1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
3.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
4.Clinical study on EGF and NF-κB regulating malignant progression of elderly gliomas
Yun SHAO ; Wenwen LIU ; Jing QIN ; Xinxin QI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(9):1233-1237
Objective To explore the expression of epidermal growth factor and nuclear transcrip-tion factor kappa B(NF-κB)in elderly gliomas and their roles in malignant progression of the dis-ease.Methods A total of 240 elderly glioma patients undergoing surgical resection in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were enrolled and served as an observation group.Another 100 patients receiving surgical treatment due to traumatic brain injury in our hospital during the same period were recruited and served as the control group.Immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression of epidermal growth factor and NF-κB in brain tissue.Cox regression analy-sis was employed to determine the independent influencing factors of malignant progression in the elderly glioma patients.Results The observation group had significantly higher epidermal growth factor expression score and NF-κB expression score than the control group(7.44±1.16 vs 3.68±0.51,6.49±1.02 vs 3.56±0.64,P<0.01).The age,tumor pathological grade,surgical approach,postoperative radiotherapy,and epidermal growth factor and NF-κB expression levels were inde-pendent factors affecting the progression of elderly glioma patients(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion The epidermal growth factor and NF-κB expression levels are independent influen-cing factors of progressive disease in elderly glioma patients,and can serve as evaluation indicators for postoperative progression in the patients.
5.Effects of Dendrimer-N-acetylcysteine on retinal revascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice and related mechanisms
Jing YANG ; Baoqi HU ; Rujia LIU ; Yun QI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(4):276-280
Objective To explore the effects of Dendrimer-N-acetylcysteine(D-NAC)on retinal revascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy(OIR)mice and related mechanisms.Methods Fourteen healthy C57BL/6J mice aged 7 days were used to establish an OIR mouse model.The mice were then divided into a control group and an experimental group.The control group was injected intravitreally with 1 μL of Dendrimer at a concentration of 1 g·L-1 into the left eye.The experimental group was injected intravitreally with 1 μL of D-NAC at a concentration of 1 g·L-1 into the right eye.Fluo-rescence staining of retina flat-mounting and Photoshop software were used to calculate the areas of vaso-obliteration and pathological neovascularization in each group of mice.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors in the mouse retina.Enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the mouse reti-na.SPSS18.0 software was used for statistical analysis of data.Results The area of vaso-obliteration in the experimental group[(13.55±3.42)mm2]was 38.18%smaller than that in the control group on the 17th day after birth[(21.92±3.13)mm2](t=17.76,P<0.01).The area of pathological neovascularization in the experimental group[(7.24±2.11)mum2]was significantly smaller than that in the control group[(10.12±2.74)mm2](t=2.91,P<0.05).The relative mRNA ex-pression levels of TNF-α,interleukin-1 β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1)and c-c motif chemokine ligand-7(CCL-7)in the mouse retina of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group on the 16th day after birth(all P<0.05).The relative mRNA expression levels of the astrocyte activation marker,glial fibrillary acidic proteins(GFAP),and the microglial activation marker,ionized calcium binding adaptor mole-cule 1(IBA-1)in the mouse retina of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group on the 16th day after birth(both P<0.05).ELISA results showed that the expression of TNF-α proteins in the mouse retina of the experimental group[(16.40±5.58)ng·g-1]was 25.49%lower than that of the control group[(22.01±5.82)ng·g-1]on the 16th day after birth(t=7.81,P=0.002).Conclusion Intravitreal injection of D-NAC may promote retinal revas-cularization in OIR mice by reducing levels of retinal inflammatory factors and inhibiting the activation of astrocytes and mi-croglial cells.
6.Moxibustion combined with low-dose tadalafil for diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction:A prospective,single-center,three-arm randomized controlled trial
Tao LIU ; Zhao-xu YANG ; Yan XU ; Qi ZHAO ; Xue LIU ; Xin-fei HUANG ; Zhi-xing SUN ; Yun CHEN ; Jian-huai CHEN
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(1):55-60
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of moxibustion(Mox)combined with low-dose tadalafil(TAD)in the treatment of diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction(DMED)with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis.Meth-ods:According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,we selected 90 patients with DMED for this trial and equally randomized them into a Mox,a TAD,and a Mox combined with TAD(Mox+TAD)group to be treated by mild Mox applied to the acupoints Zusanli,Sanyinjiao and Yinlingquan qd alt,oral medication with low-dose TAD at 5 mg per dose qd,and combination of the above two thera-pies,respectively,all for 4 weeks.We obtained from the patients their IIEF-5 scores,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptoms scores,Erectile Hardness Scale(EHS)scores,corpus cavernosal hemodynamic indexes,and the peak systolic velocity(PSV),end diastolic velocity(EDV)and resistance index(RI)of the corpus cavernosal arteries before and after treatment,and compared them among the three groups.Results:The total effectiveness rate was significantly higher in the Mox+TAD(90.0%)than in the Mox(46.7%)and TAD groups(60.0%)(P<0.05).Compared with the baseline,the IIEF-5 and EHS scores were increased,while the TCM symptoms scores decreased in all the three groups after treatment,more significantly in the Mox+TAD group than in the other two(P<0.05).And the PSV and RI were remarkably increased,while the EDV decreased(P<0.05)in all the three groups(P<0.05)after treatment,with PSV even higher in the Mox+TAD than in the Mox and TAD groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:Moxi-bustion combined with tadalafil has a definite efficacy and safety for the treatment of DMED,which can effectively improve the erectile function of the patients by increasing penile blood supply,benefiting qi and activating blood circulation.
7.Establish and application of intelligent management system for ICD coding of diseases and procedures
Yun LI ; Yongfeng LIU ; Ke YANG ; Wenzhong HOU ; Qi ZHANG
Modern Hospital 2025;25(3):438-441
Objective To establish an intelligent ICD coding management system to solve the current difficulties in hos-pital ICD coding management,reduce the error rate of information uploading,and improve the accuracy of coding.Methods An ICD coding management system was constructed,with the national clinical version of ICD coding as the main index system.The mapping relationship between the main index coding and the medical insurance version of ICD coding,as well as the hospital ver-sion of ICD coding,was established to achieve real-time maintenance and adjustment.In accordance with the requirements of na-tional public hospital performance evaluation and hospital level assessment,we will establish the ICD coding"label"function and knowledge base for evaluation indicators,embed them into electronic medical record system(EMR),and implement intelligent prompting functions for clinicians to facilitate systematic statistical analysis of data.Results After the establishment of the sys-tem,the error rate of mapping and uploading information such as disease diagnosis and procedures coding decreased significantly(1.2‰ vs 0.3‰,P<0.05).The accuracy of the main discharge diagnosis and procedures coding has significantly improved(82%vs 91%,P<0.05;78%vs 88%,P<0.05).The satisfaction of clinicians and coders increased significantly(65%vs 82%,P<0.05;79%vs 88%,P<0.05).Conclusion This system can reduce the error rate of mapping and uploading infor-mation,improve the accuracy and completeness of coding,enhance the management level of ICD coding,and promote the high-quality development of medical care.
8.Retrospective study on misidentification of bone injuries
Tinghong WANG ; Lirong QIU ; Qi LENG ; Yisi HUANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Lixia ZHANG ; Xiaodong DENG ; Zhenhua DENG ; Yun LIU
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(2):142-149
Objective This study aims to investigate controversial cases of forensic clinical re-identification of fractures,exploring the characteristics,causes,and countermeasures related to identification errors in primary bone injuries,complications,and subsequent changes.The goal is to provide identification strategies for similar cases regarding the collection of identification materials,timing,and examination method selection,ultimately establishing a paradigm for such identifications.Methods A total of 103 cases of clinical re-identification of fractures accepted by the West China Forensic Identification Center from 2020 to 2024 were collected,and the data from initial identifications and re-identifications were retrospectively analyzed.Results Male cases accounted for 69.90%of the re-identifications,with disability grade(67.96%)and injury degree(30.10%)being the primary concerns.Individual requests represented a high proportion(92.86%)in the initial assessment of disability levels,while unit or joint requests dominated the re-assessment(92.86%).The agreement rates for disability grade and injury degree were 55.26%and 59.38%,respectively.The reassessment of disability grades primarily involved fractures of limb long bones,spine,and ribs,with 75.53%of opinions resulting in downgraded disability levels.Rib,orbital,and nasal bone fractures were the main focus in injury degree reassessments,with 84.62%of opinions indicating aggravated injuries.The consistency rates for fracture identification in disability grade assessments was 92.21%,while rates for injury degree and sequelae were 65.63%and 48.94%,respectively.Inconsistencies in identifying damage facts—including the presence of fractures,distinguishing between fresh and old fractures,and determining the nature of fractures and sequelae—were primarily noted in rib,orbital,and nasal bone fractures.The utilization rate of CT metadata in initial evaluations(25.00%)was significantly lower than in re-evaluations(95.00%).The identification time for joint mobility dysfunction after fracture in re-identifications was significantly longer than in initial identifications(P=0.0002),and the identification time for cases with agreement was significantly shorter than for cases with disagreement(P=0.036).Conclusion Image data type and identification timing are critical factors that may influence the accuracy and consistency of forensic clinical identification of bone injuries.When necessary,dynamic CT metadata in conjunction with image post-processing technology can be routinely employed to identify fractures of the ribs,orbital bones,or nasal bones,thereby reducing the risk of misidentification.
9.Effects of Dendrimer-N-acetylcysteine on retinal revascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice and related mechanisms
Jing YANG ; Baoqi HU ; Rujia LIU ; Yun QI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(4):276-280
Objective To explore the effects of Dendrimer-N-acetylcysteine(D-NAC)on retinal revascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy(OIR)mice and related mechanisms.Methods Fourteen healthy C57BL/6J mice aged 7 days were used to establish an OIR mouse model.The mice were then divided into a control group and an experimental group.The control group was injected intravitreally with 1 μL of Dendrimer at a concentration of 1 g·L-1 into the left eye.The experimental group was injected intravitreally with 1 μL of D-NAC at a concentration of 1 g·L-1 into the right eye.Fluo-rescence staining of retina flat-mounting and Photoshop software were used to calculate the areas of vaso-obliteration and pathological neovascularization in each group of mice.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors in the mouse retina.Enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the mouse reti-na.SPSS18.0 software was used for statistical analysis of data.Results The area of vaso-obliteration in the experimental group[(13.55±3.42)mm2]was 38.18%smaller than that in the control group on the 17th day after birth[(21.92±3.13)mm2](t=17.76,P<0.01).The area of pathological neovascularization in the experimental group[(7.24±2.11)mum2]was significantly smaller than that in the control group[(10.12±2.74)mm2](t=2.91,P<0.05).The relative mRNA ex-pression levels of TNF-α,interleukin-1 β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1)and c-c motif chemokine ligand-7(CCL-7)in the mouse retina of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group on the 16th day after birth(all P<0.05).The relative mRNA expression levels of the astrocyte activation marker,glial fibrillary acidic proteins(GFAP),and the microglial activation marker,ionized calcium binding adaptor mole-cule 1(IBA-1)in the mouse retina of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group on the 16th day after birth(both P<0.05).ELISA results showed that the expression of TNF-α proteins in the mouse retina of the experimental group[(16.40±5.58)ng·g-1]was 25.49%lower than that of the control group[(22.01±5.82)ng·g-1]on the 16th day after birth(t=7.81,P=0.002).Conclusion Intravitreal injection of D-NAC may promote retinal revas-cularization in OIR mice by reducing levels of retinal inflammatory factors and inhibiting the activation of astrocytes and mi-croglial cells.
10.Effects of high-altitude hypoxia exposure on brain injury in rats based on oxidative stress and aquaporins
Xin-jue ZHANG ; Wang-jie CAO ; Yun SU ; Hong-xia GONG ; Yong HUANG ; Yong-qi LIU ; Jian-zheng HE ; Jia-wang GUO ; Neng-xian ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):81-85
Objective To explore the brain damage of SD rats under different time points of hypobaric hypoxia exposure.Methods A rat high-altitube cerebral edema(HACE)model was constructed by simulating an altitude of 6 000 m in a hypobaric hypoxia animal experimental chamber.Thirty-six SD male rats were randomly divided into the control group and the hypobaric hypoxia exposure 3,7 and 14 d groups,with 9 rats in each group.Except for the control group,the rats in each group were continuously exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 3,7,and 14 d.At the end of the modeling period,serum was collected by blood sampling via the abdominal aorta,and brain tissue samples were taken.The wet-to-dry ratio(W/D)of brain tissue was calculated,and the levels of relevant oxidative enzymes in serum and brain tissue were measured.The expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and aquaporin 4(AQP4)mRNAs in brain tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results The W/D of brain tissues in the control group and the group exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 3,7 and 14 d were 4.46±0.12,4.98±0.16,5.07±0.18 and 4.95±0.07;the superoxide dismutase contents were(111.86±2.45),(90.73±1.48),(79.64±2.56)and(55.33±1.45)U·g-1;the glutathione contents were(126.91±5.18),(125.26±1.53),(56.20±2.17)and(122.73±1.78)μg·mL-1;the malondialdehyde contents were(230.94±2.00),(362.65±3.28),(407.34±3.47)and(237.50±1.59)nmol·g-1;the relative expression levels of HIF-1 α mRNA were 1.00±0,2.99±0.49,4.72±0.49 and 1.91±0.28;the relative expression levels of AQP4 mRNA were 1.00±0,2.62±0.34,8.38±0.84 and 5.27±0.42,respectively.Statistically significant differences were found between the above indexes in the 3,7 and 14 d of hypobaric hypoxia exposure group compared with the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Different time of hypobaric hypoxia exposure can up-regulate the expression of AQPs proteins in HACE rats and cause the disruption of the blood-brain barrier,and the HACE model constructed in the hypobaric hypoxia chamber with 6 000 m intervention for 7 d was more stable.

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