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.Impact of digital fitting of orthokeratology on decentration and corneal aberration
Jun CAI ; Wenjia CAO ; Haoxi CHEN ; Jiaqian ZHANG ; Juanjuan WU ; Di SHEN ; Wei WEI
International Eye Science 2025;25(11):1893-1898
AIM: To investigate the decentration of the treatment zone(TZ)and the early impact on corneal higher-order aberrations(HOAs)induced by orthokeratology(OK)lenses fitted with digital corneal topography.METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal clinical study was conducted on 28 patients(28 right eyes)who were digitally fitted with OK lenses at the Laser Vision Center of Xi'an No.1 Hospital since 2023. Longitudinal measurements were taken at baseline, 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo post-treatment to assess changes in TZ diameter, decentration magnitude and direction. Furthermore, changes in corneal HOAs were observed, and correlations of decentration with each HOAs were also analyzed.RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 10.29±2.00 years, with 15 males and 13 females, and the average baseline spherical equivalent was -2.92±0.94 D. The average TZ diameters at 1 wk, 1, and 3 mo were 3.64±0.58, 3.83±0.57, and 3.69±0.55 mm, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between 1 wk and 3 mo. Horizontal decentration values were -0.43±0.28, -0.38±0.33, and -0.31±0.37 mm after wearing lenses for 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo, respectively, while vertical decentration values were -0.33±0.20, -0.33±0.23, and -0.36±0.23 mm across the same time points. The TZ consistently decentered inferotemporally, and changes in both horizontal and vertical decentration over time were not statistically significant(Fhorizontal=1.416, Phorizontal=0.252; Fvertical=0.126, Pvertical=0.882). Significant increases in total corneal HOAs, coma, and spherical aberration were observed at 5 mm optical zone post-wear(F=45.695, 33.401, and 45.091, all P<0.001). Vertical decentration at 1 wk and 1 mo was negatively correlated with total HOAs and coma(all P<0.05), while horizontal decentration at 3 mo showed a weak negative correlation with spherical aberration(P=0.037).CONCLUSION: Digitally-fitted OK lenses achieved stable TZ diameter by 1 wk post-wear, with minor inferotemporal decentration. Early post-wear corneal total HOAs, coma and sphercal aberration increased significantly, and vertical downward decentration was associated with elevated total HOAs and coma. However, correlations between decentration and HOAs weakened by 3 mo.
4.Efficacy of internal limiting membrane flap technique and simple internal limiting membrane peeling in the treatment of idiopathic macular hole
Lili CHEN ; Dingding WANG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Shu ZHOU
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):2017-2021
AIM: To explore the efficacy of internal limiting membrane(ILM)flap technique and simple ILM peeling in the treatment of idiopathic macular hole(IMH)and related influencing factors.METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on totally 32 patients(35 eyes)with IMH who received surgery at our department from January 2023 to November 2024. All the patients simultaneously received phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation, and they were divided into study group(19 eyes)and control group(16 eyes), with ILM flap technique and simple ILM peeling received in the two groups, respectively. The closure situation of macular hole, best corrected vision acuity(BCVA), and macular structure were observed in the two groups of patients. Furthermore, the correlation of BCVA and healing type of macular hole at the last time of follow-up with each parameter was analyzed.RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the two groups of patients in preoperative general characteristics(all P>0.05). At the last time of follow-up, the macular hole was heeled in both groups, with 7 eyes of U-shaped heeling, 6 eyes of V-shaped heeling, and 6 eyes of irregular heeling in the study group, and with 13 eyes of U-shaped of heeling, 1 eye of V-shaped heeling and 2 eyes of irregular heeling in the control group(χ2=7.167, P=0.028). The postoperative BCVA was better than preoperative level(all P<0.05), there were no statistical significant differences between the two groups of patients in macular choroidal thickness before and after surgery(P>0.05), but the macular retinal thickness of the study group was thinner than that of the control group(168.11±92.11 vs 235.56±92.18 μm, P=0.03). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that BCVA at the last time of follow-up was positively correlated with the preoperative minimum diameter(r=0.476, P<0.05)and the diameter hole index(r=0.361, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with traction hole index(r=-0.364, P=0.031); Keendall correlation analysis showed that the postoperative closure types positively correlated with the basal diameter(τ=0.296, P=0.029), minimum diameter(τ=0.366, P=0.007), and visual acuity at the last time of follow-up(τ=0.412, P=0.003), while negatively correlated with macular hole index(τ=-0.415, P=0.002)and traction hole index(τ=-0.511, P<0.01). During the follow-up period, neither group of patients experienced postoperative complications.CONCLUSION: Both ILM flap technique and simple ILM peeling are safe and effective in treating IMH. As the smaller the basal diameter and minimum diameter of the macular hole, the larger the macular hole index and traction hole index, the probability of U-shaped heeling after surgery is greater and the visual acuity is better.
