1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Alleviates Dry Eye Disease by Regulating Tear Film Homeostasis: A Review
Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Yao CHEN ; Guicheng LIU ; Li TANG ; Pei LIU ; Genyan QIN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):172-181
Dry eye (DE) is a prevalent multifactorial disease of the ocular surface, clinically characterized by tear film homeostasis imbalance accompanied by related ocular surface symptoms. Specifically, the tear film is a thin liquid layer of tears covering the cornea and conjunctiva through blinking, while tear film homeostasis serves as the foundation for maintaining normal ocular surface structure and function. Insufficient tear secretion and excessive tear film evaporation lead to tear hyperosmolarity and the production of inflammatory mediators, disrupting tear film homeostasis and subsequently forming DE. Additionally, cascade reactions are triggered, resulting in a "vicious cycle of DE" that exacerbates the disease severity and prolongs its duration. Therefore, for DE treatment, it is crucial to restore tear film homeostasis and terminate this vicious cycle. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which differentiates and treats DE based on systemic conditions, often achieves favorable therapeutic outcomes, offering additional treatment options for DE. Studies have demonstrated that TCM can alleviate DE by regulating tear film homeostasis and terminating the vicious cycle. This review systematically summarizes recent basic experimental research in China and abroad on TCM in alleviating DE by regulating tear film homeostasis, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment and an insight for research design.
2.Effect of Runmu Dihuang Decoction on Perimenopausal Dry Eye in Rats with Liver-kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on SIRT3/HIF-1α/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Sainan TIAN ; Wei MA ; Yao CHEN ; Yu CAO ; Guicheng LIU ; Pei LIU ; Junxian LEI ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):201-210
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms of Runmu Dihuang decoction (RMDHD) in treating perimenopausal dry eye with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome based on the silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=10 per group): Sham operation group, model group, sodium hyaluronate eye drop group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose RMDHD groups (5.625, 11.25, 22.50 g·kg-1). Except for the sham operation group, all rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy and were administered 0.1% benzalkonium chloride eye drops combined with long-term chronic irritation to establish a perimenopausal dry eye model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. Drug administration began in the 11th week after modeling and continued for 21 days. General conditions, screen-grip test scores, tear secretion volume, tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were recorded. Serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (PROG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological changes in the lacrimal glands, corneas, and uteri were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Protein expression levels of SIRT3, HIF-1α, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and total NF-κB p65 in the lacrimal glands were detected by Western blot. The expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lacrimal glands was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter model establishment, no significant differences were observed among the groups except the sham operation group. Compared with the sham operation group, the other groups exhibited slowed movement, dull responses, increased irritability, reduced body weight, elevated rectal temperature, decreased screen-grip test scores, reduced tear secretion, and significantly shortened TFBUT (P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the model group, the sodium hyaluronate eye drop group and all RMDHD groups showed improved general conditions, significantly increased tear secretion (P<0.05), prolonged TFBUT (P<0.05), and elevated screen-grip test scores (P<0.05). Serum ROS and FSH levels were significantly decreased, while E2 and PROG levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathological damage to the cornea, lacrimal glands, and uterus was ameliorated. In addition, protein expression levels of SIRT3 and HIF-1α in the lacrimal glands were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), whereas the expression of p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, and TNF-α was significantly downregulated (P<0.05). ConclusionRMDHD increases tear secretion and TFBUT, improves lacrimal gland and corneal injury, and alleviates dry eye symptoms in a perimenopausal dry eye rat model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. The underlying mechanism may be related to regulation of the SIRT3/HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and reduction of ocular surface tissue damage.
3.Advances and prospects of the integration of multi-omics and artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine research
Guicheng Liu ; Xi Long ; Qinghua PENG ; Sainan Tian ; Shujuan Hu
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):300-312
Objective:
To map the research hotspots, developmental trends, and existing challenges in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with multi-omics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through comprehensive bibliometric analysis.
