1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway
Kun LIAN ; Lichong MENG ; Xueqin WANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Lin LI ; Xuhui TANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):139-148
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a group of complex clinical syndromes caused by abnormal changes in the structure and/or function of the heart due to various reasons, resulting in disorders of ventricular contraction and/or diastole. CHF is a condition where primary diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and pulmonary heart disease recur frequently and persist for a long time, presenting blood stasis in meridians and collaterals, stagnation of water and dampness, and accumulation of Qi in collaterals. Its pathogenesis is complex and may involve myocardial energy metabolism disorders, oxidative stress responses, myocardial cell apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory responses, etc. According to the theory of restraining hyperactivity to acquire harmony, we believe that under normal circumstances, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway functions normally, maintaining human physiological activities and energy metabolism. Under pathological conditions, the AMPK signaling pathway is abnormal, causing energy metabolism disorders, inflammatory responses, and myocardial fibrosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the AMPK signaling pathway through multiple mechanisms, targets, and effects, effectively curbing the occurrence and development of CHF. It has gradually become a research hotspot in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Guided by the theory of TCM, our research group, through literature review, summarized the relationship between the AMPK pathway and CHF and reviewed the research progress in the prevention and control of CHF with TCM active ingredients, TCM compound prescriptions, and Chinese patent medicines via regulating the AMPK pathway. The review aims to clarify the mechanism and targets of TCM in the treatment of CHF by regulating the AMPK pathway and guide the clinical treatment and drug development for CHF.
2.Effect of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Lung Immune Inflammatory Response in Rats Based on STAT1/IRF3 Pathway
Hongjuan YANG ; Yaru YANG ; Yujie YANG ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Quan MA ; Yanlin WU ; Hongmei LI ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):146-155
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yifei Jianpi prescription on the of signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 1 (STAT1)/interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signaling pathway in a pneumonia model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore the mechanism of Yifei Jianpi prescription in improving lung immune and inflammatory responses. MethodsSixty male SPF SD rats were used in this study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal control group, and the remaining 50 were instilled with LPS in the trachea to establish a pneumonia model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, dexamethasone group (0.5 mg·kg-1), and Yifei Jianpi prescription high-dose (12 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (6 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (3 mg·kg-1) groups, with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered once daily, and the normal control and model groups received the same volume of normal saline. After 14 days, flow cytometry was used to detect the classification of whole blood lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe lung tissue pathology and score the damage. Thymus weight, spleen weight, and wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D) were recorded. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in lung tissues, while Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and IFN-α. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed significantly increased proportion of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, decreased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly increased IgM levels (P<0.01), significantly elevated content of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was evident, with significant increases in thymus and spleen weights and a higher W/D ratio (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly upregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yifei Jianpi prescription groups showed significantly reduced proportions of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, increased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratios (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly decreased IgM levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly increased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was alleviated, thymus and spleen weights were significantly reduced, and the W/D ratio was markedly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionYifei Jianpi prescription can alleviate lung tissue damage and improve immune and inflammatory responses in LPS-induced pneumonia rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of STAT1/IRF3 signaling pathway activation.
3.GBA1 Thr408Met mutation in a patient with Parkinson’s disease
Yi ZHAO ; Junwen LI ; Chunlian JU ; Weibin QIU ; Bo ZUO ; Zhigang YANG ; Yansheng LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):524-528
GBA1 gene mutation is an important genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). This paper reports a case of a 43-year-old male PD patient carrying a rare heterozygous Thr408Met mutation in the GBA1 gene identified through whole-exome sequencing, leading to a diagnosis of GBA1-associated PD. The patient’s motor symptoms were primarily characterized by bradykinesia and rigidity, without significant cognitive decline. Treatment with low-dose levodopa combined with a dopamine agonist resulted in significant symptomatic improvement.
4.The effectiveness and safety of a percutaneous controllable curved plasma radiofrequency ablation device of nucleus pulposus
Hao ZHOU ; Qianyi ZHANG ; Jiajie LU ; Tao WU ; Yituo CHEN ; Qichen ZHANG ; Xilei LI ; Haikang CAI ; Jie TANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):659-664
Objective To verify the safety and effectiveness of a new percutaneous controllable curved plasma radiofrequency instrument for nucleus pulposus ablation. Methods A new percutaneous controllable curved plasma radiofrequency instrument were designed (controllable curved group), and its ablation effect was compared with the currently used straight head non-bendable plasma ablation instrument (non-bendable group) on gross specimens. The ablation instrument was placed through the right intervertebral foramen, and continuous ablation on the same intervertebral disc was conducted for three times. The ablation range and trajectory were recorded, and the temperature changes in the front, back, left, and right of the ablation center during and 15 seconds after ablation were monitored by the inserted temperature probe. Results There were no difference in temperature changes in the front, back, right regions of the ablation center during and 15 seconds after ablation between the two groups. The temperature changes in the left region of the ablation center both during and 15 seconds after 3rd ablation were larger than those in the non-bendable group (P<0.01). Compared with the non-bendable group, the controllable curved group achieved angle control and larger single ablation area (2.282 5 mm² vs 1.135 8 mm², P<0.000 1). Conclusions This new percutaneous controllable curved plasma ablation instrument can achieve angle control and ablation on the side opposite to the puncture site, increase ablation volume, and is safe.
5.Immunotherapy strategies and pharmaceutical care practice on a long-term surviving patient with advanced gastric cancer and mismatch repair deficient
Jinyin LI ; Rong QIAN ; Ling JIANG ; Liming WANG ; Xian ZHANG ; Xiaoyan YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):703-709
To analyze the treatment strategy for a 78-year-old female patient with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) gastric cancer who achieved long-term survival. After third-line chemotherapy failed, gene testing showed ARID1A p.Gln748fs, c.2733-1G>T variation, with PD-L1 TPS 30%, CPS 60%. The nivolumab was employed, and two weeks later, the best response was partial response (PR). During the fourth-line immunotherapy maintenance treatment, progression of left adrenal metastasis was observed. The expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) was positive, and the antibody drug conjugate disitamab vedotin (RC48) was chosen for treatment. After 10 months of treatment with nivolumab combined with RC48, the best efficacy was assessed as stable disease (SD), with a progression free survival (PFS) of up to 12 months. Radiotherapy was employed, and immunotherapy was maintained, allowing the patient to achieve a PFS of 18 months again. During immunotherapy, a clinical pharmacist developed a personalized pharmaceutical care plan for this patient. At the last follow-up, this patient achieved 78 months of long-term survival.
6.Impact of non-optimal temperature on 120 emergency call volume for acute alcohol intoxication: A time-series study in Wuxi City
Chao YANG ; Wanjun ZHANG ; Xiuzhu LI ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xinliang DING ; Weijie ZHOU ; Chuncheng LU ; Pengfei ZHU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(10):1155-1161
Background Non-optimal temperatures pose significant threats to public health. Analyzing the association between temperature exposure and the number of emergency cases of acute alcohol intoxication can provide evidence for optimizing emergency resource allocation and response strategies. Objective To analyze the overall impact and lag effects of non-optimal temperatures on the number of 120 emergency calls for acute alcohol intoxication in Wuxi, and to assess the attributable risk, in order to provide empirical evidence for formulating climate-adaptive public health strategies. Methods Call records of acute alcohol intoxication from Wuxi's 120 emergency service, concurrent air pollutant data, and meteorological data (including daily mean temperature) were collected from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2020. Distributed lag nonlinear modeling was used for time-series analysis, with cross-basis functions to capture the nonlinear relationship and lag effects between temperature and emergency volume. Confounding factors such as long-term trends, humidity, pollutants [ultimately including ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5)], day of the week, and holidays were controlled. The maximum lag period was set to 14 days. Single-day lag and cumulative lag effects of extreme temperatures were analyzed, followed by sensitivity analysis. Effects were quantified using relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), and attributable fractions and numbers for different temperature ranges were calculated. Results A total of
7.Correlation analysis between mild cognitive impairment and the traditional Chinese medicine body constitution types among the elderly in a community in Changning District, Shanghai
Lei XU ; Min ZHANG ; Wenwen WANG ; Li YU ; Xuting ZHU ; Xiaorui LYU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(11):1070-1075
ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) body constitution types in the elderly, and to provide an evidence for the control of cognitive impairment in the elderly. MethodsThe elderly aged 65 and above who participated in the community physical examinations in a community of Changning District, Shanghai were selected as the research subjects. The cognitive function was assessed by using the Clock Drawing Test combined with the Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire (AD8), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). The diagnostic criteria for MCI was identified based on the 2018 Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and Cognitive Disorders, along with the assessment results and clinical history information. The current investigation method was used to collect the basic information and the prevalence of chronic disease of the subjects through questionnaire inquiries. The elderly subjects’ ability to take care of themselves was evaluated based on the Elderly Self⁃Care Ability Evaluation Scale, while the TCM body constitution types were determined based on the Chinese Medicine Health Care Management Service Specification. The association of the detection rate of MCI with gender, education level, history of chronic disease and TCM body constitution types were analyzed lastly. ResultsA total of 2 351 elderly people were investigated, including 1 037 males and 1 314 females, with an average age of (74.11±6.15) years. 174 subjects, accounting for 7.40%, were identified with MCI. The highest detection rate of MCI in the elderly are those with a Qi stagnation constitution (10.8%), followed by those with a dampness-heat constitution (9.1%) and a Qi deficiency constitution (8.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age, lower educational level, a history of tuberculosis, and TCM constitutions such as dampness-heat, Qi stagnation, and Qi deficiency were the potential risk factors for MCI. ConclusionThere is a significant association between TCM constitution types such as dampness-heat, Qi stagnation, and Qi deficiency with MCI. TCM techniques can be integrated into the health management services for the elderly population, and targeted interventions can be provided to those with imbalanced constitution types so as to reduce the risk of MCI.
8.Study on the correlation between spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and increased intracranial pressure
Erpeng ZHANG ; Xuhui LIANG ; Mingqiang HE ; Hongbo GU ; Lei SHI ; Bing LI ; Ming LIU ; Guanggang SHI
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;59(11):1165-1172
Objective:To study the correlation between spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and increased intracranial pressure.Methods:Clinical data of patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Provincial Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from January 2019 to December 2023 and their epidemiology, clinical symptoms and signs, preoperative cerebrospinal fluid pressure, imaging data, leakage site, repair method and the presence or absebce of increased intracranial pressure were analysed. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:Of the 57 patients with cerebrospinal fluid nasolacrimal leakage, 84.2%(48/57) were females and 15.8%(9/57) were males; 80.7%(46/57) were between 40 and 60 years old; and overweight and obese patients accounted for 75.4%(43/57). Of 57 patients, 35 patients received cranial MRI+magnetic resonance venography, and among them, 12(34.3%) patients were clinically with headache symptoms; the incidences of empty pterygoid and venous sinus stenosis were 40.0%(14/35) and 51.4%(18/35), respectively; and 33 patients underwent preoperative lumbar puncture examination, of whom 25(75.8%) patients had the increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure and 1 patient had idiopathic intracranial hypertension. All 57 patients underwent dural repair of the skull base, the postoperative follow-up period ranged from 3 to 60 months, and the success rate of surgery was 94.7%. The success rate was 100% in female patients and 33.3%(3/9) in male patients, including one with surgical failure receiving reoperation and two with postoperative recurrence in other areas of the skull base, with significant difference in the success rate of surgery between males and females (χ 2=16.890, P<0.001). Conclusions:Most patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea have the increased cerebrospinal fluid pressures, but very few fulfil the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The success rate of surgical repair alone is high, but some recurrences still exist, especially in male patients.
9.Exploration on the TCM Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Fibrosis Based on the Theory of"Lung Connecting to Large Intestine"
Yawei DONG ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Fan YANG ; Quan MA ; Hongmei LI ; Yanmei ZHANG ; Lanlan HE ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(11):19-23
Pulmonary fibrosis is a respiratory system disorder characterized by damage to alveolar epithelial cells,pathological proliferation and transformation of fibroblasts,excessive deposition of extracellular matrix,leading to structural damage and loss of function in lung tissues,with a high mortality rate and limited effective treatment methods.This article was based on the TCM understanding of"lung connecting to large intestine",namely the theory of"lung and the large intestine being interior-exterior related",and set the modern medical understanding of"lung connecting to large intestine",namely the theory of"gut-lung axis"as the key.Combining the TCM pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and the related mechanisms of"gut-lung axis"in pulmonary fibrosis,it preliminarily expounded the connotation of TCM regulating the"gut-lung axis"to treat pulmonary fibrosis,aiming to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis through the"gut-lung axis".
10.Assessment tools for fear of falling in the elderly: a scoping review
Bei LI ; Defeng CHEN ; Wanlin PENG ; Xuhui DONG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(4):537-544
Objective:To summarize the assessment tools for fear of falling in the elderly both domestically and internationally, providing a reference for medical and nursing staff to assess their fear of falling.Methods:The literature on assessment tools for fear of falling in the elderly was systematically searched on China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, China Biology Medicine disc, VIP, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The search period was from database establishment to July 4, 2023. This study extracted and analyzed the content of assessment tools for fear of falling.Results:A total of 45 articles were included, involving 16 assessment tools for fear of falling.Conclusions:The 16 assessment tools for fear of falling included in the analysis are mainly self-assessment. The reliability of the assessment tool for fear of falling is good, but its validity still needs further verification. It is recommended to consider multiple factors when choosing an assessment tool for fear of falling, and combine it with quantitative objective indicators measured by professional instruments to accurately assess the fear of falling of the elderly.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail