1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Alleviates Dry Eye Disease by Regulating Tear Film Homeostasis: A Review
Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Yao CHEN ; Guicheng LIU ; Li TANG ; Pei LIU ; Genyan QIN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):172-181
Dry eye (DE) is a prevalent multifactorial disease of the ocular surface, clinically characterized by tear film homeostasis imbalance accompanied by related ocular surface symptoms. Specifically, the tear film is a thin liquid layer of tears covering the cornea and conjunctiva through blinking, while tear film homeostasis serves as the foundation for maintaining normal ocular surface structure and function. Insufficient tear secretion and excessive tear film evaporation lead to tear hyperosmolarity and the production of inflammatory mediators, disrupting tear film homeostasis and subsequently forming DE. Additionally, cascade reactions are triggered, resulting in a "vicious cycle of DE" that exacerbates the disease severity and prolongs its duration. Therefore, for DE treatment, it is crucial to restore tear film homeostasis and terminate this vicious cycle. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which differentiates and treats DE based on systemic conditions, often achieves favorable therapeutic outcomes, offering additional treatment options for DE. Studies have demonstrated that TCM can alleviate DE by regulating tear film homeostasis and terminating the vicious cycle. This review systematically summarizes recent basic experimental research in China and abroad on TCM in alleviating DE by regulating tear film homeostasis, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment and an insight for research design.
2.Chufeng Yisuntang Ameliorates PM2.5-induced Dry Eye via ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Yuan ZHONG ; Pan ZHAO ; Shi TAN ; Yu TANG ; Dongdong LI ; Lihao CHEN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):191-200
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced dry eye and investigate whether Chufeng Yisuntang can ameliorate the PM2.5-induced ocular surface damage by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. Ten were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 50 mice received topical instillation of 1 drop (0.1 mL) of 5 g·L-1 PM2.5 suspension in both eyes, four times daily. Successfully modeled mice were randomized into four groups (n=10): Model, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Chufeng Yisuntang, and combination (Chufeng Yisuntang at 7.3 g·kg-1 + p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 at 5 mg·kg-1). Chufeng Yisuntang was administered via gavage, and the inhibitor group via intraperitoneal injection. The control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. All treatments lasted for 4 weeks. General conditions were dynamically observed. Tear secretion, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining were assessed. After intervention for 4 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the histopathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure serum levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, and SOD2. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and gene levels, respectively, of p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) in the corneal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited reduced tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with increased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group demonstrated increased tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with decreased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). HE staining revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited marked increases in corneal epithelial cell layers and epithelial thickness, along with reduced meibomian gland acini and intensely stained, densely packed nuclei around the acini. Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group showed intact corneal structure, improved cell morphology, and reduced damage severity. ELISA revealed elevated ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01) and decreased SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination lowered ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01), while raising SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and reduced protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and increased protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Real-time PCR revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionChufeng Yisuntang may partially protect against PM2.5-induced corneal injury by inhibiting the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, enhancing antioxidant defense, and reducing epithelial apoptosis.
3.The Potential Role of β-Asarone inCalcium Imbalance and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Melanoma Cells
Yuze LIU ; Wei TANG ; Biao YU ; Qinghua YANG ; Wenbing LAI
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):75-83
Background:
The treatment landscape for melanoma, a particularly malignant skin cancer, is constrained by notable drug resistance and toxicity. β-Asarone, a natural compound from Acorus tatarinowii, has shown anticancer potential. Disruption of calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction are key regulators of tumor cell survival and death.
Objective:
This research was conducted to investigate the impact of β-Asarone on B16F10 melanoma cells, focusing on its potential to induce apoptosis by modulating calcium signaling and mitochondrial function.
Methods:
Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, and TUNEL assays. Intracellular calcium levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using Fluo-4 AM, Rhod-2 AM, and JC-1 staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were assessed by fluorescent probes and ATP assay. Western blotting was utilized to detect apoptosis-related proteins, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway activation, and mitochondrial dynamics (OPA1, DRP1, FIS1).
Results:
Treatment with β-Asarone notably inhibited the proliferation of B16F10 cells while simultaneously inducing apoptosis. Fluorescent probe analysis revealed that β-Asarone triggered cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca 2+ overloaded in both the cytosol and mitochondria, accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and reduced ATP production. Western blot analysis showed increased expression of DRP1 and FIS1, decreased OPA1, and enhanced AMPK phosphorylation, indicating that β-Asarone promotes mitochondrial fission through AMPK activation, likely driven by intracellular calcium imbalance.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that β-Asarone induces apoptosis in B16F10 melanoma cells by triggering Ca 2+ overload and mitochondrial dysfunction.
4.Mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine in modulating gut microbiota on primary open-angle glaucoma: a study based on data mining, network pharmacology, and Mendelian randomization
Yu TANG ; Bingyao ZHU ; Qianhong LIU ; Kai WU ; Pai ZHOU ; Xiaolei YAO ; Qinghua PENG
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(4):491-503
Objective:
To elucidate the potential mechanisms by which Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) regulates gut microbiota (GM) to influence the development of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Methods:
Data mining, network pharmacology, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses (two-sample design) were conducted in integration to systematically explore the CHM-GM-POAG axis. Literature-based data mining method was applied to identify frequently used herbs and herb pairs for POAG, and the properties and meridian tropism of the herbs were analyzed as well. Target prediction and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to identify shared molecular pathways among CHM components, GM, and POAG. MR analysis was performed to assess the genetically predicted causal associations between specific microbial taxa and POAG risk.
Results:
Our data mining work indicated that commonly used CHMs were mainly bitter and sweet in flavors and cold in property, with meridian tropism toward the liver, lung, and kidney. The predominant therapeutic effects of the CHMs included soothing the liver and regulating Qi, promoting blood circulation, and reducing fluid retention. Representative herb pairs were Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata)-Gouqi (Lycii Fructus) with Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Gouqi (Lycii Fructus)-Fuling (Poria) with Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), and Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos)-Gouqi (Lycii Fructus) with Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma). Network pharmacology revealed overlapping targets involving antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulation pathways. MR analysis demonstrated that higher abundances of Ruminiclostridium 6 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58 – 0.92, P = 0.007], Ruminococcaceae UCG-002 (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63 – 0.96, P = 0.018), Ruminococcus torques group (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57 – 0.90, P = 0.004), and Victivallis (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70 – 0.96, P = 0.016) were causally associated with reduced POAG risk, whereas Actinomyces (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.06 – 1.68, P = 0.013) and Blautia (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.90, P = 0.042) showed positive associations.
Conclusion
This study revealed potential causal links between GM and POAG and provided integrative evidence that CHM may modulate the microbiota to exert neuroprotective effects. These findings offer new integrative insights into the gut-eye axis and a theoretical basis for developing microbiota-targeted CHM strategies in glaucoma management.
5.Construction and application of a graded early mobility path for critically ill adult patients
Bing LI ; Sheng TANG ; Yanlan MA ; Lingyu SHEN ; Qinghua ZHAO ; Ping LUO ; Mengjie BI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(17):2102-2110
Objective To develop a graded early mobility implementation pathway for critically ill adult patients in tertiary hospitals in Beijing and to preliminarily validate its feasibility and effectiveness.Methods Based on the"goal-directed"early mobility concept,a graded early mobility implementation pathway for critically ill patients was developed through evidence synthesis and the Delphi method,consisting of 3 components:patient inclusion,mobility implementation,and mobility evaluation.Using convenience sampling,patients meeting inclusion criteria in the general ICU of a tertiary hospital in Beijing from October 2024 to January 2025 were selected as participants.Among them,25 patients admitted from December 2024 to January 2025 were assigned to an experimental group and received early mobility interventions following the developed pathway.25 patients admitted from October to November 2024 served as a control group and received routine ICU mobility care.Outcomes including diaphragm excursion,muscle strength,ICU length of stay,and adverse events were compared between the 2 groups.Results The graded early mobility pathway achieved an implementation rate of 70.05%in the experimental group,significantly higher than it in the control group(P<0.001),without increasing adverse events.Post-intervention diaphragm excursion in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group(P=0.018).Conclusion The developed graded early mobility implementation pathway for ICU patients demonstrates scientific rigor and clinical practicality.It provides a reference for the widespread and effective implementation of early mobility in ICUs,standardizing its clinical application.
6.Construction and application of a graded early mobility path for critically ill adult patients
Bing LI ; Sheng TANG ; Yanlan MA ; Lingyu SHEN ; Qinghua ZHAO ; Ping LUO ; Mengjie BI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(17):2102-2110
Objective To develop a graded early mobility implementation pathway for critically ill adult patients in tertiary hospitals in Beijing and to preliminarily validate its feasibility and effectiveness.Methods Based on the"goal-directed"early mobility concept,a graded early mobility implementation pathway for critically ill patients was developed through evidence synthesis and the Delphi method,consisting of 3 components:patient inclusion,mobility implementation,and mobility evaluation.Using convenience sampling,patients meeting inclusion criteria in the general ICU of a tertiary hospital in Beijing from October 2024 to January 2025 were selected as participants.Among them,25 patients admitted from December 2024 to January 2025 were assigned to an experimental group and received early mobility interventions following the developed pathway.25 patients admitted from October to November 2024 served as a control group and received routine ICU mobility care.Outcomes including diaphragm excursion,muscle strength,ICU length of stay,and adverse events were compared between the 2 groups.Results The graded early mobility pathway achieved an implementation rate of 70.05%in the experimental group,significantly higher than it in the control group(P<0.001),without increasing adverse events.Post-intervention diaphragm excursion in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group(P=0.018).Conclusion The developed graded early mobility implementation pathway for ICU patients demonstrates scientific rigor and clinical practicality.It provides a reference for the widespread and effective implementation of early mobility in ICUs,standardizing its clinical application.
7.Comparison of pulmonary fibrosis rat models induced by different dosed of bleomycin
Qinghua SONG ; Huimeng TANG ; Xin SUN ; Yang LIU ; Yunyun XIE ; Yange TIAN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(10):28-37
Objective To compare the success rate and stability of rat pulmonary fibrosis(PF)models induced by intratracheal instillation of different doses of bleomycin(BLM).Methods One hundred and fifty Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into control,low-dose BLM 3 mg/kg(BL-L),and high-dose BLM 5 mg/kg(BL-H)groups.General status,mortality,and weight changes were observed,and the lung inspiratory capacity(IC),vital capacity(VC),chord compliance(Cchord),and dynamic compliance(Cdyn)were detected on days 28,42,56,and 84.Lung coefficients were recorded and pathological changes in lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining.The lung hydroxyproline(HYP)content was detected and collagen type Ⅲ(COL Ⅲ)was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The mortality rates in the BL-L and BL-H groups were 20%and 28%,respectively.Body weight was significantly lower in the BL-L group compared with the control group on days 0~56,and weight recovery after day 56.Body weight was significantly lower in the BL-H group compared with the control and BL-L groups from days 0~56(P<0.01).Regarding lung function,IC,VC,Cchord,and Cdyn were significantly lower in the BL-L group compared with the control group on day 28(P<0.01,P<0.05),and IC and Cdyn were significantly lower in the BL-H group(P<0.01).IC,VC,and Cchord were significantly decreased in the BL-L group on day 42(P<0.01,P<0.05),while IC,VC,Cchord,and Cdyn were significantly decreased in the BL-H group(P<0.01,P<0.05),and IC,VC,and Cchord were significantly lower compared with in the BL-L group(P<0.01).Cchord was significantly lower in the BL-H group compared with the control and BL-L groups on day 56(P<0.01).The lung coefficients on day 28 were significantly higher in the BL-L and BL-H groups compared with the control group(P<0.01),and were significantly higher in the BL-H group from days 42~56 compared with the BL-L and control groups(P<0.01).Regarding lung histopathology and immunohistochemistry,inflammatory infiltration,fibrotic streaks,and COL Ⅲ expression were observed in the BL-L group from days 28~56,and almost complete disappearance of the fibrotic lesions on day 84.In contrast,fibrotic lesions could be observed from days 28~84 in the BL-H group,with significantly elevated COL Ⅲ expression compared with the control group(P<0.01).The HYP content was significantly higher in the BL-L group compared with the control group from days 28~42(P<0.05,P<0.01),and then gradually decreased,and the HYP content was significantly higher in the BL-H group than in the control group from days 28~84(P<0.01).Conclusions Both 3 and 5 mg/kg BLM can successfully induce PF rat models.Rats treated with 3 mg/kg BLM developed fibrosis on day 28,which lasted until day 42 and then gradually recovered.Rats treated with 5 mg/kg BLM developed fibrosis on day 28,and the degree of fibrosis was more severe with the higher compared with the lower dose,with stable fibrotic lesions up to day 56 and moderate-to-severe fibrosis still present in half of the rats until day 84.
8.Evolving landscape of treatments targeting the microenvironment of liver metastases in non-small cell lung cancer
Lingling ZHU ; Xianzhe YU ; Xiaojun TANG ; Chenggong HU ; Lei WU ; Yanyang LIU ; Qinghua ZHOU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(9):1019-1032
Liver metastases (LMs) are common in lung cancer. Despite substantial advances in diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of patients with LM remains low as the immune-suppressive microenvironment of the liver allows tumor cells to evade the immune system. The impact of LMs on the outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with solid tumors has been the main focus of recent translational and clinical research. Growing evidence indicates that the hepatic microenvironment delivers paracrine and autocrine signals from non-parenchymal and parenchymal cells. Overall, these microenvironments create pre- and post-metastatic conditions for the progression of LMs. Herein, we reviewed the epidemiology, physiology, pathology and immunology, of LMs associated with non-small cell lung cancer and the role and potential targets of the liver microenvironment in LM in each phase of metastasis. Additionally, we reviewed the current treatment strategies and challenges that should be overcome in preclinical and clinical investigations. These approaches target liver elements as the basis for future clinical trials, including combinatorial interventions reported to resolve hepatic immune suppression, such as immunotherapy plus chemotherapy, immunotherapy plus radiotherapy, immunotherapy plus anti-angiogenesis therapy, and surgical resection.
9.Successfully diagnosed and treated of 2 peritoneal dialysis patients with cholangiolithiasis: a case report and literature review
Lei WU ; Jiandong NIE ; Qinghua SUN ; Chunying SHI ; Wen TANG
Clinical Medicine of China 2024;40(3):212-215
Objective:To summarize the successful diagnosis and treatment experience of two patients with peritoneal dialysis complicated with cholangiolithiasis and cholangitis who received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of two patients with peritoneal dialysis combined with bile duct stones at Peking University Third Hospital who underwent ERCP combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy and were successfully transferred out of the hospital. Observe successful removal of bile duct stones and adverse events related to surgery, such as pancreatitis, summarize experience, and conduct literature review.Result:The overall success rate of stone removal in 2 patients was 100%, and they recovered well after treatment without severe postoperative bleeding. One patient developed postoperative pancreatitis and secondary peritonitis after ECRP, and active anti infection treatment did not affect peritoneal function. Regular peritoneal dialysis was maintained during the perioperative period, and postoperative close follow-up and flexible adjustment of peritoneal dialysis dose and concentration were carried out to ensure a smooth transition of patients to regular and stable peritoneal dialysis.Conclusion:ERCP is a feasible treatment for PD patients combined with choledocholithiasis, and can be well tolerated by them. The treatment of peritoneal dialysis patients requires long-term follow-up and management, and multidisciplinary cooperation is required when acute complications occur.
10.Summary of best evidences on non-pharmacological management of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults
Lijuan CHEN ; Huanhuan HUANG ; Jiao TANG ; Siqi JIANG ; Qinghua ZHAO ; Li XU ; Chunni WANG
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(23):3625-3632
Objective To retrieve,evaluate and summarize the related evidences on non-pharmacological management of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults to provide an evidence-based basis for formula-ting a scientific and effective health management program for sarcopenia in older adults.Methods According to the"6S"evidence resource pyramid model,the UpToDate,JBI Center for Evidence-based Health Care,Co-chrane Library,DynaMed,Guidelines International Network,Registered Nurses'Association of Ontario,Med-Sci,Yimaitong,PubMed,CINAHL,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang,and CBM for evidence related to the non-pharmacological management of sarcopenia in older adults.The retrival time was from January 1,2018 to No-vember 1,2023.Results A total of 20 literatures were included,including 1 clinical decision,2 guidelines,7 expert consensuses and 10 systematic evaluations or meta analysis.Forty-two pieces of evidence were summa-rized in 4 aspects including screening and assessment,dietary and nutritional management,exercise guidance and health education,in which there were 25 recommendations for the level A and 17 recommendations for Level B.Conclusion Medical staff should select the best evidence by combining with the actual situation,medical conditions and individual factors of the patients,and guide elderly patients with sarcopenia to improve their lifestyle and quality of life safely and effectively.

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