5.Research progress on ferroptosis mediated by microglia in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.
Tao GUO ; Hanjun ZUO ; Xianfeng KUANG ; Shukun ZHANG ; Bolin CHEN ; Lixing LUO ; Xiao YANG ; Zhao WANG ; Juanjuan LI
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(6):552-558
In hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD), the programmed cell death known as ferroptosis is significantly activated. Microglial cells demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to iron accumulation. Understanding how to regulate the dual role of microglia and transforming the microglial ferroptosis to a moderate and controllable process has considerable implications for the targeted treatment in HIBD. This paper serves as an overview of microglia-mediated ferroptosis in HIBD as a disease model. We discuss various aspects centered around microglia, including pathophysiological mechanisms, polarization and functions of microglia, molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, signaling pathways, and therapeutic strategies. The review aims to provide a reference for studies of ferroptosis in microglia.
Microglia/physiology*
;
Ferroptosis/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/pathology*
;
Signal Transduction
6.USP20 as a super-enhancer-regulated gene drives T-ALL progression via HIF1A deubiquitination.
Ling XU ; Zimu ZHANG ; Juanjuan YU ; Tongting JI ; Jia CHENG ; Xiaodong FEI ; Xinran CHU ; Yanfang TAO ; Yan XU ; Pengju YANG ; Wenyuan LIU ; Gen LI ; Yongping ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Fenli ZHANG ; Ying YANG ; Bi ZHOU ; Yumeng WU ; Zhongling WEI ; Yanling CHEN ; Jianwei WANG ; Di WU ; Xiaolu LI ; Yang YANG ; Guanghui QIAN ; Hongli YIN ; Shuiyan WU ; Shuqi ZHANG ; Dan LIU ; Jun-Jie FAN ; Lei SHI ; Xiaodong WANG ; Shaoyan HU ; Jun LU ; Jian PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4751-4771
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.
7.Gastrodin inhibits ferroptosis to alleviate hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal mice by activating GPX4/SLC7A11/FTH1 signaling.
Tao GUO ; Bolin CHEN ; Jinsha SHI ; Xianfeng KUANG ; Tengyue YU ; Song WEI ; Xiong LIU ; Rong XIAO ; Juanjuan LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2071-2081
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the therapeutic effect of gastrodin against hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in neonatal mice and explore the role of GPX4/SLC7A11/FTH1 signaling in mediating its effect.
METHODS:
Twenty-four 9- to 11-day-old C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into 4 groups for sham operation, HIBD modeling by right common carotid artery ligation and subsequent exposure to hypoxia for 1 h, or gastrodin treatment at 100 or 200 mg/kg before and at 1 and 2 days after modeling. The mice then underwent neurological assessment (Zea-Longa scores), and the cerebral cortical penumbra tissue were collected for HE and Nissl staining, detection of ferroptosis biomarkers and protein expressions of GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 with Western blotting and immunofluorescence co-localization, and observation of mitochondrial ultrastructure with electron microscopy. In cultured HT22 neuronal cells with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 2 h, the effects of pretreatments with 0.5 mmol/L gastrodin, 10 μmol/L RSL3 (a GPX4 inhibitor), alone or in combination, were analyzed on expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins, cellular Fe²⁺, ROS, lipid peroxidation, MDA, and GSH levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1), and cell viability.
RESULTS:
Gastrodin treatment at the two doses both significantly ameliorated HIBD and neurological deficits of the mice, reduced mitochondrial damage and Fe²⁺, MDA and ROS levels, increased GSH level, and upregulated GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions. In HT22 cells, gastrodin pretreatment obviously attenuated OGD-induced ferroptosis and improved cell viability and mitochondrial function. Co-treatment with RSL3 potently abrogated the inhibitory effects of gastrodin on Fe²⁺, ROS, BODIPY-C11, and MDA levels and attenuated its protective effects on GSH level, cell viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential.
CONCLUSIONS
Gastrodin provides neuroprotective effects in neonatal mice with HIBD by suppressing neuronal ferroptosis via upregulating the GPX4/SLC7A11/FTH1 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/drug therapy*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Glucosides/pharmacology*
;
Animals, Newborn
;
Benzyl Alcohols/pharmacology*
;
Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism*
8.Quality assessment of guidelines/consensuses on traditional Chinese medicine/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Ruimin JIAO ; Jingjie ZHAO ; Juanjuan LI ; Wei CHEN ; Chaoru HAN ; Li LI ; Chunjun XU ; Hong YOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):446-452
ObjectiveTo evaluate the methodological quality and reporting quality of published guidelines/consensuses on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to provide a basis for formulating guidelines/consensuses on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD in the future. MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and CBM and the websites of China Association of Chinese Medicine and China Association of Integrative Medicine were searched for related articles published up to September 1, 2024. Two clinical researchers independently assessed the methodological quality and reporting quality of the guidelines/consensuses on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD by using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ) and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT). ResultsA total of nine guidelines/consensuses were included after literature screening, with four guidelines and five expert consensuses. The scores of different domains assessed by AGREE Ⅱ for the nine guidelines/consensuses were as follows: scope and purpose (47.1%), stakeholder involvement (41.0%), rigor of development (21.6%), clarity of presentation (40.2%), applicability (19.0%), and editorial independence (19.6%). The recommendation level of the articles was B level (recommended after revision) for four articles and C level (not recommended) for five articles. The RIGHT assessment showed high reporting rates for “Basic Information” and “Background”, while other areas needed to be improved. Currently, there was no international standard for the guidelines/consensuses on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD, and the quality of these guidelines/consensuses needed to be enhanced to ensure comprehensiveness and credibility. ConclusionThere is still potential for improving the quality of guidelines/consensuses on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD, and AGREE Ⅱ and RIGHT checklists should be strictly followed to ensure the fairness, scientific rigor, and transparency of these guidelines/consensuses.
