1.Effect of Yigan Fupi Prescription (抑肝扶脾方) on the AKT/mTOR Pathway in the Colon Tissue of Diarrhea-Type Irritable Bowel Syndrome Model Rats with Liver Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency Pattern
Suting JIU ; Huiying LI ; Yueting SUN ; Songxiang CUI ; Xintian XU ; Hao ZHENG ; Weimin LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):290-299
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Yigan Fupi Prescription (抑肝扶脾方, YFP) in treating diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by investigating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group, and pinaverium bromide group, with 10 rats in each group. All groups but the control group, were subjected to 21 days of tail-clamping stimulation and 14 days of senna leaf gavage to establish a liver stagnation and spleen deficiency-type IBS-D rat model. After successful modeling, the YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group were administered 0.96, 1.93, and 3.87 g/(kg·d) of the prescription, respectively. The pinaverium bromide group was given 13.5 mg/(kg·d), while the control and model groups were given 10 ml/(kg·d) distilled water. All groups were administered once daily for 14 consecutive days. General conditions of the rats were recorded during the experiment, and after modeling and drug administration, body weight, Bristol stool score, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score, and histo pathology of colon tissue were observed under HE staining. ELISA was used to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Immunofluorescence was employed to detect the levels of AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins including phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT)/AKT and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR)/mTOR in the colon tissue. Western Blotting was used to detect the levels of autophagy-related proteins, including UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), Beclin1 and LC3, and tight junction proteins including Occludin and ZO-1 in the colon tissue. ResultsAfter modeling, compared to the control group, the body weight of rats in the other groups decreased, and Bristol stool scores, as well as AWR scores under 20, 40, 60, and 80 mmHg increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After drug administration, compared to the control group, the model group showed reduced body weight, decreased ULK1, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, Occludin, and ZO-1 protein levels in the colon tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and increased Bristol stool scores, AWR scores, serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, as well as p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Pathological results showed a significant reduction in goblet cells in the upper part of the glandular layer of the colon, with mild inflammatory cell infiltration. The submucosal collagen fibers were dissolved, with unclear boundaries, pale staining, and microvascular congestion and dilation. Compared with the model group, the YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group and the pinaverium bromide group showed increased body weight, Beclin1, Occludin, and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ protein levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and decreased Bristol stool scores, AWR scores under 40, 60, and 80 mmHg, serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α levels, and p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The pathological morphology of the rats in the YFP groups and pinaverium bromide group showed varying degrees of improvement. Compared with the pinaverium bromide group, the YFP low- and medium-dose group showed increased AWR scores under 20, 40, and 60 mmHg (P<0.05). The YFP low-dose group had reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, and increased p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels occured in all YFP groups (P<0.05). Compared with the YFP low-dose group, the YFP high-dose group and pinaverium bromide group showed decreased AWR scores under different pressure levels and reduced p-AKT/AKT protein relative expression levels, while the YFP medium- and high-dose group had elevated serum TNF-α, IL-1β levels and reduced p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionYFP can effectively improve the pathological injury of colon tissue in IBS-D model rats with liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, reduce Bristol stool and AWR scores, and its mechanism may be related to reducing level of inflammatory factors and inhibiting AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins in colon tissue, thereby enhancing the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the colon tissue.
