1.Mechanisms of Dihuang Yinzi in Treating Advanced Parkinson's Disease Based on Gut Microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation Axis
Renzhi MA ; Yasi LIN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Hongmei ZHU ; Jiayuan LI ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Wenxin FAN ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):11-21
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Dihuang Yinzi (DY) on motor dysfunction in rats with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and to investigate the mechanisms by which DY improves advanced PD symptoms through the "gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-inflammation-neuroprotection pathway". MethodsAn advanced PD rat model was induced by rotenone. Rats were divided into a normal group, model group, positive drug group (levodopa, 50 mg·kg-1), and DY low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.2, 10.4, 20.8 g·kg-1). After 7 days of administration, motor function was evaluated using the open-field, pole-climbing, and inclined plate tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the substantia nigra and colon, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Levodopa, homovanillic acid (HVA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the content of SCFAs in colonic contents. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased movement speed and distance in the open-field test, prolonged pole-climbing time, and reduced retention angle on the inclined plate (P<0.01), accompanied by increased α-Syn expression (P<0.01) and decreased TH expression (P<0.01) in the brain. Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups improved motor dysfunction in advanced PD rats to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated pathological damage in the brain and colon. High-dose DY significantly reduced α-Syn aggregation in the substantia nigra (P<0.01) and increased TH expression (P<0.01). ELISA and Western blot results showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum (P<0.01), increased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum (P<0.01), and significantly reduced expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the colon (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups increased the levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose DY group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum were reduced (P<0.01), while the expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the intestine was increased. The 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that the relative abundances of Actinobacteriota, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased in the model group, whereas the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, class Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, and Akkermansia muciniphila were decreased. These changes were effectively reversed after high-dose DY intervention. GC analysis showed that the content of SCFAs in the colonic contents of rats in the model group was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while after high-dose DY intervention, the levels of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDY may exert therapeutic effects in advanced PD by regulating the gut microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation pathway.
2.Short-Term Efficacy and Long-Term Recurrence Rate of Traditional Chinese Medicine Versus Western Surgical Treatment for Mixed Hemorrhoids:A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Real-World Data
Kang DING ; Zhimin FAN ; Xiaojie ZHOU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Yuanyuan GE ; Huiting ZHU ; Yuxin ZHU ; Xia YANG ; Jun DU ; Shicai HUANG ; Yang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):747-754
ObjectiveTo observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) surgical operations in treating mixed hemorrhoids. MethodsA multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, collecting clinical data from 17,831 mixed hemorrhoid surgery patients in 8 top-tier TCM hospitals in Jiangsu Province. Standardized and structured datasets were obtained through artificial intelligence models. Patients who underwent western surgical treatment were categorized into the western surgery group (11,646 cases), and those receiving TCM surgical operations were categorized into the TCM surgery group (6185 cases). Propensity score matching (1∶1 matching) was used to balance baseline data between groups. The primary outcome was the one-year recurrence rate, and secondary outcomes included the main symptoms (rectal bleeding, degree of prolapse) and secondary symptoms (anal distension, anal edema, wound secretion and exudation, anal stenosis, residual skin tags, perianal itching, and anal pain) measured on days 7, 28, and 60 after discharge. ResultsAfter matching, 2194 patients were included in each group. Symptom scores showed that at 28 days after discharge, the TCM surgical group had superior improvement in rectal bleeding [OR=5.786, 95%CI (3.092,10.827)], degree of prolapse [OR=4.510, 95%CI (1.649,12.333)], and anal edema [OR=3.188, 95%CI (1.295,7.845)] compared to the western surgical group. At 60 days post-discharge, the TCM group still showed advantages in improving rectal bleeding [OR=5.237, 95%CI (1.077,25.464)] and anal pain [OR=11.697, 95%CI (1.186,115.336)] (P<0.05). Long-term follow-up showed that the one-year recurrence rate in the TCM surgery group was 1.1% (8/726), while that in the western surgery group was 2.3% (10/444), with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionBased on real-world data, TCM surgical treatment for mixed hemorrhoids shows significant short-term symptom improvement, particularly in terms of hemostasis, reducing swelling, and alleviating prolapse of anal masses.
3.Evaluation of the application effectiveness and optimization strategies of confidential unit exclusion in Zhengzhou
Dan LIU ; Hongwei MA ; Tao WEN ; Yonglei LYU ; Mengru JI ; Ge SONG ; Huanyu LIU ; Mengdi FAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):379-383
Objective: To evaluate the practical effectiveness of confidential unit exclusion (CUE) in ensuring blood safety in Zhengzhou, analyze its application characteristics and existing problems, and provide a basis for optimizing blood safety management strategies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on CUE data handled by Henan Red Cross Blood Center from January 2019 to December 2024. Parameters such as the number of cases, demographic characteristics, reasons for exclusion, and time of report were statistically analyzed and compared with those of non-CUE. Results: From 2019 to 2024, the CUE reporting rate in Zhengzhou was 0.002 6% (40/1 547 666). CUE donors were predominantly male (65.00%, 26/40), aged 18-34 years (47.50%, 19/40), had college degree orabove (50.00%, 20/40), and were employees of enterprises or public institutions (32.50%, 13/40). Among the 40 CUE blood units, only one was reactive for anti-TP, while all others were qualified. The main reasons for CUE were recent vaccination (32.50%, 13/40), medical conditions unsuitable for donation (27.50%, 11/40), and high-risk sexual behavior (17.50%, 7/40). A total of 70.00% of reports occurred within 24 hours after donation, during which none of the corresponding blood units had been released; all units reported after more than 7 days had already been issued for clinical use, with no adverse transfusion reactions reported upon follow-up. Conclusion: The confidential unit exclusion program has played an active role in establishing a supplementary information feedback channel for blood donors. The procedure can be optimized by strengthening interactive communication and confirmation before donation, improving the accuracy of donors' self-assessment, and expanding convenient and rapid information-based reporting channels.
4.Impact of metabolic risk factor control on mortality risk in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Jingdan ZHANG ; Bingbing WANG ; Zeran WANG ; Fan FENG ; Ren NA ; Hongyan GE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1576-1585
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of comprehensive control of multiple metabolic risk factors with the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its quantitative effect. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2003—2018. A total of 29 458 participants were enrolled, including 12 528 patients with MASLD and 16 930 non-MASLD controls. The control status of nine risk factors was assessed, i.e., hypertension, diabetes, liver fibrosis (assessed by fibrosis-4 index [FIB-4]), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, serum albumin, renal function (assessed by serum creatinine), systemic inflammation (assessed by neutrophil count), smoking, and physical activity. According to the status of comprehensive risk factor control, the patients with MASLD were further divided into low-control group with 1 107 patients, moderate-control group with 7 042 patients, and high-control group with 4 379 patients. A total of 397 participants were enrolled in the external validation cohort, among whom there were 266 participants with MASLD and 131 participants without MASLD. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Cox proportional hazards model incorporating complex sampling weights for NHANES data were used to investigate the association between the degree of risk factor control and all-cause mortality, and the Kaplan-Meier curve, the log-rank test, restricted mean survival time (RMST), and population attributable fraction (PAF) were used for further assessment. The robustness of the findings was validated in an independent clinical cohort (n=397). ResultsThe cohort study based on the NHANES database showed that during the median follow-up time of 6.7 years, 1 171 deaths occurred among the 12 528 patients with MASLD. There was a significant reduction in mortality risk with the increase in the number of risk factors controlled (trend test: χ2=65.06, P<0.001). Compared with the low-control group, the mortality risk decreased successively in the moderate-control group (hazard ratio [HR]=0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51 — 0.69) and the high-control group (HR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.27 — 0.48), and the mortality risk was reduced by 22% for each additional risk factor controlled (HR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.74 — 0.82). The PAF analysis showed that AST/ALT ratio control (PAF=19.2%) and physical activity (PAF=18.9%) were the largest contributors. The survival analysis of the sub-cohort constructed based on nearest neighbor matching (with a maximum follow-up time of 13.3 years) showed that there was a significant difference in cumulative survival rate between the MASLD groups with different control levels and the non-MASLD group (P<0.001). The RMST analysis further quantified the survival benefit of each group, and the high-control group had the longest 10-year RMST (9.88 years), which was superior to that of the non-MASLD group (9.43 years), the moderate-control group (9.33 years), and the low-control group (7.96 years). The multivariable-adjusted model analysis of the complete cohort showed that compared with the non-MASLD population, the MASLD patients in the low-control group had a significant increase in mortality risk, the moderate-control group had a comparable mortality risk, and the high-control group had a significantly lower mortality risk. The subgroup analysis showed a significant protective effect of comprehensive control in both male and female individuals (P<0.05), and the interaction analysis suggested a potentially stronger protective effect in female individuals (Pfor interaction=0.031). The protective effect was statistically significant in patients aged ≥60 years (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in protective effect across the groups stratified based on waist circumference (P<0.05), but there was no significant interaction between groups (Pfor interaction=0.821). In the external validation cohort, among the 397 participants, there were 72 cases of all-cause mortality (18.1%). The survival analysis showed a significant gradient increase in the survival rate of MASLD patients with the increase in the level of control (P=0.022). The RMST analysis showed that the moderate- and high-control groups had a better RMST than the non-MASLD group at 5 years (4.47 years vs 4.56 years vs 4.40 years), with a more significant survival advantage at 10 years (8.67 years vs 8.95 years vs 8.44 years). The Cox regression analysis showed that, with the low-control MASLD group as the reference, there was a significant reduction in mortality risk in the moderate-control group (HR=0.41, 95%CI: 0.21 — 0.81) and the high-control group (HR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.14 — 0.71); with the non-MASLD population as the reference, there was a significant increase in mortality risk in the low-control group (HR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.03 — 3.95), with a comparable mortality risk in the moderate-control group (HR=0.83, 95%CI: 0.48 — 1.44) and the high-control group (HR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.30 — 1.38), and the point estimates of the effects were highly consistent with the main study. ConclusionAmong MASLD patients, better control of metabolic risk factors is associated with a lower mortality risk. Achieving optimal control can eliminate the excess mortality risk associated with MASLD, thereby helping patients achieve a better survival prognosis than the general population.
5.Molecular Mechanisms of Intraflagellar Transport in Regulating ciliogenesis and Ciliopathies
Ting-Ting GE ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2179-2193
Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is a core mechanism for ciliary assembly, length maintenance, ciliary proteome homeostasis and signal transduction. Most proteins required for ciliary structure and function are synthesized in the cytoplasm. Because the ciliary compartment is separated from the cell body by the selective barrier of the transition zone, these proteins cannot freely equilibrate between the cytoplasm and the cilium. Consequently, axonemal components, membrane proteins and signaling molecules must be actively imported into cilia, retrieved from the ciliary compartment, and recycled or degraded through highly ordered transport and sorting pathways. The IFT system is mainly composed of the IFT-A complex, IFT-B complex, kinesin-2, dynein-2 and the Bardet-Biedl syndrome protein complex (BBSome). Through coordinated anterograde and retrograde transport, these modules mediate the dynamic trafficking of different classes of ciliary cargoes. Anterograde transport delivers structural and membrane-associated components from the ciliary base toward the ciliary tip, whereas retrograde transport retrieves IFT components and selected cargoes back toward the ciliary base and cytoplasm. In this way, IFT not only supports the construction of the axoneme but also contributes to the maintenance of ciliary composition and the regulation of ciliary signaling activity. In recent years, advances in cryo-electron microscopy, in situ cryo-electron tomography and single-molecule imaging have greatly improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IFT. These approaches have revealed how IFT trains are assembled at the ciliary base, how they move along axonemal microtubule tracks, how they undergo directional switching at the ciliary tip, and how cargoes are retrieved and recycled. Among the IFT modules, IFT-B acts as the major scaffold of IFT trains. It participates in cargo loading, motor coupling and initiation of anterograde transport. IFT-A is involved in retrograde transport, membrane protein adaptor function and train remodeling. The BBSome, through reversible association with the IFT system, regulates ciliary membrane protein sorting, signaling receptor clearance and renewal of the ciliary proteome. These functions indicate that the IFT machinery is not a simple linear transport pathway, but rather a dynamic and reconfigurable transport system. The conversion of transport direction is a key step in the IFT cycle. This process is closely associated with disassembly of anterograde trains, dissociation of kinesin-2, activation of dynein-2 at the ciliary tip and reassembly of retrograde trains. In terms of pathogenic mechanisms, IFT abnormalities may cause ciliopathies through four major pathways: defects in ciliary assembly and structure, abnormal localization of ciliary cargoes, dysregulation of signaling pathways, and impaired cargo unloading and retrieval. These defects can affect multiple organ systems, including the retina, kidney, skeleton, respiratory tract, reproductive system, and neuro-metabolic system. Current therapeutic strategies are still mainly based on symptomatic support and maintenance of organ function. Overall, IFT is a dynamic transport system jointly regulated by axonemal structure, motor activity, cargo selection and cellular signaling. It links ciliary architecture with protein turnover and signaling regulation, thereby playing a fundamental role in both ciliary homeostasis and ciliopathy pathogenesis. Further elucidation of IFT regulatory mechanisms and their relationships with disease phenotypes will help promote mechanism-based classification, genetic diagnosis and precision intervention for ciliopathies.
6.Circadian mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic dysfunction induced by chronic PM2.5 exposure
Wenqing ZHANG ; Biao WU ; Jianshu GUO ; Dongxia FAN ; Ge WANG ; Lu YU ; Chihang ZHANG ; Xianying LIAO ; Xihao DU ; Yuquan XIE ; Jinzhuo ZHAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(8):926-935
Background Long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders. However, the mechanisms of its interaction with the endogenous circadian system remain incompletely understood. Objective To investigate whether chronic PM2.5 exposure interferes with the rhythmic expression of the cardiac circadian clock, thereby disrupting downstream antioxidant defenses and metabolic homeostasis, and ultimately driving cardiometabolic dysfunction. Methods Seventy-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a PM2.5 exposure group (PM group) and a filtered air control group (FA group). Whole-body exposure was conducted for 8 weeks in a meteorological environmental animal exposure system. Samples were collected at six distinct zeitgeber time (ZT) points post-exposure. The 24 h ambulatory blood pressure and serum lipid profiles were monitored. Rhythm parameters were derived via cosinor analysis to compare differences in Midline statistic of rhythm (Mesor), amplitude, and phase between the two groups. The rhythmic expression of core circadian clock genes and antioxidant genes in the myocardium was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Myocardial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and downstream pathway protein expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blot (WB), respectively. The expression changes of the clock gene retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα) were assessed at both the mRNA and protein levels. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships among myocardial RORα expression, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress indicators. Results Compared to the FA group, mice in the PM group exhibited a blunted circadian rhythm in blood pressure, characterized by sustained elevation throughout the day. Chronic PM2.5 exposure showed a significant interaction with ZT on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (F-interaction=9.11, 5.70, and 6.02, respectively; P<0.05), as well as on serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (F-interaction=16.32, 11.12, 15.39, and 28.09, respectively; P<0.05). Cosinor analysis further revealed that the Mesor values of T-CHO, TG, and LDL-C were significantly increased (P<0.05), while that of HDL-C was significantly decreased in the PM group (P<0.05). The oscillation amplitudes of SBP, DBP, and MAP showed a decreasing trend, whereas those of TG and LDL-C were significantly increased (P<0.05). Furthermore, SBP, T-CHO, and HDL-C all exhibited a significant phase delay (P<0.05). Mechanistically, PM2.5 exposure significantly suppressed the expression of the positive circadian regulator RORα in the myocardium, leading to disordered rhythmic expression of core clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, Per1/2, and Cry1/2). This exposure also inhibited the rhythmic expression of antioxidant genes (GPX1, SOD2, and CAT), resulting in increased ROS generation and elevated expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) proteins. Correlation analysis further revealed that myocardial RORα expression level was negatively correlated with T-CHO, TG, and LDL-C (r=−0.55, −0.63, and −0.51, respectively; P<0.001), and positively correlated with HDL-C (r=0.37, P=0.010), and antioxidant genes GPX1, SOD2, and CAT expression (r=0.34, 0.35, and 0.56, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusion Chronic PM2.5 exposure induces cardiometabolic dysfunction by suppressing myocardial RORα expression. This suppression disrupts the cardiac circadian clock and the diurnal balance of oxidative stress, triggering oxidative damage and elevating expression of CaMKII/NADPH pathway proteins. Collectively, these alterations precipitate the loss of cardiac metabolic rhythms and subsequent functional impairment.
7.Fufang Kangjiaolv Capsules Treat Anxiety in Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress via Microbiota-gut-brain Axis
Wenxin FAN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Yifan LU ; Mengmeng LIU ; Jiayuan LI ; Renzhi MA ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):95-107
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank, model, positive drug (diazepam, 1 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.75, 1.5, 3 g·kg-1, respectively) Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration, the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light and dark box test, and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the colon, serum, and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze, the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field, the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark box, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees, and the high-dose group had the best effect, with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze (P<0.05), the number of rats entering the central area in the open field (P<0.05), the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark boxes, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.01). Moreover, the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Romboutsia, and Phascolarctobacterium, while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota, Bacteroides, norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014, and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 (P<0.01) and occludin (P<0.05) in the colon, down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.05), and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway, thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing a new idea for further research.
8.Chinese expert consensus on postoperative follow-up for non-small cell lung cancer (version 2025)
Lunxu LIU ; Shugeng GAO ; Jianxing HE ; Jian HU ; Di GE ; Hecheng LI ; Mingqiang KANG ; Fengwei TAN ; Fan YANG ; Qiang PU ; Kaican CAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):281-290
Surgical treatment is one of the key approaches for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Regular postoperative follow-up is crucial for early detection and timely management of tumor recurrence, metastasis, or second primary tumors. A scientifically sound and reasonable follow-up strategy not only extends patient survival but also significantly improves quality of life, thereby enhancing overall prognosis. This consensus aims to build upon the previous version by incorporating the latest clinical research advancements and refining postoperative follow-up protocols for early-stage NSCLC patients based on different treatment modalities. It provides a scientific and practical reference for clinicians involved in the postoperative follow-up management of NSCLC. By optimizing follow-up strategies, this consensus seeks to promote the standardization and normalization of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment in China, helping more patients receive high-quality care and long-term management. Additionally, the release of this consensus is expected to provide insights for related research and clinical practice both domestically and internationally, driving continuous development and innovation in the field of postoperative management for NSCLC.
