1.Research progress on the intervention of sarcopenia with traditional Chinese medicine based on the AMPK signaling pathway
Wenyu FAN ; Bairong HUANG ; Congmin HONG ; Yan CHEN ; Jiayin WANG ; Jing GAO ; Xiaodong FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1229-1235
arcopenia is a systemic skeletal muscle disorder characterized by a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and progressive decline in function, with multiple signaling pathways involved in its occurrence and development. Among them, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, as a key pathway regulating cellular energy homeostasis, plays an important role in the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism and functional maintenance by improving abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism, balancing skeletal muscle protein synthesis and degradation, improving mitochondrial function, promoting autophagy, and inhibiting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. This article reviews the research progress on how various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids; various traditional Chinese medicine extracts, such as those from Lycium barbarum , Asini Corii Colla, and Panax quinquefolium , and TCM compounds, such as Guiqi zhuangjin decoction, Jianpi qiangji granules, and Qigu capsules, intervene in sarcopenia by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway to promote muscle protein synthesis, inhibit protein degradation, improve mitochondrial function, and alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, their molecular mechanisms are explored. The aim is to deeply elucidate the basis of TCM in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia and to provide theoretical support for the development of related innovative drugs.
2.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
3.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
4.Consideration of Health Economics Evidence in Clinical Practice Guidelines: Methods and Steps
Dongrui PENG ; Qi ZHOU ; Xufei LUO ; Zijun WANG ; Hui LIU ; Junxian ZHAO ; Jinghong HUANG ; Hongyu HU ; Xin XING ; Jing WU ; Shitong XIE ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):862-870
Health economics evidence plays an important role in linking clinical value evidence with health resource allocation decisions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. It can not only effectively balance clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility but also avoid forming "idealized" recommendations that are detached from the affordability of the healthcare system or the burden-bearing capacity of patients. To promote guideline developers to use health economics evidence more standardizedly and fully, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application status, existing challenges, access channels, and application processes of health economics evidence in current guidelines, and on this basis, puts forward considerations and suggestions for strengthening and standardizing the application of health economics evidence in China's clinical practice guidelines.
5.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
6.Establishment of HPLC characteristic chromatograms and content determination of nine constituents for Yixin Fumai Granules
Xin-ru CHI ; Zheng-wei CHEN ; Jie LI ; Ai-ying WU ; Li-hua YIN ; Hong-bing LIU ; Jing-guang LU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):1-6
AIM To establish the HPLC characteristic chromatograms for Yixin Fumai Granules,and to determine the contents of sodium danshensu,protocatechualdehyde,chlorogenic acid,calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,ferulic acid,rosalinic acid,salvianolic acid A,salvianolic acid B,schisandrol A.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 35 ℃ thermostatic Acutfex PA-C18 column(4.6 mm ×250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 210,250,280,320 nm.Subsequently,cluster analysis and principal component analysis were performed.RESULTS There were 11 characteristic peaks in the characteristic chromatograms for 15 batches of samples with the similarities of more than 0.980.Nine constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 6),whose average recoveries were 97.60%-107.02%with the RSDs of 0.78%-1.87%.Various batches of samples were clustered into 4 categories,2 principal components demonstrated the accumulative variance contribution rate of 89.454%.CONCLUSION This sensitive and reproducible method can provide a reference for the quality evaluation and control of Yixin Fumai Granules.
7.Chemical constituents from the buds of Aralia chinensis var.nuda and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities
Juan WANG ; Yuan YUAN ; Peng-cheng YIN ; Shao-hua LI ; Shuai CHEN ; Hai-shan QIAN ; Hong-fang LI ; Hong-ping HE ; Bao-jing LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):101-107
AIM To study the chemical constituents from the buds of Aralia chinensis L.var.nuda Nakai and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities.METHODS The 70%ethanol extract from the buds of A.chinensis var.nuda was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,ODS and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their anti-inflammatory activities in vitro were evaluated by RAW264.7 model.RESULTS Sixteen compounds were isolated and identified as 4-(2,2-dibutoxyethyl)phenol(1),trans-linalool-3,7-oxide-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(2),2'-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoyl)glyceryl β-D-galactopyranoside(3),quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(3'→ O-3''')quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside(4),syringaresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(5),p-hydroxybenzaldehyde(6),7α-hydroxystigmasterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(7),trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid methyl ester(8),funingensin A(9),3,4-dihydroxy-acetophenone(10),N-acetyltyramine(11),3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid(12),chlorogenic acid(13),aralia cerebroside(14),caffeic acid methyl ester(15),tetradecanoic acid(16).The IC50values of compounds 8,10,12 and 13 were(22.19±1.59),(35.25±1.30),(13.38±0.72),(15.73±1.16)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compound 1 is a new compound,2-13 are isolated from genus Aralia for the first time.Compounds 8,10,12,13 exhibit significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activities.
