1.Strategies for the Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Malignant Tumors Based on the Theory of Stagnant Toxin
Luchang CAO ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Guanghui ZHU ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1000-1006
"Stagnation" is an important pathological state in the development and progression of malignant tumors. However, its intrinsic connection with different stages of tumor evolution has not been clearly elucidated in previous studies. Drawing on clinical practice, this paper proposes the theory of stagnant toxin, emphasizing stage-specific pathogenesis and differentiated treatment strategies for tumors based on the varying manifestations of stagnation at each phase. The theory interprets the pathogenesis of stagnant toxin across the stages of tumor development through the five elements "wood, fire, earth, metal, and water" corresponding respectively to wood stagnation in the precancerous stage, metal stagnation in the postoperative phase, fire stagnation during adjuvant therapy, earth stagnation in the progressive stage, and water stagnation in the advanced stage. Each type of stagnation reflects a distinct pathogenic mechanism, such as wood stagnation giving rise to disease, metal stagnation inducing residual symptoms, fire stagnation resulting in ulceration, earth stagnation spreading toxin transmission, and water stagnation leading to critical deterioration. Accordingly, the treatment principles include guiding wood stagnation with counterflow, dispersing metal stagnation to harmonize symptoms, venting fire stagnation to regress ulcers, depleting earth stagnation to block progression, and controlling water stagnation to preserve vitality. This theoretical framework offers a traditional Chinese medicine perspective for understanding and treating malignant tumors based on the concept of stagnant toxin.
2.Exploration on the Formation,Activation,and Elimination Mechanisms of Dormant Cancer Cells and Traditional Chinese Medicine Inhibitory Strategies Based on the Latent Pathogen Theory
Xinmiao WANG ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1217-1221
Based on the characteristics of dormant cancer cells, which are "latency" and "opportunistic activation", this paper classifies them within the scope of "latent pathogen" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It explores the mechanisms of formation, activation, and elimination of dormant cancer cells based on the latent pathogen theory. It is proposed that qi deficiency is the fundamental internal cause for the formation and growth of dormant cancer cells, qi stagnation is the inducing factor for their activation, and qi restoration presents an opportunity for their elimination. Guided by the latent pathogen theory, the TCM strategy for inhibiting dormant cancer cells includes two aspects. On one hand, methods such as strengthening the root, securing defensive qi, and lifting and supporting the body's upright qi are used to reinforce healthy qi and prevent the latency and accumulation of dormant cancer cells. On the other hand, regulating liver qi and warming yang to promote qi transformation are employed to ensure smooth qi movement, thereby inhibiting the activation of dormant cancer cells and disrupting their survival environment.
3.Postoperative Stage-based Functional Protection Strategies for Lung Cancer Based on Theory of "Lungs Governing Qi"
Luchang CAO ; Guanghui ZHU ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Wei HOU ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):86-93
Lung cancer (LC) is a significant global public health issue, with both its incidence and mortality rates ranking among the highest worldwide. The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates are increasing annually, posing a serious threat to the life and health of LC patients. Radical surgical resection is the primary treatment for malignant lung tumors. However, postoperative multidimensional functional impairments, including respiratory, mucosal, and psychological functions, are common. These impairments not only reduce patients' quality of life and affect their treatment tolerance and duration, but also negatively correlate with prognosis, facilitating disease recurrence and metastasis. At present, postoperative functional dysfunction after LC surgery remains a key clinical challenge that urgently needs to be addressed. There is a lack of standardized and regulated postoperative rehabilitation treatment management and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation and treatment strategies for LC. Focusing on the core underlying pathogenesis of "Qi sinking" after LC surgery, and guided by the classical TCM theory of "lungs governing Qi", this study, based on the core concept of the "five perspectives on treatment" theory, innovatively proposes the respiratory dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking in the chest" during the rapid rehabilitation phase, mucosal dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Yin deficiency and Qi sinking" during the postoperative adjuvant treatment phase, and the psychological dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking with emotional constraint" during the consolidation phase. Accordingly, stage-specific dynamic functional protection strategies are constructed. In the rapid rehabilitation phase, the strategy emphasizes tonifying Qi and uplifting sinking Qi, with differentiation and treatment based on the principle of ''descending before ascending''. In the adjuvant treatment phase, the approach focuses on nourishing Yin and uplifting Qi, with prescription combinations that integrate unblocking and tonification. In the consolidation phase, the strategy aims to resolve constraint and uplift Qi, with clinical treatment emphasizing a combination of dynamic and static methods. At each stage of functional rehabilitation, clinical differentiation and treatment should support healthy Qi and eliminate pathogenic factors simultaneously. This study is the first to propose the concept of postoperative functional protection in TCM, offering a new approach for TCM differentiation and treatment in the full-cycle, stage-based, and dynamic protection of postoperative function in LC patients. It is expected to contribute to the construction and development of an integrated TCM-Western medicine comprehensive program for cancer prevention and treatment in China.
4.A Hierarchical Strategy for Differentiation and Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Oral Ulcers Related to Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer Based on Yin Deficiency and Qi Collapse
Luchang CAO ; Guanghui ZHU ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Ming LIN ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):116-125
Tumor treatment-related adverse reactions are a major focus of clinical concern, among which recurrent aphthous oral ulcers (RAU) associated with targeted therapy for lung cancer (LC) are among the most painful and distressing for patients. Currently, modern medical interventions show limited efficacy, and there is an urgent need for more effective treatment strategies. This study differentiates RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC from chemotherapy-related and ordinary oral ulcers, elucidates the pathophysiological basis of such ulcers, and traces the theoretical origin of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse". Based on the new system of "five perspectives on diagnosis and treatment" for tumor prevention and treatment, with a focus on the core and symptom perspectives and rooted in the traditional concept of "lung dominating Qi", we innovatively propose the concept of "medicine-induced ulcer" and are the first to introduce the theory of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" into the syndrome differentiation and treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC (i.e., medicine-induced ulcer). We propose that "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" is the core pathogenesis of medicine-induced ulcers, in which the collapse of formless Qi is the key to their onset, while the deficiency and stasis of tangible Yin and blood constitute the root of recurrence. A hierarchical strategy for syndrome differentiation and treatment is established: first treating the collapse of formless Qi, then replenishing tangible deficiencies, and concurrently preventing recurrence. We emphasize that treatment should address both root and manifestation, with appropriate prioritization. In the acute phase, while relieving symptoms and promoting ulcer healing by nourishing Qi, uplifting collapse, and generating body fluids, attention should also be paid to nourishing spleen Yin, facilitating the circulation of nutritive Qi, and alleviating stasis to target the root pathogenesis and reduce recurrence. A verified case is presented to support this approach. This study enriches the theoretical framework and clinical methods of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC, promotes symptom management of treatment-related adverse reactions through integrated TCM and Western medicine, and provides theoretical support for the construction and development of a comprehensive differentiation and treatment system for lung cancer prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
5.Comparison of the agreement of measurements between the ARK Biometer Combo and OA 2000 in patients wearing orthokeratology lenses
Li DING ; Linlin DU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Meng CHEN ; Wenbo YAO ; Xiangui HE ; Mengjun ZHU
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1541-1546
AIM: To compare the agreement between the ARK Biometer Combo and OA 2000 in patients wearing orthokeratology lenses.METHODS: A prospective study. A total of 148 patients(148 eyes)who were wearing orthokeratology lenses and returned for follow-up at the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center from August to September 2024 were included. Biometric measurements were performed using both the ARK Biometer Combo and OA 2000. Parameters including axial length(AL), corneal central thickness(CCT), anterior chamber depth(ACD), lens thickness(LT), corneal curvature(Kf and Ks), astigmatism(AST), white-to-white corneal diameter(WTW)and pupil diameter(PD)were obtained. Differences in measurement parameters between the two biometers were compared, and agreement was assessed.RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the measurements of Kf, Ks and AST between the two biometers(P>0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in the measurements of AL, CCT, ACD, LT, WTW and PD(t=2.559, P=0.012; t=16.771, P<0.0001; t=4.749, P<0.0001; t=-15.212, P<0.0001; t=-14.915, P<0.0001; t=-2.402, P=0.018). ICC ranged from 0.615 to 0.999. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the maximum absolute values of the 95% limits of agreement(LoA)of AL, CCT, ACD, LT, Kf, Ks, AST, WTW and PD were 0.07 mm, 35.07 μm, 0.07 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.66 D, 1.14 D, 1.00 D, 0.76 mm, and 0.98 mm, respectively.CONCLUSION: In orthokeratology patients, the ARK Biometer Combo and OA 2000 showed good agreement in measuring AL, CCT, ACD, Kf and LT, and can be used interchangeably.
6.Expression and significance of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 3 in HPV16-positive cervical cancer
Kun QIAO ; Dianqin XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Xinzhu ZHOU ; Yu ZHANG ; Yujie TAN
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(5):651-656
Objective To investigate the expression and significance of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 3(CDKN3)in human papillomavirus type 16(HPV16)-positive cervical cancer.Methods CDKN3 expression in pan-cancer was retrieved and downloaded from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)platform,and the expression levels of CDKN3 between normal cervical tissues(13 samples)and cervical cancer tissues(306 samples)were compared.Subsequently,GSE39001 data of HPV16-positive cervical cancer was sourced and downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database,and the expression levels of CDKN3 mRNA in HPV16-positive cervical cancer tissues(43 samples)and normal cervical tissues(12 samples)were compared.Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of CDKN3 in 12 ca-ses of HPV16-positive cervical cancer,12 cases of HPV16-positive cervical precancerous lesions,10 cases of HPV16-positive chronic cervicitis and 7 cases of HPV-negative normal cervical samples collected from the Af-filiated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University.SiHa(HPV16-positive),HeLa(HPV18-positive)and HCC94(HPV-negative)cervical cancer cell lines were selected,and their CDKN3 expression were detected by West-ern blot.Results The GEPIA platform analysis showed that CDKN3 was highly expressed in pan-cancer,and the expression level of CDKN3 in cervical cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in normal cervical tissue(P<0.05).The GEO dataset reflected a significantly increased CDKN3 mRNA expression level in HPV16-positive cervical cancer compared to normal cervical tissue(P<0.001).Immunohistochemical verifi-cation showed that the positive expression rates of CDKN3 in HPV16-positive cervical cancer,HPV16-positive cervical precancerous lesion,HPV16-positive chronic cervicitis and HPV-negative normal cervical tissues were 91.7%,58.3%,0 and 0,respectively.Western blot analysis of cervical cancer cells showed that the expression level of CDKN3 in SiHa(HPV16-positive)cells was significantly higher than that in HeLa(HPV18-positive)and HCC94(HPV-negative)cells(P<0.05).Conclusion CDKN3 is a new oncogene of HPV16-positive cer-vical cancer,which may be used as a marker of cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer screening,and may provide a theoretical basis for subsequent mechanism research and targeted therapy.
7.Clinical and mechanistic research progress of TCM on ulcerative colitis of liver depression and spleen deficiency
Sa FAN ; Xiaoyu DUAN ; Kangjie ZHU ; Zhenkui ZUO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(2):265-269
Liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome is a common syndrome type of ulcerative colitis (UC). Based on the theory of 'collaborative treatment of liver and spleen', TCM shows its effect and less adverse reactions in the treatment of UC with liver depression and spleen deficiency. The internal treatment of TCM based on syndrome differentiation and treatment by stages, as well as the external treatment of TCM based on TCM enema therapy, acupuncture therapy and acupoint application therapy, can relieve symptoms, improve relevant clinical indicators and improve the quality of life of patients. The mechanism studies show that the TCM with the effect of soothing the liver and activating the spleen plays a therapeutic role by regulating signal pathway conduction, regulating intestinal flora, and improving the level of inflammatory factors.
8.Excavation of Ancient Prescription of Chinese Medicinals for Whitening and Freckle-Removing(Erbai Yixin)Based on the Theory of"Lung Governs the Skin and Hair"
Lin SU ; Zongzhou WU ; Qian YU ; Chunpu ZOU ; Yue QIN ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yangzhuangzhuang ZHU ; Xiao CHEN ; Zihang XU
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(1):35-45
Objective Based on the theory of"lung governs the skin and hair"in"Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic",this paper analyzes the medication rules of whitening and freckle-removing.The aim of this study is to provide reference for the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory and the medication in TCM cosmetics.Methods"Chinese Medical Classics"was used to search the records of whitening and freckle-related drugs.The frequency,nature,flavor,meridian tropism and compatibility laws of TCM for whitening and freckle-removal were analyzed by statistics and association rules.The network pharmacology research was used to analyze the whitening and freckle-removing effects and mechanisms of high-frequency drugs.Then,the potential active ingredients were analyzed.The whitening and anti-freckle effect was verified through cytotoxicity experiments and melanin content detection.Results A total of 171 external prescriptions were selected in eligible articles,including 261 Chinese medicinals,most of which were pungent and belong to the lung meridian.The most frequently used Chinese medicinals was"Erbai Yixin"(EBYX,Angelicae Dahuricae Radix,Typhonii Rhizoma,Asari Radix et Rhizoma).Network pharmacological analysis showed that the core targets of EBYX for whitening and removing freckles are TP53,EGFR,ALB,etc.,which are mainly involved in oxygen perception and response,skin immune regulation,skin cell growth,differentiation,stress,inflammatory response,and other biological processes.Based on the results of molecular docking,biological analysis proved that the active ingredients of EBYX are chrysophanol,gallic acid and caffeic acid,which have inhibitory effects on the proliferation of melanoma cells and melanin production.Conclusion Most of the ancient prescriptions for whitening and removing freckles are pungent and belong to the lung meridian,which embodies the theory of"lung governs the skin and hair".The high-frequency drug EBYX may play a role by regulating skin redox,immunity and inflammation.The active ingredients of EBYX have an inhibitory effect on melanin formation.This study enriches the scientific connotation of TCM whitening and freckle-removing prescriptions based on the theory of"lung governs the skin and hair",realizes interdisciplinary integration and provides support for the modernization of TCM.
9.Spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in PM2.5 in Pudong of Shanghai and population health assessment
Wanlian MAO ; Lijuan JIA ; Xiaoyu SHEN ; Xiaoqian CHEN ; Yuxin ZHU ; Pinchuan YANG ; Yunyun DENG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(5):482-488
Background In the Global Burden of Disease research, it has been found that atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution significantly harms human health. Currently, there is limited research on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) that exhibit high toxicity effects in PM2.5 . Objective By studying the spatiotemporal distribution and variation characteristics of PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 in Pudong area of Shanghai, to assess the associated population health risk. Methods This study set up 28 sampling points in Pudong area. One sample of PM2.5 was collected during winter (February 2022) and summer (July 2022) at each site, with a sampling period lasting 24 h. The concentration of PM2.5 was measured by membrane filter method, and the content of 17 kinds of 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated PCDD/Fs in the samples was analyzed using isotope dilution. Seasonal variations (winter and summer) in the concentrations of PM2.5 and PCDD/Fs were evaluated, sources of PCDD/Fs pollution were tracing by principal component analysis, and health risks to the population from respiratory exposure to PCDD/Fs were estimated by VLIER-HUMAAN model. Results The PM2.5 concentrations in the 28 samples ranged from 10 to 126 μg·m−3, while the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 ranged from 58 to 2625 fg·m−3. The concentration of PM2.5 during winter (11-126 μg·m−3) was higher than that during summer (10-60 μg·m−3). The concentration range of PCDD/Fs in winter was from 58 to 2625 fg·m−3, which corresponded to a range of toxic equivalent quantity (WHO-TEQ) concentration from 2.99 to 40.97 fg·m−3 when taking World Health Organization's toxic equivalency factor (WHO-TEQ); the concentration range of PCDD/Fs in summer was from 72 to 446 fg·m−3, which corresponded to a range of WHO-TEQ concentration from 2.66 to 16.61 fg·m−3. This range in summer was significantly lower than that observed in winter. The results of principal component analysis revealed that waste incineration was the primary source of PCDD/Fs in winter PM2.5 in the area, whereas traffic emissions emerged as the main source in summer. The assessment of Pudong residents' respiratory exposure to PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 showed significantly higher exposure of children in summer and winter than that of adults, indicating higher susceptibility of children to air pollutants. Both the hazard ratios (HR) for children and adults were below 1, while the cancer risks (CR) ranged from 8.41×10−8 to 2.35×10−6. Notably, during winter, the CR at 4 locations slightly exceeds 1×10−6, indicating a potential carcinogenic risk. Conclusion The overall pollution level of PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 in Pudong area is relatively low, but it shows clear seasonal patterns. Waste incineration and traffic are the main sources of PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 in the area. Although the cancer risk of exposure to PCDD/Fs in PM2.5 for children or adults is relatively low, there is a certain risk at some locations in winter, necessitating additional monitoring and control.
10.Tracking observation of fine motor development in children aged 6-8 with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(6):831-834
Objective:
To examine the developmental trajectory of fine motor ability in schoolage children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for two years, so as to provide scientific evidence to promote motor development in ADHD children.
Methods:
From April to June 2019, 31 children aged 6-8 years old were selected from a public elementary school. They were diagnosed with ADHD by two psychiatric professionals according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria. Additionally, 31 typical developmental children, matched for age, sex and IQ with the ADHD group, were recruited as the control group. Fine motor ability was assessed with tasks of hand manual dexterity in Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MACB-2), and a followup assessment was conducted from April to June 2021. The development changes of fine motor ability between two groups of children were compared by using t test and repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results:
Between baseline and followup periods after two years, the total score of hand fine motor in the ADHD group did not show significant improvement (7.4±3.0, 8.0±3.4; t=-1.05, P>0.05), while there was a small effect size improvement in typically developing control group (9.5±2.1, 10.5±2.4; t=-2.12, effect size=0.38, P<0.05). Followup after two years, coin/peg throwing scores with dominant hand improved between ADHD group and control group (7.0±3.3, 9.5±3.2; 8.4±2.8, 11.6±1.6) (t=-3.74, -6.33, P<0.01; effect size=0.67, 1.14), with a smaller improvement in the ADHD group. The score for threading beads/threads decreased in between ADHD group and control group (7.9±2.4, 5.8±3.1; 9.2±1.1, 8.2±1.9) (t=3.89, 2.78, P<0.01; effect size=0.70, 0.50), with a greater decrease in the ADHD group.
Conclusions
The development speed of fine motor ability in children with ADHD aged 6-8 is slow and continues to lag behind normal developmental children. Fine motor development in children with ADHD should be closely monitored, and targeted interventions should be implemented when necessary.


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