1.On the Internal Logic of "Syndrome-Treatment-Effect" in Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment from the Perspective of Hermeneutics
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1033-1037
The concept of syndrome differentiation and treatment is often misunderstood as "arbitrary empiricism" or dismissed as unjustifiable when judged by a single external indicator. To address it, this paper draws on hermeneutics, especially the idea that "tradition, understanding, and practice" are mutually generative, to elucidate the object levels, inferential pathways, and efficacy-based validation and correction mechanisms underlying this approach in the clinical process. It is argued that "syndrome" is not a substitute for a disease label or an isolated indicator, but rather a structured configuration of manifestations and an evolving trajectory of illness situated in a specific clinical context. The correlation of all four examinations and physician-patient dialogue form a reasoned chain for the selection of diagnoses, through which discrete signs and symptoms are organized into a syndrome judgment that can be articulated and debated. Therapeutic principles and prescriptions externalize clinical understanding and, through feedback from therapeutic effects, reflexively prompt re-differentiation, thereby forming a cyclical, self-corrective dynamic loop of "syndrome, treatment and effect". Accordingly, syndrome differentiation and treatment should not be regarded as a contingent accumulation of experience, but as a form of clinical rationality under multiple constraints, including classical methods, communal training, and clinical verification.
2.Cultural Translation Issues and Optimization Path for Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Tourism Integration
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1697-1701
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) cultural tourism integration is an important form of TCM culture dissemination and health service expansion. To address conceptual generalization, insufficient theoretical interpretation, short-term experiential activities, and traffic-oriented evaluation in current research and practice of TCM cultural tourism, this paper analyzes the conversion process of "knowledge-practice-value" in TCM cultural tourism from the perspective of cultural translation. It is argued that cultural translation should be based on the academic ontology of TCM, utilizing knowledge, practice, and value translation to transform professional TCM discourse into cultural expressions that the public can understand, participate in, and identify with. Cultural explanation, spatial embedding, and narrative construction are treated as the main implementation paths, while "cognition-experience-identification" is introduced as the basic analytical framework to evaluate the effectiveness of cultural translation. Accordingly, this paper examines the deficiencies of cultural translation in TCM cultural tourism integration regarding ontological integrity, daily life integration, fashionability, and internationalization. Furthermore, it proposes optimization paths such as improving academic interpretation, expanding daily practice scenarios, updating media expressions, and strengthening cross-cultural interpretation, thereby promoting the shift of TCM cultural tourism from static knowledge display to living practice, and from short-term experience to stable identification.
3.Preliminary Study on the Characteristics of Xiang (象) Thinking and Its Influence on Traditional Chinese Medicine Terminology
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1197-1201
By reviewing the main perspectives in current scholarship on the characteristics of xiang (象) thinking, comparing their similarities and differences, this paper summarizes the features of xiang thinking as holism, functionality, and variability. Taking these three characteristics as the core and contrasting with conceptual thinking, it argues that under the influence of xiang thinking, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terminology shows three distinctive traits. Firstly, the unity of body and function, and the non-duality of dao (道) and its manifestations; Secondly, functionalization in referential use; Thirdly, a constructive, processual nature with inherent variability in reference. Based on this, this paper analyzes some contemporary misinterpretations of TCM terminology that detach from the subjectivity of xiang thinking, such as the conceptual thinking-influenced division and opposition of material qi and functional qi, and the reification of the functional zang-fu concepts. It is further proposed that, in the context of the linguistic turn in western philosophical studies emphasizing the subject's role in language construction, TCM terminology rooted in the xiang thinking realm of subject-object unity should uphold a culturally subjective stance and construct a knowledge system consistent with its own characteristics.
4.Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts autophagy in papillary thyroid cancer
Xuemei ZHANG ; Danyang SUN ; Ning LI ; Qicheng ZHANG ; Ke XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Qiang JIA ; Jian TAN ; Zhaowei MENG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(2):135-144
Objective:To investigate the inpact of thyroid cancer-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAF) autophagy on papillary thyroid cancer(PTC).Methods:CAF and normal fibroblasts were isolated from cancerous and adjacent normal thyroid tissues from four PTC patients. Expressions of fibroblast activation protein(FAP) and α-smooth muscle actin in cells were assessed. Conditioned medium of CAF and normal fibroblasts were prepared and used to culture PTC cells. The effects of CAF and normal fibroblasts on survival, proliferation, migration, invasion and iodine uptake of PTC cells were evaluated through cell proliferation assay, cell scratch assay, cell invasion assay, and cell iodine uptake assay. The autophagy level of CAF was also evaluated. Autophagy inhibition and activation were used to regulate the autophagy of CAF, and then their effects on PTC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were further evaluated. The in vivo effect of CAF autophagy on PTC xenograft tumor growth was evaluated.Results:CAF exhibited higher FAP expression and basal autophagy levels. PTC cells co-cultured with CAF-conditioned media showed enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and reduced iodine uptake. Autophagy inhibition reduced these effects, while autophagy activation further promoted them. In vivo, inhibiting CAF autophagy suppressed tumor growth.Conclusions:CAF promotes PTC cell malignancy through autophagy activation, enhancing proliferation, migration, and invasion while reducing iodine uptake.
5.Mechanism study of benzyl isothiocyanate combined with sorafenib in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer
Chunmei MA ; Peng YU ; Qicheng ZHANG ; Lei YANG ; Dihua LI ; Jian TAN ; Zhaowei MENG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(5):449-456
Objective To investigate the mechanism of benzyl isothiocyanate(BITC)combined with sorafenib(Sor)in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer(ATC).Methods Two ATC cell lines,8505C and CAL-62,were treated with Sor at concentrations of 0,20,30,40,and 50 μmol/L.The cell survival rate was assessed using CCK-8 assay.The combined dose of BITC and Sor was determined by calculating combination index(CI).CAL-62 and 8505C cells were exposed to 10 μmol/L BITC(BITC group),10 μmol/L Sor(Sor group),or a combination of 10 μmol/L BITC and 10 μmol/L Sor(BITC+Sor group)for 24 hours.The control group was not treated.The effects of Sor and BITC on ATC cell viability were evaluated using the CCK-8 method.Apoptosis was analyzed via flow cytometry.Western blot assay was employed to detect the protein expression levels of LC3B Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and nuclear factor(NF)-κB.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to quantify the mRNA levels of LC3B.Additionally,CAL-62 cells were subcutaneously injected into mice to establish tumor xenograft model.Mice were treated with BITC(100 mg/kg,intraperitoneal injection),Sor(30 mg/kg,intragastric administration)or a combination of BITC and Sor every other day for 21 days.Finally,the expression levels of LC3B Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and NF-κB in tumor tissue were analyzed by Western blot assay.Results Sor significantly inhibited the viability of CAL-62 and 8505C cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The combination index(CI)was 0.710 at BITC 10 μmol/L and Sor 10 μmol/L,indicating a moderate synergistic effect between the two drugs.In both 8505C and CAL-62 cells,compared with the control group,treatment with BITC or Sor resulted in the decreased cell viability,as well as reduced expression levels of Beclin-1 and NF-κB proteins(P<0.05),and the apoptosis rate,LC3B mRNA and LC3B Ⅱ protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.05).When BITC and Sor were combined,the cell viability,Beclin-1 and NF-κB protein expressions were further reduced compared to either drug alone,while the apoptosis rate,LC3B mRNA and LC3B Ⅱ protein expression levels were significantly elevated(P<0.05).In the mouse xenograft tumor model,the BITC+Sor group exhibited increased LC3B Ⅱ expression,along with decreased Beclin-1 and NF-κB expression levels,tumor volume and tumor mass compared to the BITC or Sor groups(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of BITC and Sor can inhibit ATC cells through NF-κB pathway,induce autophagy and promote apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
6.Epistemological foundation of traditional Chinese medicine's form-qi-spirit life concept
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1222-1227
The form-qi-spirit life concept is the foundation of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Ontologically,it defines the essential life substances that constitute the"human being,"exerting a profound influence on TCM health preservation and clinical practice.This study uses an integrated philological and phenomenological methodology grounded in classical texts such as the Inner Canon of Huangdi and Classic of Questioning.It systematically examines the epistemological basis of these core concepts.Form is apprehended through measurement,palpation,and dissection from the perspective of subject-object separation,and introspective realization from the perspective of subject-object unification.Qi is conceptualized through physicians' observations and abstractions of natural phenomena,as well as a profound examination of physiological and pathological manifestations.Spirit emerges from physicians' awareness and analysis of conscious activities amid the deconstruction of early deity worship.Form,qi,and spirit constitute the organic whole of human life,interconnected and mutually influential.This paper has stage-by-stage clarified the fundamental issue of"how to understand the form-qi-spirit life concept came into being."It contributes to consolidating the philosophical foundation of TCM theory and may provide a reference for related research.
7.Epistemological foundation of traditional Chinese medicine's form-qi-spirit life concept
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1222-1227
The form-qi-spirit life concept is the foundation of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Ontologically,it defines the essential life substances that constitute the"human being,"exerting a profound influence on TCM health preservation and clinical practice.This study uses an integrated philological and phenomenological methodology grounded in classical texts such as the Inner Canon of Huangdi and Classic of Questioning.It systematically examines the epistemological basis of these core concepts.Form is apprehended through measurement,palpation,and dissection from the perspective of subject-object separation,and introspective realization from the perspective of subject-object unification.Qi is conceptualized through physicians' observations and abstractions of natural phenomena,as well as a profound examination of physiological and pathological manifestations.Spirit emerges from physicians' awareness and analysis of conscious activities amid the deconstruction of early deity worship.Form,qi,and spirit constitute the organic whole of human life,interconnected and mutually influential.This paper has stage-by-stage clarified the fundamental issue of"how to understand the form-qi-spirit life concept came into being."It contributes to consolidating the philosophical foundation of TCM theory and may provide a reference for related research.
8.Mechanism study of benzyl isothiocyanate combined with sorafenib in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer
Chunmei MA ; Peng YU ; Qicheng ZHANG ; Lei YANG ; Dihua LI ; Jian TAN ; Zhaowei MENG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(5):449-456
Objective To investigate the mechanism of benzyl isothiocyanate(BITC)combined with sorafenib(Sor)in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer(ATC).Methods Two ATC cell lines,8505C and CAL-62,were treated with Sor at concentrations of 0,20,30,40,and 50 μmol/L.The cell survival rate was assessed using CCK-8 assay.The combined dose of BITC and Sor was determined by calculating combination index(CI).CAL-62 and 8505C cells were exposed to 10 μmol/L BITC(BITC group),10 μmol/L Sor(Sor group),or a combination of 10 μmol/L BITC and 10 μmol/L Sor(BITC+Sor group)for 24 hours.The control group was not treated.The effects of Sor and BITC on ATC cell viability were evaluated using the CCK-8 method.Apoptosis was analyzed via flow cytometry.Western blot assay was employed to detect the protein expression levels of LC3B Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and nuclear factor(NF)-κB.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to quantify the mRNA levels of LC3B.Additionally,CAL-62 cells were subcutaneously injected into mice to establish tumor xenograft model.Mice were treated with BITC(100 mg/kg,intraperitoneal injection),Sor(30 mg/kg,intragastric administration)or a combination of BITC and Sor every other day for 21 days.Finally,the expression levels of LC3B Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and NF-κB in tumor tissue were analyzed by Western blot assay.Results Sor significantly inhibited the viability of CAL-62 and 8505C cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The combination index(CI)was 0.710 at BITC 10 μmol/L and Sor 10 μmol/L,indicating a moderate synergistic effect between the two drugs.In both 8505C and CAL-62 cells,compared with the control group,treatment with BITC or Sor resulted in the decreased cell viability,as well as reduced expression levels of Beclin-1 and NF-κB proteins(P<0.05),and the apoptosis rate,LC3B mRNA and LC3B Ⅱ protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.05).When BITC and Sor were combined,the cell viability,Beclin-1 and NF-κB protein expressions were further reduced compared to either drug alone,while the apoptosis rate,LC3B mRNA and LC3B Ⅱ protein expression levels were significantly elevated(P<0.05).In the mouse xenograft tumor model,the BITC+Sor group exhibited increased LC3B Ⅱ expression,along with decreased Beclin-1 and NF-κB expression levels,tumor volume and tumor mass compared to the BITC or Sor groups(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of BITC and Sor can inhibit ATC cells through NF-κB pathway,induce autophagy and promote apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
9.Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts autophagy in papillary thyroid cancer
Xuemei ZHANG ; Danyang SUN ; Ning LI ; Qicheng ZHANG ; Ke XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Qiang JIA ; Jian TAN ; Zhaowei MENG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(2):135-144
Objective:To investigate the inpact of thyroid cancer-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAF) autophagy on papillary thyroid cancer(PTC).Methods:CAF and normal fibroblasts were isolated from cancerous and adjacent normal thyroid tissues from four PTC patients. Expressions of fibroblast activation protein(FAP) and α-smooth muscle actin in cells were assessed. Conditioned medium of CAF and normal fibroblasts were prepared and used to culture PTC cells. The effects of CAF and normal fibroblasts on survival, proliferation, migration, invasion and iodine uptake of PTC cells were evaluated through cell proliferation assay, cell scratch assay, cell invasion assay, and cell iodine uptake assay. The autophagy level of CAF was also evaluated. Autophagy inhibition and activation were used to regulate the autophagy of CAF, and then their effects on PTC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were further evaluated. The in vivo effect of CAF autophagy on PTC xenograft tumor growth was evaluated.Results:CAF exhibited higher FAP expression and basal autophagy levels. PTC cells co-cultured with CAF-conditioned media showed enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and reduced iodine uptake. Autophagy inhibition reduced these effects, while autophagy activation further promoted them. In vivo, inhibiting CAF autophagy suppressed tumor growth.Conclusions:CAF promotes PTC cell malignancy through autophagy activation, enhancing proliferation, migration, and invasion while reducing iodine uptake.
10.Application of Allograft Endometriosis Rat Model in Pharmaco-dynamic Evaluation of GnRH Agonists
Ruihua ZHONG ; Guoting LI ; Wenjie YANG ; Xiangjie GUO ; Jieyun ZHOU ; Yingyi HU ; Qicheng NI ; Ye YANG ; Min ZHANG ; Yan ZHU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(2):127-138
Objective To establish an allogeneic rat model of endometriosis and to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist GenSci006 on experimental rat endometriosis. Methods Endometrium from SPF grade donor female SD rats were transplanted onto the abdominal wall of recipient female rats to construct an allogeneic endometriosis model. The rats undergoing sham surgery were divided into the sham group. Three weeks later, the length, width and height of the ectopic endometrium were measured, and the volume of the endometrium (V1) was calculated before drug administration. The modeling rats were randomly divided into four groups: model group, triptorelin group (0.25 mg/kg), GenSci006-1 group (0.125 mg/kg) and GenSci006-2 group (0.25 mg/kg). Each group had 16 rats and received a single dose of the corresponding drug. The sham group and model group were administered an equal volume of solvent. Three weeks after administration, ectopic endometrium was measured to calculate the volume V2 and inhibition rate. The effect of GenSci006 on rat uterus and ovarian tissues was assessed by comparing organ coefficients and changes in pathological sections. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of GnRH receptor (GnRHR) mRNA in the hypothalamus and pituitary. Western blot was used to detect the expression of estradiol receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ) and progesterone receptor (PR) in ectopic endometrium. Results Three weeks after administration, compared with the model group, the body weight of rats in the triptorelin and GenSci006-2 groups significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the volume of ectopic endometrium significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the model group showed no significant changes in uterine and ovarian organ coefficients or endometrial thickness (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the uterine organ coefficients and endometrial thickness were significantly reduced in the triptorelin and GenSci006-2 groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the serum levels of E2, P4, FSH and LH in the model group showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the ovarian organ coefficient and serum P4 levels of rats in the Triptorelin, GenSci006-1, and GenSci006-2 groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the serum LH levels of rats in the GenSci006-1 group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in serum E2 and FSH levels in each group (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of GnRHR mRNA in the pituitary tissue of rats in the triptorelin and GenSci006-2 groups were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05), with no significantly changes in the hypothalamus (P > 0.05). There were no significant changes in the expression level of GnRHR mRNA in the hypothalamus or the protein levels of ERα, ERβ and PR in the ectopic endometrial tissue in any group (P > 0.05). Conclusion The allogeneic endometriosis rat model is a suitable animal model for screening and evaluating drugs for treating endometriosis. The volume of ectopic endometrium, inhibition rate, uterine and ovarian organ coefficients, and serum E2 levels may serve as indicators for detecting drug efficacy.

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