1.Combined Therapy of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Review
Xuan WU ; Hui LI ; Jian HUANG ; Xikun YANG ; Yan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):279-288
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of viral hepatitis and represents a substantial disease burden in China. However, effective and safe agents capable of completely eliminating HBV DNA are still lacking. In modern medicine, anti-HBV strategies mainly target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), among other mechanisms, and multiple novel drugs are currently under clinical investigation. Traditional medicine has been shown to exert anti-HBV effects through direct pathways, such as blocking viral entry, as well as indirect pathways, including the regulation of programmed cell death. Studies have confirmed that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating HBV infection and its related complications offers complementary advantages, particularly in enhancing HBV clearance rates, improving liver function, preventing various complications, and delaying the progression from hepatic fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on advances in anti-HBV research involving TCM, Western medicine, and their integrated application, aiming to provide a basis for integrated HBV therapy and new drug development.
2.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
3.Incidence and influencing factors of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jiajia LI ; Hui HU ; Jian ZHANG ; Ju ZHAO ; Qiumei YANG ; Qingqing TANG ; Ling YUAN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):86-90
Objective To analyze the incidence rate and risk factors of atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A total of 392 patients with COPD in the hospital were selected from December 2020 to December 2024. Patients' data (medical history, echocardiographic data, etc.) were recorded. The incidence rate of AF in patients was recorded and the patients were grouped according to whether or not they developed AF. The differences were compared between the two groups, and the risk factors of AF occurrence in elderly patients with COPD were analyzed. Results Among the 392 patients with COPD, 127 cases (32.40%) met the diagnostic criteria of AF. There were statistically significant differences in age, pulmonary infection, heart failure, diabetes, smoking history, disease duration, LAD, severe renal insufficiency and coronary heart disease between the AF group and the non-AF group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that age, pulmonary infection, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, disease course, LAD, severe renal insufficiency and coronary heart disease were all risk factors for elderly patients with COPD (OR=1.129, 4.246, 3.955, 4.125, 2.038, 1.112, 1.102, 4.397, and 3.865, P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence rate of AF is high in elderly patients with COPD. Age, pulmonary infection, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, course of disease, LAD, severe renal insufficiency, and coronary heart disease are all risk factors for AF.
4.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Microglia-neuron Interaction to Treat Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Depression: A Review
Shuxia YAO ; Hui YANG ; Yuhong WANG ; Hu TAN ; Jian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):281-292
The co-occurrence of diabetes mellitus complicated with depression (DD) is a clinically prevalent comorbidity characterized by complex pathogenesis and challenging therapeutic management, severely impairing patients' quality of life. Recent research indicates that dysregulation in microglia-neuron interaction plays a pivotal role in the pathological progression of DD. Sustained hyperglycemia can activate central microglia, promoting the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome and the release of abundant pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which trigger neuroinflammation. This cascade leads to hippocampal neuronal damage, impaired synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitter imbalances, ultimately exacerbating depressive-like behaviors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers advantages in preventing and treating DD through its multi-component, multi-target, and holistic regulatory approach. TCM can intervene in excessive microglial activation and their aberrant interactions with neurons by modulating neurotrophic signaling pathways such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), suppressing neuroinflammation, preserving neuronal structure and function, regulating synaptic plasticity, and improving glucose and lipid metabolism, thereby exerting synergistic therapeutic effects. Focusing on the role of microglia-neuron interaction in the pathological progression of DD, this review systematically elaborates on the research progress of TCM in regulating this interactive process, providing new perspectives and potential targets for the clinical prevention and treatment of DD.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Microglia-neuron Interaction to Treat Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Depression: A Review
Shuxia YAO ; Hui YANG ; Yuhong WANG ; Hu TAN ; Jian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):281-292
The co-occurrence of diabetes mellitus complicated with depression (DD) is a clinically prevalent comorbidity characterized by complex pathogenesis and challenging therapeutic management, severely impairing patients' quality of life. Recent research indicates that dysregulation in microglia-neuron interaction plays a pivotal role in the pathological progression of DD. Sustained hyperglycemia can activate central microglia, promoting the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome and the release of abundant pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which trigger neuroinflammation. This cascade leads to hippocampal neuronal damage, impaired synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitter imbalances, ultimately exacerbating depressive-like behaviors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers advantages in preventing and treating DD through its multi-component, multi-target, and holistic regulatory approach. TCM can intervene in excessive microglial activation and their aberrant interactions with neurons by modulating neurotrophic signaling pathways such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), suppressing neuroinflammation, preserving neuronal structure and function, regulating synaptic plasticity, and improving glucose and lipid metabolism, thereby exerting synergistic therapeutic effects. Focusing on the role of microglia-neuron interaction in the pathological progression of DD, this review systematically elaborates on the research progress of TCM in regulating this interactive process, providing new perspectives and potential targets for the clinical prevention and treatment of DD.
7.Comparison of the effects of five Blastocystis sp. staining methods
Ao-kun ZHANG ; Long-fei CHEN ; Jing LI ; Hui-zhen YUAN ; Sen-yang LI ; Fu-chun JIAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):161-167,172
Objective To compare the efficacy of five Blastocystis staining method for staining cells with different morphologies and in different developmental stages to select appropriate staining techniques for specific scenarios and experimental purposes. Methods Blastocystis was stained using Wright-Giemsa, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Oil Red O, Nile Red, and Lugol's iodine solution respectively. The staining effects of the five method on Blastocystis were compared. Results Wright-Giemsa staining colored the cytoplasm and nucleus of Blastocystis bluish-purple, with other parts lightly stained; PAS staining rendered Blastocystis cells red; Oil Red O staining showed different structures within Blastocystis in varying intensities of orange-red; Nile Red enabled Blastocystis to fluoresce orange-yellow under a fluorescence microscope; Lugol's iodine solution stained the cytoplasm and nucleus a dark brownish-yellow. Conclusions Wright-Giemsa staining is recommended for clinical diagnosis. For metabolic studies, a combination of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and Oil Red O staining is suggested; PAS + Oil Red O staining can provide comprehensive morphological evidence for cell metabolism research. Nile Red staining is recommended for dynamic observation of live Blastocystis. Lugol's iodine staining is suitable for preliminary screening of large-scale samples.
8.Investigations of tick habitats and potential pathogens carried in urban environments of Jiangsu Province
Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Wei-fang YANG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Hui LIU ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Gan CAO ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):192-197
Objective To investigate the species composition, distribution, density, and pathogen-carrying status of host-seeking ticks in urban environments of Jiangsu Province, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases in urban settings. Methods From April to September 2023, a survey on host-seeking ticks was conducted in three types of habitats (city parks, residential areas, and street greenbelts) across 54 counties (cities, districts) of 13 prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province by using the flagging method. RStudio 4.4.3 (Windows version) was employed to perform chi-square test analysis on the species composition of ticks across different months, and Friedman test (for multiple paired samples) was applied to analyze monthly changes in the average tick density index among different habitats. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect pathogens in the captured ticks. Results A total of 863 host-seeking ticks were captured from 54 habitats in 24 counties (cities, districts) of 11 prefecture-level cities (Nanjing, Wuxi, Changzhou, Suzhou, Nantong, Huai'an, Yancheng, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Taizhou, and Suqian) in Jiangsu Province, whereas no ticks were captured in Xuzhou and Lianyungang. The collected ticks belonged to three species, with Haemaphysalis longicornis being the dominant species (accounting for 82.62%), followed by Haemaphysalis flava and Hae. phasiana. The average density index of ticks in positive habitats was 3.20 ticks/ (flag·100 m). In terms of tick density among prefecture-level cities, Wuxi had the highest density[13.55 ticks/(flag·100 m)], whereas Nanjing and Taizhou had the lowest[both,0.20 ticks/(flag·100 m)]. With respect to the types of positive habitats,46 positive city parks,7 positive residential areas, and 1 positive street greenbelt were found, with the average tick density index being 3.46, 1.86, and 3.60 ticks/flag · 100 m, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed in the monthly variations in the average tick density index among different habitats (P>0.05). Pathogen detection showed no Bandavirus dabieense, Rickettsia, or Borrelia burgdorferi in the collected ticks. Conclusions Host-seeking ticks have established populations in urban environments across most prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province, with Hae. longicornis identified as the dominant species. City parks serve as the primary breeding habitats for these ticks. Strengthening tick surveillance and control measures in densely populated and frequently visited areas, such as city parks and residential neighborhoods, is crucial for the effective prevention and control of urban tick-borne diseases.
