1.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Primary Osteoporosis from Theory of Qi Deficiency and Stagnation and Mitochondrial Autophagy
Jiali ZHANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Ruoying SONG ; Jianqiang LI ; Feng LI ; Jiayi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):230-241
Primary osteoporosis (POP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, degenerated bone microstructure, and increased bone fragility. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of multiple factors such as genetics, aging, endocrine, and environment, which remain incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to insufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, thereby inhibiting osteoblast differentiation and promoting osteoclast activation, exacerbating the negative bone metabolism balance in POP. Mitochondrial autophagy, as the core mechanism of mitochondrial quality control, selectively identifies and clears damaged mitochondria to effectively reduce ROS accumulation and energy metabolism disorders, thus maintaining the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. It plays a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis and the prevention and treatment of POP. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of Qi transformation shares similarities with the functions of mitochondria in energy generation and substance conversion. The pathological state of Qi deficiency and stagnation may be associated with mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction, and the pathogenic characteristics of combined phlegm and stasis align with the metabolic waste accumulation induced by obstructed autophagy flow. This article explores the correlation of the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation with mitochondrial autophagy and elucidates its potential role in the pathogenesis of POP. Additionally, considering the pathogenesis features of POP, which involve deficiency causing stagnation and a mixture of deficiency and excess, this article proposes a novel therapeutic approach: tonifying Qi to support the body and unblocking collaterals to resolve stagnation from the perspective of mitochondrial autophagy. This article aims to provide theoretical support and research insights for further exploration of TCM in the prevention and treatment of POP.
2.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Primary Osteoporosis from Theory of Qi Deficiency and Stagnation and Mitochondrial Autophagy
Jiali ZHANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Ruoying SONG ; Jianqiang LI ; Feng LI ; Jiayi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):230-241
Primary osteoporosis (POP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, degenerated bone microstructure, and increased bone fragility. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of multiple factors such as genetics, aging, endocrine, and environment, which remain incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to insufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, thereby inhibiting osteoblast differentiation and promoting osteoclast activation, exacerbating the negative bone metabolism balance in POP. Mitochondrial autophagy, as the core mechanism of mitochondrial quality control, selectively identifies and clears damaged mitochondria to effectively reduce ROS accumulation and energy metabolism disorders, thus maintaining the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. It plays a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis and the prevention and treatment of POP. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of Qi transformation shares similarities with the functions of mitochondria in energy generation and substance conversion. The pathological state of Qi deficiency and stagnation may be associated with mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction, and the pathogenic characteristics of combined phlegm and stasis align with the metabolic waste accumulation induced by obstructed autophagy flow. This article explores the correlation of the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation with mitochondrial autophagy and elucidates its potential role in the pathogenesis of POP. Additionally, considering the pathogenesis features of POP, which involve deficiency causing stagnation and a mixture of deficiency and excess, this article proposes a novel therapeutic approach: tonifying Qi to support the body and unblocking collaterals to resolve stagnation from the perspective of mitochondrial autophagy. This article aims to provide theoretical support and research insights for further exploration of TCM in the prevention and treatment of POP.
3.Exploring Clinical Application and Mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang Based on Theory of Treating Different Diseases with Same Method
Jiali ZHANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Chuang GUO ; Ruoying SONG ; Zhipeng LI ; Yongbing WEN ; Feng LI ; Jiayi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):224-235
Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang was first documented in ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han Dynasty as the principal formula for treating blood obstruction syndrome. It is composed of Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and Jujubae Fructus. This formula exhibits the effects of replenishing Qi, warming meridians, harmonizing blood, and relieving obstruction, being primarily indicated for blood obstruction syndrome characterized by diminished Yin and Yang functions with external manifestations of bodily numbness. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes strict adherence to pathogenesis while applying tailored therapies, employing consistent treatment approaches for conditions with diverse clinical presentations but shared pathogenesis, which embodies the principle of treating different diseases with the same method. In modern clinical practice, Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang is widely applied in multisystem disorders presenting with symptoms such as cutaneous numbness, cold-induced pain and stiffness, and soreness and weakness, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary heart disease, pediatric spastic cerebral palsy, and recovery phases of cerebral infarction, demonstrating proven efficacy. Modern pharmacological studies confirm its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-stress, hemorheological-improving, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects by regulating multiple signaling pathways such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE), thereby addressing common pathological processes including inflammation, hypercoagulability, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and neural injury, highlighting the integrated regulatory advantages of TCM formulas with multi-target, multi-level, multi-component, and multi-pathway mechanisms. According to the theory of treating different diseases with the same method and focusing on three core syndromes of blood obstruction, this article systematically reviews and elucidates the clinical extensions and shared mechanisms of this formula, aiming to provide evidence-based insights for the modern adaptation and precise application of this classical formula in orthopedic and related disciplines for chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
4.Mechanistic insights into the GEF activity of the human MON1A/CCZ1/C18orf8 complex.