2.Treating diabetic kidney disease based on "using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory
Weimin JIANG ; Yaoxian WANG ; Shuwu WEI ; Jiale ZHANG ; Chenhui XIA ; Jie YANG ; Liqiao SUN ; Xinrong LI ; Weiwei SUN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):1-7
The Huangdi Neijing proposes the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory to guide clinical prescription and formulation of herbal remedies based on the physiological characteristics and functions of the five zang viscera, along with the properties and flavors of medicinal herbs. This study explored diabetic kidney disease pathogenesis and treatment based on the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory. Kidney dryness is a key pathological factor in diabetic kidney disease, and the disharmony of kidney dryness is an essential aspect of its pathogenesis. Strengthening is the primary therapeutic principle, and kidney dryness is a persistent factor throughout the occurrence and progression of diabetic kidney disease. In the early stage, the pathogenesis involves heat-consuming qi and injuring yin, leading to kidney dryness. In the middle stage, the pathogenesis manifests as qi deficiency and blood stasis in the collaterals, resulting in turbidity owing to kidney dryness. In the late stage, the pathogenesis involves yin and yang deficiency, with kidney dryness and disharmony. This study proposes the staging-based treatment based on the " need for firmness" characteristic of the kidney. The aim is to provide new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine by rationally using pungent, bitter, and salty medicinal herbs to nourish and moisturize the kidney. This approach seeks to promote precise syndrome differentiation and personalized treatment for different stages of diabetic kidney disease, thereby enhancing clinical efficacy.
3.Research on the autonomy issues in compulsory medical treatment
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):207-213
Compulsory medical treatment is considered a necessary means to maintain public health. It faces many ethical dilemmas during its implementation, primarily concerning issues of autonomy. The discussion of autonomy issues is grounded in the concept, which faces difficulties in explanation and challenges in power structures. In addition to conceptual issues, autonomy also encounters various controversies in practice, including rational suicide, interpersonal relationships, bioethical principles, and other aspects. Faced with challenges, Bjorn Hofmann’s polyvalent concept clarifies the concept of autonomy, and the relational ethical approach provides innovative solutions to the practical issues of autonomy.
4.Quality index monitoring and application evaluation of nucleic acid pooling detection mode in blood stations
Fei DONG ; Yang LIU ; Guoliang DONG ; Weiwei ZHAI ; Weimin LIU ; Xuemei LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):251-256
[Objective] To explore the influencing factors of quality monitoring index on the nucleic acid pooling detection mode and continuously improve the detection quality of nucleic acid laboratory. [Methods] The quality monitoring indicators (NAT reactive rate, NAT resolution reactive rate, NAT invalid batch rate, NAT invalid result rate, equipment failure rate) and causes of invalidity in our laboratory from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The quality monitoring indicators of the laboratory during 2020 to 2022 were compared longitudinally. The quality monitoring indicators of the laboratory in 2022 were compared horizontally with the overall level in Shandong for the same period to find the differences. [Results] From 2020 to 2022, a total of 218 686 samples were detected, the NAT reactive rate was 0.15‰ (32 samples in total), the resolution reactive rate was 39.02%, the invalid batch rate was 1.06%, the invalid result rate was 1.18%, and the equipment failure rate was 3.58%. There were no differences in the NAT reactive rate, NAT resolution reactive rate and NAT invalid batch rate among different years (P>0.05), but there were differences in the invalid result rate (P<0.05). Equipment failure was the main cause of invalid results (56.53%). Compared with other laboratories in Shandong, there were differences in the NAT reactive rate and invalid result rate (P<0.05). There were differences in the reaction rate, resolution rate and invalid result rate among different reagents (P<0.05). Compared with other two laboratories using the same manufacturer's reagent, there were differences in the reactive rate and invalid result rate (P<0.05), but no difference in the resolution rate and invalid batch rate (P>0.05). [Conclusion] Establishing quality indexes for process control and regular analysis can timely detect potential risks in laboratory operation. The use of quality indicators to implement self-comparison and inter-laboratory comparison can help the laboratory systematically and scientifically evaluate its own operating status and formulate corresponding quality management strategies, thereby improving the laboratory's testing capacity and ensure the safety of blood use.
5.Clinical Observation and Mechanism Study of Xu's Shenqi Yizhu Decoction Combined with Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Cancer-related Fatigue of Stagnated-toxin Spleen Deficiency Type in Postoperative Gastric Cancer Patients
Zhixiang SHEN ; Weimin LU ; Chuan SHI ; Mengwei YE ; Mengyuan LEI ; Ziyun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):143-151
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xu's Shenqiyizhu (SQYZ) decoction combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) of stagnated-toxin spleen deficiency type after gastric cancer surgery and explore its possible mechanism. MethodsFifty postoperative gastric cancer patients with CRF of stagnated-toxin spleen deficiency type were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group by using a random number table,with 25 cases in each group. The control group was treated with FLOT chemotherapy (50 mg·m-2 docetaxel (iv drip on day 1) + 85 mg·m-2 oxaliplatin (iv drip on day 1) + 200 mg·m-2 calcium folinate (iv drip on day 1) + 2 600 mg·m-2 fluorouracil (iv drip for 24 h on day 1),once every three weeks) and basic and symptomatic supportive treatment. The experimental group was treated with Xu's SQYZ decoction (decocted twice,200 mL taken orally twice a day) in addition to the treatment of the control group. One course of treatment lasted for three weeks,with a total of four courses conducted. Observation was performed on the piper fatigue scale (PFS) scores,karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores,European Organization for Research and Treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) scores,traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores,and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interferon-γ (IFN-γ),and interleukin-6 (IL-6)detected via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after treatment in the two groups. The safety test results before and after treatment for the two groups of patients,as well as the occurrence of adverse events during treatment, were recorded. Transcriptome sequencing data of peripheral blood samples from gastric adenocarcinoma patients and normal individuals were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database,and differentially expressed genes between the tumor and normal groups were identified. Differential gene enrichment analysis was made based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO). The CRF relevance scores of genes were retrieved from the GeneCards database. Results① Compared with that before treatment,the total PFS score in the experimental group was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment,the experimental group showed significantly reduced total PFS score (P<0.05). ② Compared with that before treatment,the KPS score in the experimental group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment,the experimental group exhibited a significantly decreased KPS score (P<0.05). The experimental group demonstrated significantly increased functional scores (physical function,role function,emotional function,social function,and overall health) (P<0.05) and significantly reduced symptom scores (fatigue,shortness of breath,loss of appetite,constipation,and diarrhea) of the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale after treatment compared with before treatment. Compared with the control group after treatment,the experimental group presented significantly increased functional scores (physical function,emotional function,social function,and overall health) (P<0.05) and significantly reduced symptom scores (fatigue,nausea and vomiting,shortness of breath,loss of appetite,and diarrhea) of the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment,the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores (eating too little and poor digestion,fatigue and weakness,postprandial bloating,abnormal bowel movements,lassitude and weakness,and total score) in the experimental group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment,the experimental group had significantly reduced traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores (eating too little and poor digestion,fatigue and weakness,nausea and vomiting,and sallow complexion) (P<0.05), which indicated better efficacy in the experimental group than in the control group (χ2=7.996,P<0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and IFN-γ were significantly correlated with each other (P<0.01). Compared with those before treatment,the levels of serum cytokines TNF-α,IL-6,and IFN-γ in the experimental group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment,the experimental group showed significantly reduced serum levels of cytokines TNF-α,IL-6,and IFN-γ (P<0.05). ③ There were no significant intra-group and inter-group differences in the safety test results of the two groups before and after treatment. During the treatment period,there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups of patients. ④ Compared with the normal group,the tumor group exhibited a total of 328 significantly up-regulated genes in the peripheral blood (P<0.05),and KEGG and GO analyses showed that they were significantly enriched in signaling pathways such as TNF (P<0.05). ⑤ TNF,IL6,IFNG, and other cytokine encoding genes may be key pathogenic genes for CRF. ConclusionXu's SQYZ decoction can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue in postoperative chemotherapy patients with gastric cancer and improve their functional status and quality of life. Its mechanism may be related to improving cytokine imbalance.
