1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Parkinson's Disease Based on Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway: A Review
Liuping YUE ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Yijun WU ; Huan YU ; Xinzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):307-317
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor dysfunction. The main pathological features include the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, abnormal aggregation of alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn), and the formation of Lewy bodies. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In recent years, the PD incidence has gradually increased, while current treatment methods are limited to symptom alleviation, incapable of halting disease progression, and prone to adverse effects, thus making it urgent to search for medicines effective for PD. Modern research indicates that the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway is closely related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, playing a crucial role in the pathophysiological development of PD. A large number of studies have further confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate diseases through a holistic view of Syndrome differentiation and microscopic molecular pathways. With unique advantages, such as multiple targets, multiple pathways, and fewer adverse reactions, TCM provides a new strategy for PD treatment. This article elucidates the mechanism of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of PD, while summarizing the latest research on PD intervention by TCM monomers, active ingredients, and compounds, as well as acupuncture via the precise targeted regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, aiming to provide a reference for clinical medicine development to prevent and treat PD.
2.Treatment of Minimally Conscious State with Musk Based on "Phlegm,Fire,Blood Stasis,and Deficiency"
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Mingyuan LI ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):188-192
Minimally conscious state (MCS) is at the edge between closed and open consciousness, but it still belongs to the category of "wind-strike block" syndrome. The basic pathogenesis of MCS is the obstruction of pathogenic qi, orifices closed and spirit hidden, with pathological factors including phlegm, fire, and blood stasis. Wind movement and water retention may also be present, and often leading to deficiency syndrome due to the exhaustion of qi, blood, yin, and yang at later stages. Treatment chooses Shexiang (Moschus) as the chief medicinal, emphasizing combination of medicinals and urgency of medication administration; the key therapeutic method is to open the orifices, with focuses on expelling pathogens and reinforcing healthy qi. For patients with severe phlegm or fire, use Xiaochengqi Decoction (小承气汤) to open the lower orifices, discharge heat and unblock the bowels, combined with Shexiang (Moschus) and Niuhuang (Bovis Calculus) to open the upper orifices, awaken the spirit and guide qi. For patients with turbid phlegm as the predominant, temporarily replace Shexiang (Moschus) with Baizhi (Angelicae dahuricae radix), using Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) to eliminate phlegm to open the orifices, when turbid phlegm gradually subsided, Shexiang (Moschus) could be added. For patients with blood stasis as the predominant, Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (通窍活血汤) will be used to activate blood and open orifice, if the blood circulates, the endogenous wind will be calmed, the water will be induced, the orifices will open and the consciousness will restore. For patients with closed orifices and body deficiency, the treatment should open the orifices and reinforce healthy qi, and consider the root and branch simultaneously; qi deficiency syndrome can be addressed with Buyang Huanwu Decoction (补阳还五汤) to boost qi and reinforce healthy qi; yin deficiency syndrome can be treated with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (芍药甘草汤) combined with Fengsui Pill (封髓丹) to nourish yin, soften sinews, and secure kidney essence; yang deficiency can be managed by using Dihuang Yinzi Decoction (地黄饮子) to enrich yin, supplement yang, and open the orifices.
3.Influence of hepatic osteodystrophy on the prognosis of liver transplantation
Yibo WANG ; Yubo ZHAO ; Yanbo MA ; Yuqing SUN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2429-2434
Hepatic osteodystrophy is a common complication in patients with chronic liver disease and is influenced by various risk factors, and it has become one of the important influencing factors for the prognosis of liver transplantation. By analyzing the influencing factors for bone health and bone metabolism during the perioperative period of liver transplantation, this article emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive assessment of bone health and necessary interventions at this stage, with an aim to reduce the risk of postoperative complications and improve the long-term prognosis of patients. A deeper exploration of the association between hepatic osteodystrophy and the prognosis of liver transplantation can help to reveal the key influencing factors for postoperative outcomes, thus providing a theoretical basis for optimizing postoperative management strategies. Furthermore, advances in this research field will offer new insights into the treatment of patients receiving liver transplantation, and it is expected to further improve quality of life and long-term survival rate.
4.Diabetic Nephropathy Treatment by Zn Supplementation in a Murine Model of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus:Potential Role of Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Lianhong XU ; Weixia SUN ; Wei LIU ; Yanbo LI
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):613-618
Objective To evaluate the renoprotective effects of zinc(Zn)supplementation in diabetes kidney disease(DKD)and to explore its impact on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)signaling pathway.Methods A total of 12 male OVE26 mice(spontaneous type 1 diabetes mellitus mice)aged 3 months and weighing approximately 24-27 g were selected and randomly assigned to a diabetes mellitus(DM)group and a zinc-treated DM(DM/Zn)group(n=6 each).In addition,12 age-matched male FVB mice weighing approximately 27-30 g were selected and randomly assigned to a non-diabetic control(Ctrl)group and a zinc-treated(Zn)group(n=6 each).Mice in the DM/Zn and Zn groups were given zinc supplementation for 3 months,with each mouse receiving 5 mg/kg of zinc sulfate by gavage every other day.Mice in the DM and Ctrl groups were given the same volume of normal saline.At the end of the experiment,the albumin-to-creatinine ratio(ACR)in urine was used as an indicator to evaluate renal function.Sirius red staining was performed to assess renal fibrosis in each group of mice.Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of fibrotic growth factors,including connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),in renal tissue,and the protein expression of Nrf2,an antioxidant substance,and the protein expression levels of its downstream targets,including NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1(NQO1),heme oxygenase 1(HO-1),superoxide dismutase(SOD)-1,SOD-2,and catalase(CAT).Results 1)Compared to the Ctrl group,the urinary protein secretion levels of mice in the DM group exhibited progressive increase.After 3 months of zinc supplementation treatment,the urinary protein secretion levels of mice in the DM/Zn group decreased Compared to that of mice in the DM group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).2)Compared to that in the Ctrl group,the collagen deposition in the renal tissues of mice in the DM group increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),while no obvious change was observed in mice in the DM/Zn group.Compared to the Ctrl group,mice in the DM group exhibited increased expression levels of CTGF and TGF-β1 in the renal tissues,but the expression levels decreased after zinc supplementation treatment,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).3)Compared to that of the Ctrl group,the expression level of Nrf2 in the renal tissues of mice in the Zn and DM groups increased,and the level of Nrf2 in the renal tissues of mice in the DM/Zn group showed a further increase,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).4)Compared to those of the Ctrl group,the protein expression levels of Nrf2 downstream target genes,including NQO1 and HO-1,in the renal tissues of mice in the Zn group increased,and the levels of NQO1 and HO-1 in the renal tissues of mice in the DM/Zn group showed a further increase,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared to those of the mice in the Ctrl group,the protein expressions of Nrf2 downstream target genes,including SOD-1,SOD-2,and CAT of in the renal tissues of the mice in the Zn group increased,while the expression levels of SOD-1,SOD-2,and CAT in the renal tissues of the mice in the DM group decreased,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Zn supplementation could completely inhibit these changes(P<0.05).Conclusions Zn supplementation has therapeutic effects on DKD and mitigates T1DM-induced renal dysfunction and oxidative injury in mice,which may be associated with the activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway.
5.Stellate ganglion block versus conventional western medication for the treatment of insomnia:a meta-analysis
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(1):48-57
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block(SGB)with those of conventional western medication in the treatment of insomnia.Methods A computerized retrieval of academic papers concerning the clinical randomized controlled trials of SGB versus conventional western medication in the treatment of insomnia from the databases of PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,Wanfang Data knowledge service platform,VIP database and CBM database was conducted.The retrieval time period was from the establishment of the database to June 13,2023.NoteExpress v3.5 software was used to make literature screening,Stata17.0 software was used to perform meta-analysis of the obtained data,TSA0.9.5.10 beta software was used to make sequential analysis,and GRADEpro was used to perform the grade classification.Results A total of 11 articles including 875 patients with insomnia were included in this analysis.Compared with the conventional western medication,SGB showed certain advantages in the following aspects:improving total clinical effectiveness(RR total=1.24,95%CI:1.16-1.32,P<0.01),increasing the proportion of patients who could sleep for more than 3 hours after treatment(RR total=1.24,95%CI:1.09-1.41,P=0.001),increasing total sleep time(SMD=1.53,95%CI:0.89-2.16,P<0.01),reducing sleep latency(MD=-14.08,95%CI:-18.72--9.43,P<0.01),decreasing PSQI score(MD=-3.54,95%CI:-4.31--2.78,P<0.01),and reducing the recurrence rate within 6 months(RR=0.19,95%CI:0.10-0.37,P<0.01).However,the difference in the proportion of patients who could sleep for more than 6 hours after treatment between the two groups was not statistically significant(RR=1.31,95%CI:0.97-1.76,P=0.078).The traditional SGB therapy had a certain risk of adverse events,ultrasound-guided SGB therapy was much safer.Trial sequential analysis showed that the cumulative sample size of the effective rate crossed the conventional threshold and TSA threshold,the positive results had been obtained in advance although it did not reach RIS.The quality of evidence evaluated by GRADE for the sleep latency,PSQI and recurrence rate within 6 months was medium grade,and the quality for the remaining indexes was low grade.Conclusion Compared with conventional western medication for the treatment of insomnia,the effect of SGB in increasing the total response rate,the proportion of patients who get sleeping for more than 3 hours after treatment and the total sleep duration,in reducing sleep latency,PSQI score and recurrence rate within 6 months has gained some certain evidence supports.The SGB and conventional western medication have similar efficacy in improving the proportion of patients who get sleeping for more than 6 hours after treatment.The results of this study are stable and reliable,but the current level of evidence grade is lower,therefore,large-sample randomized controlled trials need to be conducted before its clinical efficacy can get further evidence-based support.
6.Treating Emotional Disorders from the Classification of Gallbladder
Yijun WU ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Wenbo LIU ; Shuang JIANG ; Haohao LIAO ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(3):309-314
This article summarizes the unique viewpoints and experience application of the famous and veteran Chinese medicine practitioner,Professor Wang Xinzhi,in treating emotional diseases from the perspective of gallbladder theory.Based on the physiologi-cal functions and characteristics of the gallbladder in Chinese medicine,it is proposed that the"heart mind-gallbladder-viscera"axis dominates the generation and changes of emotions,and it is believed that gallbladder failure is the key pathogenesis of emotional disor-ders.The treatment of clinical syndromes should be based on the type of gallbladder,and emotional diseases can be divided into types of insufficient gallbladder qi,unfavorable Shaoyang,gallbladder and heat excess,timidity-deficiency,and heart-gallbladder indeci-sion,according to clinical manifestations;based on the basic principle of adjusting the functions of the heart,spleen,liver,gallblad-der,kidney and other organs,treatment methods such as tonifying the spleen and kidneys,increasing gallbladder qi,resolving Shaoy-ang,clearing gallbladder heat,warming yang and replenishing qi,calming the mind,resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis should be used,highlighting the joint treatment of the heart and the gallbladder,and the simultaneous regulation of the liver and gall-bladder,so that the mind can be at ease,the gallbladder can be decisive,and the emotions can be harmonious.
7.The predictive value of peripheral blood NLR combined with serum trimethylamine oxide on in-hospital mortality events in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock upon admission
Zhenli LUO ; Lisha MAO ; Mei KANG ; Gong ZHANG ; Yanbo SUN ; Fei JIA ; Yijuan DONG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2024;26(9):1379-1384
Objective:To explore the predictive value of peripheral blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and serum trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) on in-hospital mortality events in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) upon admission.Methods:A retrospective collection of medical records of 103 AMICS patients admitted to the Shanxi Yingkang Life General Hospital from January 2018 to June 2023 was conducted. The patients were divided into a survival group ( n=78) and a death group ( n=25) based on whether they experienced in-hospital mortality events. Two groups of peripheral blood NLR, serum TMAO, baseline data, and other laboratory indicators were compared. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for in-hospital mortality in AMICS patients and a prediction model was constructed. We established receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the predictive efficacy of peripheral blood NLR, serum TMAO, peripheral blood NLR+ serum TMAO, and predictive model indicators for in-hospital mortality events in AMICS patients. Results:The peripheral blood NLR and serum TMAO levels in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group (all P<0.05). The age of the death group was higher than that of the survival group, and the proportion of hypertension, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, random blood glucose, proportion of patients who did not receive emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment, peak cardiac troponin I, B-type natriuretic peptide, Gensini score of coronary artery disease, and C-reactive protein were all higher than those of the survival group. Systolic blood pressure and platelet count were lower than those of the survival group, heart rate and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were faster than those of the survival group, and the pre hospital time was longer than that of the survival group. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, male proportion, body mass index, proportion of old myocardial infarction, proportion of hypertension, and proportion of PCI history, advanced age, long pre hospital time, failure to receive emergency PCI, elevated peripheral blood NLR, and elevated serum TMAO were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in AMICS patients ( P<0.05). The predictive model was obtained as 0.734×age+ 0.277×pre hospital time+ 2.263×failure to receive emergency PCI+ 0.549×peripheral blood NLR+ 0.608×serum TMAO-26.923. The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of peripheral blood NLR, serum TMAO, peripheral blood NLR+ serum TMAO, and predictive model indicators for predicting in-hospital mortality events in AMICS patients were 0.744, 0.781, 0.825, and 0.921, respectively. When the optimal cutoff value was taken, the sensitivities were 0.880, 0.520, 0.680, and 0.880, and the specificities were 0.526, 0.923, 0.872, and 0.821, respectively. Conclusions:Advanced age, long pre hospital duration, failure to undergo emergency PCI, elevated peripheral blood NLR, and elevated serum TMAO are independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in AMICS patients. Peripheral blood NLR, serum TMAO, peripheral blood NLR+ serum TMAO, and prediction models all have certain predictive value for in-hospital mortality events in AMICS patients. Among them, the sensitivity and specificity of the prediction models are high, and the efficacy is good.
8.Onset of Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ⅻ in Two Brothers in the Neonatal Period
Yanbo SUN ; Cunyu LI ; Min CHEN
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2024;46(4):636-640
Glycogen storage diseases(GSDs)are a group of autosomal recessive disorders of glucose metabolism.GSDs are caused by congenital deficiency of enzymes in glycogen synthesis or decomposition,which results in glycogen accumulation in organs.According to the types of enzyme deficiency,GSDs can be classified into more than ten types,among which GSD Ⅻ is a super-rare type of GSD.Two brothers with a 5-year age difference presented severe neonatal asphyxia,myasthenia,myocardial damage,anemia,and mental retarda-tion,being GSD Ⅻ homozygous cases with neonatal onset.The results of gene detection showed that nucleotide and amino acid alterations(c.619G>A,p.E207K)of the ALDOA gene existed in the two brothers,being ho-mozygous,and the genotypes in the parents were heterozygous.This article summarized the clinical features,di-agnosis,and treatment of GSD Ⅻ,providing reference for exploring the etiology and treatment of severe asphyxia,myasthenia,anemia,and multiple organ damage in neonates after birth.
9.Comparison of Anatomic Locking Titanium Plate and Intramedullary Nail in the Treatment of Distal Tibial Fractures
Mengjun MA ; Yanbo CHEN ; Gang ZENG ; Chen CHEN ; Weidong SONG ; Wenzhou LIU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):108-113
ObjectivesTo compare the clinical efficacy and complications of anatomic locking titanium plate (hereinafter referred to as “titanium plate screw”) and intramedullary nail in the treatment of distal tibial fractures.Methods From September 2019 to September 2021, 32 patients diagnosed with AO-A fracture of distal tibia at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were included in this study. Of these, 15 cases were treated with titanium plate screws and 17 cases were treated with intramedullary nails. General surgical indexes, fracture healing time and postoperative operation were compared between the two groups.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 10 to 20 months, with an average of 12 months. The operative time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of intramedullary nail group were longer than those of titanium plate screw group, but the preoperative waiting time and hospitalization days was less or were fewer than those of titanium plate screw group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups (P> 0.05). At 6 weeks after operation, VAS scores in both groups were lower than those before operation, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the intramedullary nail group and the titanium plate screw group (P> 0.05). AOFAS scores 6 months after surgery, ankle joint motion and complication rate 1 year after surgery in intramedullary screw group were better than those in titanium plate screw group, and the differences were statistically significant (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in AOFAS scores between the two groups at 1 year after operation (P> 0.05).ConclusionTitanium plate screw and intramedullary nail are both effective methods for the treatment of distal tibial AO-A fracture, and there is no significant difference in long-term clinical efficacy. Intramedullary nail has fewer soft tissue complications, less impact on ankle motion, faster recovery and higher safety, while titanium plate screw has a higher probability of postoperative soft tissue infection. We suggest that in clinical work, preoperative evaluation of patients should be done well. Under the premise of grasping the indications, intramedullary nail has fewer complications and certain advantages.
10.Regulation of Alzheimer's Disease by Chinese Medicine Based on BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Liuping YUE ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Xinzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):274-282
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of cognitive and memory functions. Its pathological features mainly include neurofibrillary tangles formed by the aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins and amyloid plaques formed by the accumulation of β-amyloid. The exact pathogenesis of AD has not been fully elucidated, and there are currently no effective specific drugs or radical treatments available in clinical practice. In recent years, the incidence of AD has been on the rise, severely affecting life and health, making the search for effective drugs and therapeutic components for AD treatment crucial. Modern medical research has found that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway is closely related to neurogenesis, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and oxidative stress, playing a vital role in the pathophysiological development of AD. Additionally, Chinese medicine has a long history of treating neurodegenerative diseases with few adverse reactions and features a multi-target, multi-link, and multi-pathway approach to treatment. Therefore, the author reviewed the latest research reports in China and abroad to elaborate on the role of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in the onset and progression of AD, and summarized the research progress on the regulation of the BDNF/TrkB pathway by Chinese medicine compounds and monomers in AD intervention. This study is expected to provide references for the development of clinical drugs for the prevention and treatment of AD and to broaden the perspective on Chinese medicine treatment of AD.

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