Yubin TANG ; Yaoyao HAN ; Zhenpeng GUO ; Ying LI ; Xinyu GONG ; Yuchao ZHANG ; Haobo LIU ; Xindi ZHOU ; Daichao XU ; Yixiao ZHANG ; Lifeng PAN
Protein & Cell 2025;16(8):739-744
5.Serum levels of TMAO,NfL,and PGC-1α in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and their association with short-term prognosis
Tiezhu GUO ; Xiangdong WANG ; Jianhong LI ; Yubin FANG ; Yao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(10):589-595
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum trimethylamine oxide(TMAO),neurofilament light chain protein(NfL),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α)expression levels and short-term prognosis in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH)patients.Method A total of 125 aSAH patients(aSAH group)and 125 healthy volunteers in the same period(control group)who were admitted in heji hospital affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from March 2020 to June 2023 were selected.The serum expression levels of TMAO,NfL and PGC-1α were compared between control group and aSAH group.The aSAH patients were followed up for 6 months after discharge.Their prognosis were evaluated using Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS)and they were further divided into good prognosis and poor prognosis groups according to the GOS results.The serum expression levels of TMAO,NfL and PGC-1α were compared between the two groups.The poor prognosis influencing factors were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis,the serum TMAO,NfL and PGC-1α value in predicting poor prognosis were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Result The expression levels of serum TMAO and PGC-1 α in the aSAH group were(2.63±0.36)μmol/L and(0.51±0.13)ng/mL,respectively,which were lower than those in the control group(3.18±0.57)μmol/L and(0.81±0.16)ng/mL(P<0.05).The expression level of serum NfL was significantly higher in the aSAH group(64.48±14.35 pg/mL)than in the control group(28.36±8.82 pg/mL)(P<0.05).Compared with the good prognosis group whose serum levels of TMAO and PGC-1 α were(2.80±0.80)μmol/L and(0.58±0.16)ng/mL,respectively,the poor prognosis group had significantly lower serum TMAO[(2.29±0.63)μmol/L]and PGC-1 α[(0.36±0.12)ng/mL](P<0.05).In contrast,poor prognosis group had a significantly higher level of NfL(76.70±15.61)pg/mL compared to good prognosis group(58.52±10.52)pg/mL(P<0.05).The proportion of patients with hypertension,patients with diabetes,patients with large or giant aneurysms,patients with Hunt Hess grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ,patients with onset to hospital time>12 h,and the level of C-reactive protein(CRP)were higher in the poor prognosis group than in the good prognosis group(P<0.05).Hunt Hess grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ,elevated serum CRP and NfL were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in aSAH patients(P<0.05),while elevated TMAO and PGC-1 α were protective factors(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum TMAO,NfL,PGC-1 α,and their combined prediction of poor prognosis in aSAH patients were 0.726,0.830,0.862,and 0.956,respectively.The AUC of the combined detection was greater than that of each indicator detected separately.Conclusion Serum TMAO and PGC-1α are lowly expressed in aSAH patients,and serum NfL is highly expressed,which are related to the occurrence of short-term poor prognosis,the combined detection of the three indicators has a high predictive value for short-term poor prognosis in aSAH patients.
6.Progress of Krüppel-like factor 5 in tumors
Yubin YANG ; Tao ZHANG ; Ruoqi WANG ; Juanjuan GUO ; Xiaoming HOU
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(9):713-716
Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) has been confirmed as a key transcription factor in the occurrence and development of tumors, which is closely related to the malignant biological behaviors such as the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. This article summarizes the latest progress of KLF5 in tumor research, explores the mechanism and role of KLF5 in promoting tumor progression, aiming to further explore the potential of KLF5 as a therapeutic target and bring new thinking to the research in this field.
7.Feasibility of flight fatigue detection using photoplethysmography and regional cerebral oxygen saturation
Dalong GUO ; Yubin ZHOU ; Yufei QIN ; Lamei SHANG ; Zhen TIAN ; Baosen TAN ; Zichuan GUO ; Cong WANG
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2025;36(3):161-166
Objective:To investigate the feasibility of flight fatigue being detected via photoplethysmography (PPG) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO 2) in order to address the challenges posed by flight fatigue during prolonged or multiple consecutive flights. Methods:A total of 16 healthy male volunteers were enrolled. A wireless cerebral oximetry monitor headband was employed to collect PPG and rScO 2 data from the forehead while a multi-lead physiological data acquisition system was used concurrently to record three-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs). After 18 h of sleep deprivation, each volunteer performed a flight-simulating task, which was divided into 4 stages: the baseline period (T1), relaxation period (T2), early fatigue period (T3) and severe fatigue period (T4). Five-minute data was collected from each stage for analysis using AcqKnowledge 6.0. Heart rate (HR) and 3 HR variability (HRV) metrics, namely standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and low frequency to high frequency power ratio (LF/HF), were computed independently from both ECG and PPG traces. The mean rScO 2 value for each stage was used to represent the cerebral oxygen saturation during that stage. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was employed to assess the consistency of the measurements, and the differences in HR and HRV indicators of the volunteers in the 4 stages of the experiment were analyzed. Results:The HR measured by ECG and PPG was highly consistent across the 4 stages among the 14 volunteers ( ICC=0.951, 0.963, 0.962, 0.963, P=0.013, 0.011, 0.021, 0.015), so were SDNN, RMSSD and LF/HF values ( ICC=0.935-0.983, all P<0.05). HR values calculated with either method showed significant differences across the 4 stages in the 14 volunteers ( F=21.63, 20.52, P=0.007, 0.008). HR gradually declined from T1 to T4, and was significantly lower at T4 than at T1 ( P=0.011, 0.009). There were significant differences in SDNN ( F=22.31, 24.26, P=0.006, 0.003), RMSSD ( F=22.30, 22.26, P=0.006, 0.006), and LF/HF ( F=20.37, 25.13, P=0.009, 0.002) across the 4 stages among the 14 volunteers. SDNN and RMSSD kept increasing as fatigue was intensified, while LF/HF decreased correspondingly. Statistically significant differences were found in SDNN, RMSSD and LF/HF values between T4 and T1 (all P<0.01). rScO 2 measured during the flight-simulating trial also differed significantly across the 4 stages ( F=21.39, P=0.007). rScO? at both T3 and T4 was significantly lower than at T1 ( P=0.009, 0.007). Conclusions:PPG can replace ECG for monitoring HR and HRV indicators under flight fatigue. Furthermore, the combination of PPG with rScO 2 monitoring allows for earlier detection of flight fatigue. This study is expected to offer a user-friendly and non-invasive approach to management of pilot fatigue.
8.Serum levels of TMAO,NfL,and PGC-1α in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and their association with short-term prognosis
Tiezhu GUO ; Xiangdong WANG ; Jianhong LI ; Yubin FANG ; Yao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(10):589-595
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum trimethylamine oxide(TMAO),neurofilament light chain protein(NfL),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α)expression levels and short-term prognosis in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH)patients.Method A total of 125 aSAH patients(aSAH group)and 125 healthy volunteers in the same period(control group)who were admitted in heji hospital affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from March 2020 to June 2023 were selected.The serum expression levels of TMAO,NfL and PGC-1α were compared between control group and aSAH group.The aSAH patients were followed up for 6 months after discharge.Their prognosis were evaluated using Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS)and they were further divided into good prognosis and poor prognosis groups according to the GOS results.The serum expression levels of TMAO,NfL and PGC-1α were compared between the two groups.The poor prognosis influencing factors were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis,the serum TMAO,NfL and PGC-1α value in predicting poor prognosis were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Result The expression levels of serum TMAO and PGC-1 α in the aSAH group were(2.63±0.36)μmol/L and(0.51±0.13)ng/mL,respectively,which were lower than those in the control group(3.18±0.57)μmol/L and(0.81±0.16)ng/mL(P<0.05).The expression level of serum NfL was significantly higher in the aSAH group(64.48±14.35 pg/mL)than in the control group(28.36±8.82 pg/mL)(P<0.05).Compared with the good prognosis group whose serum levels of TMAO and PGC-1 α were(2.80±0.80)μmol/L and(0.58±0.16)ng/mL,respectively,the poor prognosis group had significantly lower serum TMAO[(2.29±0.63)μmol/L]and PGC-1 α[(0.36±0.12)ng/mL](P<0.05).In contrast,poor prognosis group had a significantly higher level of NfL(76.70±15.61)pg/mL compared to good prognosis group(58.52±10.52)pg/mL(P<0.05).The proportion of patients with hypertension,patients with diabetes,patients with large or giant aneurysms,patients with Hunt Hess grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ,patients with onset to hospital time>12 h,and the level of C-reactive protein(CRP)were higher in the poor prognosis group than in the good prognosis group(P<0.05).Hunt Hess grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ,elevated serum CRP and NfL were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in aSAH patients(P<0.05),while elevated TMAO and PGC-1 α were protective factors(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum TMAO,NfL,PGC-1 α,and their combined prediction of poor prognosis in aSAH patients were 0.726,0.830,0.862,and 0.956,respectively.The AUC of the combined detection was greater than that of each indicator detected separately.Conclusion Serum TMAO and PGC-1α are lowly expressed in aSAH patients,and serum NfL is highly expressed,which are related to the occurrence of short-term poor prognosis,the combined detection of the three indicators has a high predictive value for short-term poor prognosis in aSAH patients.
9.Feasibility of flight fatigue detection using photoplethysmography and regional cerebral oxygen saturation
Dalong GUO ; Yubin ZHOU ; Yufei QIN ; Lamei SHANG ; Zhen TIAN ; Baosen TAN ; Zichuan GUO ; Cong WANG
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2025;36(3):161-166
Objective:To investigate the feasibility of flight fatigue being detected via photoplethysmography (PPG) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO 2) in order to address the challenges posed by flight fatigue during prolonged or multiple consecutive flights. Methods:A total of 16 healthy male volunteers were enrolled. A wireless cerebral oximetry monitor headband was employed to collect PPG and rScO 2 data from the forehead while a multi-lead physiological data acquisition system was used concurrently to record three-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs). After 18 h of sleep deprivation, each volunteer performed a flight-simulating task, which was divided into 4 stages: the baseline period (T1), relaxation period (T2), early fatigue period (T3) and severe fatigue period (T4). Five-minute data was collected from each stage for analysis using AcqKnowledge 6.0. Heart rate (HR) and 3 HR variability (HRV) metrics, namely standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and low frequency to high frequency power ratio (LF/HF), were computed independently from both ECG and PPG traces. The mean rScO 2 value for each stage was used to represent the cerebral oxygen saturation during that stage. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was employed to assess the consistency of the measurements, and the differences in HR and HRV indicators of the volunteers in the 4 stages of the experiment were analyzed. Results:The HR measured by ECG and PPG was highly consistent across the 4 stages among the 14 volunteers ( ICC=0.951, 0.963, 0.962, 0.963, P=0.013, 0.011, 0.021, 0.015), so were SDNN, RMSSD and LF/HF values ( ICC=0.935-0.983, all P<0.05). HR values calculated with either method showed significant differences across the 4 stages in the 14 volunteers ( F=21.63, 20.52, P=0.007, 0.008). HR gradually declined from T1 to T4, and was significantly lower at T4 than at T1 ( P=0.011, 0.009). There were significant differences in SDNN ( F=22.31, 24.26, P=0.006, 0.003), RMSSD ( F=22.30, 22.26, P=0.006, 0.006), and LF/HF ( F=20.37, 25.13, P=0.009, 0.002) across the 4 stages among the 14 volunteers. SDNN and RMSSD kept increasing as fatigue was intensified, while LF/HF decreased correspondingly. Statistically significant differences were found in SDNN, RMSSD and LF/HF values between T4 and T1 (all P<0.01). rScO 2 measured during the flight-simulating trial also differed significantly across the 4 stages ( F=21.39, P=0.007). rScO? at both T3 and T4 was significantly lower than at T1 ( P=0.009, 0.007). Conclusions:PPG can replace ECG for monitoring HR and HRV indicators under flight fatigue. Furthermore, the combination of PPG with rScO 2 monitoring allows for earlier detection of flight fatigue. This study is expected to offer a user-friendly and non-invasive approach to management of pilot fatigue.
10.Progress of Krüppel-like factor 5 in tumors
Yubin YANG ; Tao ZHANG ; Ruoqi WANG ; Juanjuan GUO ; Xiaoming HOU
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(9):713-716
Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) has been confirmed as a key transcription factor in the occurrence and development of tumors, which is closely related to the malignant biological behaviors such as the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. This article summarizes the latest progress of KLF5 in tumor research, explores the mechanism and role of KLF5 in promoting tumor progression, aiming to further explore the potential of KLF5 as a therapeutic target and bring new thinking to the research in this field.

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