1.Analysis of Animal Models of Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration Based on Clinical Disease-syndrome Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Yun GAO ; Jiahao LI ; Jianying YANG ; Xiaoshan ZHANG ; Honghao BI ; Menglu MIAO ; Huiyi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):191-197
ObjectiveAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of low vision and blindness in people over 50 years old, and dry AMD (dAMD) is one type for which there is currently no clear treatment. On the basis of the diagnosis and clinical characteristics of dAMD in traditional Chinese and Western medicine, this paper evaluated the fitting degrees of existing animal models of dAMD with clinical characteristics according to the evaluation methods of animal models, and put forward suggestions and prospects. MethodsLiterature on animal models of dAMD was searched against database, and the characteristics of the models were assigned according to the diagnosis criteria of diseases and syndromes of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and the fitting degrees of the models with clinical characteristics were analyzed and evaluated. ResultsAt present, the animal models of dAMD are mainly established targeting complement factors, chemokines, oxidative damage, lipid/glucose metabolism, and natural strains. Most of the models can simulate the major pathological changes of dAMD, showing the fitting degree of 25%-50% with clinical characteristics in Western medicine. However, the evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, especially the evaluation of secondary syndromes, is missing, and the models present low fitting degrees with the clinical characteristics in TCM. ConclusionExisting animal models of dAMD are mostly established under the guidance of Western diagnostic standards, which reproduce the main disease characteristics of Western medicine and lack observation of TCM syndromes. Future studies can pay attention to the intervention factors and evaluation systems of spleen deficiency Qi deficiency and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome and build the animal model of dAMD with integration of disease and syndrome based on clinical characteristics of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
2.Analysis of Animal Models of Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration Based on Clinical Disease-syndrome Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Yun GAO ; Jiahao LI ; Jianying YANG ; Xiaoshan ZHANG ; Honghao BI ; Menglu MIAO ; Huiyi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):191-197
ObjectiveAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of low vision and blindness in people over 50 years old, and dry AMD (dAMD) is one type for which there is currently no clear treatment. On the basis of the diagnosis and clinical characteristics of dAMD in traditional Chinese and Western medicine, this paper evaluated the fitting degrees of existing animal models of dAMD with clinical characteristics according to the evaluation methods of animal models, and put forward suggestions and prospects. MethodsLiterature on animal models of dAMD was searched against database, and the characteristics of the models were assigned according to the diagnosis criteria of diseases and syndromes of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and the fitting degrees of the models with clinical characteristics were analyzed and evaluated. ResultsAt present, the animal models of dAMD are mainly established targeting complement factors, chemokines, oxidative damage, lipid/glucose metabolism, and natural strains. Most of the models can simulate the major pathological changes of dAMD, showing the fitting degree of 25%-50% with clinical characteristics in Western medicine. However, the evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, especially the evaluation of secondary syndromes, is missing, and the models present low fitting degrees with the clinical characteristics in TCM. ConclusionExisting animal models of dAMD are mostly established under the guidance of Western diagnostic standards, which reproduce the main disease characteristics of Western medicine and lack observation of TCM syndromes. Future studies can pay attention to the intervention factors and evaluation systems of spleen deficiency Qi deficiency and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome and build the animal model of dAMD with integration of disease and syndrome based on clinical characteristics of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
3.Myocardial Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Shenfu Injection in Ameliorating Energy Metabolism Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure
Xinyue NING ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Mengna ZHANG ; Yang GUO ; Zhijia XIANG ; Kun LIAN ; Zhixi HU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):178-186
ObjectiveTo examine the influences of Shenfu injection on the endogenous metabolic byproducts in the myocardium of the rat model exhibiting chronic heart failure, thus deciphering the therapeutic mechanism of the Qi-reinforcing and Yang-warming method. MethodsSD rats were randomly allocated into a control group and a modeling group. Chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome in rats was modeled by multi-point subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol, and the rats were fed for 14 days after modeling. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model, Shenfu injection (6.0 mL·kg-1), and trimetazidine (10 mg·kg-1) groups and treated with corresponding agents for 15 days. The control group and the model group were injected with equal doses of normal saline, and the samples were collected after the intervention was completed. Cardiac color ultrasound was performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological morphology, and the serum level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mitochondrial morphological and structural changes of cardiomyocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the metabolic profiling was carried out by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quantitative exactive-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). Differential metabolites were screened and identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and other methods, and then the MetaboAnalyst database was used for further screening. The relevant biological pathways were obtained through pathway enrichment analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to evaluate the diagnostic value of each potential biomarker for myocardial injury and the evaluation value for drug efficacy. ResultsThe results of color ultrasound showed that Shenfu Injection improved the cardiac function indexes of model rats (P<0.05). The results of HE staining showed that Shenfu injection effectively alleviated the pathological phenomena such as myocardial tissue structure disorder and inflammatory cell infiltration in model rats. The results of ELISA showed that Shenfu injection effectively regulated the serum NT-proBNP level in the model rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Shenfu injection effectively restored the mitochondrial morphological structure. The results of metabolomics showed that the metabolic phenotypes of myocardial samples presented markedly differences between groups. Nine differential metabolites could be significantly reversed in the Shenfu injection group, involving three metabolic pathways: pyruvate metabolism, histidine metabolism, and citric acid cycle (TCA cycle). The results of ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of all metabolites were between 0.75 and 1.0, indicating that the differential metabolites had high diagnostic accuracy for myocardial injury, and the changes in their expression levels could be used as potential markers for efficacy evaluation. ConclusionShenfu injection significantly alleviated the damage of cardiac function, myocardium, and mitochondrial structure in the rat model of chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome by ameliorating energy metabolism remodeling. Reinforcing Qi and warming Yang is a key method for treating chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome.
4.Expert recommendations on vision friendly built environments for myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):1-5
Abstract
The prevention and control of myopia in Chinese children and adolescents has become a major public health issue. While maintaining increased outdoor activity as a cornerstone intervention, there is an urgent need to explore new complementary approaches that can be effectively implemented in both indoor and outdoor settings. In recent years, environmental spatial frequency has gained increasing attention as one of the key environmental factors influencing the development and progression of myopia. Both animal studies and human research have confirmed that indoor environments lacking mid to high spatial frequency components, often characterized as "visually impoverished", can promote axial elongation and myopia through mechanisms such as disruption of retinal neural signaling, impaired accommodative function, and altered expression of related molecules. Based on the scientific consensus, it is recommended that "enriching of environmental spatial frequency" should be integrated into the myopia prevention and control framework. Following the principles of schoolled organization, family cooperation, community involvement, and student participation, specific measures are put forward in three areas:optimizing school visual settings, improving home spatial environments, and promoting healthy visual behavior. The aim is to create "visually friendly" indoor environments as an important supplement to outdoor activity, thereby providing a novel perspective and strategy for comprehensively advancing myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents.
5.Protective Effect and Potential Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan on Diabetic Kidney Disease in db/db Mice Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glomerular Endothelial Cells
Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Sen YANG ; Jing LI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Wen DONG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):28-35
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) on renal injury in db/db mice and its impact on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in renal tissues. MethodsThirty 8-week-old male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week, after which urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were monitored to establish a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) model. The model mice were randomly divided into a model group, an irbesartan group, and three DSS treatment groups with different doses (16.77, 33.54, and 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1). A normal group was set as control. Each group was intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs or saline for 8 weeks. After the intervention, general conditions were observed. Serum cystatin C (Cys-C), 24-hour urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), 24-hour urinary microalbumin (24 h-UMA), urinary creatinine (Ucr), and urea nitrogen (UUN) were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and ultrastructural changes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in glomerular endothelial cells. Western blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze renal tissue structure and the expression of GRP78, CHOP, and related markers. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the mice in the model group showed curled posture, sluggish response, poor fur condition, increased levels of Cys-C, 24 h-UTP, 24 h-UMA, and UUN (P<0.05), while Ucr decreased (P<0.05). The GBM was significantly thickened, with podocyte and foot process fusion. The protein expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and ATF6 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), the mRNA levels of GRP78 and CHOP increased (P<0.05), and immunohistochemistry showed an enhanced GRP78 signal (P<0.05). After treatment, the mice exhibited improved behavior, normalized GBM and podocyte structure, improved ER morphology and markedly better biochemical indicators. Western blot, Real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry indicated that the ERS-related markers were downregulated in the DSS treatment groups (P<0.05), suggesting alleviated ERS and improved renal function. ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate renal pathological damage in db/db mice, possibly by regulating ERS in glomerular endothelial cells, although the underlying signaling mechanisms require further investigation.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Ren YANG ; Mengge LI ; Zhibo DANG ; Biaobiao GUO ; Shilong LIU ; Zhongqin DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):327-335
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant subtype of primary liver cancer, ranks among the top in both incidence and mortality rates of malignant tumors in China. In its early stages, the disease may present with subtle or nonspecific symptoms, often leading to poor clinical prognosis and low patient survival rates, which makes it a significant public health concern. The pathogenesis is associated with multiple factors, including hepatitis virus infection, alcohol consumption, obesity, drug-induced liver injury, and immune disorders, which may interact synergistically to promote disease development. Currently, mainstream therapeutic approaches for HCC in modern medicine encompass surgical resection, liver transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but they all have certain limitations, such as large side effects and poor prognosis, imposing substantial psychological distress and financial strain on affected individuals. With a rich historical background in hepatic malignancy management, traditional Chinese medicine offers therapeutic benefits characterized by multi-targeted mechanisms, multi-level regulation, minimal adverse effects, and reduced likelihood of disease recurrence. It can not only enhance the curative effect, but also reduce the side effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Thus, it has attracted widespread attention. Extensive research has demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine exhibits significant antitumor properties, along with notable anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress-reducing capabilities, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which can affect multiple stages of hepatocarcinogenesis, such as cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis. The mechanism of NF-κB signaling pathway in traditional Chinese medicine for HCC treatment has emerged as one of the pivotal research directions in current oncology studies. Based on the existing research foundation, a systematic literature review method was adopted to retrieve and analyze relevant Chinese and English literature in recent years. Integrating the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the NF-κB signaling pathway and its pivotal role in HCC pathogenesis and progression helped further explore the latest research advances in traditional Chinese medicine interventions targeting this pathway for HCC treatment. This approach may provide novel theoretical foundations and translational strategies for the prevention and management of HCC using traditional Chinese medicine.
7.Establishment of a new predictive model for esophagogastric variceal rebleeding in liver cirrhosis based on clinical features
Wen GUO ; Xuyulin YANG ; Run GAO ; Yaxin CHEN ; Kun YIN ; Qian LI ; Manli CUI ; Mingxin ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):101-110
ObjectiveTo establish a new noninvasive, simple, and convenient clinical predictive model by identifying independent predictive factors for rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), and to provide a basis for individualized risk assessment and development of clinical intervention strategies. MethodsCirrhotic patients with EGVB who were diagnosed and treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University from September 2018 to October 2023 were enrolled as subjects, and according to whether the patient experienced rebleeding within 1 year after endoscopic therapy, they were divided into rebleeding group with 93 patients and non-rebleeding group with 84 patients. Clinical data were collected and analyzed. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Logistic model was established based on the results of the univariate and multivariate analyses, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to assess the accuracy of the model. R software was used to visualize the model by plotting a nomogram, and the Bootstrap method was used for internal validation of the model. ResultsThe multivariate analysis showed that red blood cell count (RBC), cholinesterase (ChE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (Alb), thrombin time (TT), portal vein trunk diameter, sequential therapy, and primary prevention were independent predictive factors for rebleeding. Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, a logistic model was established as logit(P)=-0.805-1.978×(RBC)+0.001×(ChE)-0.020×(ALP)-0.314×(Alb)+0.567×(TT)+0.428×(portal vein trunk diameter)-2.303×[sequential therapy (yes=1, no=0)]-2.368×[primary prevention (yes=1, no=0)]. The logistic model (AUC=0.928, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.893—0.964, P<0.001) had a better performance in predicting rebleeding than MELD score (AUC=0.603, 95%CI: 0.520—0.687, P=0.003), Child-Pugh class (AUC=0.650, 95%CI: 0.578—0.722, P=0.001), and FIB-4 index (AUC=0.587, 95%CI: 0.503—0.671, P=0.045). The model had an optimal cut-off value of 0.607, a sensitivity of 0.817, and a specificity of 0.817. Internal validation confirmed that the model had good predictive performance and accuracy. ConclusionSequential therapy, implementation of primary prevention, an increase in RBC, and an increase in Alb are protective factors against rebleeding, while prolonged TT and widened main portal vein diameter are risk factors. The logistic model based on these independent predictive factors can predict rebleeding and thus holds promise for clinical application.
8.The role of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in predicting postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing perioperative joint replacement surgery
Jianxiao WU ; Muchun ZHANG ; Jingyi GUO ; Lizhuang YANG ; Xianwen HU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):321-327
ObjectiveTo explore the role of neuroimaging features monitored by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing joint replacement during perioperative period, and to provide a basis for early clinical prediction. MethodsA total of 105 elderly patients who underwent joint replacement under general anesthesia were included. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale was used to evaluate the patient's cognition one day before the operation. Before the start of the surgery, fNIRS was used to monitor the changes of cerebral blood oxygen saturation when the patient performed the task state. The 3-minute delirium diagnostic scale (3D-CAM scale) was used to evaluate the occurrence of POD at 24, 48 and 72 h after operation. Brain network analysis was performed and Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between fNIRS monitoring data and POD in elderly patients undergoing joint replacement surgery during preoperative task state. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to test the goodness of fit of the model. ResultsAmong 105 patients, 100 cases were effectively analyzed, of which 20 cases (20%) had POD. Brain network analysis showed that the r value of functional connectivity correlation coefficient in POD group (0.069±0.118) was lower than that in non-POD group (0.073±0.084). The low channel connectivity of right primary somatosensory cortex-right primary motor cortex (RS1-RM1) and left anterior pole-right Broca's triangle (LFP-RBA44) was an important factor affecting the occurrence of POD (P < 0.05). Based on this result, the area under the ROC curve was 0.797 and 0.784, respectively. The results of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed that the model fitted well (all P>0.5). ConclusionThe neuroimaging features extracted from the cerebral oxygen saturation data monitored by fNIRS are significantly correlated with the risk of POD in elderly patients undergoing joint replacement during perioperative period. Among them, the low connectivity of preoperative RS1-RM1 and LFP-RBA44 brain network channels is an important influencing factor of POD occurrence. Predicting the occurrence of POD based on fNIRS is conducive to the early intervention and risk reduction of perioperative complications, improving medical quality and promoting precision medical practice.
