1.Research progress on the mechanism of metformin in the intervention of cognitive impairment-related diseases
Yuan LIU ; Yumin XU ; Shiyu LIU ; Huayu YAN ; Xin YANG ; Hongcai XU ; Yabo WU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(15):1942-1946
Cognitive impairment (CI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive decline in advanced cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, and judgment. Its etiology and pathogenesis are complex, and there is currently a lack of specific drug interventions. Metformin, as a first-line hypoglycemic drug for type 2 diabetes, not only lowers blood glucose levels but also improves CI. This article reviews and summarizes the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of metformin in improving Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes cognitive impairment, cognitive impairment after chemotherapy, in order to provide novel insights and approaches for the treatment of CI-related diseases. Studies have shown that the mechanism by which MET intervenes in CI mainly includes regulating β-amyloid protein and tau protein metabolism, reducing insulin resistance, inhibiting neuroinflammation, improving synaptic plasticity, improving mitochondrial dysfunction, regulating gut microbiota and lipid metabolism, etc. Future research needs to be conducted through interdisciplinary collaboration, fully integrating multiple omics data, and combining advanced technologies to further reveal their mechanisms of effect.
2.Research progress on the pharmacological mechanisms of Acorus tatarinowii-Polygala tenuifolia herb pair in ameliorating cognitive impairment
Xin YANG ; Yumin XU ; Huayu YAN ; Yuan LIU ; Shiyu LIU ; Hongcai XU ; Yabo WU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(23):3007-3011
Cognitive impairment is a major public health challenge facing global aging societies, and currently lacks effective treatment measures. Herb pair, characterized by their rigorous compatibility and synergistic effects, demonstrate unique advantages in clinical practice. Acorus tatarinowii-Polygala tenuifolia is a classic herbal pair for treating cognitive impairment, widely utilized in various traditional Chinese medicine formulations, such as Kaixin san, Shenghui tang, and Yuanzhi san. This article summarizes the pharmacological mechanisms of A. tatarinowii, P. tenuifolia and their compatible compound prescriptions in ameliorating cognitive impairment. It is found that they can exert effects in ameliorating cognitive impairment through mechanisms such as reducing amyloid β-protein deposition and inhibiting excessive phosphorylation of Tau protein, suppressing inflammatory responses, alleviating oxidative stress, protecting neurons and regulating neurotransmitters, modulating the structure and function of the blood- brain barrier, and regulating autophagy. Subsequently, in-depth analysis can be conducted on the active ingredients of A. tatarinowii- P. tenuifolia herb pair that ameliorate cognitive impairment, along with the addition of relevant clinical trials for verification. This will provide theoretical foundations and research approaches for the treatment of cognitive impairment using traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Reflection on the Discipline Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Cardio-Oncology
Kaige ZHANG ; Liangzhen YOU ; Shuling LIU ; Qianqian XU ; Hongcai SHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(13):1313-1317
Cardio-oncology is an emerging cross-discipline, which has received extensive attention and rapid development at home and abroad in recent years, while the construction of related disciplines in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is still in its initial stage. By sorting out the construction of oncology and cardiology related disciplines at home and abroad at this stage, and clarifying the significance and main research contents of the discipline, it is proposed that the construction of TCM related disciplines should be oriented to the four main aspects, including clinical practice, scientific research, talent training and promotion of cultural characteristics. Therefore, actively carrying out multidisciplinary crossing, cultivating related professional talent team, and forming TCM diagnosis and treatment guidelines or consensus to support clinical practice is the essential foundation for the construction of TCM cardio-oncology discipline. Meanwhile, fully exploring the characteristics and advantages of TCM is the key to the construction process of the discipline, such as writing and summarising and analysing relevant high-quality clinical case reports of TCM for evidence-based optimisation, as well as widely applying the concept of "treating disease before it arises" of TCM characteristics to the clinical prevention and treatment of the relevant diseases and scientific research, etc., so as to comprehensively guarantee the development of the discipline of TCM cardio-oncology.
4.Digital and Intelligent Generalized Inspection in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Related Equipment Development from Evidence-based Perspective
Xiaowei ZHANG ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Chen ZHAO ; Mengqi PENG ; Xue XU ; Hongyuan LIN ; Wenhui WANG ; Hongcai SHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):94-101
As the foremost among the four examinations in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), inspection and related equipment research face challenges in landing and transformation due to variations in evidence quality, lack of standardization, insufficient algorithm transparency, and poor reliability and stability of decision-making. Against the backdrop of rapid development of emerging technologies such as big data, the internet of things, and artificial intelligence, coupled with macro policy support from the government, digital and intelligent generalized inspection in TCM has emerged, with the aim of utilizing digital technologies to overcome the limitations of naked-eye inspection and comprehensively perceive and analyze facial and bodily expressions. The research in this field intelligently correlates Zang-fu organ functions with health conditions and disease progression and establishes a technical system for digital and intelligent inspection, multi-dimensional and multimodal perception, fusion analysis, and decision-making. This system aims to enhance the accuracy of disease risk warning and diagnosis, bridging the gap between inspection equipment and assistance in clinical decision-making. From an evidence-based perspective, this paper systematically examines the research ideas of digital and intelligent inspection and the development of related equipment, deeply explores how to propose clinical practice-oriented key scientific issues, comprehensively acquire and co-apply multi-dimensional data, establish precise inspection models driven by digital intelligence, optimize standards to enhance equipment interoperability and reliability, construct post-effect evaluation mechanisms to promote improvement, and actively address potential risks such as the black box nature and information security in the application of intelligent technology. This paper not only demonstrates the tremendous potential of digital technologies in improving the accuracy and clinical application efficiency of inspection but also provides new perspectives and ideas for the modernization of inspection in TCM, paving the way for the application of inspection in the global medical and health field.
5.Constitution identification model in traditional Chinese medicine based on multiple features
Anying XU ; Tianshu WANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao HAN ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Ziyan WANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Hongcai SHANG ; Kongfa HU
Digital Chinese Medicine 2024;7(2):108-119
Objective To construct a precise model for identifying traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitutions,thereby offering optimized guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment plan-ning,and ultimately enhancing medical efficiency and treatment outcomes. Methods First,TCM full-body inspection data acquisition equipment was employed to col-lect full-body standing images of healthy people,from which the constitutions were labelled and defined in accordance with the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(CCMQ),and a dataset encompassing labelled constitutions was constructed.Second,heat-suppres-sion valve(HSV)color space and improved local binary patterns(LBP)algorithm were lever-aged for the extraction of features such as facial complexion and body shape.In addition,a dual-branch deep network was employed to collect deep features from the full-body standing images.Last,the random forest(RF)algorithm was utilized to learn the extracted multifea-tures,which were subsequently employed to establish a TCM constitution identification mod-el.Accuracy,precision,and F1 score were the three measures selected to assess the perfor-mance of the model. Results It was found that the accuracy,precision,and F1 score of the proposed model based on multifeatures for identifying TCM constitutions were 0.842,0.868,and 0.790,respectively.In comparison with the identification models that encompass a single feature,either a single facial complexion feature,a body shape feature,or deep features,the accuracy of the model that incorporating all the aforementioned features was elevated by 0.105,0.105,and 0.079,the precision increased by 0.164,0.164,and 0.211,and the F1 score rose by 0.071,0.071,and 0.084,respectively. Conclusion The research findings affirmed the viability of the proposed model,which incor-porated multifeatures,including the facial complexion feature,the body shape feature,and the deep feature.In addition,by employing the proposed model,the objectification and intel-ligence of identifying constitutions in TCM practices could be optimized.
6.Research progress on the role of mitochondria-associated membranes in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Shiyu LIU ; Yumin XU ; Hongcai XU ; Fangmei LU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(7):121-130
Mitochondria-associated membranes(MAMs)are a subcellular compartment involved in the communication and material exchange between the mitochondrial outer membrane and endoplasmic reticulum membrane.MAMs perform various biological processes in cells under different conditions.MAM-dysfunction-mediated calcium homeostasis imbalance,endoplasmic reticulum stress,mitophagy defects,mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics imbalance,lipid metabolism disorders,and inflammatory responses are key pathogenic factors in Alzheimer's disease(AD).This article reviews the structure and function of MAMs,their involvement in AD pathology,and drug intervention targets,and discusses the role of MAMs in the pathogenesis of AD and the latest research into their mechanisms,to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of AD.
7.Cardioprotective mechanism of SGLT2 inhibitor against myocardial infarction is through reduction of autosis.
