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.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.
4.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.
5.Qingre Sanzhuo Decoction Treats Gouty Arthritis Combined with Hyperuricaemia in Rats via NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 Pathway
Haolin LI ; Qian BAI ; Weigang CHENG ; Weiqing LI ; Juanjuan YANG ; Peixin HE ; Huijun YANG ; Haidong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):49-57
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Qingre Sanzhuo decoction in treating gouty arthritis (GA) combined with hyperuricaemia (HUA). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.5 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (17, 34, 68 g·kg-1, respectively) Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups (n=10). The rats in other groups except the normal group were treated with the modified method for the modeling of GA combined with HUA. The drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage in the afternoon every day and the normal group and the model group were administrated with an equal volume of sterile normal saline by gavage. The level of uric acid (SUA) in the serum was measured 2 h after the last administration. The degree of ankle joint swelling was calculated 0.5, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling, and joint inflammation was scored. The pathological changes of ankle joints were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), C reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), gasdermin D (GSDMD), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in ankle joints. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of GSDMD and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed increased SUA in the serum (P<0.05), ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation (P<0.05), increased number of blood vessels in the synovium, inflammatory cell foci in the synovial bursa, elevated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18 (P<0.05), and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups showed reduced SUA in the serum (P<0.05), alleviated ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation (P<0.05), lowered serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18 (P<0.05), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints (P<0.05). However, in terms of ameliorating the pathological changes of ankle joints, only the high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction group showed normal morphology of the synovial membrane of ankle joints and no obvious lesion in the articular cartilage. ConclusionQingre Sanzhuo decoction may play a role in preventing and controlling GA combined with HUA by down-regulating the activity of NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Moschus in Famous Classical Formulas
Juanjuan LIU ; Sini LI ; Jie JI ; Liping YANG ; Houkang CAO ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):194-202
In this paper, by consulting the ancient and modern literature, the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing, and others of the original animal and medicinal materials of Moschus were systematically sorted out and verified, in order to provide the basis for the development and utilization of the famous classical formulas containing Moschus. According to the textual research, musk deer was first recorded in Shanhaijing. Shennong Bencaojing was recorded as Moschus and all generations were used as the correct name, but there were also aliases such as Shefu, Xiangzhang and Xiangqizi. In ancient times, Moschus berezovskii, M. sifanicus and M. moschiferus were the main sources of Moschus, and the quality of Moschus produced in northwest China was better than that produced in the Yangtze River basin. In modern times, Moschus of M. moschiferus produced in northeast China, M. sifanicus produced in Gansu, Sichuan and other places, and M. berezovskii produced in Ningxia, Shaanxi and other places are regarded as genuine. In ancient times, gunshots, lassoes, arrow shots and other methods were generally used to hunt live musk deer, and the sachets were immediately cut off. Those with high quality were called Xiangshanhuo, and dried in the shade after harvesting, which was known as Maoke Shexiang. Cut open the sachet, remove the shell and dry preservation, commonly known as Moschus kernel. In modern times, the method of taking Moschus from the living body of cultured musk deer is adopted, that is, Moschus kernel is directly taken from its sachet, dried in the shade or dried in a closed dryer. This method realizes the sustainable utilization of Chinese herbal medicine resources, but attention should be paid to the frequency and quality of Moschus. The harvesting time is mostly after the autumnal equinox every year, and before the next summer, it is better to gather sachet in winter. In recent times, it is believed that the shell Moschus is dry, full, thin, elastic, loose inside, many particles, strong and persistent aroma for the best, while the Moschus kernel is particle purple-black, powder yellow-brown, soft and oily texture, strong and persistent aroma for the best. The ancient processing method of Moschus was extracting kernels from the shell. After removing impurities, it is ground and used as medicine. Because its composition is not suitable for heating, the processing method is most common in preparations such as grinding into powder and putting into pills or powders, which has the effect of opening up the orifices and refreshing the mind, and it has continued to this day. Based on the research conclusions, it is suggested that the development of famous classical formulas containing Moschus, M. sifanicus, M. moschiferus and M. berezovskii should be used as the origins. According to the processing requirements specified in the original formula, it should be processed and used as medicine, while those without processing requirements should be used as raw products.
7.Exploration of multiple ethical dilemmas and countermeasures in families of children with kidney disease in the treatment stage: an analysis from the perspective of structured theory
Rongrong SUN ; Juanjuan SHI ; Wenjing YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(10):1240-1245
There are numerous ethical dilemmas in families of children with kidney disease during the treatment stage. From the perspective of Giddens’ structured theory, this paper analyzed the ethical dilemmas, such as individual and family wealth disparity at the micro-level, doctor-patient information asymmetry and the attribution of medical decision-making rights at the meso-level, as well as unequal medical resources and an incomplete medical security system for children at the macro-level. The ethical dilemmas faced by families of children with kidney disease are the result of the structural constraint effect. The coping strategies they adopt in response to these dilemmas are the basis of structural reproduction and the products of the structural effect. As a group with subjective initiative, they are good at self-reflection. Through repeated cognitive evaluation, they can make a series of effective coping strategies to achieve their own goals, such as relying on family support and linking resources to seek social support, establishing online support groups and building an information sharing platform, assessing children’s best-interests judges and safeguarding their reasonable and legitimate rights and interests, planning and allocating high-quality medical resources and promoting the construction of the medical service system, as well as promoting the reform of the basic medical insurance system for children and improve the protection mechanism for major illnesses.
8.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*
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Ferroptosis/physiology*
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Humans
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Animals
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Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/pathology*
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Signal Transduction
9.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.
10.Self-illuminating liposome-derived in situ triggerable photodynamic therapy combining radionuclide therapy for synergistic treatment of lung cancer.
Chunsen YUAN ; Taotao JIN ; Hangke LEI ; Juanjuan LIU ; Wendan PU ; Yang ZHANG ; Chenwen LI ; Dingde HUANG ; Jianxiang ZHANG ; Jiawei GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):4973-4994
The persistent high prevalence and poor survival outcomes of lung cancer underscore the urgent need for innovative therapeutic modalities. Here, we present a novel multifunctional delivery platform for the synergistic treatment of lung malignancies, combining in situ-triggerable photodynamic therapy (PDT) with radiotherapy. The new platform CLL was developed by loading a new reactive oxygen species (ROS)-triggerable photosensitizer, luminol-conjugated chlorin e6 (Ce6), into liposomes. CLL can be activated through the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer effect under oxidative stress, thereby producing singlet oxygen for targeted tumor treatment without external irradiation. In vitro studies showed significant cytotoxic effects of CLL in both 4T1 and A549 tumor cells. Furthermore, a PDT-radiopharmaceutical combination nanotherapy CLL-177Lu was engineered by incorporating the radionuclide 177Lu into CLL. CLL-177Lu demonstrated synergistic antitumor effects in 4T1 and A549 tumor cells, as well as in mouse models of 4T1 breast cancer lung metastasis or A549 tumor xenografts. Mechanistically, CLL-177Lu can induce singlet oxygen/ROS generation, enhance tumor cell apoptosis, and promote M1 macrophage-mediated immunotherapy. Preliminary assessments showed a favorable profile for CLL-177Lu, highlighting its potential as a promising nanotherapy for cancer treatment. Additionally, CLL can serve as a versatile platform for delivering a range of therapies to achieve synergistic antitumor effects.


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