9.Mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Prescription Against Damage to Hippocampal Synaptic Microenvironment via Suppressing GluR2/Parkin Signal-mediated Mitophagy in Rats with Diabetes-related Depression
Jian LIU ; Lin LIU ; Xiaoyuan LIN ; Wei LI ; Yuhong WANG ; Hui YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):104-112
ObjectiveTo reveal the mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription against damage to hippocampal synaptic microenvironment via suppressing glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2)/Parkin signal-mediated mitophagy in rats with diabetes-related depression (DD). MethodsEighty male SD rats underwent adaptive feeding for 5 days before the study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal group. The model of DD rats was established with the rest by 2-week high-fat diet + streptozotocin (STZ) tail intravenous injection + 28 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with isolation. The rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a GluR2 blocker group (5 μg·kg-1), a GluR2 agonist group (10 μg·kg-1), a metformin + fluoxetine group (0.18 g·kg-1 metformin + 1.8 mg·kg-1 fluoxetine), and high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups (20.52 and 10.26 g·kg-1, respectively). The rats in the GluR2 blocker group and the GluR2 agonist group were continuously injected with CNQX and Cl-HIBO in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus once a week starting from stress modeling, respectively, while the metformin + fluoxetine group and the high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups were continuously given intragastric administration for 28 d at the same time of stress modeling. Depression-like behavior was evaluated by open field and forced swimming experiments. The levels of serum insulin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in hippocampus were detected by biochemical analysis. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The autophagosomes of hippocampal neurons were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons were evaluated by Golgi staining. Western blot detected the expression levels of GluR2 and Parkin proteins in hippocampus. The expression levels of GluR2, Parkin, regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis protein 3 (RIMS3), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited reduced total activity distance in the open field and increased immobility time in forced swimming (P<0.01), lowered levels of serum insulin and ATP, 5-HT, and DA in hippocampus (P<0.01), increased autophagosomes of hippocampal neurons, significantly damaged morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons, decreased expression levels of GluR2, RIMS3, and PSD95 in hippocampus, and an increased Parkin expression level (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the GluR2 blocker group and the GluR2 agonist group showed aggravation and alleviation of the above abnormal changes, respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). The above depression-like behavior was significantly improved in the high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups to different degrees. Specifically, the two groups saw elevated levels of serum insulin and ATP, 5-HT, and DA in hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), restrained increase in autophagosomes and damage to morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons, up-regulated protein expression levels of GluR2, RIMS3, and PSD95, and down-regulated Parkin expression level (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuogui Jiangtong Jieyu prescription can ameliorate the mitophagy-mediated damage to hippocampal synaptic microenvironment in DD rats, the mechanism of which might be related to the regulation of GluR2/Parkin signaling pathway.
10.Development of Bismuth Iodide Oxide/Nitrogen-doped Graphene Quantum Dots-based Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Determination of Chlorpyrifos
Ya-Fei CHEN ; Xu-Hui ZHANG ; Guang-Wei YANG ; Xiao-Ping WEI ; Jian-Ping LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):364-374
Bismuth iodide(BiOI)with different crystal plane ratios of(110)to(001)was synthesized,and typeⅡheterojunction formed between(001)and(110)crystal planes of BiOI was used to improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes.Then the BiOI(001)/(110)was composited with nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots(N-GQDs)to prepare a ternary composites,which could enhance the range and intensity of light absorption,and prolonged the lifetime of photogenerated electrons due to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunctions between BiOI and N-GQDs,thereby leading to the excellent photoelectric performance of the BiOI/N-GQDs for generating sensitive photoelectric response signals.A photoelectrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of chlorpyrifos(CPF)was designed with BiOI/N-GQDs-modified FTO electrode as a photocathode.The S and N atoms contained in CPF were coordinated with Bi(Ⅲ)on the surface of BiOI,which reduced the photocurrent of BiOI/N-GQDs.The photocurrent change was linear with logarithm of concentration of CPF in the range of 1.5×10-12-5.0×10-9 mol/L,and the detection limit was 1.5×10-12 mol/L.The sensor was highly sensitive,selective and stable,and could be used for determination of trace CPF in environmental and food samples.


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