1.Astragali Radix Polysaccharides Promote M2 Polarization of OGD/R-induced BV2 Microglia by Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yanxi LIU ; Lijun ZHANG ; Qiule LI ; Yayu ZENG ; Yanjie HUO ; Xiaodan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):133-143
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Astragali Radix polysaccharides (APS) on the polarization of BV2 microglial cells in an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model through regulation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsThe OGD/R injury model of BV2 microglia was established and divided into blank group, OGD/R group and APS group (0.4 g·L-1 APS). Neuroinflammatory injury was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with APS. The cells were divided into blank group, LPS group (1 mg·L-1 LPS) and APS group (0.4 g·L-1 APS+1 mg·L-1 LPS). Cell viability was detected using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscope. Nitric oxide (NO) content in the cell supernatant was determined by the Griess assay. The secretion levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-4 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the double-positive rates of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1/inducible nitric oxide synthase (Iba-1+/iNOS+) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1/arginase 1 (Iba-1+/Arg1+), as well as the nuclear translocation rate of nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65). Protein expression levels of Iba-1, iNOS, Arg1, TLR4, and NF-κB p65 were detected by Western blot. ResultsIn the OGD/R injury model, compared with the blank control group, BV2 microglial cells in the OGD/R group were activated and exhibited amoeboid morphological changes. The secretion levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The double-positive expression rate of Iba-1+/iNOS+ and the protein expression of Iba-1 and iNOS were significantly increased (P<0.01). The nuclear translocation rate of NF-κB p65 and the protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of IL-10 and IL-4 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the double-positive expression rate of Iba-1+/Arg1+ and Arg1 protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the OGD/R group, the APS group (0.4 g·L-1) showed reduced cell activation, significantly decreased secretion levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.01), significantly decreased double-positive expression rate of Iba-1+/iNOS+ and relative protein expression of Iba-1 and iNOS (P<0.01), significantly decreased nuclear translocation rate of NF-κB p65 and protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01), significantly increased levels of IL-10 and IL-4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased double-positive expression rate of Iba-1+/Arg1+ and Arg1 protein expression (P<0.01). In the LPS-induced neuroinflammation model, compared with the blank control group, the LPS group showed increased cell activation, significantly increased levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6, significantly increased Iba-1+/iNOS+ double-positive expression rate, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation rate, and protein expression levels of Iba-1, iNOS, TLR4, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01), while IL-10 and IL-4 levels, Iba-1+/Arg1+ double-positive expression rate, and Arg1 protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS group, the APS group showed reduced cell activation, significantly decreased levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6, Iba-1+/iNOS+ double-positive expression rate, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation rate, and protein expression levels of Iba-1, iNOS, TLR4, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01), while IL-10 and IL-4 levels, Iba-1+/Arg1+ double-positive expression rate, and Arg1 protein expression were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionAPS may reduce microglial activation and promote their polarization toward the M2 phenotype by inhibiting activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating the neuroinflammatory response induced by OGD/R.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway for Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment Treatment: A Review
Wanyue XU ; Yanjie LI ; Haoyuan LIU ; Bohua WAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):337-345
Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common and severe complication in stroke patients, significantly affecting their quality of life and social function. Despite increasing research on PSCI in recent years, effective therapeutic methods remain limited. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has emerged as a critical research focus in neuroscience due to its essential role in neuroprotection, neurorepair, and cognitive recovery. Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is considered one of the key mechanisms in the onset and progression of PSCI. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its multi-component, multi-target, and synergistic properties, has shown unique advantages in modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, providing a potential novel approach for PSCI treatment. TCM regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through various mechanisms and exerts effects such as inhibiting cell apoptosis, maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, reducing neuroinflammation, promoting neuroplasticity, and enhancing neurorepair, thereby improving post-stroke cognitive function. This review summarized the latest research progress on the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by TCM in intervening PSCI. It analyzed the mechanisms of action of various TCM components and compound formulas within this pathway, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for innovative strategies for PSCI treatment in the future and offer new research insights and practical guidance for the application of TCM in cerebrovascular diseases.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway for Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment Treatment: A Review
Wanyue XU ; Yanjie LI ; Haoyuan LIU ; Bohua WAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):337-345
Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common and severe complication in stroke patients, significantly affecting their quality of life and social function. Despite increasing research on PSCI in recent years, effective therapeutic methods remain limited. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has emerged as a critical research focus in neuroscience due to its essential role in neuroprotection, neurorepair, and cognitive recovery. Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is considered one of the key mechanisms in the onset and progression of PSCI. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its multi-component, multi-target, and synergistic properties, has shown unique advantages in modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, providing a potential novel approach for PSCI treatment. TCM regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through various mechanisms and exerts effects such as inhibiting cell apoptosis, maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, reducing neuroinflammation, promoting neuroplasticity, and enhancing neurorepair, thereby improving post-stroke cognitive function. This review summarized the latest research progress on the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by TCM in intervening PSCI. It analyzed the mechanisms of action of various TCM components and compound formulas within this pathway, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for innovative strategies for PSCI treatment in the future and offer new research insights and practical guidance for the application of TCM in cerebrovascular diseases.
4.LI Guolie's Experience in Treating Orthostatic Hypotension from the Perspective of "Raising the Clear and Directing the Turbid Downward"
Zhihui JIN ; Yanjie JIANG ; Wenshan LI ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Yan LU ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):941-945
This paper summarizes professor LI Guolie's clinical experience in treating orthostatic hypotension (OH) based on the theory of "raising the clear and directing the turbid downward". It is considered that the core pathogenesis of OH lies in the body's transition from a supine to an upright position, during which dysfunction of the middle jiao (焦) transformation and transportation, along with impaired pivot function, hinders the ascending of clear yang and the descending of turbid yin. Treatment should follow the general principle of "ascending the clear and directing the turbid downward", placing emphasis on distinguishing the primary and secondary aspects. For cases where the clear yang fails to ascend, the self-formulated Li's Shengqing Jiangzhuo Decoction (李氏升清降浊汤)is used to supplement qi, raise the clear, and strengthen the middle jiao. For cases where the turbid yin fails to descend, the self-formulated Wuxiang Qingzhuo Beverage(五香清浊饮)with modifications is applied to resolve phlegm, eliminate stasis, harmonize the middle, and descend the turbid.
5.LI Guolie's Experience in Treating Orthostatic Hypotension from the Perspective of "Raising the Clear and Directing the Turbid Downward"
Zhihui JIN ; Yanjie JIANG ; Wenshan LI ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Yan LU ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):941-945
This paper summarizes professor LI Guolie's clinical experience in treating orthostatic hypotension (OH) based on the theory of "raising the clear and directing the turbid downward". It is considered that the core pathogenesis of OH lies in the body's transition from a supine to an upright position, during which dysfunction of the middle jiao (焦) transformation and transportation, along with impaired pivot function, hinders the ascending of clear yang and the descending of turbid yin. Treatment should follow the general principle of "ascending the clear and directing the turbid downward", placing emphasis on distinguishing the primary and secondary aspects. For cases where the clear yang fails to ascend, the self-formulated Li's Shengqing Jiangzhuo Decoction (李氏升清降浊汤)is used to supplement qi, raise the clear, and strengthen the middle jiao. For cases where the turbid yin fails to descend, the self-formulated Wuxiang Qingzhuo Beverage(五香清浊饮)with modifications is applied to resolve phlegm, eliminate stasis, harmonize the middle, and descend the turbid.
6.Dynamic prediction of JC polyomavirus reactivation after kidney transplantation
Mengyao LI ; Chengfeng ZHANG ; Difei REN ; Xin LIANG ; Shuyu CHEN ; Yushi PENG ; Yanjie WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Jian XU ; Zheng CHEN ; Yun MIAO ; Yibin WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):635-643
Objective To construct a dynamic prediction model for JC polyomavirus (JCV) reactivation after kidney transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 128 recipients who met the inclusion criteria and received kidney transplantation in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, from June 2021 to December 2024. Dynamic Cox regression and dynamic restricted mean survival time (RMST) regression based on the landmark method were adopted to establish the dynamic prediction models, and Monte Carlo cross-validation was used to evaluate model performance. Results The dynamic models could predict the incidence and onset time of JCV reactivation within the subsequent 3 months according to covariates at each landmark time point from the 1st to the 6th month after transplantation. Remuzzi score, body mass index and warm ischemia time were independent risk factors for JCV reactivation, while a history of urinary BK polyomavirus reactivation served as a protective factor. The median values of the area under the curve, C-index and Brier score of the dynamic Cox model were 0.873, 0.851 and 0.065 respectively, and the C-index of the dynamic RMST model was 0.829, all of which were superior to those of the static model. Conclusions The landmark-based dynamic models exhibit excellent predictive performance, which may integrate baseline data and post-transplant follow-up information to realize dynamic assessment of the risk and time window of JCV reactivation, thereby providing evidence for optimizing post-operative monitoring and individualized intervention strategies.
7.Advances of the Mechanisms Underlying Traditional Chinese Medicine Targeting the PI3K/Akt Pathway against Parkinson's Disease
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(2):203-215
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of the midbrain. Current therapeutic strategies are unable to reverse the neurodegenerative process, highlighting an urgent need for neuroprotective interventions. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, as a key pathway regulating cell survival, has emerged as an important target for PD intervention. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its distinctive properties of multi-targeted action and holistic regulation, has demonstrated considerable potential in PD neuroprotection research based on the PI3K/Akt pathway. However, most studies in this field are currently limited to the preclinical stage, and there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence that correlates patients’ clinical endpoints [e.g., Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores] with pathway-related biomarkers [e.g., phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) levels], which hinders its clinical translation. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress of TCM in the prevention and treatment of PD by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway, and prospects the future direction of integrated research on “clinical phenotype-pathway activity-TCM intervention”, aiming to provide references for relevant basic research and clinical translation.
8.Disability-adjusted life years for colorectal cancer in China, 2017-2030: A prevalence-based analysis focusing on the impact of screening coverage and the application of local weights.
Yujie WU ; Yanjie LI ; Xin WANG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Xinxin YAN ; Hong WANG ; Juan ZHU ; Wanqing CHEN ; Jufang SHI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):962-972
BACKGROUND:
Most studies have evaluated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients based on a set of generic disability weights (DWs). This study aimed to apply local CRC-stage-specific DWs to estimate the burden of DALYs for CRC (CRC-DALYs) in populations in China and consider the influence of local screening coverage of CRC.
METHODS:
A prevalence-based model was constructed using data from various sources. Years lived with disability (YLDs) were estimated mainly via cumulative prevalence data (based on CRC incidence rates, population numbers, and survival rates), stage-specific proportions of CRC, and DWs of the local population. Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated based on the CRC mortality rates and standard life expectancies. CRC incidence and mortality rates for the years 2020, 2025, and 2030 were estimated by joinpoint regression, and the corresponding DALYs were predicted. The main assumption was made for CRC screening coverage. Sensitivity analyses were used to assess the impact of population, DWs, and coverage.
RESULTS:
In 2017, among the Chinese population, the estimated number of CRC-DALYs was 4,303,314 (11.9% for YLDs). If CRC screening coverage rate in China (2.3%) remains unchanged, the overall DALYs in 2030 are predicted to increase by 37.2% (45.1% of those aged ≥65 years). More optimistically, the DALYs would then decrease by 0.7% in 2030 (from 5,902,454 to 5,860,200) if the coverage could be increased to 25.0%. A sensitivity analysis revealed that using local DWs would change the base-case values by 5.7%.
CONCLUSIONS
The estimated CRC-DALYs in China using population-specific DWs were considerably lower (with a higher percentage of YLDs) than the global burden of disease (GBD) estimates (5,865,004, of 4.6% for YLDs), suggesting the impact extent of applying local parameters. Sustainable scale-up CRC screening needs to be in place to moderate the growth trend of CRC-DALYs in China.
Humans
;
Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis*
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China/epidemiology*
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Male
;
Prevalence
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Early Detection of Cancer
;
Quality-Adjusted Life Years
;
Adult
;
Incidence
9.Factors affecting pre-exposure prophylaxis use among men who have sex with men
LI Xinge ; WANG Lijuan ; SONG Liang ; DING Haifeng ; GAO Yanjie
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(12):1201-1205
Objective:
To investigate the factors affecting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to provide a basis for improving PrEP uptake among MSM and optimizing HIV prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
The MSM were recruited at a HIV testing site of the "Danlan Public Welfare" organization in Beijing Municipality using the convenient sampling method from March to May 2024. Sociodemographic information, awareness of basic AIDS knowledge, sexual orientation and behaviors, the use of PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the past six months were collected using the questionnaire survey. Multivariable logistic regression model and decision tree model were used to analyze the influencing factors for PrEP use among MSM.
Results:
A total of 414 participants were surveyed, with a mean age of (33.52±8.50) years. Among them, 345 individuals (83.33%) had a college degree and above. The predominant sexual orientation was homosexual, with 265 individuals, accounting for 64.01%. The majority reported having 1 to 2 same-sex partners in the past six months, with 182 individuals (43.96%). A total of 39 individuals (9.42%) had used PEP in the past six months. A total of 68 individuals (16.43%) had used PrEP during the same period. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that educational attainment (college degree and above, OR=28.200, 95%CI: 3.162-251.519), the number of same-sex partners in the past six months (3-5 partners, OR=3.963, 95%CI: 1.065-14.755; ≥6 partners, OR=7.518, 95%CI: 1.829-30.910), and the use of PEP in the past six months (OR=18.606, 95%CI: 7.587-45.631) were significant factors associated with PrEP use among MSM. The decision tree model identified educational level, sexual orientation, and the number of same-sex partners in the past six months as factors affecting PrEP use among MSM. Among these, the number of same-sex partners in the past six months emerged as the primary influencing factor. The use of PrEP was 38.46% among MSM who had ≥3 same-sex partners in the past six months and identified as homosexual or heterosexual.
Conclusion
The use of PrEP among MSM is primarily associated with educational level, the number of same-sex partners in the past six months, use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the past six months, and sexual orientation.
10.Functional near-infrared spectroscopy study of cerebral hemodynamics in major depressive disorder with versus without psychotic symptoms
Youyou GUO ; Yanjie YU ; Hui WEN ; Hongyan CHEN ; Xuemei LI
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(4):949-953
Objective To investigate differential patterns of oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in prefron-tal cortical regions between major depressive disorder patients with or without psychotic symptoms during verbal flu-ency task(VFT)performance using functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS).Methods A total of 108 pa-tients with major depression who were hospitalized in the psychiatric department of the hospital from July 2023 to April 2024 were selected as the study objects.They were divided into two groups(n=60)with or without psychotic symptoms(n=48).fNIRS devices were used to measure and compare the changes in the relative concentration of cerebral hemoglobin in 52 brain channels between the two groups during VFT.Re-sults Compared with the unaccompanied group,the relative concentration of cerebral oxygenated hemoglobin in channel 13 was higher(0.003±0.001 vs.0.002±0.001),and the relative concentration of cerebral oxygen-ated hemoglobin in channel 33 was lower(0.003±0.001 vs.0.007±0.002),the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the relative concentration of oxygenated hemo-globin in other brain areas between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion There are abnormal oxygen activ-ity in brain functional areas associated with psychotic symptoms,and fNIRS technique is helpful for early as-sessment of cerebral aerobic function in depressed patients with psychotic symptoms.


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