9.Study on the Quality of Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma Based on Intelligent Sensory Technology,HPLC and HS-SPME-GC-MS
Jialing ZHANG ; Yiyang CHEN ; Juanjuan LIU ; Liangcai WANG ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):129-136
Objective To evaluate the quality of Xi xiong(Gansu Chuanxiong)based on the combination of intelligent sensory technology,HPLC and HS-SPME-GC-MS.Methods The chromaticity values of 10 batches of Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma samples were measured using a colorimeter and clustering analysis was performed;an electronic nose was used to measure the odor of Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma,and Loadings and PCA were conducted;According to the method under the Chuanxiaong Rhizoma section of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia,the moisture,ash content and extract were determined;HPLC was used to determine the contents of ferulic acid,chlorogenic acid and ligustrazine;the volatile components were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS;the quality of Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma was evaluated by analyzing the correlation between chromaticity value,odor and active components.Results The total color value of Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma ranged from 31.210 1±1.193 7 to 43.976 3±0.721 4,at the Euclidean distance of 10,and the 10 batches of Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma could be clustered into four categories;Loadings and PCA showed that the higher contribution of sensors W2S,W5S,W2W,W1W and W1S to Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma samples,the variance contribution of the first and second principal components was 62.6%and 22.4%,respectively;water,ash and extract in 10 batches of Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma all met the standards of Chinese Pharmacopoeia;the HPLC determination results indicated that the content of ferulic acid in Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma was greater than 0.192 6%,ligustrazine content was between 0.001 2%and 0.006 1%,chlorogenic acid content was greater than 0.016 4%;HS-SPME-GC-MS results indicated 52 volatile components were identified in Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma samples,the olefin compounds were rich in species,phenyphthalide compounds had the highest relative content;the correlation analysis showed that the color values ΔL*,Δb* and ΔE showed a high degree of correlation with ferulic acid and ligusticum tecidate A.Conclusion This study clarifies the intrinsic quality of Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma and provides a theoretical basis for research on Gansu Chuanxiong Rhizoma.
10.Analysis on the TCM Syndrome Characteristics of Aging in Female Insomnia Patients
Ke NIE ; Ying CHEN ; Juanjuan AI ; Weiwei ZHONG ; Deyu YANG ; Rujin ZHENG ; Xin SONG ; Wenzheng ZHANG ; Lifeng YUE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(12):148-153
Objective To analyze the characteristics of TCM symptoms of aging in female insomnia patients;To provide syndrome differentiation evidence for clinical prevention and treatment of female aging.Methods A cross-sectional study method was used to include female insomnia patients who attended outpatient clinics at Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,Beijing Changping District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from August 2021 to July 2024.The patients'clinical information was collected,and frequency analysis,factor analysis,and clustering analysis of the relevant clinical information of the 107 female insomnia patients were conducted,which,together with the experts'opinions,resulted in characteristics of TCM syndrome elements and syndrome distribution of aging in female insomnia patients.Results Totally 20 core items were screened and 7 common factors were obtained from the factor analysis.There were 5 types of syndrome elements of disease location associated with aging symptoms in female patients with insomnia,including heart,liver,spleen,kidney and lung;and there were 7 types of syndrome elements of disease property,including qi deficiency,yin deficiency,qi stagnation,blood deficiency,heat,phlegm,and dampness.There were 4 types of syndromes were obtained from the systematic clustering,including heart-kidney disharmony syndrome,heart-liver stagnation syndrome,spleen deficiency and qi stagnation syndrome,lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome.Conclusion By analyzing the TCM syndrome characteristics of aging symptoms in female patients with insomnia,four types of syndromes are obtained.The heart-kidney disharmony syndrome is the common syndrome.The internal relationship between insomnia and aging process in female patients with insomnia is revealed from the perspective of pathogenesis,which can provide a research basis for the clinical practice of TCM anti-aging guided by syndrome differentiation and treatment in the future.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail