1.Differentiation and Treatment of Impaired Glucose Regulation from the Perspective of "Internal Generation of Turbid Pathogen"
Xuan YANG ; Junlin LIU ; Jiayao QU ; Xiangyu LI ; Xinrong FAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1220-1224
Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) is an intermediate state between normal blood glucose and diabetes, falling under the category of splenic pure heat in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The core pathogenesis is believed to be the dysfunction of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs, leading to metabolic abnormalities of subtle essence and the generation of "turbid pathogen". Its accumulation can block qi movement, damage the vessel collaterals, and promote the disease progression toward diabetes. The concept of "turbid pulse" is proposed as an early sign of IGR, characterized by full and heavy sensation with stagnated and astringent circulation, which can serve as an effective supplement to clinical screening. The differentiation and treatment approach in clinical practice is summarized as follows. If the ascending and descending mechanisms of qi movement in the middle jiao (焦) are disrupted, with mutual interference between the clear and the turbid, treatment should focus on harmonizing the ascending and the descending, and transforming dampness with aromatic medicinals. For spleen-stomach qi deficiency due to long-term restriction of the spleen and stomach's function of transportation and transformation, it is suggested to fortify spleen and harmonize stomach, and transport turbid with sweet-warm medicinals. For spleen deficiency and liver constraint induced by internal generation of damp-heat in the middle jiao, the treatment should focus on soothing the liver and opening constraint, and directing the turbid downward with sour-sweat medicinals. For solid accumulation and stagnation caused by liver qi constraint, it is recommended to unblock intestine and remove stagnation, and discharge turbid with bitter-cold medicinals. When the disease is transmitted to the lower jiao, and the kidneys are affected, the treatment should be regulating spleen and kidney, and rectifying turbid with salty-sour medicinals. In conclusion, it is emphasized to promote the transformation of turbid pathogen to restore metabolic homeostasis, providing methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IGR.
2.Sleep Traits and Malignant Risk of Pulmonary Nodules: Evidence Triangulation From Questionnaire, Cohort, and Mendelian Randomization
Xiangyu CHEN ; Yiqiao XUE ; Mengqing LIU ; Yile HU ; Weizuo LIANG ; Hanqing LIU ; Yizheng WANG ; Mingfang ZHAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):663-676
To investigate the association between sleep-related phenotypes and the risk of malignancy in pulmonary nodules, and to provide complementary evidence from a general population cohort and genetic analyses. This study comprised three parts. Part 1 was a cross-sectional study that consecutively enrolled patients with imaging-confirmed pulmonary nodules at the First Hospital of China Medical University from November 2024 to December 2025. Nine sleep domains were constructed using items from the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), with domain severity coded on a 0-6 scale according to the frequency of occurrence. Benign or malignant status of pulmonary nodules was determined based on pathological results or clinical follow-up. Multivariable Logistic regression models with progressive adjustment were constructed. Stratified, interaction, and dose-response analyses (including categorical grouping and restricted cubic splines) were performed focusing on the insomnia symptom domain to explore the association between sleep-related phenotypes and the risk of malignant pulmonary nodules. Part 2 was a prospective cohort study using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to investigate the association between sleep duration and incident lung cancer risk in the general population. Part 3 comprised genetic causality analyses, including two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), using data from the OpenGWAS database, to assess whether directionally consistent genetic association signals exist between sleep-related phenotypes and lung cancer risk. In the cross-sectional study, a total of 800 patients with pulmonary nodules were included, of whom 288 (36.0%) were in the malignant group. In the continuous-variable main model fully adjusted for baseline confounders, all nine sleep domains, imaging findings, and depression and anxiety status, the severity of the insomnia symptom domain showed a positive association signal with the risk of malignant pulmonary nodules (fully adjusted model: per 1-point increase, In patients with pulmonary nodules, an association signal exists between insomnia-related symptoms and the risk of malignancy, but the dose-response relationship remains unclear. The CHARLS cohort and genetic analyses provide supplementary directional clues for the above associations, albeit with limited statistical strength and result consistency. Definitive conclusions regarding the association between sleep phenotypes and the risk of malignant pulmonary nodules require further validation in prospective studies.
3.Effects of Huatan Sanjie Formula (化痰散结方) on Tumor Tissue Stiffness and the Integrin β1/FAK/YAP Mechanotransduction Signaling Pathway in Triple Negative Breast Cancera Model Mice
Xiangyu ZHAO ; Jingyang LIU ; Minpu ZHANG ; Xue WANG ; Changgang SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1305-1314
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Huatan Sanjie Formula (化痰散结方, HSF) in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) based on the integrinβ1/focal adhesion kinase/yes-associated protein (integrinβ1/FAK/YAP) mechanotransduction signaling pathway. MethodsFifty BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to a model group, doxorubicin group, low-, medium-, and high-dose HSF groups, with 10 mice per group. An orthotopic TNBC transplantation model was established in all mice using syngeneic implantation of 4T1 cells. After successful modeling, mice in the model group received intragastric administration of normal saline 0.2 ml each day. Mice in the low-, medium-, and high-dose HSF groups received HSF by gavage at doses of 5.99, 11.97, and 23.94 g/(kg·d), respectively. The doxorubicin group received intraperitoneal injections of doxorubicin (1.5 mg/kg) once every two days. All treatments lasted for 30 days. After the final administration, mice were sacrificed, and tumor weight and volume were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius Red staining were performed to evaluate histopathological changes and collagen fiber deposition in tumor tissues. TUNEL staining was used to assess apoptosis. The Young's modulus of tumor tissues was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nuclear-cytoplasmic localization of YAP was determined by immunofluorescence staining. Protein expression levels of integrinβ1, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), YAP, and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) were detected by Western Blotting. The mRNA expression levels of integrinβ1, FAK, and YAP were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships among tumor tissue Young's modulus, apoptosis rate, and the expression levels of proteins related to the integrinβ1/FAK/YAP signaling pathway. ResultsCompared to the model group, tumor weight was significantly reduced in the doxorubicin group and the medium- and high-dose HSF groups, while tumor volume significantly decreased in the doxorubicin group and the high-dose HSF group (P<0.01). Tumor weight in the high-dose HSF group was significantly lower than that in the low-dose group, and tumor volume was significantly smaller than that in both the low- and medium-dose groups (P<0.05). Marked improvements in histopathological morphology were observed in the medium- and high-dose HSF groups and the doxorubicin group, while the proportion of collagen fiber deposition and the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio of YAP were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, all three HSF groups and the doxorubicin group exhibited significantly increased apoptosis rates, decreased Young's modulus, and reduced mRNA expression levels of integrinβ1, and YAP (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, protein expression levels of integrinβ1, p-FAK, and YAP in the high-dose HSF group were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between tumor tissue Young's modulus and apoptosis rate (r =-0.93, P<0.01). In contrast, the protein expression levels of integrinβ1, p-FAK, and YAP were positively correlated with Young's modulus (r=0.88, 0.97, and 0.98, respectively; P<0.05) and negatively correlated with apoptosis rate (r=-0.93,-0.97, and -0.93, respectively; P<0.05). ConclusionHSF can significantly inhibit tumor growth in TNBC model mice. Its antitumor effect may be associated with reducing tumor tissue stiffness through suppression of the integrinβ1/FAK/YAP mechanotransduction signaling pathway.
