1.Mechanism of Wumen Zhiqiao gancao decoction inhibiting pathological angiogenesis in degenerative intervertebral discs by regulating HIF-1α/VEGF/Ang signal axis
Zeling HUANG ; Zaishi ZHU ; Yuwei LI ; Bo XU ; Junming CHEN ; Baofei ZHANG ; Binjie LU ; Xuefeng CAI ; Hua CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):807-814
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of Zhiqiao gancao decoction (ZQGCD) on pathological angiogenesis of degenerative intervertebral disc. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) inhibitor (YC-1) group [2 mg/(kg·d), tail vein injection], and ZQGCD low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups [3.06, 6.12, 12.24 g/(kg·d)], with 8 rats in each group. Except for sham operation group, lumbar disc degeneration model of rat was constructed in all other groups. After modeling, they were given relevant medicine once a day, for consecutive 3 weeks. After the last medication, pathological changes and angiogenesis of the intervertebral disc tissue in rats were observed; the levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and the expressions of angiogenesis-related proteins [HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), angiotensin 1(Ang 1), Ang 2] in the com intervertebral disc tissue in rats were all determined. In cell experiment, the primary nucleus pulposus cells were isolated and cultured from rats, and cellular degeneration was induced using 50 ng/mL TNF-α. The cells were divided into blank control group (10% blank control serum), TNF-α group (10% blank control serum), YC-1 group (10% blank control serum+0.2 mmol/L YC-1), and 5%, 10%, 15% drug-containing serum group (5%, 10%, 15% drug-containing serum). After 24 hours of intervention, the nucleus pulposus cells were co-cultured with HUVEC. The expressions of Collagen Ⅱ, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in nucleus pulposus cells were detected. HUVEC proliferation, migration and tube forming ability were detected, and the expression levels of the HIF-1α/VEGF/Ang signal axis and angiogenesis- related proteins (add MMP-2, MMP-9) in HUVEC were detected. RESULTS Animal experiments had shown that compared with model group, the positive expression of CD31 in the intervertebral disc tissues of rats in each drug group was down-regulated (P< 0.05), the levels of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related proteins were decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the pathological changes in the intervertebral disc were alleviated. Cell experiments had shown that compared with TNF-α group, the expression of Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus cells of all drug groups was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05), and the expression of MMP-3 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05); the proliferation, migration and tubulogenesis of HUVEC were significantly weakened (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α, VEGF, Ang 2 as well as the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins (except for the expression of Ang 2 mRNA and HIF-1α, VEGFR2, Ang 2 protein in 5% drug- containing serum group) were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS ZQGCD may inhibit the HIF-1α/VEGF/ Ang signal axis to weaken the angiogenic ability of vascular endothelial cells, improve pathological angiogenesis in the intervertebral disc, and delay the degeneration of the intervertebral disc.
2.Academic Connotation and Practical Applications of Theory of Cancer Collaterals
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):245-255
The modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the field of oncology has led to the formation of a diversified theoretical system for tumor treatment. However, this system faces challenges such as significant differences between theoretical understanding and clinical treatment and lack of unified consensus and standardized protocols. The pathogenesis and treatment of collateral diseases, when summarized by the philosophy of Yin and Yang Qi transformation, offer a valuable academic perspective in the tumor theory by simplifying complexity and integrating knowledge. Building on the foundation of the collateral theory and modern research, our team has innovatively proposed the theory of cancer collaterals. From the Yin and Yang Qi transformation of collaterals, this theory emphasizes that the core pathogenesis of cancer collaterals is the dysfunction of Qi transformation in collaterals. Cancer collaterals are characterized by a Yin substance with a Yang function, representing the pathogenic Qi combining Yin and Yang. This theory outlines seven pathological characteristics (concealment, aggressive onset, toxin coagulation, obstruction and stasis, deficiency and damage, variable dispersion, and differences in Zang-organ collaterals) of cancer collaterals, five unique pathogeneses (latent toxin, stasis obstruction, damage, abnormal proliferation, and toxin dispersion in cancer collaterals) of cancer collaterals, and the full-cycle pathogenesis evolution through four stages (early, middle, late, and post-treatment stages) of tumors. In clinical practice, it is essential to differentiate the Yin and Yang Qi transformation states of body collaterals and cancer collaterals to restore the normal Qi transformation of collaterals and regulate the disordered Qi transformation of cancer collaterals. Therefore, the treatment method of regulating Qi and dredging collaterals in the theory of cancer collaterals is proposed. Regulating Qi involves adjusting the yang of cancer collaterals to promote Qi transformation, while dredging collaterals involves resolving the Yin of cancer collaterals to transform the formed cancer toxin. Finally, the practical value of the theory of cancer collaterals is discussed in terms of guiding clinical differentiation and treatment, promoting scientific research, and breaking down theoretical barriers. The aim is to perfect the theoretical system of malignant tumor differentiation and treatment.
3.Current status and prospects of phage therapy in lung transplantation
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Zitao WANG ; Wenjie HUA ; Zhenhang DAI ; Jingyu CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(3):489-494
Multidrug resistant organism refers to bacteria that are insensitive to three or more antibiotics commonly used in clinic, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter Baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc. MDRO infection is a major factor affecting the survival rate after lung transplantation (LTx), accounting for 30% of the causes of death in the first year after transplantation. Antibiotic treatment has low specificity and is prone to drug resistance. The development of new drugs has a long cycle and high cost, with significant limitations. Phage has high specificity for bacteria, which can proliferate in large quantities in the infected lesion and co-evolve with bacteria during the action process. Phage also have a good killing effect on MDRO, which is expected to make up for the deficiencies of existing antibiotic therapy. This article reviews the development background and mechanism of action of phage therapy, and summarizes its application status and early clinical trial results in the field of LTx, in order to providing new thinking paths for clinical work.
4.Relevance between parental psychological control and Internet gaming disorder in middle school students
WANG Xi, JIANG Hong, WANG Lina, ZHANG Hua, ZHANG Wei, MA Le
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):544-547
Objective:
To analyze the relationship between parental psychological control and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among junior high school students, so as to provide evidence for preventing IGD development in adolescents.
Methods:
From August 2019 to February 2020, a survey was conducted among 1 169 junior high school students from three middle schools in Xian using stratified cluster sampling. The Parental Psychological Control Scale and IGD Scale were administered to assess parental psychological control and IGD prevalence. Univariate and binary Logistic regression analyses were used to explore IGD risk factors and their correlation with parental psychological control.
Results:
The detection rate of IGD in middle school students was 19.9%(184/1 169). Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that compared to those with lower parental psychological control scores(≤21 points), students with higher parental psychological control scores (>21 points) had a higher risk of IGD (OR=1.82, 95%CI=1.21-2.74), a 1.58fold higher risk of selfperceived gaming addiction (95%CI=1.07-2.30), as well as reduced likelihood of seeking external help to reduce gaming time (OR=0.66, 95%CI=0.47-0.94) (P<0.05).
Conclusions
Parental psychological control may elevate the risks of IGD and selfperceived addiction while diminishing proactive helpseeking behaviors to reduce gaming time. Parents should enhance communication with adolescents and provide positive guidance to mitigate potential gamingrelated harms.
5.LIU Shangyi's Experience in Treating Pruritus Vulvae Using Self-Prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方)
Xiao LIU ; Zhaozhao HUA ; Yiyuan ZHOU ; Taiwei ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Shuang HUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Kaiyang XUE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):992-995
To summarize the clinical experience of Professor LIU Shangyi in treating pruritus vulvae. It is believed that women have the physiological characteristics of liver and kidney as the root, and their pubic area is easily attacked by wind-dampness pathogenic qi, so the core mechanism of pruritus vulvae is proposed as wind-dampness accumulation and deficiency of liver and kidney. The core treatment method is to dispel wind-dampness and nourish the liver and kidneys, and modify the Danggui Decoction (当归饮子) to form a self-prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方) as the basic prescription to treat pruritus vulvaen.
6.Effects of Modified Guomin Decoction (加味过敏煎) on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Quality of Life in Patients with Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis of Heart Fire and Spleen Deficiency Pattern:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Jing NIE ; Rui PANG ; Lingjiao QIAN ; Hua SU ; Yuanwen LI ; Xinyuan WANG ; Jingxiao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Yunong WANG ; Yue LI ; Panpan ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1031-1037
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Modified Guomin Decoction (加味过敏煎, MGD) in patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency, and to explore its possible mechanisms. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 72 patients with mild to moderate AD and the TCM pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 36 cases in each group. The treatment group received oral MGD granules combined with topical vitamin E emulsion, while the control group received oral placebo granules combined with topical vitamin E treatment. Both groups were treated twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical efficacy, TCM syndrome scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pruritus, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores, Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and serum biomarkers, including interleukin-33 (IL-33), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were compared before and after treatment. Safety indexes was also assessed. ResultsThe total clinical effective rates were 77.78% (28/36) in the treatment group and 38.89% (14/36) in the control group, with cure rates of 19.44% (7/36) and 2.78% (1/36), respectively. The treatment group showed significantly better clinical outcomes compared to the control group (P<0.05). The treatment group exhibited significant reductions in total TCM syndrome scores, including erythema, edema, papules, scaling, lichenification, pruritus, irritability, insomnia, abdominal distension, and fatigue scores, as well as reductions in VAS, DLQI, SCORAD, and serum IgE and IL-33 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly better improvements in all indicators except for insomnia (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionMGD is effective and safe in treating mild to moderate AD patients with heart fire and spleen deficiency pattern. It significantly alleviates pruritus, improves TCM syndromes and quality of life, and enhances clinical efficacy, possibly through modulation of immune responses.
7.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
8.The validation of radiation-responsive lncRNAs in radiation-induced intestinal injury and their dose-effect relationship
Ying GAO ; Xuelei TIAN ; Qingjie LIU ; Hua ZHAO ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):270-278
Objective To explore the feasibility of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as biomarkers for radiation-induced intestinal injury. Methods Mice were exposed to 15 Gy of 60Co γ-rays to the abdominal area. The pathological changes in intestinal tissues were analyzed at 72 h post-irradiation to confirm the successful establishment of the radiation-induced intestinal injury model. Real-time quantitative PCR was conducted to detect the expression of candidate radiation-responsive lncRNAs in the jejunum, jejunal crypts, colon tissues, and plasma of irradiated mice. Human intestinal epithelial cell line HIEC-6 and human colon epithelial cell line NCM460 were exposed to 0, 5, 10, and 15 Gy of 60Co γ-rays. The expression levels of candidate lncRNAs were measured at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h post-irradiation to observe their changes with the irradiation dose. Results Pathological analysis showed that abdominal irradiation with 15 Gy successfully established an acute radiation-induced intestinal injury mouse model. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that Dino, Lncpint, Meg3, Dnm3os, Trp53cor1, Pvt1, and Neat1 were significantly upregulated following the occurrence of radiation-induced intestinal injury (P < 0.05). Among them, Meg3 and Dnm3os in mouse plasma were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05), while Gas5 was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). In HIEC-6 and NCM460 cells, the expression levels of DINO, MEG3, DNM3OS, and GAS5 showed dose-dependent patterns at certain time points (P < 0.05). Conclusion The lncRNAs encoded by MEG3, DNM3OS, and GAS5 in intestinal epithelial cells are responsive to ionizing radiation. Consistent differential expression changes were detected in mouse plasma and intestinal tissues, indicating their potential as biomarkers for radiation-induced intestinal injury.
9.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.
10.Comparison of Logistic Regression and Machine Learning Approaches in Predicting Depressive Symptoms: A National-Based Study
Xing-Xuan DONG ; Jian-Hua LIU ; Tian-Yang ZHANG ; Chen-Wei PAN ; Chun-Hua ZHAO ; Yi-Bo WU ; Dan-Dan CHEN
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):267-278
Objective:
Machine learning (ML) has been reported to have better predictive capability than traditional statistical techniques. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of ML algorithms and logistic regression (LR) for predicting depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
Analyses were carried out in a national cross-sectional study involving 21,916 participants. The ML algorithms in this study included random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), neural network (NN), and gradient boosting machine (GBM) methods. The performance indices were sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, F1-score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results:
LR and NN had the best performance in terms of AUCs. The risk of overfitting was found to be negligible for most ML models except for RF, and GBM obtained the highest sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and F1-score. Therefore, LR, NN, and GBM models ranked among the best models.
Conclusion
Compared with ML models, LR model performed comparably to ML models in predicting depressive symptoms and identifying potential risk factors while also exhibiting a lower risk of overfitting.

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