9.Neck-related work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Prevalence and associated factors among occupational workers from 8 industries in Shanghai
Yan LIU ; Feng YANG ; Weiwei GUO ; Niu DI ; Yan YIN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):443-450
Background Neck-related work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major type of musculoskeletal disorders with a relatively high proportion. Shanghai has a large number of occupational populations; however, the occurrence of WMSDs at neck among the occupational populations across industries in this city has not been reported, and needs to be addressed. Objective To understand the occurrence of neck-related WMSDs and their influencing factors among occupational populations in 8 industries in Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs in this population. Methods From February 2024 to February 2025, a cross-sectional survey employed stratified cluster sampling to select
10.The Dual Role of p21 in Hormone-related Cancers and Its Therapeutic Implications
Jia-Wen LI ; Yang CHEN ; Jia-Qi WANG ; Yu-Kai MA ; Zhi-Yi GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):593-608
p21 (encoded by the CDKN1A gene) is a critical cell cycle regulatory protein endowed with versatile biological functions. In various sex hormone-related cancers, p21 exhibits a paradoxical dual role, capable of both inhibiting tumorigenesis and promoting cancer progression, exerting dual, often opposing, effects on cellular fate that are dictated by the specific context. The clinical targeting of p21 remains elusive, largely due to its functionally pleiotropic and context-dependent nature within intricate regulatory networks. During the initial, hormone-dependent phase of cancers like breast and prostate cancer, p21 expression and activity are largely governed by the transcriptional programs of estrogen or androgen receptor signaling. This hormonal regulation contributes to the control of tumor cell proliferation and underpins the initial efficacy of endocrine therapies. In contrast, as these diseases advance to late stages or evolve into non-hormone-dependent subtypes—exemplified by castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and specific forms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—these conventional hormonal control mechanisms often become dysfunctional or are entirely bypassed. This fundamental transition creates a critical therapeutic void, highlighting the urgent need to identify and exploit alternative molecular pathways to effectively target p21’s function. Promising strategies may include the precise modulation of its upstream transcriptional regulators, downstream effector proteins, or the intersecting parallel signaling networks that critically influence its activity. This review provides a systematic synthesis of the intricate and interconnected mechanisms that underpin the dual effects of p21 in sex hormone-related tumors. These mechanisms are categorized into three core, interrelated functional domains. (1) cell cycle regulation: p21 executes its canonical tumor-suppressive role by binding to and inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and by directly interacting with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), thereby inducing cell cycle arrest, predominantly at the G1/S checkpoint; (2) apoptosis modulation: p21 exerts a highly context-dependent influence on programmed cell death, functioning either as a pro-apoptotic agent under severe genotoxic stress or as a pro-survival factor by inhibiting apoptosis through interactions with proteins like Bcl-2; (3) hormonal and signaling crosstalk: p21 is an integral node within broader cellular networks, engaging in direct physical interactions with hormone receptors(e.g., AR, ER) and participating in complex feedback loops with key oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and p53. Critically, the role of p21 is not static but highly dynamic. It can undergo a functional switch from tumor-suppressive to tumor-promoting in response to therapeutic pressures, metabolic alterations, or evolving tumor microenvironment cues. These adaptive shifts are frequently implicated in the development of therapy resistance and disease recurrence, particularly in advanced, hormone-resistant cancers. By synthesizing these insights, this review aims to establish a coherent theoretical framework to guide the future development of novel therapeutic strategies that target the p21 pathway. It underscores the necessity of moving beyond a simplistic, binary view of p21 and emphasizes the forthcoming challenges, such as the discovery of reliable biomarkers to predict its functional state and the rational design of context-specific pharmacological modulators to selectively harness its therapeutic potential.


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