1.Current Status,Challenges,and Strategies of Basic Research on the Brain-Gut Interaction Theory for Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ting CHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Xiaohua HOU ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lifei ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Xinxin WANG ; Xuan LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):517-522
The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis, involving neural, endocrine, and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs (脏腑) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory, and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid, the liver governing the free flow of qi, and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases, including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, neurotransmitter levels, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses, as well as the gut microecology. However, current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges, such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology, lack of innovation in research concepts, and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration, multi-omics technologies, and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases, thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.
2.Summarization of the best evidence for the prevention and management of indwelling line complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy
Hengmei ZHU ; Hongmei XIAO ; Shuheng FANG ; Dandan HE ; Wenjuan FAN ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Jian ZHAI ; Jiamei YANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(4):425-429
Objective To summarize the best evidence concerning the prevention and management of indwelling line complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)receiving hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy(HAIC),and to standardize the key contents of clinical observation of complications during HAIC treatment.Methods By using the"6S"pyramid model system,the relevant literature was searched in the order from high to low.Two professionals evaluated the quality of the literature,summarized the evidence and conducted the analysis and summarization.Results Ten literature articles were finally enrolled in this study,including one article of guideline,one article of systematic review,five articles of expert consensus,one article of meta-analysis,and two articles of randomized controlled trials.Six complications(catheter displacement or falling off,catheter obstruction,unplanned extubation,arterial spasm or occlusion,infection,puncture site bleeding/local hematoma)and 22 pieces of best evidence for prevention management were summarized.Conclusion This study systematically summarizes 6 complications and their prevention and treatment in patients with HCC receiving HAIC,providing a reliable basis for clinical practice.
3.Efficacy of interventional therapy for post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage and factors influencing rebleeding
Zhengyu JIANG ; Yu YIN ; Jun YANG ; Mingming LI ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Bangjian ZHOU ; Caifang NI
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(6):639-644
Objective To investigate the DSA imaging characteristics and efficacy of interventional treatment for post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage(PPH),and to analyze the factors influencing recurrent bleeding following successful interventional hemostasis.Methods Clinical data of patients who underwent interventional treatment for PPH between January 2013 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent DSA examination,and interventional therapy was the primary treatment option for patients with positive findings.Statistical analysis was performed on DSA angiography manifestations,bleeding sites,success rate of interventional treatment and hemostasis effectiveness.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the independent risk factors for rebleeding after interventional treatment for PPH.Results A total of 139 patients with PPH were included in this study.All 139 patients underwent DSA examination,with a positive rate of 82.01%(114/139)in the first examination.Major angiographic manifestations included contrast agent extravasation,pseudoaneurysm,and disrupted vascular architecture;bleeding sites included gastroduodenal artery in 45 cases(39.47%),hepatic artery in 22 cases(19.30%),and superior mesenteric artery in 32 cases(28.07%).107 patients underwent interventional treatment(81 embolization and 26 stenting),with a success rate of 91.59%(98/107).The independent risk factors for recurrent bleeding after interventional treatment in patients with PPH included preoperative bleeding(P<0.001)and pancreatic fistula(P=0.041).Conclusion Interventional procedures for PPH can be efficient in diagnosis and treatment,with a high success rate and effective hemostasis.However,it should be noted that some patients remain at risk of recurrent bleeding after successful interventional hemostasis.
4.Research progress in transarterial chemoembolization combined with systemic targeted immunotherapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Xiaoyang XU ; Jian SHEN ; Xiaoli ZHU
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(12):1293-1299
With the continuous updates and iterations of molecular targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors,transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with systemic targeted immunotherapy has become the main treatment method for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,due to the high heterogeneity of HCC,not all patients can get benefit from this combination therapy.In addition,due to the lack of specific prognostic markers,there are significant differences in therapeutic efficacy among individuals.Although various predictive indicators have achieved significant results in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients receiving TACE or targeted immunotherapy,there are few reports on the predictive prognosis of TACE combined with systemic targeted immunotherapy for HCC patients.This article explores the possibility and progress of using predictive indicators in personalized prediction of the prognosis of unresectable HCC patients undergoing TACE combined with targeted immunotherapy.It is expected to provide new ideas for clinical screening of beneficiary populations and improving patient prognosis.
5.Effects of Dahuang Tangluo Pills on Intestinal Inflammatory Injury in Type 2 Diabetes Rats Based on TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Zhongtang LIU ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Dong AN ; Yankui GAO ; Min BAI ; Sichen ZHAO ; Yunhui ZHAO ; Xiaoli PEI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):91-98
Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of Dahuang Tangluo Pills on intestinal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)rats based on TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.Methods Eight ZDF(fa/+)rats were used as the blank group,and 40 ZDF(fa/fa)rats were fed with high-fat diet and then randomly divided into model group,metformin group(0.18 g/kg metformin)and TCM high-,medium-and low-dosage groups(2.16,1.08,0.54 g/kg Dahuang Tangluo Pills),respectively.The medication groups were gavaged with corresponding dosages for 12 consecutive weeks.The body mass and fasting blood glucose(FBG)of rats before and after intervention were detected.After the intervention,an oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)was performed,the serum glucose(GLU),glycosylated serum protein(GSP),triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents were detected.ELISA was used to detect serum fasting insulin(FINS),free fatty acids(FFA)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,IL-22,lipopolysaccharide(LPS),secreted immunoglobulin A(SIgA)contents in colonic tissue.HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue,and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Toll like receptor 4(TLR4),nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65),p-NF-κB p65,NF-κB inhibitor α(IκBα),p-IκBα,myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88)and zona pellucida protein-1(ZO-1)in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the body mass and FBG significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01),blood glucose significantly increased at all time points of OGTT(P<0.01),serum GLU,GSP,TG,TC,LDL-C,FINS,FFA and TNF-α,IL-6,IL-22,LPS contents in colonic tissue significantly increased,serum HDL-C and colonic tissue SIgA contents significantly decreased(P<0.01),with colonic tissue nuclear condensation,cytoplasmic dissolution,inflammatory cell infiltration.The protein expressions of TLR4,NF-κB p65,p-NF-κB p65,p-IκBα and MyD88 in colonic tissue significantly increased,while the protein expressions of IκBα and ZO-1 significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass and FBG significantly decreased in metformin group,TCM high-and medium-dosage groups(P<0.01),blood glucose decreased at different time points of OGTT,and serum GLU,GSP,TG,TC,LDL-C,FINS,FFA and TNF-α,IL-6,IL-22,LPS contents in colonic tissue significantly decreased,serum HDL-C and colonic tissue SIgA contents significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),with significant improvement in colonic tissue structure and reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration.The protein expressions of TLR4,NF-κB p65,p-NF-κB p65,p-IκBα and MyD88 in colonic tissue significantly decreased,while the proteins expression of IκBα and ZO-1 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Dahuang Tangluo Pills may inhibit the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway,reduce the release of inflammatory factors,improve intestinal inflammatory injury,restore intestinal homeostasis,thereby improving glucose and lipid metabolism and exerting therapeutic effects on T2DM.
