1.Mechanism of NAFLD-associated Intestinal Barrier Damage and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Strategies Based on "Turbid Pathogenic Factors Entering the Blood" Theory
Haoyang QIN ; Lei LUO ; Mengge LI ; Xueqian KONG ; Fanghua ZHANG ; Zhongqin DANG ; Zhibo DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):277-287
Intestinal barrier damage is a prominent feature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serves as a critical factor driving the progression from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The "turbid pathogenic factors entering the blood" theory integrates classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles with contemporary disease evolution trends and research findings. It posits that endogenous turbid pathogenic factors within the body infiltrate the blood vessels, leading to impure and viscous blood quality, thereby triggering various diseases. Based on this theory, this article elucidated the pathogenic mechanism of NAFLD-associated intestinal barrier damage. It argued that in NAFLD, the liver loses its dredging function, and the spleen becomes obstructed and dysfunctional. Moreover, essential nutrients fail to be properly transformed, resulting in the internal generation of turbid pathogenic factors. This subsequently initiates a series of pathological changes, namely, "infiltration of phlegm-turbidity into the blood, eroding the intestinal mucosa", "infiltration of glucose-turbidity into the blood, macerating and eroding the intestinal mucosa", "infiltration of heat-turbidity into the blood, scorching and eroding the intestinal mucosa", and "infiltration of stasis-turbidity into the blood, stagnating and eroding the intestinal mucosa", ultimately causing intestinal barrier damage. Furthermore, guided by the "turbid pathogenic factors entering the blood" theory, this article explored TCM intervention strategies: employing medicinals targeting the liver meridian to address the root cause and reduce the generation and deposition of turbid pathogenic factors in the liver, administering blood-system medicinals to clear the blood and purge turbidity, thereby intercepting the progression of the disease mechanism, and applying tonifying medicinals to bolster healthy Qi and defend against turbid invasion, allowing the damaged intestinal mucosa to gradually heal. This article presented novel theoretical and medicinal perspectives for analyzing NAFLD-associated intestinal barrier damage based on the "turbid pathogenic factors entering the blood" theory, aiming to provide new entry points and broader horizons for related research and clinical practice.
2.Mechanisms of Metabolic Imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM from Theory of Middle Energizer Acting as a Balance and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Strategies
Haoyang QIN ; Mengge LI ; Lei LUO ; Xueqian KONG ; Fanghua ZHANG ; Zhongqin DANG ; Zhibo DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):244-253
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a high comorbidity rate, emerging as a major global public health issue. The concept that the middle energizer acting as a balance refers to the role of the middle energizer in maintaining the balance of Qi and blood, dryness and dampness, as well as water and fire (Yin and Yang) in the human body. The core feature of MAFLD with T2DM is the metabolic imbalance, which is closely related to the dysfunction of the middle energizer's balancing role. This article explores the mechanisms of metabolic imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM from the perspective of the middle energizer acting as a balance, proposing that middle energizer dysfunction is the root cause. Qi movement, dryness-dampness, and ministerial fire are the two ends of the balance. MAFLD with T2DM is accompanied by various seemingly contradictory pathological states and imbalances, such as "Qi stagnation and failure of free movement vs. Qi dispersion without retention", "damp-turbidity obstruction vs. internal dryness and fluid consumption", and "ministerial fire decline vs. hyperactivity and scorching". On this basis, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention strategies and their microscopic mechanisms are discussed. For the root cause of middle energizer imbalance, wind-dispelling herbs and Qi-replenishing and middle energizer-invigorating herbs are used to restore the balancing role of the middle energizer (delaying glucose and lipid absorption, restoring intestinal homeostasis, and ameliorating insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and adipocytes). For the secondary imbalances, pungent-dispersing and liver-soothing herbs combined with sour-astringent herbs are used to balance Qi movement (alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes and impaired glucose transport in tissue cells). Bitter-warm and dampness-draining herbs combined with sweet-cold and moistening herbs are used to balance dryness and dampness (reducing hepatic steatosis, cellular hyperosmotic dehydration, and intracellular metabolic disorders). Yang-lifting and warm-invigorating herbs combined with clearing-descending and Yin-nourishing herbs are used to balance ministerial fire (ameliorating hepatocyte apoptosis and liver fibrosis processes and alleviating systemic chronic inflammation and related damage). According to the theory of the middle energizer acting as a balance, this article explores the mechanisms of metabolic imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM and TCM intervention strategies, providing new insights and a framework for related scientific research and clinical practice.
3.Mechanisms of Metabolic Imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM from Theory of Middle Energizer Acting as a Balance and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Strategies
Haoyang QIN ; Mengge LI ; Lei LUO ; Xueqian KONG ; Fanghua ZHANG ; Zhongqin DANG ; Zhibo DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):244-253
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a high comorbidity rate, emerging as a major global public health issue. The concept that the middle energizer acting as a balance refers to the role of the middle energizer in maintaining the balance of Qi and blood, dryness and dampness, as well as water and fire (Yin and Yang) in the human body. The core feature of MAFLD with T2DM is the metabolic imbalance, which is closely related to the dysfunction of the middle energizer's balancing role. This article explores the mechanisms of metabolic imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM from the perspective of the middle energizer acting as a balance, proposing that middle energizer dysfunction is the root cause. Qi movement, dryness-dampness, and ministerial fire are the two ends of the balance. MAFLD with T2DM is accompanied by various seemingly contradictory pathological states and imbalances, such as "Qi stagnation and failure of free movement vs. Qi dispersion without retention", "damp-turbidity obstruction vs. internal dryness and fluid consumption", and "ministerial fire decline vs. hyperactivity and scorching". On this basis, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention strategies and their microscopic mechanisms are discussed. For the root cause of middle energizer imbalance, wind-dispelling herbs and Qi-replenishing and middle energizer-invigorating herbs are used to restore the balancing role of the middle energizer (delaying glucose and lipid absorption, restoring intestinal homeostasis, and ameliorating insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and adipocytes). For the secondary imbalances, pungent-dispersing and liver-soothing herbs combined with sour-astringent herbs are used to balance Qi movement (alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes and impaired glucose transport in tissue cells). Bitter-warm and dampness-draining herbs combined with sweet-cold and moistening herbs are used to balance dryness and dampness (reducing hepatic steatosis, cellular hyperosmotic dehydration, and intracellular metabolic disorders). Yang-lifting and warm-invigorating herbs combined with clearing-descending and Yin-nourishing herbs are used to balance ministerial fire (ameliorating hepatocyte apoptosis and liver fibrosis processes and alleviating systemic chronic inflammation and related damage). According to the theory of the middle energizer acting as a balance, this article explores the mechanisms of metabolic imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM and TCM intervention strategies, providing new insights and a framework for related scientific research and clinical practice.
4.Research progress in Rhinovirus and associated respiratory diseases
Ruohan ZHAO ; Baicheng XIA ; Zhibo XIE ; Xizhu XU ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(2):254-258
Rhinovirus (RV) has been reported as one of the main viral causes of human respiratory infections and has received increasing attention in recent years due to its strong association with various respiratory diseases. Studies have shown that RV not only causes the common cold but also plays a critical role in lower respiratory tract conditions such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Notably, RV is implicated in both the onset and exacerbation of asthma. This review systematically summarizes a wide range of RV-associated respiratory diseases in the available literature. Although there are currently no specific antiviral therapies or vaccines targeting RV, advances in the development of polyvalent vaccines and antiviral drugs provide promising directions for future prevention and treatment. Clarifying the relationship between RV and diseases will provide strong support for optimizing treatment strategies and preventing and controlling respiratory diseases.
5.Analysis of subclinical atherosclerosis and its associated factors in patients with psoriatic arthritis
Jingli DOU ; Guangtao LI ; Yan GENG ; Zhibo SONG ; Xiaohui ZHANG ; Zhuoli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(4):286-292
Objective:To analyze the condition of subclinical atherosclerosis (SCA) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to provide a reference for better management of the associated cardiovascular risk in patients with PsA.Methods:Based on the cohort of PsA patients (PKUPsA) in the Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, 240 PsA patients without previous clinical atherosclerotic disease between July 2018 and June 2024 were included. The demographic data traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, PsA related indicators and medications were collected when all patients were entered into the cohort. Increased intima-media thickness and/or arterial plaque formation in bilateral carotid arteries examined by ultrasonography are defined as the presence of SCA. Based on this, patients were divided into SCA and no SCA groups, and the two groups were compared and analyzed. Statistics were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, independent sample t test, χ2 test and Logistic regression analysis. Results:Eighty-five of 240 patients (35.4%) had SCA, including 55 (22.9%) with cIMT thickening and 51 (21.2%) with carotid plaque. Compared with the PsA patients without SCA, patients with SCA were older [55.0 (42.0, 62.5) vs. 42.0(35.0, 53.0) year of age, Z=-4.90, P<0.001], had longer disease course of arthritis [4.6 (1.0, 10.1) vs. 3.0(1.0, 6.1) years, Z=-1.98, P=0.048], more patients with combined hypertension [34.1%(29/85) vs. 15.5%(24/155), χ2=11.08, P<0.001], hyperlipidemia [47.1%(40/85) vs. 27.1%(42/155), χ2=1.22, P=0.002] and the taking of statins [14.1%(12/85) vs. 5.8%(9/155), χ2=4.75 , P=0.029], hypoglycemic agents [10.6%(9/85) vs. 3.9%(6/155), χ2=4.23, P=0.040] and antihypertensive drugs [17.6%(15/85) vs 6.5%(10/155), χ2=7.37, P=0.007]. They also had a higher blood glucose level[5.37 (5.17, 6.09)mmol/L vs. 5.26(4.97, 5.67)mmol/L, Z=-2.82 , P=0.005], low-density lipoprotein [(3.05± 0.76)mmol/L vs. (2.78±0.75)mmol/L, t=2.60, P=0.010] and blood uric acid level[351 (312, 412)μmol/L vs. 333(279, 408)μmol/L, Z=-2.10, P=0.036]. Multivariate analysis showed that older [ OR (95% CI) =1.059 (1.033, 1.086), P<0.001], increased low density lipoprotein [ OR (95% CI) =1.519 (1.018, 2.267), P=0.041] and increased blood uric acid levels [ OR (95% CI)=1.004 (1.001, 1.007), P=0.017] were an independent risk of SCA in PsA patients. Conclusion:More than 1/3 of PsA patients with SCA without past history of clinical atherosclerosis with SCA, advanced age, increased blood low density lipoprotein level, and elevated uric acid level are independent risk factors for PsA with SCA, so attention should be paid to the assessment and management of cardiovascular-related risk. Early intervention can help to improve patient prognosis.
6.Analysis of target and treatment goals achievement in patients with psoriatic arthritis based on a large cohort
Xinyi HU ; Zhibo SONG ; Xiaohui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Zhuoli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(5):365-371
Objective:Treat-to-target strategies for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been proposed for several years, however, the status of target and goal achievement in China is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the target achievement of PsA patients, and differences of treatment goals were further analyzed.Methods:A total of 360 PsA patients from Peking University First Hospital PsA patient cohort (PKUPsA) between January 2016 and March 2024 were included. We retrospectively analyzed the disease activity of patients at their enrollment. Minimal disease activity (MDA), disease activity index for PsA (DAPSA), clinical DAPSA (cDAPSA) and disease activity score based on 28 joint counts (DAS28) were evaluated. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to test the consistency of all these assessments.Results:Three hundred and sixty patients were included in this study, with 149 females (41.4%), median age 47 (36, 57) years and duration of PsA for 2.0(1.0, 6.8) years. 129 (35.8%) patients reported family history of PsO. The most common comorbidities were hyperlipidemia (101, 28.1%) and hypertension (78, 21.7%). There were 217 (60.3%), 75 (20.8%) and 18 (5.0%) patients treated with conventional synthetic DMARDs, biologics and JAK inhibitors respectively. Forty-nine (13.6%) patients ever received intra-articular injection of glucocorticoid. Based on the different definitions, the rates of target achievement were 33.9% (MDA), 56.1% (DAPSA), 60.8% (DAS28-ESR), 63.9% (DAS28-CRP) and 64.2% (cDAPSA). The main limiting factors for MDA attainment among those who had achieved DAPSA or DAS-defined targets were pain VAS, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), tender/swollen joint count, patient global assessment, HAQ, and number of enthesitis, based on leeds Enthesitis Index(LEI). The ICCs of these evaluation methods were 0.489~0.819 ( P<0.001). The consistency was the best between DAPSA and cDAPSA, medium between DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR, and worst between MDA and DAS28-CRP. Moreover, DAPSA was more consistent with DAS28 than cDASPA. MDA showed moderate consistency with all other assessments. Conclusion:33.9%~64.2% of PsA patients achieved targets based on different definitions. MDA was the most stringent target, while cDAPSA was the most loose one. In general, MDA was not well consistent with other assessments.
