1.Construction and Scientific Exploration of the Belt Channel Network Hypothesis:A Modern Interpretation of the Functions of Girdling and Regulation of Qi Movement of Belt Channel
Xinyi LIU ; Bing LIU ; Baoyan LIU ; Jia LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):465-470
Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory and modern scientific research, and in accordance with the core functions of the Belt Channel in girdling and regulation of qi movement, a preliminary framework of the Belt Channel network hypothesis is constructed. It is proposed that the Belt Channel network consists of three synergistic subsystems, fascial biomechanics, neural conduction, and endocrine metabolism. Structurally, it is based on a "biomechanical ring" formed by the transversalis fascia and the core muscle group. Functionally, it integrates signals through the lumbosacral plexus and the autonomic nervous system, and is capable of regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axis and immune homeostasis. Compared with other longitudinal meridians, the uniqueness of the Belt Channel network lies in its dual regulatory effects in coordinating somatic and visceral girdling and in maintaining systemic homeostasis. By integrating the traditional theory of the Belt Channel with mechanisms identified in modern research, this study provides new insights into the modern interpretation of the Belt Channel functions in girdling and regulation of qi movement, as well as the expansion of its clinical applications.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
4.FAH promotes glioblastoma progression by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Shihao LI ; Bing ZHAO ; Tieniu YANG ; Jinliang YANG ; Yongliang ZHANG ; Zhongsen LI ; Shunli LI ; Ning CHEN ; Jianbiao WANG ; Jia LI ; Qingfang MA
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):662-676
ObjectiveTo investigate the functional role and underlying molecular mechanisms of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) in the progression of glioblastoma (GBM). MethodsDifferential expression analysis was performed on the TCGA-GBM, GSE4290, and GSE116520 datasets. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify key modules, and Cox regression and risk modeling were used to screen prognostic genes. Immune infiltration analysis of prognostic genes was carried out by using single-cell RNA sequencing panels. The clinical expression signature of FAH in GBM was analyzed in the TCGA and HPA databases. The functional role of FAH was validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments, and pathway analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. ResultsA total of 152 overlapping genes were identified across the three GBM datasets (P<0.05). WGCNA revealed that the turquoise module was most strongly associated with tumor purity, stromal score, immune score, and ESTIMATE score (P<0.001). Compared with normal tissues, three prognostic genes (CTSD, FAH, and THBD) were upregulated in GBM and correlated with immune infiltration (P<0.05). FAH mRNA and protein levels were elevated in GBM tissues relative to normal tissues, and its expression was significantly associated with age stratification and TP53 mutation (P<0.05). CCK-8 assay results showed that, compared with the shNC group, the proliferative activity of GBM cells in the shFAH group was reduced (P<0.001). Transwell migration and invasion assays demonstrated that, relative to the shNC group, the numbers of migrated and invaded cells in the shFAH group decreased (P<0.05). Western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR in the shFAH group decreased compared with those in the shNC group (P<0.05). In vivo subcutaneous xenograft experiments further confirmed that tumor volume and weight significantly decreased in the shFAH group compared with the shNC group (P<0.001). ConclusionFAH promotes GBM progression by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
5.Analysis on Dynamic Change of Stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Quality Based on "Exterior-interior Correlation"
Yue XU ; Zhe JIA ; Yun WANG ; Bing LI ; Deling WU ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):194-202
ObjectiveIn order to provide a reference for the optimization of preparation process of stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(sf-GRR), the quality changes during the processing was studied. MethodsGlycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was processed by stir-frying for 17 min, and samples were collected every 1 min during the processing. The appearance color of the samples was determined by visual analysis technology, the moisture and extract of the process samples were detected by the drying method and the hot extraction method of alcohol-soluble extract in the general rules of the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(part Ⅳ), and the contents of liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, licoricesaponin G2 and glycyrrhizic acid in the process samples were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Then principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and Spearman correlation analysis were used for clustering, discrimination and correlation analysis of the appearance color, moisture, extract and the contents of six internal components. Based on artificial neural network and random forest algorithm, the prediction model of processing degree of sf-GRR was established. On this basis, based on the five principles of quality marker(Q-Maker), explore the monitoring Q-Maker of sf-GRR. ResultsThe color of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma deepened after stir-frying, and the appearance color of the sample changed from light yellow to dark yellow during processing. During the stir-frying process, the moisture content showed a decreasing trend with the extension of processing time, while the extract content showed an increasing trend with the extension of processing time. After stir-frying, the contents of liquiritin apioside, liquiritin and licoricesaponin G2 showed an overall decreasing trend, while the contents of isoliquiritin apioside and isoliquiritin increased, and the content of glycyrrhizic acid increased slightly. The correlation analysis showed that moisture was positively correlated with brightness(L*) and red/green value(a*), and negatively correlated with yellow/blue value(b*) and total color difference(E*ab). Isoliquiritin apioside and isoliquiritin had negative correlation with L* and a*, and positive correlation with b* and E*ab. The processing process of sf-GRR could be divided into two stages of the early stage(0-14 min) and the late stage(15-17 min), and could be divided into three stages of the early stage(0-6 min), the middle stage(7-14 min) and the late stage(15-17 min) by combining the moisture, extract, the contents of 6 components and color values. Based on artificial neural network analysis and random forest algorithm, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid were selected as monitoring markers for sf-GRR. ConclusionBased on the analysis of the exterior-interior indicators of process samples of sf-GRR, this paper ultimately identifies four processing monitoring markers, which can provide a basis for optimizing the processing technology of sf-GRR.
6.Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for cellular autophagy after spinal cord injury
Yike YANG ; Yafeng REN ; Bing LI ; Wenya SHANG ; Jing HUANG ; Jia GUO ; Huiyao LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(18):3885-3896
BACKGROUND:Cellular autophagy maintains metabolism and in vivo homeostasis through the autophagosome-lysosome degradation pathway,which is closely related to the impaired cell death and functional recovery of distal neurons after spinal cord injury,and targeting cellular autophagy to promote the functional recovery of the spinal cord after spinal cord injury is a promising therapeutic direction.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the role of cellular autophagy in spinal cord injury,related regulatory mechanisms of cellular autophagy and therapeutic strategies.METHODS:PubMed and CNKI databases were searched with the search terms of"spinal cord injury,autophagy,regulatory mechanisms,autophagy pathway,therapeutic target"in English and Chinese,respectively.A total of 133 English and 4 Chinese articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Autophagy,a form of programmed cell death,has been shown to play a crucial role in the progression and treatment of spinal cord injury.Most studies have shown that moderate activation or promotion of autophagy promotes neurological recovery by decreasing inflammatory responses and apoptosis.A few studies have reported that excessive activation of autophagy,on the contrary,impedes neurological recovery following spinal cord injury.(2)After spinal cord injury,PI3K/AKT/mTOR,MAPK,AMPK and p53 signaling pathways,and factors such as Beclin-1,ATG and LC3 regulate the initiation and development of cell autophagy in a positive or negative manner.(3)Promoting or inhibiting autophagy may be a promising therapeutic strategy to modulate the pathogenesis of traumatic spinal cord injury.And the drugs amlodipine,metformin,and minocycline,the Chinese medicines hawthorn leaf total flavonoids,betulinic acid,oxidized ginseng saponins,acupuncture,and extracellular vesicles of different cellular origins,exosomes and reactive oxygen species-responsive composite fibers as activators of cellular autophagy attenuate secondary injury in response to spinal cord injury by activating cellular autophagy,while the drugs insulin-like growth factor 1 and eladavone,Chinese medicine ginseng saponin,acupuncture,and hydrogel carrying basic fibroblast growth factor as inhibitors of cellular autophagy promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury by inhibiting excessive cellular autophagy.(4)The related regulators of cellular autophagy are interconnected,and the bi-directional effects of cellular autophagy on spinal cord injury make it necessary to further explore the dominant factors that regulate cellular autophagy.(5)Research on the use of autophagy as a therapeutic target for spinal cord injury is mostly carried out in animal models,but there are no autophagy-related drugs used in the clinical practice,and their safety and efficacy need to be further investigated in the clinical field.
7.Research Progress on the Application of Hot Melt Extrusion Technology in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Bing YANG ; Peng ZHAO ; Siyi SHUAI ; Xiaoxuan HONG ; Conghui LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Nan LIU ; Zengming WANG ; Jia WEN ; Aiping ZHENG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):73-80
Hot melt extrusion(HME)technology employs thermodynamic and kinetic principles to mix pharmaceutical polymers with crystalline drugs at high temperatures and extrude them,embedding drug molecules within the polymer matrix to form solid dispersions.Due to its solvent-free nature,capability for one-step processing,and support for continuous operation,HME has garnered significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years.This article introduced the basic principles and development history of HME technology and its marketed drugs.It reviewed the research progress of HME technology in improving drug solubility,masking taste,controlled release,targeted release,oral dispersible films,implant formulations,semi-solid formulations,and 3D printed formulations.Additionally,the article summarized the advantages and limitations of HME technology and provided an outlook on its future development.
