1.From Cathartic Colon to Cathartic-dependent Constipation: Diagnostic-therapeutic Strategies from Integrative Medicine Perspective
Youcheng HE ; Fengru JIANG ; Yanru WANG ; Minghan HUANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lian MO ; Lifeng WEI ; Keyi PAN ; Shuyu CAI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):162-172
Both cathartic colon (CC) and cathartic-dependent constipation (CDC) are caused by the abuse of stimulant laxatives, while their concepts are not completely the same.Starting from the disease name of CC, this article traced the origin and evolution of the concept of CC, summarizes and compared the similarities and differences between CC, CDC, and slow transit constipation (STC), and called for strict differentiation among the three.Furthermore, this article explored the specific contents of Western medicine clinical subtypes and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation of CDC and delved into the TCM pathogenesis of CDC according to both literature and clinical practice.The relationship between clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes was established, and the syndrome characteristics of CDC of different clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes were summarized.The recommended prescriptions for corresponding syndromes were listed.A systematic CDC diagnosis and treatment approach of "clinical subtypes-syndrome differentiation-syndrome characteristics-recommended prescriptions" was thus formed.Additionally, the paper provides an overview of current research on CDC in both Western medicine and TCM contexts, identifies future research directions, and suggests research pathways for refining and advancing CDC studies.
2.Clinical Efficacy of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Prescription in Treatment of Cathartic Colon and Analysis of Influencing Factors of Disease Severity
Youcheng HE ; Jingyi SHAN ; Fengru JIANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lu HANG ; Yan ZHOU ; Lian MO ; Shuyu CAI ; Keyi PAN ; Lifeng WEI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):173-184
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue prescription (YYHP) in the treatment of cathartic colon (CC) and its effects on fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 98 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and Western medicine for CC with the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency complicated by blood stasis were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group. The observation group received YYHP granules, while the control group received lactulose. Both medications were administered twice daily, one sachet each time, half an hour after breakfast and dinner, with a treatment course of 8 weeks. The primary constipation symptom score, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) score, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment and at the 8th week after the end of treatment. The overall clinical effective rate, as well as the efficacy attenuation index and degree, were evaluated. Fecal SCFA levels were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. ResultsThe overall clinical effective rate in the observation group (95.83%) was higher than that in the control group (78.72%) (P<0.05). After treatment, the total scores for primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes decreased in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). The severity of all primary constipation symptoms was alleviated in both groups (P<0.05). In terms of "excessive straining and difficult defecation", "anal heaviness, incomplete evacuation, and bloating sensation", "abdominal distension", and "defecation frequency", the observation group showed better efficacy than the control group (P<0.05). Scores of the four PAC-QOL dimensions and the scores and severity of primary and secondary TCM symptoms were reduced in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFAs in the observation group increased significantly (P<0.05). The efficacy attenuation index and degree in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Positive correlations of varying degrees were observed among the total scores of primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes, as well as between these scores and the history of stimulant laxative use, disease duration, and age. ConclusionYYHP can effectively alleviate the primary constipation symptoms in CC patients, improve quality of life, and ameliorate TCM syndromes, with good safety. It also has the advantage of a lower rebound degree after drug withdrawal, and its mechanism may be related to increasing fecal SCFA levels. Long-term abuse of stimulant laxatives may aggravate the severity of CC and prolong the disease course.
3.Qi and Yin Deficiency with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis in Rat Model of Rhein-induced Cathartic Colon
Youcheng HE ; Fengru JIANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Erhao LIU ; Pengfei ZHOU ; Keyi PAN ; Shuyu CAI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):185-195
ObjectiveTo evaluate and analyze the syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis in a rhein-induced cathartic colon (CC) rat model. MethodsTwenty-four rats were divided into a normal group and a model group (CC group). The rats were administered equal volumes of physiological saline or 2% rhein suspension by gavage to establish the model over three cycles (approximately 118 days). The first cycle lasted 46 days, with a dosage of 12 mL·kg-1·d-1, administered every other day. The second cycle lasted 37 days, with a dosage of 12 mL·kg-1·d-1, administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. The third cycle lasted 35 days, with a dosage of 16 mL·kg-1·d-1, also administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. Each cycle ended when 80% of the rats no longer exhibited loose stools. Body mass, 24 h food intake, coat condition, and coat red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values were recorded. The open field test (OFT) was used to measure the total distance traveled to evaluate Qi deficiency. The body mass coefficient and 24 h water intake were recorded to assess Yin deficiency. The sucrose preference test (SPT) was used to determine the sucrose preference rate (SPR), and the average speed in OFT was measured to evaluate depressive status (liver depression and Qi stagnation). Tongue images and their R, G, and B values were recorded. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) and plasma viscosity (PV) were measured using an automatic hemorheological analyzer to evaluate blood stasis. A carbon ink propulsion test was performed to determine the intestinal transit rate (ITR) for disease model evaluation. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the colon. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) in colon tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of TRPA1 and TPH1. ResultsIn terms of syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the body mass of the CC group decreased (P<0.05), while 24 h food intake increased (P<0.01). The coats of the CC group appeared withered, disheveled, and dull, and the R, G, and B values of the coat decreased (P<0.01). The total distance traveled in OFT decreased (P<0.01). The body mass coefficient decreased (P<0.01), while 24 h water intake increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SPR decreased (P<0.01), and the average speed in OFT slowed (P<0.01). The tongue appeared dark red, and the R, G, and B values of tongue images decreased (P<0.01). WBV and PV increased (P<0.01). Regarding disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the ITR decreased in the CC group (P<0.01). Pathologically, HE staining showed necrosis and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, disruption of mucosal continuity, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria in the CC group. Semi-quantitative analysis showed increased HAI scores (P<0.05) and increased inflammatory cell counts and area proportion (P<0.05). In terms of molecular biological indicators, compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPA1 and TPH1 in colon tissue decreased in the CC group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe rhein-induced CC rat model conforms to the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
4.Study on the effect of apoptosis stimulation protein 2 on traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy in rabbits
Xiaoli CHEN ; Yuze MAO ; Wenhui CAI ; Haiwei WANG ; Yankun YUE
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):16-20
AIM:To investigate the effect of apoptosis stimulation protein 2(ASPP2)on the development of traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR)in a rabbit model.METHODS:A total of 30 New Zealand white rabbits were selected, and the right eyes of all rabbits were inflicted with a scleral penetrating wound of approximately 6 mm. Then rabbits were randomly and evenly divided into experimental and control group. The experimental group received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL of ARPE-19 cell suspension transfected with lentivirus-ASPP2, while the control group received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL of ARPE-19 cell suspension transfected with negative control lentivirus. At 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after PVR modeling, a handheld tonometer was used to measure the intraocular pressure. Moreover, fundus photography and ocular ultrasound examination were performed to detect the retinal proliferation. At 4 wk after modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological retinal changes, and Western blot was used to determine the protein expressions of ASPP2 and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)marker Vimentin in the rabbit retinas.RESULTS:At 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after modeling, there were no significant changes in intraocular pressure within the experimental and control group of rabbit eyes, either before or after PVR modeling, the success rate of PVR modeling in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05), and the retinal proliferation and structural disorder was less severe in the experimental group. At 4 wk after modeling, the retinal protein expression level of ASPP2 in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(t=3.193, P=0.033), while the Vimentin protein expression level was significantly lower in the experimental group(t=-3.599, P=0.023).CONCLUSION:ASPP2 may be involved in regulating the process of EMT in retinal pigment epithelial cells, thereby delaying the development and progression of traumatic PVR in rabbit eyes.
5.Pharmaceutical care for a rare case of diffuse pulmonary microabscesses complicated with organizing pneumonia
Shuangshuang CAI ; Xuewen QIU ; Yue LIAO ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Hao JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1352-1356
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in the individualized treatment of a rare case of diffuse pulmonary microabscesses caused by Streptococcus constellatus complicated with organizing pneumonia (OP) in a non-immunocompromised patient. METHODS For a middle-aged, non-immunocompromised patient with a one-year disease course, whose imaging findings showed the coexistence of diffuse microabscesses and OP caused by S. constellatus pulmonary abscess, the clinical pharmacist, based on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics characteristics, assisted the physician in optimizing the previously ineffective anti-infective regimen to Ceftriaxone sodium for injection combined with Metronidazole and sodium chloride injection, so as to enhance coverage of mixed anaerobes and lesion penetration. After the patient’s hemoptysis ceased, the clinical pharmacist recommended timely initiation of low-dose Methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection to manage OP. Upon discharge, sequential oral therapy with Linezolid tablets, Metronidazole tablets, Methylprednisolone tablets and Omeprazole enteric-coated tablets was prescribed. RESULTS After implementation of the individualized treatment regimen, the patient’s hemoptysis resolved, pulmonary lesions significantly regressed, and the patient was discharged in a stable condition. At the three-month follow-up, the patient remained stable. CONCLUSIONS For chronic persistent pulmonary infection complicated with OP in a non-immunocompromised host, clinical pharmacists assist clinicians in optimizing anti-infective regimens and recommend the timely initiation of anti-inflammatory therapy after infection control, thereby contributing to favorable clinical outcomes. Individualized treatment of such complex cases requires comprehensive consideration of pathogen coverage, pathological barriers, and the timing of anti-inflammatory intervention.
6.Hypothalamic-superior frontal gyrus functional connectivity alterations and luteinizing hormone correlations in girls with central precocious puberty
Hongqiang CAI ; Lianzi SU ; Xiyan CHEN ; Moran YANG ; Jiajia XU ; Yanqi SHAN ; Ru ZHAO ; Longsheng WANG ; Yue YU ; Liwei ZOU
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism 2026;31(2):129-137
Purpose:
In this study, the neural communication patterns between hypothalamic structures and cortical areas in girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) were explored. Endocrine profiles were incorporated to clarify the pathophysiological interactions between cerebral networks and hormonal regulation. The hypothalamus was designated as the key focus area for connectivity analysis.
Methods:
Fifty-seven girls (37 CPP, 20 non-CPP) were recruited from the Pediatric Development Clinic at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The collected data included demographic information, gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Hypothalamic functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed using predefined region of interest coordinates, and correlations between hormone levels and FC values were assessed.
Results:
Compared to the non-CPP group, the CPP group exhibited elevated baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), baseline luteinizing hormone (LH), peak FSH, peak LH, and peak LH/FSH ratios. Patients with CPP exhibited enhanced neural synchronization linking the right lateral hypothalamic effector zone to the right superior frontal gyrus (displaying a borderline significant correlation with peak LH concentrations), concurrent with diminished functional coupling of the right lateral hypothalamic efferent to the right fusiform/supramarginal gyri. The left lateral hypothalamic projections demonstrated amplified connectivity with the right cuneus. No FC differences were observed in the medial hypothalamus.
Conclusion
Abnormal lateral hypothalamus FC patterns were identified in CPP girls and were particularly linked to peak LH levels. The findings offer novel insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying CPP.
7.Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Therapeutic Strategies for Diabetic Kidney Disease under the Guidance of "Diseased Collateral" Theory
Yuzi CAI ; Huijuan ZHENG ; Weijun HUANG ; Yue JI ; Yizhen HAN ; Weiwei SUN ; Yuning LIU ; Yaoxian WANG ; Weijing LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1390-1396
Based on the theory of diseased collaterals and the progression pattern of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), this paper proposes a staged treatment system based on the "three states of kidney collaterals" including collateral distention, collateral bi (痹) and collateral accumulation. In the collateral distention stage, the primary pathogenesis is heat damaging the kidney collaterals and collateral vessel dilation, corresponding to the early state of DKD characterized by hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria; the clearing method is suggested, and Shenling Jiangtang Formula (参苓降糖方) can be used to promote the remission of proteinuria by ameliorating insulin resistance and regulating intestinal microecology. In the collateral bi stage, the core pathogenesis lies in the binding of phlegm and stasis, and the formation of concretions and conglomerations in the kidney collaterals, corresponding to massive proteinuria and the decline of renal function, for which the unblocking method should be taken, using Jinchan Yishen Tongluo Formula (金蝉益肾通络方) and Qingre Xiaozheng Formula (清热消癥方) to alleviate renal pathological damage by regulating the autophagy-lysosome pathway and repairing mitochondrial energy metabolism. The collateral accumulation stage is characterized by the internal retention of turbid toxins and accumulations of concretions in the kidney collaterals, corresponding to renal fibrosis and end-stage renal disease (ESRD); the dispersion method is suggested, and Yiqi Tongluo Xiezhuo Formula (益气通络泄浊方) and Shenyan Fangshuai Fluid (肾炎防衰液) can be used to inhibit extracellular matrix accumulation and delay the progressive loss of renal function. Collateral deficiency runs through the entire course of the disease and is closely related to cellular senescence and the imbalance of the ubiquitin-proteasome/autophagy system. The concept of the "three states of kidney collaterals" integrates the evolution of traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis with modern pathological staging, forming a whole-course intervention system of "staging-syndrome differentiation-target-formula", thereby providing novel insights for prevention and treatment of DKD using integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine.
8.Validation of a predictive model for platelet transfusion refractoriness in patients with hematological diseases
Xiulan HUANG ; Shuhan YUE ; Qun CAI ; Liqi LU ; Mengzhen HE ; Qiao LEI ; Caoyi LIU ; Jingwei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):537-545
[Objective] To validate and optimize the platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) prediction model for patients with hematological disorders established by our center. [Methods] The data of patients with hematological diseases who received platelet transfusions from December 2021 to December 2022 were used as the training set, and data from January 2023 to December 2023 as the validation set. The validation set data was used to validate the predictive model constructed on the training set. Relevant risk factors for PTR were collected through literature review and preliminary studies。 The patients were divided into effective and ineffective groups according to the corrected count increment (CCI) of platelet counts. Predictive factors were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The calibration of the model were assessed via calibration curves, while discrimination, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves Clinical utility was further analyzed with decision curve analysis (DCA). [Results] The Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) goodness-of-fit test for the validation set yielded S: P=0.000, indicating that the original model needs optimization. Baseline comparisons and logistic regression identified the number of red blood cell units (RBCU) and platelet units (PLT-U) transfused as key predictors for the optimized model. The H-L goodness-of-fit test S: P values for the training and validation sets were 0.930 and 0.056, respectively; the ROC areas were 0.793 5 and 0.809 4, specificities 90.95% and 84.21%, sensitivities 59.26% and 70.04%, and accuracies 78.14% and 74.10%, respectively. DCA demonstrated clinical net benefit within a prediction probability threshold range of 0.2-0.8. [Conclusion] Transfusion volumes of RBC-U and PLT-U were inversely associated with PTR in hematological patients. The resulting PTR prediction model exhibits moderate predictive efficacy and clinical benefit.
9.Clinical efficacy of serum beta-amyloid 42 detection and accuracy verification of test kit
Kun JIANG ; Yue TAO ; Minqi CAI ; Dezhu CHEN ; Yiqiang CHEN ; Siyuan LIU ; Bing BAI
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(19):1-5,11
Objective To retrospectively analyze the results of serum beta-amyloid 42(Aβ42)tests conducted in the laboratory and explore potential issues associated with this testing.Methods All the Aβ42 test data collected up to the initiation of this study were compiled,and the positive rates for various diagnoses,including Alzheimer's disease(AD),cognitive decline,and dementia were ana-lyzed.Accuracy of the test kit was preliminarily validated using the kit's own reference,mouse brain tissue,and in vitro cultured cell-based reference samples.Results Data from 546 patients were col-lected,with 166 positive cases(positive rate of 30.4%).Among them,3 out of 6 AD patients tested positive;among 149 patients diagnosed with cognitive decline and 59 dementia patients,there were 29 and 24 positive cases respectively,with positive rates of 19.5%and 40.7%.The kit's detection of its own reference was affected by the serum matrix and failed to effectively detect positive mouse brain tissue and cellular reference samples.The kit's detection was generally unaffected by the amyloid precursor protein(APP)of Aβ,but it did not demonstrate good recovery rates for its own reference samples added to various clinical serum specimens.Conclusion The positive rate of serum Aβ42 test results in laboratory is lower than expected,and the accuracy of the test kit may require further improvement.
10.Co-Cr-Mo guided multidirectional sliding growing rod technology for the treatment of type I neurofibromatosis induced early-onset scoliosis
Feng ZHU ; Wei MEI ; Yu YUE ; Hongjie MA ; Changtao MENG ; Dongliang CAI ; Xiangjian SONG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(7):402-411
Objective:To explore the differences in clinical efficacy between Co-Cr-Mo guided multidirectional sliding growing rod technology (CMSG) and traditional growing rod in the treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1 dysplastic early-onset scoliosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 20 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 dysplastic early-onset scoliosis who underwent surgical treatment in the Scoliosis Department of Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital Affiliated to Henan University from January 2010 to July 2022. There were 10 patients in the traditional rod group (treated with traditional growing rod surgery) and 10 patients in the CMSG group (treated with CMSG technology). All patients were ≤10 years old and had a Cobb angle ≥45°. The number of surgeries and the occurrence of complications were recorded. The Cobb angle of the main scoliotic curve, the Cobb angle of kyphosis from T 5 to T 12, and the height from T 1 to S 1 were measured from the imaging data to evaluate the correction of deformity and spinal growth. Results:There were no significant differences in age, gender, follow - up time, preoperative Cobb angle, and preoperative Cobb angle of kyphosis from T 5-T 12 between the CMSG group and the TGR group ( P>0.05). The number of surgeries 1.3±0.67 and the total medical cost 91, 100±34, 700 yuan in the CMSG group were lower than those in the TGR group (5.3±1.77 times and 155, 800±45, 900 yuan], and the differences were statistically significant ( t=6.687, P<0.001; t=3.558, P=0.002). The Cobb angles of the main curve before surgery, after the first surgery, and at the last follow - up in the CMSG group were 69.7°±17.8°, 19.8°±9.7°, and 24.4°±9.0° respectively, while those in the TGR group were 62.0°±11.1°, 32.1°±11.4°, and 33.3°±11.6° respectively. The differences in Cobb angles after the first surgery and at the last follow-up between the two groups were statistically significant ( t=2.633, P=0.017; t=2.313, P=0.033). The Cobb angles of kyphosis from T 5 to T 12 before surgery, after the first surgery, and at the last follow - up in the CMSG group were 40.0°±24.2°, 21.0°±6.0°, and 33.6°±9.3° respectively, while those in the TGR group were 31.3°±14.5°, 26.3°±10.5°, and 32.3°±17.2° respectively. There were no significant differences in the Cobb angles of kyphosis from T 5 to T 12 after the first surgery and at the last follow-up between the two groups ( t=1.383, P=0.184; t=0.243, P=0.811). The heights from T 1 to S 1 before surgery, after the first surgery, and at the last follow-up in the CMSG group were 30.5±3.4 cm, 33.7±3.3 cm, and 37.9±4.8 cm respectively, with an annual increase of 1.18±0.39 cm. The heights from T 1 to S 1 in the TGR group were 29.1±3.0 cm, 31.4±2.9 cm, and 36.3±3.5 cm respectively, with an annual increase of 1.25±0.23 cm. There was no significant difference in the annual growth height of T 1-S 1 between the two groups ( t=1.367, P=0.189). During the follow-up period, 3 patients in the CMSG group had 3 complications: 1 case of coronal plane trunk decompensation, 1 case of rod fracture, and 1 case of distal junctional kyphosis. In the TGR group, 7 patients had 8 complications: 2 cases of wound rupture, 3 cases of screw loosening, 1 case of distal addition phenomenon, 1 case of proximal addition phenomenon, and 1 case of rod fracture. Conclusion:The Co-Cr-Mo guided multidirectional sliding growing rod technique is safe and effective in treating type 1 neurofibromatosis with malnutrition type early-onset scoliosis. It can effectively control the progression of spinal deformities,preserve the growth ability of the spine, and have a low overall incidence of complications.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail