1.Dynamic Pathogenesis and Tiered Intervention Strategies for Allergic Diseases from the Perspective of "Latent Pathogens with Transformative Potential" Theory
Minye QU ; Ping ZHU ; Kaifeng WEI ; Yanliang ZHANG ; Haitong WAN ; Jin YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):375-380
Allergic diseases exhibited the characteristics of latent concealment and dynamic transmutation, which highly align with the pathogenic features of "latency and transformative change" described in the theory of latent pathogens. Based on the "latent pathogens with transformative potential" theory, this paper systematically explored the mechanisms of occurrence, transmission, and outcome of allergic diseases. It proposed that the insufficiency of kidney essence is the root cause enabling pathogens to lurk internally, leading to disease onset due to deficient healthy qi and lurking pathogens; the dysfunction of sanjiao serves as the pathway for pathogen stagnation, driving multi-system transmission; the accumulation of phlegm, stasis, and toxins constitutes the predicament of a protracted course, ultimately resulting in intractable pathological entanglement. Accordingly, a tiered intervention strategy is formulated,i.e. during the latency period, treatment should tonify the kidney and replenish essence to consolidate the foundation and halt the tendency of pathogens to lurk internally; during the transmission period, treatment should regulate sanjiao to intercept disease transmission and curb multi-system proliferation; during the protracted period, treatment should purge phlegm and resolve stasis to eliminate stubborn lesions, and break the vicious cycle of chronic accumulation and damage.
2.Preparation of Triptolide-Chuanxiong Rhizoma Extract Ethanol Transfersomes and Analysis on Its in Vitro Anti-inflammatory Mechanism
Ling TAO ; Zhiyan WAN ; Yidan LIU ; Zhe LI ; Zhenzhong ZANG ; Weifeng ZHU ; Yongmei GUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):210-218
ObjectiveTo prepare triptolide-Chuanxiong Rhizoma extract ethanol transfersomes(TP-CX@TESs), conduct its quality evaluation, and investigate its in vitro anti-inflammatory efficacy and the underlying mechanisms. MethodsTP-CX@TESs was prepared via the ultrasonic injection method. With encapsulation efficiency and particle size as evaluation indicators, Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology(BBD-RSM) was employed to optimize the formulation process. The TP-CX@TESs prepared under the optimal process was characterized and evaluated for in vitro transdermal performance. A lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was established. After 24 h of drug intervention, the levels of inflammatory factors such as nitric oxide(NO), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the cell supernatant were detected. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 2(JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAChR), and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of JAK2, STAT3, the encoding gene of α7nAChR(CHRNA7), and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB). ResultsResults of BBD-RSM showed that the optimal formulation for preparing TP-CX@TESs was as follows:egg yolk lecithin content of 2.3%, ethanol volume fraction of 30%, and ratio of polysorbate-80 to egg yolk lecithin of 2∶5. Microscopic characterization revealed that TP-CX@TESs exhibited a spherical-like structure with a particle size of (105.60±3.85) nm, a polydispersity index of 0.19±0.03, and a Zeta potential of (-15.89±0.98) mV. The encapsulation efficiencies of triptolide, ferulic acid, and ligustilide were (76.88±4.40)%, (78.84±4.40)%, and (65.88±0.06)%, respectively. Both in vitro release and transdermal penetration of triptolide, ferulic acid, and ligustilide in TP-CX@TESs all followed the first-order kinetic model, showing a certain sustained-release property. Experimental results in RAW264.7 cells indicated that TP-CX@TESs significantly inhibited the release of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6(P<0.01), remarkably upregulated the protein expression levels of STAT3 and α7nAChR(P<0.01), increased the mRNA expression level of CHRNA7, and significantly downregulated the mRNA expression level of NF-κB(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe optimized formulation process of TP-CX@TESs is simple and feasible, along with favorable in vitro release property, good transdermal permeability, and excellent in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, the mechanism is related to the inhibition of NF-κB.
3.Preparation of Triptolide-Chuanxiong Rhizoma Extract Ethanol Transfersomes and Analysis on Its in Vitro Anti-inflammatory Mechanism
Ling TAO ; Zhiyan WAN ; Yidan LIU ; Zhe LI ; Zhenzhong ZANG ; Weifeng ZHU ; Yongmei GUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):210-218
ObjectiveTo prepare triptolide-Chuanxiong Rhizoma extract ethanol transfersomes(TP-CX@TESs), conduct its quality evaluation, and investigate its in vitro anti-inflammatory efficacy and the underlying mechanisms. MethodsTP-CX@TESs was prepared via the ultrasonic injection method. With encapsulation efficiency and particle size as evaluation indicators, Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology(BBD-RSM) was employed to optimize the formulation process. The TP-CX@TESs prepared under the optimal process was characterized and evaluated for in vitro transdermal performance. A lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was established. After 24 h of drug intervention, the levels of inflammatory factors such as nitric oxide(NO), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the cell supernatant were detected. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 2(JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAChR), and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of JAK2, STAT3, the encoding gene of α7nAChR(CHRNA7), and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB). ResultsResults of BBD-RSM showed that the optimal formulation for preparing TP-CX@TESs was as follows:egg yolk lecithin content of 2.3%, ethanol volume fraction of 30%, and ratio of polysorbate-80 to egg yolk lecithin of 2∶5. Microscopic characterization revealed that TP-CX@TESs exhibited a spherical-like structure with a particle size of (105.60±3.85) nm, a polydispersity index of 0.19±0.03, and a Zeta potential of (-15.89±0.98) mV. The encapsulation efficiencies of triptolide, ferulic acid, and ligustilide were (76.88±4.40)%, (78.84±4.40)%, and (65.88±0.06)%, respectively. Both in vitro release and transdermal penetration of triptolide, ferulic acid, and ligustilide in TP-CX@TESs all followed the first-order kinetic model, showing a certain sustained-release property. Experimental results in RAW264.7 cells indicated that TP-CX@TESs significantly inhibited the release of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6(P<0.01), remarkably upregulated the protein expression levels of STAT3 and α7nAChR(P<0.01), increased the mRNA expression level of CHRNA7, and significantly downregulated the mRNA expression level of NF-κB(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe optimized formulation process of TP-CX@TESs is simple and feasible, along with favorable in vitro release property, good transdermal permeability, and excellent in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, the mechanism is related to the inhibition of NF-κB.
4.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
5.Combination of Components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma Affects RA-FLSs by Regulating NF-κB, Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways and Bcl-2/Caspase-3 Expression
Yongmei GUAN ; Zhiyan WAN ; Shuhui WANG ; Weifeng ZHU ; Zhiyong LIU ; Cheng JIANG ; Zhenzhong ZANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):17-26
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the combination of components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma on rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) and the underlying mechanism. MethodsRA-FLSs were grouped as follows: blank control, positive control (methotrexate), Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma components, Chuanxiong Rhizoma components, and components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma+Chuanxiong Rhizoma. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to the cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondiadehyde (MDA) in cells were measured. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, phosphorylated inhibitory subunit of NF-κBα (p-IκBα), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 (Caspase-3), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NF-κB p65. ResultsThe cells in the groups of positive control, Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma components, Chuanxiong Rhizoma components, and components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma+Chuanxiong Rhizoma were treated with 2.50 mg·L-1 methotrexate, 0.20 mg·L-1 triptolide + 0.20 mg·L-1 celastrol, 5.00 mg·L-1 ferulic acid + 20.00 mg·L-1 ligustrazine, 0.20 mg·L-1 triptolide + 0.20 mg·L-1 celastrol + 5.00 mg·L-1 ferulic acid + 20.00 mg·L-1 ligustrazine, respectively. Compared with the blank control group, drug administration reduced the proliferation and invasion and increased the apoptosis of cells (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Caspase-3, Nrf2, and HO-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2, NF-κB p65, and p-IκBα (P<0.01). Compared with the Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma components group, the combination of components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma+Chuanxiong Rhizoma inhibited the proliferation and invasion (P<0.05) and promoted the apoptosis of RA-FLSs, up-regulated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and protein levels of Nrf2 and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), and down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα (P<0.05). ConclusionThe combination of components from Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma can inhibit the proliferation and invasion and promote the apoptosis of RA-FLSs and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and regulating the expression of Bcl-2/Caspase-3.