4.Retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by attenuating inflammation and modulating macrophage polarization through MKP-1/MAPK signaling pathway
Mengyuan XIN ; Hangyu JIN ; Xiangyu GUO ; Liang ZHAO ; Xiangdan LI ; Dongyuan XU ; Long ZHENG ; Lan LIU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):45-56
Macrophages are innate immune cells connected with the development of inflammation. Retinoic acid has previously been proved to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. However, the exact mechanism through which retinoic acid modulates arthritis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by modulating macrophage polarization. This study used retinoic acid to treat mice with adjuvant arthritis and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects by arthritis score, thermal nociceptive sensitization test, histopathologic examination and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, its specific anti-arthritic mechanism was investigated by flow cytometry, cell transfection and inflammatory signaling pathway assays in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Retinoic acid significantly relieved joint pain and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in mice. Furthermore, this treatment modulated peritoneal macrophage polarization, increased levels of arginase 1, as well as decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In vitro, we verified that retinoic acid promotes macrophage transition from the M1 to M2 type by upregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) expression and inhibiting P38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Notably, the therapeutic effects of retinoic acid were inhibited by MKP-1 knockdown. Retinoic acid exerts a significant therapeutic effect on adjuvant arthritis in mice by regulating macrophage polarization through the MKP-1/MAPK pathway, and play an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
5.Buqi Huoxue Compounds intervene with the expression of related factors and autophagy related proteins in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
Yuning CHEN ; Ying JIANG ; Xiangyu LIAO ; Qiongjun CHEN ; Liang XIONG ; Yue LIU ; Tong LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1152-1158
BACKGROUND:Buqi Huoxue Compounds have significant clinical efficacy in treating ischemic stroke with Qi deficiency and phlegm stasis;however,the exact mechanism of action is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of Buqi Huoxue Compounds on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor and autophagy related protein Beclin1 and p62 in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. METHODS:Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group and autophagy inhibitor group,with 10 rats in each group.In the latter three groups,a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established.The Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion;the autophagy inhibitor group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion and intraperitoneally given 3-methyladenine 2 hours before gavage and at days 1-3 of gavage.The sham operation group and model group were given equal amounts of saline by gavage for 7 consecutive days.Neurological function,cerebral infarct volume,brain tissue morphology and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor and autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and p62 in the ischemic cortical region of rats were detected at 24 hours after the final administration. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Zea-Longa scoring results showed that the neurological function of rats was severely damaged after modeling and neurological deficit of rats in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was less than that in the model group and the autophagy inhibitor group(P<0.05).TTC staining showed that cerebral infarct foci were observed in the model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,and autophagy inhibitor group,and the cerebral infarct volume in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was lower than that in the model group and the autophagy inhibitor group(P<0.05).The results of hematoxylin-eosin staining in ischemic brain tissues showed that there were large gaps between nerve cells in the model group and cell arrangement was not neat,and cytoplasmic agglutination and pyknosis were observed.Immunohistochemical staining results showed that vascular endothelial growth factor was mostly expressed in neuronal cells,glial cells and capillary endothelium;basic fibroblast growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were mostly expressed in neuronal cells and glial cells;and there was no significant difference in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor among the four groups(P>0.05).The results of western blot assay showed that compared with the sham operation group,Beclin1 protein expression was decreased(P<0.05)and p62 protein expression was elevated(P<0.05)in the model group;compared with the model group,Beclin1 protein expression was increased(P<0.05)and p62 protein expression was reduced(P<0.05)in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group;compared with the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,Beclin1 protein expression was decreased(P<0.05)and p62 protein expression was elevated(P<0.05)in the autophagy inhibitor group.To conclude,Buqi Huoxue Compounds attenuate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by promoting autophagy.
6.Retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by attenuating inflammation and modulating macrophage polarization through MKP-1/MAPK signaling pathway
Mengyuan XIN ; Hangyu JIN ; Xiangyu GUO ; Liang ZHAO ; Xiangdan LI ; Dongyuan XU ; Long ZHENG ; Lan LIU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):45-56
Macrophages are innate immune cells connected with the development of inflammation. Retinoic acid has previously been proved to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. However, the exact mechanism through which retinoic acid modulates arthritis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by modulating macrophage polarization. This study used retinoic acid to treat mice with adjuvant arthritis and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects by arthritis score, thermal nociceptive sensitization test, histopathologic examination and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, its specific anti-arthritic mechanism was investigated by flow cytometry, cell transfection and inflammatory signaling pathway assays in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Retinoic acid significantly relieved joint pain and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in mice. Furthermore, this treatment modulated peritoneal macrophage polarization, increased levels of arginase 1, as well as decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In vitro, we verified that retinoic acid promotes macrophage transition from the M1 to M2 type by upregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) expression and inhibiting P38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Notably, the therapeutic effects of retinoic acid were inhibited by MKP-1 knockdown. Retinoic acid exerts a significant therapeutic effect on adjuvant arthritis in mice by regulating macrophage polarization through the MKP-1/MAPK pathway, and play an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
7.Retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by attenuating inflammation and modulating macrophage polarization through MKP-1/MAPK signaling pathway
Mengyuan XIN ; Hangyu JIN ; Xiangyu GUO ; Liang ZHAO ; Xiangdan LI ; Dongyuan XU ; Long ZHENG ; Lan LIU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):45-56
Macrophages are innate immune cells connected with the development of inflammation. Retinoic acid has previously been proved to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. However, the exact mechanism through which retinoic acid modulates arthritis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by modulating macrophage polarization. This study used retinoic acid to treat mice with adjuvant arthritis and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects by arthritis score, thermal nociceptive sensitization test, histopathologic examination and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, its specific anti-arthritic mechanism was investigated by flow cytometry, cell transfection and inflammatory signaling pathway assays in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Retinoic acid significantly relieved joint pain and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in mice. Furthermore, this treatment modulated peritoneal macrophage polarization, increased levels of arginase 1, as well as decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In vitro, we verified that retinoic acid promotes macrophage transition from the M1 to M2 type by upregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) expression and inhibiting P38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Notably, the therapeutic effects of retinoic acid were inhibited by MKP-1 knockdown. Retinoic acid exerts a significant therapeutic effect on adjuvant arthritis in mice by regulating macrophage polarization through the MKP-1/MAPK pathway, and play an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
8.Fu′s academic thoughts of promoting conception based on the "qi cycle in round" theory
Yan LIU ; Haoxian WANG ; Xiangyu LI ; Shuo SUN ; Jiuxian LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):336-342
FU Qingzhu Nyuke·Zhongzi is a concentrated manifestation of Fu′s academic thoughts of promoting conception (Zhongzi), which affects the treatment of infertility in later generations. However, the Zhongzi chapter is named after "symptoms" and is not divided into chapters according to "syndromes, "limiting the clinical application of Fu′s thoughts of Zhongzi. The "qi circle in round" theory is the crystallization of HUANG Yuanyu′s academic thinking, advocating for qi transformation, emphasizing middle qi, and considering the four phenomena. This theory highlights the role of middle qi in the rise, fall, and circulation of disease development. The "qi cycle in round" theory, a comprehensive view of Fu′s Zhongzi chapter, reveals that FU Qingzhu emphasizes the transformation of visceral qi in diagnosing and treating infertility, focusing on the spleen, liver, and kidneys. His prescription aims to restore the overall qi mechanism of the body, highlighting the circulation of middle earth and the dredging of meridians, aligning perfectly with the theory of the "qi cycle in round." Therefore, this article argues from the perspective of the "qi cycle in round, "deconstructing the pathogenesis of Fu′s infertility based on the dereliction of spleen earth, stagnation of liver wood, and kidney yin and yang deficiency. It reorganizes Fu′s formula system of Zhongzi by mediating middle earth, soothing liver depression, and regulating kidney function, summarizing the characteristics of Fu′s thoughts of Zhongzi with the aid of qi around the waist and navel, simultaneous treatment of conqenital and acquired essence, and restriction and generation of five phases. Based on the "qi cycle in round" theory, this study explores Fu′s academic thoughts of Zhongzi to strengthen the organic integration of Fu′s academic thoughts of Zhongzi with the theory of "qi cycle in round, "providing new perspectives for the study and inheritance of Fu′s academic thoughts of Zhongzi.
9.Development trajectory of mobile phone dependence in middle school students and its association with loneliness and self-control
LUO Xiangyu, ZHANG Tiancheng, WANG Aolun, ZHANG Fulan, LIU Yang, YAN Chuqi, CHEN Ziyi
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):624-629
Objective:
To analyze the heterogeneity of mobile phone dependence development trajectory in middle school students and its association with loneliness and selfcontrol ability, so as to provide reference for the prevention of mobile phone dependence in middle school students.
Methods:
A total of 941 grade 1 students from 4 public middle schools in Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province were selected for the followup survey by random cluster sampling from October 2023 to April 2024 and October 2024. Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI), University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale-20 (UCLA-20) and Selfcontrol Scales (SCS) were used for questionnaire survey. The heterogeneity of the developmental trajectory of middle school students mobile phone dependence was analyzed by the latent growth curve model (LGMM), and the influencing factors of the developmental trajectory of middle school students mobile phone dependence were explored by multiple Logistic regression analysis.
Results:
The development trajectory of middle school students mobile phone dependence could be divided into four categories: C1 "low risk slow decline group (n=438,44.6%)", C2 "medium risk slow rise group (n=272,29.7%)", C3 "high risk rapid decline group (n=73,8.6%)" and C4 "high risk rapid rise group (n=158,17.1%)". There were significant differences in the distribution of mobile phone dependence development track heterogeneity subgroups among sex, only child, lodging, and leftbehind students (χ2=117.79, 44.88, 37.09, 130.50, P <0.01). The results of the multinomial Logistic regression model analysis showed that, with C1 group as the reference, C2, C3, and C4 were positively correlated with students loneliness [OR(95%CI)=1.04 (1.02-1.06), 1.11(1.08-1.14), 1.12(1.09-1.14)]; C2 and C4 groups were negatively correlated with students selfcontrol [OR(95%CI)=0.97(0.96-0.99), 0.95(0.93-0.97)] (P<0.01).
Conclusions
The development trajectory of mobile phone dependence among middle school students is heterogeneous. Reducing the loneliness of individuals and cultivating good selfcontrol ability are helpful to alleviate mobile phone dependence behavior among middle school students.
10.Clinical efficacy of single channel split body endoscopic minimally invasive surgery for single segment thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum
Xiangyu LIN ; Wanlong XU ; Le LI ; Wencan ZHANG ; Chen LIU ; Kunpeng LI ; Bingtao HU ; Chongyi WANG ; Yunze FENG ; Kaibin WANG ; Haipeng SI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(17):1111-1118
Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of one-hole split endoscope (OSE) minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of single-segment thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF).Methods:This retrospective non-randomized controlled study included 41 patients with single-segment TOLF who underwent surgery at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University between July 2019 and July 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: the OSE group (19 cases) treated with one-hole split endoscope minimally invasive surgery and the open group (22 cases) treated with traditional laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation. There were no significant differences between the two groups on gender, age, disease duration, affected segment, presence or absence of dural ossification, and residual cross-sectional vertebral canal area on CT ( P>0.05). Additionally, perioperative surgical time, estimated blood loss (EBL), incision length, hospital stay duration, hospitalization costs and follow-up duration were compared. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Complications were also recorded. Results:All patients successfully completed the surgery with no significant differences at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). Compared with the open group, the OSE group had a significantly shorter operative time (133.1±16.8 vs. 160.5±22.6 min), lower EBL (91.2±15.0 vs. 192.5±43.8 ml), shorter incision length (2.6±0.5 vs. 7.9±1.9 cm), reduced hospital stay (3.9±0.8 vs. 5.6±0.8 days), and lower hospitalization costs (34,874.9±4,568.6 vs. 53,162.3±9,815.6 yuan) (all P<0.05). AAt the final follow-up, JOA scores (8.5±0.8 vs. 8.6±1.2) and ODI values (16.7%±2.1% vs. 17.7%±4.4%) showed no significant differences between the OSE and open groups ( P>0.05). During the perioperative period and follow-up, complications occurred in 2 patients in the OSE group (1 cerebrospinal fluid leak, 1 poor wound healing) and in 8 patients in the open group (5 cerebrospinal fluid leaks, 1 neurological deterioration, 2 poor wound healing). Conclusion:OSE minimally invasive surgery is an effective treatment for single-segment thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum. Compared with open surgery, it provides advantages such as minimal invasiveness and fewer complications.


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