akt was downregulated (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression of FoxO1 was downregulated (P<0.05) in the model group. ConclusionShengui Jiangtang Formula can improve insulin resistance and glucose-lipid metabolic disorders in db/db mice. It alleviates hepatic steatosis, promotes hepatic glycogen synthesis, and reduces lipid deposition in these mice. The mechanism by which Shengui Jiangtang Formula improves insulin resistance may be associated with the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.


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