1.Analysis of Quality Changes of Small Packaged Alismatis Rhizoma Decoction Pieces Under Different Packaging and Storage Conditions
Gaoting YANG ; Rui XIAN ; Zimin WANG ; Zongyi ZHAO ; Zhiqiong LAN ; Xiaoli PAN ; Min LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):179-188
ObjectiveTo screen suitable packaging and storage conditions for small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces, laying the foundation for developing standardized storage, maintenance techniques and determining shelf life. MethodsUsing the accelerated stability test method, the small packaged decoction pieces of Alismatis Rhizoma were placed in polyethylene plastic bags, aluminum foil polyethylene composite bags, and cowhide coated paper bags under temperature of (40±2) ℃ and relative humidity of (75±5)% conditions, the quality testing was conducted at the end of the 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th month, respectively. Using long-term stability test method, an orthogonal experiment was designed to investigate storage conditions, packaging materials, and packaging methods. At the end of the 0th, 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 18th, and 24th month, the quality of small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces was tested under different packaging and storage conditions(including 2 packaging methods:vacuum packaging and sealed packaging, 3 storage conditions:room temperature, cool, and modified atmosphere, 3 packaging materials:cowhide coated paper bag, aluminum foil polyethylene composite bag, and polyethylene plastic bag). Then, the G1-entropy weight method combined with orthogonal experiment was used to analyze the quality changes of the decoction pieces under different packaging and storage conditions to identify optimal packaging and storage conditions. The quality testing indicators for Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces were expanded beyond those specified in the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. In addition to the existing indicators(characteristics, moisture content, extractives, and the total content of 23-acetyl alisol B and 23-acetyl alisol C), new indicators including color value, water activity, total triterpenoid content, and alisol B content have been added. ResultsThe accelerated stability test results indicated that the quality of small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces was more stable when packaged in aluminum foil-polyethylene composite materials compared to cowhide-coated paper bags and polyethylene plastic bags. Analysis of the long-term stability test results using the G1-entropy weight method combined with orthogonal experiment revealed that storage conditions had the greatest impact on both raw and salt-processed products, followed by packaging materials, while the packaging method had the least influence. For both types of small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces, modified atmosphere storage demonstrated superior efficacy compared to cool storage or room temperature storage. Storage in aluminum foil-polyethylene composite bags was superior to polyethylene plastic bags or cowhide-coated paper bags. However, the stability of sealed raw products was better than vacuum-packed ones, whereas vacuum-packed salt-processed products exhibited greater stability than their sealed counterparts. ConclusionBased on the results of the quality changes of small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces under different storage conditions, it is recommended that the suitable storage packaging conditions for small packaged raw products are sealed packaging with aluminum foil polyethylene composite bags and controlled atmosphere storage, and the suitable storage and packaging conditions for small packaged salt-processed products are vacuum packaging with aluminum foil polyethylene composite bags and controlled atmosphere storage.
2.The role and clinical application progress of macrophages in antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation
Huan TANG ; Zeping GUI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):44-50
Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal failure, and antibody-mediated rejection remains the leading cause of late allograft loss. Macrophages, as central effectors of innate immunity, play a crucial role in the initiation, progression and tissue damage of antibody-mediated rejection. This article reviews the spatiotemporal dynamic evolution of macrophage polarization status in different stages of antibody-mediated rejection, the fine regulation of key signaling pathways for macrophage polarization, macrophage related molecules and the application prospects of targeted macrophage therapy. In depth analysis of the research progress of macrophages in antibody-mediated rejection, aiming to provide important theoretical basis for the development of precision diagnostic tools based on macrophages and novel immune intervention targets for antibody mediated rejection, ultimately promoting the improvement of long-term prognosis in kidney transplantation.
3.Therapeutic effect and mechanism of modified Chaihu Shugan Powder on a mouse model of gallbladder cholesterol stone with liver depression syndrome
Zhaoyan LI ; Heying WANG ; Renjie LIANG ; Yichun WANG ; Huiping CHEN ; Li MIN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):387-399
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of modified Chaihu Shugan Powder in the treatment of abnormal gallbladder relaxation in gallbladder cholesterol stone (CS) with liver depression syndrome, and to provide a basis for clinical medication. MethodsMice were given a high-fat lithogenic diet combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to establish a model of CS. A total of 45 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group (6 mice fed a normal diet) and CS group (39 mice fed a high-fat lithogenic diet). After CS modeling, the CS group was further randomly divided into four subgroups of CS group, CS liver depression group, traditional Chinese medicine group (treated with modified Chaihu Shugan Powder), and Western medicine group (treated with ursodeoxycholic acid), with 9 mice in each group. All subgroups were fed with the high-fat lithogenic diet, and all mice except those in the CS group were given 21 days of CUMS for modeling. Samples were collected after intervention. The serum levels of cholecystokinin (CCK), liver function parameters, and blood lipid profiles were measured; HE staining was performed for liver and gallbladder tissue; qPCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) and glucagon-likepeptide-1/2 (GLP-1/2) in the intestine and TGR5 and glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor (GLP-2R) in gallbladder; metabolomics methods were used to determine bile acid composition in intestinal contents. The independent-samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test or the Games-Howell method was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the CS group showed significant gallstone formation, bile turbidity, hepatic steatosis, abnormal gallbladder wall structure, and significant increases in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors based on behavioral tests; significant increases in the level of total cholesterol in bile and the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and low-density lipoprotein and significant reductions in the level of total bile acid (TBA) in bile and the serum levels of CCK and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (all P<0.05); significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of GLP-1/2 and TGR5 in the intestine and the protein expression levels of GLP-2R and TGR5 in the gallbladder and significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of GLP-2R and TGR5 in the gallbladder (all P<0.05); significant changes in multiple bile acid components in intestinal contents (all P<0.05). Compared with the CS group, the CS liver depression group had further aggravation of pathological and behavioral manifestations, changes in bile acid composition, significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of TGR5 and GLP-1/2 in the intestine, and significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of TGR5 and GLP-2R in the gallbladder (all P<0.01). Compared with the CS liver depression group, both treatment groups had an improvement in gallbladder morphology, alleviation of stones and liver injury, and recovery of liver function and blood lipid levels, as well as significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of TGR5 and GLP-1/2 in the intestine and TGR5 and GLP-2R in the gallbladder (all P<0.05); the traditional Chinese medicine group showed significant increases in glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA), tauro-α-muricholic acid (T-α-MCA), and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) (all P<0.05), while the Western medicine group showed significant increases in taurohyodeoxycholic acid, T-α-MCA, TCDCA, GDCA, and glycoursodeoxycholic acid (all P<0.05). Compared with the Western medicine group, the traditional Chinese medicine group had significantly greater behavioral improvements, significantly higher levels of TBA in bile and serum HDL (both P<0.01), significant reductions in the protein expression levels of TGR5 and GLP-1/2 in the intestine and TGR5 and GLP-2R in the gallbladder, and a significant reduction in the mRNA expression level of TGR5 in the intestine (all P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in tauroursodeoxycholic acid and significant reductions in glycoursodeoxycholic acid, taurohyodeoxycholic acid, TCDCA, and taurolithocholic acid (all P<0.05). ConclusionModified Chaihu Shugan Powder can improve liver function and abnormal gallbladder relaxation in CS with liver depression syndrome by regulating the bile acid-TGR5 axis, thereby exerting the therapeutic effect of soothing the liver, resolving depression, moving Qi, and promoting bile flow.
4.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Complicated by ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Shaoying WANG ; Linyi PENG ; Ke ZHENG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Dachun ZHAO ; Xia ZHANG ; Lin ZHAO ; Wenhui WANG ; Weiqing WANG ; Zhenzhen ZHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):43-51
A 51-year-old male presented with nasal obstruction, followed by progressive hearing loss and blurred vision. Imaging identified space-occupying lesions in the paranasal sinuses, orbits, and paraspinal regions, while laboratory tests confirmed positive anti-proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(PR3- ANCA) immunoglobulin G (IgG)and markedly elevated serum IgG4. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and radiotherapy, the patient exhibited steroid dependency with relentless disease progression. Following multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) coexisting with ANCA- associated vasculitis (AAV) was favored, though IgG4-related disease remained a critical differential. Ultimately, profound immunosuppression precipitated a severe herpesvirus infection, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This case underscores the rarity and diagnostic complexity of concurrent IMT and AAV, highlights the therapeutic dilemma of balancing primary disease control against fatal opportunistic infections, and emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases.
5.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for a Patient with Gorham-Stout Disease
Jing HU ; Ying JIN ; Yan ZHANG ; Ji LI ; Wenhui WANG ; Yue CHI ; Chunxu LI ; Zhenjie ZHANG ; Yaping LIU ; Xiaotian CHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):52-59
Gorham-Stout disease(GSD) is a rare osteolytic disorder characterized by spontaneous and progressive osteolysis, along with abnormal angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, with no new bone formation. We present a case of a 15-year-old female admitted due to " recurrent right leg pain for 5 years, 11 months after undergoing right femoral fracture surgery". Through comprehensive integration of the patient's clinical phenotype, laboratory tests, imaging findings, pathological examinations, and molecular biological test results, GSD was considered highly likely. A multidisciplinary treatment approach was conducted, including a combination of zoledronic acid and sirolimus to inhibit osteolysis, along with rehabilitation training and orthopedic intervention, providing a personalized and comprehensive treatment strategy.
6.A Case of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex with Multiple Organ Involvement Caused by TSC2 Gene Mutation
Hongli ZHANG ; Jiayuan DAI ; Yan WANG ; Weihong ZHANG ; Wenbin MA ; Hanhui FU ; Chunxia HE ; Jun ZHENG ; Wenda WANG ; Wei ZUO ; Yaping LIU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):60-67
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by pathogenic variants in the
7.Analysis of OCTA parameters for prognostic assessment following vitrectomy in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane
Lulu BAO ; Li WANG ; Mingliang WANG ; Min CHEN ; Zhe LIU
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):873-878
AIM: To investigate the differences in morphological structure and retinal blood perfusion between the affected eye and the contralateral healthy eye using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)before and after surgery, and to evaluate the association of these parameters with functional and anatomical outcomes to inform prognostic assessment. METHODS:A prospective study was conducted at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital between January 2023 and December 2024. Consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral IMEM were enrolled; the fellow eye served as an internal control. All participants underwent standardized ophthalmic evaluations, including optical coherence tomography(OCT), OCTA, and color fundus photography. Key quantitative parameters assessed included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area, vessel density in the inner capillary plexus(ICP), superficial capillary plexus(SCP), deep capillary plexus(DCP), and choroidal capillary perfusion area(CCPA). Measurements were obtained preoperatively and at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively. Correlation analyses were performed between the above parameters and postoperative BCVA and CMT.RESULTS: This study enrolled 30 patients(60 eyes)diagnosed with IMEM, comprising 14 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 65.4±10.8 y.At baseline, IMEM-affected eyes demonstrated significantly reduced BCVA, DCP density, and FAZ area, alongside significantly increased CMT and CCPA, compared with contralateral controls. Following vitrectomy with membrane peeling, CMT decreased significantly at both 1 and 3 mo(both P<0.05)postoperatively; DCP density and BCVA showed significant improvement(both P<0.05). No significant change in FAZ area was observed postoperatively(P>0.05). At 3 mo postoperatively, BCVA of the affected eye was negatively correlated with CMT(r=-0.549, P=0.022). At 1 mo postoperatively, CMT was negatively correlated with preoperative DCP and FAZ, positively correlated with preoperative CMT, and positively correlated with ICP and SCP at 1 mo postoperatively, and negatively correlated with FAZ at 1 mo postoperatively(all P<0.05). Furthermore, CMT at 3 mo postoperatively was negatively correlated with preoperative DCP(r=-0.498,P=0.042).CONCLUSION:In patients with IMEM, the affected eyes exhibit significantly reduced DCP density and FAZ area, alongside increased CMT and CCPA. Following vitrectomy with membrane peeling, CMT decreased progressively, DCP density demonstrated partial restoration, and vision improved gradually. Preoperatively, smaller CMT larger DCP, and FAZ were associated with more favorable surgical outcomes; postoperatively, smaller ICP and SCP densities—combined with a larger FAZ—also correlated with better functional recovery.
8.Association of the joint effect of body fat levels and dyslipidemia with cardiovascular structural changes among children
ZHANG Qiyue, ZHAO Min, WANG Mingming, XI Bo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):480-485
Objective:
To investigate the association of the joint effect of body fat levels and dyslipidemia with cardiovascular structural abnormalities in children, so as to provide a scientific reference for the early prevention of cardiovascular damage.
Methods:
Based on the data from the second follow up (October 2021 to January 2022) of the Huantai Children Cardiovascular Health Follow up Cohort, 1 308 children with complete data were included. The fat mass percentage (FMP), fat mass index (FMI), subcutaneous fat mass (SFM) and visceral fat mass (VFM), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), thickening of carotid intima-media thickening (cIMT) , left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left ventricular geometric remodeling (LVG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) ,high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were obtained. Multivariable Logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations of FMP, FMI, SFM and VFM with thickening of cIMT, LVH and LVG. The joint effects of these body fat indicators and dyslipidemia on the aforementioned cardiovascular outcomes were further explored. Restricted cubic spline model was used to examine the dose response relationships between body fat levels and cardiovascular structural abnormalities.
Results:
Elevated body fat levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular structural abnormalities, exhibiting J shaped dose response relationships (all P <0.05). Compared with the group with normal body fat and normolipidemia, the risks of thickening of cIMT, LVH, and LVG in the group with elevated FMP combined with dyslipidemia were higher[ OR (95% CI )=11.70 (6.49-21.27), 5.53 (2.97-10.17), 2.33 (1.30-4.05)]; in the group with elevated FMI combined with dyslipidemia, the corresponding risks were higher[ OR (95% CI )= 11.68 (6.43-21.38), 6.98 (3.73-12.92), 2.65 (1.50-4.61)]; in the group with elevated SFM combined with dyslipidemia, the corresponding risks were higher[ OR (95% CI )=10.55 (5.83-19.24), 5.11 (2.71-9.45), 1.99 (1.11- 3.46 )]; and in the group with elevated VFM combined with dyslipidemia, the corresponding risks were higher[ OR (95% CI )=12.44 (6.76-23.14), 6.17 ( 3.31 -11.38), 2.30 (1.30-3.99)] (all P <0.05). Sex stratified analyses showed that the risk of thickening of cIMT in the combined exposure group of all four body fat indicators and dyslipidemia was significantly higher in girls than in boys (all P <0.01).
Conclusions
Elevated body fat levels and dyslipidemia have a combined effect in children, collectively increasing the risk of cardiovascular structural abnormalities. Prevention of cardiovascular damage in children should focus on both adiposity management and blood lipid regulation.
9.Study on the role and mechanism of SPP1+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis
Zexin YANG ; Zeping GUI ; Junqi ZHANG ; Gang ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Li SUN ; Shuang FEI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):413-421
Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis. Methods The expression features of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allografts of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) patients were analyzed based on single-cell transcriptome data of renal tissues from patients with CAD. Transcription factor VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis were performed on the single-cell transcriptome data. Renal tissue samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, including the CAD group (n=5) and the non-renal allograft fibrosis group (CTL group, n=5). A mouse model of chronic allograft rejection was established and divided into the allogeneic kidney transplantation group (CAD group, n=3) and the syngeneic kidney transplantation group (SYN group, n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect renal tissue injury in mice, and Masson staining was used to detect renal tissue fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect SPP1 expression in renal tissues of transplant recipients and mouse renal allografts. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were extracted from mice and subjected to hypoxia stimulation. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot, and SPP1 expression was detected by flow cytometry. BMDMs were transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid and HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by hypoxia intervention, and the expression of HIF-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) were co-cultured with the supernatant of BMDMs, and the expression of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related markers was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allograft tissues was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the CTL group (P<0.05). The renal injury score and the percentage of interstitial fibrotic area in the CAD group were significantly higher than those in the SYN group (both P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages was increased in the CAD group compared with the CTL group, and also increased in the CAD group compared with the SYN group (both P<0.05). VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis revealed activation of the hypoxia pathway and upregulated expression of transcription factors such as HIF-1α in SPP1+ macrophages. SPP1 expression was elevated in BMDMs under hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of HIF-1α inhibited hypoxia-induced SPP1 protein expression, whereas overexpression of HIF-1α upregulated SPP1 protein levels. After co-culture of hypoxia-induced BMDMs with MAECs, the expression levels of EndMT-related markers were increased. Conclusions SPP1+ macrophages differentiated under hypoxia are significantly infiltrated in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis, and may promote renal allograft fibrosis by inducing EndMT in renal vascular endothelial cells.
10.Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins identifies biomarkers for anxiety disorders
Xuelian LI ; Min DENG ; Rongting RAN ; Yuqian HE ; Geman WANG ; Yujie LI ; Zhili ZOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):63-69
BackgroundAnxiety disorder is a common mental disorder, with its prevalence showing a continuous upward trend, significantly affecting the quality of life and social function of patients. Due to the lack of objective and reliable biomarkers in clinical practice, the early identification and treatment of anxiety disorder have been somewhat limited. Plasma proteins have the potential to serve as biomarkers for mental diseases, however, the causal relationship between them and anxiety disorder remains unclear. ObjectiveTo identify the plasma proteins that have a causal relationship with anxiety disorders, and to elucidate the associated biological pathways, in order to provide references for the search for biomarkers of anxiety disorders and the exploration of potential therapeutic targets. MethodsBased on the protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) data of 4 907 plasma proteins covering 35 559 Icelandic individuals from the deCODE database, and the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of 50 486 patients with anxiety disorders and 330 460 healthy controls, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis method, supplemented by MR-Egger method, weighted median method, simple model method, and weighted model method for bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. Enrichment analysis of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways was conducted for the related proteins. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis to evaluate the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 10 plasma proteins were identified as significantly associated with anxiety disorders. Among these, SPATA9 (OR=0.856, 95% CI: 0.784–0.934, P<0.01) and PDE5A (OR=0.911, 95% CI: 0.864–0.961, P<0.01) were identified as protective factors, while CRYGD (OR=1.209, 95% CI: 1.095–1.334, P<0.01), BTN3A3 (OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.018–1.073, P<0.01), SERPINB13 (OR=1.102, 95% CI: 1.040–1.168, P<0.01), ERBB4 (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.109–1.484, P<0.01), LSAMP (OR=1.096, 95% CI: 1.037–1.158, P<0.01), ICOSLG (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.104–1.490, P<0.01), DNAJB11 (OR=1.172, 95% CI: 1.076–1.277, P<0.01), and TREML1 (OR=1.115, 95% CI: 1.054–1.179, P<0.01) were identified as risk factors. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust, with no heterogeneity (Cochran's Q test P>0.05) or pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept test P>0.05). Enrichment analysis indicated that these plasma proteins were enriched in biological processes such as T-cell signal transduction, lymphocyte proliferation, cell membrane structure and synaptic function, as well as the intestinal immune network that produces IgA and the ErbB signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study identified 10 plasma proteins associated with anxiety disorders. The functions of these plasma proteins involve multiple biological processes such as neural development and immune regulation.


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