1.Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Keqiu YAN ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yifan CAI ; Wenjie XIAO ; Xinkun BAO ; Guangjun SUN ; Aizhen LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):341-351
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease, involves multifaceted pathological mechanisms such as intestinal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. Current therapeutic strategies remain limited in efficacy and safety. In recent years, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic target for UC due to its central role in energy metabolism, inflammatory regulation, and intestinal homeostasis. This article systematically reviewed the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prevented and treated UC through the regulation of the AMPK signaling pathway, with a focus on elucidating AMPK's multidimensional regulatory network in inflammatory signaling crosstalk, alleviating oxidative stress, restoring intestinal immune balance, repairing the intestinal barrier, and modulating gut microbiota. Leveraging its unique advantages of multi-target engagement and low toxicity, TCM demonstrates promising potential in UC treatment and has become a focal area of research. By systematically summarizing and synthesizing the existing literature on TCM-mediated AMPK pathway modulation in UC, this review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for advancing mechanistic research and clinical interventions in UC.
2.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
3.Investigation of natural radionuclide activity indrinking water in Hohhot, China
Bo JU ; Gerilemandahu ; Yulong BAO ; Shuai ZHANG ; Xiang LIU ; Haribala ; Xiao XU ; Zhichao SUN ; Xiaojuan YANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):159-164
Objective :
To investigate the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in drinking water (tap water andwell water) in urban and rural areas of Hohhot, assess the safety of drinking water, and to provide data support for localdrinking water radioactivity monitoring and management.
Methods :
Representative samples of well water and tap waterwere collected from nine banners/counties/districts in Hohhot. Activity concentrations were measured using a low-back-ground gross α/β counter, an α spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and a radium/radon analyzer.
Results :
A total of nine tap water samples and nine well water samples were analyzed. For the tap water samples, gross αactivity concentrations ranged from 0.093 to 0.193 Bq/L, gross β from 0.091 to 0.225 Bq/L, uranium mass concentrationsfrom 2.32 to 10.36 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.09 to 0.20 μg/L,210Po activity concentrations from below theminimum detectable limit to 0.41 mBq/L, and 226Ra activity concentrations from 8.70 to 13.35 mBq/L. For the well watersamples, gross α activity concentrations ranged from 0.111 to 0.203 Bq/L, gross β from 0.111 to 0.270 Bq/L, uranium massconcentrations from 2.31 to 13.28 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.17 to 0.26 μg/L,210Po activity concentrationsfrom 1.03 to 2.12 mBq/L, and 226Ra activity concentrations from 15.38 to 23.63 mBq/L.
Conclusion
The activityconcen-trations of natural radionuclides in both well water and tap water in the Hohhot region were at environmental backgroundlevels and met national drinking water hygiene standards.
4.Protective effects and mechanisms of luteolin on vascular injury induced by polystyrene microplastics
Deyu ZHU ; Qi HUANG ; Xiao LIANG ; Zhuangzhuang WEI ; Xinyu BAO ; Ping MA ; Yang WU ; Cuiyu BAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):432-438
ObjectiveTo explore the vascular endothelial injury in male mice caused by exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and the intervention effect of luteolin on vascular remodeling. Additionally, to investigate the mechanism through the oxidative system and metabolomics. MethodsThirty-two C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old) were randomly divided into the saline group (saline group), the 0.1 mg/kg PS-MPs exposure group (0.1PS-MPs group), the 1 mg/kg PS-MPs exposure group (1PS-MPs group), and the 1 mg/kg PS-MPs + luteolin treatment group (1PS-MPs + Lut group), with 8 mice in each group. After 8 weeks of intervention, the body weight, blood pressure, aortic organ coefficient, and aortic histopathological changes of mice in each group were detected; the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) lipid metabolism-related indicators in the aorta of mice were detected; the reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) oxidative stress-related indicators were detected; the endothelin (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1/CD106), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1/CD54) endothelial function-related indicators and serum metabolomics were detected. ResultsCompared to the saline group, exposure to PS-MPs resulted in pathological thickening of the mouse aorta, increased aortic organ coefficient, and elevated blood pressure. Lipid metabolism-related indicators, including TC and TG, were elevated, while HDL-C was reduced, indicating lipid metabolism disorder in mice. Oxidative stress markers such as ROS and MDA increased, whereas GSH decreased, demonstrating oxidative damage. Vascular endothelial inflammation and injury markers, including ET-1, VEGF-A, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1, were upregulated, while the vasodilatory substance NO was downregulated, confirming endothelial injury. Furthermore, serum metabolomics results revealed that PS-MPs exposure induced endothelial damage by disrupting metabolic pathways such as the citrate cycle. Compared to the PS-MPs group, luteolin significantly reversed these effects, attenuating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders, and effectively repairing endothelial injury. ConclusionPS-MPs induce vascular toxicity through oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Luteolin effectively alleviates endothelial damage and vascular remodeling.
5.A finite element analysis of different bone cement injection volumes and distribution patterns in bilateral percutaneous vertebral augmentation
Xiong BAO ; Xiao WU ; Xijie TANG ; Yougao ZHANG ; Jinkui CAI ; Zhanghua LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2006-2014
BACKGROUND:The authors found that when the bilateral percutaneous vertebral augmentation is used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with a total bone cement injection of 4 mL or more,different distribution patterns were usually presented on the X-rays;however,there were few reports addressing the effects of these patterns of bone cement distribution on the biomechanical properties of fractural vertebrae. OBJECTIVE:To further explore the biomechanical effects of different bone cement filling doses and distribution patterns on biomechanics of the fractural vertebrae using the finite element method. METHODS:The L1-L3 finite element models of osteoporosis were established,and the vertebral compression fractures were simulated in L2.Four distribution patterns bilateral partial fusion(FH type),full fusion(FO type),symmetrical separation(SA type),and asymmetric segregation(SN type)were simulated in 4 and 6 mL injections in the osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture models,respectively,and a total of nine sets of models were obtained.These models were solved under the same boundary conditions and compared with the stress and displacement of the L2 fractural vertebra. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The maximum stresses of the nine groups of models were concentrated in the L2 fractural area,and the maximum stress and maximum displacement of each filling model were lower than in the osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture model,indicating the effectiveness of bone cement filling in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.(2)Compared with 4 mL bone cement filling,6 mL bone cement filling could significantly reduce the stress of fractured vertebrae and enhance the strength of fractured vertebrae while improving the stability of fractured vertebrae.(3)In the same state of movement,the FH type stress was the least,followed by the SA type,both of which were close.FO type stress was the largest,especially in the lateral bend,which might be associated with its cluster shape resulting in the concentration of lateral stress.In the aspect of displacement,FH type was the least and FO type was the largest.(4)The results show that increased dose of bone cement injection reduces fractural vertebral stress and improves stability,but increases the risk of leakage.Bilateral symmetrical dispersed bone cement(FH type,SA type)is superior in restoring vertebral strength and stability than full fusion(FO type),asymmetric separated(SN type)bone cement.Therefore,when clinically performing bilateral percutaneous vertebral augmentation treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,the bilateral symmetric dispersions of the distribution are first guaranteed;priority is recommended for FH type distribution,for appropriate stress stimulation and best stability.
6.Rapid Identification of Different Parts of Nardostachys jatamansi Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and Ultra-fast Gas Phase Electronic Nose
Tao WANG ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Yang WEN ; Momeimei QU ; Min LI ; Jing WEI ; Xiaoming BAO ; Ying LI ; Yuan LIU ; Xiao LUO ; Wenbing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):182-191
ObjectiveTo establish a model that can quickly identify the aroma components in different parts of Nardostachys jatamansi, so as to provide a quality control basis for the market circulation and clinical use of N. jatamansi. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) combined with Smart aroma database and National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) database were used to characterize the aroma components in different parts of N. jatamansi, and the aroma components were quantified according to relative response factor(RRF) and three internal standards, and the markers of aroma differences in different parts of N. jatamansi were identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) and cluster thermal analysis based on variable importance in the projection(VIP) value >1 and P<0.01. The odor data of different parts of N. jatamansi were collected by Heracles Ⅱ Neo ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose, and the correlation between compound types of aroma components collected by the ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose and the detection results of HS-SPME-GC-MS was investigated by drawing odor fingerprints and odor response radargrams. Chromatographic peak information with distinguishing ability≥0.700 and peak area≥200 was selected as sensor data, and the rapid identification model of different parts of N. jatamansi was established by principal component analysis(PCA), discriminant factor alysis(DFA), soft independent modeling of class analogies(SIMCA) and statistical quality control analysis(SQCA). ResultsThe HS-SPME-GC-MS results showed that there were 28 common components in the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi, of which 22 could be quantified and 12 significantly different components were screened out. Among these 12 components, the contents of five components(ethyl isovalerate, 2-pentylfuran, benzyl alcohol, nonanal and glacial acetic acid,) in the aboveground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the underground part(P<0.01), the contents of β-ionone, patchouli alcohol, α-caryophyllene, linalyl butyrate, valencene, 1,8-cineole and p-cymene in the underground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the aboveground part(P<0.01). Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose results showed that the PCA discrimination index of the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi was 82, and the contribution rates of the principal component factors were 99.94% and 99.89% when 2 and 3 principal components were extracted, respectively. The contribution rate of the discriminant factor 1 of the DFA model constructed on the basis of PCA was 100%, the validation score of the SIMCA model for discrimination of the two parts was 99, and SQCA could clearly distinguish different parts of N. jatamansi. ConclusionHS-SPME-GC-MS can clarify the differential markers of underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi. The four analytical models provided by Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose(PCA, DFA, SIMCA and SQCA) can realize the rapid identification of different parts of N. jatamansi. Combining the two results, it is speculated that terpenes and carboxylic acids may be the main factors contributing to the difference in aroma between the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi.
7.Mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides promoting myelin regeneration in demyelinated mice induced by cuprizone
Yan-qing LI ; Xiao-hui LI ; Qing WANG ; Li-juan SONG ; Li-zhi YANG ; Han-bin WANG ; Bao-guo XIAO ; Cun-gen MA
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1265-1273
Aim To explore the mechanism of Gano-derma lucidum polysaccharides(GLPS)promoting my-elin repair and regeneration in mice with chronic demy-elination induced by cuprizone(CPZ).Methods A total of 40 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups:Normal+NS,Normal+GLPS,CPZ+NS and CPZ+GLPS.A chronic demyelination model was established using 0.2%CPZ.Open field and elevated plus maze tests were performed to observe the behavior-al changes in the mice.Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used to detect changes in myelin basic protein expression in the corpus callosum.ELISA was performed to measure the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β and IL-10 in brain homogenates.Immunofluo-rescence staining was also used to observe the expres-sion of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and neural-glial antigen 2(NG2).RT-qPCR and Western blot were conducted to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of MBP,iNOS,COX-2,JAK2 and STAT3.Results Mice in the CPZ+NS group showed a significant decrease in body weight,cognitive behavior abnormalities,and impaired myelin regeneration.The expression of pro-inflammatory fac-tors increased,while anti-inflammatory factors de-creased.Additionally,Iba1 and NG2 expression in-creased,and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was activated.After GLPS intervention,the mouse body weight increased,myelin regeneration occurred,cogni-tive behavior was improved,the expression of inflamma-tory factors decreased,anti-inflammatory factors in-creased,NG2 expression was further elevated,and the proliferation of microglia as well as the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was inhibited.Conclu-sions GLPS can improve cognitive behavior abnormali-ties and inflammatory responses in chronic demyelinated mice by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway,thereby promoting myelin repair and regeneration.
8.Analysis of completion rate of tumor evaluation at initial assessment and after neoadjuvant therapy for mid and low rectal cancer : a national multicenter real-world study
Kexuan LI ; Tixian XIAO ; Xiaodong WANG ; Bin WU ; Guole LIN ; Yuchen GUO ; Ming QU ; Si WU ; Xiaodong YANG ; Yinshengbo′er BAO ; Baohua WANG ; Fan ZHANG ; Xiangwang YU ; Beizhan NIU ; Junyang LU ; Lai XU ; Guannan ZHANG ; Zhen SUN ; Guoyou ZHANG ; Yan SHI ; Hong JIANG ; Yongjing TIAN ; Yongxiang LI ; Hongwei YAO ; Jun XUE ; Quan WANG ; Lie YANG ; Qian LIU ; Yi XIAO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(1):113-119
Objective:To investigate the completion rate of tumor evaluation at initial assessment and after neoadjuvant therapy for mid and low rectal cancer patients in the national multicenter real-world database.Methods:The prospective real-world study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 1 074 patients who underwent surgical treatment for mid and low rectal cancer in 47 national medical institutions, including Peking Union Medical College Hospital et al, from May 12,2023 to May 11,2024 were collected. Observation indicators: (1) clinical characteristics of patients with mid and low rectal cancer; (2) initial colonoscopy and pathologic evaluation of tumors in patients with mid and low rectal cancer; (3) initial imaging evaluation of patients with mid and low rectal cancer; (4) imaging evaluation after neoadjuvant therapy for patients with mid and low rectal cancer. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3). Count data were described as absoluter numbers and/or percentages. Results:(1) Clinical characteristics of patients with mid and low rectal cancer. Of the 1 074 patients, there were 713 males and 361 females, aged 63(56,70)years. The body mass index of 1 074 patients was 24(21,26)kg/m 2.For American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, there were 147 cases of stage Ⅰ, 641 cases of stage Ⅱ, 157 cases of stage Ⅲ, 2 cases of stage Ⅳ, and there were 127 cases missing data. (2) Initial colonoscopy and pathologic evaluation of tumors in patients with mid and low rectal cancer. Of the 1 074 patients, there were 787 cases (73.28%) undergoing complete colonoscopy, and there were only 197 cases (18.34%) undergoing immunohistochemical evaluation of all four mismatch repair proteins. (3) Initial imaging evaluation of patients with mid and low rectal cancer. Of the 1 074 patients, there were 842(78.40%) patients completing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound evaluation, and there were 914(85.10%) patients completing chest, abdomen, and pelvis enhanced computed tomography (CT) evaluation. In the 149 patients completing rectal ultrasound evaluation, there were 122 cases (81.88%) comple-ting T staging evaluation, and there were 81 cases (54.36%) completing N staging evaluation. In the 808 patients completing rectal MRI evaluation, there were 708 cases (87.62%) completing T staging evaluation, and there were 590 cases (73.02%) completing N staging evaluation. (4) Imaging evalua-tion after neoadjuvant therapy for patients with mid and low rectal cancer. Of the 388 patients with neoadjuvant therapy, there were 332 patients (85.57%) completing MRI or ultrasound evaluation, and there were 327 patients (84.28%) completing chest, abdomen, and pelvis enhanced CT evalua-tion. In the 70 patients completing rectal ultrasound evaluation, there were 65 cases (92.86%) com-pleting T staging evaluation, and there were 49 cases (70.00%) completing N staging evaluation. In the 327 patients completing rectal MRI evaluation, there were 246 cases (75.23%) completing T staging, and there were 228 cases (69.72%) completing N staging evaluation. Conclusion:The com-pletion rate of tumor imaging evaluation at initial assessment and after neoadjuvant therapy for mid and low rectal cancer patients on a national scale is relatively good.
9.Research progress on protective effect of cannabidiol on central nervous system diseases
Pan-pan LI ; Bao-qi WANG ; Xiao-ming SHEN ; Jie ZHANG ; Yu-min XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1818-1822
Cannabidiol(CBD),a natural,non-toxic,non-psy-choactive cannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa L,has a wide range of pharmacological activities,including anti-inflam-matory,antioxidant,immunomodulatory,analgesic,anti-tumor,anti-convulsant,anxiolytic effects.Recent studies have indica-ted that CBD may have potential neuroprotective effects in vari-ous models of central nervous system diseases.This paper re-views the experimental research progress of CBD in central nerv-ous system diseases and its possible neuroprotective mecha-nisms,aiming to provide references for its clinical application and new drug development.
10.Consensus on the use of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for cancer pain management
Yi LU ; Cunzhi LIU ; Wujun GENG ; Xiaozhen ZHENG ; Jingdun XIE ; Guangfang ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Yun LI ; Yan QU ; Lei CHEN ; Xizhao HUANG ; Hang TIAN ; Yuhui LI ; Hongxin LI ; Heying ZHONG ; Ronggui TAO ; Jie ZHONG ; Yue ZHUANG ; Junyang MA ; Yan HU ; Jian FANG ; Gaofeng ZHAO ; Jianbin XIAO ; Weifeng TU ; Jiaze SUN ; Yuting DUAN ; Bao WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1800-1808
Objective To explore the efficacy of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for management of cancer pain and provide reference for its standardized clinical application.Methods and Results Recommendations were formulated based on literature review and expert group discussion,and consensus was reached following expert consultation.The consensus recommendations are comprehensive,covering the entire treatment procedures from preoperative assessment and preparation,surgical operation process,postoperative management and traditional Chinese medicine treatment to individualized treatment planning.The study results showed that the treatment plans combining traditional Chinese with Western medicine effectively alleviated cancer pain,reduced the use of opioid drugs,and significantly improved the quality of life and enhanced immune function of the patients.Postoperative follow-up suggested good treatment tolerance among the patients without serious complications.Conclusion The formulated consensus is comprehensive and can provide reference for clinicians to use DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy.The combined treatment has a high clinical value with a good safety profile for management of cancer pain.

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