1.Exploring the Differentiation and Treatment Strategies for Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis from the Perspective of Spleen-Kidney Correlation
Yingqi SHAN ; Qingyang LIU ; Tianshu GAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(10):2589-2595
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis(HypoPP)is a very rare but potentially life-threatening condition,often attacking suddenly,usually triggered by overeating or vigorous exercise,which complicates disease prevention and treatment and significantly lowers patients' quality of life.With the deepening of modern traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)research on the spleen's role in water metabolism and the kidney's function in storage,and with the achievements in western medicine's microscopic understanding of the disease,it has been found that TCM can utilize the micro-level physiological and pathological insights of modern medicine to elucidate the pathogenesis of diseases,thereby facilitating the establishment of a TCM management model for high-risk factors of diseases.This article explored the relationship between potassium balance and HypoPP from the perspective of spleen-kidney correlation.It is proposed that spleen failing in transportation and kidney failing in storing essence may lead to potassium imbalance,which constitutes a key pathogenesis of HypoPP.Prevention and treatment should focus on strengthening the middle energizer and simultaneously reinforcing kidney essence.Clinically,modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction plus Da Buyin Pills has shown favorable therapeutic effects.The approach of making diagnosis and treatment of HypoPP based on potassium balance and from the perspective of spleen-kidney correlation may provide novel insights for its TCM prevention and management.
2.Efficacy and safety of the tonifying spleen and reinforcing Qi therapy combined with thyroid hormone in Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mengfei Yang ; Yiwen Lai ; Tianshu Gao
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):335-350
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the tonifying spleen and reinforcing Qi (TSRQ) therapy combined with thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT) for treating Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Methods:
From database foundation to January 14, 2025, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were searched for relevant information. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of TSRQ therapy combined with THRT for Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism were eligible for inclusion. Following quality assessment, data were analyzed using Stata 15.1 to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review. Subgroup analysis was used to identify the sources of heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was adopted to evaluate the certainty of the evidence.
Results:
This study included 30 RCTs, comprising 2 687 patients with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. Overall methodological quality was acceptable, with no studies exhibiting a high risk of bias. Meta-analysis demonstrated that TSRQ therapy combined with THRT significantly enhanced serum free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57 to 0.94, P < 0.001] and free thyroxine (fT4) levels (SMD = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.61 to 1.11, P < 0.001), while reducing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (SMD = – 0.99, 95% CI: – 1.20 to – 0.78, P < 0.001) compared with THRT alone. Furthermore, the combination therapy significantly decreased anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels (SMD = – 1.46, 95% CI: – 1.79 to – 1.13, P < 0.001) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) levels (SMD = – 1.46, 95% CI: – 1.80 to – 1.11, P < 0.001). TSRQ therapy did not adversely impact the safety profile of THRT. However, while some sources of heterogeneity have been identified (e.g., specific detection methodologies, I² = 0.0%, P = 0.938), there remains a portion of unexplained heterogeneity (e.g., publication year, I² = 93.4%, P < 0.001), which has undermined confidence in these pooled estimates. The evidence ratings for fT3, fT4, and TSH were limited, and those for TPOAb and TgAb were even more limited.
Conclusion
TSRQ therapy combined with THRT may strengthen thyroid function and modulate immune dysregulation in patients with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism without increasing adverse event incidence.
3.Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.
Yuanyue ZHU ; Linhui SHEN ; Yanan HUO ; Qin WAN ; Yingfen QIN ; Ruying HU ; Lixin SHI ; Qing SU ; Xuefeng YU ; Li YAN ; Guijun QIN ; Xulei TANG ; Gang CHEN ; Yu XU ; Tiange WANG ; Zhiyun ZHAO ; Zhengnan GAO ; Guixia WANG ; Feixia SHEN ; Xuejiang GU ; Zuojie LUO ; Li CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zhen YE ; Yinfei ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Youmin WANG ; Shengli WU ; Tao YANG ; Huacong DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Tianshu ZENG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yiming MU ; Weiqing WANG ; Guang NING ; Jieli LU ; Min XU ; Yufang BI ; Weiguo HU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):79-89
This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans
;
Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Gallstones/complications*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data*
;
Middle Aged
;
Risk Factors
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Neoplasms/etiology*
;
Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*
4.Research Progress and Evaluation of Animal Models for the Study of Obesity and Its Associated Complications
Ziyuan SONG ; Libin ZHAN ; Ningzi ZANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Chengjun GONG ; Rumeng MEI ; Xuelian LI ; Pin LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2687-2698
With the development of society,the incidence of obesity has increased year by year in recent years,which has seriously jeopardized public health and safety,and has been a hot spot in the field of endocrine research.At the same time,obesity is also an important cause of a variety of metabolic diseases,such as metabolic syndrome,pre-diabetes,hypertension and polycystic ovary syndrome and other diseases,but the etiology and mechanism of obesity have not been completely clear,and basic research on obesity of traditional Chinese and western medicine still needs to be widely carried out.In this paper,animal models of obesity and its complications will be comprehensively summarized,and the model principles will be elaborated in combination with TCM syndromes and western medicine mechanisms,and evaluate their merits and demerits,so as to provide references for the selection of reasonable animal models for relevant experimental studies of obesity.
5.Effects of Jianpi Huatan Prescription on Cholesterol Synthesis in Liver of Subclinical Hypothyroidism Mice Based on cAMP/CREB/HMGCR Signaling Pathway
Peng LUO ; Hang XU ; Lin RUAN ; Dongyu MIN ; Tianshu GAO ; Lianqun JIA ; Yuehua WU ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(1):85-90
Objective To observe the effects of Jianpi Huatan Prescription on hepatic cholesterol synthesis in subclinical hypothyroidism(SCH)mice;To discuss its mechanism based on cAMP/CREB/HMGCR signaling pathway.Methods Totally 80 C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control group(10 mice)and modeling group(70 mice),and the modeling group was given methimazole 0.08 mg/(kg·d)in drinking water for 16 weeks to establish a SCH mdoel.The model mice were randomly divided into model group,euthyrox group and Jianpi Huatan Prescription high-,medium-and low-dosage groups,with 10 mice in each group,and were given corresponding drugs for gavage for 6 weeks.HE staining and Oil red O staining were used to observe the morphology and lipid deposition of liver tissue,ELISA was used to detect serum contents of thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),triiodothyronine(T3),thyroid hormone(T4),total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),and TC,cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)in liver tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of protein kinase A(PKA),cyclic adenosine response element binding protein(CREB),p-CREB and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase(HMGCR)in liver tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the liver tissue of mice in the model group showed fat vacuoles of different sizes and obvious lipid deposition;the contents of TSH,TC,TG in serum and TC,cAMP in liver tissue significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the protein expressions of PKA,p-CREB and HMGCR significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,lipid deposition in liver tissue and structure of liver cells was improved to varying degrees in euthyrox group and Jianpi Huatan Prescription high-and medium-dosage groups,and the contents of serum TSH,TC,TG,and liver tissue TC,cAMP decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the expressions of PKA,p-CREB and HMGCR protein in liver tissue increased significantly(P<0.01).Conclusion Jianpi Huatan Prescription can significantly inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis in SCH mice,and improve hepatic fat vacuoles and lipid deposition,and its mechanism may be to reduce TSH levels in SCH mice by regulating the cAMP/CREB/HMGCR signaling pathway.
6.Preliminary study of carotid artery elasticity and intima thickness changes as assessed by ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound in combination with RF-data based quantitative analysis on vessel stiffness and the influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Chengkai WU ; Jianjun YUAN ; Tianshu CHU ; Xijun ZHANG ; Fan GAO ; Ming WU ; Yanyan GUO ; Haohui ZHU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):194-202
Objective:To evaluate the changes of carotid intima thickness(CIT)and stiffness parameters in ankylosing spondylitis(AS)patients by 24 MHz ultra-high frequency ultrasound probe and RF-data based quantitative analysis on vessel stiffness(R-VQS),and to explore its influencing factors.Methods:Sixty patients with AS who underwent consultation at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from November 2023 to May 2024 were prospectively collected as AS group,54 healthy volunteers matched for sex,age,and body mass index were collected as control group. CIT were measured using a 24 MHz ultra-high frequency ultrasound probe,hardness coefficien(HC)and pulse wave velocity(PWV)were measured by R-VQS,the differences of the parameters between the two groups were compared. The changes of carotid artery elasticity and intima thickness and their influencing factors in patients with AS were explored by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.Results:①C-reactiveprotein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),neutrophil count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR)were elevated in the AS group compared with the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P < 0.05). ②CIT,carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT),HC,PWV and epicardial adipose tissue thickness(EATT)were all increased in the AS group compared with the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P < 0.05). ③Multifactorial linear regression analysis showed that EATT,ESR were the main influencing factors of HC,PWV and CIT( β=2.192,0.031;1.792,0.002;0.097,0.001;all P<0.05). Conclusions:Carotid CIT,CIMT,HC,PWV and EATT are all higher in the AS patients,and ESR and EATT are the main influencing factors of HC,PWV,and CIT,suggesting that more attention should be paid to the detection of ESR and EATT in patients with AS when interventions are performed clinically.