Kai JIANG ; Yue XU ; Dandan WANG ; Feng CHEN ; Zizhuo TU ; Jie QIAN ; Sheng XU ; Yixiang XU ; John HWA ; Jian LI ; Hongcai SHANG ; Yaozu XIANG
Protein & Cell 2022;13(5):336-359
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus but the protective mechanism remains elusive. Here we demonstrated that the SGLT2 inhibitor, Empagliflozin (EMPA), suppresses cardiomyocytes autosis (autophagic cell death) to confer cardioprotective effects. Using myocardial infarction (MI) mouse models with and without diabetes mellitus, EMPA treatment significantly reduced infarct size, and myocardial fibrosis, thereby leading to improved cardiac function and survival. In the context of ischemia and nutritional glucose deprivation where autosis is already highly stimulated, EMPA directly inhibits the activity of the Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) in the cardiomyocytes to regulate excessive autophagy. Knockdown of NHE1 significantly rescued glucose deprivation-induced autosis. In contrast, overexpression of NHE1 aggravated the cardiomyocytes death in response to starvation, which was effectively rescued by EMPA treatment. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo analysis of NHE1 and Beclin 1 knockout mice validated that EMPA's cardioprotective effects are at least in part through downregulation of autophagic flux. These findings provide new insights for drug development, specifically targeting NHE1 and autosis for ventricular remodeling and heart failure after MI in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Animals
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy*
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Glucose
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Humans
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Mice
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Myocardial Infarction/metabolism*
;
Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
;
Ventricular Remodeling
8.Current situation and strategy of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Republic of Guinea
Dong WU ; Yu WANG ; Jiachen LIU ; Xu ZHAI ; Hongcai WANG ; Peijing RONG ; Haihong LIAN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2020;42(10):947-949
With the increasing number of Chinese medical aid and the overseas development of Chinese medicine, acupuncture has spreaded to and the Republic of Guinea and saw develoment. At present, only China Guinea Friendship Hospital and Astatin Hospital have set up Acupuncture Department, which have equipped with basic acupuncture instruments and acupuncture is used as the main treatment method, and acupuncture is a self funded project. There is no acupuncture major in the local education system, neither laws and regulations on acupuncture and moxibustion. Language barrier also makes it difficult for doctors in the two countries to communicate. Thus, it is recommended to consider geographic, diet, and medical factors when formulating acupuncture treatment plans which are suitable for local conditions, and launching new projects such as laser acupuncture treatment and ear concha electroacupuncture treatment, while improving the language level of foreign aid physicians, designing suitable teaching materials, and using multimedia technology for teaching. Besides, we should promote legislation, conduct academic and cultural exchanges, so as to better promote the development of acupuncture and moxibustion in Guinea.
9.Acupuncture combined with oral western medication for Meniere's disease: a randomized controlled trial.
Dong WU ; Bo LIU ; Hongcai WANG ; Peijing RONG ; Luquan CHEN ; Jinping DUAN ; Chao CHEN ; Xu ZHAI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2018;38(10):1047-1052
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the effect difference between acupuncture combined with western medication and simple western medication for Meniere's disease.
METHODS:
Ninety-six patients with Meniere's disease were randomly assigned into a combination group (48 cases, 12 cases dropping) and a medication group (48 cases, 9 cases dropping). Betastatin mesylate tablets (once 12 mg, 3 times a day) and mecobalamin tablets (once 0.5 mg, 3 times a day) were prescribed orally in the two groups. Acupuncture was used in the combination group, twice a week, 20 min a time, and the acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Tinggong (SI 19), Hegu (LI 4), Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Taichong (LR 3), Taixi (KI 3) and Tianshu (ST 25). All the treatment was given for continuous 12 weeks. The symptoms were observed by dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), pure tone audiometry score and stuffy ear visual analogue scale (VAS). The effects were compared in the aspects of dizziness, hearing and activity.
RESULTS:
The scores of DHI, THI, pure tone audiometry and VAS scores after treatment were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.05), with lower scores of the above 4 indexes in the combination group after treatment (all <0.05). The difference values before and after treatment of the 4 indexes in the combination group were higher than those in the medication group (all <0.05). The effective rates of dizziness, hearing and activity in the combination group were 97.2% (35/36), 91.7% (33/36), 88.9% (32/36), which were better than 71.8% (28/39), 74.4% (29/39) and 69.2% (27/39) in the medication group (all <0.05).
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture combined with conventional medication achieve better effect than simple conventional medication.
Acupuncture Therapy
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Humans
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Meniere Disease
;
therapy
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Tinnitus
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Treatment Outcome
10.Clinical significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio changes in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer after receiving cryoablation
Hongcai YANG ; Zhi GUO ; Tongguo SI ; Wenge XING ; Haipeng YU ; Xueling YANG ; Changfu LIU ; Weihao ZHANG ; Yongfei GUO ; Xu CHANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2017;26(3):237-242
Objective To discuss the clinical significance of peripheral neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) changes in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after receiving argon-helium cryoablation.Methods A total of 33 CRPC patients,who were treated with argon-helium cryoablation at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital,were included in this study.The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed.The following factors that might affect the postoperative overall survival (OS) of patients were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analysis:age,baseline PSA level,hemoglobin,white blood cell count,platelet count,albumin,alkaline phosphatase,NLR,platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR),hormone sensitive time,chemotherapy,bone metastasis,Gleason score,ECOG score,PSA effective rate.Results A total of 33 patients were enrolled in this study,the average age was 69 years (50-82 years) and the median survival time was 28 months (6-55 months).Univariate analysis showed that the baseline PSA level,alkaline phosphatase,NLR,hormone sensitive time,chemotherapy,bone metastases,Gleason score and PSA effective rate were significantly correlated with OS of CRPC patients after receiving cryoablation (P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that the baseline PSA level (P=0.003),NLR (P=0.009),Gleason score (P<0.001) were independent predictive factors for OS of CRPC patients after cryoablation therapy.Conclusion NLR can be used as a prognostic predictor for CRPC patients undergoing argon-helium cryoablation,and the increased NLR indicates a poor prognosis.(J Intervent Radiol,2017,26:237-242)

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