1.Secular trends in energy and macronutrient intake across different occupational groups in nine provinces of China, 1989–2018
Yu WU ; Jiguo ZHANG ; Liusen WANG ; Lixin HAO ; Chang QU ; Yumeng SONG ; Zhihong WANG ; Huijun WANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Hongru JIANG ; Gangqiang DING
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):145-152
Background With China's socio-economic development, the dietary structure of Chinese residents has gradually shifted from a traditional Eastern pattern characterized by high carbohydrate intake to a relatively high-fat Western dietary model, alongside a growing burden of chronic diseases. However, dietary changes may vary across different occupational groups. Objective To analyze the long-term trends in dietary energy and three major macronutrient intake among various occupational groups aged 18-59 years in nine provinces of China from 1989 to 2018, providing a scientific basis for developing occupation-specific dietary intervention strategies. Methods Based on 11 waves of data (1989–2018) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS),
2.Academic Characteristics of Contemporary Chinese Medicine Masters in Treating Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on SrTO
Yu SUN ; Xiaodan WANG ; Yingzi CUI ; Tianying CHANG ; Fan LI ; Lisha WANG ; Chenxuan DONG ; Shoulin ZHANG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):258-269
ObjectiveTo explore the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspectives of principles, methods, formulas, and medications. MethodsIn strict accordance with the Systematic Review of Text and Opinion (SrTO) process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), an Australian evidence-based healthcare center, the databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, Wanfang Data, and China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) were searched. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, text information extraction, quality evaluation, and text information synthesis were conducted sequentially. The data were analyzed and presented in the form of text and figures. ResultsA total of 215 articles related to 43 contemporary renowned experts in the fields of Chinese medicine nephrology and endocrinology were included. The study found that the academic thoughts of these masters in the treatment of DKD are extensive, involving multiple levels such as disease understanding, therapeutic strategies, formula application, and medication use. In terms of disease understanding, the primary pathogenesis is characterized by deficiency in the root and excess in the manifestation. It is emphasized that internal factors, such as congenital endowment deficiency, interact with external factors such as improper diet, emotional disturbances, invasion of exogenous pathogens, and delayed or inappropriate treatment, to jointly induce the disease. This further gives rise to various pathogenetic theories, including obstruction of renal collaterals by blood stasis, toxin-induced damage to renal collaterals, latent wind disturbing the kidney, and internal heat leading to mass formation. In terms of therapeutic strategies and medication use, the principal treatment method is to replenish Qi and nourish Yin. Stage-based and syndrome-differentiated treatments are advocated. Flexible use of insect-derived drugs and wind-dispelling drugs is emphasized, along with proficiency in applying classical formulas and drug pairs. Integrated internal and external treatments, as well as the combined application of multiple therapeutic approaches, are commonly employed for comprehensive management. Meanwhile, the concept of "preventive treatment of disease" is upheld, and individualized long-term management of patients is advocated. ConclusionThrough the SrTO process, the academic thoughts of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in the treatment of DKD have been systematically and standardly synthesized, providing a scientific and standardized basis for future theoretical exploration.
3.Academic Characteristics of Contemporary Chinese Medicine Masters in Treating Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on SrTO
Yu SUN ; Xiaodan WANG ; Yingzi CUI ; Tianying CHANG ; Fan LI ; Lisha WANG ; Chenxuan DONG ; Shoulin ZHANG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):258-269
ObjectiveTo explore the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspectives of principles, methods, formulas, and medications. MethodsIn strict accordance with the Systematic Review of Text and Opinion (SrTO) process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), an Australian evidence-based healthcare center, the databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, Wanfang Data, and China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) were searched. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, text information extraction, quality evaluation, and text information synthesis were conducted sequentially. The data were analyzed and presented in the form of text and figures. ResultsA total of 215 articles related to 43 contemporary renowned experts in the fields of Chinese medicine nephrology and endocrinology were included. The study found that the academic thoughts of these masters in the treatment of DKD are extensive, involving multiple levels such as disease understanding, therapeutic strategies, formula application, and medication use. In terms of disease understanding, the primary pathogenesis is characterized by deficiency in the root and excess in the manifestation. It is emphasized that internal factors, such as congenital endowment deficiency, interact with external factors such as improper diet, emotional disturbances, invasion of exogenous pathogens, and delayed or inappropriate treatment, to jointly induce the disease. This further gives rise to various pathogenetic theories, including obstruction of renal collaterals by blood stasis, toxin-induced damage to renal collaterals, latent wind disturbing the kidney, and internal heat leading to mass formation. In terms of therapeutic strategies and medication use, the principal treatment method is to replenish Qi and nourish Yin. Stage-based and syndrome-differentiated treatments are advocated. Flexible use of insect-derived drugs and wind-dispelling drugs is emphasized, along with proficiency in applying classical formulas and drug pairs. Integrated internal and external treatments, as well as the combined application of multiple therapeutic approaches, are commonly employed for comprehensive management. Meanwhile, the concept of "preventive treatment of disease" is upheld, and individualized long-term management of patients is advocated. ConclusionThrough the SrTO process, the academic thoughts of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in the treatment of DKD have been systematically and standardly synthesized, providing a scientific and standardized basis for future theoretical exploration.
4.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
5.Clinical Efficacy of Modified Huangqi Chifengtang in Treatment of IgA Nephropathy Patients and Exploration of Dose-effect Relationship of Astragali Radix
Xiujie SHI ; Meiying CHANG ; Yue SHI ; Ziyan ZHANG ; Yifan ZHANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Hangyu DUAN ; Jing LIU ; Mingming ZHAO ; Yuan SI ; Yu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):9-16
ObjectiveTo explore the dose-effect relationship and safety of high, medium, and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in the modified Huangqi Chifengtang (MHCD) for treating proteinuria in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, and to provide scientific evidence for the clinical use of high-dose Astragali Radix in the treatment of proteinuria in IgA nephropathy. MethodsA total of 120 patients with IgA nephropathy, diagnosed with Qi deficiency and blood stasis combined with wind pathogen and heat toxicity, were randomly divided into a control group and three treatment groups. The control group received telmisartan combined with a Chinese medicine placebo, while the treatment groups were given telmisartan combined with MHCD containing different doses of raw Astragali Radix (60, 30, 15 g). Each group contained 30 patients, and the treatment period was 12 weeks. Changes in 24-hour urinary protein (24 hUTP), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, effective rate, and renal function were observed before and after treatment. Safety was assessed by monitoring liver function and blood routine. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, 24 hUTP significantly decreased in the high, medium, and low-dose groups, as well as the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The TCM syndrome scores in the high, medium, and low-dose groups also significantly decreased (P<0.01). Comparisons between groups showed that the 24 hUTP in the high-dose group was significantly lower than in the medium, low-dose, and control groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the 24 hUTP in the medium-dose group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). The TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly lower than in the low-dose and control groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total effective rates for proteinuria in the high, medium, low-dose, and control groups were 92.59% (25/27), 85.19% (23/27), 60.71% (17/28), and 57.14% (16/28), respectively. The effective rates in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly higher than in the low-dose and control groups (χ2=13.185, P<0.05, P<0.01). The effective rates for TCM syndrome scores in the high, medium, low-dose, and control groups were 88.89% (24/27), 81.48% (22/27), 71.43% (20/28), and 46.43% (13/28), respectively. The efficacy of TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups was significantly higher than in the control group (χ2=14.053, P<0.01). Compared with pre-treatment values, there was no statistically significant difference in eGFR and serum creatinine in the high and medium-dose groups. However, eGFR significantly decreased in the low-dose and control groups after treatment (P<0.05), and serum creatinine levels increased significantly in the control group (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in urea nitrogen, uric acid, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function, and blood routine before and after treatment in any group. ConclusionThere is a dose-effect relationship in the treatment of IgA nephropathy with high, medium, and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in MHCD. The high-dose group exhibited the best therapeutic effect and good safety profile.
6.Identification of Chemical Constituents of Bidens pilosa and Analysis of Its Anti-gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation Activity in Vitro
Yu HAN ; Chang LIU ; Jiao LIU ; Tao ZHANG ; Zhongmei ZOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):154-164
ObjectiveTo study the chemical constituents of Bidens pilosa and the in vitro antiproliferative activity of some compounds against gastric cancer cells. MethodsThe chemical constituents were isolated and purified by methods such as silica gel column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography, medium pressure preparation chromatography, semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and recrystallization, their structures were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties, spectral data and circular dichroism spectra. Thiazole blue(MTT) assay was used to determine the in vitro inhibitory activityies of some isolated compounds against human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, and molecular docking was used to predict their potential targets. ResultsTwenty-five compounds were isolated from the petroleum ether fraction of B. pilosa and identified as bidpillignan A(
7.Serum β2-MG, sCHE, and PSGL-1 Expression in Patients with Esophageal Cancer and Their Association with Postoperative Lung Infection After Mediastinoscopy
Yu FENG ; Rulin QIAN ; Dong CUI ; Chaoying CHANG ; Maolin CHEN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):68-73
Objective To investigate serum β2-MG, sCHE, and PSGL-1 expression in patients with esophageal cancer and their relationship to lung infection after mediastinoscopy. Methods A total of 118 patients with esophageal cancer were selected and divided into infected and uninfected groups according to whether they developed lung infection after surgery. An automatic microbiological identification system was used to detect the pathogenic bacteria of lung infection. ELISA was used to detect the levels of β2-MG, sCHE, and PSGL-1. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative lung infection in patients with esophageal cancer. ROC curves were plotted to analyze the assessment value of serum β2-MG, sCHE, and PSGL-1 on postoperative lung infection. Results Fifty-two strains of bacteria were isolated from the sputum of 38 patients with postoperative lung infections, and these included 35 (67.31%) Gram-negative, 14 (26.92%) Gram-positive, and 3 (5.77%) fungal strains. The difference in long-term smoking history between the infected and uninfected groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Serum β2-MG and PSGL-1 levels were significantly higher and sCHE levels were significantly lower in the infected group than in the uninfected group (P<0.05). Serum β2-MG and PSGL-1 levels were sequentially higher (P<0.05) and sCHE levels were sequentially lower (P<0.05) in the mild, moderate, and severe lung infection groups. Long-term smoking history, β2-MG, and PSGL-1 were risk factors affecting postoperative lung infection in patients with esophageal cancer (P<0.05), and sCHE was a protective factor (P<0.05). The AUCs of serum β2-MG, sCHE, and PSGL-1 for assessing postoperative lung infections were 0.807, 0.845, and 0.800, respectively, and the AUC of the three combined factors for assessing postoperative lung infections was 0.954, which was superior to that assessed individually (Zcombination vs. β2-MG=2.576, Zcombination vs. sCHE=2.623, Zcombination vs. PSGL-1=2.574, all P<0.05). Conclusion The serum levels of β2-MG and PSGL-1 increase and the sCHE level decreases in patients with esophageal cancer and postoperative pulmonary infection, which are also related with lung infection. Combined testing can improve the evaluation value of postoperative pulmonary infection in patients.
8.Effects of honey-processed Astragalus on energy metabolism and polarization of RAW264.7 cells
Hong-chang LI ; Ke PEI ; Wang-yang XIE ; Xiang-long MENG ; Zi-han YU ; Wen-ling LI ; Hao CAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):459-470
In this study, RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the effects of honey-processed
9.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
10.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.

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