8.Meta-analysis of risk factors of hospitalization infections in patients with multiple myeloma after chemotherapy
Yuelin WANG ; Yunlan JIANG ; Le LI ; Hong CHEN ; Jing WANG ; Mengjie ZHANG ; Xiaoyu BAI ; Senlin WU
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(6):30-34,94
Objective To systematically evaluate influence factors hospitalization infections in multiple myeloma(MM)patients after chemotherapy.Methods Computer searches were conducted on relevant literature in CNKI,China Biology Medicine disc,VIP,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Library and CINAHL from the database inception until December 16,2024.Two researchers independently screened and assessed the quality of the literature,obtained the necessary information,and a Meta-analysis of risk factors was conducted by using RevMan 5.4 software.Results 19 articles were included in total.Meta-analysis results showed that high body mass index,length of stay,smoking history,Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)score,granulocyte deficiency,neutropenia,Durie-Salmon stage,international staging system(ISS)stage and combined with diabetes,renal insufficiency,anemia,hypoalbuminemia were the risk factors for hospitalization infections in patients with MM after chemotherapy(P<0.05).Conclusion This study provides a reference for intervening in the risk factors of hospitalization infections in MM patients after chemotherapy.Medical staff should prevent infections early based on relevant factors,identify high-risk populations,and maximize the protection of patient health outcomes and good prognosis.
9.Analysis of iodine nutritional status monitoring results of children aged 8 - 10 and pregnant women in Xining City, Qinghai Province
Xun CHEN ; Mingjun WANG ; Hongting SHEN ; Jinmei ZHANG ; Yanan LI ; Peichun GAN ; Lansheng HU ; Shenghua CAI ; Hong JIANG ; Peizhen YANG ; Jing MA ; Huizhen YU ; Xianya MENG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(2):124-127
Objective:To investigate the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8 - 10 and pregnant women in Xining City, Qinghai Province.Methods:From 2019 to 2021, a stratified cluster sampling method was used to divide 7 counties (districts) under the jurisdiction of Xining City, Qinghai Province into 5 sampling areas according to east, west, south, north, and center each year. One township (town, street) was selected from each area. Forty non boarding students aged 8 to 10 from each primary school (half male and half female, age balanced) and 20 pregnant women from each township (town, street) location were selected to collect edible salt samples at home and a random urine sample to measure salt iodine and urinary iodine level. B-ultrasound was used to measure thyroid volume in children and the goiter rate was calculated.Results:A total of 6 534 samples of household edible salt were collected from children and pregnant women, with an average salt iodine concentration of 25.58 mg/kg. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 97.50% (6 371/6 534), and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 89.46% (5 845/6 534). A total of 4 362 urine samples were collected from children, with a median urinary iodine level of 183.10 μg/L. The difference between different years was statistically significant ( H = 20.27, P < 0.001). A total of 2 169 urine samples were collected from pregnant women, with a median urinary iodine level of 168.90 μg/L. The difference between different years was statistically significant ( H = 107.09, P < 0.001). A total of 3 336 cases of thyroid gland examination were conducted in children, including 33 cases of thyroid enlargement, with a goiter rate of 0.99%. There was a statistically significant difference between different years (χ 2 = 15.00, P < 0.001). Conclusion:From 2019 to 2021, children aged 8 to 10 and pregnant women in Xining City are at an appropriate level of iodine, and the achievements in prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders still need to be continuously consolidated.
10.Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in patients with recurrent pericarditis
Shuang SUN ; Mei ZHAO ; Yuxia CUI ; Jing SONG ; Jiangtian CHEN ; Hong CHEN ; Junxian SONG
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(7):769-775
Objective:To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with recurrent pericarditis.Methods:This observational study consecutively recruited patients with recurrent pericarditis who were hospitalized at Peking University People′s Hospital between January 2017 and February 2024. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were collected and summarized during follow-up.Results:A total of 8 recurrent pericarditis patients including 3 males were included, with an age of 34.0 (22.0, 39.5) years. In terms of clinical features, all patients presented with acute-onset severe chest pain, accompanied by fever in 7 and an audible pericardial friction rub in 2 patients. Electrocardiogram showed no diffuse ST-segment elevation or PR-segment depression in any patient. Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion in all cases, with extensive fibrinous exudate and transient pericardial thickening observed in 6 patients. CT identified concurrent pleural and/or peritoneal effusions in 6 patients. All patients exhibited marked elevations in C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and D-dimer levels. Whole-exome sequencing identified MEFV gene mutations associated with familial Mediterranean fever in 3 cases. Two patients developed cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis, which revealed hemorrhagic effusion. In the aspect of treatment outcomes, the time from recurrence to first confirmed diagnosis of recurrent pericarditis of this cohort was 14.5 (13.3, 19.5) d. Upon diagnosis, all patients promptly received standard anti-inflammatory therapy with ibuprofen and colchicine, achieving rapid relief. However, during a follow-up of 12.0 (6.0, 25.3) months, 3 patients experienced recurrence, and 2 developed transient constrictive pericarditis.Conclusion:Patients with recurrent pericarditis typically exhibit characteristic clinical presentations, laboratory abnormalities, imaging findings and potential genetic associations. Although standard anti-inflammatory therapy demonstrates favorable short-term efficacy, long-term management remains challenging due to the risks of recurrence and progression to constrictive pericarditis.

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