1.Histone Modification with Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Zhichao CHEN ; He GUO ; Ying YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):318-327
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases, and its occurrence and development are closely related to epigenetic regulation. Histone modification, as the core mechanism of epigenetic regulation, plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of AS by dynamically regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its active components have shown unique advantages and potential in regulating histone modification for the prevention and treatment of AS. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms of histone acetylation, methylation, lactylation, etc. in the pathological process of AS and summarizes the latest research progress in the intervention of AS by the active components and compound prescriptions of TCM through regulating histone modification. Studies have indicated that TCM and its compound prescriptions regulate the activities of histone modification enzymes via multiple targets, showing unique advantages in influencing lipid metabolism and inflammatory response, as well as stabilizing vulnerable plaques and endothelial function. The active components of TCM directly target the activities or expression of histone modification enzymes such as histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), and histone lysine demethylases (KDMs), thereby causing changes in histone modification and ultimately affecting gene expression and pathological phenotype in AS. However, current research still has problems such as insufficient in-depth basic research, unclear intervention effects and mechanisms of AS dynamics, relatively isolated studies on various factors of epigenetic modification, and unclear establishment of quality control standards for TCM compound prescriptions based on epigenetic regulation. In the future, in-depth research is still needed, and the research results should be translated into clinical applications. This article systematically clarifies the key role and mechanism of TCM in regulating the pathological process of AS through epigenetic intervention, providing new ideas for the modernization of TCM and precise prevention and treatment of AS.
2.Histone Modification with Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Zhichao CHEN ; He GUO ; Ying YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):318-327
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases, and its occurrence and development are closely related to epigenetic regulation. Histone modification, as the core mechanism of epigenetic regulation, plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of AS by dynamically regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its active components have shown unique advantages and potential in regulating histone modification for the prevention and treatment of AS. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms of histone acetylation, methylation, lactylation, etc. in the pathological process of AS and summarizes the latest research progress in the intervention of AS by the active components and compound prescriptions of TCM through regulating histone modification. Studies have indicated that TCM and its compound prescriptions regulate the activities of histone modification enzymes via multiple targets, showing unique advantages in influencing lipid metabolism and inflammatory response, as well as stabilizing vulnerable plaques and endothelial function. The active components of TCM directly target the activities or expression of histone modification enzymes such as histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), and histone lysine demethylases (KDMs), thereby causing changes in histone modification and ultimately affecting gene expression and pathological phenotype in AS. However, current research still has problems such as insufficient in-depth basic research, unclear intervention effects and mechanisms of AS dynamics, relatively isolated studies on various factors of epigenetic modification, and unclear establishment of quality control standards for TCM compound prescriptions based on epigenetic regulation. In the future, in-depth research is still needed, and the research results should be translated into clinical applications. This article systematically clarifies the key role and mechanism of TCM in regulating the pathological process of AS through epigenetic intervention, providing new ideas for the modernization of TCM and precise prevention and treatment of AS.
3.Aging-related dysregulation of glucose metabolism:crossroads of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases
Huan LIU ; Shaopeng ZENG ; Jun CHEN ; Linqian HE ; Ying YANG ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1527-1538
BACKGROUND:Epidemiological studies indicate that individuals with neurodegenerative diseases exhibit a comparatively lower risk of developing the majority of cancers.Although the precise mechanisms underlying this inverse correlation remain unclear,it is noteworthy that aberrant glucose metabolism,a pathological factor common to both conditions,may significantly contribute to this association.OBJECTIVE:To review the potential relationship between cancers and neurodegenerative diseases in glucose metabolism.METHODS:PubMed was searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"cancer,neurodegenerative diseases,Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,metabolic reprogramming,glucose metabolism,aerobic glycolysis,neuroprotection,aging,"and 136 articles were finally included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases exhibit a profound pathological correlation at the level of glucose metabolism imbalance associated with aging.Cancer cells promote uncontrolled proliferation,invasion,and metastasis through the persistent activation of aerobic glycolysis,whereas neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a reduction in aerobic glycolysis.Restoring aerobic glycolysis may confer neuroprotective effects and delay disease progression.The key nodes of glucose metabolism demonstrate a bidirectional regulatory pattern:metabolic regulators,which are significantly upregulated or aberrantly activated in cancer,are inhibited or functionally inactivated in neurodegenerative diseases.Mitochondria play a crucial role in mediating the aging process through the regulation of reactive oxygen species homeostasis and mitochondrial autophagy.They establish regulatory networks that connect cancer and neurodegenerative diseases,and maintaining their functional homeostasis is of paramount importance for disease prevention and treatment.
4.Aging-related dysregulation of glucose metabolism:crossroads of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases
Huan LIU ; Shaopeng ZENG ; Jun CHEN ; Linqian HE ; Ying YANG ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1527-1538
BACKGROUND:Epidemiological studies indicate that individuals with neurodegenerative diseases exhibit a comparatively lower risk of developing the majority of cancers.Although the precise mechanisms underlying this inverse correlation remain unclear,it is noteworthy that aberrant glucose metabolism,a pathological factor common to both conditions,may significantly contribute to this association.OBJECTIVE:To review the potential relationship between cancers and neurodegenerative diseases in glucose metabolism.METHODS:PubMed was searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"cancer,neurodegenerative diseases,Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,metabolic reprogramming,glucose metabolism,aerobic glycolysis,neuroprotection,aging,"and 136 articles were finally included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases exhibit a profound pathological correlation at the level of glucose metabolism imbalance associated with aging.Cancer cells promote uncontrolled proliferation,invasion,and metastasis through the persistent activation of aerobic glycolysis,whereas neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a reduction in aerobic glycolysis.Restoring aerobic glycolysis may confer neuroprotective effects and delay disease progression.The key nodes of glucose metabolism demonstrate a bidirectional regulatory pattern:metabolic regulators,which are significantly upregulated or aberrantly activated in cancer,are inhibited or functionally inactivated in neurodegenerative diseases.Mitochondria play a crucial role in mediating the aging process through the regulation of reactive oxygen species homeostasis and mitochondrial autophagy.They establish regulatory networks that connect cancer and neurodegenerative diseases,and maintaining their functional homeostasis is of paramount importance for disease prevention and treatment.
5.Evaluation of CARIFS Score and Negative Antigen Conversion Rate of Qingxuan Daozhi Formula in Treatment of Influenza in Children (Heat Accumulation in Lung and Stomach Syndrome):A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Jing WANG ; Liqun WU ; Tiegang LIU ; Yongning CAO ; Jing QIU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xulei GOU ; Jia WANG ; Jing LI ; Haipeng CHEN ; Xueying QIN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yingqi XU ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):188-196
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the syndrome improvement and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome). MethodsThrough a multi-center randomized controlled methodology design,confirmed influenza cases were collected from October 2022 to April 2023 in the pediatrics department of eight hospitals,such as Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 180 children with influenza and heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome conforming to the standard were recruited through the clinic. The sick children meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into groups by a block-randomized method. The children in the experimental group were treated with Qingxuan Daozhi formula for five days,and those in the control group were treated with Oseltamivir Phosphate Granules for five days. The primary efficacy indicator was the negative conversion rate of influenza antigen detection. Secondary efficacy indicators were the Canadian acute respiratory illness and flu scale (CARIFS) and the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases. Follow-up observation was conducted on the day of enrollment,48 hours after medication,72 hours after medication, and (6+1) d after medication. ResultsOne hundred and eighty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (90 cases) or the control group (90 cases). All participants were followed up during the study. Comparison of influenza antigen detection results in the primary efficacy indicators showed that the average time of negative influenza antigen conversion in the experimental group was (5.29±1.25) d,and that in the control group was (5.40±1.68) d,without a statistically significant difference. After five days of intervention,52 cases in the experimental group and 51 cases in the control group converted to negative,without a statistically significant difference. CARIFS score results in the secondary efficacy indicators showed that during 72 hours after intervention,there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in three dimensions, including headache,muscle soreness, and the need for extra care (P<0.05). On the (6+1) days after the intervention,the differences in both the experimental group and the control group were statistically significant in 10 dimensions, including sore throat,bad sleep,uncomfortable feeling,poor spirit and fatigue,crying more than usual,the need for extra care,symptom,function,influence on parents,and total score (P<0.05). The comparison results within the group in the dimensional scores of symptom, function, and influence on parents,as well as the CARIFS total score showed that with the delay of follow-up time,scores of both groups decreased significantly,with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Inter-group comparison results showed that the mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at the time of enrollment. With the progress of intervention,the score of the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. At the end of follow-up,the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,with no statistically significant difference. In terms of the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases, there were no complications,severe cases, and critical cases in the two groups,without a statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe symptom improvement effect and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome) are not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate granules, and children's acceptance is better. It can be more widely used in clinical treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome).
6.Pathogenesis Evolution of Atherosclerosis Induced by Novel Turbid-toxin Microplastics from Perspective of "Body Fluids and Blood Stasis Mixing"
He GUO ; Ying YANG ; Yi ZHENG ; Zhichao CHEN ; Huan ZHANG ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):253-260
From the theoretical perspective of "body fluids and blood stasis mixing", environmental microplastics (MPs) are conceptualized as a "novel turbid-toxin". This study aims to elucidate the complete pathogenic pathway through which MPs act as a key driving force (the "crucible" of pathogenesis) in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis (AS). By tracing the classical theories in the Chapter The Occurrence of All Diseases of Miraculous Pivot (Ling Shu), this paper clarifies the core connotations of "body fluids"-it not only refers to endogenous pathological fluids and lipid turbidity but also provides a theoretical basis for incorporating "exogenous turbid fluids", thereby laying a logical foundation for conceptualizing MPs as a "novel turbid-toxin". Meanwhile, the implications of "blood" (encompassing both blood quality abnormalities and blood stasis) and the dynamic process of "mixing" are elucidated. Drawing upon modern toxicological evidence, this paper demonstrates the high homology between MPs and "exogenous turbid-fluids" from three aspects: Morphology, toxicity, and invasion routes. The micro/nano-scale particle morphology of MPs enables mobility within the bloodstream. The multiple exposure pathways of MPs correspond to the traditional Chinese medicine understanding of pathogens invading through the mouth, nose, and skin. The characteristics of accumulating in vivo while inducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses of MPs fully embody the pathogenic features-adhesion, binding, and vessel damage-of "turbid-toxin". On this basis, the dynamic pathogenesis of MP-induced AS is systematically interpreted. Initially, MPs with the "turbid-toxin" nature impair nutrient-defense harmony and cause endothelial dysfunction. Subsequently, as the core of "mixing", they interact with blood lipids and immune cells, generating heat and phlegm to form a major pathological hub of chronic inflammation. Ultimately, this process drives the coalescence of phlegm, stasis, and turbid-toxin into tangible plaques, evolving from stable lesions to vulnerable masses and accumulations. By integrating classical pathogenic model with contemporary environmental medicine, this study establishes an analytical framework that bridges macro-theory and micro-mechanisms for understanding the cardiovascular risks of MPs through an integrative Chinese-Western medicine lens.
7.Current status and influencing factors of work readiness in patients returning to work after lung cancer surgery
Yuanyuan YIN ; Xingxia LONG ; Jie ZHANG ; Yanli, JI ; Ying ZHU ; Lijun HE ; Mei YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1079-1084
Objective To investigate the current status of work readiness and its influencing factors among patients returning to work after lung cancer surgery. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on young and middle-aged postoperative lung cancer patients who were treated at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to September 2023 and returned to their jobs. Data were collected through a general information questionnaire, readiness for return-to-work scale (RRTW), general self-efficacy scale (GSES), and simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors affecting the work readiness of patients returning to work. Results A total of 219 patients were included, with 59 males and 160 females aged 18-60 years. Among the postoperative lung cancer patients returning to work, 73.1% were in the active maintenance stage of return-to-work readiness with a RRTW score of (17.59±1.48) points, and 26.9% were in the uncertain maintenance stage with a RRTW score of (16.22±1.50) points. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients aged≤30 years (OR=52.381), employees of enterprises and institutions (OR=7.682), agricultural, pastoral, fishery, forestry laborers (OR=15.665), positive coping (OR=5.043), those with higher self-efficacy (OR=1.157) and engaged in physically demanding work (OR=2.449) had higher return-to-work readiness, while patients with≥2 children (OR=0.055), self-payment (OR=0.044), and those working more than 40 hours per week (OR=0.122) had lower return-to-work readiness. Conclusion The return-to-work readiness of young and middle-aged postoperative lung cancer patients needs to be improved, and occupation, job nature, main coping styles, general self-efficacy and other factors are associated with return-to-work readiness.
8.Construction and Validation of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Risk Prediction Model for Carotid Artery Plaques in 3 009 Individuals with High-risk of Stroke
Shuqi QIN ; Xiangyu GUO ; Weihao YANG ; Yang CHEN ; Ying YU ; Limin HE ; Jialin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):242-250
ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for carotid artery plaques in high-risk populations of stroke based on five machine learning methods. MethodsThe clinical information of the high-risk population of stroke was collected. Factor analysis and statistical analysis of syndrome elements were conducted on their traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms and tongue and pulse manifestations. On the basis of the results of factor analysis and variable screening, five machine learning methods-classification and regression tree (CART) decision tree, support vector machine (SVM), back propagation(BP) neural network, logistic regression, and random forest-were used to construct the risk prediction model for carotid artery plaques. ResultsThe most common TCM syndrome elements in the high-risk population of stroke was Qi deficiency. The scores of Qi deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Yang deficiency in the population with carotid artery plaques were higher than those without carotid artery plaques (P<0.05). The CART decision tree, SVM, logistic regression, BP neural network, and random forest models showed the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of 0.71, 0.75, 0.76, 0.76, and 0.75, the accuracy rates of 68.94%, 69.27%, 69.44%, 70.10%, and 69.60%, the precision rates of 68.56%, 68.53%, 68.75%, 69.74%, and 69.42%, the recall rates of 68.91%, 67.93%, 67.92%, 68.10%, and 67.31%, and the F1 values of 0.69, 0.68, 0.68, 0.68, and 0.68, respectively. ConclusionAmong the high-risk population of stroke, the most frequently distributed TCM syndrome element is Qi deficiency, with the rest mainly being fire heat, Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, phlegm dampness, blood stasis, and Qi stagnation. Deficiency syndrome may be a major factor leading to carotid artery plaques in the high-risk population of stroke. The BP neural network model demonstrates better performance in predicting the risk of carotid artery plaques in the high-risk population of stroke. People with carotid artery plaques are more likely to present with symptoms such as a heavy head, dizziness, headache, and thready pulse. The primary community benefits more widely when the BP neural network model is adopted to predict the risk of carotid artery plaques in the high-risk population of stroke over 40 years old.
9.Construction and Validation of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Risk Prediction Model for Carotid Artery Plaques in 3 009 Individuals with High-risk of Stroke
Shuqi QIN ; Xiangyu GUO ; Weihao YANG ; Yang CHEN ; Ying YU ; Limin HE ; Jialin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):242-250
ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for carotid artery plaques in high-risk populations of stroke based on five machine learning methods. MethodsThe clinical information of the high-risk population of stroke was collected. Factor analysis and statistical analysis of syndrome elements were conducted on their traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms and tongue and pulse manifestations. On the basis of the results of factor analysis and variable screening, five machine learning methods-classification and regression tree (CART) decision tree, support vector machine (SVM), back propagation(BP) neural network, logistic regression, and random forest-were used to construct the risk prediction model for carotid artery plaques. ResultsThe most common TCM syndrome elements in the high-risk population of stroke was Qi deficiency. The scores of Qi deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Yang deficiency in the population with carotid artery plaques were higher than those without carotid artery plaques (P<0.05). The CART decision tree, SVM, logistic regression, BP neural network, and random forest models showed the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of 0.71, 0.75, 0.76, 0.76, and 0.75, the accuracy rates of 68.94%, 69.27%, 69.44%, 70.10%, and 69.60%, the precision rates of 68.56%, 68.53%, 68.75%, 69.74%, and 69.42%, the recall rates of 68.91%, 67.93%, 67.92%, 68.10%, and 67.31%, and the F1 values of 0.69, 0.68, 0.68, 0.68, and 0.68, respectively. ConclusionAmong the high-risk population of stroke, the most frequently distributed TCM syndrome element is Qi deficiency, with the rest mainly being fire heat, Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, phlegm dampness, blood stasis, and Qi stagnation. Deficiency syndrome may be a major factor leading to carotid artery plaques in the high-risk population of stroke. The BP neural network model demonstrates better performance in predicting the risk of carotid artery plaques in the high-risk population of stroke. People with carotid artery plaques are more likely to present with symptoms such as a heavy head, dizziness, headache, and thready pulse. The primary community benefits more widely when the BP neural network model is adopted to predict the risk of carotid artery plaques in the high-risk population of stroke over 40 years old.
10.Comparative analysis of serological survey results of mumps in healthy people in Changsha in 2016 and 2024
Li LI ; Yaman LI ; Ying ZHANG ; Meiling LUO ; Haoyue QIU ; Haobin YANG ; Yancong CHEN ; Qin ZENG ; Jing HE ; Wenqian XU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(5):51-55
Objective To analyze the serological survey results of Changsha City in 2016 and 2024, and to investigate the short-term impact of adjusting the immunization program with two doses of mumps containing vaccine on the mumps antibody levels of healthy individuals in Changsha City. Methods Using the relevant data and samples from the mumps serological surveys conducted in 2016 and 2024, serum mumps IgG antibodies were quantitatively detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results from these two surveys were analyzed and compared using SPSS 25.0 software. Results The survey included 1 512 participants in 2016 and 1 398 in 2024. In 2024, both the seropositivity rate and IgG antibody levels against mumps in the healthy population were significantly higher than those in 2016 (all P<0.01). Specifically, the seropositivity rates and IgG antibody levels in the age groups of 8–17 months, 18 months–2 years, 3–4 years, and 5–9 years were significantly higher in 2024 compared to 2016 (all P < 0.001). However, among the participants in 2024, the 15–19 years age group showed relatively low seropositivity rate and IgG antibody levels. Conclusion Following the adjustment of the two-dose MuCV immunization strategy, the mumps IgG antibody levels among children aged 8 months to 9 years in Changsha have increased. It is necessary to continue implementing the routine two-dose MuCV vaccination strategy and to explore the necessity of strengthening and supplementing immunization for key groups, including the high-risk 5–9-year-old population and the immunologically vulnerable 15–19-year-old population.


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