6.Ferroptosis and osteoporosis
Cheng YANG ; Weimin LI ; Dongcheng RAN ; Jiamu XU ; Wangxiang WU ; Jiafu XU ; Jingjing CHEN ; Guangfu JIANG ; Chunqing WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):554-562
BACKGROUND:It has also been confirmed that ferroptosis is closely related to a variety of musculoskeletal diseases,such as rheumatoid arthritis,osteosarcoma,and osteoporosis.The pathophysiological mechanisms of ferroptosis and osteoporosis need to be further studied and elucidated to broaden our understanding of iron metabolism and osteoporosis.It will provide research ideas for the future elucidation of new mechanisms of osteoporosis and the development of new technologies and drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:To provide an overview of the current status of research on ferroptosis in osteoporosis,to provide a new direction for future research on the specific molecular mechanisms of osteoporosis,and to provide more effective and better options for osteoporosis treatment strategies. METHODS:The first author used the computer to search the literature published from 2000 to 2024 in CNKI,WanFang,VIP,and PubMed databases with search terms"ferroptosis,iron metabolism,osteoporosis,osteoblast,osteoclast,bone metabolism,signal pathway,musculoskeletal,review"in Chinese and English.A total of 68 articles were finally included according to the selection criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death discovered in recent years,which is usually accompanied by a large amount of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation during cell death,and its occurrence is iron-dependent.This is distinctly different from several types of cell death that are currently being hotly studied(e.g.,cellular pyroptosis,necrotic apoptosis,cuproptosis,and autophagy).(2)Intracellular iron homeostasis is manifested as a balance between iron uptake,export,utilization,and storage.The body's iron regulatory system includes systemic and intracellular regulation.The main factor of systemic regulation is hepcidin produced by hepatic secretion,and cellular regulation depends on the iron regulatory protein/iron response element system.Of course,intracellular iron homeostasis can be controlled by other factors,such as hypoxia,cytokines,and hormones.(3)Lipid peroxidation causes oxidative damage to biological membranes(plasma membrane and internal organelle membranes),lipoproteins,and other lipid-containing molecules.Polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids are important targets of lipid peroxidation.Free polyunsaturated fatty acid is an important substrate for lipid oxidation and can bind to the phospholipid bilayer,leading to over-oxidation and thus triggering lipid apoptosis.(4)Several studies have shown that osteoblasts are overloaded with iron in different ways,resulting in the accumulation of unstable ferrous iron and the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides,causing ferroptosis of osteoblasts and ultimately a decrease in bone formation,affecting bone homeostasis and the development of osteoporosis.(5)Osteoclasts are large multinucleated cells formed by the fusion of mononuclear macrophage cell lines or bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by nuclear factor-κB ligand receptor activator,and they have the function of bone resorption.Iron ions can promote osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption through the production of intracellular lipid reactive oxygen species,while iron chelators can inhibit osteoclast formation in vitro and thus affect the occurrence and development of osteoporosis.
7.Updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition (Volume Ⅰ)
LI Hao ; SHEN Mingrui ; ZHANG Pang ; ZHAI Weimin ; NI Long ; HAO Bo ; ZHAO Yuxin ; HE Yi ; MA Shuangcheng ; SHU Rong
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):017-022
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia is the legal technical standard which should be followed during the research, production, use, and administration of drugs. At present, the new edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia is planned to be promulgated and implemented. This article summarizes and analyzes the main characteristics and the content of updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition(Volume Ⅰ), to provide a reference for the correct understanding and accurate implementation the new edition of the pharmacopoeia.
8.Experience of XU Jingfan in Using Zisu (Perillafrutescens) for Spleen and Stomach Diseases
Yixu LIU ; Yeqing YU ; Lanlan HU ; Weimin LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1099-1103
This paper summarized Professor XU Jingfan's clinical experience of using Zisu (Perillafrutescens) for the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases. According to the disease characteristics, Professor XU flexibly selected the different parts of Zisu. It is believed that the leaf of Zisu is good at dispersing, dredging qi movement, and good at treating external contraction as well as internal damage due to depression or stagnation, and being effective in relieving abdominal lumps and fullness with vomiting; its stem is good at widering chest and diaphragm, smoothing qi and the middle, and dredging the twelve meridians, which can treat qi stagnation, especially suitable for distention and fullness in the midline of body like throat, esophagus, and stomach. Perilla seed is good at depressing qi and eliminating phlegm, loosening bowels to relieve constipation, which can be used in diseases of combined phlegm and qi, and combined treatment of lung and intestines to treat long-term constipation. In clinic, Huanglian (Coptis chinensis)- Zisu leaf is often used as pungent dispersing and bitter descending, promoting qi movement to treat persistent nausea and vomiting; Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma)-Zisu stem is employed as regulating qi to smooth the middle, soothing qi to disperse liver stagnation for various syndromes of qi stagnation; Huomaren (Cannabis Fructus)-Zisu seed is utilized to clear the lungs and benefit qi, and moisten intestines by purgation for chronic constipation. The original ancient formulas are flexibly modified and tailored, so usually modified Banxia Houpo Decoction (半夏厚朴汤) is used to treat plum-stone qi (globus hystericus) and esophageal disorders, while modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) combined with Xiangsu Powder (香苏散) is used to treat gastroptosis, then self-prescribed Jixing Tuxie Formula (急性吐泻方) is used for acute diarrhea, and Xiexie Waizhi Formula (泄泻外治方) is applied for chronic cold-dampness diarrhea.
9.Simultaneous determination of 13 aromatic amine compounds in workplace air by high performance liquid chromatography
Weimin XIE ; Ruibo MENG ; Zuofei XIE ; Jing YUAN ; Jiaheng HE ; Jiawen HU ; Weifeng RONG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):182-187
Objective To establish a liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of 13 aromatic amine compounds (AAs) in workplace air. Methods A total of 13 AAs in both vapor and aerosol phases were collected in workplace air using a new GDH-6 sampling tube. Samples were desorbed and eluted with methanol, separated using a Symmetry Shield™ RP18 reversed-phase liquid chromatography column, and detected with a diode array detector. Quantification was performed using an external standard method. Results The linear range of the 13 AAs measured by this method was 0.02-373.60 μg/L with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.999 0. The minimum detection concentration was 0.09-14.37 μg/m3, and the minimum quantitative concentration was 0.31-47.90 μg/m3 (both calculated based on sampling 15.0 L of air and 3.0 mL of elution volume). The average desorption and elution efficiency ranged from 97.46% to 101.23%. The within-run relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.10%-5.99%, and the between-run RSD was 0.17%-2.71%. Samples could be stably stored in sealed conditions at 2-8 ℃ for more than seven days. Conclusion This method is suitable for the simultaneous determination of 13 AAs in workplace air, including both vapor and aerosol phases.
10.Mediating effect of activities of daily living between pain and depressive symptoms in Chinese elderly
Shan JIANG ; Huaiju GE ; Wenyu SU ; Shihong DONG ; Weimin GUAN ; Qing YU ; Huiyu JIA ; Wenjing CHANG ; Jinglei ZHANG ; Kang ZHANG ; Guifeng MA ; Wentao WEI
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(4):12-16
Objective To explore the mediating role of activities of daily living (ADL) in pain and depressive symptoms in the elderly in China. Methods Utilizing the data from 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 4403 Chinese elderly individuals aged ≥ 60 years old were selected as the research subjects. Depression Scale (CES-D 10) of the Center for Epidemiological Survey and ADL scale were used in the study. The PROCESS4.1 macro was used to test the mediating effect of daily living activities between pain and depressive symptoms, and the Bootstrap method was applied for verification of the mediating variables. Results A total of 2368 cases of depressive symptoms were detected in the elderly in China, with a detection rate of 53.78%. Pain was positively correlated with depressive symptoms (r=0.27, P<0.01), and activities of daily living were negatively correlated with pain and depressive symptoms (r=-0.27, -0.337, P<0.01). The results showed that the total effect value of pain on depressive symptoms was 0.33, the direct effect value was 0.24, and the mediating effect value of daily living activities was 0.09, accounting for 27.27%. Conclusion Pain and activities of daily living are important factors influencing depressive symptoms in the elderly, and activities of daily living play a partial mediating role in the relationship between pain and depressive symptoms in the elderly.


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