8.Study on the AI-CDSS Using Behavior and Influencing Factors of Doctors:A Survey Study from Primary and Secondary Hospitals
Ning HU ; Cunbo JIA ; Chunyu ZHANG ; Bing LIU ; Mingqiang PENG
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(2):69-73
Objective To study physicians'use of Artificial Intelligence-based Clinical Decision Support System(AI-CDSS)and its influencing factors in primary and secondary hospitals in China.Methods 443 physicians in prima-ry and secondary hospitals were surveyed by questionnaire.Univariate Chi-square test and logistic regression analy-sis were used to explore the influencing factors of doctors'use of Al-CDSS.Results Through univariate analysis,the effects of job title,working years,major,performance expectation,social influence,technical anxiety and indi-vidual innovation on use behavior were statistically significant(P<0.05).logistic regression analysis showed that in terms of working years,1 year or less,2 to 5 years,6 to 10 years,11 to 15 years,16 to 20 years and conve-nience were generally protective factors for physicians to use AI-CDSS,while attending physician,surgical direc-tion,non-existence of social influence,average social influence and personal innovation were generally risk factors.The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Physicians'use of AI-CDSS is influenced by their working years and social influences.It is necessary to improve the cognition of physicians with long working years on AI-CDSS,give play to the radiation driving role of the surrounding environment,and pay attention to the cultivation of personal innovation.
9.Study on the AI-CDSS Using Behavior and Influencing Factors of Doctors:A Survey Study from Primary and Secondary Hospitals
Ning HU ; Cunbo JIA ; Chunyu ZHANG ; Bing LIU ; Mingqiang PENG
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(2):69-73
Objective To study physicians'use of Artificial Intelligence-based Clinical Decision Support System(AI-CDSS)and its influencing factors in primary and secondary hospitals in China.Methods 443 physicians in prima-ry and secondary hospitals were surveyed by questionnaire.Univariate Chi-square test and logistic regression analy-sis were used to explore the influencing factors of doctors'use of Al-CDSS.Results Through univariate analysis,the effects of job title,working years,major,performance expectation,social influence,technical anxiety and indi-vidual innovation on use behavior were statistically significant(P<0.05).logistic regression analysis showed that in terms of working years,1 year or less,2 to 5 years,6 to 10 years,11 to 15 years,16 to 20 years and conve-nience were generally protective factors for physicians to use AI-CDSS,while attending physician,surgical direc-tion,non-existence of social influence,average social influence and personal innovation were generally risk factors.The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Physicians'use of AI-CDSS is influenced by their working years and social influences.It is necessary to improve the cognition of physicians with long working years on AI-CDSS,give play to the radiation driving role of the surrounding environment,and pay attention to the cultivation of personal innovation.
10.ML210 inhibits glioma cells by regulating the GPX4 mediated ferroptosis pathway
Ning TIAN ; Yan-lin JIANG ; Dong-shan YA ; Xiao-xia LI ; Bing GUO ; Ru-jia LIAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):686-694
Aim To study the role and mechanism of ML210 in glioma.Methods The cell viability was detected by CCK8 assay.The percentage of dead cells was detected by SYTOXstaining.The role of ferroptosis-signaling pathway in gliomas was detected bygenomics.Cell proliferation was observed by EdU staining and clone formation assay.Cell migration ability was detec-ted by scratch healing assay.The apoptosis was detec-ted by flow cytometry.Cell mitochondrial function was assesses by JC-1 staining.The mechanism of action of ML210 was detected by molecular docking coupled with immunoblotting assay(Western blot).The levels of ROS,MDA were observed by ELISA.Results Compared with the control group,ML210 treatment dose-dependently decreased glioma cell viability,in-hibited cell proliferation,migration,and increased cell apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction,which were reversed by ferroptosis antagonists.Gene microarray screening showed that 688 genes of the ferroptosissig-naling pathway were aberrant and 10 signaling path-ways were altered in gliomas.Molecular docking re-sults showed that ML210 binding to GPX4 significantly inhibited the protein expression level of GPX4 and pro-moted the elevation of ROS and MDA levels.Conclu-sions ML210 produces anti-glioma cells via GPX4-mediated ferroptosis pathway.

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