1.Effect of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方) on Inflammatory Response in Lesional Tissue and Skin Barrier Damage in Acne Model Mice
Yunni LIU-TANG ; Yutong DENG ; Gaiying HE ; Huishang FENG ; Xuewen REN ; Yimei FANG ; Xuewan WANG ; Yatong LI ; Lingling CAI ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1211-1219
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方, PYF) in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, minocycline group, and PYF group, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes) combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water, while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/(kg·d)of PYF, and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/(kg·d)of minocycline suspension, all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment, the body weight of mice in each group was recorded, and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes, while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6, and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, TEWL values increased, while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased (P<0.05), accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins (P<0.05). The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions, blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries, and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin, with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens, thickened stratum corneum, hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum, as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group, both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the TEWL value decreased, and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased (P<0.05); on day 6, the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group, with reverted epidermal thickness, smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced, and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 (P<0.05). ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins, which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.
2.Construction and Evaluation of Animal Model with "Phlegm-dampness" Syndrome
Xiaoqin LIU ; Qingzhi LIANG ; Wei JIANG ; Ling DENG ; Haoyue FENG ; Rensong YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):26-39
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, impaired spleen transportation function disrupts nutrient distribution, causing metabolic accumulation of lipids that transform into pathogenic phlegm-dampness. These pathological factors disseminate through the San Jiao and obstruct meridian pathways, ultimately forming the pathogenesis described as "all disorders involve phlegm". Phlegm and dampness share common pathogenic origins but manifest distinct clinical manifestations. Dampness, as the precursor, may congeal into phlegm, while existing phlegm accumulation can further exacerbate dampness stagnation, thereby establishing a self-perpetuating pathological cycle. Modern medical research has confirmed that the essence of "phlegm-dampness" syndrome is closely associated with energy metabolism disorders, serving as a common pathological basis for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and other major chronic diseases. As a crucial vehicle for medical experimental research, disease-syndrome combination animal models serve as an indispensable means to advance the modernization of TCM. Currently, based on classical theories such as "rich and greasy foods produce phlegm" and "physical coldness combined with cold consumption causes external pathogens to invade the skin and hair, thereby generating internal dampness", researchers primarily employ two paradigms to construct animal models of phlegm-turbidity, dampness obstruction, and phlegm-dampness syndromes: the first involves simulating TCM etiological factors (through methods like dietary irregularities, imblanace between work and rest, and combined internal-external dampness exposure), while the second combines disease with syndrome differentiation (inducing pathological changes through physical, chemical, or biological interventions). Through comprehensive evaluation incorporating macroscopic observation and microscopic index detection, model animals undergo systematic biological and pathological assessment, with further syndrome type verification achieved via the "prescription-based syndrome detection" approach. However, existing models still exhibit significant deficiencies in both the standardization of modeling methodologies and the systematization of evaluation criteria. This paper reviews the strategies for constructing "phlegm-dampness" syndrome animal models and their corresponding evaluation indices, focusing on the pathological correlations among different modeling approaches. The aim is to provide methodological guidance for research on TCM syndromes related to "phlegm-dampness" syndrome and to support the development of TCM therapies for resolving phlegm and eliminating dampness. This study not only contributes to advancing the standardization of TCM syndrome research but also provides crucial technical support for the modernization of TCM.
3.Chinese expert consensus on the evaluation of allergen-specific immunotherapy outcomes(Wuhan, 2025).
Yuqin DENG ; Xi LUO ; Zhuofu LIU ; Shuguang SUN ; Jing YE ; Tiansheng WANG ; Jianjun CHEN ; Meiping LU ; Yin YAO ; Ying WANG ; Wei ZHOU ; Bei LIU ; Qingxiang ZENG ; Yuanteng XU ; Qintai YANG ; Yucheng YANG ; Feng LIU ; Chengli XU ; Yanan SUN ; Haiyu HONG ; Haibo YE ; Liqiang ZHANG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Huabin LI ; Hongtian WANG ; Yuncheng LI ; Wenlong LIU ; Yu XU ; Hongfei LOU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1075-1085
Allergen-specific immunotherapy(AIT) remains the only therapeutic approach with the potential to modify the natural course of allergic rhinitis(AR). Nevertheless, considerable inter-individual variability exists in patients'responses to AIT. To facilitate more reliable assessment of treatment efficacy, the China Rhinopathy Research Cooperation Group(CRRCG) convened young and middle-aged nasal experts in China to formulate the present consensus. The recommended subjective outcome measures for AIT comprise symptom scores, medication scores, combined symptom and medication scores, quality-of-life assessments, evaluation of disease control, and assessment of comorbidities. Objective indicators may supplement these measures. Currently available objective approaches include skin prick testing, nasal provocation testing, and allergen exposure chambers. However, these methods remain constrained by practical limitations and are not yet appropriate for routine implementation in clinical efficacy evaluation. In addition, several biomarkers, including sIgE and the sIgE/tIgE ratio, sIgG4, serum IgE-blocking activity, IgA, cytokines and chemokines, as well as immune cell surface molecules and their functional activity, have been shown to have associations with AIT outcomes. While these biomarkers may complement subjective assessments, they are subject to significant limitations. Consequently, large-scale multicenter trials and real-world evidence are required to strengthen the evidence base. The present consensus underscores the necessity of integrating patients'subjective experiences with objective testing throughout the treatment process, thereby providing a more comprehensive and accurate framework for efficacy evaluation. Looking forward, future investigations should prioritize the incorporation of multi-omics data and artificial intelligence methodologies, which hold promise for overcoming current limitations in assessment strategies and for advancing both the standardization and personalization of AIT.
Humans
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Allergens/immunology*
;
China
;
Consensus
;
Desensitization, Immunologic
;
Immunoglobulin E
;
Quality of Life
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
East Asian People
4.Psychological stress-activated NR3C1/NUPR1 axis promotes ovarian tumor metastasis.
Bin LIU ; Wen-Zhe DENG ; Wen-Hua HU ; Rong-Xi LU ; Qing-Yu ZHANG ; Chen-Feng GAO ; Xiao-Jie HUANG ; Wei-Guo LIAO ; Jin GAO ; Yang LIU ; Hiroshi KURIHARA ; Yi-Fang LI ; Xu-Hui ZHANG ; Yan-Ping WU ; Lei LIANG ; Rong-Rong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3149-3162
Ovarian tumor (OT) is the most lethal form of gynecologic malignancy, with minimal improvements in patient outcomes over the past several decades. Metastasis is the leading cause of ovarian cancer-related deaths, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Psychological stress is known to activate the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), a factor associated with poor prognosis in OT patients. However, the precise mechanisms linking NR3C1 signaling and metastasis have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that chronic restraint stress accelerates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in OT through an NR3C1-dependent mechanism involving nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1). Mechanistically, NR3C1 directly regulates the transcription of NUPR1, which in turn increases the expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2), a key driver of EMT. Clinically, elevated NR3C1 positively correlates with NUPR1 expression in OT patients, and both are positively associated with poorer prognosis. Overall, our study identified the NR3C1/NUPR1 axis as a critical regulatory pathway in psychological stress-induced OT metastasis, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for intervention in OT metastasis.
5.Association between fluid balance trajectory and 28-day mortality and continuous renal replacement therapy in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.
Songxun TANG ; Jiong XIONG ; Fangqi WU ; Fuyu DENG ; Tingting LI ; Xu LIU ; Yan TANG ; Feng SHEN
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(8):741-748
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the association between fluid balance trajectories within the first 3 days of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 28-day mortality as well as the incidence of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).
METHODS:
Clinical data of SAP patients were extracted from the Medical Information Mart of Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV). Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to analyze the daily fluid balance of patients within 3 days of ICU admission, and grouping them accordingly. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between fluid balance trajectory and 28-day mortality and ICU CRRT in SAP patients.
RESULTS:
A total of 251 SAP patients were included, with 33 deaths within 28 days, and a 28-day mortality of 13.15%; 49 patients (19.52%) continued to receive bedside CRRT after 3 days of ICU admission. The fluid balance on the 3rd day, cumulative fluid balance within 3 days of ICU admission, and incidence of CRRT in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group. According to GBTM groups, there were 127 cases in the moderate fluid resuscitation with rapid reduction (MF group), 44 cases in the large fluid resuscitation with rapid reduction (LF group), 20 cases in the moderate fluid resuscitation with slow reduction (MS group), and 60 cases in the small fluid resuscitation with slow reduction (SS group). The cumulative fluid balance within 3 days of ICU admission of the MF group, LF group, MS group, and SS group were 8.60% (5.15%, 11.70%), 16.70% (13.00%, 21.02%), 23.40% (19.38%, 25.45%), and 0.65% (-2.35%, 2.20%), respectively, and the incidence of CRRT during ICU hospitalization were 11.02%, 29.55%, 85.00%, and 8.33%, respectively, with statistically significant differences among the groups (both P < 0.05); the 28-day mortality were 11.02%, 18.18%, 20.00%, and 11.67%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference among the groups (P > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed there was no statistically significant difference in 28-day cumulative survival rate among groups with different fluid balance trajectories (Log-rank test: χ 2 = 2.31, P = 0.509). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that cumulative fluid balance within 3 days of ICU admission was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 1.071, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.005-1.144, P = 0.040] and CRRT requirement (OR = 1.233, 95%CI was 1.125-1.372, P < 0.001); early aggressive fluid resuscitation on day 1 reduced CRRT risk (OR = 0.866, 95%CI was 0.756-0.978, P = 0.030).
CONCLUSIONS
Dynamic fluid management is essential in SAP patients. While early aggressive fluid resuscitation may reduce CRRT demand, excessive cumulative fluid balance is associated with increased 28-day mortality and CRRT incidence.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Water-Electrolyte Balance
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Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
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Intensive Care Units
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Aged
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Adult
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Pancreatitis/mortality*
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Logistic Models
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Retrospective Studies
;
Renal Replacement Therapy
6.Emerging evidence of inter-organ interaction on drug transporters under liver injury.
Ling JIANG ; Ying DENG ; Ruijing MU ; Wenke FENG ; Xiaonan LIU ; Li LIU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):687-699
Dysfunction of drug transporters significantly affects therapeutic outcomes and drug efficacy in patients with liver injury. Clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates that liver injury involves complex inter-organ interactions among the brain, eye, liver, intestine, and kidney. Recent advances in basic and clinical research have illuminated the physiologic and molecular mechanisms underlying transporter alterations in liver injury, particularly those associated with bilirubin, reactive oxygen species, ammonia, bile acid, and inflammatory factors. Notably, the influence of these transporter modifications on drug pharmacokinetics in liver injury patients remains inadequately understood. Additional research is necessary to fully comprehend these effects and their therapeutic implications. The documented alterations of transporters in distant organs across various liver diseases indicate that dosage modifications may be required when administering transporter-substrate drugs, including both traditional Chinese and Western medicines, to patients with liver dysfunction. This strategy helps maintain drug concentrations within therapeutic ranges while reducing adverse reactions. Furthermore, when utilizing transporter inducers or inhibitors clinically, consideration of their long-term effects on transporters and subsequent therapeutic impact is essential. Careful attention must be paid to avoid compromising the elimination of toxic metabolites and proteins when inhibiting these transporters. Similarly, prudent use of inducers or inducer-type therapeutic drugs is necessary to prevent enhanced drug resistance. This review examines recent clinical and experimental findings regarding the inter-organ interaction of drug transporters in liver injury conditions and their clinical relevance.
Humans
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Liver/drug effects*
;
Animals
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/metabolism*
;
Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism*
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Biological Transport
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Liver Diseases/drug therapy*
;
Pharmaceutical Preparations/metabolism*
7.Taohe Chengqi decoction inhibits PAD4-mediated neutrophil extracellular traps and mitigates acute lung injury induced by sepsis.
Mengting XIE ; Xiaoli JIANG ; Weihao JIANG ; Lining YANG ; Xiaoyu JUE ; Yunting FENG ; Wei CHEN ; Shuangwei ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Zhangbin TAN ; Bo DENG ; Jingzhi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(10):1195-1209
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a significant complication of sepsis, characterized by high morbidity, mortality, and poor prognosis. Neutrophils, as critical intrinsic immune cells in the lung, play a fundamental role in the development and progression of ALI. During ALI, neutrophils generate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and excessive NETs can intensify inflammatory injury. Research indicates that Taohe Chengqi decoction (THCQD) can ameliorate sepsis-induced lung inflammation and modulate immune function. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which THCQD improves ALI and its relationship with NETs in sepsis patients, seeking to provide novel perspectives and interventions for clinical treatment. The findings demonstrate that THCQD enhanced survival rates and reduced lung injury in the cecum ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced ALI mouse model. Furthermore, THCQD diminished neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, inflammatory responses, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Notably, subsequent experiments confirmed that THCQD inhibits NET formation both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, THCQD significantly decreased the expression of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) protein, and molecular docking predicted that certain active compounds in THCQD could bind tightly to PAD4. PAD4 overexpression partially reversed THCQD's inhibitory effects on PAD4. These findings strongly indicate that THCQD mitigates CLP-induced ALI by inhibiting PAD4-mediated NETs.
Extracellular Traps/immunology*
;
Acute Lung Injury/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Sepsis/immunology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Mice
;
Neutrophils/immunology*
;
Male
;
Protein-Arginine Deiminase Type 4/genetics*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Humans
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Cytokines/metabolism*
8.Research Progress on Electrochemical Sensing Techniques for Detection of Telomerase Activity
Hai-Tang YANG ; Peng-Hua SHU ; Wen-Lin LIU ; Wen-Bo MA ; Zi-Jun YANG ; Zhi-Feng DENG ; Xin-Yun ZHANG ; Wei WEI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):864-874
The telomere structure in the cell nucleus is crucial for maintaining the stability and functions of chromosomes.Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase,which catalyzes the elongation of telomeres using its own RNA as a template,thereby counteracting the shortening of telomeres caused by chromosome replication and cell division.Due to its overexpression in over 85%of malignant tumor cells,telomerase has emerged as a highly promising biomarker and a novel target for cancer therapy.In recent years,given the importance of precise quantification of telomerase activity in guiding medical diagnosis and treatment strategies,researchers have developed various high-performance telomerase detection techniques.Among these,electrochemical biosensing technique has cause much attention due to its high sensitivity,operational convenience,rapid response,and ease of miniaturization.This paper focused on the latest advances in electrochemical sensing technique for detection of telomerase activity,aiming to provide inspiration for designing novel telomerase activity detection strategies by elucidating three unique properties of telomerase primer extension products.
9.Interpretation of the group standard of " Humanistic Caring Management Standards for Patients in the Operating Room"
Ruiying YU ; Xinyue MIAO ; Qingmin ZHANG ; Yilan LIU ; Shujie GUO ; Huiling LI ; Guo CHEN ; Chunlan ZHOU ; Ting LIU ; Shuhua DENG ; Hongzhen XIE ; Yu CHENG ; Yinglan LI ; Yanlan MA ; Xia XIN ; Yanjin LIU ; Yongyi CHEN ; Gendi LU ; Xiaoqin GAN ; Feng XU ; Zuwei XIA ; Li HE ; Qinqin CHEN ; Fukang ZHANG ; Songmei WU ; Yi LI ; Wenjuan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(7):512-517
Humanistic caring for patients in the operating room refers to providing the whole process of caring medical services for patients in the operating room. In order to standardize humanistic caring services for patients in the operating room of medical institutions, improve the comprehensive service level of the operating room, and enhance the surgical experience of patients, the Chinese Association for Life Care released the group standard " Humanistic Caring Management Standards for Patients in the Operating Room" in December 2023. This article interpreted the basic requirements for humanistic caring of patients in the operating room, the environment and facilities for humanistic caring, the procedures and measures for humanistic caring, and the quality management framework, aiming to assist administrators and clinical practitioners across various levels of medical institutions in accurately understanding and effectively implementing the standard, and to provide essential textual reference and practical guidance for promoting the application of the standard.
10.Expert consensus on prevention and control of Chikungunya in healthcare institutions(2025 Edition)
Ling HE ; Yan LIU ; Fang YU ; Ying LIU ; Dayue LIU ; Hongyan LIU ; Ruiting WANG ; Shuxian CHEN ; Chen ZHU ; Xiaodong HAN ; Ting HUANG ; Fengxia GUO ; Zhen-feng ZHONG ; Yuanchun MO ; Xiujuan QU ; Yinan LI ; Yi XU ; Chengxiang KONG ; Ning LI ; Shaoyan LU ; Ming WU ; Zide DENG ; Shumei SUN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(22):3361-3369
OBJECTIVE To standardize the strategies for prevention and control of Chikungunya(CHIK)in healthcare in-stitutions so as to reduce the risk of transmission in the institutions.METHODS A working group comprising the ex-perts in hospital infection control,infectious diseases,and microbiology systematically reviewed domestic and international evidence and current guidelines,integrated China's vector ecology and healthcare realities,conducted two rounds of Delphi to achieve expert consensus,and graded the evidence and recommendation strength using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine system.RESULTS The consensus issues 18 actionable recommendations on triage,patient mosquito-proof isolation,integrated vector control,protection of susceptible populations,environmental cleaning and disinfection,specimen management,medical textile handling,and outbreak emergency response,with each statement assigned an evi-dence level and recommendation strength.CONCLUSION This consensus is for the first time in China to provide evidence-graded strategies for control of CHIK in healthcare institutions,offering work flow-oriented,implementable guidance for clinicians,laboratorians,and infection-control personnel under different risk scenarios and enhancing the comprehensive coping capacity of the healthcare institutions.

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