1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.Staged Prevention and Treatment for Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Using Acupuncture
Ruotong CAO ; Mengqi WANG ; Xue CAO ; Yuning QIN ; Jia LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1157-1161
Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common complication of sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, and its manifestations change dynamically at different stages. By analyzing and summarizing the clinical symptoms and pathomechanism evolution of LARS across different stages, this paper proposes a staged prevention and treatment strategy using acupuncture. During perioperative stage, the main principle is activating the transport function of the body, supplemented by regulating the mind, with the use of dredging the bowels as needed. During the stoma reversal stage, treatment focuses primarily on fortifying the spleen, with draining dampness as a supplementary method, to help consolidate the intestines. During the radiotherapy or chemotherapy stage, the main focus is reinfor-cing healthy qi, with reducing toxin as an adjunct, to achieve the effect of activating the transport of the pivot. During the survival management stage, treatment primarily focuses on tonifying the kidneys and secondarily on fortifying the spleen, with regulating the corporeal soul as the therapeutic emphasis. Acupoints are selected and combined in accordance with the treatment principles at each stage, and different stimulation methods such as electroacupuncture and moxibustion are applied. An analysis of the mechanisms underlying acupuncture for LARS is also provided, offering a theoretical basis and practical approach for the prevention and treatment of LARS with acupuncture.
4.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).
5.Study on the material basis of efficacy of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction for the treatment of chronic heart failure
Zhongkai ZHAO ; Xu WANG ; Jia YANG ; Dantong ZHAO ; Yanqiu WU ; Peizhen CAO ; Rong RONG ; Qihui SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1679-1684
OBJECTIVE To analyze the chemical constituents and absorbed prototype components in blood of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction, and explore its potential active substances in the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS SD rats were divided into a blank group (distilled water) and administration groups with blood collection at 0, 15, 30 and 60 min after dosing (14.96 g/kg calculated by crude drug), with 2 rats in each group. Intragastric administration was conducted once every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days. After the last administration, rat blood was collected to prepare drug-containing serum. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS combined with the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking technology was adopted to identify the chemical constituents of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction and the absorbed prototype components in blood in drug-containing serum. Moreover, network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to predict the potential active components and action targets for CHF treatment. RESULTS A total of 116 chemical constituents were identified from Zhenyang jiuxin decoction, including flavonoids (29 species), terpenoids (26 species), saponins (22 species) and other compounds. Twenty absorbed prototype components in blood were detected in drug-containing serum, including icariin, ginsenoside Rg 1 and atractylenolide Ⅰ. Six key active components (icariin, ginsenoside Rg 1 , atractylenolide Ⅰ, hexadecanamide, etc.) and six core k ey targets such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), amyloid precursor protein (APP) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were screened out via network pharmacology. Molecular docking results showed that all key active components had favorable binding activity with core targets; among them, icariin had the strongest binding capacity to APP. Molecular dynamics simulation verified that the complex formed by icariin and APP possessed excellent stability. CONCLUSIONS The potential active substances of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction against CHF are icariin, ginsenoside Rg₁, atractylenolide Ⅰ and other ingredients, which act on APP, EGFR, GSK-3β and other targets. APP may serve as one of the important action targets of icariin.
6.Study on the material basis of efficacy of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction for the treatment of chronic heart failure
Zhongkai ZHAO ; Xu WANG ; Jia YANG ; Dantong ZHAO ; Yanqiu WU ; Peizhen CAO ; Rong RONG ; Qihui SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1679-1684
OBJECTIVE To analyze the chemical constituents and absorbed prototype components in blood of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction, and explore its potential active substances in the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS SD rats were divided into a blank group (distilled water) and administration groups with blood collection at 0, 15, 30 and 60 min after dosing (14.96 g/kg calculated by crude drug), with 2 rats in each group. Intragastric administration was conducted once every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days. After the last administration, rat blood was collected to prepare drug-containing serum. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS combined with the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking technology was adopted to identify the chemical constituents of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction and the absorbed prototype components in blood in drug-containing serum. Moreover, network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to predict the potential active components and action targets for CHF treatment. RESULTS A total of 116 chemical constituents were identified from Zhenyang jiuxin decoction, including flavonoids (29 species), terpenoids (26 species), saponins (22 species) and other compounds. Twenty absorbed prototype components in blood were detected in drug-containing serum, including icariin, ginsenoside Rg 1 and atractylenolide Ⅰ. Six key active components (icariin, ginsenoside Rg 1 , atractylenolide Ⅰ, hexadecanamide, etc.) and six core k ey targets such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), amyloid precursor protein (APP) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were screened out via network pharmacology. Molecular docking results showed that all key active components had favorable binding activity with core targets; among them, icariin had the strongest binding capacity to APP. Molecular dynamics simulation verified that the complex formed by icariin and APP possessed excellent stability. CONCLUSIONS The potential active substances of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction against CHF are icariin, ginsenoside Rg₁, atractylenolide Ⅰ and other ingredients, which act on APP, EGFR, GSK-3β and other targets. APP may serve as one of the important action targets of icariin.
7.Clinical and pathological features of intrahepatic intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: An analysis of four cases
Ying ZHANG ; Qing CAO ; Kaige WANG ; Fan JIA ; Yungang ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1656-1660
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical and pathological features of intrahepatic intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), and to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for four patients who underwent surgical resection in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2010 to December 2025 and were diagnosed with intrahepatic IPNB based on pathological examination. The clinical, imaging, and pathological features of these patients were summarized, and a literature review was performed for related articles in China and globally. ResultsAmong the four patients, there were three female patients and one male patient, with a median age of 65 years, and clinical manifestations included jaundice, abdominal pain or diarrhea, and asymptomatic findings on physical examination. The main imaging manifestation was bile duct dilatation or solid-cystic space-occupying lesion. Pathological typing revealed one case each of the gastric, intestinal, pancreatobiliary, and oncocytic types, and there was one patient with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and three patients with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, among whom one patient also had invasive carcinoma. ConclusionIntrahepatic IPNB is a rare precancerous lesion of the liver with diverse clinical, imaging, and pathological manifestations, and radical surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment.
8.Regulatory effects of Dahuang Lingxian Recipe on Th1/Th2 cell immune imbalance in a rat model of cholestatic liver fibrosis via NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway
Cao NING ; Jiao-an PANG ; Xi TAN ; Yan-ping LUO ; Hui-yi WEI ; Bo HUANG ; Jia-guan WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1477-1486
AIM To explore the effects of Dahuang Lingxian Recipe on Th1/Th2 cell immune imbalance in a rat model of cholestatic liver fibrosis(CLF).METHODS 20 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the ursodeoxycholic acid group(0.063 g/kg)and the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group(4.8 g/kg),with 5 rats in each group.Except for those of the normal group,the rats of all other groups had open surgery of common bile duct ligation,followed by the gavage of corresponding drug two days later,and the procurement of the samples after gavage in the third week.The rats had their degree of liver fibrosis observed by HE and Masson stainings;their levels of serum total bile acid(TBA),alkaline phosphatase(AKP),γ-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and total bilirubin(TBil)measured by the kit;their hepatic percentage of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 positive cells detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining;their.hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR;their levels of helper T cell 1(Th1)and helper T cell 2(Th2)in peripheral blood detected by flow cytometry,and their ratio of Th1/Th2 calculated as well.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with either ursodeoxycholic acid or Dahuang Lingxian Recipe displayed well-ordered liver cells,hepatic lobules and hepatic cords;a small amount of fatty degeneration;significantly reduced connective hyperplasia of hepatic fibers;significantly narrowed fibrous cords;a small amount of blue fibrous septa;greatly improved pathological injuries including inflammatory infiltration of central vein and portal area;decreased levels of serum TBA,TBil,AKP,γ-GT,ALT and AST(P<0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3(P<0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA(P<0.05);and increased counts of Th1 cells in peripheral blood,decreased counts of Th2 cells,resultsing increased Th1/Th2 ratio(P<0.05).And an even better effect was observed in the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group.CONCLUSION Dahuang Lingxian Recipe can reduce or reverse CLF by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation through maintaining Th1/Th2 cell immune balance via the NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
9.Mendelian randomization analysis of inflammatory bowel disease:Evidence,opportunities and challenges
Jianheng HAO ; Haijun WANG ; Jia REN ; Yuxia CAO ; Yanlin ZHANG ; Laixi JI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(5):1263-1270
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a complex etiology,mainly including two types:ulcerative colitis(UC)and Crohn's disease(CD),whose risk factors for its development are still incompletely understood.In recent years,Mendelian randomization(MR)has gained increasing attention in IBD research.MR mainly uses genetic variation as an instrumental variable to infer causality between exposure and outcome,effectively avoiding confounding and reverse causality in observational studies and randomised controlled trials.This review summarises currently published MR studies related to IBD,focusing on causal relationships between different risk factors and IBD development.Current findings support a causal relation-ship between IBD and selected oral diseases,skin diseases,psychiatric disorders,autoimmune diseases,bone diseases,gut diseases,gut microbiota,cytokines and nutrients,but not between IBD and lifestyle,cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.Despite its limitations,MR studies are of great significance in improving understanding of etiology of IBD and in identifying potential therapeutic interventions.
10.The mediating effect of protracted abstinence duration and impulsivity in heroin addicts
Nannan CAO ; Jiajie CHEN ; Zhidong WANG ; Liyang DANG ; Jia ZHU ; Yongbin LI ; Wei WANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(8):1267-1270
Objective To explore the impact of the duration of protracted abstinence(PA)treatment on the level of impulsivity among heroin addicts and to analyze the mediating effect of impulsive cognition between abstinence duration and impulsive behavior.Methods Thirty-six heroin addicts undergoing PA treatment(PA group)and forty matched healthy controls(HC)(HC group)were recruited.Demographic information was collected via questionnaires,and impulsive cognition assessments were conducted.Participants completed the GO/NOGO task to collect data on impulsive behavior.Intergroup differences were compared using the independent sample t-test,and multiple linear regression analysis and mediating effect analysis were performed on the PA group.Results The PA group exhibited significantly higher scores on motor impulsivity,non-planning impulsivity,and total impulsivity compared to the HC group.Additionally,the PA group demonstrated significantly increased NOGO error rate during the GO/NOGO task compared to the HC group(P<0.001).Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that abstinence duration had a significant negative impact on total impulsivity and non-planning impulsivity(P<0.001).Mediating effect analysis found a partial mediation effect of total impulsivity between abstinence duration and NOGO error rate(P<0.001).Conclusion The PA treatment has a significant impact on the level of impulsivity among heroin addicts.Impulsive cognition play a partial mediating role between abstinence duration and impulsive behavior.These results provide an important theoretical and practical basis for optimizing PA treatment programs.

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