1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating TLR4 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Zhiwei SU ; Juan XUE ; Jun SUN ; Heng FAN ; Rui ZHU ; Chunyan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):291-299
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease closely related to metabolism, which is mainly characterized by abnormal lipid deposition in hepatocytes. In recent years, with the increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, NAFLD has become one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and varied, involving the cross-regulation of multiple signaling pathways such as glucose-lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The TLR4 signaling pathway plays a key role in the development and progression of NAFLD, and abnormal activation of this pathway accelerates the deterioration of NAFLD by promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing oxidative stress, and exacerbating insulin resistance. Studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway to alleviate the symptoms and pathological features of NAFLD. The present review summarizes the experimental research progress in the TCM regulation of the TLR4 signaling pathway in treating NAFLD in the past 5 years, covering a wide range of TCM active ingredients (such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids) and compound prescriptions. The active ingredients and compound prescriptions of TCM can effectively ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders, reduce insulin resistance, regulate intestinal flora, and inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway via multiple targets and pathways, thus slowing down the progression of NAFLD. Through in-depth analysis of the pathological mechanisms of NAFLD and exploration of the potential of TLR4 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target, we can provide theoretical support for the application of TCM in the treatment of NAFLD, as well as new perspectives and directions for future clinical research and new drug development, thereby promoting the innovation and development of therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
2.Correlation of short sleep duration and screening myopia among primary and middle school students in Beijing
WANG Lu, ZHAO Hai, SUN Bingjie, XIA Zhiwei, GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):14-17
Objective:
To study the correlation between short sleep duration and screening myopia among primary and middle school students in Beijing, so as to provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive prevention and control of myopia among students.
Methods:
Using a stratified cluster random sampling, 25 593 primary and middle school students from 16 districts of Beijing were selected from September to November 2023. The National Common Diseases and Health Influencing Factors Monitoring Survey Questionnaire was used to conduct a questionnaire survey, and visual acuity was tested according to the Specification for the Screening of Refractive Error in Primary and Middle School Students. The reporting rates of short sleep duration and detection rates of screening myopia among primary and middle school students were compared using the Chi square test. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between short sleep duration and screening myopia.
Results:
About 68.63% of students reported short sleep duration. There was a statistically significant difference in the reporting rate of short sleep duration among students in different school stages ( χ 2=981.18, P <0.01), with the lowest reporting rate of vocational high school students (47.07%) and the highest reporting rate of ordinary high school students (76.17%). The detection rates of screening myopia among primary school students ( 57.09% ) and middle school students (76.53%) who reported short sleep duration were higher than those who reported enough sleep duration (52.65%, 71.94%), with satistically significant differences ( χ 2=14.83, 17.96, P <0.01). The results of binary Logistic regression analysis showed that primary and middle school students with short sleep duration had a higher risk of developing screening myopia, compared to students with enough sleep duration ( OR =1.25); after adjusting for confounding factors such as educational stage, gender, region, boarding situation, primary and secondary school students with short sleep duration still had a higher risk of screening myopia ( OR =1.26) ( P <0.01). The analysis results stratified by educational stage showed that primary school students from grades 4-6 and middle school students with short sleep duration had a higher risk of screening myopia ( OR=1.18, 1.20, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Primary and secondary school students in Beijing with short sleep duration sleep have a higher risk of developing screening myopia. Families, schools, and society should ensure enough sleep duration to reduce the occurrence of myopia among students.
3.Effect of Tuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" on Spinal Microglial Activation-related Proteins and the IL-10/β-EP Pathway in a Rat Model of Chronic Sciatic Nerve Compression Injury
Tianwei ZHANG ; Xiangqian LYU ; Yani XING ; Liuchen ZHU ; Qingguang ZHU ; Lingjun KONG ; Yanbin CHENG ; Zhen YAN ; Wuquan SUN ; Min FANG ; Zhiwei WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):734-740
ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic effect of Tuina at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" on neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and its potential central spinal mechanisms. MethodsThirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats in each group), sham-operated group, model group, Tuina group, and blockade group. The CCI model was established in the model group, Tuina group, and the blockade group by ligating the sciatic nerve with catgut, while the sham-operated group underwent only sciatic nerve exposure without ligation. From postoperative day 4 to day 14, rats in the Tuina group and the blockade group received Tuina manipulation at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" using a dynamic pressure distribution measurement system (5 N pressure, 2 Hz frequency, 10 min per session, once daily). The blockade group also received intraperitoneal injections of the microglial inhibitor minocycline (10 mg/kg) once daily. The sham-operated and the model group underwent the same handling and fixation as the Tuina group without actual Tuina. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were measured before surgery and on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 post-surgery. Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate sciatic nerve injury and repair, measuring axon diameter and total myelinated fiber diameter to calculate the g-ratio. Western Blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), CD206, CD68, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and β-endorphin (β-EP) precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed significantly reduced MWT and PWL on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group showed increased MWT and PWL on day 10 and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the Tuina group, the blockade group exhibited higher MWT on day 7, 10, and 14, and higher PWL on day 10 (P<0.05). Sciatic nerve pathological morphology revealed intact and well-structured myelin in the sham-operated group, while the model group exhibited myelin collapse, distortion, and myelin ovoid formation. The Tuina group displayed partially irregular myelin with occasional myelin collapse, whereas the blockade group exhibited partial myelin irregularities and phospholipid shedding. Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a decreased g-ratio and increased levels of Iba-1 and CD68 in the spinal dorsal horn (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group exhibited an increased g-ratio and reduced Iba-1 and CD68 levels. Additionally, the Tuina group showed elevated levels of CD206, IL-10, and POMC, whereas the blockade group had decreased CD206 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionTuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" alleviates neuropathic pain in CCI rats, potentially by regulating microglial activation in the spinal cord, inhibiting M1 polarization while promoting M2 polarization, and activating the IL-10/β-EP pathway to exert analgesic effects.
4.Association between polymorphisms in the glucose metabolism and lipid regulation genes with metabolic abnormalities in childhood obesity
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):888-893
Objective:
To explore the association between CDKAL1 rs35261542, FAIM2 rs 3205718, and VGLL4 rs 2574704 polymorphisms with childhood obesity and related metabolic phenotypes to provide evidence for personalized prevention and management strategies.
Methods:
Based on the 2023 Long term Nutritional Health Effects of Early Childhood Nutrition Package Intervention project, the study enrolled 1 078 children aged 5-7 years from four counties in Henan (Songxian and Ruyang countries) and Guizhou (Guiding and Fuquan countries) provinces. Using BMI Z scores, 87 overweight and obese(OVOB) children were selected and matched by sex, age, and BMI Z score with 117 normal weight controls. Participants were further stratified into four metabolic phenotype groups: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW, n =51), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW, n =66), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO, n =31) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO, n =56) based on four conventional cardiometabolic risk factor (CR) criteria. Data were collected through questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, serum biochemical tests, and KASP genotyping. The distribution of three genetic polymorphisms ( CDKAL1 rs35261542, FAIM2 rs3205718, VGLL4 rs 2574704) across metabolic subgroups was analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression models assessed associations between these polymorphisms and obesity/metabolic phenotypes.
Results:
Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Homozygous mutant AA genotype of CDKAL1 rs 35261542 was positively associated with OVOB( OR =3.63), MHO ( OR =11.04), MUO ( OR = 4.88 ) ( P <0.05). Homozygous TT genotype of FAIM2 rs 3205718 increased OVOB risk ( OR =4.44, P <0.05) but showed no association with metabolic phenotypes ( P >0.05). Homozygous mutant TT of VGLL4 rs 2574704 reduced the risks of MHO and MUO ( OR = 0.30, 0.24, P <0.05). Cumulative genetic effects analysis demonstrated carriers of 1 or 2 risk genotypes of rs 35261542 and rs 3205718 had progressively higher OVOB risk ( OR =2.53, 20.79), and the combination of rs 35261542 and rs 2574704 increased risks for both MHO ( OR =8.50) and MUO ( OR =5.00) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The AA genotype of rs 35261542 ( CDKAL1 ) positively correlates with childhood obesity and metabolic abnormalities. The TT genotype of rs 3205718 ( FAIM 2) increases obesity risk but not metabolic phenotypes. The TT genotype of rs 2574704 ( VGLL 4) shows protective effects against metabolic dysfunction. Risk genotypes exhibit dosedependent cumulative effects on obesity and metabolic outcomes.
5.Research progress on the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with lung cancer
Anying LI ; Zhiwei LI ; Dianhan SUN ; Yong CHEN ; Jun WU ; Yusheng SHU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(06):855-862
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which predominantly affects middle-aged and elderly individuals, is associated with a significantly reduced quality of life and often triggers various other pulmonary conditions. Lung cancer, as one of the most prevalent and deadly pulmonary malignancies worldwide, poses a severe threat to global public health. The risk of developing lung cancer is markedly higher in COPD patients compared to the general population, indicating numerous associations between the two conditions that warrant in-depth investigation. Although a substantial body of research has explored the relationship between COPD and lung cancer, studies focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying their connection remain limited. This article reviews the latest research progress on the mechanisms of COPD complicated by lung cancer from four perspectives: the role of chronic pulmonary inflammation, programmed cell death, genetic and molecular interactions, and dysbiosis of the pulmonary microbiome. The aim of this article is to provide new insights and references for the prevention and therapeutic strategies of COPD complicated with lung cancer.
6.A study on dyadic relationship between benefit finding and positive psychological capital in stroke patients and their spouses
Qianqian SUN ; Yongxia MEI ; Wangtao SONG ; Zhen HUANG ; Zhiwei LIU ; Bomei DUAN ; Zhenxiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(17):2116-2122
Objective To investigate the level of benefit finding and positive psychological capital of stroke patients and their spouses,and to analyse the dyadic interaction between benefit finding and positive psychological capital of patients and their spouses.Methods From March to August 2023,235 stroke patients and their spouses were conveniently selected from the neurology wards of 3 tertiary hospitals in Henan Province,and were surveyed using a general information questionnaire,the positive psychological capital questionnaire,revised version of benefit finding scale,and caregiver benefit finding scale.Results The positive psychological capital scores of stroke patients and their spouses were(4.29±0.75)and(4.56±0.71);benefit finding scores of the dyads were(2.85±0.69)and(3.64±0.68).The results of actor-partner interdependence model showed that positive psychological capital of stroke patients and their spouses positively predicted their benefit finding;positive psychological capital of patients positively predicted benefit finding of spouses,and positive psychological capital of spouses positively predicted benefit finding of patients(all P<0.05).In particular,spousal self-efficacy and resilience positively predicted their benefit finding;their optimism positively predicted the patient's benefit finding;their hopefulness negatively predicted the patient's benefit finding(all P<0.05).Conclusion There was a dyadic interaction between benefit finding and positive psychological capital for stroke patients and their spouses.The role of spouses on patients'positive psychological capital should not be overlooked,and nurses should develop positive psychological capital intervention strategies centered on couples of stroke patients to enhance positive couple experiences.
7.A long-term follow-up study of percutaneous stent implantation for residual pulmonary artery stenosis after complicated congenital heart disease
Xu HUANG ; Yifan LI ; Bingyu MA ; Ling SUN ; Junjie LI ; Jijun SHI ; Shushui WANG ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Yumei XIE
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;40(6):355-361
Objective:To investigate the long-term safety and effectiveness of stent implantation for residual pulmonary artery stenosis after complicated congenital heart disease.Methods:The symptoms, signs, echocardiography, cardiac CT, cardiac catheterization, six-minute walking distance, and BNP of 41 patients diagnosed from January 1996 to January 2020. In this group, 41 patients, 30 males and 11 females, aged 1.3-14.5 years old, mean (6.1±3.6) years old, and weighed 8-43 kg, mean (18.9±9.4)kg, compared the diameter of the target vessel, pressure difference across stenosis, cardiac function before and postoperative follow-up, and evaluated the long-term effect of stent implantation in the treatment of pulmonary artery stenosis.Results:All 41 patients were not lost to follow-up, no death, and there were no serious adverse events such as stent fracture, artery dissection and pulmonary embolism during follow-up. The median follow-up time was 7.1 years (3.1 to 13.8 years). As of January 2023, the echocardiographic results showed that the diameter of the target vessels in 41 patients increased from preoperative (3.9±1.5) mm to (6.0±1.5) mm ( P<0.05), the pressure difference across the stenosis decreased from preoperative (51.4±19.1) mmHg to (33.1±19.7) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa, P<0.05); Heart spiral CT showed that the ratio of target vessel diameter to distal vessel diameter increased from preoperative 0.4±0.2 to 0.9±0.3( P<0.05). All patients had no slow growth and development, no recurrent lung infection, 39 patients (95.1%) had gradeⅠcardiac function, and 2 patients (4.9%) had gradeⅡcardiac function.As children in school age, the walking distance of 6 min was 462 to 633 m, mean( 529.9±57.1)m, the respiratory score was 0.5-1, and the lower limb force score was 6-12. There were 5 long-term adverse events, including 4 cases of target vessel restenosis (9.7%), and 1 case (2.4%), two of the patients with restenosis with repeated target vessel stenosis and lateral pulmonary hypertension were surgically intervention: stent removing and pumonary expanding, after 4, 13 years of stent implantation.And the others were still in follow-up, and no further intervention was made. The Cox multivariate survival analysis suggested that right ventricular systolic blood pressure was a risk factor for endpoint events before stent implantation ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The treatment of residual pulmonary artery stenosis after complicated congenital heart disease after percutaneous stent implantation can effectively relieve the right heart pressure overload, improve pulmonary blood flow, stabilize cardiac function, improve the long-term prognosis of patients with complicated congenital heart disease, reduce the chest opening rate of reoperation, and have stable long-term curative effect.
8.Expert consensus on the rational application of the biological clock in stomatology research
Kai YANG ; Moyi SUN ; Longjiang LI ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Wei GUO ; Songsong ZHU ; Jia-Wei ZHENG ; Jie ZHANG ; Zhijun SUN ; Jie REN ; Jiawen ZHENG ; Xiaoqiang LV ; Hong TANG ; Dan CHEN ; Qing XI ; Xin HUANG ; Heming WU ; Hong MA ; Wei SHANG ; Jian MENG ; Jichen LI ; Chunjie LI ; Yi LI ; Ningbo ZHAO ; Xuemei TAN ; Yixin YANG ; Yadong WU ; Shilin YIN ; Zhiwei ZHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2024;40(4):455-460
The biological clock(also known as the circadian rhythm)is the fundamental reliance for all organisms on Earth to adapt and survive in the Earth's rotation environment.Circadian rhythm is the most basic regulatory mechanism of life activities,and plays a key role in maintaining normal physiological and biochemical homeostasis,disease occurrence and treatment.Recent studies have shown that the biologi-cal clock plays an important role in the development of oral tissues and in the occurrence and treatment of oral diseases.Since there is cur-rently no guiding literature on the research methods of biological clock in stomatology,researchers mainly conduct research based on pub-lished references,which has led to controversy about the research methods of biological clock in stomatology,and there are many confusions about how to rationally apply the research methods of circadia rhythms.In view of this,this expert consensus summarizes the characteristics of the biological clock and analyzes the shortcomings of the current biological clock research in stomatology,and organizes relevant experts to summarize and recommend 10 principles as a reference for the rational implementation of the biological clock in stomatology research.
9.Clinical management of thrombocytopenia in cirrhosis
Jianping LI ; Ying TAN ; Hang SUN ; Ganqiu LIN ; Binbin CHEN ; Yue WU ; Zhiwei XIE ; Yaping WANG ; Aiqi LU ; Yujuan GUAN
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2024;32(6):489-492
Thrombocytopenia is one of the common complications of cirrhotic patients, which can induce an increasing bleeding risk and closely correlate with bleeding following invasive procedures. Consequently, how to respond to thrombocytopenia is crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. This article reviews the main mechanisms of cirrhosis concurrent with thrombocytopenia, as well as the corresponding clinical management strategies.
10.Effect of Total Flavonoids from Vine Tea on Intestinal Flora of Mice Mode of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Chuting WANG ; Yi SUN ; Zhiwei CHEN ; Guihong WANG ; Guohua ZHENG ; Junjie HU
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(6):867-873
Objective To investigate the effects of total flavonoids from Vine tea on the intestinal flora of high-fat diet(HFD)induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)mice.Methods Twenty-eight mice were randomly divided into four groups:blank control group,model control group(HFD group),low-dose TF group(TF-L group),and high-dose TF group(TF-H group),with 7 mice in each group.Mice in the HFD group,TF-L group,and TF-H group were fed with high-fat diet(HFD)for 12 weeks,while those in the blank control group were fed a normal diet.After 12 weeks of high-fat diet feeding,mice in the TF-L group and TF-H group were orally administered TF solution at doses of 125 and 250 mg·kg-1·d-1 by gavage administration for 6 weeks of intervention.Pathological changes in the liver and intestine of mice were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)staining,and the expression levels of tight junction proteins between the epithelial cells of the colonic mucosa was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.ELISA kit was used to detect the level of serum inflammatory factors in mice.Changes of intestinal flora in mice were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing technology.Results Total flavonoids from Vine tea could effectively improve the pathological changes of liver and intestinal tract in mice,reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α,and promote the expression of tight junction proteins Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin 1 in the colon.There were significant differences in the intestinal flora of the three groups of mice.Total flavonoids from Vine tea significantly decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota(P<0.05),increased the abundance of Faecalibaculum,Ligilactobacillus and Lactobacillus,which resulted in the improvement of intestinal flora disorders.Conclusion Total flavonoids from Vine tea have certain ameliorative effects on high-fat diet-induced NAFLD,and the mechanism may be related to the promotion of intestinal barrier repair and the improvement of intestinal flora disorders.


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