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.Efficacy and safety of hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system in treating type 1 diabetes mellitus in children
Manyun LI ; Qian DENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Xin WANG ; Jinwen NI ; Yuqing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(8):891-895
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system (CLS) in glycemic control in young children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Methods:This retrospective observational self-controlled study analyzed data from 14 children (aged 3-9 years) with T1DM treated at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Department of Anhui Provincial Children′s Hospital between August 2021 and February 2024. All the patients had undergone continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (commonly known as insulin pump therapy) with continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) for at least 4 weeks and CLS for over 6 months. Data collected included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes duration, duration of insulin pump use, baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and pre-and post-treatment glycemic metrics. Based on the duration of combined CLS therapy, groups were divided as follows: baseline (before combined CLS therapy), 0-<4 weeks, 4-<8 weeks, 8-<12 weeks, 12-<24 weeks. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA were used to compare intergroup and multigroup differences, respectively, in glycemic levels before and after hybrid CLS therapy. Results:Among the 14 pediatric patients, 8 were male and 6 were female. Their age was (6.5±0.5) year old, BMI was (16.1±1.3) kg/m2, duration of diabetes was (20.1±2.6) months, duration of CGMS insulin pump use was (13.8±2.6) months, and baseline HbA1C was (10.2±0.8)%. One-way ANOVA revealed that hybrid CLS therapy significantly improved glycemic control, compared to pre-treatment, at 6 months follow-up, the following outcomes were observed: increased time-in-range (TIR), reduced time in hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, lower HbA1C and mean glucose level, improved daytime TIR, and decreased mean glucose levels at fasting, postprandial (three meals), and bedtime (22:00), and scores on the pediatric quality of life inventory significantly increased ( F=3.16, 2.94, 2.56, 13.84, 2.36, 7.00, 40.48, 115.90, 192.50, 122.70, 75.55, t=11.00, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared to baseline insulin pump therapy, hybrid CLS improves glycemic control and quality of life in young children with T1DM, while reducing the risk of hypoglycemia over a 6-month treatment period.
3.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
4.Progress of Krüppel-like factor 5 in tumors
Yubin YANG ; Tao ZHANG ; Ruoqi WANG ; Juanjuan GUO ; Xiaoming HOU
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(9):713-716
Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) has been confirmed as a key transcription factor in the occurrence and development of tumors, which is closely related to the malignant biological behaviors such as the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. This article summarizes the latest progress of KLF5 in tumor research, explores the mechanism and role of KLF5 in promoting tumor progression, aiming to further explore the potential of KLF5 as a therapeutic target and bring new thinking to the research in this field.
5.Clinical characteristics of postoperative pneumonia patients undergoing different types of surgeries and distribution of onset time
Ran XIN ; Lei QIAO ; Shuangfeng SUN ; Yingying PAN ; Juanjuan KONG ; Hongyu WANG ; Ying YAN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(20):3074-3078
OBJECTIVE To explore the time windows for postoperative pneumonia in patients undergoing different surgeries,providing evidence-based references for optimizing infection monitoring and prevention and control strategies.METHODS Sociodemographic characteristics,clinical information and surgical details of 263 patients with postoperative pneumonia from four different types of medical institutions between Jan.2019 and Dec.2024 were retrospectively collected.The time windows for postoperative pneumonia in patients undergoing different surgeries were analyzed.RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the time windows for post-operative pneumonia among groups in terms of sociodemographic factors and underlying diseases.However,sta-tistically significant differences were observed in the time windows for postoperative pneumonia based on surgery type,incision type,surgical approach and surgery duration(P<0.05).The average time for the onset of postop-erative pneumonia in 263 patients was 2.00(1.00,7.00)days.The postoperative time windows varied for sur-geries involving different systems.The peak incidence occurred on day 0(16 cases)and day 1(17 cases)af-ter neurological surgery,while the peak incidence for digestive system and orthopedic surgeries was on day 1.The time span for the onset of pneumonia after skin surgeries was wider(0-53 days postoperatively)without a clear peak.In addition,33.33%of cardiovascular system surgery cases developed pneumonia 10 days postoperatively.There were also significant time differences in the diagnostic elements of postoperative pneumonia,with fever and abnormal white blood cell counts appearing earlier(median appearance time length:4.00 days)than lung imaging changes(median appearance time length:7.00 days).CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates significant time differences in the on-set of postoperative pneumonia and confirms the significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the diagnostic elements of postoperative pneumonia.These findings provide a quantitative basis for developing dynamic,surgery-type-spe-cific monitoring protocols and prevention and control measures for postoperative pneumonia.
6.Exploration on the Mechanism of Astragali Complanati Semen in Preventing and Treating Hyperlipidemia Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Juanjuan TAN ; Wenqi ZHOU ; Guorong DENG ; Li CHENG ; Fang GUAN ; Qiong YU ; Hongyi YANG ; Feng HUANG ; Yuanwang YU ; Haifang WANG ; Ruihua YUAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):40-47
Objective To investigate the mechanism of Astragali Complanati Semen in the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia;To provide theoretical basis for its clinical application.Methods The active components of Astragali Complanati Semen were retrieved and screened through TCMSP,TCMID and TDT databases to obtain the action targets of the active components.Hyperlipidemia targets were obtained through GeneCards,DisGeNET,and TTD databases,and the drug active component targets were intersected with hyperlipidemia targets.Cytoscape 3.9.1 software and STRING database were used to construct active component-target network and protein-protein interaction network,screening for major active components and core targets.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the DAVID database,and the CB-Dock platform was used for molecular docking.HepG2 cells were induced to construct a high-fat cell model using oleic acid and palmitic acid,and intervened with Astragali Complanati Semen freeze-dried powder solution.The mRNA expression of the core target was detected by RT-qPCR.Results A total of 10 active components of Astragali Complanati Semen and 67 potential action targets of hyperlipidemia were identified,involving signaling pathways such as AGE-RAGE,lipid metabolism,HIF-1,etc.Experimental results showed that intervention with Astragali Complanati Semen could reduce lipid accumulation in the high-lipid cell model,with an optimal intervention concentration of 500 μg/mL;RT-qPCR revealed significant down-regulation of TNFα,IL6,AKT1,PPARG,and other genes after intervention with Astragali Complanati Semen.Conclusion Astragali Complanati Semen exerts lipid-regulating effects through multiple targets and pathways,providing a basis for its application in the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia.
7.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.
8.Data Mining Analysis of TCM Compound Patents for Treatment of Myocardial Infarction
Fang GUAN ; Yalong KANG ; Juanjuan TAN ; Hongfei QI ; Yang LI ; Man QIN ; Ruonan WANG ; Haifang WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):58-63
Objective To analyze the medication law and compatibility characteristics of TCM compounds for the treatment of myocardial infarction in the national patent database.Methods TCM compounds for treating myocardial infarction were retrieved from CNIPA patent publication website.A prescription database was built using Excel 2019 software to statistically analyze the frequency of medicinal use and their properties,taste and meridian tropism;SPSS Modeler 18.0 software was used to analyze the association rules of drugs;a network of Chinese materia medica co-occurrence was constructed using Cytoscape 3.10.0,and systematic clustering analysis was performed on the Chinese materia medica in the core network.Results A total of 146 patents of TCM compounds were included,involved 440 kinds of Chinese materia medica.High frequency drugs included Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.The main property was warm,the main tastes were bitter,sweet and pungent,and the medicines mostly belongs to the liver meridian,heart meridian and spleen meridians.Commonly used medicinal pairs included Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Astragali Radix-Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix Rubra-Angelicae Sinensis Radix,etc.Commonly used tripartite combinations included Paeoniae Radix Rubra-Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Carthami Flos-Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Carthami Flos-Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix,etc.Clustering analysis showed four types of combinations.Conclusion TCM compound patents for the treatment of myocardial infarction is based on promoting blood circulation,removing blood stasis,and relieving pain,while also using methods such as eliminating phlegm,tonifying qi,warming yang,and nourishing yin.It can provide references for clinical medication.
9.Associations of plasma D-dimer and fasting blood glucose with the outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Wei WANG ; Juanjuan XUE ; Jun SHI ; Xin LI
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(6):401-406
Objective:To investigate associations of plasma D-dimer and fasting blood glucose with the outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:Patients with AIS admitted to the Department of Neurology, Dagang Hospital, Binhai New Area, Tianjin from January 2018 to December 2023 were included retrospectively. The demographic characteristics, baseline clinical data, and laboratory findings were collected. According to the modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months after onset, the patients were divided into a good outcome group (0-2) and a poor outcome group (>2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent related factors for the outcome in patients with AIS. Results:A total of 1 967 patients were enrolled, including 1 287 males(65.4%), aged 67.80±11.58 years. The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 4 (interquartile range, 2-7). One thousand five hundred and twenty-three patients (77.4%) had good outcome, and 444 (22.6%) had poor outcome. Univariate analysis showed that age, baseline systolic blood pressure, baseline NIHSS score, fasting blood glucose and D-dimer, as well as the proportion of patients with a history of ischemic heart disease, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack in the poor outcome group were significantly higher than those in the good outcome group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age (odds ratio [ OR] 1.286, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.137-1.458; P=0.037), complicated with ischemic heart disease ( OR 1.598, 95% CI 1.024-2.227; P=0.046), higher baseline systolic blood pressure ( OR 1.011, 95% CI 1.002-1.045; P=0.037), higher baseline NIHSS score ( OR 1.432, 95% CI 1.132-1.587; P<0.001), higher baseline D-dimer ( OR 4.001, 95% CI 1.839-8.703; P=0.040), and higher fasting blood glucose ( OR 1.175, 95% CI 1.078-1.282; P=0.045) were independently associated with the poor outcome. Conclusion:Higher D-dimer and fasting blood glucose are associated with the poor outcome in patients with AIS.
10.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

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