7.Prediction of risk for cardiovascular disease developmentand lipid management in patients with psoriatic arthritis
Shuyan CHEN ; Yong FAN ; Zhibo SONG ; Xiaohui ZHANG ; Zhuoli ZHANG ; Yan GENG
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(6):481-487
Objective:To explore the differences in the CVD risk and lipid profiles in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients with different disease activity and investigate lipid management status in Chinese patients with PsA.Methods:Patients were enrolled from PKUPsA-PC cohort in Peking University First Hospital from January 2016 to January 2024. Data were collected at their first visit, including disease activity score, lipid profiles and treatment. Two modified CVD risk prediction models (modified China-PAR and modified FRS-CVD) were applied to predict the CVD risk over 10 years. All enrolled patients were subsequently stratified into low, intermediate and high-risk groups. The status of lipid target achievement was assessed based on lipid management recommendations proposed by prediction models. In addition, DAPSA was used to stratify PsA patients into remission, low, moderate and high-disease activity groups, and the differences in CVD risk and lipid profiles among PsA patients with different disease activity status were explored. The t test was used for comparison between 2 groups for measures that conformed to normal distribution; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between 2 groups for measures that were skewed; and the chi-square test was used for comparison between 2 groups for categorical data.Results:Three hundred and seven PsA patients were included in this study. They were aged 47 (36, 57) years with 121 (39.4%) female, disease duration of skin lesions of 14 (7, 23) years and disease duration of PsA for 3 (1, 8) years. There were 148 (48.2%) patients with dyslipidemia, and 38 (25.7%) of them were receiving lipid lowering drugs. By the modified China-PAR model, there were 174 (56.7%), 76 (24.8%) and 57 (18.5%) in the low-, moderate- and high-risk groups. By the modified FRS-CVD model, there were 173 (56.4%), 58 (18.9%) and 76 (24.7%) patients in the corresponding groups. According to the recommendations for lipid management based on FRS-CVD model, 80 (26.1%) patients did not achieve the target of lipid profile, including 9/174 (5.2%) in the modified model low-risk group, 20/76 (26.3%) in the intermediate-risk group, and 51/57 (89.5%) in the high-risk group, but there were only 12 (15.0%) patients receiving statin therapy. Compared with the remission and low disease activity groups, patients in the moderate-to-high disease activity group were older [50 (37, 60) years vs. 43 (35, 55) years, Z=-2.42, P=0.016]; had a higher proportion of hypertension (30.3% vs. 15.0%, χ2=9.60, P=0.002); and had lower HDL-C levels [1.1 (0.9, 1.3) mmol/L vs. 1.2 (1.0, 1.4) mmol/L, Z=-3.18, P=0.001]. Under the modified China-PAR and modified FRS-CVD risk prediction models, a higher proportion of patients with high disease activity in PsA were stratified at high 10-year CVD risk compared with the remission and low disease activity groups (29.5% vs. 19.6%, χ2=3.81, P=0.005) and (23.5% vs. 12.4%, χ2=6.00, P=0.014). Conclusion:Nearly half of the PsA patients are at medium-high risk to CVD. CVD risk is significantly higher in patients with moderate to high disease activity than in patients with remission and low disease activity. HDL-c levels are lower in patients with high disease activity. Nevertheless a quarter of patients did not achieve the target of lipid profile, and few patients are receiving statin. More attention should be paid to CVD risk evaluation and lipid management as a part of treat-to-target strategy to improve the prognosis.
8.Predictive value of MRI radiomics for postoperative recurrence of liver cancer
Zhicheng DONG ; Jinbiao ZHANG ; Mengyang XING ; Zhibo WANG ; Geng MENG ; Junwei MA
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(5):57-61
Objective:To explore the clinical application value of a combined model based on the radiomics features of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and MRI signs in predicting recurrence after radical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 100 patients with radical resection for HCC who admitted to Zibo 148 Hospital from May 2016 to May 2020.All patients underwent abdominal enhanced MRI examination before surgery,and they were followed up for at least 2 years after the surgery.They were randomly divided into training group(70 cases)and verification group(30 cases)as a ratio of 7:3.According to the postoperative follow-up results,the training group existed 12 cases of recurrence and 58 cases without recurrence,and the verification group existed 5 cases of recurrence and 25 cases without recurrence.The 3D-slicer software was used to extract radiomics features of preoperative MRI images of each HCC patient.The intra-group correlation coefficient(ICC)of the extracted imaging features of the observers was calculated.The maximum related minimum redundancy(mRMR)algorithm and LASSO regression were selected to analyze the established radiomics labels after dimensionality reduction and screening.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the independent risk factors of predicting recurrence in MRI signs,and they were used respectively to construct radiomics models with the radiomics labels of plain scan,arterial phase,portal phase and hepatobiliary phase.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of each radiomics model in predicting recurrence.Results:The ICC range of two physicians in selecting radiomics features from the MRI images of all patients were between 0.903 and 0.957,which consistency was favorable(ICC≥0.9).Compared with other predictive models,the highest area under curve(AUC)values of ROC curve of the radiomics model of plain scan of training group[0.951(95%CI:0.901-1.000)]and verification group[0.968(95%CI:0.917-1.000)]were respectively 0.951 and 0.968 in predicting recurrence after radical resection for liver cancer.Conclusion:The combined model that is constructed on the basis of MRI radiomics features has favorable predictive value for the recurrence of patients after radical resection for HCC.Among of them,the radiomics model of plain scan has a certain guiding role in the clinical implementation of personalized treatment plans under the absence of enhancement,and in underdeveloped areas.
