1.Effects of Electro-Acupuncture Based on the Midnight-Noon Ebb-Low Method with Hour-Prescription on BMAL1 Protein and NETs Markers in Lung Tissue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model Rats with Lung-Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Changtian JIAO-LI ; Nise Pantaleo SHIO ; Lianqing CAI ; Qingyao JIANG ; Siyu TANG ; Qianqian WAN ; Mengchen WAN ; Yuqi YE ; Jie ZHU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1422-1430
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism underlying electroacupuncture therapy with the midnight-noon ebb-low method with hour-prescription for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with lung-qi deficiency syndrome from the perspective of brain and muscle basic helix-loop-helix ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) as well as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsThe experiment was conducted in two phases. For the therapeutic effectiveness observation, 24 rats were randomly allocated into control group 1, model group 1, midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 and conventional electro-acupuncture group, with 6 rats per group. Rat models of COPD with lung-qi deficiency syndrome were established via cigarette smoke exposure combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After successful modelling, rats in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 received electro-acupuncture at acupoints "Taiyuan (LU 9)", "Feishu (BL 13)" and "Zusanli (ST 36)" during 05:00—07:00, 30 minutes per treatment once every other day for 14 consecutive days (7 sessions in total). Rats in the conventional electro-acupuncture group received identical electroacupuncture manipulation at random daytime hours (08:00—18:00). Pulmonary function parameters including forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second (FEV0.3), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV0.3/FVC ratio were detected. Pulmonary histopathological changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as pulmonary reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, BMAL1 protein expression and the levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) in lung tissue were determined. For the mechanistic verification phase, 36 rats were divided into control group 2, model group 2, midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2, overexpression empty group, overexpression BMAL1 group and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group, with 6 rats in each group. At the 5th week of model construction, rats in the overexpression BMAL1 group and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group received intratracheal instillation of 100 μl adenoviral suspension carrying overexpressed Bmal1 gene. Rats in the overexpression empty group were injected with an equal titer and equal volume of blank adenovirus without the Bmal1 coding sequence into the lung at the identical time point. Midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2 and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group were consistent with the aforementioned protocol. Finally, pulmonary levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were measured in all groups. ResultsCompared with the control group 1, the model group 1 exhibited decreased FEV0.3, FVC and FEV0.3/FVC ratio, elevated plasma IL-1β, TNF-α and pulmonary ROS levels, downregulated lung BMAL1 protein expression, and increased contents of MPO, NE and CitH3 (all P<0.05); typical NETs-like structures with sparse granular substances attached to fibrous networks were observed under scanning electron microscopy; HE staining revealed damaged alveolar architecture accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with model group 1, both the midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 and conventional electro-acupuncture group achieved obvious improvements in all above indicators, with superior therapeutic effects in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 (P<0.05). Consistently, midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 showed more prominent alleviation of NETs-like structure formation and lung pathological injury compared to the conventional electro-acupuncture group. Mechanistic validation results demonstrated that compared with model group 2, the average optical density of MPO as well as the protein levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were markedly reduced in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2, overexpression BMAL1 group and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group (P<0.05); furthermore, these parameters were significantly lower in the overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group than in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2 (P<0.05). ConclusionElectro-acupuncture based on the midnight-noon ebb-low method with hour-prescription may alleviate pulmonary inflammation in COPD by upregulating the expression of clock protein BMAL1 and inhibiting excessive accumulation of NETs in lung tissue.
2.Wall-broken ganoderma lucidum spore powder protects against DEN/CCl4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice by modulating the Nrf2 pathway
Hai JIN ; Shuo WAN ; Qian LIU ; Siyu ZHAO ; Jing LI ; Jiaxing ZHU ; Jiaxing AN ; Feng JIN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1176-1182
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of wall-broken ganoderma lucidum spore powder (GLS) on a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsFifty 2-week-old C57BL/6J mice were divided into a control group, a model group and low, medium and high-dose GLS groups(0.25, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg ), with 10 mice in each group. A DEN/CCL4 mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model was established, and GLS was administered by gavage starting from the 8th week, once a day for 14 weeks. At the end of the final administration, the number of liver nodules was observed , and the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The content of catalase (CAT) in serum and liver tissue was determined by ammonium molybdate method. The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum and liver tissue was measured by microplate assay. The content of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in serum and liver tissue was detected by colorimetric method. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was employed to detect the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). R eal-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect the relative expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), heme oxygenase-1 (Ho-1) and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) mRNA. ResultsCompared with the control group, the content of serum AFP were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.01), while the contents of CAT, GSH and GSH-PX in liver and serum were significantly lower in the model group (P<0.01). The relative expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA was significantly higher (P<0.01), the relative expression of Nrf2, Ho-1, Gclc mRNA relative expression was significantly lower (P<0.01), and the positive expression rate of PCNA was significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the total number of liver nodules and content of serum AFP in the administered group were significantly lower (P<0.01), and the contents of CAT, GSH, and GSH-PX in the liver and serum of mice significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expression of Nrf2, Ho-1 and Gclc mRNA significantly increased (P<0.05), and positive expression rate of PCNA significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionGLS has a significant protective effect on DEN/CCL4 -induced mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model, and the mechanism of action is related to the regulation of oxidative stress in mouse liver.
3.Research progress of radiation-induced heart disease: from epidemiology to clinical management
Siyu ZHU ; Yihui SHEN ; Leilei CHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(4):694-702
Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a form of cardiotoxicity caused by radioactive substances or radiotherapy, and represents a common long-term complication after thoracic malignancy radiotherapy. RIHD onset is insidious, progression is slow, and significantly affects patients’ long-term quality of life. The pathophysiological mechanisms of RIHD involve multiple pathways, including endothelial cell injury, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and myocardial fibrosis, ultimately leading to pericarditis, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiac dysfunction, and conduction abnormalities, etc. Widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in thoracic tumors, especially the combination of radiotherapy and ICIs, has introduced new changes in cardiac risk. This article reviews the epidemiological characteristics of RIHD, potential molecular targets, clinical manifestations, and treatment options. It also summarizes the value of imaging, electrocardiography, and biomarkers in RIHD monitoring, as well as the cardiac risks associated with combined radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Furthermore, multidisciplinary management strategies and preventive approaches are discussed, aiming to provide a reference for individualized management of RIHD patients in clinical practice.
4.Cideb promotes palmitic acid-induced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells
Linquan YANG ; Siyu TONG ; Huiming ZHU ; Huixin ZHANG ; Chao WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(3):509-517
AIM:To investigate the role and mechanism of cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor al-pha(DFFA)-like effector B(Cideb)in promoting palmitic acid(PA)-induced lipid deposition in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells.METHODS:The HepG2 cells were divided into control group,model group,negative control silencing(siR-NC)group and Cideb silencing(siR-Cideb)group.The cells were treated with PA to establish a cellular model of lipid deposition.Specific siRNAs were used to silence the expression of Cideb,and the intracellular lipid content was mea-sured.Lipid deposition was observed by oil red O staining.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of Cideb,sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c(SREBP1c),acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1),fatty acid synthase(FAS),stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1)and AMP-activated protein kinase α(AMPKα)in the cells.The ef-fects of Cideb overexpression on HepG2 cells were observed by transfection with a Cideb eukaryotic expression plasmid.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the cells in PA model group presented lipid deposition,significantly increased triglyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)content,elevated expression levels of Cideb,SREBP1c,ACC,FAS and SCD1,and decreased expression of AMPKα(P<0.05).Compared with siR-NC group,the cells in siR-Cideb group pre-sented decreased lipid deposition,reduced intracellular TG and TC content,decreased SREBP1c,ACC,FAS and SCD1 expression levels,and increased AMPKα expression(P<0.05).The overexpression of Cideb increased the lipid deposi-tion,TG and TC content,and the expression levels of SREBP1c,ACC,FAS and SCD1 in HepG2 cells,but decreased the expression of AMPKα(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Reduction of Cideb alleviates PA-induced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells by down-regulating the SREBP1c/ACC/FAS/SCD1 pathway and up-regulating the AMPKα pathway.
5.The effect of progressive strength training on joint function rehabilitation in patients with rotator cuff tear after arthroscopic surgery
Hualiang ZHANG ; Shengyang ZHANG ; Wei LU ; Siyu ZHU
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(3):184-189
Objective To explore the effect of progressive intensity muscle training on joint function and inflammatory response after arthroscopic rotator cuff tear surgery.Methods Totally 226 patients with rotator cuff tear injuries and admitted to Shaoxing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between April 2020 and April 2022 were selected,and randomly divided into a study group and a control group,each of 113,using a double-blind random number table.After the arthroscopic surgery,the study group received progressive intensity muscle strength training,while the control group was given routine functional training and rehabilitation.Before and 8 weeks after surgery,both groups were evaluated us-ing the Constant Murley shoulder joint function(CMSJF),Unilaterally Controlled Latin Assets(UCLA),and Fugl Meyer scale(FMA).Moreover,their Activities of Daily Living(ADL)score,se-rum inflammatory factors,and upper limb function score were compared.Results Before surgery,there was no significant difference between the two groups in the average CMSJF score,UCLA score,EMA score,ADL score and the range of motion(ROM)(P>0.05).However,8 weeks after the surgery,all the above values improve significantly,with significantly greater improvement in the study group than the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,before the surgery,there was no significant difference be-tween the two groups in the serum interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleu-kin-10(IL-10)and transformative growth factor-β(TGF-β)(P>0.05).However,8 weeks after the surgery,a significant increase was observed in the average IL-10 and TGF-β,with a significant de-crease in the average TNF-α and IL-6(P<0.05 for both).Conclusion After arthroscopic surgery for ro-tator cuff tear,progressive muscle strength training has a significant clinical effect on relieving pain,promoting muscle function and strength,and improving the function of the affected limb.
6."Six-marker method" for Mirror Holding in gasless thyroid lobectomy via unilateral subclavian approach
Lizhang ZHU ; Qingzhuang LIANG ; Siyu KUANG ; Bin HAN ; Hao JIA ; Junna GE ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):368-373
Objective:the subclavian approach without insufflation, the ability of assistants to master the technique of holding the endoscope plays a crucial role in the thoroughness and smoothness of the surgery. The author has summarized the "six-marker method", which adjusts the mirror holding technique based on surgical steps and surgical operation goals, so that assistants can quickly grasp the essentials of mirror holding and assist the chief surgeon in completing the surgery smoothly. This method has wide applicability and feasibility, which can achieve good coordination between the surgeon and the mirror holder, shorten the surgical time and break in period. It is worth promoting and applying in clinical practice.
7.The effect of progressive strength training on joint function rehabilitation in patients with rotator cuff tear after arthroscopic surgery
Hualiang ZHANG ; Shengyang ZHANG ; Wei LU ; Siyu ZHU
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(3):184-189
Objective To explore the effect of progressive intensity muscle training on joint function and inflammatory response after arthroscopic rotator cuff tear surgery.Methods Totally 226 patients with rotator cuff tear injuries and admitted to Shaoxing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between April 2020 and April 2022 were selected,and randomly divided into a study group and a control group,each of 113,using a double-blind random number table.After the arthroscopic surgery,the study group received progressive intensity muscle strength training,while the control group was given routine functional training and rehabilitation.Before and 8 weeks after surgery,both groups were evaluated us-ing the Constant Murley shoulder joint function(CMSJF),Unilaterally Controlled Latin Assets(UCLA),and Fugl Meyer scale(FMA).Moreover,their Activities of Daily Living(ADL)score,se-rum inflammatory factors,and upper limb function score were compared.Results Before surgery,there was no significant difference between the two groups in the average CMSJF score,UCLA score,EMA score,ADL score and the range of motion(ROM)(P>0.05).However,8 weeks after the surgery,all the above values improve significantly,with significantly greater improvement in the study group than the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,before the surgery,there was no significant difference be-tween the two groups in the serum interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleu-kin-10(IL-10)and transformative growth factor-β(TGF-β)(P>0.05).However,8 weeks after the surgery,a significant increase was observed in the average IL-10 and TGF-β,with a significant de-crease in the average TNF-α and IL-6(P<0.05 for both).Conclusion After arthroscopic surgery for ro-tator cuff tear,progressive muscle strength training has a significant clinical effect on relieving pain,promoting muscle function and strength,and improving the function of the affected limb.
8.Cross-lagged panel analysis of self-esteem and hope in adolescents
Guangcan XIANG ; Siyu ZHU ; Suyue MOU ; Qingqing LI ; Xiaoli DU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(9):780-785
Objective:To investigate the longitudinal relationship between self-esteem and hope of adolescents and to explore gender differences.Methods:A total of 1 982 adolescents,aged 11 to 24,participated in a l-year lon-gitudinal study with 3 waves of assessments(T1,baseline time;T2,6 months later;T3,1 year later).The Self-Es-teem Scale(SES)and the Children's Hope Scale(CHS)were used to measure levels of self-esteem and hope.The data were analyzed using a cross-lagged panel model and multi-group structural equation modeling.Results:Across the three measurement waves,the self-esteem scores were positively correlated with the hope scores(r=0.40-0.67).Results from the cross-lagged analysis indicated a bidirectional predictive relationship between the self-es-teem scores and hope scores over the year(β=0.09-0.22).The results of multi-group analysis showed significant gender differences in the autoregressive path of self-esteem in the three measures(Waldx2=3.78-3.84).Conclu-sion:Adolescents' self-esteem and hope exhibit a bidirectional predictive relationship,with no significant gender differences in the cross-lagged paths.
9."Six-marker method" for Mirror Holding in gasless thyroid lobectomy via unilateral subclavian approach
Lizhang ZHU ; Qingzhuang LIANG ; Siyu KUANG ; Bin HAN ; Hao JIA ; Junna GE ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):368-373
Objective:the subclavian approach without insufflation, the ability of assistants to master the technique of holding the endoscope plays a crucial role in the thoroughness and smoothness of the surgery. The author has summarized the "six-marker method", which adjusts the mirror holding technique based on surgical steps and surgical operation goals, so that assistants can quickly grasp the essentials of mirror holding and assist the chief surgeon in completing the surgery smoothly. This method has wide applicability and feasibility, which can achieve good coordination between the surgeon and the mirror holder, shorten the surgical time and break in period. It is worth promoting and applying in clinical practice.
10.Hyssopus cuspidatus extract inhibited OVA-sensitized allergic asthma through PI3K/JNK/P38 signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis regulation.
Yali ZHANG ; Huiming PENG ; Jingjing LI ; Pan LV ; Mengru ZHANG ; Xu WANG ; Siyu WANG ; Siying ZHU ; Jiankang LU ; Xuepeng FAN ; Jinbo FANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(3):539-547
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effect and mechanism of Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss. extract (HCE) in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma.
METHODS:
Components identification of HCE was conducted using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Mice were sensitized with OVA to establish asthmatic model, and dexamethasone was used as positive control. Respiratory reactivity, white cells counting in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and peripheral blood, cytokine level measurement in serum and lung tissue, and histologic examination were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HCE on asthma. Network pharmacology approach was used for mechanism prediction. Western blotting and untargeted lipidomics method were applied for mechanism validation.
RESULTS:
Fifty-two compounds were identified in HCE, predominantly terpenoids and flavonoids. HCE markedly reduced airway resistance, the eosinophil infiltration in lung tissues, and the levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13. Network pharmacology analysis suggested phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) may be key proteins of HCE in the treatment of allergic asthma. Western blot results indicated that the levels of phosphorylated PI3K, JNK, and P38 were downregulated in HCE-treated group. Moreover, HCE significantly upregulated the levels of ceramide and sphingomyelin and downregulated the level of phosphatidylcholine.
CONCLUSION
HCE inhibited allergic asthma via PI3K/JNK/P38 signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis regulation.

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