6.Effect of female body mass index on fertility outcomes of artificial insemination with donor sperm
Qingjian ZHANG ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Zehu ZHAN ; Xiaolin CAI ; Yan LI ; Qiuhua LI
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(8):787-793
Objective:To explore the impact of female body mass index (BMI) on pregnancy outcomes in artificial insemination with donor sperm (AID).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 4 484 couples with 9 852 AID treatment cycles treated at Reproductive Center of Guangdong Institute of Reproductive Science from January 2011 to September 2024. Participants were divided into four groups based on BMI: low BMI group (BMI<18.5 kg/m 2), normal BMI group (18.5 kg/m 2≤BMI<24.0 kg/m 2), overweight group (24.0 kg/m 2≤BMI<28.0 kg/m 2), and obese group (BMI≥28.0 kg/m 2). General characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared across groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate cumulative pregnancy rates from one to six cycles. Generalized estimating equations (GEE), univariate and multivariate logistic and Cox regression analysis were performed, adjusting for age, basal follicle-stimulating hormone, basal luteinizing hormone, endometrial thickness, clinical diagnosis, and treatment protocol, to explore correlations between female BMI and clinical pregnancy rate, spontaneous abortion rate, and cumulative pregnancy rate. Results:1) There were no statistically significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate and spontaneous abortion rate among the low BMI group, the normal BMI group, the overweight group, and the obesity group (all P>0.05). 2) Cumulative pregnancy rates for AID cycles 1-6 were 17.60%, 31.60%, 43.08%, 54.37%, 61.83% and 73.68%, respectively. 3) Multivariate GEE analysis revealed that female age ( OR=0.962, 95% CI: 0.950-0.974, P<0.001), endometrial thickness ( OR=1.040, 95% CI:1.011-1.069, P=0.006), and natural cycles ( OR=1.171, 95% CI: 1.060-1.294, P=0.002) influenced clinical pregnancy rates. Compared with the normal BMI group, there were no statistically significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates of low BMI group, overweight group, and obese group (all P>0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that female age ( OR=1.051, 95% CI: 1.012-1.091, P=0.010), endometrial thickness ( OR=0.920 , 95% CI: 0.847-1.000, P=0.049) and polycystic ovary syndrome ( OR=1.927, 95% CI: 1.044-3.556, P=0.036) influenced spontaneous abortion rates. Compared with the normal BMI group, there were no statistically significant differences in spontaneous abortion rates of low BMI group, overweight group and obese group (all P>0.05). 4) Cox regression analysis indicated that female age ( HR=0.939, 95% CI: 0.928-0.950, P<0.001), endometrial thickness ( HR=1.039, 95% CI: 1.013-1.066, P=0.003) and natural cycles ( HR=1.957, 95% CI: 1.785-2.146, P<0.001) influenced cumulative pregnancy rates. Compared with the normal BMI group, there were no statistically significant differences in cumulative pregnancy rates of low BMI group, overweight group and obese group (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Female BMI does not significantly affect clinical pregnancy rates, spontaneous abortion rates and cumulative pregnancy rates in AID.
7.Effect and mechanism of glutamine enhanced enteral nutrition on Treg/Th17 balance in rats with severe acute pancreatitis
Xiaoli ZHU ; Yu LIU ; Yi ZHANG ; Wen WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(8):1951-1957
Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of glutamine(Gln)enhanced enteral nutrition on regulatory T cells/T helper cell 17(Treg/Th17)balance in rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).Methods:Eighty rats were randomly divided into Sham group,SAP group,enteral nutrition group(EN)and Gln+EN group,with 20 rats in each group.SAP model were constructed by retrograde injection of 5%sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct.After 4 hours of modeling,nasojejunostomy catheterization was used to nutritional treatment,EN group and Gln+EN group were given enteral nutrition solution and added Gln enteral nutrition solution,respectively;sham group and SAP group were given equal volume of 0.9%NaCl solution.After 48 hours,HE staining was used to detect pathological damages in pancreatic tissue;ELISA was used to detect amylase,lipase,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10 and IL-17 levels in serum;flow cytometry was used to detect Th17 and Treg cells proportion in spleen and pancreas;RT-qPCR was used to detect Foxp3,CTLA-4,GITR,RORγt,IL-17A mRNA levels in spleen;immunohistochemical staining,immunofluorescence staining,Western blot were used to detect MPO,CD68,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10,IL-17 levels in pancreas.Results:Pancreatic structure in Sham group was normal,without bleeding or necrosis;pancreatic structure in SAP group was disrupted with significant bleeding,necrosis and inflammatory infiltration;pancreatic structure in EN group and Gln+EN group were only a small amount of bleeding,necrosis and inflammatory infiltration.Compared with Sham group,histological score,amylase and lipase levels in serum in SAP group were increased,and MPO+neutrophils and CD68+macrophages in pancreas were increased,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-17 levels in serum and pancreas were increased,IL-10 level was decreased,Th17 cell percentage,RORγt,IL-17A mRNA levels were increased,while Treg percentage,Treg/Th17,Foxp3,CTLA-4 and GITR mRNA levels were decreased(all P<0.05);compared with SAP group,histological score,amylase and lipase levels in serum in EN group and Gln+EN group were decreased,and MPO+neutrophils and CD68+macrophages in pancreas were decreased,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-17 levels in serum and pancreas were decreased,IL-10 level was increased,Th17 cell percentage,RORγt,IL-17A mRNA levels were decreased,while Treg cell percentage,Treg/Th17,Foxp3,CTLA-4 and GITR mRNA levels were increased(all P<0.05);and Gln+EN has a better therapeutic effect on SAP than EN(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Gln enhanced enteral nutrition can regulate Treg/Th17 balance in SAP rats and reduce systemic inflammatory response.
8.A study on the correlation between HPV DNA and IHC P16 expression in cervical lesions
Haochen WANG ; Liqing JIA ; Yu YANG ; Qian WANG ; Chengli YU ; Tian TIAN ; Rui BI ; Xiaoyu TU ; Qianming BAI ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Xiaoyan ZHOU ; Min REN
China Oncology 2025;35(3):298-308
Background and purpose:Human papilloma virus(HPV)infection status is crucial for diagnosing cervical precancerous lesions and classifying cervical cancer.High-risk(HR)HPV is often linked to P16 protein overexpression,so P16 detection via immunohistochemistry(IHC)is commonly used to assess HPV infection.However,the differences between HPV status and P16 expression remains unclear.An in-depth study of the correlation between HPV and P16 is essential for clinical guidance.Methods:We retrospectively collected clinical and pathological data of cervical lesions from 618 patients diagnosed at the Department of Pathology,Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from January 2020 to December 2023(Ethical number:050432-4-2307E).Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)reverse dot hybridization was used to detect HPV including HR and low-risk(LR)subtypes,and immunohistochemistry was used to detect P16 for comparative analysis.Based on different clinical and pathological diagnoses,the sensitivity and specificity of P16 expression in evaluating HPV infection were evaluated.Among the 618 cases of cervical lesions,there were 92 cases of cervical squamous cell carcinoma,257 cases of cervical adenocarcinoma,79 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions(HSIL),105 cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions(LSIL),and 85 cases of chronic cervical inflammation.Results:According to clinical diagnosis,the HR-HPV positive rate in cervical squamous cell carcinoma was 88.0%(81/92),the P16 positive rate was 91.3%(84/92),and the overall consistency rate between P16 and HPV detection was 90.2%(88/92);for HR-HPV infection,the sensitivity and specificity of P16 were 96.3%and 45.5%.The positive rate of HR-HPV in adenocarcinoma was 54.5%(140/257),the positive rate of P16 was 58.8%(151/257),and the overall consistency rate between P16 and HPV detection was 82.5%(212/257);for HR-HPV infection,the sensitivity and specificity of P16 were 87.9%and 76.1%.In HSIL,the HR-HPV positive rate was 75.9%(60/79),the positive rate of P16 was 70.9%(56/79),and the overall consistency rate between P16 and HR-HPV detection was 82.2%(65/79);for HR-HPV infection,the sensitivity and specificity of P16 were 85.0%and 73.7%.In LSIL,the HR-HPV positive rate was 73.3%(77/105),the positive rate of P16 was 8.5%(9/105),and the overall consistency rate between P16 and HR-HPV detection was 33.3%(35/105);for HR-HPV infection,the sensitivity and specificity of P16 were 10.4%and 96.4%.In chronic cervical inflammation,the HR-HPV positive rate was 20%(17/85),the positive rate of P16 was 0.0%(0/85);for HR-HPV infection,the sensitivity and specificity of P16 were 0.0%and 100.0%.There was a significant positive correlation between P16 positivity and HPV16/18 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma,adenocarcinoma,and HSIL(P=0.000),while there was no significant correlation in LSIL and chronic cervical inflammation(P>0.05).Conclusion:In cervical squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma,the consistency of P16 expression and HPV DNA positivity are high,especially in HPV16/18 subtype.There is a good concordance between HR-HPV positivity and P16 protein overexpression.The positive expression of P16 in HSIL may initially reflect HPV infection status.However,in LSIL and chronic cervicitis,P16 expression may not accurately correlate with HPV infection.The inconsistency between P16 and HPV DNA testing could be influenced by multiple factors,including HPV subtypes,histopathological categories,specimen quality,and technical limitations.In clinical practice,it is recommended to conduct comprehensive analysis or employ multiple diagnostic methods to confirm HPV infection status for precise evaluation.