9.Treatment of Sepsis-induced Inflammatory Responses with Xijiao Dihuangtang by Modulation of PKM2-mediated One-carbon Metabolism Pathway
Qixiang YAN ; Yeyan ZHU ; Fan GE ; Qimeng SUN ; Leyao YE ; Fang TIAN ; Jun LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):18-26
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Xijiao Dihuangtang (XJDHT) on mice with sepsis and cellular models of sepsis and explore its molecular mechanism in alleviating sepsis-induced inflammatory responses via regulating pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)-mediated one-carbon metabolism pathway. MethodsForty C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low-dose XJDHT group (7.7 g·kg-1), and high-dose XJDHT group (15.4 g·kg-1). After one week of continuous gavage, sepsis was induced using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in groups except the normal group. 24 h after the surgery, mortality rates in all groups were recorded, and serum cytokines were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. During the in vitro experiment, the human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) was exposed to various concentrations of XJDHT and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a final concentration of 2 mg·L-1 for 24 h. Cell apoptosis was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were measured by Western blot. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze differentially expressed genes in all groups and conduct gene ontology (GO) enrichment. Key genes in the one-carbon metabolism pathway, including pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR), and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), were verified by Western blot. A PKM2 inhibition model was established using shikonin for further protein expression analysis. ResultsAnimal experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated body temperature and lung pathology (P<0.01) and increased serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01). High-dose XJDHT reduced body temperature and lung tissue damage (P<0.01) and significantly decreased serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01). Low-dose XJDHT treatment showed no significant temperature change (P<0.01) but reduced serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01). Transcriptome sequencing and Western blot revealed significant differences in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and one-carbon metabolism genes (PKM2, MTR, and PHGDH) (P<0.01). Cell experiments demonstrated that compared to the normal group, the model group showed elevated protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in THP-1 cells (P<0.01), decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and increased apoptosis (P<0.01). Transcriptome sequencing and Western blot revealed significant differences in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and one-carbon metabolism genes (PKM2, MTR, and PHGDH) (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, high-dose XJDHT significantly increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PHGDH protein expression (P<0.01) and effectively reduced cell apoptosis (P<0.01) while down-regulating protein expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, PKM2, and MTR (P<0.01). Low-dose XJDHT moderately increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PHGDH protein expression (P<0.05), reduced apoptosis (P<0.05), and decreased IL-1β and MTR protein levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), but there were no significant changes in TNF-α and PKM2 expression. After PKM2 inhibition by shikonin in THP-1 cells, the expression of protein related to one-carbon metabolism was detected. Compared with the blank group, the LPS-induced model group showed significantly upregulated PKM2 and MTR protein expression (P<0.01) and downregulated PHGDH expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, shikonin treatment significantly reduced PKM2 expression (P<0.05), increased PHGDH expression (P<0.01), and decreased MTR expression (P<0.05). ConclusionXJDHT can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors in sepsis, and its mechanism is related to the intervention of the PKM2-regulated one-carbon metabolism pathway in macrophages.
10.Discovery of a novel AhR-CYP1A1 axis activator for mitigating inflammatory diseases using an in situ functional imaging assay.
Feng ZHANG ; Bei ZHAO ; Yufan FAN ; Lanhui QIN ; Jinhui SHI ; Lin CHEN ; Leizhi XU ; Xudong JIN ; Mengru SUN ; Hongping DENG ; Hairong ZENG ; Zhangping XIAO ; Xin YANG ; Guangbo GE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):508-525
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes. Activating the AhR-CYP1A1 axis has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy against various inflammatory diseases. Here, a practical in situ cell-based fluorometric assay was constructed to screen AhR-CYP1A1 axis modulators, via functional sensing of CYP1A1 activities in live cells. Firstly, a cell-permeable, isoform-specific enzyme-activable fluorogenic substrate for CYP1A1 was rationally constructed for in-situ visualizing the dynamic changes of CYP1A1 function in living systems, which was subsequently used for discovering the efficacious modulators of the AhR-CYP1A1 axis. Following screening of a compound library, LAC-7 was identified as an efficacious activator of the AhR-CYP1A1 axis, which dose-dependently up-regulated the expression levels of both CYP1A1 and AhR in multiple cell lines. LAC-7 also suppressed macrophage M1 polarization and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors in LPS-induced bone marrow-derived macrophages. Animal tests showed that LAC-7 could significantly mitigate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis and LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice, and markedly reduced the levels of multiple inflammatory factors. Collectively, an optimized fluorometric cell-based assay was devised for in situ functional imaging of CYP1A1 activities in living systems, which strongly facilitated the discovery of efficacious modulators of the AhR-CYP1A1 axis as novel anti-inflammatory agents.

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