6.Research progress on the mechanisms of action of catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa against glycolipid metabolic disorders and related diseases
Meng SUN ; Yang ZHONG ; Hanjun YANG ; Dong WAN ; Huifeng ZHU
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(7):849-859
Catalpol,the primary active component of Rehmannia glutinosa,exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and regulatory effects on glucose and lipid metabolism.This article systematically reviews recent studies on the impact of catalpol in addressing glycolipid metabolic disorders and related diseases and the underlying mechainsms.Catalpol can correct glucose and lipid metabolism imbalances to prevent the development and progression of diabetes complications including macrovascular and microvascu-lar diseases,through modulating the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway to regulate lipogenesis and fat oxidation and altering the phosphorylation of forkhead transcription factor 1 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 to influence glyco-gen synthesis and breakdown.Catalpol plays a protective role in the cardio-cerebrovascular system,renal function,and retinal struc-ture and function through mediating signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B and oxidized low-density lipoprotein/lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1.By suppressing the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress,catalpol can alleviate inflammatory responses,thereby mitigat-ing inflammation-induced insulin resistance and glycolipid metabolic disorders.
7.The efficacy and safety of simple drug-coated balloon in the treatment of pseudo-left main bifurcation lesions of coronary arteries
Yunzhe DENG ; Wanjie ZHU ; Daguo WAN ; Juan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(7):609-617
Aim To explore the safety and efficacy of simple drug-coated balloon(DCB)compared with provi-sional stenting(PS)in the treatment of pseudo-left main(pseudo-LM)bifurcation lesions.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 175 patients who underwent coronary angiography for pseudo-LM bifurcation lesions and interven-tional treatment at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to January 2023.According to the treatment strategy,they were divided into drug-eluting stent(DES)group(99 cases)and DCB group(76 cases).Preoperative and immediate postoperative quantitative coronary angiography(QCA)data were recorded,and patients were followed up.The follow-up endpoints included the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)and hospi-tal re-admission.Coronary angiography and QCA data during follow-up were also recorded.Results The immediate postoperative minimum lumen diameter and lumen gain in the left main(LM),left anterior descending(LAD),and left circumflex(LCX)arteries of the DCB group were smaller than those of the DES group(P<0.05),while the degree of re-sidual lumen stenosis immediately after surgery was greater than that of the DES group(P<0.05).QCA was performed on the coronary angiography results of follow-up patients.The minimum lumen diameter in LM,LAD,and LCX was smaller in the DCB group than in the DES group during follow-up(P<0.05).The degree of residual lumen stenosis dur-ing follow-up was greater in the DCB group than in the DES group(P<0.05),but the late lumen loss in LM,LAD,and LCX was smaller in the DCB group than that in the DES group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative MACE between the two groups during the follow-up period(P>0.05).Cox regression analysis showed that the choice of interventional treatment(DCB vs.PS)had no significant impact on the risk of MACE(P>0.05).Conclusion Compared with PS,DCB alone demonstrates relatively satisfac-tory efficacy and safety in the treatment of pseudo-LM bifurcation lesions and can be considered as an alternative treatment strategy for interventional therapy of such lesions.
8.Application of Janus micro/nanoparticles in biomedicine
Senlin CHEN ; Zhou ZHU ; Qianbing WAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(28):6101-6109
BACKGROUND:Janus micro/nanoparticles are widely used in the field of tissue engineering,drug delivery,cancer therapy,bioimaging,and sensing due to their shape,structure,and functional anisotropy.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the cutting-edge applications of Janus micro/nanoparticles in biomedicine.METHODS:Relevant literature published between 2010 and 2024 was retrieved from CNKI,WanFang Data,PubMed,and Web of Science databases.Searches were conducted using Chinese search terms"Janus nanoparticle,Janus particle,dual-faced particle,drug delivery,cancer therapy,bioimaging,biosensing,tissue engineering"and English search terms"Janus nanoparticle,Janus particle,drug delivery,cancer therapy,biosensing,bioimaging,tissue engineering."A total of 69 articles were selected for review after screening,organizing,summarizing,and synthesizing.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Janus micro/nanoparticles can be classified into three major categories based on their basic material properties:organic,inorganic,and organic-inorganic composites.Synthetic strategies consist of shielding,self-assembly,phase separation,microfluidics,and nucleation and growth techniques.Janus micro/nanoparticles exhibit high-efficiency drug delivery through characteristics such as high drug loading,gated release,and autonomous motion.In addition to enhancing traditional cancer treatment modalities(radiation and chemotherapy),Janus micro/nanoparticles can also be applied to emerging cancer treatment methods such as cell immunotherapy,protein drugs,and ferroptosis.Janus micro/nanoparticles serve as contrast agents to enhance bioimaging modalities(CT,MRI,and ultrasound)for high-quality imaging,guiding diagnosis and treatment.Janus micro/nanoparticles are utilized in tissue engineering for delivering growth factors,enhancing mechanical properties of biomaterials,and exhibiting antibacterial effects.Researchers have successfully tailored Janus micro/nanoparticles with desired functionalities by combining different organic polymers and inorganic materials using various synthetic strategies,enabling applications in complex biomedical fields.Despite current advancements,reports on the application of Janus micro/nanoparticles in tissue regeneration,large-scale production,and human clinical trials are relatively limited.Therefore,further research efforts are needed in the development,synthetic strategies,clinical safety assessment,and translation of such materials.
9.Digital screw path transfer of preoperative mandibular models using CBCT and its preliminary application in mandibular fractures
Youjun WAN ; Tianyu ZHANG ; Bowen ZHU ; Liuning ZHU ; Shoushan BU ; Hai ZHUANG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(2):105-111,117
Objective To scan and accurately reconstruct mandible models printed via fused deposition modeling(FDM)that contain screw path information,using cone-beam CT(CBCT),to achieve the digital transfer of preoperative model screw paths.Methods CBCT scans were conducted on 12 FDM-printed mandibular models(Model1 group)intended for prebending reconstruction plates.Mim-ics software was employed to reconstruct scanned data into mandibular models(Model2 group)and extract digital screw path informa-tion.Model2 was then compared with original models(Model0 group)in three dimensions,evaluating reconstruction accuracy through root mean square(RMS).Reconstruction parameters were optimized to enable automatic matching of Model2 with Model0,facilitating precise digital transfer of screw paths.In clinical application,this method was utilized to produce digital short-segment drilling guides,assisting in the reduction surgery of three mandibular fracture patients.Results Model2 demonstrated automatic matching with Model0,exhibiting detailed surface characteristics and clear screw path position and orientation information.The RMS was measured at(0.32±0.09)mm.Utilization of digital segmented screw path transfer guides assisted in the satisfactory reduction surgery of three pa-tients with comminuted mandibular fractures.Conclusion CBCT scanning of FDM-printed preoperative models accurately captures screw path position and orientation information,enabling digital transfer of screw paths and providing a novel method for precise design of digital surgical guides.
10.Assessing the Causal Association of Circulating Amino Acids With Myasthenia Gravis:A Bi-Directional Mendelian Randomization Study
Hu ZANG ; Xiaoyu JI ; Chang ZHU ; Wenlong YAO ; Li WAN ; Tongtong LIU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):440-445
Objective To investigate the bidirectional causal relationship between circulating amino acid levels and the risk of myasthenia gravis(MG)using Mendelian randomization(MR).Methods A two-sample Mendelian randomization a-nalysis was conducted using publicly available genome-wide association study(GWAS)genetic data,with validation from GWAS data from different sources to assess the robustness of the results.Five models were used for the two-sample bidirectional MR anal-ysis,and odds ratios(OR)were calculated to evaluate the causal relationship between the levels of nine circulating amino acids and MG risk.Sensitivity analyses,heterogeneity tests,and pleiotropy tests were performed to assess the robustness of the results.The causal effect estimated by the inverse variance weighted(IVW)method was the primary result,and the IVW-estimated causal effects were further validated using data from different GWAS sources to assess robustness.Results Genetically predicted high-er circulating glutamine levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of MG[OR(95%CI)=0.696(0.524,0.926),P=0.012 7,IVW model].Validation analyses using GWAS data from various sources also demonstrated a significant negative associa-tion between genetically predicted higher circulating glutamine levels and MG risk[OR(95%CI)=0.321(0.178,0.581),P=1.67x10-1,IVW model].Moreover,genetically predicted higher MG risk was associated with lower levels of circulating glutamine and alanine(β=-0.178±0.009,P=0.049;β=-0.013±0.007,P=0.048,IVW model,respectively).Conclusion Genetic evidence reveals a potential bidirectional causal relationship between circulating amino acid levels and MG risk.Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship.

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