1.Evaluation of Taraxacum mongolicum Germplasm Resources Based on Characteristic Profiles and Chemical Markers
Lantian SHI ; Xiaojie LIU ; Xiaolin LI ; Yutong HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):267-275
ObjectiveBased on the established characteristic profiles, quantitative analysis of multiple components, and chemometric analysis of Taraxacum mongolicum, the quality of different T. mongolicum germplasms was evaluated at the chemical level, thereby providing a reference for the screening of high-quality germplasms and the rational utilization of wild resources. MethodsAn ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was employed to establish characteristic profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were then adopted to screen and comprehensively rank marker compounds. ResultsThe UPLC fingerprint of T. mongolicum germplasm identified 13 chromatographic peaks corresponding to gallic acid, coumaric acid, neochlorogenic acid, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, cichoric acid, luteoloside, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid C. Combined with chemometric analysis such as PCA and PLS-DA, eight core markers (cichoric acid, luteoloside, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, and isochlorogenic acid A) were screened for distinguishing wild and cultivated germplasms. Additionally, eight core markers (cichoric acid, caffeic acid, luteoloside, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, and neochlorogenic acid) were selected for the evaluation and screening of different T. mongolicum germplasms. ConclusionThis study establishes a UPLC analysis method capable of simultaneously determining 13 characteristic components in T. mongolicum, such as cichoric acid and chlorogenic acid, as well as their precursor compound contents in the biosynthetic pathway. Based on the above methods, three T. mongolicum germplasms (PGY-004, PGY-009, and PGY-010) with promising medicinal potential are selected for subsequent research on variety breeding. The present study provides a reference for quality control of Taraxacum mongolicum, germplasm screening, and the rational development and utilization of wild resources.
2.Research progress of red light therapy for dry eye and visual fatigue
Yutong XIE ; Siyu JIA ; Jiamin GAO ; Ruofan LIU ; Meiling LI ; Jiangying LI ; Xi LUO ; Xiaonan LI ; Rong YAN ; Hongbo LI
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):636-640
Dry eye disease(DED)is a common ocular surface disorder worldwide, primarily characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and frequently associated with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), decreased tear film stability, ocular discomfort, and visual impairment. In recent years, factors such as the widespread use of digital devices,the aging population, and environmental changes have contributed to a significant increase in its global prevalence, making it a major public health concern. Red light therapy(RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy(LLLT)or photobiomodulation(PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes low-energy red or near-infrared light to irradiate tissues. It exerts photobiomodulatory effects to promote cellular repair and functional recovery. This therapy has demonstrated considerable potential in treating various ocular conditions. Its broader clinical application could improve therapeutic outcomes, alleviate patient discomfort and financial burden, and reduce the consumption of healthcare resources, thereby yielding significant socio-economic benefits. This paper systematically reviews the multifaceted mechanisms and application prospects of RLT in managing DED, including its anti-inflammatory effects, improvement of meibomian gland function, promotion of conjunctival goblet cell repair, and alleviation of visual fatigue, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and practical reference for its clinical adoption.
3.Effect of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方) on Inflammatory Response in Lesional Tissue and Skin Barrier Damage in Acne Model Mice
Yunni LIU-TANG ; Yutong DENG ; Gaiying HE ; Huishang FENG ; Xuewen REN ; Yimei FANG ; Xuewan WANG ; Yatong LI ; Lingling CAI ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1211-1219
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方, PYF) in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, minocycline group, and PYF group, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes) combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water, while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/(kg·d)of PYF, and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/(kg·d)of minocycline suspension, all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment, the body weight of mice in each group was recorded, and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes, while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6, and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, TEWL values increased, while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased (P<0.05), accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins (P<0.05). The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions, blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries, and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin, with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens, thickened stratum corneum, hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum, as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group, both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the TEWL value decreased, and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased (P<0.05); on day 6, the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group, with reverted epidermal thickness, smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced, and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 (P<0.05). ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins, which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.
4.A New Perspective on Mental Health Assessment in Laboratory Animals: Stress Response Monitoring Based on Hair Characteristics
Hongman LI ; Yutong CHEN ; Yingpei SHI ; Yijing WANG ; Yan PAN ; Tong XU ; Yi ZHOU ; Qiyue DENG ; Xue LIU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(4):553-563
The mental health management of laboratory animals is a critical factor in ensuring the reliability of scientific research data. However, due to the subtle nature of mental state alterations and the limitations of current assessment methods, the mental health of laboratory animals is often overlooked by researchers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore a new, objective, simple, and practical method for evaluating mental health. Stress, as a primary factor inducing alterations in the mental state of animals, can influence experimental results across multiple research fields through the neuroendocrine-immune network. This paper first elucidates the necessity of mental health management in laboratory animals from three perspectives: factors contributing to stress, neural mechanisms of stress, and research areas affected by stress. It highlights that excluding animals with abnormal mental states before experiments can enhance the efficiency and reproducibility of biomedical studies. Second, this paper briefly summarizes existing methods for assessing the health of laboratory animals, pointing out that approaches such as behavioral tests and metabolomics have many limitations in evaluating stress responses. Existing methods struggle to meet the demand for simple, objective, and non-invasive assessment methods in animal management. Therefore, this paper focuses on hair, a biological sample with the advantages of cumulative information and non-invasive collection, and systematically describes the theoretical basis and technological advances in using hair characteristics as indicators of stress responses from three perspectives: hair traits, the levels of substances in hair, and artificial intelligence (AI). It proposes and supports an innovative technical pathway that combines hair traits with AI-based image analysis, with the aim of offering an improved solution for non-invasive and objective stress assessment, while providing theoretical support for improving the health management system of laboratory animals.
5.Treatment of Cardiac Aging Based on Essence-Qi-spirit Theory of Qi-collateral Doctrine
Xuan LU ; Hongrong LI ; Runtao ZHANG ; Yuning JIANG ; Yutong LI ; Yuqin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):213-220
Cardiac aging is a key factor in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Investigating the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of cardiac aging is of great importance for curbing the common phenomenon of the heart aging faster than the body and implementing the national strategy in response to population aging. Essence (Jing), Qi, and spirit (Shen) are the origin, driving force, and manifestation of life, respectively. The Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine delineates the core pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of aging. This framework identifies kidney essence deficiency as the fundamental cause of aging, with primordial Qi depletion as a key factor and the consumption of body and spirit as its manifestations. Corresponding treatment principles involve tonifying the kidney to replenish essence, warming and supporting primordial Qi, and nourishing the body and spirit. During the process of tonifying the kidney, regulating Yin and Yang remains essential. Relevant studies indicate that this theoretical system provides significant guidance for anti-aging research in TCM. Guided by the Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine, this paper posits that kidney essence constitutes the material foundation for cardiac development, and primordial Qi acts as the fundamental driver of cardiac function. Physical form and spirit together provide the structural carrier and functional manifestation of the heart. We further propose the core pathogenesis and therapeutic principles for cardiac aging. The fundamental pathogenesis lies in the deficiency and decline of kidney essence, leading to malnourishment of the heart. The key pathogenesis is the deficiency of primordial Qi, resulting in obstruction of the heart collateral. The manifestation involves the accumulation in the collateral and the dysfunction of the heart spirit. The corresponding treatment principles are tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence to nourish the heart, warming and reinforcing primordial Qi to unblock the heart collateral, and fortifying the physical form to invigorate the spirit mechanism. Existing studies demonstrate that Bazi Bushen Capsules, with the effects of tonifying the kidney, replenishing essence, warming primordial Qi, and fortifying the physical form and spirit, can delay cardiac aging. Guided by the Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine, these findings support the development of effective herbal formulas to intervene in cardiac aging.
6.Treatment of Cardiac Aging Based on Essence-Qi-spirit Theory of Qi-collateral Doctrine
Xuan LU ; Hongrong LI ; Runtao ZHANG ; Yuning JIANG ; Yutong LI ; Yuqin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):213-220
Cardiac aging is a key factor in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Investigating the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of cardiac aging is of great importance for curbing the common phenomenon of the heart aging faster than the body and implementing the national strategy in response to population aging. Essence (Jing), Qi, and spirit (Shen) are the origin, driving force, and manifestation of life, respectively. The Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine delineates the core pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of aging. This framework identifies kidney essence deficiency as the fundamental cause of aging, with primordial Qi depletion as a key factor and the consumption of body and spirit as its manifestations. Corresponding treatment principles involve tonifying the kidney to replenish essence, warming and supporting primordial Qi, and nourishing the body and spirit. During the process of tonifying the kidney, regulating Yin and Yang remains essential. Relevant studies indicate that this theoretical system provides significant guidance for anti-aging research in TCM. Guided by the Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine, this paper posits that kidney essence constitutes the material foundation for cardiac development, and primordial Qi acts as the fundamental driver of cardiac function. Physical form and spirit together provide the structural carrier and functional manifestation of the heart. We further propose the core pathogenesis and therapeutic principles for cardiac aging. The fundamental pathogenesis lies in the deficiency and decline of kidney essence, leading to malnourishment of the heart. The key pathogenesis is the deficiency of primordial Qi, resulting in obstruction of the heart collateral. The manifestation involves the accumulation in the collateral and the dysfunction of the heart spirit. The corresponding treatment principles are tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence to nourish the heart, warming and reinforcing primordial Qi to unblock the heart collateral, and fortifying the physical form to invigorate the spirit mechanism. Existing studies demonstrate that Bazi Bushen Capsules, with the effects of tonifying the kidney, replenishing essence, warming primordial Qi, and fortifying the physical form and spirit, can delay cardiac aging. Guided by the Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine, these findings support the development of effective herbal formulas to intervene in cardiac aging.
7.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
8.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
9.Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Bloodletting and Cupping on the Expression of Coagulation-Complement-Mast Cell Activation Axis-Related Factors in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria:Randomize-controlled Study
Yuzhu DU ; Yuqiang XUE ; Xiang LIU ; Yu SHI ; Hongkun LI ; Wenshan LIU ; Zan TIAN ; Yutong HU ; Yanjun WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):150-156
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with bloodletting and cupping in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria(CSU) and to explore its potential mechanisms of action. MethodsSeventy CSU patients were randomly divided into loratadine group and acupuncture + bloodletting group, with 35 patients in each group. The loratadine group received oral loratadine tablets, 10 mg once daily in the evening. The acupuncture + bloodletting group received acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Xuehai (SP 10), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Baihui (GV 20), and Shenting (GV 24), once daily,along with bloodletting and cupping at Dazhui (GV 14) and Geshu (BL 17), every other day. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The 7-day urticaria activity score(UAS7) was assessed before and after the treatment, and levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), plasma tissue factor (TF), activated factor Ⅶ (FⅦa), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), D-dimer (D-D) and complement component 5a (C5a) were detected. ResultsA total of 65 patients were included in the final analysis, 32 in the loratadine group and 33 in the acupuncture + bloodletting group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in UAS7 score, serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, ECP levels, or plasma TF, FⅦa, F1+2, D-D, C5a levels between groups (P> 0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in UAS7 score, serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and plasma TF, FⅦa, F1+2, D-D, and C5a levels compared to those before treatment (P<0.01). However, after treatment, there was no significant difference in UAS7 score and serum ECP, IgE, IL-4, IL-5 levels between groups (P>0.05). The acupuncture + bloodletting group showed lower plasma TF, FⅦa, F1+2, D-D and C5a levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionAcupuncture combined with bloodletting and cupping can effectively improve the skin symptoms of CSU patients and reduce the levels of inflammatory factors. The potential mechanism of action may involve the regulation of the coagulation-complement-mast cell activation axis, thereby inhibiting mast cell degranulation.
10.Exploration of the Intervention Mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏) on Psoriasis Model Mice Based on Caspase-1/GSDMD Protein Pathway
Yatong LI ; Yuanwen LI ; Yutong DENG ; Xuewen REN ; Xuewan WANG ; Xinhui YU ; Tangyunni LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):170-177
ObjectiveTo explore the possible action mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏, QAO) in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsForty mice were randomly divided into four groups, blank group, model group, calcipotriol group and QAO group, with 10 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, psoriasis was induced by applying imiquimod cream to the dorsal skin. After modeling for 6 hours daily, the calcipotriol group and QAO group were treated with 0.5 g of calcipotriol ointment or 0.5 g of QAO, respectively, applied to the treated dorsal skin. The blank group and the model group received no treatment. The skin lesions were observed, and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score was assessed every other day. After 7 days, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was performed on dorsal skin tissue to observe pathological changes. The levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) were determined by enzym-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein levels of Caspase-1,Pro-Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin-D-N (GSDMD-N) were detected by Western Blot (WB). The protein levels of GSDMD were observed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group mice showed redness, erythema, and white scales on their skin, with histological observations indicating epidermal thickening, elongated spines, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The PASI scores of the skin tissue on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were elevated; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein increased; the protein levels of Caspase-1, Pro-Caspase-1,GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the QAO group and calcipotriol group showed lighter skin lesions; the PASI scores on day 5 and day 7 in the QAO group, and on day 3, 5, and 7 in the calcipotriol group, were reduced; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein, and the protein level of Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N, as well as level of IL-18 and IL-1β decreased in both groups; in the calcipotriol group, Pro-Caspase-1 protein level also decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the calcipotriol group, the QAO group showed slightly redder skin, more obvious thickening of the stratum corneum, and less capillary dilation; the PASI scores on day 3 and day 7 increased, while the score on day 5 was reduced; the protein level of Pro-Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and the level of IL-18 and IL-1β were increased in the QAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionQAO can effectively relieve psoriasis dermatitis in mice. Its potential mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Caspase-1/GSDMD protein pathway, down-regulation of IL-18 and IL-1β levels, and alleviation of pyroptosis.

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