1.Mechanisms of Tripterygium wilfordii and Its Active Ingredients in Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review
Peidong ZHAO ; Yanyan GUO ; Xiangge REN ; Jiawei ZHANG ; Wensheng ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):352-362
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a common complication of diabetes mellitus, is a leading global cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on symptomatic management but exhibit limited efficacy in halting disease progression to ESRD, and some drugs carry non-negligible toxic side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history in treating DKD, with single TCM and TCM compounds demonstrating unique advantages in multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-effect therapeutic interventions. Tripterygium wilfordii (TW), known for its effects in promoting blood circulation, dredging collaterals, dispelling wind, removing dampness, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain, contains bioactive components such as Tripterygium glycosides (TWG), triptolide (TPL), tripdiolide (TPD), and celastrol (CEL). The active ingredients possess various functions, including regulating immune-inflammatory balance, ameliorating renal fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, combating oxidative stress, protecting podocytes, and improving glucose and lipid metabolism, all of which play a significant role in the treatment of DKD. This review summarized the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of T. wilfordii and its active ingredients on DKD, aiming to provide insights for clinical management and novel drug development of DKD.
2.Effects of Remote Versus In-hospital Rehabilitation Training on Motor Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Ying GE ; Wowa ZHAO ; Lu ZHANG ; Xiaoyi ZHAO ; Xuan SHU ; Jiawei LI ; Ying LIU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;17(2):438-444
To compare the efficacy of remote rehabilitation training versus in-hospital rehabilitation training in improving motor function and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Clinical data of PD patients who underwent remote or in-hospital rehabilitation at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between April 2021 and December 2023 were retrospectively collected. Both groups received structured rehabilitation training three times per week for four consecutive weeks. The remote rehabilitation group performed home-based exercises supervised via a mobile APP, while the in-hospital group underwent therapist-guided training in the hospital. Motor function was assessed before and after treatment using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up&Go Test (TUGT), Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part Ⅲ (UPDRS-Ⅲ), and wearable gait analysis. Daily living activities and quality of life were evaluated using UPDRS-Ⅱ and the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). A total of 107 eligible PD patients were enrolled, including 59 in the remote rehabilitation group and 48 in the in-hospital group. In the remote group, UPDRS-Ⅲ scores improved from 18.20±9.22 to 15.34±7.82, and BBS scores increased from 48.25±6.07 to 51.27±4.50 (both Both remote and in-hospital rehabilitation significantly improve motor function and quality of life in PD patients. However, in-hospital rehabilitation demonstrates superior efficacy in enhancing balance, physical mobility, and quality of life compared to remote rehabilitation.
3.Effect of Electroacupuncture on TDP-43 and RhoA/ROCK2 Signaling Pathway in Mouse with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Shanshan LIU ; Qiang WANG ; Weijia ZHAO ; Junyang LIU ; Le LI ; Jiawei ZENG ; Jie LI ; Yingqian ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):64-70
Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway in cerebral cortex of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS);To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in improving the motor function of ALS mice.Methods The male hSOD1G93A mice were divided into model group and electroacupuncture group,and wild-type male mice in the same litter were set as blank group,with 12 mice in each group.After the mice were 60 days old,"Baihui"and both side of"Tianzhu","Tianshu"were selected for electroacupuncture for 10 min per day,5 days of continuous treatment and 2 days off for 3 weeks.Rotating rod experiment and open field experiment were used to evaluate the motor function of mice,the damage of neurons in cerebral cortex was observed by Nissl staining,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Tar DNA binding protein-43(TDP-43),tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,RhoA and ROCK2 protein in cerebral cortex.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the positive expressions of ion calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba-1)and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)in cerebral cortex.Results Compared with the blank group,the incubation period of rod turning and the total distance of open field movement in the model group were reduced(P<0.01),the neuron damage was obvious in the cerebral cortex,with Nissl body shrinkage and reduction in quantity(P<0.01),the relative expressions of TDP-43,TNF-α,IL-1β,RhoA and ROCK2 protein increased(P<0.01),and the positive expression of Iba-1 and GFAP increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the incubation period of rod turning and the total distance of open field movement increased in electroacupuncture group(P<0.05),the damage of neuron in cerebral cortex was reduced,the number of Nissl bodies increased(P<0.05),the expressions of TDP-43,TNF-α,IL-1β,RhoA and ROCK2 decreased(P<0.05),and the positive expression of Iba-1 and GFAP reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve motor function in ALS model mice,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway activity and then relieve neuroinflammation.
4.Effect of Lianpu Yin on Improvement of Duodenal Microinflammation in FD Rats and Its Mechanism via NLRP3 Activation
Yang ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Shuhan ZHOU ; Ningfeng MAO ; Jiawei HE ; Yi ZHAO ; Zixuan XU ; Linlin LIU ; Xueyan WANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1693-1698
Objective To investigate the effect of Lianpu Yin on duodenal microinflammation in rats with functional dyspepsia(FD)by regulating NLRP3 activation.Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group and model group.FD rats were reconstructed by iodoacetamide method(2%sucrose solution containing 0.1%iodoacetamide),and the model was verified.FD model rats were randomly divided into model group,Lianpu Yin group and Moxapride group by random number expression method.After a period of two weeks of administration,measurements were taken to determine the body mass,three-hour food consumption,as well as the rates of gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion.The pathological structure of duodenal tissue was observed by HE staining.The serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method.The expression levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in each group were detected by Western blot.Expression levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 proteins were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the blank group,body weight,food intake at 3 h,gastric emptyand intestinal propulsion rate in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and inflammatory infiltration of duodenum tissue appeared in the model group.Meanwhile,the expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 proteins,as well as the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the duodenal tissue of the model group,showed significant increasing(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,rats in the Lianpu Yin and Moxapride groups displayed significant increasing in body weight,gastric emptying rate,and intestinal propulsion rate(P<0.01).Additionally,inflammatory infiltration of duodenum tissue reduced in these groups.Furthermore,NLRP3 and Caspase-1 protein expressions,as well as IL-1β and IL-18 levels,significantly decreased in the Lianpu Yin and Moxapride groups compared to the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion Lianpu Yin can treat FD rats by inhibiting duodenal microinflammation and then restoring gastrointestinal motility,which may be related to the abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
5.Application and mechanism of action of novel nanoparticle adjuvants in mucosal immunization
Afei WANG ; Qihong ZHANG ; Yile JI ; Jiawei LI ; Shangen XU ; Kai ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(4):867-876
In vaccination,traditional vaccines are administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously,mainly inducing humoral immunity,with weak induction of mucosal immunity and insufficient protection against respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses.Current research has found that immuni-zation vaccines can effectively induce mucosal immunity through oral or nasal administration,but there is a lack of effective mucosal adjuvants,and there is an urgent need for the development of safe and effective new mucosal adjuvants.With the advancement of nano-adjuvant research,novel nanoparticles have attracted widespread attention due to their good mucosal adhesion,efficient an-tigen-loading ability,biocompatibility,and advantages in immune-enhancement,nano-size effect,tissue-targeting,and slow release of antigens,etc.,and are expected to be used as novel mucosal ad-juvants in the prevention and treatment of animal diseases.To date,significant progress has been made in research targeting mucosal adjuvants such as polymeric nanoparticles,inorganic nanoparti-cles,and liposomes.This paper reviews the application of nanomucosal adjuvants in animal vaccines and their mechanisms of action at home and abroad,and analyzes the physicochemical factors af-fecting the immune-enhancing effect of nanoparticle adjuvants,with a view to providing a reference for the development of novel mucosal adjuvants.
6.Analysis of risk factors for central nervous system infection after craniotomy
Jiawei LIU ; Dawazhuoma ; Ting YE ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Di LIU ; Siqing MA
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(5):1176-1179,1186
Objective To analyze the incidence and risk factors of central nervous system infection(CNSI)after craniotomy.Methods Clinical data from 1 432 patients who underwent craniotomy in the neuro-surgery department of the hospital from 2019 to 2021 were retrospectively collected,and the positive rates of CNSI after craniotomy in neurosurgery were analyzed.Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were adopted to identify the risk factors affecting the occurrence of CNSI.Results The positive rate of CNSI in 1 432 patients was 12.92%,and the positive rate of bacterial culture in cerebrospinal fluid samples was 2.88%.Univariate analysis showed that hypertension,length of hospital stay,preoperative length of hos-pital stay,intensive care unit(ICU)treatment,American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)grading,surgery time≥ 3 h,blood transfusion,cerebrospinal fluid leakage,and postoperative hormone use were influencing fac-tors for the occurrence of CNSI.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension(OR=1.475),length of hospital stay higher than 30 days(OR=2.498),length of ICU treatment(OR=2.381),length of surgery(OR=1.572)higher than 3 hours and cerebrospinal fluid leakage(OR=3.062)were inde-pendent risk factors for the occurrence of CNSI.Conclusion The positive rate of CNSI after craniotomy is rel-atively high,and there are many related risk factors.Medical staff should take relevant measures to address the risk factors,continuously carry out targeted monitoring,and provide a basis for clinical treatment.
7.VDAC1 activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma
Yingru XING ; Ying ZHANG ; Yixin SU ; Yafeng LIU ; Jiawei ZHOU ; Feng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(3):317-327
Objective:To explore the regulatory mechanism of voltage-dependent anion channel 1(VDAC1) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD) cells.Methods:This study employed a combination of bioinformatics and experimental validation methods, conducting bioinformatics analysis and cytological experimental validation in the central laboratory of the School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology from February 2023 to August 2024.Clinical histological specimen validation was performed using immunohistochemistry, and a retrospective analysis was conducted on 5 cases of lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent samples from Huai′an First People′s Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University. The TCGA network database was analyzed for the expression pattern, prognostic value, and functional enrichment of VDAC1 in LUAD. A549 cells with VDAC1 knockdown and H1650 cells with VDAC1 overexpression were established through lentiviral transfection. The expression difference of VDAC1 protein in LUAD and adjacent tissue specimens was detected by immunohistochemistry.The effects of VDAC1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities were explored through CCK8 assay, scratch healing assay, and Transwell assay.The activation levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker proteins, cell cycle-dependent kinases, and molecules in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were detected by Western blot.Results:Bioinformatics analysis revealed that VDAC1 was highly expressed in LUAD cells ( P<0.000 1) and was an independent risk factor for LUAD ( P<0.000 1). Functional enrichment analysis showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, G2M checkpoint, and P53 signaling pathways ( P<0.001). Compared to adjacent control tissues, the expression level of VDAC1 protein is higher in lung adenocarcinoma tissues.Overexpression of VDAC1 promoted the proliferation ( P<0.000 1), migration, and invasion( P<0.01) of H1650 cells, while knockdown of VDAC1 inhibited the proliferation ( P<0.000 1), migration, and invasion ( P<0.05) of A549 cells.Western Blot experiments showed that compared to the control group, the expression levels of vimentin (1.10±0.11 vs 2.39±0.15, P<0.001), N-cadherin (0.94±0.12 vs 2.72±0.06, P<0.001), CDK1 (0.93±0.04 vs 1.53±0.03, P<0.000 1), CDK2 (1.04±0.13 vs 2.29±0.06, P<0.001), CDK4 (0.90±0.03 vs 2.00±0.11, P<0.01), p-PI3K (1.08±0.13 vs 1.85±0.12, P<0.01), and p-AKT (1.03±0.11 vs 1.69±0.06, P<0.001) were increased in H1650 cells overexpressing VDAC1, while E-cadherin expression decreased (2.18±0.14 vs 0.997±0.11, P<0.001).In contrast, in A549 cells with VDAC1 knockdown, the expression levels of vimentin (1.70±0.26 vs 0.97±0.09, P<0.05), N-cadherin (1.98±0.25 vs 1.03±0.06, P<0.05), CDK1 (1.13±0.03 vs 0.95±0.02, P<0.01), CDK2 (2.29±0.12 vs 0.92±0.10, P<0.001), CDK4 (1.71±0.096 vs 1.12±0.11, P<0.01), p-PI3K (1.67±0.09 vs 0.97±0.03, P<0.001), and p-AKT (1.53±0.04 vs 1.02±0.03, P<0.000 1) decreased, while E-cadherin expression increased (1.04±0.04 vs 1.85±0.26, P<0.05). Conclusions:VDAC1 may promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells by activating EMT and cyclin-dependent kinases through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
8.Analysis on Clinical Trial Registration Status of TCM for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy
Jiawei ZHANG ; Zhifen ZHAO ; Xiangge REN ; Peidong ZHAO ; Shoudao LI ; Tengfei SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):73-79
Objective To analyze the current status of clinical trial registration in the TCM treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN);To provide references for the registration and implementation of relevant clinical trials.Methods Clinical trials about TCM treatment for DN registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(ChiCTR)and the U.S.Clinical Trial Registry(ClinicalTrials.gov)from their inception to August 18,2024 were retrieved.The following information was analyzed:registration year,geographical distribution,funding sources,TCM syndrome patterns of participants,number of research centers,sample size,study type,study design,randomization method,blinding method,intervention measures,outcome indicators and safety indicators.Results A total of 88 clinical trials were included,comprising 79 interventional studies and 9 observational studies.The number of registrations has increased annually.The domestic registered trials were distributed across 17 provincial-level administrative regions in China,with Beijing and Shanghai having the highest number of registrations.The primary sources of funding were local and national government funds.The most common TCM syndrome pattern among participants was qi-yin deficiency with blood stasis.Most trials were single-center studies,with the majority having a sample size between 31 and 60.The predominant study type was interventional,mostly randomized controlled trials(RCTs),with simple randomization being the most frequently used method.31 trials reported blinding methods,with double-blinding being the most common.The intervention measures were mostly oral Chinese patent medicines or TCM compounds,and the outcome indicators were mainly efficacy indicators,with less safety indicators.Conclusion The number of registered clinical trials on TCM treatment for DN has increased annually;however,the overall number remains limited.There is uneven regional distribution and incomplete registration information for various factors such as randomization methods,blinding methods,number of research centers,intervention measures,and outcome indicators.
9.Effects of electroacupuncture on the HMGB1/TLR4 pathway and oligodendrocytes in the cerebral cortex of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Jiawei ZENG ; Weijia ZHAO ; Junyang LIU ; Shanshan LIU ; Le LI ; Weixing FENG ; Yingqian ZHAO ; Qiang WANG ; Chao JIANG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(5):385-393
Objective:To explore the effects of early electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on the high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)signaling pathway-related protein expression and oligodendrocytes in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS),and uncover the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the improvement of motor function in ALS mice by early EA intervention.Methods:ALS mice carrying the SOD1G93A gene were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group,with 10 mice in each group;10 littermate mice with a negative SOD1G93A genotype served as the control group.In the EA group,Baihui(GV20),Tianzhu(BL10),and Tianshu(ST25)were selected with needles retained for 10 min,5 consecutive days per week,with 2 days of rest.One week constituted a course of treatment,and a total of 3 consecutive courses were performed.The other groups were grasped and fixed similarly,but without intervention.Motor function was assessed using the open field test(OFT)and Morris water maze(MWM).Subsequently,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe neuron morphology in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex.Immunofluorescence was performed to detect the positive cell rate of TAR DNA-binding protein 43(TDP-43),and double immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the positive cell rate and cell states of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba-1)and myelin basic protein(MBP)in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex.Western blotting was used to detect the relative expression levels of TDP-43,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,HMGB1,and TLR4 proteins.Results:Compared to the control group,the model group exhibited a reduced total movement distance in the OFT,and an increased escape latency,as well as fewer platform crossings in the MWM,with statistically significant differences(P<0.01).In the model group,the number of degenerated and necrotic neurons in the M1 region of the ALS mouse cerebral cortex increased,with significant nuclear shrinkage and cytoplasmic vacuolization;the percentage of TDP-43 immunofluorescence positive cells in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex increased(P<0.01),and the relative expression level of TDP-43 protein in the cerebral cortex showed a significant increase(P<0.01);the Iba-1 positive cell percentage increased,while the MBP positive cell percentage decreased(P<0.01);the relative expression levels of TNF-α,HMGB1,and TLR4 proteins increased(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the EA group showed an increased total movement distance(P<0.01),and a reduced escape latency,and more platform crossings in the MWM,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).In the EA group,neurons showed improvement,with reduced degeneration and necrosis,and larger,clearer nuclei;the percentage of TDP-43 immunofluorescence positive cells in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex decreased(P<0.05),and the relative expression level of TDP-43 protein also decreased(P<0.05);the percentage of Iba-1 positive cells in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex decreased,while the percentage of MBP positive cells increased(P<0.01);the relative expression levels of TNF-α,HMGB1,and TLR4 proteins decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:EA intervention can suppress microglial activation,improve the state of oligodendrocytes,and reduce abnormal TDP-43 aggregation in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex in ALS model mice;its mechanism of action may be related to the HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway.
10.Value of using ultrasound features to improve the Ovarian-Adnexal Image Reporting and Data System Category 4 in the benign-malignant differential diagnosis of ovarian-adnexal masses
Lei WU ; Yingnan WU ; Jing ZHAO ; Liping GONG ; Shuang ZHANG ; Jiawei TIAN ; Zhirong HE ; Litao SUN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):232-238
Objective:To explore the value of ultrasound features modified version 2022 of the Ovarian-Adnexal Imaging Reporting and Data System(O-RADS)Category 4 in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian-adnexal tumors.Methods:Retrospective analysis was conducted in 501 cases with ovarian masses classified into 4 categories according to the 2022 version of O-RADS who were collected from 4 clinical centers[the Second Afliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University(188 cases),Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(146 cases),Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital(90 cases),and Fuling Hospital of Chongqing University(77 cases)]from January 2018 to July 2024 with concomitant surgical resection.The 424 cases from 3 of the clinical centers(the Second Hospital of Harbin Medical University,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital,and Sichuan Maternal and Child Health Hospital)were randomly divided into a training group(339 cases)and an internal validation group(85 cases)according to an 8∶2 randomization,while the cases from the other clinical center(Fuling Hospital of Chongqing University)were selected as the external validation group(77 cases),and the pathological diagnosis was used as the “gold standard”.Univariate and multifactorial logistic regression analyses were performed on the ultrasound characteristics of the training group to screen the independent predictors associated with ovarian carcinogenesis,and to formulate the stratification rules for the 4 types of masses in O-RADS. The ROC curve of this stratification method was plotted and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated,and it was validated in the internal validation group and the external validation group;and the diagnostic accuracy was compared with that of the 2022 version of O-RADS.Results:Univariate logistic analysis showed that cysts with solid components,≥ 4 papillary projections,smooth inner wall of the cyst,color flow score ≥ 3 points,and acoustic shadowing were independent predictors of ovarian cancer(all P < 0.05);while multifactorial logistic analysis showed that cysts with a solid component and a color flow score ≥3 points were independent risk factors of ovarian cancer(all P < 0.05),and smooth cyst walls and acoustic shadows were independent protective factors(all P < 0.05).The diagnostic accuracies of the modified training group,internal validation group,and external validation group were 73.7%,68.2%,70.1%,respectively,which were significantly higher than the diagnostic accuracies of the 2022 version of the O-RADS(38.9%,37.6%,33.8%)(all P < 0.05).The diagnostic sensitivity,specificity and AUC of the training group were 0.871,0.652,0.762,respectively,while the internal validation group were 0.844,0.585,0.714,and 0.846,0.627,0.737 in the external validation group. Conclusions:Improvement of the 2022 version of O-RADS category 4 using ultrasound features may improve the identification of benign and malignant ovarian-adnexal tumors.

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