9.Exploration on the Mechanism of Fuzheng Yangxin Prescription in Improving Cardiac Function of Heart Failure Rats with Reduced Ejection Fraction Based on AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Pingping HUANG ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Wenyang YOU ; Jinhui ZHANG ; Zhibo ZHANG ; Lijun GUO ; Xiaochang MA
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):106-111
Objective To investigate the mechanism of Fuzheng Yangxin Prescription in improving cardiac function in rats with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)through regulation of AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.Methods An HFrEF rat model was established via left anterior descending coronary artery ligation.Rats were randomized divided into sham-operation group,model group,Fuzheng Yangxin Prescription group and Entresto group,followed by 28 days of intervention.Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular internal dimension at end-systole(LVIDs),left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole(LVIDd),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS),HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial morphology and fibrosis,serum contents of NT-proBNP and inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6)were detected by ELISA,Western blot was performed to analyze p-AMPK,p-mTOR and protein expressions of autophagy markers(Beclin1,LC3,p62).Results Compared with sham-operation group,the LVIDs and LVIDd in model group significantly increased(P<0.05),while LVEF and LVFS significantly decreased(P<0.05),the structure of myocardial cells was disordered and arranged loosely,the deposition of collagen fibers in the infarct area was increased,and the contents of NT-proBNP,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in serum significantly increased(P<0.05),the protein expressions of p-AMPK,Beclin1 and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ in myocardial tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the protein expressions of p-mTOR and p62 significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the LVIDs and LVIDd of rats in Fuzheng Yangxin Prescription group significantly decreased(P<0.05),the LVEF and LVFS were significantly increased(P<0.05),the disorder of myocardial cell arrangement and fibrosis were alleviated,the contents of NT-proBNP,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in serum significantly decreased(P<0.05),the protein expressions of p-AMPK,Beclin1 and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ in myocardial tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),while the protein expressions of p-mTOR and p62 significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Fuzheng Yangxin Prescription may regulate autophagy by activating AMPK/mTOR pathway and improve cardiac function in HFrEF rats.
10.Ilizarov bone transport combined with antibiotic bone cement promotes junction healing of large tibial bone defect
Zhibo ZHANG ; Zhaolin WANG ; Zhigang WANG ; Peng LI ; Jianhao JIANG ; Kai ZHANG ; Shuye YANG ; Gangqiang DU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2038-2043
BACKGROUND:Ilizarov bone transport is very effective in the treatment of open large tibial bone defects,but there are still complications,among which the difficulty of junction healing is one of the difficult points in treatment. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Ilizarov bone transport combined with antibiotic bone cement on junction healing after operation of open large tibial bone defect. METHODS:Totally 51 patients with open large tibial bone defect(bone defect>4 cm)admitted to Binzhou Medical University Hospital from August 2010 to January 2022 were selected,of which 28 received Ilizarov bone transport alone(control group)and 23 received Ilizarov bone transport combined with antibiotic bone cement treatment(trial group).External fixation time,bone healing time,bone healing index,visual analog scale score during bone removal,bone defect limb function,junction healing and complications at the final follow-up were statistically compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All the 51 patients were followed up for a mean of(22.53±5.77)months.External fixation time,bone healing time,bone healing index,postoperative infection rate,and non-healing rate of junction were less in the trial group than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in visual analog scale scores at 6 months after the second surgery and in the functional excellence and good rate of limb with bone defect at the final follow-up(P>0.05).(2)These findings indicate that compared with the Ilizarov bone transport alone,Ilizarov bone transport combined with antibiotic bone cement treatment can promote the healing of open tibial fracture junction and increase the rate of bone healing.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail