1.Effective Components of Epimedii Folium in Regulating Related Signaling Pathways for Treatment of Steroid-induced Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: A Review
Jingxuan CHANG ; Jinyao WU ; Meiying JIN ; Fanqi MENG ; Wenhai ZHAO ; Zhenhai CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):277-288
Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head(SANFH) is a bone and joint disease caused by prolonged and excessive steroid use. Its typical pathological features involve progressive circulatory disorders in the blood supply system of femoral head, leading to osteocyte apoptosis and bone tissue necrosis. As the disease progresses, it ultimately results in structural collapse and necrotic lesions of the femoral head, severely affecting patients' limb function and quality of life. Glucocorticoids mediate pathological damage through dual mechanisms, on the one hand, they disrupt the dynamic equilibrium between bone formation and resorption by suppressing osteoblast differentiation activity and activating osteoclastogenesis, on the other hand, they induce lipid metabolism disorders, inhibit angiogenesis, and impair endothelial cell function, thereby triggering microcirculatory disorders. Epimedii Folium and its active components exhibit multidimensional regulatory effects in SANFH prevention and treatment. Literature review reveals that it is rich in multiple active ingredients, primarily including total flavonoids of Epimedii Folium, icaritin, icariin, kaempferol, icariside Ⅱ, etc. These compounds exert multiple pharmacological effects(regulating bone metabolic homeostasis, modulating angiogenesis, correcting lipid metabolism disorders, and controlling cellular autophagy processes) through multiple signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor(TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB(OPG/RANKL/RANK), etc. Based on existing research findings, this paper systematically elucidates the intervention mechanisms of active components in Epimedii Folium on key pathological processes of SANFH through the above pathways. It also deeply analyzes their regulatory roles in key nodes of different signaling pathways, aiming to provide valuable references for future clinical treatment and experimental research.
2.Clinical Application of Harmonizing and Regulating Pivot Method in Pulmonary Fibrosis:Based on the Characteristics of Essence-Attribute-Function
Mingsheng LYU ; Hongsheng CUI ; Jia ZHU ; Weibo BI ; Ruifeng JIN ; Zhijie ZHANG ; Qiuyi CHEN ; Siyang YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):381-385
Based on the theory of "shaoyang(少阳) resembling the pivot" and collateral diseases, this article proposes that pulmonary fibrosis (PF) can be divided into three stages including wind bi (痹), constraint bi, and atrophy bi. The core pathogenesis of PF is the obstruction of the pivot and pulmonary collateral obstruction. In terms of treatment, the basic principles are to harmonize and regulate the pivot, and to promote the circulation of the lung collaterals. Depending on the different characteristics of the "essence-attribute-function", treatment methods such as harmonizing and regulating the pivot, resolving phlegm and removing stasis, supplementing deficiency and harmonizing collaterals are suggested. This approach ensures the regulation of the pivot, smooth circulation of qi and blood, unblocking of the lung collaterals and nourishing the lung body, achieving the goals of balancing the ascending and descending of qi, removing phlegm and stasis, and relieving cough and wheezing.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
5.Association of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 gene polymorphism at the rs10225396 locus with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma
Shijie LIU ; Guang JIN ; Hesong CUI ; Shuyao SUN ; Yuke LIN ; Qingsong CUI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):882-889
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) gene at rs10225396 (A>G) locus with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as its potential molecular regulatory mechanisms, and to provide novel genetic biomarkers and a theoretical basis for early screening and precise targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. MethodsA total of 192 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University and Yanbian Cancer Hospital from January 2009 to August 2016 were enrolled as experimental group, and 190 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in Physical Examination Center of Yanbian Hospital during the same period of time were enrolled as control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all subjects, and after DNA was extracted from whole blood, the DNA samples meeting quality standards were sent to Beijing Genomics Institute Research Center Co., Ltd., for Mass ARRAY mass spectrometry, while genotyping was completed. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A binary Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of the SNP of the IGFBP3 gene at rs10225396 locus with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals carrying different genotypes. ResultsThere were two alleles (G and A) at the rs10225396 locus of the IGFBP3 gene, yielding the three genotypes of AA, AG, and GG, and its genotype distribution was consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ²=0.072, P=0.789). The stratified genetic analysis showed that carriers of the IGFBP3 rs10225396 AA genotype had a significant increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among individuals of age <63 years, male sex, smoking history, drinking history, and the Chinese Korean population (all P<0.001). The binary Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for related risk factors in the codominant model, the population with genotype AG and GG had a significant reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma compared with the population with genotype AA (P<0.001), and in the dominant model, the population with genotype AG+GG had a significant reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma compared with the population with genotype AA (P<0.001). ConclusionThrough a genotyping analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and healthy individuals in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province, China, this study shows that genotype AA at rs10225396 locus of the IGFBP3 gene is significantly associated with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma, and this genotype can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma with the presence of specific risk factors, which provides a potential genetic marker for early screening and precise treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
6.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.
7.Study on Uncertainty and Scalability in Single-Analysis Salivary Peptidome Studies
Xiu-Feng FANG ; Bing-Jia CUI ; Jin-Ling XU ; Yong WANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(11):1820-1827,中插1-中插3
Nano liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry(LC-HRMS/MS)is widely used for body fluid peptidome analysis,yet the impact of replicate analyses remains overlooked.Using salivary peptidome,in this work,10 replicate analyses of the same sample were conducted.It was found that although m/z and molecular weight ranges were consistent across replicates,single runs identified only 348-576 unique peptides from 32-39 degraded proteins.Merging all replicates revealed 1237 peptides from 77 proteins,a 2.5 folds increase in peptides and 2 folds increase in proteins.Instrument stability was confirmed via intensity/retention time of 12 peptides.Merged peptides primarily derived from high-abundance proteins(e.g.,Statherin,PRP1/2).Analysis of 20 peptides showed that the some peptides were detected in single analysis but confidence varying(19%-99%),low-confidence peptides(<95%)exceeded 95%after replicate.signal intensity alone didn't determine confidence and peptides spanning the sequence region between the longest and the shortest detected fragments could be identified.The above findings suggested that single-run LC-MS peptidomics analysis carried inherent false negatives and uncertainties.However,by integrating the results of a single analysis with the mechanism of enzymatic hydrolysis for endogenous peptides,it was possible to make reasonable inferences and extrapolations regarding peptides derived from highly abundant degraded proteins.
8.Clinical efficacy of endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in older adult patients
Ming JIN ; Jinhui ZHAO ; Jiangong CUI
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(5):681-687
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-LIF) versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in older adult patients. Methods:The medical records of 120 older adult patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent surgical treatment at Tunliu Hospital, The Second People's Hospital of Changzhi from January 2021 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected. According to different surgical methods, the patients were divided into the Endo-LIF group and the MIS-TLIF group, with 60 patients in each group. Surgery-related indicators, Visual Analog Scale score, Oswestry Disability Index score, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, imaging indicators, complications, and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results:Patients in the Endo-LIF group had shorter surgery duration [(76.29 ± 8.35) minutes vs. (80.85 ± 9.15) minutes, t = -11.93, P < 0.001], less intraoperative bleeding [(31.37 ± 4.57) mL vs. (45.47 ± 6.26) mL, t = -9.66, P < 0.001], shorter postoperative bed rest duration [(1.02 ± 0.54) days vs. (2.51 ± 0.83) days, t = -5.49, P = 0.042], and shorter hospital stay [(5.25 ± 1.67) days vs. (7.43 ± 2.82) days, t = -5.16, P = 0.039] compared with the MIS-TLI group. The Endo-LIF group had more intraoperative fluoroscopy sessions [(7.62 ± 2.63) times vs. (6.91 ± 1.84) times, t = 8.53, P < 0.001] compared with the MIS-TLI group. There were no statistically significant differences in Visual Analog Scale score, Oswestry Disability Index score, or Japanese Orthopaedic Association score between the two groups before and after intervention (all P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in intervertebral height index and range of motion of the affected segments between the two groups before and after intervention (both P > 0.05). The incidence of complications did not differ significantly between the two groups ( P > 0.05). However, patient satisfaction was higher in the Endo-LIF group compared with the MIS-TLI group [91.67% (55/60) vs. 78.33% (13/60), χ2 = 4.18, P = 0.041]. Conclusions:The postoperative recovery indicators at 3 months were comparable between the Endo-LIF and MIS-TLI procedures; however, the surgical indicators for the Endo-LIF procedure were more favorable. Therefore, Endo-LIF is recommended for older adult patients with lumbar disc herniation.
9.Latent profile analysis and influencing factors of intrinsic ability among elderly patients with ischemic stroke
Shaohua YANG ; Yibei LI ; Jinyue WANG ; Yue CUI ; Jingyun HAN ; Weiwei SU ; Yizhao WANG ; Yi JIN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(31):2431-2439
Objective:To explore the potential categories of internal ability of elderly patients with ischemic stroke, identify the influencing factors and propose corresponding nursing interventions.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. From January 2025 to May 2025, the elderly patients with ischemic stroke in Tianjin Huanhu Hospital were selected by convenient sampling method. The general information questionnaire, the Internal Capacity Assessment Scale for the Older People, the Health Literacy Scale for stroke patients and the Perceived Social Support Scale were used to investigate. To determine latent categories of patients' intrinsic capacity, potential profile analysis was employed. Subsequently, multivariable Logistic regression examined factors associated with these categories.Results:A total of 260 survey questionnaires were distributed, and 256 valid questionnaires were finally collected, with an effective response rate of 98.46% (256/260). Among of them, there were 166 males and 90 females, aged 68.00 (63.00, 74.00) years.The intrinsic ability of elderly patients with ischemic stroke could be divided into three potential categories: low sensation-low exercise group (27.0%, 69/256), relatively stable intrinsic ability group (37.5%, 96/256) and low cognition-low psychology group (35.5%, 91/256). Multivariable Logistic regression showed that advanced age (compared to the low sensation-low exercise group, OR=0.902; compared to the relatively stable intrinsic ability group, OR=0.813), smoking (compared to the low sensation-low exercise group, OR=0.459; compared to the relatively stable intrinsic ability group, OR=0.442), the lower the Barthel index (compared to the low sensation-low exercise group, ≤40 points with OR=0.157; 41-60 points with OR=0.285) were more likely to enter the low cognition-low psychology group (all P<0.05); other chronic disease types ≤1 (compared to the low cognition-low psychology group, OR=2.630), higher health literacy scores (compared to the low cognition-low psychology group, OR=1.033) were more likely to enter the relatively stable intrinsic ability group (both P<0.05); and stroke frequency was the first occurrence (compared to the low cognition-low psychology group, OR=2.725) was more likely to enter the low sensation-low exercise group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:In older adults with ischemic stroke, the characteristics of intrinsic ability are clearly categorized. To enhance patient outcomes, healthcare professionals are advised to tailor nursing interventions based on the unique features and specific influencing factors associated with each potential category.
10.Exploring Mechanism of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction in the Treatment of Epilepsy Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Xin YANG ; Jin FU ; Cui JIANG ; Yinhua KAI ; Jiayi HE ; Xiangxin GUO ; Rong TIAN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):776-791
Objective To analyze the target,signal pathway and potential mechanism of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction in the treatment of epilepsy based on network pharmacology,and to verify it by molecular docking technology and animal experiments.Methods The active ingredients and drug targets of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction were screened by BATMAN and other databases.The targets of epilepsy-related diseases were obtained by GeneCards and other databases,and the intersection targets were taken.Constructing'drug-ingredient-target-disease'network and PPI network to screen the core targets.The core active ingredients were screened according to GO,KEGG functional enrichment analysis and'pathway-target-active ingredient'network.Molecular docking was used to verify the core targets and core active ingredients.In the animal experiment,the rat model of epilepsy was induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine,and 40 Wistar rats were divided into normal control group,model control group,carbamazepine group and Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction group.The seizures were observed by behavior.Nissl staining was used to observe neuronal damage in hippocampus.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of BAX,BCL-2 and Caspase-3 protein.Results A total of 1072 targets of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction were screened,1046 disease targets of epilepsy were screened,and 220 intersection targets of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction in the treatment of epilepsy were screened.The core targets AKT1,ALB,ACTB,INS and TNF of PPI network were obtained.KEGG pathway mainly involves TNF signaling pathway,IL-17 signaling pathway,cAMP signaling pathway,pathways of neurodegeneration-multiple diseases,serotonergic synapse and Dopaminergic synapse.The core active ingredients with the highest correlation in the'pathway-target-active component'network were Betulin,Ephedrine,Ergotamine and Thymol.Results of molecular docking indicated that the core target had satisfactory affinity with those active ingredients.Animal experiments showed that Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction could effectively reduce epileptic seizures in rats,improve hippocampal neuronal damage in rats,significantly reduce the percentage of neuronal apoptosis,significantly down-regulate the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and Caspase-3,and up-regulate the expression of anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2.Conclusion Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction has the characteristics of multi-component,multi-target and multi-pathway in the treatment of epilepsy.Inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and reducing hippocampal neuronal damage may be one of the important mechanisms for its treatment of epilepsy.


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