1.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
2.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
3.Cost-utility analysis of rezivertinib versus gefitinib as first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Xiaowei ZHU ; Tongming ZHU ; Jia YI ; Wenqiang LI ; Piaopiao LU ; Aizong SHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):55-60
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rezivertinib versus gefitinib as first-line treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. METHODS A Markov model was constructed based on the REZOR trial data, with a cycle length of 3 weeks and a study duration of 5 years. Both costs and health outcomes were discounted at an annual rate of 5%. A cost-utility analysis was conducted using 3 times China’s 2024 per capita gross domestic product as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. The economic differences between the rezivertinib regimen versus the gefitinib regimen were evaluated using the incremental cost- effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental net monetary benefit (INMB). Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the model. RESULTS Compared to the gefitinib regimen, the rezivertinib regimen saved 225 310.47 yuan and gained an additional 0.57 quality- adjusted life years (QALYs), resulting in an ICER of -395 562.80 yuan/QALY, which was much lower than the WTP threshold of this study, indicating that rezivertinib had an absolute economic advantage. The INMB analysis (389 041.26 yuan) further validated this conclusion. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the model. Scenario analysis, incorporating a 15% reduction in drug prices and adjustments to the utility values for progression free survival and progression disease, yielded consistent results with the base case analysis. CONCLUSIONS Compared to gefitinib, rezivertinib as a first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC has an absolute economic advantage.
4.Exploration of the Application of Fengfu (GV 16) Acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book (《扁鹊心书》)
Yawei ZHAO ; Haoying LI ; Lintong WEN ; Hefei WANG ; Wei WANG ; Hongyu WU ; Shijiang SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):98-101
By examining the records related to the Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book (《扁鹊心书》) compiled by the Song Dynasty physician DOU Cai, this study analyzed various aspects, including the differentiation of conditions treated with Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint, the theoretical foundation for selection of Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint, the application of needling manipulation, and the sensation of obtaining qi during acupuncture. The findings suggest that DOU Cai's approach to utilizing Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint differs from traditional methods, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of achieving a sensation of heat and numbness. His unique techniques include transverse insertion at Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint and penetrated insertion to Fengchi (GB 20) and Yifeng (TE 17) acupoints. The records of Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book provide a valuable reference for its modern clinical application and further development.
5.Epidemiologic survey of pulmonary Aspergillus infection in a district of Hefei City, Anhui Province in 2019-2023
Xin GUO ; Jingjing LI ; Zhiqiang LUO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):96-100
Objective To investigate the epidemiological survey of pulmonary Aspergillus infection in a district of Hefei City, Anhui Province, from 2019 to 2023. Methods The data of 302 patients who attended and were treated in the respiratory department, thoracic surgery department, oncology department, tuberculosis department and RICU ward of Anhui Chest Hospital from January 2019 to September 2023 were selected, and patients with Aspergillus infections were taken as the observation group, patients with Candida infections were taken as the control group, and bacterial infections were taken as the blank group. The general information of patients, pre-treatment infection, underlying diseases, and use of antifungal drugs were analyzed. Compare the data of observation group and control group, and analyze the risk factors affecting pulmonary Aspergillus infection. Results Pulmonary Aspergillus infection 100 cases, accounting for 33.11%. Pulmonary Candida infection was 80 cases, accounting for 26.49%. The other 122 cases were other lung diseases, accounting for 40.40%. The most common causative agent of pulmonary Aspergillus infection was Aspergillus fumigatus (57.00%), cough, sputum and occasional blood were found in most of the patients (88.00%), most of the lesions were located in the right upper lobe of the lungs (55.00%), and most of the single or multiple cavities were seen on imaging (47.00%). Specimens mostly originated from the deep airways of hospitalized patients and there was a predominance of male patients. Risk factors for pulmonary Aspergillus infection were history of hospital transfer, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal catheterization (intravenous catheter and urinary catheter), history of surgery within 15 days, history of diabetes mellitus, history of respiratory chronic disease, history of antifungal prophylaxis and abnormal serum indicators. History of hospital transfer (OR=2.951, P=0.008), history of diabetes mellitus (OR=5.073, P=0.018), history of chronic respiratory disease (OR=7.523 , P=0.028), extracorporeal catheterization (OR=3.142, P=0.022), and history of anti-fungal prophylaxis (OR=6.334, P<0.001) were Aspergillus pulmonaryis infection independent risk factors for infection. Conclusion Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus are the main pathogens of pulmonary Aspergillus infections in the region, and a history of nosocomial transfer, extracorporeal tubes, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory disease, and antifungal prophylaxis are independent risk factors for pulmonary Aspergillus infections.
6.HAN Mingxiang's Experience in Clinical Application of Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.)
Jian DING ; Weizhen GUO ; Jiabing TONG ; Zegeng LI ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):340-343
This paper summarizes Professor HAN Mingxiang's clinical experience in the use of Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.). It is believed that Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.) has the effects of promoting qi, relieving water retention and swelling, resolving phlegm, stopping cough, dissipating masses, activating blood, removing stasis, and detoxifying. In clinical practice, Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.) is flexibly applied in the treatment of skin diseases, respiratory diseases, tumors, etc. For instance, in treating psoriasis with the pathogenesis of damp-heat toxin, a compound prescription of Zeqi Decoction (泽漆汤) is formulated. For bronchial asthma with kidney deficiency and water retention, Zeqi Decoction is commonly combined with Wuling Powder (五苓散) in adjusted doses. For lung nodules with a combination of deficiency, phlegm, stasis, and toxin, a Lung Nodule Prescription is proposed. For advanced lung cancer with both qi and yin deficiency and toxin accumulation, Qiyu Sanlong Decoction (芪玉三龙汤) is suggested, and for cancer-related ascites with qi deficiency and water retention, Wuling Powder combined with Zeqi (Euphorbia HelioscopiaL.)is chosen.
7.The “Shu” and “Dao” of AI in healthcare: the ethical reflections based on Taoist thought
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):201-206
The development of the industry represented by “artificial intelligence (AI) +” fully reflects the new requirements of the digital economy era, and AI in healthcare has become a key driving force for innovation in the healthcare industry. AI in healthcare represents the refinement of the “Shu” of medicine. However, a series of ethical issues related to “Dao” raised by AI have not been spared in the healthcare industry. An examination of the ethical issues posed by AI based on the perspective of Chinese Taoist thought found that the excessive application of AI in medicine can lead to the loss of human subjectivity, and the excessive technological intervention can also pose potential risks to the natural life process while raising the issues of data privacy and information security. Based on Taoist thought and reflecting on it, it is suggested that the whole society, especially healthcare institutions, should avoid excessive intervention, apply technology cautiously, protect privacy and dignity, emphasize humanistic care, and pay attention to social justice in the process of using AI in healthcare so that AI can be better used by human beings.
8.Advances in research on fine motion control of prosthesis fingers with brain-computer interface
Di GAN ; Hui HUANG ; Chengzhi LI ; Shiyu ZHANG ; Shiyuan WANG ; Tao WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):114-119
The deficiency of fingers due to various reasons leads to a certain degree of loss of full or part hand functions. Physical and mental health of patients are seriously affected, and patients have varying degrees of reduced quality of life. Prosthesis fingers play an important role in completing the body shape and enhancing patients’ self-confidence and self-esteem. However, how to make prosthesis fingers perform coordinated movements and restore complete functions is a crucial problem that urgently needs to be solved. This paper reviews the methods of brain-computer interface controlled fine finger movements and elaborates on the origin, current situation, and advancements of the development of this technology, laying a foundation for subsequent research, with the expectation of helping patients solve the problems arising from the insufficiency or absence of finger functions.
9.Effects of resveratrol on cGAS-STING signaling pathway in fibroblast-like synoviocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Taorong Wang ; Yubao Shao ; Nannan Liu ; Wenhao Li ; Meng Li ; Xiaoyu Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):73-78
Objective :
To investigate the effects of resveratrol(Res) on fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA), and to explore the possible mechanism of Res inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors from FLS.
Methods :
FLS from RA patients were culturedin vitroand treated with different concentrations of Res(0, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 μmol/L). The viability of FLS cells was detected by CCK-8 assay after 12 and 24 h. The contents of inflammatory factor interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA. The expression levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS) and stimulator of interferon gene(STING) were measured by Western blot; After lentivirus infection with FLS caused the cells to overexpress cGAS, the cells were divided into Control group(blank control), cGAS group(cGAS overexpression), Res+cGAS group(Res 160 μmol/L+cGAS overexpression) and Res group(Res 160 μmol/L). The expression level of STING protein in cells of each group was determined by Western blot, the viability of FLS cells in each group was detected by CCK-8, and the contents of inflammatory factor IL-6 and TNF-α in the supernatant of cells of each group were detected by ELISA method.
Results :
The results of CCK-8 experiment showed that under 40, 80, 160 μmol/L Res treatment, FLS viability decreased significantly after 24 h compared with blank control group(P<0.01). ELISA results showed that the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α in cell supernatant were also significantly decreased after treatment with Res of 40, 80 and 160 μmol/L(P<0.01). Meanwhile, Western blot results showed that Res could significantly decrease the protein expression levels of STING and cGAS in FLS cells after treatment of 40, 80 and 160 μmol/L(P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the Control group, the expression level of STING protein in FLS increased after overexpression of cGAS(P<0.05); compared with the Res group, the content of inflammatory factors in the supernatant of FLS and the expression level of STING protein in FLS significantly increased after overexpression of cGAS(P<0.01,P<0.05).
Conclusion
The appropriate concentration of Res can inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines in FLS cells, which may be related to the blocking of cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
10.Analysis of expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress and trophoblast apoptosis-related markers in placental tissues of early and late-onset severe preeclampsia
Fen Kang ; Yongyuan Wu ; Xiaolan Li
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):102-108
Objective:
To explore the correlation between the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS) and trophoblast apoptosis-related markers and severe preeclampsia(SPE) in placental tissues of pregnant women with early-and late-onset SPE and normal pregnancy.
Methods:
Placental tissues from 20 early and late haired severe preeclamptic singleton pregnant women who attended the Hospital were collected(early-onset group, late-onset group), and 20 cases pregnant women of normal blood pressure and no other pregnancy complications who delivered in our hospital during the same period were selected as the normal group. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the endoplasmic reticulum of trophoblast cells in placental tissues. Protein blotting assay was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins, including Glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), Phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α(p-eIF2α) and Phosphatidylinositol-requiring enzyme 1(p-IRE1)α. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(Ki67), a proliferation marker, in placental tissues, and TUNEL staining was used to detect placental tissue trophoblast apoptosis.
Results:
The endoplasmic reticulum of trophoblast cells in the placental tissues of the normal pregnant women group was normal in volume, with no dilatation or swelling. In contrast, the endoplasmic reticulum of placental tissues in the severe preeclampsia group showed obvious edema and significant dilatation, and the dilatation was more obvious in the early-onset group than in the late-onset group. The expression level of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins GRP78(P<0.001,P<0.05) and CHOP(P<0.01,P<0.001), the phosphorylation levels of eIF2α(P<0.000 1,P<0.01) and IRE1α(P<0.000 1,P<0.001) increased in placental tissues of both early-onset and late-onset groups compared to those of the normal group. The p-eIF2α/eIF2α(P<0.001) to p-IRE1α/IRE1α ratio(P<0.05) and GRP78(P<0.01) protein expression levels were significantly higher in the early-onset group than in the late-onset group. Compared with the normal group, the number of Ki67-positive cells per field of view was significantly reduced in the early-onset and late-onset groups(P<0.000 1,P<0.05), and the number of Ki67-positive cells was significantly lower in the early-onset group than in the late-onset group(P<0.01). There were more positive apoptotic cells per field of view in the placental tissues of the early-onset group, and the apoptosis rate of trophoblast cells was significantly higher than that in the other two groups(P<0.001,P<0.01).
Conclusion
Increased trophoblast apoptosis and suppressed proliferation in placental tissues of patients with severe preeclampsia may be associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress overactivation, and the activation level is higher in placental tissues of early-onset severe preeclampsia than that of late-onset group.


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