1.Association between screening myopia and mixed exposure to air pollution among primary school students in four cities in China
LIU Feng, LI Tingting, TAO Shuman, ZOU Liwei, TAO Fangbiao, WU Xiaoyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):714-718
Objective:
To investigate the association between screening detected myopia in primary school students and mixed exposure to air pollutants, so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of myopia in children and adolescents.
Methods:
From May to July 2023, a cluster random sampling method was used to select 15 102 primary school students in grades 3 through 6 from Hefei, Zhongshan, Shenyang, and Nanchang citys. Data were collected through questionnaires, distance vision screening, and computerized refraction. Monthly average concentration data for particulate matter (PM 10 ), fine particulate matter (PM 2. 5), NO 2 and SO 2 were used to calculate the annual average pollutant concentrations for primary school students. Quantile g computation model was employed to analyze the association between mixed exposure to air pollutants and screening detected myopia.
Results:
The differences in concentrations of the four pollutants among cities were statistically significant ( H =12 886.0, 13 285.0, 8 559.0, 13 181.0, all P <0.01). In the overall sample, there was no statistically significant association between combined exposure to air pollutants and the risk of myopia ( β=0.033, 95%CI=-0.004-0.072, P =0.08). Stratified analysis by outdoor activity time showed that among primary school students with outdoor activity time ≤1 h/d, mixed exposure to air pollutants was positively associated with the risk of myopia ( β=0.050, 95%CI=0.002-0.099, P =0.04); after stratification by city, combined exposure to air pollutants was significantly associated with the risk of myopia among primary school students in Nanchang and Shenyang [ β (95% CI )= 0.232(0.175-0.289), 0.080(0.006-0.155), both P <0.05], whereas no statistically significant association was observed among primary school students in Hefei and Zhongshan [ β (95% CI )=-0.010(-0.071-0.051), -0.032(-0.167-0.102), both P > 0.05 ].
Conclusions
Exposure to multiple air pollutants may increase the risk of myopia in primary school students, with the risk influenced by time spent outdoors and geographical location. It is recommended that outdoor activity management for children be strengthened in areas with higher air pollution levels, and that environmental factors be incorporated into comprehensive myopia prevention and control strategies.
2.Mechanisms on Chronicity of Infectious Diseases from Warm Disease Theory of Pathogen Invading Nutrient and Blood Aspects: Integrating Classical Wisdom with Innovative Perspectives
Baixue LI ; Hang ZHOU ; Jibin LIU ; Xia LI ; Xiyang LIU ; Haihui LIU ; Peijie WU ; Dong WANG ; Cen JIANG ; Wenjun WU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):60-69
The chronicity of infectious diseases is an important field in the collaborative research of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The warm disease theory of pathogen invading nutrient and blood aspects in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) takes the struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi and cementation of Yin as the core pathogenesis, providing a unique theoretical framework for explaining the common pathology of infectious chronic diseases. This theory originated from Yin-Yang interaction in the Internal Classic and was enriched with WU Youke's theory of intruding pathogen interacting and lingering in blood vessels and YE Tianshi's theory of long-term illness entering collaterals. Combining the theory with modern medical knowledge, our team has condensed the dynamic pathogenesis model of deficiency (nutrient and blood aspects) and excess (pathogen) interacting in the blood collaterals of Yin aspect, the core feature of which is the four-dimensional interactions of cause (pathogen characteristics), location (three Yin locations of diseases), nature (deficiency and excess), and potential (transmission trend). The common pathology of infectious chronic diseases is reflected in interactions. That is, the interactions between nutrient and blood deficiency (immune exhaustion and metabolic disorder) and pathogen excess (pathogen persistence and fibrous hyperplasia) in the liver collaterals (Jueyin), kidney collaterals (Shaoyin), lung collaterals (Taiyin) and other blood collaterals of Yin aspect form the pathological damage characterized by immune inflammatory response-continuous tissue damage with excessive repair. Taking the inheritance and innovative development of classics as the main line, this paper systematically discusses the scientific connotation of the theory of pathogen invading nutrient and blood aspects and the paths of inheritance and innovation and clarifies the original significance of this theory in the chronic development of infectious diseases. Furthermore, taking clinical diseases as an example, this paper reflects the guiding value of this classical theory in the modern diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine and the application potential of this theory in solving complex medical problems through the construction of the innovative paradigm of precise diagnosis and treatment with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
3.Action of Immune Microenvironment and Metabolic Reprogramming in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on "Deficiency of Healthy Qi and Stasis Toxins"
Xia LI ; Jiexiong YANG ; Xiyang LIU ; Wenjun WU ; Cen JIANG ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):100-109
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignancy with high mortality, exhibits poor survival rates and prognosis. The profound suppression of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the abnormal hyperactivity of metabolic reprogramming (MR) are the two primary factors driving HCC progression. Traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated significant efficacy in HCC treatment. The team proposed that "deficiency of healthy Qi and stasis toxins" was the core pathogenesis of HCC, closely associated with TIME suppression and MR hyperactivity. This paper proposed that a suppressed state of the TIME was the biological manifestation of "deficiency of healthy Qi", where the functional exhaustion of effector T lymphocytes and natural killer cells reflected the decline of "healthy Qi" in eliminating pathogens. Conversely, the expansion and activation of immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAM-M2), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) , represent the dysfunction of "healthy Qi" in maintaining homeostasis. MR serves as the material basis of "stasis toxins". Stasis toxins exhibit heat stagnation, manifested by abnormal hyperactivity of glycolysis and lipid synthesis. They demonstrate migratory propensity, as toxic metabolites like lactic acid and prostaglandin E2 promote tumor invasion and metastasis. They display a consumptive nature, reflected in the functional suppression of immune cells. The vicious cycle between TIME and MR is the biopathological reflection of "deficiency of healthy Qi intertwined with stasis toxins". Immunosuppression exacerbates MR, while toxic metabolites further impair immune function, establishing a pathogenic chain of "deficiency leading to stasis, and stasis toxins damaging healthy Qi". The primary therapeutic approach is reinforcing healthy Qi, resolving stasis, and removing toxins, which can reinforce and tonify healthy Qi to regulate pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4/ C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCR4/CXCL12), and toll-like receptor 4/ nuclear factor-kappa B/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (TLR4/NF-κB/STAT3), adjust T lymphocyte ratios, inhibit Tregs/TAM-M2 function, and downregulate immune checkpoints, including programmed death ligand 1/programmed death 1(PD-L1/PD-1), and reshape TIME. It is also involved in resolving stasis and removing toxins to modulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling pathways, suppress key enzymes in glycolysis and lipid synthesis, and block toxic metabolite production. Thus, this therapy synergistically regulates the immune and metabolic network, breaks the vicious cycle of "deficiency in healthy Qi and stasis toxins", and offers a novel strategy for integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in HCC treatment.
4.Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Their Correlation with Ocular Manifestations in Chronic Hepatitis B Complicated by Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease
Jingdong CUI ; Dingqi LI ; Yichen PENG ; Xiaoxiao DENG ; Zhenglong ZHENG ; Zilin XIONG ; Haiyang HU ; Peijie WU ; Yuelian WANG ; Liang HUANG ; Quansheng FENG ; Baixue LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):144-154
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) complicated by metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and explore the correlations between these syndrome types and clinical indicators, as well as ocular manifestation characteristics, thereby providing a reference for syndrome differentiation and treatment strategies in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsGeneral data, information from the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, clinical indicators, and ocular manifestation data were collected from 506 patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD enrolled at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu between June 2024 and December 2024. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and complex network models were employed to identify the distribution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Correlations between different syndrome types and clinical indicators, as well as ocular manifestation characteristics, were further analyzed. ResultsThe predominant syndromes identified in patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD were dampness and heat accumulation (51.58%), liver depression with spleen deficiency (31.62%), blood stasis obstructing collaterals (8.89%), and Qi-Yin deficiency (7.91%). No statistically significant differences were found among the four syndrome types in routine blood tests and liver function indicators. However, patients with the dampness and heat accumulation type exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), along with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), compared with those with other syndrome types. Regarding ocular manifestations, the incidence of moon halo signs was significantly higher in patients with the blood stasis obstructing collaterals type than in those with other syndrome types. Additionally, the incidence in scleral zone 3 (corresponding to the large intestine) was higher in patients with the damp and heat accumulation type. ConclusionDampness and heat accumulation is the core syndrome type in patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD, commonly accompanied by spleen deficiency, liver depression, blood stasis, and Yin deficiency. A complex syndrome pattern characterized by a predominance of dampness and heat, along with a mixture of deficiency and excess, is formed. Different traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types are associated with distinct clinical indicators and ocular manifestation characteristics. Among them, patients with the dampness and heat accumulation type exhibit more pronounced metabolic disturbances and liver injury, whereas those with the blood stasis type show a higher incidence of moon halo signs. Abnormalities in scleral zone 3 are also more prevalent in patients with dampness and heat type.
5.Association of outdoor activity time and sleep duration with screening myopia in primary school students
LIU Xiaoling, LI Tingting, CAO Caiyun, YANG Feng, TAO Shuman, WU Xiaoyan, XU Shaojun, TAO Fangbiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):279-282
Objective:
To explore the association of outdoor activity time and sleep duration with screening myopia in primary school students, so as to provide strategies for myopia prevention.
Methods:
Through a convenience sampling method, a survey was conducted among 4 248 primary school students aged 7-13 years from three primary schools in Xihu District, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province from May to July, 2023. The average daily outdoor activity time and sleep duration on both weekdays and weekends were investigated in primary school students by using a self designed questionnaire. Uncorrected visual acuity tests and non cycloplegic autorefraction were measured by professional optometrists. Inter group comparisons were conducted using the Chi square test. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of outdoor activity time and sleep duration with screening myopia.
Results:
The detection rate of screening myopia in primary school students was 33.6%, with the rate in boys (32.0%) lower than that in girls (35.3%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=5.11, P =0.02). The analysis results of Logistic regression showed that after adjusting for factors such as gender, grade and parental education level, both average daily outdoor activity time <2 h on both weekdays and weekends ( OR =1.27, 95% CI =1.11-1.46) and sleep duration <10 h ( OR =1.17, 95% CI =1.01- 1.35 ), as well as their combined effect ( OR =1.57, 95% CI =1.25-1.98), were associated with an increased risk of screening myopia in primary school students(all P <0.05). Subgroup analysis results indicated that compared to boys ( OR =1.46, 95% CI = 1.07 -1.99), girls( OR =1.73, 95% CI =1.22-2.44) with insufficient outdoor activity time and sleep duration had a higher risk of screening myopia(both P <0.05).
Conclusions
There is a negative correlation of outdoor activity time and sleep duration with screening myopia in primary school students. Outdoor activity time and extending sleep duration should be increased to reduce the risk of myopia in primary school students.
6.Exploring the mechanism of myofascial trigger points deactivation by Tuina via the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway
Liya TANG ; Xiaowei LIU ; Jiadong ZANG ; Yuqiao ZHANG ; Xiang FENG ; Wu LI ; Jiangshan LI
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):103-113
Objective:
To investigate whether Tuina alleviates fibrotic symptoms in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) by regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby deactivating these points.
Methods:
This study comprised two experimental phases. In phase 1, 27 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: control 1, model 1, and Tuina 1 groups. Model 1 and Tuina 1 groups underwent an 8-week MTrPs modeling protocol involving blunt impact and eccentric exercise. After successful modeling, rats in Tuina 1 group received manual pressing on nodules or cord-like taut bands on the medial aspect of the left hindlimb. Pain sensitivity and tissue stiffness were evaluated via pressure pain threshold (PPT) and soft tissue tension (STT). Muscle histopathology and fibrosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Inflammatory factors in muscle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) were used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ, and TGF-β1. In phase 2, 45 SPF female SD rats were randomized into five groups: control 2, model 2, Tuina 2, TGF-β1 inhibitor (TI), and Tuina + TGF-β1 agonist (Tuina + TA) groups. All groups except control 2 underwent standardized MTrPs modeling. Rats in Tuina 2 group received consistent pressing manipulation. TI group received intraperitoneal injections of oxymatrine, while Tuina + TA group received intraperitoneal injections of SRI-011381 hydrochloride followed by the same pressing protocol as Tuina 2 group. WB was used to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3)/Smad3.
Results:
In phase 1, Tuina significantly improved PPT and STT in MTrPs of rats (P < 0.01), reversed pathological damages including disorganized muscle fiber arrangement, abnormal myocyte morphology, and exacerbated fibrosis. In addition, in MTrPs of rats in model 1 group, expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) were upregulated, and all exhibited a significant downward trend after Tuina intervention (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). This indicates that the therapeutic effects of Tuina are directly associated with reduced local inflammation and fibrosis in MTrPs. In phase 2, compared with model 2 group, rats in TI and Tuina 2 groups had decreased expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 in MTrPs, alongside reduced levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). When co-administered with TGF-β1 agonist, the therapeutic effects of Tuina were significantly attenuated, with rebounded TGF-β1 expression and p-Smad3/Smad3 in local MTrPs, and fibrosis and inflammatory responses were re-exacerbated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).
Conclusion
Tuina can effectively reduce inflammatory responses and fibrosis in MTrPs tissue, and its mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in Tuina-mediated regulation of MTrPs fibrosis.
7.Staged Efficacy of Qijia Rougan Prescription Combined with Entecavir for Chronic Hepatitis B-related Hepatic Fibrosis with Qi Deficiency and Collateral Stasis Syndrome Based on "Zhu Ke Jiao" Theory
Baixue LI ; Xin WANG ; Jibin LIU ; Li WEN ; Cen JIANG ; Wenjun WU ; Dong WANG ; Shuwan LIU ; Huabao LIU ; Yongli ZHENG ; Liang HUANG ; Yue SU ; Song ZHANG ; Yanan SHANG ; Hang ZHOU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):180-188
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate and evaluate the staged efficacy and safety of the representative empirical prescription of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory, Qijia Rougan prescription, combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled clinical study was conducted, and 101 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatic fibrosis (CHB-HF) who met the diagnosis and inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an observation group (Qijia Rougan prescription + entecavir) and a control group (entecavir). The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), portal vein diameter, hepatitis B serology, biochemical indicators, hepatic fibrosis markers in serum [hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP), and type Ⅳ collagen (Ⅳ-C)], and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores were used as efficacy evaluation indicators. Efficacy assessments and explorations of different staged subgroups of Qijia Rougan prescription were conducted according to LSM values based on the Metavir pathological staging standard. ResultsA total of 98 cases were included for statistical analysis, with 49 cases in the observation group and 49 in the control group. The general data of the patients in both groups were comparable. Compared with the same group before treatment, the observation group showed a significant reduction in LSM and FIB-4 (P<0.01), as well as notable improvements in LN, Ⅳ-C, and various TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in LSM, FIB-4, and various TCM syndrome score indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that the observation group performed better than the control group. Subgroup analysis of the regression of hepatic fibrosis stages showed that compared to the same group before treatment, the observation group had better improvement in regression of stages F2 and F3 (P<0.05). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group exhibited superior improvement in regression of stage F3 (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionCompared with entecavir alone, the combination of Qijia Rougan prescription and entecavir significantly improves the degree of hepatic fibrosis and clinical TCM symptoms in patients. The optimal intervention period is primarily during stage F3, which is a potential “interception” point of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory.
8.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
9.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
10.Single-Cell and Machine Learning-Based Identification of Epithelial Subsets and Prognostic Modeling in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Jinpeng WU ; Xue GUO ; Engu LIU ; Feng LIN ; Hongtao LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):251-266
Objective To investigate the heterogeneity and key molecular features of epithelial cells in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), identify prognostic biomarkers, and develop a robust survival prediction model. Methods Using TNBC single-cell transcriptomic data, epithelial cells were extracted, normalized, and subclustered to characterize their molecular signatures and functional differences. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA) was applied to establish co-expression modules in epithelial cells. Multiple machine learning algorithms were integrated to select key prognostic genes and develop a risk-score model, whose performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis. In addition, the immune microenvironment features and potential drug-response differences between the high- and low-risk groups were systematically assessed. Finally, PCR was performed to validate the expression differences of the key genes between tumor and normal tissues. Results We characterized the composition and molecular features of TNBC epithelial subpopulations and identified a TNBC-associated epithelial subset. By integrating hdWGCNA with machine learning approaches, 10 key genes were selected to construct a prognostic model, which effectively stratified patients into distinct survival-risk groups and demonstrated favorable predictive performance in ROC and K-M analyses. Immune profiling revealed the differences in the infiltration levels of seven immune cell types and immune function-related features between the high- and low-risk groups. Drug-sensitivity analysis suggested potential differential responses to eight agents across the risk groups. PCR validation further confirmed the differential expression of the ten signature genes between tumor and normal tissues. Conclusion This study reveals epithelial heterogeneity in TNBC at single-cell resolution and establishes a 10-gene prognostic model, which may facilitate the stratification of TNBC risk and the evaluation of immune characteristics and potential therapeutic strategies.


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