1.Mechanism of Xianfang Huomingyin in Treating Type Ⅲ Prostatitis Based on Biological Analysis and Animal Experiments
Yuqin ZHANG ; Wenliang YAO ; Mian YE ; Yuliang ZHOU ; Shenghui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):62-71
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Xianfang Huomingyin (XFHMY) in the treatment of type Ⅲ prostatitis (CP/CPPS) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsThe traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the Swiss Target Prediction database were used to screen and sort out the active ingredients and corresponding targets of XFHMY. The potential therapeutic targets of CP/CPPS were collected from online databases, such as the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), GeneCards, and DisGeNET. The potential core targets of XFHMY for treating CP/CPPS were further screened by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and performing topological analysis. Meanwhile, the DAVID database was chosen to perform enrichment analysis on the intersection targets. On this basis, the AutoDock software was used for molecular docking, and the data was subsequently imported into the GraphPad Prism 8 software to generate a heat map. SD rats were divided into seven groups: A blank group, a sham operation group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose XFHMY groups (3.645, 7.29, 14.58 g·kg-1), and a tamsulosin hydrochloride group (0.018 mg·kg-1). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes in prostate tissue. The inflammatory factor indicators of rats in each group were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in prostate tissue. ResultsThe HE staining showed no significant signs of inflammatory cell infiltration in the prostate of the sham operation group compared to the blank group, while the model group had significantly inflammatory cell infiltration. The ELISA results showed that compared to the blank group, TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 in the sham operation group had no significant differences. However, they were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.01), indicating successful CP/CPPS modeling in rats. Compared with the model group, the low-,medium-and high-dose XFHMY group and the tamsulosin hydrochloride group showed significant decreases in TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 (P<0.05,P<0.01). The Real-time PCR analysis revealed that compared to the model group, the low-dose XFHMY group had reduced Akt and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression(P<0.05,P<0.01). In the medium-and high-dose XFHMY group and tamsulosin hydrochloride group, PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB p65 mRNA levels decreased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that compared to the model group, the low-dose XFHMY group had lower p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05). The medium- and high-dose XFHMY group and the tamsulosin hydrochloride group showed significant decreases in p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt-ser473/Akt, p-Akt-thr308/Akt, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). ConclusionXFHMY may exert therapeutic efficacy on CP/CPPS by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing inflammatory responses. Additionally, NF-κB activation may be related to the activation of ser473 and thr308 sites.
2.Reporting Status of Clinical Practice Guideline Protocols: A Systematic Analysis
Huayu ZHANG ; Xufei LUO ; Hui LIU ; Qi ZHOU ; Yishan QIN ; Ye WANG ; Yuanyuan YAO ; Haodong LI ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):255-262
To systematically analyzed the reporting status of core elements in publicly available clinical practice guideline(hereafter referred to as "guideline") protocols published domestically and internationally over the past decade, identified existing problems, and provided evidence to inform the standardized writing and publication of future guideline protocols. A systematic search was conducted in Chinese and English databases for clinical practice guideline protocols published during the past ten years. The basic characteristics and reporting of core elements—including registration information, conflict of interest management, evidence grading, development process and timeline planning, as well as dissemination and implementation—were extracted and analyzed. Chi-square tests were performed to explore associations between protocol characteristics and the reporting of core elements. A total of 94 guideline protocols were included, of which 67 were in Chinese(71.28%) and 27 were in English(28.72%). Overall, 82.98% of the guideline protocols were registered, 92.55% reported management of conflicts of interest, 97.87% reported evidence searching, 88.30% reported evidence grading, and 89.36% described dissemination and implementation strategies. However, only 55.32% reported the guideline development process, and merely 23.40% reported timeline planning. Further analysis indicated that the reporting of registration, evidence searching, development process, and timeline planning was associated with year of publication. Differences were observed between domestic and international guidelines in reporting registration, conflict of interest management, development process, time planning, and dissemination and implementation. Guidelines intended for development exhibited higher reporting rates for registration, development process, and dissemination and implementation compared to those planned for updating or adaptation. Although current guideline protocols demonstrate relatively adequate reporting of methodological elements, deficiencies remain in development process and timeline planning. Future efforts should focus on promoting the publication and standardized reporting of guideline protocols, enhancing the international recognition of registration platforms, and strengthening the development process and timeline planning to advance the scientific rigor and transparency of guideline development.
3.The current status of international health communication research and its implications for China
Lingyan YANG ; Zihan YU ; Yueqiao ZHAO ; Zhenping LI ; Jianyi YAO ; Hao LI ; Yuhui ZHOU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):18-21
Objective To systematically review international research on health communication, and to provide valuable insights and reference for China's health communication research and practice. Methods This study included 693 articles published from January 2023 to April 2024 in two authoritative academic journals in the field of health communication, “Health Communication” and the “Journal of Health Communication”. A systematic review was conducted on the themes, theoretical foundations, research methods, and populations of international health communication research. Results The findings in this study revealed that international health communication research topics were diverse, with hotspots including social media, health information behavior, health misinformation, stigmatization, trust, and risk perception. The results showed that 34% of the articles were based on theoretical foundations, and 93.3% employed research methods, focusing on adolescents, parents, women, and other key populations. Conclusion Domestic health communication research can expand its perspective from “information transmission” to “social interaction”, innovate theories and methods from “single paradigm" to “multi-integration” and shift focus from a “mass perspective” to “targeted care” for the health of all populations. Domestic health communication practice can delve into the localization of social media health communication practices, the comprehensive management of health misinformation, and the critical application of new technologies.
4.Clinical analysis of assisted reproductive technology assisted pregnancy outcome in female patients with thyroid cancer after surgery
Xiang YAO ; Wenjuan XU ; Jianye WANG ; Qun GAO ; Gang ZHAO ; Ping ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):151-155
ObjectiveTo evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in women with a history of thyroid cancer who retained fertility intentions after completing cancer treatment. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 61 patients with a history of thyroid cancer who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm microinjection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). These patients were included as the case group. A total of 122 non-cancer patients who received ART during the same period were selected as the control group using 1∶2 matching based on age and oocyte retrieval time. Baseline characteristics, outcomes of the first ART cycle, and cumulative pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the basic data, the total amount of gonadotropin (Gn) and the days of use between the case group and the control group (P>0.05). However, the case group had significantly fewer retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes (MII), lower fertilization and cleavage rates, and fewer transferable and high-quality embryos, as well as fewer embryos transferred during the first cycle (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the rate of first embryo implantation and first clinical pregnancy between the two groups (P>0.05). In the analysis of cumulative outcomes, the two groups did not show statistically significant differences in the cumulative pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle, the number of oocyte retrieval cycles required per live birth, the number of embryo transfer cycles required per live birth, and the number of embryos used for each live birth (P>0.05). However, the cumulative live birth rate was significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group (P=0.005). ConclusionAfter treatment for thyroid cancer, when ART is used to help pregnant women, the pregnancy outcome is comparable to that of women without tumors. Individualized reproductive management and timely fertility preservation strategies are recommended to optimize reproductive outcomes in this population.
5.Mechanism of Yangjing Zhongyutang in Regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway to Promote Mitochondrial Function and Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Rats with Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ping ZHANG ; Lijuan YANG ; Shenghui CHEN ; Wenliang YAO ; Yuliang ZHOU ; Ling MA ; Huiying WU ; Yanwen XU ; Ziyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):46-55
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yangjing Zhongyutang (YJZYT) on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress damage mediated by the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and to explore its mechanism in improving ovarian reserve function and follicular development. MethodsForty-two 8-week-old female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into a blank control group (n=7) and a model group (n=35). Rats in the model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CTX (90 mg·kg-1) to establish the DOR model. After modeling, estrous cycles were monitored for 7 consecutive days, and model success was confirmed based on criteria for estrous cycle disruption. After successful modeling, rats were divided into groups for intervention: estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and YJZYT high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (19.98, 9.99, 5.00 g·kg-1). The blank control group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage. All groups received daily gavage once for 4 consecutive weeks. The general state, body weight, and ovarian wet weight of rats were observed and recorded, and the ovarian organ index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe ovarian histomorphological changes and follicular development status. Immunofluorescence was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression levels. Colorimetric assays were employed to measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in ovarian tissues. Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the mRNA expression levels of key genes including SIRT1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited disrupted estrous cycles, obviously reduced body weight, and decreased ovarian index (P<0.05). Ovarian histopathology revealed cortical thinning, loose structure, and a significant reduction in both primordial and growing follicles (P<0.01). Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01), while E2 and AMH levels were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ATP content and mtDNA copy number decreased in ovarian tissue (P<0.01), ROS expression increased, MDA levels rose, while SOD and GSH-Px activities obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM were obviously downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, body weight and ovarian index obviously recovered in rats administered various doses of YJZYT (P<0.05), serum E2 and AMH levels increased, while FSH and LH levels obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), ovarian tissue ATP content and mtDNA copy number were up-regulated, ROS and MDA levels decreased, and antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px activity obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), Gene and protein expression levels related to the SIRT1/PGC-1α /NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway were obviously up-regulated compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), HE staining revealed that ovarian structure gradually recovered to integrity in all treatment groups, with a obviously increase in the number of primordial and growing follicles (P<0.05, P<0.01). Granulosa cells were neatly arranged, indicating marked improvement in ovarian function. ConclusionYJZYT may improve ovarian function and follicular development in rats with diminished ovarian reserve by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial function, and alleviating oxidative stress damage.
