1.Pseudoephedrine Improves Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Regulating Airway Senescence and Mitochondrial Function through PI3K/AKT/mTOR Axis
Lijuan WU ; Fenqiao CHEN ; He ZHANG ; Wenzhong XU ; Tan’e LIU ; Ming LIU ; Lianxing LIU ; Jianqiang MEI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(3):589-607
Ephedra can improve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is a main active ingredients of ephedra. It has anti-inflammatory pharmacological properties. Its effect on COPD and its possible mechanism have not been elucidated. The COPD rat model was constructed by systemic cigarette smoke exposure combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tracheal instillation. BEAS-2B cells were treated using cigarette smoke extract; PSE was administered for treatment. The senescence level of rat lung tissue and bronchial epithelial cells was evaluated through staining, immunofluorescence and western blot.The mitochondrial damage of rats and BEAS-2B cells was detected by transmission electron microscopy, JC-1 probe, MitoSOX Red probe and kits. In addition, the lung function indexes of rats were detected by animal lung function analysis system. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining analyzed the pathological damage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), kit and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate inflammation and oxidative stress. Western blot detected phosphoinositide 3-kinase/ protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) axis protein. PSE significantly reduced senescent cells, apoptosis rate and P21 level in rat lung tissue and BEAS-2B cells, significantly increased the levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), restored mitochondrial structure, and visible mitochondrial cristae. It also inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial excessive fission. PSE also significantly improved lung function in rats, increased mean alveolar number (MAN), reduced pro-inflammatory factors, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. PSE markedly suppressed p-p85, p-AKT and p-mTOR protein expressions. In addition, the PI3K/AKT agonist 740Y-P weakened the effect of PSE on improving COPD. PSE inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, improved lung tissue senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction and pathological damage, and reduced airway inflammation and oxidative stress damage, thereby alleviating COPD.
2.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Primary Osteoporosis from Theory of Qi Deficiency and Stagnation and Mitochondrial Autophagy
Jiali ZHANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Ruoying SONG ; Jianqiang LI ; Feng LI ; Jiayi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):230-241
Primary osteoporosis (POP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, degenerated bone microstructure, and increased bone fragility. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of multiple factors such as genetics, aging, endocrine, and environment, which remain incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to insufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, thereby inhibiting osteoblast differentiation and promoting osteoclast activation, exacerbating the negative bone metabolism balance in POP. Mitochondrial autophagy, as the core mechanism of mitochondrial quality control, selectively identifies and clears damaged mitochondria to effectively reduce ROS accumulation and energy metabolism disorders, thus maintaining the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. It plays a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis and the prevention and treatment of POP. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of Qi transformation shares similarities with the functions of mitochondria in energy generation and substance conversion. The pathological state of Qi deficiency and stagnation may be associated with mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction, and the pathogenic characteristics of combined phlegm and stasis align with the metabolic waste accumulation induced by obstructed autophagy flow. This article explores the correlation of the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation with mitochondrial autophagy and elucidates its potential role in the pathogenesis of POP. Additionally, considering the pathogenesis features of POP, which involve deficiency causing stagnation and a mixture of deficiency and excess, this article proposes a novel therapeutic approach: tonifying Qi to support the body and unblocking collaterals to resolve stagnation from the perspective of mitochondrial autophagy. This article aims to provide theoretical support and research insights for further exploration of TCM in the prevention and treatment of POP.
3.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Primary Osteoporosis from Theory of Qi Deficiency and Stagnation and Mitochondrial Autophagy
Jiali ZHANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Ruoying SONG ; Jianqiang LI ; Feng LI ; Jiayi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):230-241
Primary osteoporosis (POP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, degenerated bone microstructure, and increased bone fragility. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of multiple factors such as genetics, aging, endocrine, and environment, which remain incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to insufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, thereby inhibiting osteoblast differentiation and promoting osteoclast activation, exacerbating the negative bone metabolism balance in POP. Mitochondrial autophagy, as the core mechanism of mitochondrial quality control, selectively identifies and clears damaged mitochondria to effectively reduce ROS accumulation and energy metabolism disorders, thus maintaining the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. It plays a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis and the prevention and treatment of POP. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of Qi transformation shares similarities with the functions of mitochondria in energy generation and substance conversion. The pathological state of Qi deficiency and stagnation may be associated with mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction, and the pathogenic characteristics of combined phlegm and stasis align with the metabolic waste accumulation induced by obstructed autophagy flow. This article explores the correlation of the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation with mitochondrial autophagy and elucidates its potential role in the pathogenesis of POP. Additionally, considering the pathogenesis features of POP, which involve deficiency causing stagnation and a mixture of deficiency and excess, this article proposes a novel therapeutic approach: tonifying Qi to support the body and unblocking collaterals to resolve stagnation from the perspective of mitochondrial autophagy. This article aims to provide theoretical support and research insights for further exploration of TCM in the prevention and treatment of POP.
4.Expert consensus: reducing free-sugar for caries prevention
Xiaojuan ZENG ; Xuenan LIU ; Min LIU ; Yan SI ; Ying ZHANG ; Jianqiang LAI ; Xianbin DING ; Chang SU ; Xiang SI ; Youguang LU ; Huancai LIN ; Shuguo ZHENG ; Wensheng RONG ; Minquan DU ; Xiaoyan OU ; Rongmin QIU ; Maigeng ZHOU ; Chunxiao WANG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(4):311-319
In modern society, sugary foods have become an integral part of many people′s lives. However, excessive sugar consumption has adverse effects on both overall health and oral health, serving as a contributing factor to the global increasing incidence in oral diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, obesity, and diabetes. In response to the health risks related to high-sugar diets, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Dental Federation (FDI) have proposed initiatives and recommendations, with various governments implementing different policies and strategies to reduce sugar intake. Chinese government has also taken proactive measures. The "Healthy China Action (2019-2030)" initiative introduced by the State Council in 2019 established a crucial benchmark in limiting the average daily intake of added sugar to 25 g per person forward to 2030. Experts from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the field of oral health have meticulously examined the impacts of sugar reduction on oral health, as well as strategies, methods, and practical considerations related to reducing sugar intake through several meeting and wrote the "Expert consensus: reducing free-sugar for caries prevention", which was subsequently reviewed and revised based on the feedback from multiple stakeholders. They have conducted thorough analyses of global trends in sugar reduction and best practices to provide valuable insights to China for crafting effective policies and strategies on sugar reduction. This consensus mainly includes the classification of free sugars, the latest scientific evidence on dental caries, recommendations from WHO on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, nutrition labeling, advertising, food reform, adjusting supply systems, education, and promotion strategies, as well as sugar reduction actions taken by various governments around the world. Combining the actual situation in China, policy recommendations and authoritative popular science knowledge on sugar reduction for caries prevention to public are proposed to advocate for experts in multiple fields to focus on sugar reduction for caries prevention, promote the work process, and provide the scientific basis for oral health educators.
5.Relationship between triglyceride-glucose index and acute ischemic stroke with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion
Ruyue LIN ; Jianqiang FAN ; Lijun WANG ; Xiaoxi ZHANG ; Hongjian SHEN ; Pengfei XING ; Lei ZHANG ; Zifu LI ; Yongwei ZHANG ; Pengfei YANG ; Jianmin LIU ; Rui ZHAO
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(4):435-441
Objective To explore the relationship between triglyceride-glucose index(TyG)and acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)of anterior circulation.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with anterior circulation AIS-LVO who underwent emergency endovascular thrombectomy at Neurovascular Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from Jan.2018 to Dec.2019.According to modified Rankin scale(mRS)score 90 d after operation,the patients were assigned to favorable outcome group(mRS score 0-2)or unfavorable outcome group(mRS score 3-6),and the TyG was compared.According to the median of TyG,the patients were assigned to low-TyG group(TyG<8.57)or high-TyG group(TyG ≥8.57),and the clinical data,laboratory indexes,and imaging characteristics were compared.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of TyG for poor prognosis.Results A total of 135 patients were enrolled,with 72 in the favorable outcome group and 63 in the unfavorable outcome group.The TyG of the unfavorable outcome group was significantly higher than that of the favorable outcome group(8.82+0.63 vs 8.43+0.60,P<0.001).There were 67 patients in the low-TyG group and 68 in the high-TyG group.Compared with the low-TyG group,the proportion of patients with hyperlipidemia history(P=0.003),systolic blood pressure at admission(P=0.018),fasting blood glucose level(P<0.001),and triglyceride level(P<0.001)were significantly higher in the high-TyG group,the infarct core volume was significantly larger(P=0.025),the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level was significantly lower(P=0.013),and the mRS score 90 d after operation was significantly higher(3[1,5]vs 1[0,5],P=0.049).The TyG had certain predictive value for poor prognosis in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients(area under curve value=0.662,95%confidence interval 0.571-0.753).Conclusion TyG is elevated in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients with poor prognosis,and may be a potential prognostic indicator for anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients.
6.Pathways Related to Osteoporosis Treatment with Active Ingredients of Scutellaria Baicalensis: A Review
Jianqiang DU ; Wenxiu QIN ; Xuesong YIN ; Dan ZHAO ; Zhicheng PAN ; Qi ZHANG ; Enpeng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):325-330
With the aging of the global population, osteoporosis (OP) is becoming a major public health concern worldwide. Currently, the commonly used anti-osteoporosis drugs in clinical practice have limited application due to many side effects. Therefore, developing more effective and safer strategies for the prevention and treatment of OP has become a research focus in this field. In recent years, the clinical efficacy and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating OP have been gradually recognized. With the deepening pharmacological research on TCM for OP prevention and treatment, it is found that the active ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis can promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption by regulating signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, osteoprotegerin (OB)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK (OPG/RANKL/RANK), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). However, existing research on active ingredients of S. baicalensis for OP treatment is scattered, making it difficult for scholars to gain a systematic understanding of its research and application. This review summarized the literature on the active ingredients of S. baicalensis in OP treatment worldwide, clarified their mechanisms of action, and explored some issues, providing references for the integration of TCM in OP prevention and treatment.
7.Pathways Related to Osteoporosis Treatment with Active Ingredients of Scutellaria Baicalensis: A Review
Jianqiang DU ; Wenxiu QIN ; Xuesong YIN ; Dan ZHAO ; Zhicheng PAN ; Qi ZHANG ; Enpeng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):325-330
With the aging of the global population, osteoporosis (OP) is becoming a major public health concern worldwide. Currently, the commonly used anti-osteoporosis drugs in clinical practice have limited application due to many side effects. Therefore, developing more effective and safer strategies for the prevention and treatment of OP has become a research focus in this field. In recent years, the clinical efficacy and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating OP have been gradually recognized. With the deepening pharmacological research on TCM for OP prevention and treatment, it is found that the active ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis can promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption by regulating signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, osteoprotegerin (OB)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK (OPG/RANKL/RANK), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). However, existing research on active ingredients of S. baicalensis for OP treatment is scattered, making it difficult for scholars to gain a systematic understanding of its research and application. This review summarized the literature on the active ingredients of S. baicalensis in OP treatment worldwide, clarified their mechanisms of action, and explored some issues, providing references for the integration of TCM in OP prevention and treatment.
8.Diagnosis and treatment of colorectal liver metastases: Chinese expert consensus-based multidisciplinary team (2024 edition).
Wen ZHANG ; Xinyu BI ; Yongkun SUN ; Yuan TANG ; Haizhen LU ; Jun JIANG ; Haitao ZHOU ; Yue HAN ; Min YANG ; Xiao CHEN ; Zhen HUANG ; Weihua LI ; Zhiyu LI ; Yufei LU ; Kun WANG ; Xiaobo YANG ; Jianguo ZHOU ; Wenyu ZHANG ; Muxing LI ; Yefan ZHANG ; Jianjun ZHAO ; Aiping ZHOU ; Jianqiang CAI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(15):1765-1768
9.Unilateral biportal endoscopy assisted bilateral decompression in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with imaging herniation on one side and clinical symptoms on the contralateral side
Weiliang SU ; Yongfeng DOU ; Dong LIU ; Guohua DAI ; Min ZHANG ; Jianqiang XING ; Dawei WANG ; Peng HU ; Xiaopeng GENG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(1):44-50
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) assisted bilateral decompression in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with imaging herniation on one side and clinical symptoms on the contralateral side.Methods:A total of 20 patients with lumbar disc herniation with imaging herniation on one side and clinical symptoms on the contralateral side treated with UBE from January 2022 to January 2024 in the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 11 females, aged 50.4±14.0 years (range, 23-72 years). The intervertebral disc herniation level included L 3-4 in 1 case, L 4-5 in 15 cases, and L 5S 1 in 4 cases. There were 10 cases on the left side and 10 cases on the right side. The duration of symptoms was 24.1±33.7 months (range, 1-120 months). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate postoperative pain relief and functional recovery. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by modified MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation. Results:All patients successfully completed the operation. The operation time was 90.3±24.6 min (range, 55-134 mins). The VAS scores of patients at 3 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation were 3.6±0.9, 2.2±0.7, 1.2±0.5 and 1.0±0.6, respectively, which were lower than those before operation (6.4±0.8), and the differences were statistically significant ( F=668.728, P<0.001). The ODI at 3 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation were 34.2%±4.7%, 28.7%±2.8%, 24.3%±2.1% and 20.5%±2.0%, respectively, which were lower than 69.4%±5.2% before operation, and the differences were statistically significant ( F=515.578, P<0.001). The clinical efficacy was evaluated by modified MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation. Among 20 patients, 18 cases were excellent, 1 case was good, and 1 case was fair. All patients were followed up for 9.1±2.1 months (range, 6-14 months). One patient had a dural tear during the operation, but the range was small and there was no defect, and no further treatment was performed. Numbness of the lower limbs occurred 1 day after operation, and the symptoms disappeared after symptomatic treatment. There was no recurrence of lower limb symptoms, lumbar instability, intervertebral space infection or other complications at the last follow-up. Conclusion:Bilateral decompression with UBE is effective in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with imaging herniation on one side and clinical symptoms on the contralateral side, which can improve the lumbar pain and function of patients.
10.Unilateral biportal endoscopy assisted bilateral decompression in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with imaging herniation on one side and clinical symptoms on the contralateral side
Weiliang SU ; Yongfeng DOU ; Dong LIU ; Guohua DAI ; Min ZHANG ; Jianqiang XING ; Dawei WANG ; Peng HU ; Xiaopeng GENG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(1):44-50
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) assisted bilateral decompression in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with imaging herniation on one side and clinical symptoms on the contralateral side.Methods:A total of 20 patients with lumbar disc herniation with imaging herniation on one side and clinical symptoms on the contralateral side treated with UBE from January 2022 to January 2024 in the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 11 females, aged 50.4±14.0 years (range, 23-72 years). The intervertebral disc herniation level included L 3-4 in 1 case, L 4-5 in 15 cases, and L 5S 1 in 4 cases. There were 10 cases on the left side and 10 cases on the right side. The duration of symptoms was 24.1±33.7 months (range, 1-120 months). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate postoperative pain relief and functional recovery. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by modified MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation. Results:All patients successfully completed the operation. The operation time was 90.3±24.6 min (range, 55-134 mins). The VAS scores of patients at 3 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation were 3.6±0.9, 2.2±0.7, 1.2±0.5 and 1.0±0.6, respectively, which were lower than those before operation (6.4±0.8), and the differences were statistically significant ( F=668.728, P<0.001). The ODI at 3 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation were 34.2%±4.7%, 28.7%±2.8%, 24.3%±2.1% and 20.5%±2.0%, respectively, which were lower than 69.4%±5.2% before operation, and the differences were statistically significant ( F=515.578, P<0.001). The clinical efficacy was evaluated by modified MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation. Among 20 patients, 18 cases were excellent, 1 case was good, and 1 case was fair. All patients were followed up for 9.1±2.1 months (range, 6-14 months). One patient had a dural tear during the operation, but the range was small and there was no defect, and no further treatment was performed. Numbness of the lower limbs occurred 1 day after operation, and the symptoms disappeared after symptomatic treatment. There was no recurrence of lower limb symptoms, lumbar instability, intervertebral space infection or other complications at the last follow-up. Conclusion:Bilateral decompression with UBE is effective in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with imaging herniation on one side and clinical symptoms on the contralateral side, which can improve the lumbar pain and function of patients.

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