Methods:
China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chaoxing Journal Database, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to collect literature on the theme of AI in TCM multi-omics research from the inception of each database to December 31, 2024. Eligible records were required to simultaneously address AI, TCM, and multi-omics. Quantitative and visual analyses of publication growth, core authorship networks, institutional collaboration patterns, and keyword co-occurrence were performed using Microsoft Excel 2021, NoteExpress v4.0.0, and Cite Space 6.3.R1. AI application modes in TCM multi-omics research were also categorized and summarized.
Results:
A total of 1 106 articles were enrolled (932 Chinese and 174 English). Publication output has increased continuously since 2010 and accelerated after 2016. Region-specific collaboration clusters were identified, dominated by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that current AI applications predominantly centered on metabolomics and algorithms such as cluster analysis and data mining. Research foci mainly ranked as follows: single herbs, herbal formulae, and disease-syndrome differentiation.
Conclusion
Machine learning methods are the predominant integrative modality of AI in the realm of TCM multi-omics research at present, utilized for processing omics data and uncovering latent patterns therein. The domain of TCM, in addition to investigating omics information procured through high-throughput technologies, also integrates data on traditional Chinese medicinal substances and clinical phenotypes, progressing towards joint analysis of multi-omics, high-dimensionality of data, and multi-modality of information. Deep learning approaches represent an emerging trend in the field.
4.Analysis of Dry Eye Animal Models Based on Clinical Disease and Syndrome Characteristics in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Guicheng LIU ; Yao CHEN ; Binan WANG ; Pei LIU ; Jun PENG ; Sainan TIAN ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):200-208
ObjectiveAccording to the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical characteristics of dry eye (DE), this paper aims to analyze existing DE animal models to provide recommendations for building more clinically relevant DE models that integrate traditional Chinese and Western medicine. MethodsBy the retrieval and analysis of relevant literature on DE animal experiments, combined with expert consensus, an evaluation scale was created to assess relevance from the perspectives of pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation. On the basis of data provided by the literature, the clinical relevance was evaluated for the animal models constructed in the literature. ResultsAmong the existing methods for establishing a DE animal model, benzalkonium chloride eye-drop induction showed the highest clinical relevance, demonstrating 98% alignment with Western medicine. However, current models generally showed higher relevance to Western medicine than to TCM, and there was a lack of models integrating disease with syndrome. ConclusionAs DE involves diverse causes and pathogenesis, single-factor models cannot fully simulate the complex pathology of DE. Future research should focus on building multi-mechanism DE models, exploring new etiological directions, standardizing model evaluation systems, and promoting integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. This will help precisely simulate the pathophysiological process of human DE and provide more valuable guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.
5.Efficacy evaluation of extending or switching to tenofovir amibufenamide in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a phase Ⅲ randomized controlled study
Zhihong LIU ; Qinglong JIN ; Yuexin ZHANG ; Guozhong GONG ; Guicheng WU ; Lvfeng YAO ; Xiaofeng WEN ; Zhiliang GAO ; Yan HUANG ; Daokun YANG ; Enqiang CHEN ; Qing MAO ; Shide LIN ; Jia SHANG ; Huanyu GONG ; Lihua ZHONG ; Huafa YIN ; Fengmei WANG ; Peng HU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Qunjie GAO ; Chaonan JIN ; Chuan LI ; Junqi NIU ; Jinlin HOU
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2024;32(10):883-892
Objective:In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with previous 96-week treatment with tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), we investigated the efficacy of sequential TMF treatment from 96 to 144 weeks.Methods:Enrolled subjects who were previously assigned (2:1) to receive either 25 mg TMF or 300 mg TDF with matching placebo for 96 weeks received extended or switched TMF treatment for 48 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated based on virological, serological, biological parameters, and fibrosis staging. Statistical analysis was performed using the McNemar test, t-test, or Log-Rank test according to the data. Results:593 subjects from the initial TMF group and 287 subjects from the TDF group were included at week 144, with the proportions of HBV DNA<20 IU/ml at week 144 being 86.2% and 83.3%, respectively, and 78.1% and 73.8% in patients with baseline HBV DNA levels ≥8 log10 IU/ml. Resistance to tenofovir was not detected in both groups. For HBeAg loss and seroconversion rates, both groups showed a further increase from week 96 to 144 and the 3-year cumulative rates of HBeAg loss were about 35% in each group. However, HBsAg levels were less affected during 96 to 144 weeks. For patients switched from TDF to TMF, a substantial further increase in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization rate was observed (11.4%), along with improved FIB-4 scores.Conclusion:After 144 weeks of TMF treatment, CHB patients achieved high rates of virological, serological, and biochemical responses, as well as improved liver fibrosis outcomes. Also, switching to TMF resulted in significant benefits in ALT normalization rates (NCT03903796).
6.Safety profile of tenofovir amibufenamide therapy extension or switching in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a phase Ⅲ multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Zhihong LIU ; Qinglong JIN ; Yuexin ZHANG ; Guozhong GONG ; Guicheng WU ; Lvfeng YAO ; Xiaofeng WEN ; Zhiliang GAO ; Yan HUANG ; Daokun YANG ; Enqiang CHEN ; Qing MAO ; Shide LIN ; Jia SHANG ; Huanyu GONG ; Lihua ZHONG ; Huafa YIN ; Fengmei WANG ; Peng HU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Qunjie GAO ; Peng XIA ; Chuan LI ; Junqi NIU ; Jinlin HOU
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2024;32(10):893-903
Objective:In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with previous 96-week treatment with tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), we investigated the safety profile of sequential TMF treatment from 96 to 144 weeks.Methods:Enrolled subjects that previously assigned (2:1) to receive either 25 mg TMF or 300 mg TDF with matching placebo for 96 weeks received extending or switching TMF treatment for 48 weeks. Safety profiles of kidney, bone, metabolism, body weight, and others were evaluated.Results:666 subjects from the initial TMF group and 336 subjects from TDF group with at least one dose of assigned treatment were included at week 144. The overall safety profile was favorable in each group and generally similar between extended or switched TMF treatments from week 96 to 144. In subjects switching from TDF to TMF, the non-indexed estimated glomerular filtration rate (by non-indexed CKD-EPI formula) and creatinine clearance (by Cockcroft-Gault formula) were both increased, which were (2.31±8.33) ml/min and (4.24±13.94) ml/min, respectively. These changes were also higher than those in subjects with extending TMF treatment [(0.91±8.06) ml/min and (1.30±13.94) ml/min]. Meanwhile, switching to TMF also led to an increase of the bone mineral density (BMD) by 0.75% in hip and 1.41% in spine. On the other side, a slight change in TC/HDL ratio by 0.16 (IQR: 0.00, 0.43) and an increase in body mass index (BMI) by (0.54±0.98) kg/m 2 were oberved with patients switched to TMF, which were significantly higher than that in TMF group. Conclusion:CHB patients receiving 144 weeks of TMF treatment showed favorable safety profile. After switching to TMF, the bone and renal safety was significantly improved in TDF group, though experienceing change in metabolic parameters and weight gain (NCT03903796).
7.Effect of esketamine on postoperative acute lung injury in pediatric patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation
Mei DING ; Ping PEI ; Yiqi WENG ; Weihua LIU ; Jinyuan LI ; Mingwei SHENG ; Guicheng ZHANG ; Wenli YU
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2023;43(10):1164-1169
Objective:To evaluate the effect of esketamine on postoperative acute lung injury (ALI) in pediatric patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation.Methods:Sixty pediatric patients of either sex with biliary atresia, aged 0-36 months, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, with cardiac function grade I or Ⅱ, with Child-Pugh grade B or C, undergoing living donor liver transplantation, were divided into 2 groups ( n=30 each) using a computer-generated table of random numbers: control group (group C) and esketamine group (group S). Combined intravenous-inhalational anesthesia was performed with propofol and sevoflurane in both groups, and in addition esketamine was intravenously infused continuously after induction in group S. After anesthesia induction (T 0), at 60 min after start of surgery (T 1), at 10 min after anhepatic phase (T 2), at 60 min after portal vein opening (T 3), and immediately after abdominal closure (T 4), central venous blood samples were collected for determination of the serum concentrations of Clara cell secretory protein 16, surface active protein D, soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products, high mobility group protein B1, interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), concentrations of malondialdehyde (using TBA method), and activity of superoxide dismutase (using hydroxylamine method). The dynamic lung compliance was recorded from T 0 to T 4. Blood samples were taken from the radial artery at T 0 and 24 h after surgery (T 5) for blood gas analysis, and oxygenation index and respiratory index were calculated. Lung ultrasound scores were recorded at 24 h before surgery and T 5. The postoperative mechanical ventilation time and duration of intensive care unit stay were recorded. The occurrence of ALI within 7 days after liver transplantation was observed. Results:Compared with group C, the serum concentrations of Clara cell secretory protein 16, surface active protein D, soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products, high mobility group protein B1, interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased, and the activity of superoxide dismutase was increased at T 3, 4, the oxygenation index was increased and respiratory index was decreased at T 3-T 5, lung ultrasound C score and B score were decreased at T 5, the postoperative mechanical ventilation time and duration of intensive care unit stay were shortened, and the incidence of ALI was decreased in group S ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Esketamine can alleviate postoperative ALI in pediatric patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation.
8.Comparison of effects of different anesthesia methods on perioperative lung injury in pediatric patients with biliary atresia undergoing living donor liver transplantation
Mei DING ; Ping PEI ; Yiqi WENG ; Weihua LIU ; Guicheng ZHANG ; Mingwei SHENG ; Hui YU ; Wenli YU
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2023;43(11):1292-1297
Objective:To compare the effects of different anesthesia methods on perioperative lung injury in pediatric patients with biliary atresia undergoing living donor liver transplantation.Methods:Ninety-one American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ pediatric patients with biliary atresia, regardless of gender, aged 0-36 months, with cardiac function grade of Ⅰ or Ⅱ and Child-Pugh grade of B or C, undergoing elective living donor liver transplantation, were selected. According to the anesthesia method, the pediatric patients were divided into 3 groups: propofol-based anesthesia group (P group, n=30), sevoflurane-based anesthesia group (S group, n=30) and propofol-sevoflurane-based anesthesia group (PS group, n=31). Group P received intravenous infusion of 1% propofol 9-15 mg·kg -1·h -1. In group S, sevoflurane was inhaled and the end-tidal concentration was maintained at 2.6%-4.0%.In PS group, 1% propofol 9-15 mg·kg -1·h -1 was intravenously infused and sevoflurane was inhaled, maintaining an end-tidal concentration at 1.0%-2.5%. Remifentanil 0.1-1.0 μg·kg -1·min -1 was intravenously infused during operation for analgesia, and cisatracurium besylate 1-2 μg·kg -1·min -1 was intravenously infused to maintain muscle relaxation in three groups. Immediately after anesthesia induction (T 0), at 60 min after start of surgery (T 1), at 10 min of anhepatic phase (T 2), at 60 min after portal vein opening (T 3), and immediately after abdominal closure (T 4), the concentrations of serum Clara cell secretory protein 16 (CC16), surfactant protein (SP-D), soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products (s-RAGE), high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and lung compliance (Cdyn) was simultaneously recorded. At T 0-T 4 and 24 h after surgery (T 5), the arterial blood gas analysis was performed to calculate the oxygenation index (OI) and respiratory index (RI). Lung ultrasound scores (LUS scores) were assessed at 24 h before surgery and T 5. The occurrence of pulmonary complications was recorded within 7 days after surgery. The survival was observed for 6 months after surgery. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in serum concentrations of CC16, SP-D and s-RAGE concentrations and LUS scores at different time points between group S and group P ( P>0.05). Compared with S group and P group, the serum CC16 concentrations at T 3 and s-RAGE concentrations at T 3, 4 were significantly decreased, and the C and B scores were decreased at T 5 in PS group ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of serum HMGB1, IL-1β and TNF-α, Cydn and incidence of ALI/ARDS, pulmonary infection, pleural effusion, and atelectasis within 7 days after surgery among the three groups( P>0.05). The 6-month survival rate was 100% in the three groups. Conclusions:Propofol-sevoflurane-based anesthesia has a better efficacy in reducing perioperative lung injury than propofol-based anesthesia and sevoflurane-based anesthesia in the perioperative period of liver transplantation.
9.The distribution of LAP+CD4+ T cells in gastric carcinoma microenvironment and its clinical significance
Lanlan GUO ; Guicheng WU ; Kaiyuan LIU ; Jianjun ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2017;40(10):912-915
Objective To investigate the distribution of LAP+CD4+T cells in gastric carcinoma microenvironment and the correlation of LAP + CD4 + T cells with the progression of gastric tumor. Methods Forty gastric tumor patients and 20 healthy donors were enrolled in this study. The percentage of LAP+CD4+T cells in the peripheral blood and tumor tissue was detected by flow cytometry. The correlation of LAP+CD4+T cells with the progression of gastric tumor was analyzed. Results The percentage of LAP+CD4+T cells in the peripheral blood of gastric tumor patients was higher than that of health donors:(10.9±3.3)%vs. (4.3 ± 1.2)%;the percentage of LAP+CD4+T cells from tumor tissue was higher than that from non-tumor tissue:(13.5 ± 5.3)%vs. (4.7 ± 1.4)%. The percentage of LAP+CD4+T cells in peripheral blood from metastasis patients was higher than that from non-metastasis patients and health donors: (10.1 ± 6.4)% vs. (4.5 ± 1.3)% and (4.3 ± 1.2)%. Conclusions LAP+ CD4+ T cells accumulates in gastric carcinoma microenvironment and the percentage of LAP+CD4+T cells increases along with the progression of gastric tumor.
10.Clinical study on optimization scheme of autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation for decompensated cirrhosis
Xuan AN ; Qing ZHONG ; Shuhong LIU ; Lina XIA ; Hui WANG ; Guicheng WU
Chinese Journal of Biochemical Pharmaceutics 2015;37(4):97-100
Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of bone marrow stem treatment by different bone marrow mobilization,distinct separation methods or cell suspension density, and to explore the optimal treatment plan of autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation for decompensated cirrhosis.Methods Twenty three patients with decompensated cirrhosis were studied.100 ~200 mL bone marrow from each patient was harvested in aseptic condition, after isolation and purification by density gradient centrifugation,the stem cells were obtained and transplanted into the liver via hepatic artery.The serum glutamic acid alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin (ALB), prothrombin time (PT) and total bilirubin (TBIL) were checked before and l, 2, 3 months after therapy respectively,changes in these indicators of each group were compared by different bone marrow mobilization, distinct separation methods, or cell suspension density.Results After transplantation, levels of albumin increased significantly 1, 2, 3 months after treatment compared with baseline(P<0.05).Patients in bone marrow mobilization group obtained higher stem cell density (P<0.05), which had no significant difference in improving liver function ( ALT, TBIL, ALB, PT) compared with non-bone marrow mobilization group.Patients using the kit significantly improved their albumin (3 months after treatment, P<0.05), which had no significant difference in improving liver function (ALT, TBIL, ALB, PT) compared with using ordinary lymphocyte isolation method group.There was no significant difference in improving liver function ( ALT, TBIL, ALB, PT) between lower magnitude stem cell density group(≤1 ×1010/L) and higher magnitude stem cell density group(1 ×1010/L).Conclusion The treatment for decompensated cirrhosis by transplantation of autologous bone nlarrow stem cells is safe and effective, which can significantly increase the level of albumin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.Preoperative bone marrow mobilization can increase the rate of stem cells obtained, and the method using the kit improves the leves of protein respectively.They are helpful to improve the efficacy.

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