1.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Mechanisms of Inflammatory Injury in Diabetic Cardiomypathy from Theory of "Gaozhuo"
Xiaoyue WANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Yixin XIANG ; Sihao ZHANG ; Qin XIANG ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):235-244
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and is a major threat to global health. As a key mechanism in the occurrence and progression of DCM, the inflammatory response persists throughout the entire course of the DCM. The Gaozhuo theory suggests that the basic pathogenesis of inflammatory injury in DCM is the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and Gaozhuo invasion, and divides the pathological process into three phases: Gaozhuo invasion, turbid heat damage to the channels, and turbid blood stasis and heat junction. Among them, the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo represent the process of inflammatory factor formation induced by glucose metabolism disorders. Turbid heat damage to the channels refers to the process of myocardial inflammatory injury mediated by inflammatory factors, and turbid blood stasis and heat junction are the process of myocardial injury developing toward myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling. As the disease continues to progress, it eventually develops into a depletion of the heart Yang, leading to the ultimate regression of heart failure. According to the theory of Gaozhuo, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) should regulate inflammatory injury in DCM by strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney to address the root cause, and resolving dampness and lowering turbidity to treat the symptoms. If the turbidity has been stored for a long time and turns into heat, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney, and clearing heat and resolving turbidity should be the therapy. If the turbidity, stasis, and heat are knotted in the heart and collaterals, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney, and resolving stasis and lowering turbidity should be the therapy. TCM compounds and monomers can regulate the inflammatory response in DCM. TCM compounds can be divided into the categories for benefiting Qi to resolve turbidity, benefiting Qi and clearing heat to resolve turbidity, and benefiting Qi and activating blood to reduce turbidity. The compounds can inhibit upstream signals of inflammation and expression of inflammatory factors, improve the inflammatory damage to myocardium and blood vessels, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiac systole and diastole, and thus slow down the onset and progression of DCM.
2.Mechanism of Yueju Wan in Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia Based on Regulation of 5-HT Signaling Pathway
Haoran SHEN ; Yaru GU ; Muqing ZHANG ; Zhikuo DONG ; Xingxing GAO ; Dantong LI ; Ying GU ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):20-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Yueju Wan on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) signaling pathway in rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) and to explore its therapeutic mechanism in the treatment of FD. MethodsSixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, mosapride group (1.575 mg·kg-1), and Yueju Wan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.735, 1.47, and 2.94 g·kg-1, respectively). The FD rat model was established using GUO's tail-clamping stimulation combined with irregular feeding. After 14 days of modeling, rats were administered the corresponding drugs by gavage for 28 days. After treatment, gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were measured. Serum levels of 5-HT, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), and substance P (SP) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and acetylcholine (ACh) levels were determined by chemical methods. Histopathological changes in the gastric antrum were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor (5-HT4R), SP, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in colon tissue, as well as 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor (5-HT3R), SP, and AChE in hypothalamic tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the expression of 5-HT and 5-HT4R in the colon and 5-HT and 5-HT3R in the hypothalamus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Serum levels of 5-HT, SP, ACh, and TPH were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed irregular arrangement of glands in the gastric antrum, slight mucosal atrophy, and mild inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-HT4R, SP, and AChE in colon tissue, as well as 5-HT3R, SP, and AChE in hypothalamic tissue, were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and 5-HT protein expression in both the colon and hypothalamus was also significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Yueju Wan groups showed significantly increased gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate (P<0.01). The glands in the gastric antrum were more regularly arranged, with no inflammatory cell infiltration observed. Serum levels of 5-HT, SP, ACh, and TPH were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-HT4R, SP, and AChE in colon tissue and 5-HT3R, SP, and AChE in hypothalamic tissue were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and 5-HT protein expression in both the colon and hypothalamus was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionYueju Wan has preventive and therapeutic effects on FD, and its mechanism may be related to regulation of the 5-HT signaling pathway, promotion of brain-gut peptide secretion, and enhancement of gastric motility.
3.Adiponectin alleviates high glucose-induced retinal angiogenesis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome
Yong ZHANG ; Xiaodi WANG ; Yixin ZHANG ; Guomin YAO
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):732-737
AIM: To explore the effect of adiponectin(ADPN)on angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(hRMECs)in high glucose(HG)environment and role of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome.METHODS: The hRMECs were divided into six groups, including control group(without treatment), HG group: incubated with D-glucose, ADPN group: pretreatment with ADPN and then incubated with D-glucose, CY-09 group: pretreatment with CY-09(an NLRP3 inhibitor)and then incubated with D-glucose, Nigericin group: pretreatment with nigericin(an NLRP3 activator)and then incubated with D-glucose, Nigericin+ADPN group: pretreatment with nigericin and ADPN and then incubated with D-glucose. NLRP3 level was detected using Western blot analysis. hRMECs migration was measured using scratch wound healing assay. The tube formation of hRMECs was detected using Matrigel.RESULTS: The NLRP3 expression in hRMECs cultured in an HG environment was significantly increased(P<0.01), while ADPN and CY-09 reduced the elevated NLRP3(both P<0.05 vs HG group). Nigericin significantly increased NLRP3 levels(P<0.01 vs control group)which was reversed by ADPN(P=0.032 vs Nigericin group). hRMECs migration ability(P<0.001), and total master segments length and number of meshes increased in HG group(P<0.001)while decreased in ADPN and CY-09 groups(all P<0.01 vs HG group). The hRMECs migration ability and tube formation(total master segments length and number of meshes)in HG environment were significantly increased by nigericin(P=0.003), while ADPN inversed the change. CONCLUSION: ADPN alleviates the migration and angiogenesis of hRMECs under HG conditions.
4.Prevalence and associated factors of short video addiction among nursing students in higher vocational colleges
YAN Menghua, LU Yixin, WANG Meili, ZHANG Zhenxiang, MEI Yongxia, CHANG Xiaofang, XIANG Xu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):700-703
Objective:
To understand the current status of short video addiction among vocational nursing students in higher vocational colleges (hereinafter referred to as "nursing students") and its related factors, so as to provide a reference for formulating online education programs in colleges.
Methods:
From March to May 2025, a stratified random sample of 2 223 nursing students from four vocational colleges in Henan Province was selected. Short Video Addiction Scale for College Students, Short form Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran for Chinese, Peer Rejection Scale, and University of California at Los Angels Loneliness Scale were used for investigation. Chi square test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the related factors of short video addiction among nursing students.
Results:
The detection rate of short video addiction of higher vocational nursing students was 26.95%, and the scores for avoidance, loss of control, inefficiency and withdrawal were (8.05±2.97) (10.24±3.09) (4.99±1.88) and (11.97±4.10), respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that sophomore year 2 ( OR=1.83, 95%CI =1.39-2.40), higher maternal education level (secondary school/vocational college: OR =1.34, 95% CI =1.06-1.68; college/undergraduate: OR =1.38, 95% CI =1.05-1.82), paternal overprotection ( OR=1.59, 95%CI =1.27-2.00), high peer rejection ( OR=1.40, 95%CI =1.19-1.66), and strong loneliness ( OR=1.57, 95%CI =1.07-2.28) were associated with a higher risk of short video addiction among nursing students (all P <0.05). Paternal affectionate and warm rearing style ( OR=0.82, 95%CI = 0.71- 0.95) was associated with a lower risk of short video addiction ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The detection rate of short video addiction among nursing students is relatively high. Short video addiction is related to the nursing students grade, maternal education level, paternal overprotection and affectionate rearing style, peer rejection, and loneliness.
5.Mechanism of Xielitang Against Ulcerative Colitis in Mice Based on "Intestinal Flora-bile Acid" Axis
Xiaotian WANG ; Yaning BIAO ; Yixin ZHANG ; Jian CHEN ; Ya GAO ; Yufang ZHANG ; Muqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):30-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Xielitang on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice and its possible mechanism. MethodsDSS was used to establish UC model. Sixty mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a sulfasalazine group (0.6 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Xielitang groups (1.67, 3.34, 6.68 g·kg-1). After treatment for 42 d, the colon length was recorded, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathomorphological changes of colon. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), small heterodimer partner (SHP), liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) in liver and FXR, sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), and fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) in ileum. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the intestinal flora. Moreover, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the bile acid content. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased colon length, IL-10 content, α-diversity index, abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, and content of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) (P<0.01), significantly increased DAI score, IL-6 and TNF-α content, abundance of Bacteroidetes, and the content of cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and taurocholic acid (TCA) (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly down-regulated protein expression of FXR, SHP, and FGFR4 in liver and FXR, ASBT, and FGF15 in ileum (P<0.01), and significantly up-regulated protein expression of LRH-1 and CYP7A1 in liver (P<0.01). In addition, the structure of colonic mucosa was destroyed, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the model group. Compared with the model group, Xielitang could significantly increase the colon length, IL-10 content, α-diversity index, the abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, and DCA and LCA content (P<0.05, P<0.01), decrease DAI score, abundance of Bacteroidetes, and the content of IL-6, TNF-α, CA, CDCA, and TCA (P<0.01), up-regulate the protein expression of FXR, SHP, and FGFR4 in liver and FXR, ASBT, and FGF15 in ileum (P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expression of LRH-1 and CYP7A1 in liver (P<0.01). The pathological damage of colonic mucosa was obviously alleviated. ConclusionXielitang protects against UC probably by regulating the "intestinal microbiota-bile acid" axis, regulating intestinal flora imbalance, and maintaining bile acid homeostasis.
6.Effects of the prolyl hydroxylase 2 inhibitor cpd17 on mouse osteogenic precursor cells
Zhongqiu DU ; Xiaoyang QI ; Ping YANG ; Jianglin YU ; Yixin CHEN ; Linjian ZHANG ; Xusheng QIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):238-244
BACKGROUND:Prolyl hydroxylase domain 2(PHD2)inhibitors can regulate bone metabolism and relieve osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.cpd17 is a small molecule oral PHD2 inhibitor newly developed by China Pharmaceutical University.It is effective in the treatment of renal anemia with few side effects,but its effect on bone formation and bone resorption is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of cpd17 on mouse osteogenic precursor cells. METHODS:Osteogenic precursor cells were treated with cpd17.Alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization were measured,and the expression levels of osteogenesis-and osteoclastogenesis-related markers,as well as PHD2 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α,were detected.After inhibition of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α pathway using LW6(a hypoxia-inducible factor 1α pathway inhibitor),alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization were detected again,as well as the expression levels of osteogenesis-and osteoclastogenesis-related markers,PHD2 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:cpd17 significantly enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization,up-regulated the expression of osteogenesis-related markers,down-regulated the expression of osteoclastogenesis-related markers,up-regulated the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α,down-regulate the expression of PHD2.However,cpd17's effects were significantly attenuated by LW6.To conclude,the PHD2 inhibitor cpd17 promotes osteogenic differentiation and inhibits osteoclastic differentiation through activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α signaling pathway.
7.Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Zhixin YU ; Shaodong HONG ; Hui YU ; Xuanye ZHANG ; Zichun LI ; Ping CHEN ; Yixin ZHOU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(5):531-539
BACKGROUND:
The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy (ICI + Chemo) shows promise in treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC), but some patients received limited benefit and the prognostic factors of the treatments remain unclear. Furthermore, ICIs efficacy in subsequent treatments needs further evaluation.
METHODS:
A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and major conference proceedings was conducted to identify relevant studies for meta-analysis. The study was designed to compare ICI + Chemo with chemotherapy in first-line treatment and identify efficacy predictors, and to evaluate ICIs alone in subsequent-line treatment for RM-NPC, with a focus on progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS:
Fifteen trials involving 1928 patients were included. Three trials compared ICI + Chemo with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment, while 12 trials evaluated ICIs alone in subsequent-line treatment of RM-NPC patients. First-line ICI + Chemo showed superior PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.63; P <0.001) and ORR (risk ratio [RR] = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.05-1.24; P <0.001) compared to chemotherapy, without increased AEs (RR = 1.01, 95% CI, 0.99-1.03; P = 0.481). Neither programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) nor other factors predicted the efficacy of ICI + Chemo vs . chemotherapy. Subsequent-line ICIs alone had a median PFS of 4.12 months (95% CI, 2.93-5.31 months), an ORR of 24% (95% CI, 20-28%), with grade 1-5/grade 3-5 AEs at 79%/14%. However, ICIs alone were associated with significantly shorter PFS (HR = 1.31, 95% CI, 1.01-1.68; P = 0.040) than chemotherapy alone.
CONCLUSIONS
ICI + Chemo confers superior survival benefits compared to chemotherapy in first-line RM-NPC treatment, independent of PD-L1 expression or other factors. However, ICIs alone demonstrate a manageable safety profile but do not surpass chemotherapy in efficacy for subsequent-line treatment.
Humans
;
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects*
;
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/drug therapy*
;
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy*
8.Enhanced workflow applied in robotic-assisted total hip revision arthroplasty
Yixin ZHOU ; Wang DENG ; Yongqi XIA ; Kaiding WU ; Jinqing ZHANG ; Dejin YANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(6):473-478
Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of applying an enhanced workflow in robotic-assisted total hip revision arthroplasty.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 25 consecutive patients who had undergone robotic-assisted total hip revision arthroplasty in which an enhanced workflow was applied at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from September 2021 to October 2024. The cohort consisted of 8 males and 17 females with an age of (64.0±12.8) years. The left side was affected in 18 cases and the right side in 7 cases. The time from initial total hip arthroplasty to revision was (159.6±86.7) months. In all patients, no significant difference was found in the preoperative femoral cortical thickness between the healthy and the affected sides. The enhanced workflow included preoperative CT modeling and planning, intraoperative registration, prosthetic removal and reconstruction, and verification of prosthesis position. A total of 18 patients underwent total hip revision involving both the acetabular and the femoral sides; 6 patients underwent simple acetabular reconstruction with retention of the original femoral stem and replacement of the femoral head; 1 patient underwent femoral revision with retention of the acetabular cup and replacement of the acetabular liner. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for hip pain at the final follow-up, and follow-up complications were recorded.Results:All patients successfully completed robotic registration during surgery, with no case of intraoperative robotic termination. For the 25 patients, the operative time was (152.2±43.8) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss 600 (400, 1,000) mL, and the follow-up time 12.0 (6.0, 31.5) months. At the final follow-up, their mHHS improved from 66.0 (26.4, 75.6) points preoperatively to 93.5 (80.3, 98.9) points, and their VAS pain score decreased from 5.0 (3.0, 7.0) points preoperatively to 0.0 (0.0, 2.0) point ( P<0.05). Follow-ups revealed no case of reoperation, prosthetic loosening, joint dislocation, periprosthetic infection, or periprosthetic fracture. Conclusion:The enhanced workflow can achieve satisfactory outcomes in robotic-assisted total hip revision for patients with adequate proximal femoral bone stock.
9.Mechanism and clinical application of scar pressure therapy
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(4):316-324
Through thousands of years of development, pressure therapy has become an important treatment method for hypertrophic scars and keloids. This article reviews the historical evolution of scar pressure therapy, analyzes its biological mechanisms and current clinical applications, and discusses the classification of pressure therapy methods and related principles. It has been demonstrated that pressure therapy can effectively improve the appearance and function of scars, with mechanisms involving the regulation of scar tissue morphology, cellular functions, immune responses, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Although the current therapy is diverse in approaches and is widely used, it still faces challenges including uneven pressure application, poor patient compliance, and inaccurate pressure monitoring. Future research should explore the multidimensional influencing factors of pressure therapy to explore more personalized and scientific scar treatment strategies.
10.Clinical efficacy of the Magpie-bridge Microskin Grafting in treating linear white scars
Yuchen TANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(4):333-340
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the Magpie-bridge Microskin Grafting (hereinafter briefly referred to as Magpie-bridge surgery) in treating linear white scars (LWS).Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. From October 2022 to December 2023, 37 LWS patients were treated with the Magpie-bridge surgery at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, including 9 males and 28 females, aged 25 (17, 36) years. All scars were <2 mm in width and 1–10 cm in length before surgery. Magpie-bridge surgery procedure: an electric punch was used to excise scar tissue at intervals to form wounds and harvest microskin grafts of the same size and thickness as the removed scar tissue from behind the ear or axillary apex. The microskin grafts were implanted at the wound sites and fixed with tension-reducing adhesive tape. The donor area wounds were treated with routine dressing changes. Twelve months after the first surgery, the efficacy was evaluated based on the degree of reduction in scar white area compared with that before the first surgery, and the treatment effectiveness rate was calculated. Before the first surgery and 12 months after the first surgery, the melanin scores of the normal skin area surrounding the scar and the scar area were evaluated using a skin imaging analysis system, and the difference between the two was calculated. Six of the aforementioned patients requested a second Magpie-bridge surgery in pursuit of better therapeutic effects. The white scar tissue left untreated during the first surgery (hereinafter referred to as untreated scar tissue) and the tissue from the site at 12 months post scar removal and microskin transplantation (hereinafter referred to as the recipient skin tissue at 12 months after the first surgery) were collected. The tissue structure, melanin quantity and distribution were examined by using hematoxylin eosin staining and Masson-Fontana staining, and the activity of tyrosinase positive melanocytes was observed by using immunofluorescence staining.Results:At 12 months after the first surgery, the results of efficacy evaluation showed that 24 cases were cured, 11 cases were improved, 1 case was ineffective, and 1 case was in a worsened condition, yielding a 94.6% (35/37) treatment effectiveness rate. The melanin score difference between the surrounding normal skin area of scar and the scar area was 0.45 (0.10, 1.65) at 12 months after the first surgery, which was significantly less than 2.50 (1.40, 5.96) before the first surgery ( Z=-5.02, P<0.05). Six patients had untreated scar tissue with flat epidermis and a flat junction between dermis and epidermis; the collagen fiber bundles in the dermis were thick and unidirectionally parallel; no skin appendages such as hair follicles were observed; the basal layer of the epidermis showed deposition of melanin particles, but no extensive depigmentation was observed. Compared with those of untreated scar tissue, the epidermal thickness increased, and epidermal protrusions appeared at the junction of dermis and epidermis of the recipient skin tissue at 12 months after the first surgery; hair follicles and sebaceous glands were visible, and collagen fibers in the dermis were arranged vertically and horizontally in an orderly manner. Melanin particles were deposited in the basal layer of the epidermis, and the melanin content per unit area of tissue was increased. Tyrosinase-positive melanocytes in untreated scar tissue and in the recipient skin tissue at 12 months after the first surgery were mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis, with normal cell activity and no significant difference. Conclusions:The Magpie-bridge surgery can significantly improve the appearance of LWS in patients, with definite therapeutic effects and value for clinical promotion; the improvement of LWS appearance by Magpie-bridge surgery may be related to the increase of melanin content per unit area of tissue and the normalization of tissue structure.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail