1.Effect of different exercise interventions on patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: A systematic review and network Meta-analysis
Guodong MA ; Zhuojing SUN ; Song HU ; Zijun YE ; Mingchen MA ; Fei CUI ; Jiaju ZHU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):326-344
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different exercise interventions on metabolism and liver parameters in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical exercise rehabilitation. MethodsThis study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered on the PROSPERO platform, with a registration number of CRD42025641717. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP were searched for related articles published up to September 2024. The Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias was used to assess the quality of articles, and Stata MP 17.0 was used to perform the network meta-analysis. ResultsA total of 57 articles were included, involving 2 648 patients. The results showed that aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise had the best effect in improving body mass index (mean difference [WMD]=-0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.66 to -0.28], P<0.05, surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA]=85.4) and triglycerides (WMD=-29.6, 95%CI: -46.66 to 12.54, P<0.05, SUCRA=87.3); resistance exercise was the optimal intervention method for improving total cholesterol (WMD=-15.99, 95%CI: -24.19 to -7.79, P<0.05, SUCRA=79.9) and glutamine transaminase (WMD=-8.08, 95%CI: -12.13 to -4.02, P<0.05, SUCRA=87.3); low-intensity aerobic exercise had the best effect in improving aspartate aminotransferase (WMD=-4.3, 95%CI: -8.45 to -0.15, P<0.05, SUCRA=73.5), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (WMD=-3.26, 95%CI: -7.79 to 1.27, P>0.05, SUCRA=82.3), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (WMD=-0.6, 95%CI: -2.02 to 0.82, P>0.05, SUCRA=78.8); moderate-intensity aerobic exercise was the optimal intervention modality to improve Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (WMD=-0.92, 95%CI: -1.51 to -0.33, P<0.05, SUCRA=69.4). It should be noted that there were no significant differences in HbA1c and GGT across different exercise interventions (all P>0.05), suggesting that there was currently no sufficient statistical evidence to support that exercise could improve these two indicators. ConclusionBased on the comprehensive league table and cumulative probability ranking, aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise, resistance exercise, and low- and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may be the best exercise modality for improving key indicators in MAFLD patients, and targeted exercise modalities should be selected for intervention against different indicators; however, due to limitations of the original studies, further studies are needed for validation and exploration.
2.Association between screen behaviors with overweight and obesity among children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):486-489
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Yangzhou City, and its association with screen behaviors, so as to provide scientific evidence for weight management among students.
Methods:
In May 2025, an electronic questionnaire survey was conducted among children and adolescents in Yangzhou City. A total of 3 722 participants were selected from grades 4 to 12 in 18 primary and secondary schools (108 classes) by using stratified cluster random sampling. The Chi square test was used to compare the differences in the detection rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents with 5 types of screen behaviors (watching TV, playing electronic games, scrolling short videos, screen based learning, electronic socializing) in different time groups each day (never, >0~<2 h, ≥2 h). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the associations of five types of screen behaviors, presence of electronic devices in the bedroom, and screen use during meals on the weight status of children and adolescents.
Results:
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents was 37.3%. For all five types of screen behaviors, the differences in the distribution of overweight and obesity detection rates among children and adolescents across the three time spent categories were statistically significant ( χ 2=30.76- 70.78 , all P <0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that frequent or always using screens during meals( OR =1.63, 95% CI =1.14~2.31), playing video games ( OR =1.28, 95% CI =1.11-1.48), browsing short videos ( OR =1.29, 95% CI=1.09-1.54), and screen based learning ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.10-1.44) were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among children and adolescents (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Excessive screen use is positively correlated with the incidence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Targeted interventions on screen behaviors among children and adolescents are therefore warranted.
3.Effect of intraoperative flushing treatment with Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton on drainage after radical surgery of lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Guanzhi YE ; Zhenyang XU ; Xiaolei ZHU ; Hongming LIU ; Ning LI ; Jie JIANG ; Guojun GENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):376-382
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative pleural irrigation with Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton (N-CWS) for reducing pleural effusion drainage after radical surgery for lung cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of lung cancer patients who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between December 2024 and May 2025. Patients were divided into a control group and an irrigation group based on the intraoperative use of N-CWS. Patients in the irrigation group received pleural irrigation with 800 μg of N-CWS diluted in 10 mL of normal saline. The following outcomes were compared between the two groups: pleural effusion drainage volume at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h postoperatively, degree of air leak, chest tube duration, postoperative length of stay, and the incidence of adverse events (fever, chest pain, and nausea and vomiting). Results A total of 245 patients were included (97 males, 148 females) with a mean age of (61.28±6.26) years, with 205 in the control group and 40 in the irrigation group. Compared to the control group, the irrigation group showed significantly lower pleural effusion drainage volumes at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h, as well as shorter chest tube duration and postoperative length of stay (all P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the degree of postoperative air leak (P=0.661). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the highest body temperature within 72 h post-surgery (P=0.130), fever grade (P=0.196), severity of chest pain (P=0.105), or the incidence of nausea and vomiting (P=0.376). Conclusion Intraoperative pleural irrigation with N-CWS in patients undergoing lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for lung cancer can significantly reduce postoperative pleural effusion drainage volume, shorten chest tube duration and length of hospital stay. The procedure is safe and feasible.
4.Risk identification and intervention efficacy evaluation of hospital-acquired infections in neurosurgery department based on failure mode and effect analysis
Puyu YANG ; Ye QIU ; Ya YANG ; Zhimin WEI ; Jingru ZHAO ; Weiping ZHU ; Yifeng SHEN ; Yuanping WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):159-164
ObjectiveTo establish a regional risk assessment system for hospital-acquired infections in neurosurgery department of general hospital, and to evaluate its prevention and control effectiveness. MethodsFailure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) was used to identify the core risk factors for infections in neurosurgery department. The risk priority number (RPN) of each risk factor was calculated to determine the priority intervention targets. Targeted interventions were developed and continuously refined through the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycles. Data from January to June 2023 (control group) and July to December 2023 (intervention group) were collected to compare the differences in environmental hygiene monitoring qualification rate, incidence rate of hospital-acquired infections among inpatients, and detection rate of bacterial antimicrobial resistance. ResultsHigh-risk factors for hospital-acquired infections in neurosurgery department included patient-related risk factors, inadequate implementation of isolation measures for special infections, and poor compliance with surgical site infection (SSI) prevention protocols. After intervention, the environmental hygiene qualification rate significantly increased from 81.55% to 100.00% (χ²=120.49, P<0.001). The overall hospital-acquired infection rate among inpatients decreased from 2.62% to 2.45%, the infection rate of per case declined from 3.12% to 2.84%, and the detection rate of multidrug-resistant organism infections reduced from 43.72% to 36.79%. Additionally, antimicrobial utilization rate decreased from 48.75% to 42.53% (χ²=34.09, P<0.001). ConclusionThe FMEA-based risk assessment system can effectively identify critical infection risks in neurosurgery department, and targeted interventions can significantly improve infection prevention and control performance.
5.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
6.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
7.Molecular Mechanism of Liuwei Dihuangwan Regulating GPNMB Expression and Enhancing Autophagy in Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Yuxi LIU ; Zhongkang ZHU ; Songnan WANG ; Jiali LIU ; Ye YIN ; Jiarui MIAO ; Shunuo HE ; Danyu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):1-10
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on the autophagy function in the hippocampus of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) by regulating the expression of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB). Furthermore, it is designed to explore the mechanism of the method of tonifying the kidneys and replenishing essence in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsIn experiment 1, 24 5-month-old SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into the model group, and the low-, middle- and high-dose(0.59,1.18,2.36 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan groups. At the same time, six 5-month-old senescence accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice were used as the control group. The learning and memory ability was evaluated through novel object recognition experiment. Serum cortisol (Cort), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the expression levels of hippocampal GPNMB, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) and autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot. In experiment 2, 18 SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into the model group, vector control group (Vector), and GPNMB overexpression group (GPNMBOE). Lentiviral vectors were stereotactically injected into the brain (2 μL per side in the GPNMBOE group). Western blot was used to detect the expression of the above target proteins in the hippocampus; In Experiment 3, 24 SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into the model group, Liuwei Dihuangwan group, Liuwei Dihuangwan+negative control (NC) group, and Liuwei Dihuangwan+GPNMB silencing group (shGPNMB). Before drug treatment, the Liuwei Dihuangwan+NC group and the Liuwei Dihuangwan+shGPNMB group were injected with negative control and GPNMB silencing lentivirus, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of the above target proteins in the hippocampus. ResultsThe novel object discrimination index of mice in the model group was significantly lower than that of mice in the control group (P<0.01). The novel object discrimination index of mice in the medium- and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups was significantly higher than that of mice in the model group (P<0.01). Aggregated autolysosomes were observed in the normal hippocampus tissue by TEM. In the model group, mitochondria were dominant, and no typical characteristic autophagosomes were observed. In the low- and medium-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups, a small number of autolysosomes and autophagosomes with double-membrane structures were observed. In the high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group, the number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes was greater than that in the low- and medium-dose groups. The results of ELISA and Western blot showed that compared with the control group, the levels of serum Cort, ACTH, and urine 17-OHCS in the model group were substantially increased, while the expression of hippocampal ADAM10, Beclin1, and microtubule associated-protein light chain 3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ (LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ) was significantly decreased. The expression of GPNMB and ubiquitin binding protein p62 was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum Cort and ACTH levels in the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups were significantly reduced, while only the urine 17-OHCS level in the high-dose group was significantly reduced. The hippocampal GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ expression levels in the medium-, and high-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuangwan were significantly increased compared to the model group, whereas the expression of p62 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The above indicators showed a progressive trend among the three groups. Compared with the model group, the GPNMBOE group showed a significant increase in GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ expression, and a significant decrease in p62 expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus of the Liuwei Dihuangwan group significantly increased, while the expression of p62 significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the Liuwei Dihuangwan group, the Liuwei Dihuangwan+shGPNMB group showed a significant decrease in GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ, and a significant increase in p62 expression (P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan can enhance hippocampal autophagy function and improve AD by upregulating GPNMB expression.
8.Multiorgan crosstalk in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy
Zixin ZHAO ; Yeqing ZHU ; Cunxin YE ; Zhuoyuan SONG ; Dong SONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(5):1223-1228
Hepatic encephalopathy is a common and serious complication of end-stage liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, and it is basically a neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from metabolic disorders caused by severe acute or chronic liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunt. In clinical practice, the onset of hepatic encephalopathy does not completely correlate linearly with the level of blood ammonia and is often triggered by extrahepatic factors, suggesting the presence of complex multiorgan crosstalk in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Based on the four main pathogeneses of ammonia toxicity, inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and oxidative/nitrosative stress, this article systematically elaborates on the mechanism of multiorgan crosstalk in hepatic encephalopathy and discusses the emerging risk factors such as sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus, in order to provide a novel theoretical framework for deepening the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of hepatic encephalopathy and formulating clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies in the future.
9.Pseudolaric Acid B-linked Double-network Hydrogel Alleviates Pruritus by Inhibiting The Growth of Staphylococcus aureus
Ye YOU ; Yan YANG ; Tong-Yu LI ; Cheng-Long CAI ; Ting WANG ; Chan ZHU ; Zong-Xiang TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1734-1745
ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the mechanistic role of Staphylococcus aureus in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus and barrier dysfunction. A key focus was screening traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) active components with dual antibacterial and antipruritic efficacy, followed by systematic evaluation of their in vitro antibacterial activity. Additionally, a novel drug delivery system was constructed to enable localized efficient drug delivery, inhibiting S. aureus proliferation and alleviating its induced pruritus, thereby providing new strategies for targeted AD therapy. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks (body weight 18-22 g) were used to establish an AD model via repeated oxazolone sensitization. On day 14, microbial samples were collected from the lesional area (1 cm²) using sterile cotton swabs, followed by vortex mixing, serial dilution, and plating on 5% sheep blood agar plates (incubated at 37°C for 24 h). Single colonies with complete transparent β-hemolytic zones were isolated and identified as vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) via 16S rRNA sequencing. An S. aureus mono-infection animal model was then established by applying gauze saturated with bacterial suspension (McFarland turbidity 0.1) to the nape and back skin of mice. The pruritic phenotype and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by S. aureus were evaluated using comprehensive approaches including behavioral assays (e.g., scratching frequency recording), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and toluidine blue staining. The in vitro antibacterial efficacy of the TCM monomer pseudolaric acid B (PAB) and double network hydrogel (DN) was separately assessed by disk diffusion assay, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PAB was determined via broth dilution method. Further validation of the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the composite system (PAB@DN, composed of PAB and DN) was conducted through behavioral assays, HE staining, and dermatitis scoring, with its drug release profile evaluated by mass spectrometry analysis. Based on scratching behavioral analysis and dermatitis scoring, the optimal ratio and concentration of PAB@DN were optimized. ResultsThe S. aureus load in AD lesional tissues was significantly higher than in normal skin ((5.3±0.33)×10⁶ CFU vs. (3.6±0.26)×10⁷ CFU, P<0.001). In the S. aureus mono-infection group, mice exhibited a 6.7-fold increase in scratching frequency compared to the control group. HE staining revealed marked epidermal thickening ((10.4±2.39) μm vs. (85.6±1.95) μm, P<0.000 1), and toluidine blue staining showed a 23-fold increase in mast cell degranulation. Pseudolaric acid B exhibited a significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effect onS. aureus growth, with its in vitro antibacterial effect being 57% that of the antibiotic cefepime (inhibition zone diameter: PAB (1.885±0.036) cm vs. cefepime (3.636±0.005) cm, P<0.000 1) and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 g/L. The carrier double network hydrogel (DN) itself lacked direct antibacterial activity (no significant difference in inhibition zone diameter compared to the control) but effectively ameliorated the dry symptoms of AD-like lesions. The PAB@DN composite system demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to individual components, resulting in a 50% reduction in scratching behavior, an 86% decrease in dermatitis score, and a 60% reduction in epidermal thickening. It also reduced the S. aureus load in mouse skin by approximately 34%, with the optimal effective formulation being PAB at 1 g/L loaded onto DN. ConclusionS. aureus colonization plays a critical driving role in the onset and progression of AD. Using an S. aureus infection model, this study confirmed that the pseudolaric acidB-hydrogel composite delivery system (PAB@DN) can effectively alleviate S. aureus-induced pruritus and skin damage, providing experimental evidence for microbiota-targeted therapy of AD.
10.Effects of Electro-Acupuncture Based on the Midnight-Noon Ebb-Low Method with Hour-Prescription on BMAL1 Protein and NETs Markers in Lung Tissue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model Rats with Lung-Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Changtian JIAO-LI ; Nise Pantaleo SHIO ; Lianqing CAI ; Qingyao JIANG ; Siyu TANG ; Qianqian WAN ; Mengchen WAN ; Yuqi YE ; Jie ZHU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1422-1430
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism underlying electroacupuncture therapy with the midnight-noon ebb-low method with hour-prescription for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with lung-qi deficiency syndrome from the perspective of brain and muscle basic helix-loop-helix ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) as well as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsThe experiment was conducted in two phases. For the therapeutic effectiveness observation, 24 rats were randomly allocated into control group 1, model group 1, midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 and conventional electro-acupuncture group, with 6 rats per group. Rat models of COPD with lung-qi deficiency syndrome were established via cigarette smoke exposure combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After successful modelling, rats in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 received electro-acupuncture at acupoints "Taiyuan (LU 9)", "Feishu (BL 13)" and "Zusanli (ST 36)" during 05:00—07:00, 30 minutes per treatment once every other day for 14 consecutive days (7 sessions in total). Rats in the conventional electro-acupuncture group received identical electroacupuncture manipulation at random daytime hours (08:00—18:00). Pulmonary function parameters including forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second (FEV0.3), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV0.3/FVC ratio were detected. Pulmonary histopathological changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as pulmonary reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, BMAL1 protein expression and the levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) in lung tissue were determined. For the mechanistic verification phase, 36 rats were divided into control group 2, model group 2, midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2, overexpression empty group, overexpression BMAL1 group and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group, with 6 rats in each group. At the 5th week of model construction, rats in the overexpression BMAL1 group and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group received intratracheal instillation of 100 μl adenoviral suspension carrying overexpressed Bmal1 gene. Rats in the overexpression empty group were injected with an equal titer and equal volume of blank adenovirus without the Bmal1 coding sequence into the lung at the identical time point. Midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2 and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group were consistent with the aforementioned protocol. Finally, pulmonary levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were measured in all groups. ResultsCompared with the control group 1, the model group 1 exhibited decreased FEV0.3, FVC and FEV0.3/FVC ratio, elevated plasma IL-1β, TNF-α and pulmonary ROS levels, downregulated lung BMAL1 protein expression, and increased contents of MPO, NE and CitH3 (all P<0.05); typical NETs-like structures with sparse granular substances attached to fibrous networks were observed under scanning electron microscopy; HE staining revealed damaged alveolar architecture accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with model group 1, both the midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 and conventional electro-acupuncture group achieved obvious improvements in all above indicators, with superior therapeutic effects in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 (P<0.05). Consistently, midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 1 showed more prominent alleviation of NETs-like structure formation and lung pathological injury compared to the conventional electro-acupuncture group. Mechanistic validation results demonstrated that compared with model group 2, the average optical density of MPO as well as the protein levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were markedly reduced in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2, overexpression BMAL1 group and overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group (P<0.05); furthermore, these parameters were significantly lower in the overexpression with midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group than in midnight-noon electro-acupuncture group 2 (P<0.05). ConclusionElectro-acupuncture based on the midnight-noon ebb-low method with hour-prescription may alleviate pulmonary inflammation in COPD by upregulating the expression of clock protein BMAL1 and inhibiting excessive accumulation of NETs in lung tissue.


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