7.Mechanism of Buzhong Yiqitang in Repairing Brain Developmental Abnormalities in Offspring of Pregnant Rats with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Yan MA ; Xiaojiao LYU ; Yangling HUANG ; Xiande MA ; Tianshu GAO ; Peiwei CONG ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):24-34
ObjectiveTo evaluate the pharmacological effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on brain development in offspring of rats with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy and explore its potential mechanism. MethodsForty-eight SPF female SD rats were divided into sham operation group (n=8) and model group (n=40). The rat model of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) was constructed by total thyroidectomy combined with postoperative subcutaneous injection of levothyroxine (L-T4). The modeled rats were randomly allocated into model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (5.58, 11.16, 22.32 g∙kg-1, respectively) Buzhong Yiqitang, and euthyrox (4.5×10-6 g∙kg-1) groups, with 8 rats in each group. These rats were co-housed with normal male rats for mating. Drug administration started 2 weeks before pregnancy and continued until delivery. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Golgi-cox staining were used to observe pathological changes in the hippocampal tissue of offspring rats. Western blot was employed to detect the effects of Buzhong Yiqitang on the protein levels of cytochrome C oxidase subunitⅠ (COX)Ⅰ and COXⅣ in the hippocampal tissue of offspring rats. A colorimetric method was used to measure the mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the hippocampal tissue of offspring rats. For in vitro experiments, a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage model was established with rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12). Interventions included the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (SGI-1027), Buzhong Yiqitang-medicated serum, and euthyrox-medicated serum. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to examine the effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate the effect on tubulin beta 3 class Ⅲ (TUBB3) in PC12 cells. Western blot was employed to assess the effects on the protein levels of DNA methyltransferases (TETs and DNMTs) in PC12 cells. The fluorescent probe 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), luciferase assay, and JC-1 staining were employed to assess the effects of Buzhong Yiqitang on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP and the mitochondrial membrane potential in PC12 cells. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group showed a reduction in the number of hippocampal neurons, incomplete pyramidal cell bodies, loose arrangement, shortened average dendrite length, decreased dendritic complexity and dendritic spine density, and reduced expression levels of COXⅠ and COXⅣ and content of ATP in the brain tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after administration of Buzhong Yiqitang and euthyrox, hippocampal neurons exhibited regular arrangement, complete morphology, extended dendrite, increased dendritic complexity and dendritic spine density, and restored expression levels of COXⅠ and COXⅣ and content of ATP (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the medium-dose Buzhong Yiqitang group showing the best therapeutic effect. In the PC12 cell model of oxidative damage, Buzhong Yiqitang increased the cell viability (P<0.01), enhanced neuronal differentiation, down-regulated the expression levels of DNMTs (P<0.05), up-regulated the expression levels of TETs (P<0.05), decreased the ROS content (P<0.01), and restored the ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang protects brain development in offspring of pregnant rats with SCH. It mainly acts on the oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction resulted from abnormal mtDNA methylation, with DNMTs and TETs as the key proteins for its effects.
8.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
9.An Analysis of Clinical Trial Registration Characteristics for Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Overweight/Obesity
Rumeng MEI ; Ningzi ZANG ; Chengjun GONG ; Tianshu GAO ; Xiao YANG ; Libin ZHAN ; Pin LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(10):2999-3009
Objective To systematically review and analyze the characteristics and current status of registered clinical trials on Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)for the prevention and treatment of overweight/obesity.Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of two primary clinical trial registration platforms,the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and ClinicalTrials.gov,to extract registered information on TCM interventions for overweight/obesity.The search period spanned from the establishment of each registry to December 31,2024.Statistical analysis was performed on the extracted registration data.Results A total of 226 clinical studies were included,with a cumulative sample size of 25165 participants.The annual registration volume exhibited a significant upward trend.The majority of studies were interventional in design,with primary outcome measures focusing on anthropometric and metabolic indicators.Notably,only two trials fully met the international standards for clinical trial registration as outlined by the World Health Organization(WHO).Conclusion A quality assessment of the overall registration data revealed that the quality of trial registrations remains suboptimal.Issues such as inadequate standardization,transparency,and comprehensiveness were identified.Additionally,the geographical distribution of registered trials was uneven,and there is an urgent need to refine outcome measures related to TCM syndrome differentiation.
10.An Analysis of Clinical Trial Registration Characteristics for Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Overweight/Obesity
Rumeng MEI ; Ningzi ZANG ; Chengjun GONG ; Tianshu GAO ; Xiao YANG ; Libin ZHAN ; Pin LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(10):2999-3009
Objective To systematically review and analyze the characteristics and current status of registered clinical trials on Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)for the prevention and treatment of overweight/obesity.Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of two primary clinical trial registration platforms,the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and ClinicalTrials.gov,to extract registered information on TCM interventions for overweight/obesity.The search period spanned from the establishment of each registry to December 31,2024.Statistical analysis was performed on the extracted registration data.Results A total of 226 clinical studies were included,with a cumulative sample size of 25165 participants.The annual registration volume exhibited a significant upward trend.The majority of studies were interventional in design,with primary outcome measures focusing on anthropometric and metabolic indicators.Notably,only two trials fully met the international standards for clinical trial registration as outlined by the World Health Organization(WHO).Conclusion A quality assessment of the overall registration data revealed that the quality of trial registrations remains suboptimal.Issues such as inadequate standardization,transparency,and comprehensiveness were identified.Additionally,the geographical distribution of registered trials was uneven,and there is an urgent need to refine outcome measures related to TCM syndrome differentiation.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail