1.Ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction and its active fractions on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Jinbiao YANG ; Xingtong CHEN ; Yunyue ZHOU ; Ruihong YANG ; Qiao WANG ; Shuang XUE ; Yukun ZHANG ; Wenying NIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):299-304
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) and its active fractions in ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS BYHWD and its effective fractions obtained through ethanol precipitation, as well as 30% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 75% ethanol fractions (namely, the CC effective fraction, 30YC effective fraction, 50YC effective fraction, and 75YC effective fraction), were prepared. These preparations were administered to rats via intragastric administration to prepare corresponding drug-containing serum (blank serum and simvastatin-containing serum were prepared using the same protocol). Human L02 hepatocytes were divided into control group, model group, simvastatin-containing serum group, BYHWD-containing serum group, CC-containing serum group, 30YC-containing serum group, 50YC-containing serum group, and 75YC-containing serum group. Except for the control group, other groups were given 0.2 mol/L oleic acid for 24 h to induce a lipid accumulation model, and then intervened with 20% drug-containing serum/blank serum for 24 h. The lipid deposition in cells was observed, and the proportion of lipid droplet area was calculated; the levels of triglycerides (TG) and indicators of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] as well as liver function [alanine amino- transferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST)] in cells were detected; protein and mRNA expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1)/glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) signaling pathway were also measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group, cells in the model group exhibited severe cellular steatosis, with a significantly increased proportion of lipid droplet area, as well as the elevated levels of TG, ALT, AST, and MDA in cells, along with significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1 and GPAT (P<0.05). The level of SOD, mRNA expression of AMPK, as well as the protein phosphorylation level of AMPK were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, cellular steatosis was alleviated in all drug-containing serum groups, and the levels of most of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS BYHWD and its active fractions can exert a therapeutic effect on improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the AMPK/SREBP-1/GPAT signaling pathway, inhibiting oxidative stress responses, and reducing lipid deposition.
2.Automatic quantitative analysis of myopia-related ocular fundus morphological parameters based on artificial intelligence
Ting LI ; Panpan XIAO ; Yonghua GU ; Fangxia ZHANG ; Xizhen GUO ; Xiaolin CHEN ; Hui YANG ; Shuang ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):888-895
AIM:To automatically identify and quantitatively assess myopia-related fundus structural changes by combining non-mydriatic color fundus photography with an artificial intelligence(AI)-powered quantitative fundus analysis system and to further analyze the correlations between these fundus parameters and spherical equivalent(SE), axial length(AL), and age, providing the objective basis for monitoring myopia progression and supporting the formulation of personalized myopia prevention and control strategies. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling myopic patients aged 18-50 y who underwent myopia screening from March 2023 to December 2023. Patients were stratified into three groups based on SE: the -3.00 D
3.Study on the role and mechanism of SPP1+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis
Zexin YANG ; Zeping GUI ; Junqi ZHANG ; Gang ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Li SUN ; Shuang FEI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):413-421
Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis. Methods The expression features of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allografts of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) patients were analyzed based on single-cell transcriptome data of renal tissues from patients with CAD. Transcription factor VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis were performed on the single-cell transcriptome data. Renal tissue samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, including the CAD group (n=5) and the non-renal allograft fibrosis group (CTL group, n=5). A mouse model of chronic allograft rejection was established and divided into the allogeneic kidney transplantation group (CAD group, n=3) and the syngeneic kidney transplantation group (SYN group, n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect renal tissue injury in mice, and Masson staining was used to detect renal tissue fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect SPP1 expression in renal tissues of transplant recipients and mouse renal allografts. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were extracted from mice and subjected to hypoxia stimulation. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot, and SPP1 expression was detected by flow cytometry. BMDMs were transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid and HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by hypoxia intervention, and the expression of HIF-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) were co-cultured with the supernatant of BMDMs, and the expression of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related markers was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allograft tissues was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the CTL group (P<0.05). The renal injury score and the percentage of interstitial fibrotic area in the CAD group were significantly higher than those in the SYN group (both P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages was increased in the CAD group compared with the CTL group, and also increased in the CAD group compared with the SYN group (both P<0.05). VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis revealed activation of the hypoxia pathway and upregulated expression of transcription factors such as HIF-1α in SPP1+ macrophages. SPP1 expression was elevated in BMDMs under hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of HIF-1α inhibited hypoxia-induced SPP1 protein expression, whereas overexpression of HIF-1α upregulated SPP1 protein levels. After co-culture of hypoxia-induced BMDMs with MAECs, the expression levels of EndMT-related markers were increased. Conclusions SPP1+ macrophages differentiated under hypoxia are significantly infiltrated in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis, and may promote renal allograft fibrosis by inducing EndMT in renal vascular endothelial cells.
4.Clinical efficacy of endoscopic endonasal dorsum sellae and posterior clinoid process resection combined with pituitary hemi-transposition for pan-sellar area lesions
Tabengwa GEORGE TAKURA ; Qiang XIE ; Huaichao ZHANG ; Shuang LIU ; Jinlong HUANG ; Pin CHEN ; Zeyang LI ; Xiaobiao ZHANG ; Tao XIE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):507-515
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of endoscopic endonasal dorsum sellae and posterior clinoid process resection combined with pituitary hemi-transposition in the treatment of pan-sellar area lesions. Methods Clinical data from 57 patients with pan sellar diseases who underwent endoscopic transnasal resection of the posterior clinoid process combined with lateral pituitary displacement surgery in the neurosurgery department of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2019 to January 2025 were collected, and their clinical surgical characteristics and prognosis were analyed. Results A total of 57 patients with pan-sellar area lesions were included in this study, comprising 27 craniopharyngiomas, 7 giant suprasellar pituitary adenomas, 7 chordomas, 6 chondrosarcomas, 5 diaphragma sellae/dorsum sellae meningiomas, and 5 rare lesions. All procedures were completed successfully, and gross total or near-total resection was achieved in all patients. No new neurovascular complications occurred intraoperatively. The follow-up duration ranged from 3 to 24 months. New postoperative anterior pituitary insufficiency occurred in 3 patients (5.3%), and new posterior pituitary insufficiency requiring long-term hormone replacement therapy occurred in 4 patients (7.0%). No additional pituitary dysfunction was observed in the remaining patients. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea occurred in 1 patient (1.8%) and was successfully repaired. Intracranial infection occurred in 3 patients (5.3%) and resolved after medical treatment. Conclusion Endoscopic resection of the posterior clinoid process combined with lateral displacement of the pituitary gland can effectively expand the surgical space, while repositioning the pituitary gland can reduce the extent of skull base defects. In addition, the risk of pituitary dysfunction caused by lateral displacement of the pituitary gland is relatively low.
5.Qualitative study on factors influencing the health of courier/food delivery workers based on the social-ecological model
Ruina LI ; Jingjing DU ; Jin WANG ; Xiaoman LIU ; Yan YE ; Yan YIN ; Zhi WANG ; Fengqiong CHEN ; Huanqiang WANG ; Shuang LI
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(2):144-149
Objective To explore the health issues and influencing factors of workers in new forms of employment, represented by couriers and food delivery workers, based on the social-ecological model (SEM). Methods A total of 44 couriers and food delivery workers from Beijing City, Shanghai City, Guangzhou City, and Chongqing City were recruited as the study subjects using purposive sampling combined with snowball sampling method. An interview guide was developed based on the SEM to conduct semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to code and analyze the interview data. Results The health influencing factors among the couriers and food delivery workers based on the SEM included three first-level themes at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels, namely "individual factors," "occupational environmental factors," and "social environmental factors," each comprising three second-level themes. At the micro-level, individual factors such as insufficient health literacy, unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors, and sustained psychological burden jointly contributed to the health vulnerability among these couriers and food delivery workers. At the meso-level, occupational environmental factors including algorithmic management, high-load work environments, and inadequate interpersonal support, jointly construct a high-pressure and high-intensity work pattern. At the macro-level, social environmental factors such as insufficient social security caused by the de facto nature of labor relations, economic pressure resulting from unstable income in the market environment, and psychological depletion caused by occupational discrimination further exacerbate the health vulnerability among these workers. Conclusion The health issues of the couriers and food delivery workers result from the interplay of factors across micro-, meso-, and macro- levels. Therefore, a multi-level collaborative health protection system involving individuals, organizations, and society should be established to improve their health status.
6.Network structure analysis of the association between physical fitness indicators and anxiety and depressive symptoms among college students
BAI Jianfei, CHEN Wenjia, CAO Chunxia, LI Jianhui, CUI Shuang, ZHAI Feng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):966-970
Objective:
To explore the micro associations and key bridge nodes between physical fitness indicators and anxiety/depressive symptoms among college students using network analysis, so as to provide a theoretical foundation for promoting physical and mental health of college students.
Methods:
From September to October 2025, a combination of purposive sampling and cluster sampling was employed to select 2 158 college students from three universities in Xuzhou City. Seven physical fitness indicators were measured and standardized according to the National Student Physical Health Standard. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms. Independent samples t-test was used for intergroup comparisons of physical fitness indicators and psychological symptom scores. A gaussian graphical model (GGM) was constructed to calculate node and bridge strength, followed by stability analyses.
Results:
The detection rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among college students were 21.3% and 24.5%, respectively. Male participants demonstrated superior performance in physical fitness indicators such as vital capacity, 50 meter sprint, and standing long jump compared to female participants, whereas females exhibited better results in the sit and reach test ( t =48.35, -44.82 , 70.21, -16.51, all P <0.01). Regarding psychological indicators, female participants showed higher scores of anxiety and depressive symptoms than males ( t =-4.15, -4.46, both P <0.01). Physical fitness and psychological symptoms were predominantly negatively correlated. "feeling tired" and "not being able to stop or control worrying" were the symptoms with the highest centrality in the network of physical fitness and phychological symptoms among college students (standardized strengths were 2.15 and 1.98, respectively). Among the bridge indicators, the "1 000 m (male)/800 m (female) run" exhibited the highest strength (0.85), outperforming "vital capacity" (0.35); it was linked to the symptom cluster primarily by negatively predicting "feeling tired" (edge weight=-0.38). The network stability was excellent of physical fitness and phychological symptoms among college students (correlation stability coefficient= 0.60 ).
Conclusions
Endurance capacity serves as the most critical bridge connecting physical and mental health, and its decline is closely related to intensified feelings of fatigue. Colleges should prioritize endurance training as a core target for promoting college students mental health.
7.Synthetic MRI Combined With Clinicopathological Characteristics for Pretreatment Prediction of Chemoradiotherapy Response in Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Siyu CHEN ; Jiankun DAI ; Jing ZHAO ; Shuang HAN ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Jun CHANG ; Donghui JIANG ; Heng ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Shudong HU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(2):135-145
Objective:
To explore the feasibility of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (syMRI) combined with clinicopathological characteristics for the pre-treatment prediction of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) response in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (ANPC).
Materials and Methods:
Patients with ANPC treated with CRT between September 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into response group (RG, n = 95) and non RGs (NRG, n = 32) based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1. The quantitative parameters from pre-treatment syMRI (longitudinal [T1] and transverse [T2] relaxation times and proton density [PD]), diffusion-weighted imaging (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]), and clinicopathological characteristics were compared between RG and NRG. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify parameters independently associated with CRT response and to construct a multivariable model. The areas under the receiveroperating characteristic curve (AUC) for various diagnostic approaches were compared using the DeLong test.
Results:
The T1, T2, and PD values in the NRG were significantly lower than those in the RG (all P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in the ADC values between these two groups. Clinicopathological characteristics (Epstein–Barr virus [EBV]-DNA level, lymph node extranodal extension, clinical stage, and Ki-67 expression) exhibited significant differences between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that T1, PD, EBV-DNA level, clinical stage, and Ki-67 expression had significant independent relationships with CRT response (all P < 0.05). The multivariable model incorporating these five variables yielded AUC, sensitivity, and specificity values of 0.974, 93.8% (30/32), and 91.6% (87/95), respectively.
Conclusion
SyMRI may be used for the pretreatment prediction of CRT response in ANPC. The multivariable model incorporating syMRI quantitative parameters and clinicopathological characteristics, which were independently associated with CRT response, may be a new tool for the pretreatment prediction of CRT response.
8.Treatment of Glaucoma Based on "Jueyin (厥阴) as the Closing Phase" from the Perspective of Spatiotemporal Theory
Xue WU ; Shuang CHEN ; Lixia ZHANG ; Piao JIANG ; Zhiyi ZHOU ; Wenying SUN ; Aixiang JIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1400-1404
This paper explores the therapeutic approach for glaucoma based on the concept of "jueyin (厥阴) as the closing phase" from the perspectives of time and space. In traditional Chinese medicine, jueyin governs inward, converging aspect of qi, representing the crucial turning point between the end of yin and the emergence of yang, as well as the transformation between yin and yang. When the closing and descending function of jueyin operates smoothly, it promotes the inward convergence and smooth descent of qi, enabling the internal retention of blood, spirit, and emotions, which nourishes the internal organs and moistens the meridian-sinews. Conversely, dysfunction of this "closing" mechanism results in a disturbance of yin and yang, a mixture of cold and heat, and disharmony of qi and blood. It is proposed that "failure of jueyin to properly close and descend" is a core pathomechanism of glaucoma. From the perspective of spatiotemporal theory, clinical treatment should focus on "regulating the closing function of jueyin and harmonizing yin and yang". The modified Wumei Pill (乌梅丸) is recommended to adjust the ascending-descending and entering-exiting dynamics of jueyin qi transformation, thereby restoring its free flow, achieving yin and yang balance, and ensuring nourishment to the ocular system.
9.Construction Strategies and Challenges of Vascularized Brain Organoids
Meng-Meng CHEN ; Nan HU ; Shuang-Qing BAO ; Xiao-Hong LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1757-1770
Brain organoids are three-dimensional (3D) neural cultures that self-organize from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) cultured in vitro. Compared with traditional two-dimensional (2D) neural cell culture systems, brain organoids demonstrate a significantly enhanced capacity to faithfully replicate key aspects of the human brain, including cellular diversity, 3D tissue architecture, and functional neural network activity. Importantly, they also overcome the inherent limitations of animal models, which often differ from human biology in terms of genetic background and brain structure. Owing to these advantages, brain organoids have emerged as a powerful tool for recapitulating human-specific developmental processes, disease mechanisms, and pharmacological responses, thereby providing an indispensable model for advancing our understanding of human brain development and neurological disorders. Despite their considerable potential, conventional brain organoids face a critical limitation: the absence of a functional vascular system. This deficiency results in inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the core regions of the organoid, ultimately constraining long-term viability and functional maturation. Moreover, the lack of early neurovascular interactions prevents these models from fully recapitulating the human brain microenvironment. In recent years, the introduction of vascularization strategies has significantly enhanced the physiological relevance of brain organoid models. Researchers have successfully developed various vascularized brain organoid models through multiple innovative approaches. Biological methods, for example, involve co-culturing brain organoids with endothelial cells to induce the formation of static vascular networks. Alternatively, co-differentiation strategies direct both mesodermal and ectodermal lineages to generate vascularized tissues, while fusion techniques combine pre-formed vascular organoids with brain organoids. Beyond biological approaches, tissue engineering techniques have played a pivotal role in promoting vascularization. Microfluidic systems enable the creation of dynamic, perfusable vascular networks that mimic blood flow, while 3D printing technologies allow for the precise fabrication of artificial vascular scaffolds tailored to the organoid’s architecture. Additionally, in vivo transplantation strategies facilitate the formation of functional, blood-perfused vascular networks through host-derived vascular infiltration. The incorporation of vascularization has yielded multiple benefits for brain organoid models. It alleviates hypoxia within the organoid core, thereby improving cell survival and supporting long-term culture and maturation. Furthermore, vascularized organoids recapitulate critical features of the neurovascular unit, including the early structural and functional characteristics of the blood-brain barrier. These advancements have established vascularized brain organoids as a highly relevant platform for studying neurovascular disorders, drug screening, and other applications. However, achieving sustained, long-term functional perfusion while preserving vascular structural integrity and promoting vascular maturation remains a major challenge in the field. In this review, we systematically outline the key stages of human neurovascular development and provide a comprehensive analysis of the various strategies employed to construct vascularized brain organoids. We further present a detailed comparative assessment of different vascularization techniques, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. Additionally, we summarize the principal challenges currently faced in brain organoid vascularization and discuss the specific technical obstacles that persist. Finally, in the outlook section, we elaborate on the promising applications of vascularized brain organoids in disease modeling and drug testing, address the main controversies and unresolved questions in the field, and propose potential directions for future research.
10.Shanxiangyuanye (Turpiniae Folium) for diabetic complications: chemical constituents and therapeutic potential
Ruiyao Xiong ; Shuang Chen ; Zihao Dai ; Limin Gong
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):413-424
Objective:
To analyze the chemical constituents of Shanxiangyuanye (Turpiniae Folium) through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, and to evaluate their anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, and anti-glycation activities related to diabetic complications.
Methods:
The supernatant of Shanxiangyuanye (Turpiniae Folium) (TFS), obtained following water extraction and alcohol precipitation, was analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Antioxidant activity of TFS in vitro was evaluated using three experimental approaches: the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+) radical cation decolorization assay, and the hydroxyl (·OH) radical scavenging assay. To comprehensively evaluate hypoglycemic potential, α-glucosidase inhibition was measured to analyze in vitro hypoglycemic activity. Subsequently, in vitro models were developed to examine anti-glycation activity through the bovine serum albumin (BSA)-fructose (Fru), BSA-methylglyoxal (MGO), BSA-glyoxal (GO), and D-arginine (Arg)-MGO systems, with particular attention to the inhibitory effects of TFS. Furthermore, the concentrations of fructosamine, protein carbonyls, sulfhydryl groups, and β-amyloid in the glycation solution were quantified using the BSA-Fru model following 7-d of incubation at 37 °C.
Results:
Using LC-MS/MS analysis in both positive and negative ion modes, we identified 750 chemical components in TFS, primarily including organic acids, amino acids, and their derivatives. In vitro activity studies demonstrated that TFS exhibited remarkable free radical scavenging capacity, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 0.47, 1.56, and 0.36 mg/mL against DPPH, ABTS+, and ·OH radicals, respectively. Regarding hypoglycemic activity, TFS dose-dependently inhibited α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 0.21 mg/mL), displaying comparable efficacy to the clinical drug acarbose (IC50 = 0.23 mg/mL). Notably, TFS intervened in the glycation process: IC50 values were 0.22, 1.91 – 4.96, and 4.09 mg/mL in the BSA-Fru, BSA-MGO/GO, and Arg-MGO models, respectively, with the most prominent inhibitory effects observed in the BSA-Fru model. Furthermore, although TFS may not effectively preserve thiol groups in BSA or reduce thiol oxidation during glycation, it significantly reduces fructosamine levels (in a dose-dependent manner), decreases β-amyloid formation, and inhibits protein carbonylation (P < 0.000 1).
Conclusion
The findings demonstrate that TFS exhibits a complex chemical composition with potent antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and anti-glycation activities. These results provide compelling scientific evidence supporting TFS’s potential as a natural adjuvant for diabetes prevention and complication management, while laying a solid foundation for its applications in functional food development and adjunctive antidiabetic therapeutics.


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