6.Signaling Pathways Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Regulation by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Manman YAO ; Liya MA ; Dawei ZHANG ; Xuelin ZHANG ; Xuan ZHOU ; Yu TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):301-312
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent gynecological diseases, and its incidence is increasing year by year, seriously affecting the physical and mental health of female patients. The pathogenesis of this disease is complex and has not been fully clarified. At present, PCOS is mainly treated by Western medicine, which, however, has poor efficacy and induces various adverse reactions. Therefore, developing safe and effective therapies has become a difficult problem that needs to be solved. Studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smads, secreted glycoprotein/β-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and advanced glycation endproduct/receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (AGE/RAGE) signaling pathways to ameliorate insulin resistance, inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress, regulate endocrine hormone disorders, and intervene in apoptosis and autophagy, thus alleviating the symptoms, slowing down the disease progression, and improving the ovarian function. The treatment of PCOS with TCM has demonstrated definite effects and high safety. Therefore, exploring this disease from cellular and molecular perspectives can provide a theoretical basis for its clinical treatment and new drug development. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews on the modulation of relevant signaling pathways by TCM in the treatment of PCOS. This article reviews the research progress in the treatment of PCOS with the active ingredients and compound prescriptions of TCM by regulating relevant signaling pathways in recent years, with the aim of providing evidence to support the promotion of TCM for treating PCOS in the future.
7.Interpretation of 2024 ESC guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension
Yu CHENG ; Yiheng ZHOU ; Yao LÜ ; ; Dongze LI ; Lidi LIU ; Peng ZHANG ; Rong YANG ; Yu JIA ; Rui ZENG ; Zhi WAN ; Xiaoyang LIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):31-40
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) released the "2024 ESC guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension" on August 30, 2024. This guideline updates the 2018 "Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension." One notable update is the introduction of the concept of "elevated blood pressure" (120-139/70-89 mm Hg). Additionally, a new systolic blood pressure target range of 120-129 mm Hg has been proposed for most patients receiving antihypertensive treatment. The guideline also includes numerous additions or revisions in areas such as non-pharmacological interventions and device-based treatments for hypertension. This article interprets the guideline's recommendations on definition and classification of elevated blood pressure and hypertension, and cardiovascular disease risk assessment, diagnosing hypertension and investigating underlying causes, preventing and treating elevated blood pressure and hypertension. We provide a comparison interpretation with the 2018 "Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension" and the "2017 ACC/AHA guideline on the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults."
8.Color Space Method Combined with Chemometrics to Determine Processing Degree of Angelicae Sinensis Radix Carbonisata
Liuying QIN ; Yao HUANG ; Lifan GAN ; Yuanjun LIU ; Congyou DENG ; Dongmei SUN ; Lijin LIANG ; Lin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):201-210
ObjectiveTo study the changing law of appearance color and physicochemical properties of Angelicae Sinensis Radix Carbonisata(ASRC) during the processing by color space method combined with statistical analysis, so as to provide reference for determining the processing endpoint and evaluating the quality of the decoction pieces. MethodsTaking processing time(4, 8, 12, 16 min) and temperature(180, 200, 220, 240 ℃) as factors, ASRC decoction pieces with different processing degrees were prepared in a completely randomized design. Then, the brightness value(L*), red-green value(a*), yellow-blue value(b*), and total chromaticity value (E*ab) of the decoction pieces were determined by spectrophotometer, the color difference value(ΔE) was calculated, and the data of colorimetric values were analyzed by discriminant analysis. At the same time, the pH, charcoal adsorption, and contents of tannins, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(5-HMF), tryptophan, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H and ligustilide of ASRC with different processing degrees were determined by pH meter, ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography(UPLC). Principal component analysis(PCA) was used to analyze the data of physicochemical indexes, after determining the processing technology of ASRC, the canonical discriminant function was established to distinguish the decoction pieces with different processing degrees, and leave-one-out cross validation was conducted. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between various physicochemical indexes and chromaticity values. ResultsWith the prolongation of the processing time, L*, a*, b* and E*ab all showed a decreasing trend, and the established discriminant model based on color parameters was able to distinguish ASRC with different processing degrees. The pH showed an increasing trend with the prolongation of processing time, and the charcoal adsorption, and the contents of tannins, 5-HMF, and tryptophan all showed an increasing and then decreasing trend. Among them, the charcoal adsorption, contents of tannin and 5-HMF reached their maximum values successively after processing for 8-12 min. While the contents of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H and ligustilide decreased with the increase of processing time, with a decrease of 60%-80% at 8 min of processing. Therefore, the optimal processing time should be determined to be 8-12 min. PCA could clearly distinguish ASRC with different processing degrees, while temperature had no significant effect on the processing degree. The 12 batches of process validation results(10 min, 180-240 ℃) showed that except for 3 batches identified as class Ⅱ light charcoal, all other batches were identified as class Ⅲ standard charcoal, and the chromaticity values of each batch of ASRC were within the reference range of class Ⅱ-Ⅲ sample chromaticity values. The correlation analysis showed that the chromaticity values were negatively correlated with pH and charcoal adsorption, and positively correlated with contents of tryptophan, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H, and ligustilide. And both pH and charcoal adsorption were negatively correlated with the contents of the above components, but the charcoal adsorption was positively correlated with the content of 5-HMF. ConclusionThe chromaticity values and the contents of various physicochemical indicators of ASRC undergo significant changes with the prolongation of processing time, and there is a general correlation between chromaticity values and various physicochemical indicators. Based on the changes in color and physicochemical indicators, the optimal processing time for ASRC is determined to be 8-12 min. This study reveals the dynamic changes of the relevant indexes in the processing of ASRC, which can provide a reference for the discrimination of the processing degree and the quantitative study of the processing endpoint.
9.Trends in Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity by Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, and Income among United States Adults, 1999 to 2018
Wen ZENG ; Weijiao ZHOU ; Junlan PU ; Juan LI ; Xiao HU ; Yuanrong YAO ; Shaomei SHANG
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):475-484
Background:
This study aimed to estimate temporal trends in metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) among United States (US) adults by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income from 1999 to 2018.
Methods:
We included 17,230 non-pregnant adults from a nationally representative cross-sectional study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). MUO was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 with any metabolic disorders in blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipids. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was calculated, and linear regression models estimated trends in MUO.
Results:
The weighted mean age of adults was 47.28 years; 51.02% were male, 74.64% were non-Hispanic White. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO continuously increased in adults across all subgroups during 1999–2018, although with different magnitudes (all P<0.05 for linear trend). Adults aged 45 to 64 years consistently had higher percentages of MUO from 1999–2000 (34.25%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.85% to 42.66%) to 2017–2018 (42.03%; 95% CI, 35.09% to 48.97%) than the other two age subgroups (P<0.05 for group differences). The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was the highest among non-Hispanic Blacks while the lowest among non-Hispanic Whites in most cycles. Adults with high-income levels generally had lower MUO percentages from 1999–2000 (22.63%; 95% CI, 17.00% to 28.26%) to 2017–2018 (32.36%; 95% CI, 23.87% to 40.85%) compared with the other two subgroups.
Conclusion
This study detected a continuous linear increasing trend in MUO among US adults from 1999 to 2018. The persistence of disparities by age, race/ethnicity, and income is a cause for concern. This calls for implementing evidence-based, structural, and effective MUO prevention programs.
10.Trends in Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity by Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, and Income among United States Adults, 1999 to 2018
Wen ZENG ; Weijiao ZHOU ; Junlan PU ; Juan LI ; Xiao HU ; Yuanrong YAO ; Shaomei SHANG
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):475-484
Background:
This study aimed to estimate temporal trends in metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) among United States (US) adults by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income from 1999 to 2018.
Methods:
We included 17,230 non-pregnant adults from a nationally representative cross-sectional study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). MUO was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 with any metabolic disorders in blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipids. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was calculated, and linear regression models estimated trends in MUO.
Results:
The weighted mean age of adults was 47.28 years; 51.02% were male, 74.64% were non-Hispanic White. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO continuously increased in adults across all subgroups during 1999–2018, although with different magnitudes (all P<0.05 for linear trend). Adults aged 45 to 64 years consistently had higher percentages of MUO from 1999–2000 (34.25%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.85% to 42.66%) to 2017–2018 (42.03%; 95% CI, 35.09% to 48.97%) than the other two age subgroups (P<0.05 for group differences). The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was the highest among non-Hispanic Blacks while the lowest among non-Hispanic Whites in most cycles. Adults with high-income levels generally had lower MUO percentages from 1999–2000 (22.63%; 95% CI, 17.00% to 28.26%) to 2017–2018 (32.36%; 95% CI, 23.87% to 40.85%) compared with the other two subgroups.
Conclusion
This study detected a continuous linear increasing trend in MUO among US adults from 1999 to 2018. The persistence of disparities by age, race/ethnicity, and income is a cause for concern. This calls for implementing evidence-based, structural, and effective MUO prevention programs.


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