9.Prevalence and risk factors of olfactory dysfunction among the elderly in China:a populational based study
Shuting YU ; Wenwen DIAO ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Huijing HE ; Yaoda HU ; Guangliang SHAN ; Xingming CHEN ; Yingying ZHU
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(9):570-574
OBJECTIVE Aimd to investigate the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction among healthy elderly individuals in China using a large sample size and to explore its correlations with demographic and other factors.METHODS A total of 5 258 participants who aged 60 and above underwent the T&T olfactometer test and completed questionnaires.The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was reported,and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between olfactory dysfunction and other factors.RESULTS The overall prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the study was 26.5%.Independent risk factors for olfactory dysfunction included advanced age,rural residence(OR=1.88,95%CI:1.60-2.22,P<0.01),current smoking(OR=1.45,95%CI:1.15-1.83,P<0.01),and self-reported olfactory dysfunction(OR=10.12,95%CI:8.44-12.14,P<0.01).In contrast,female gender(OR=0.70,95%CI:0.58-0.85,P<0.01)and high educational attainment were independently associated with a lower prevalence of olfactory dysfunction.CONCLUSION The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction among individuals aged 60 and above increased with age.Male gender,rural residence,low educational attainment,current smoking,and self-reported decline in olfactory function were independently associated with olfactory dysfunction.
10.Effect of Evodiamine on immune function of allergic rhinitis rats by regulating CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway.
Xiaoli WANG ; Wei LI ; Shan ZHU ; Xingchan SHI ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(4):300-307
Objective To explore the effect of Evodiamine (Evo) on the immune function of allergic rhinitis (AR) rats and the regulatory mechanism on C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2)/ C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) pathway. Methods The related targets of Evo-AR-immune function were screened by network pharmacology, and the protein interaction network diagram of intersecting targets was constructed. The AR rat model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) combined with aluminium hydroxide, and the rats were divided into six groups: a normal control (NC) group, a model group, a Loratadine (LOR) group, an Evodiamine low dose (Evo-L) group, a Evodiamine high dose (Evo-H) groups, and an Evo-H combined with CCL2 group. After the last administration, the symptoms of rats in each group were scored; ELISA was applied to detect the levels of histamine, immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-13 and interferon γ (IFN-γ); Diff-Quick staining solution was applied to detecte the number of cells in the nasal lavage fluid (NALF); hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe the pathological changes of nasal mucosa tissue; real-time quantitative PCR was applied to detect the levels of CCL2 and CCR2 mRNA in tissue; Western blot was applied to detect the expression levels of CCL2, CCR2 and CXC motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) proteins in nasal mucosa. Results There were eight intersection targets of EVo-AR-immune function, and protein interaction network diagram showed that CXCL8 was the core target. Compared with the NC group, the score of nasal symptoms, the levels of histamine, IgE, IL-4 and IL-13, the numbers of eosinophil, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes and total cells, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CCL2 and CCR2, and the expression of CXCL8 protein in the model group were increased, while the level of IFN-γ was decreased. Compared with the model group, the score of nasal symptoms, the levels of histamine, IgE, IL-4 and IL-13, the numbers of eosinophil, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes and total cells, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CCL2 and CCR2, and the expression of CXCL8 protein in LOR and Evo groups were decreased, while the level of IFN-γ was increased. Further use of CCL2 recombinant protein for compensatory experiments revealed that the improvement effect of Evo on immune function in AR rats was reversed by CCL2. Conclusion Evo can improve the immune function of AR rats, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the CCL2/CCR2 pathway.
Animals
;
Receptors, CCR2/immunology*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Chemokine CCL2/immunology*
;
Rats
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/metabolism*
;
Immunoglobulin E/blood*
;
Quinazolines/pharmacology*
;
Male
;
Interferon-gamma
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Interleukin-13
;
Histamine
;
Interleukin-4/immunology*
;
Disease Models, Animal

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail