1.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
2.Association of personality and sleep quality with psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):65-69
Objective:
To explore the effects of personality and sleep quality with psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents, so as to provide a reference basis for precise interventions of junior and senior high school students mental health.
Methods:
In October 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to select 9 034 students aged 12-17 from Shiyan City as the study subjects. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) were used to collect information on sleep quality and psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents. Between group comparison was conducted by using t-test and Chi-square test. Generalized linear models were employed to analyze the interaction and joint effects of personality and sleep quality on psychological distress.
Results:
The generalized linear model analysis showed that the interaction between personality and sleep quality on psychological distress was statistically significant of junior and senior high school students(effect size=0.80, P <0.01). The general linear model analysis indicated that, after adjusting for variables such as age, gender, screen time, and daily sitting time with the extroverted and good sleep quality group as the reference, the introverted and poor sleep quality group had the largest mean difference in psychological distress scores (difference=0.51, P <0.05). When stratified by sleep quality, psychological distress scores were higher in the introverted and neutral personality groups with both poor and good sleep quality compared to the extroverted group (poor sleep quality: introverted difference=3.71, neutral difference=1.14; good sleep quality: introverted difference=2.23, neutral difference=0.57, all P < 0.05). When stratified by personality, psychological distress scores were higher in the poor sleep quality groups for introverted, neutral, and extroverted individuals compared to their good sleep quality counterparts (differences=8.66, 7.83, 7.34, all P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
Personality and sleep quality have interactive and joint effects on psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents. Personalized psychological interventions should be developed based on personality and sleep quality.
3.The hypolipidemic function and hepatic protective effects of Xuetong capsules
Lin HE ; Yanqiong CHENG ; Juanjuan ZHAO ; Huilan LU ; Jun YANG ; Fangjian CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):289-295
Objective To investigate the effects of Xuetong capsule on blood lipids and liver lesion in hyperlipidemic model animals. Methods Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups. The normal control group was fed with normal diet, the other groups were fed with high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. After four weeks feeding, the three groups were given low, middle, and high doses of Xuetong capsules (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg) by gavage, and the positive drug control group was given atorvastatin calcium (1.5 mg/kg) by gavage. The model group was given solvent (0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium). After treatment for 8 weeks, the body weight, organ index, blood lipids, blood glucose and liver function index were measured. The liver oil red staining was used to determine the lipid droplet content, and quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Results The body weight, the weight of liver and spleen were significantly increased by high-fat diet. High-fat diet increased the organ indexes of the liver and spleen, the degree of liver oil red staining, and also significantly increased the levels of glucose, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum. Compared with the model group, the level of TG has no significant change in low, middle and high doses groups. The level of CHOL in serum was reduced by Xuetong capsule with a dose dependent manner. There were significant difference between the model group and middle, high doses groups. The results of LDL-C were similar, the level of LDL-C was significantly reduced by middle and high doses groups [middle dose (0.55±0.21) mmol/L, high dose (0.52±0.22) mmol/L vs (0.81±0.29) mmol/L in model group, P<0.05]. Compared with the normal control, there was no significant difference in HDL-C levels between the high-fat model and each drug-treated group. Liver function showed that Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the degree of liver oil red staining and decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) induced by high-fat diet. The body weight, the weight and organ indexes of liver and spleen were significantly reduced by positive drug control group. The levels of CHOL, LDL-C, and TG, and the degree of liver oil red staining were also significantly reduced in positive drug control group. Further studies have shown that high dose of Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by high-fat diet (P<0.05), while the reduction of IL-1β was not so significant (P>0.05). Conclusion Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the body weight of animals with high fat, liver size, fat deposition, inflammatory damage and also significantly reduced blood lipid CHOL and LDL-C levels and transaminase elevation. The above effects may be related to Xuetong capsules reducing the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver.
4.The hypolipidemic function and hepatic protective effects of Xuetong capsules
Lin HE ; Yanqiong CHENG ; Juanjuan ZHAO ; Huilan LU ; Jun YANG ; Fangjian CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):289-295
Objective To investigate the effects of Xuetong capsule on blood lipids and liver lesion in hyperlipidemic model animals. Methods Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups. The normal control group was fed with normal diet, the other groups were fed with high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. After four weeks feeding, the three groups were given low, middle, and high doses of Xuetong capsules (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg) by gavage, and the positive drug control group was given atorvastatin calcium (1.5 mg/kg) by gavage. The model group was given solvent (0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium). After treatment for 8 weeks, the body weight, organ index, blood lipids, blood glucose and liver function index were measured. The liver oil red staining was used to determine the lipid droplet content, and quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Results The body weight, the weight of liver and spleen were significantly increased by high-fat diet. High-fat diet increased the organ indexes of the liver and spleen, the degree of liver oil red staining, and also significantly increased the levels of glucose, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum. Compared with the model group, the level of TG has no significant change in low, middle and high doses groups. The level of CHOL in serum was reduced by Xuetong capsule with a dose dependent manner. There were significant difference between the model group and middle, high doses groups. The results of LDL-C were similar, the level of LDL-C was significantly reduced by middle and high doses groups [middle dose (0.55±0.21) mmol/L, high dose (0.52±0.22) mmol/L vs (0.81±0.29) mmol/L in model group, P<0.05]. Compared with the normal control, there was no significant difference in HDL-C levels between the high-fat model and each drug-treated group. Liver function showed that Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the degree of liver oil red staining and decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) induced by high-fat diet. The body weight, the weight and organ indexes of liver and spleen were significantly reduced by positive drug control group. The levels of CHOL, LDL-C, and TG, and the degree of liver oil red staining were also significantly reduced in positive drug control group. Further studies have shown that high dose of Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by high-fat diet (P<0.05), while the reduction of IL-1β was not so significant (P>0.05). Conclusion Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the body weight of animals with high fat, liver size, fat deposition, inflammatory damage and also significantly reduced blood lipid CHOL and LDL-C levels and transaminase elevation. The above effects may be related to Xuetong capsules reducing the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver.
5.Analysis of oral health status and knowledge, attitude and practice intervention effects among third grade primary school students in Guizhou Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):945-949
Objective:
To evaluate oral health status and knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among third grade primary school students after the implementation of the Comprehensive Intervention Project for Childhood Oral Diseases in Guizhou Province, so as to provide evidence for program optimization.
Methods:
Using a multistage cluster sampling method, oral examinations and questionnaire surveys were conducted among third grade primary school students in schools covered by the Comprehensive Intervention Project for Childhood Oral Diseases in Guizhou Province (intervention group, n =1 030) and schools not covered by the program (control group, n =1 130) in November 2023. A follow up survey was conducted one year after the project s implementation (December 2024) to evaluate the differences in oral health status and KAP between the two groups. The t-test and χ 2 test were used to compare means and rates, respectively.
Results:
One year after implementation, the permanent caries prevalence, caries filling ratio, mean dmft/DMFT, and mean simplified debris index in the intervention group were 33.3%, 22.3 %, 3.44±3.10, 0.77±0.56, which were all better than those in the control group (39.8%, 17.3%, 3.89±2.85, and 0.87± 0.63 ) ( χ 2/ t =9.87, 8.78, -2.59, -3.91,all P <0.05). After intervention, the levels of oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviors in the intervention group were better than those in the control group ( Z =7.69, 2.35, 2.10, all P <0.05). Except for the item "fluoride has no protective effect on teeth", the correct response rates of other oral health knowledge items in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group ( χ 2=3.92-163.94, all P <0.05). The reported rates of tooth brushing related behaviors and sugary beverage consumption were higher in the intervention group than in the control group ( χ 2=4.02-11.42,all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The Comprehensive Intervention Project for Childhood Oral Diseases improves children s oral health status, oral health knowledge, and some oral health behaviors, but has limited effects on some behaviors and oral health attitudes. Future efforts should focus on the factors influencing the transformation of children s oral health attitudes and behaviors, along with strengthening long term follow up evaluations.
6.Extraction process optimization and quality control of Xuetong capsules
Fangjian CHEN ; Juanjuan ZHAO ; Kanti YE ; Yuxin SUN ; Jiyong LIU ; Jun YANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(2):82-86
Objective To optimize the extraction process of Xuetong capsules and establish its quality control method. Methods The extraction process was optimized by orthogonal experiment using ethanol reflux method to investigate the effects of different factors on diphenylstilbene, aloin and extraction yield. The content of 5 anthraquinone compounds in Xuetong capsule was determined by HPLC. Results The optimal extraction process was to add 10 times ethanol, with an ethanol concentration of 70%, and extract 3 times, each time for 1 h; 5 components had a good linear relationship with peak area within a certain concentration range, r>0.999 7; The range of sample recovery rate was 93.66%-96.85%, RSD range of 1.48%-1.66%. The content determination results of the 5 components in three batches of Xuetong capsules were (0.632-0.641), (0.660-0.681), (1.968-1.991), (2.547-2.580), and (1.076-1.101) mg/g. Conclusion The method was accurate, reproducible, and highly feasible, which could be references for producing and improving the quality control standards of Xuetong capsules.
7.Effect of Wulao Qisun Prescription on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of AS Fibroblasts by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Juanjuan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG ; Zhendong WANG ; Haolin LI ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuping YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Jin SU ; Jingjing SONG ; Dongsheng LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):67-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group, low drug-containing serum group, medium drug-containing serum group, high drug-containing serum group, and positive drug group. After drug intervention, cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, β-catenin, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05). The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect (P<0.01). The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN, OPN, and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts, thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression, further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.
8.Analysis of the risk of class clustering of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis from Xiamen City in 2023
LIN Yuedong, GUO Zhinan, WENG Mantian, CHEN Juanjuan, ZHANG Yidun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1792-1795
Objective:
To explore the intra class transmission pattern of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) among students, so as to provide a basis for formulating precise prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
The data of AHC students in 2023 was obtained from the teacher-student health information module of the "Xiamen i-Education" platform. Taking the onset date from January 1st to December 31st, 2023 as the search criteria, the epidemiological data of confirmed AHC cases among students in the whole city in 2023 was collected. And the Knox test method was employed to quantify cluster risk at the class level. Subgroup comparisons were conducted to examine differences in cluster risk between academic stages and gender combinations. Cross analysis was performed to investigate the interactive effects of two characteristics on cluster risk.
Results:
In 2023, 708 cases of AHC students were reported in Xiamen, among which 54 class clustered outbreaks were identified. These outbreaks accounted for 40.54% of total cases. Among them, the incidence of class clustered outbreaks with male first onset cases was higher than that with female first onset cases ( χ 2=4.55, P <0.05). The class cluster risk was at a relatively high level within the incubation period (0-2 d) after AHC onset ( RR =4.61-6.43, P <0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that female-female case pairs had a higher class cluster risk ( RR = 4.81- 10.29) compared to other gender combinations ( P <0.05). Primary school case pairs showed a higher risk ( RR =4.60-6.77) than middle school case pairs ( RR =3.85-4.57) (both P <0.05). Cross analysis indicated that primary school and female-female combinations had a higher risk ( RR =4.70-11.24) than other combinations, while middle school and male-female combinations showed a positive interaction ( RR =3.68-6.68)(both P <0.05).
Conclusions
AHC infection among students is primarily transmitted within classes. Gender and educational stage are key demographic factors influencing class cluster transmission risks. Transmission risks should be assessed by analyzing population characteristics and contact patterns, and targeted interventions should be implemented.
9.Expression of miR-125a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with latent mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and its significance
Hongqian LIU ; Rong LIU ; Juanjuan CHEN ; Lingling WU ; Chengjun WANG ; Tai JIU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(6):1661-1669
Objective:To discuss the differential expression of microRNA(miR)-125a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)of the patients with mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)infection and its effect on macrophage polarization,and to clarify its clinical significance.Methods:A total of 40 patients with active tuberculosis(ATB)(ATB group),35 patients with latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)(LTBI group),and 40 healthy physical examinees(control group)clinically diagnosed from July 2022 to June 2023 were selected.The fasting blood samples of the subjects in three groups were collected next morning after 12 h of fasting,and then serum was separated.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in the serum of the subjects in various groups.Simultaneously,the PBMCs were extracted from the subjects in various groups;flow cytometry was used to detect the expression levels of CD80 and CD206 proteins in the PBMCs of the subjects in various groups;real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression levels of microRNA(miR)-125a-5p and interleukin-6(IL-6)mRNA in PBMCs of the subjects in various groups.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the general information of the subjects among three groups(P>0.05).Compared with control group,the erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),percentages of monocytes(MONO),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels,and interleukin-10(IL-10)levels in serum of the patients in ATB group and LTBI group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the percentages of lymphocytes(LY)were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with ATB group,the ESR and level of IL-10 in serum of the patients in LTBI group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the percentage of LY was significantly increased(P<0.05);there were statistically significant differences in the counts of white blood cell(WBC)of the subjects among various groups(P>0.05).The flow cytometry results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of CD80 and CD206 proteins in PBMCs of the patients in ATB group and LTBI group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with ATB group,the expression level of CD206 protein in the PBMCs of the patients in LTBI group was significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression level of CD80 protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of miR-125a-5p and IL-6 mRNA in the PBMCs of the patients in ATB group and LTBI group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with ATB group,the expression levels of miR-125a-5p and IL-6 mRNA in PBMCs of the patients in LTBI group were significantly increased(P<0.05).The correlation analysis results showed that the miR-125a-5p expression level was positively correlated with the TNF-α level and IL-6 mRNA expression level(r=0.406,P<0.05;r=0.351,P<0.05),and negatively correlated with the IL-10 level(r=-0.368,P<0.05).The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)value of miR-125a-5p expression level for diagnosing LTBI patients was 0.89(P<0.01),with a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.88.Conclusion:The expression level of miR-125a-5p in PBMCs of the patients in LTBI group is significantly increased,and it can affect the macrophage polarization to M1,promote the inflammatory response process of macrophages and participate in the occurrence and development of pulmonary tuberculosis.
10.Study on the Mechanism of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction in Treating Vascular Dementia and the Exploration on Susceptibility Genes Based on Whole Exome Sequencing Technology
Huiwen YANG ; Juanjuan YANG ; Zhiqiang HAO ; Liangliang CHEN ; Yanfang SHEN ; Peifeng WEI ; Feng MIAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):134-141
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction in the treatment of vascular dementia(VD);To explore its mechanism and the VD susceptibility genesby using whole exome sequencing.Methods A total of 75 patients with VD who were hospitalized or received outpatient treatment at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine were included.They were divided into the control group(37 cases,treated with conventional Western medicine)and the experimental group(38 cases,treated with conventional Western medicine+Jiawei Dihuang Decoction)using random number table method.The treatment course was 3 months.The general data,TCM syndrome scores,MMSE scores,ADL scores,Blessed scores and adverse reactions of the two groups were compared.Peripheral blood samples from 36 patients with kidney-yin deficiency type VD were selected for whole exome sequencing.Susceptible genes were screened,and the targets of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction were analyzed by network pharmacology.A"drug-gene"network was constructed,and key pathways were enriched.Results There was no statistical significance in the baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05),and they were comparable.Compared with before treatment,the MMSE scores of patients in both groups significantly increased after treatment,while TCM syndrome scores and ADL scores significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the TCM syndrome scores,MMSE scores,ADL scores and clinical efficacy of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the Blessed score showed that the experimental group had more advantages in improving the patients'living ability and daily habits(P<0.05).No adverse reactions were observed in both groups during the treatment period.A total of 1 250 744 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)loci and 37 314 insertion and deletion(InDel)loci were detected by whole exome sequencing.After screening,3 041 VD susceptibility genes were obtained.It was found that they were involved in biological processes such as the response to nutrient levels,positive regulation of the MAPK cascade,vascular processes in the circulatory system,the response to nutrients,etc.And enriched in PI3K-Akt,cholinergic/glutamatergic synapses,lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis pathways.The potential targets of 854 of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction were intersected with the susceptibility genes to obtain 353 common targets.The top 10 key genes were analyzed and found to be involved in positive regulation of cytosine-serine phosphorylation,miRNA-mediated gene silencing regulation,and the response of cells to decreased oxygen levels,etc.They were enriched in PI3K-Akt,lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathways.Conclusion Jiawei Dihuang Decoction can alleviate the symptoms of patients with VD,protect cognitive function,enhance their ability of daily living,and has good safety profile.Its mechanism may involve regulating susceptibility genes through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and lipid atherosclerosis signaling pathway,and improving lipid metabolism,inflammatory response and oxidative stress.


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