1.The Philosophy and Practical Pathway of "Dao (道)-Shen (神)-Formula" in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Lesong ZHANG ; Jun LI ; Zhaorui CUI ; Xiao XIA ; Zirui WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):921-925
By tracing back to the classical literature of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this paper proposes a TCM philosophy integrating "dao (道)-shen(神)-formula" as a unified whole. It systematically elaborates the formula-constructing thought that "the monarch drug follows dao, and the formula carries dao", analyzes shen (spirit/ life vitality) from the perspectives of its substance, manifestation and function, and explains the pivotal role of shen in connecting dao and formula. Taking Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (《伤寒杂病论》) as an example, the paper explores how the "dao-shen-formula" union is implemented in classics. Based on the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), the paper articulates a practical pathway for the "dao-shen-formula" union, namely "observing shen to differentiate the mechanism → restoring dao to regulate shen → achieving harmony of shen and restoration of dao", thereby transforming abstract concepts into operable and verifiable practical approaches. It is hoped that this study will provide theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the shift from treating diseases to treating the person, and from correcting deviations to restoring dao in TCM.
2.The Philosophy and Practical Pathway of "Dao (道)-Shen (神)-Formula" in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Lesong ZHANG ; Jun LI ; Zhaorui CUI ; Xiao XIA ; Zirui WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):921-925
By tracing back to the classical literature of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this paper proposes a TCM philosophy integrating "dao (道)-shen(神)-formula" as a unified whole. It systematically elaborates the formula-constructing thought that "the monarch drug follows dao, and the formula carries dao", analyzes shen (spirit/ life vitality) from the perspectives of its substance, manifestation and function, and explains the pivotal role of shen in connecting dao and formula. Taking Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (《伤寒杂病论》) as an example, the paper explores how the "dao-shen-formula" union is implemented in classics. Based on the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), the paper articulates a practical pathway for the "dao-shen-formula" union, namely "observing shen to differentiate the mechanism → restoring dao to regulate shen → achieving harmony of shen and restoration of dao", thereby transforming abstract concepts into operable and verifiable practical approaches. It is hoped that this study will provide theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the shift from treating diseases to treating the person, and from correcting deviations to restoring dao in TCM.
3.Effect of Yang-Reinforcing and Blood-Activating Therapy on the Long-Term Prognosis for Dilated Cardio-myopathy Patients with Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Shiyi TAO ; Jun LI ; Lintong YU ; Ji WU ; Yuqing TAN ; Xiao XIA ; Fuyuan ZHANG ; Tiantian XUE ; Xuanchun HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):53-59
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the long-term prognosis for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) of yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 371 DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was defined as the exposure factor. Patients were categorized into exposure group (186 cases) and non-exposure group (185 cases) according to whether they received yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy combined with conventional western medicine for 6 months or longer. The follow-up period was set at 48 months, and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in both groups. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the risk of MACE, and subgroup analysis was performed. Changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score were compared between groups at the time of first combined use of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy (before treatment) and 1 year after receiving the therapy (after treatment). ResultsMACE occurred in 31 cases (16.67%) in the exposure group and 47 cases (25.41%) in the non-exposure group. The cumulative incidence of MACE in the exposure group was significantly lower than that in the non-exposure group [HR=0.559, 95%CI(0.361,0.895), P=0.014]. Cox regression analysis showed that yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was an independent factor for reducing the risk of MACE in DCM patients [HR=0.623, 95%CI(0.396,0.980), P=0.041], and consistent results were observed in different subgroups. Compared with pre-treatment, the exposure group showed decreased TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score, reduced LVEDD, and increased LVEF and LVFS after treatment (P<0.05); in the non-exposure group, TCM syndrome score decreased, LVEF and LVFS increased, and LVEDD reduced after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the exposure group had higher LVEF and LVFS, smaller LVEDD, and lower TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score compared with the non-exposure group (P<0.05). ConclusionCombining yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy with conventional western medicine can reduce the risk of MACE in DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, meanwhile improving their clinical symptoms, cardiac function, and quality of life.
4.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
5.Molecular Mechanisms of LIGHT Regulating Tumor Vascular Microenvironment and Its Precision Delivery Strategies for Solid Tumor Immunotherapy
Jun-Yi YUAN ; Shao-Xia WANG ; Li-Ming JIN ; Bin-Chun LI ; Guo-Bin DING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2583-2595
The drug resistance in the treatment of solid tumors is closely related to abnormalities in the tumor vascular microenvironment (TVM). The TVM is dynamically composed of multiple stromal, vascular, and immune cell populations together with extracellular matrix. Its structural disorder and functional imbalance can lead to abnormal angiogenesis, perfusion disorders, limited drug delivery, and insufficient immune cell infiltration, thereby creating a microenvironment conducive to tumor progression and treatment resistance. Therefore, the coordinated regulation of TVM through vascular normalization and immune remodeling has become an important research direction for improving the treatment effect of solid tumors. Tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 14 (TNFSF14), also known as LIGHT (homologous to lymphotoxin, inducible, competes with herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D for herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), expressed by T lymphocyte), is an important molecule connecting tumor vascular remodeling and immune regulation. LIGHT can bind to the lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) to activate the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B)-related signaling pathway, regulate the functions of vascular endothelial cells and stromal cells, and induce the expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines such as VCAM-1(vascular cell adhesion molecule 1), ICAM-1(intercellular adhesion molecule 1), CCL19 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 19), CCL21 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 21), and CXCL13 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13), promoting the formation of high endothelial venules (HEVs). HEVs can improve the vascular access of immune cells into tumor tissues and further promote the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), providing a structural basis for the recruitment of effector T cells and sustained anti-tumor immune responses. At the same time, LIGHT interacts with HVEM to provide costimulatory signals to T cells, enhancing their activation, proliferation, and cytotoxic function. Thus, LIGHT can link tumor vascular normalization, immune cell recruitment, and T cell activation through the dual actions mediated by LTβR and HVEM, forming a coordinated regulation model of “vascular remodeling-immune infiltration-immune activation”, providing new molecular targets for the treatment of solid tumors. Despite LIGHT’s good anti-tumor potential, its therapeutic application is still limited by factors such as insufficient stability in vivo, short half-life, and potential off-target effects due to systemic exposure. In recent years, researchers have developed various strategies for the precise delivery of LIGHT, including fusion proteins, bacterial vectors, viral vectors, nanoparticles, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to enhance the enrichment, expression, or sustained release of LIGHT in tumor sites through different approaches, thereby improving its therapeutic efficacy and safety. This article systematically reviews the structural characteristics, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms mediating TVM remodeling by LIGHT, with a focus on the signal transduction mediated by LTβR and HVEM and their roles in tumor immune regulation. Subsequently, it systematically outlines the molecular mechanisms by which LIGHT regulates the tumor vascular microenvironment and its intrinsic connection with immune cell recruitment and activation, from the perspectives of TVM abnormalities, vascular normalization, HEV formation, and TLS induction. Furthermore, it categorizes and summarizes precise delivery strategies such as LIGHT fusion proteins, bacterial vectors, viral vectors, nanoparticles, CAR-T cells, and MSCs according to delivery vectors and modes of action, and compares their functional characteristics, antitumor effects, and potential advantages and limitations. On this basis, the article further discusses the key issues that LIGHT therapeutic strategies still face in terms of targeting, controllability,in vivo stability, safety, and clinical translation, and anticipates the potential value of its combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-angiogenic therapy, and other tumor treatment methods. This article aims to deepen the understanding of the antitumor mechanism of LIGHT from the perspective of synergistic regulation of tumor vascular microenvironment remodeling and immune activation, providing theoretical basis and new research ideas for the design of solid tumor treatment strategies based on precise regulation of TVM and the clinical translation of LIGHT-related treatment systems.
6.Exploring Vascular Recruitment in Tracheobronchial Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral
Jun TENG ; Lei LI ; Junyan XIA ; Yi LUO ; Qinyan HONG ; Shuiping CHEN ; Hongwu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):260-269
Tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma (TACC) is a low-grade malignant tumor originating from the airway mucosa. Despite its slow progression,it is characterized by high invasiveness,frequent recurrence,and a strong tendency for metastasis. Preclinical studies have shown that vascular-targeted therapy holds significant potential. However,an effective systemic treatment for TACC has not been established yet. This study explored TACC from the perspective of "Feiji" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as the starting point. It deeply investigated the mechanisms of abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment and further elaborated on the theoretical connection between abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment. Firstly,collateral hyperactivity led to disordered and erratic pulmonary collaterals. Their abnormal structures were similar to the disorderly and tortuous nature of tumor (pseudo)angiogenesis. This resulted in imbalances in the functions of circulation,perfusion,and reverse injection of the pulmonary collaterals,and then led to unrestrained collateral dysfunction and the accumulation of pathogenic factors. Secondly,the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TACC were critical processes in vascular co-option (VCO),representing the micro-level manifestation of the displacement of nutrient and defense. During this process,ECM remodeling made TACC cells more likely to hijack normal blood vessels,creating a complex vascular microenvironment conducive to tumor growth. In terms of treatment,this study proposed a TCM strategy of "regulating collaterals to expel pathogenic factors and nourishing collaterals to strengthen the healthy Qi",and listed potential TCM. These were intended to regulate the Qi and blood in the collaterals,repair the functions of abnormal collaterals,and intervene in the vascular recruitment process of TACC. Future research should focus on improving the TCM clinical syndrome characteristics of TACC. Through modern molecular biology techniques,it is necessary to deeply analyze the micro-level pattern of vascular recruitment in TACC. This would enrich the understanding of the profound connection between abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment,providing empirical evidence for TCM-targeted therapies for vascular recruitment in TACC.
7.Comprehensive evaluation of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules using combined biological testing and imaging assessment in 1 017 patients: A retrospective cohort study
Lei ZHANG ; Zihao LI ; Nan LI ; Jun CHENG ; Feng ZHANG ; Pinghui XIA ; Wang LÜ ; ; Jian HU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):60-66
Objective By combining biological detection and imaging evaluation, a clinical prediction model is constructed based on a large cohort to improve the accuracy of distinguishing between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of the 32 627 patients with pulmonary nodules who underwent chest CT and testing for 7 types of lung cancer-related serum autoantibodies (7-AABs) at our hospital from January 2020 to April 2024. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to screen independent risk factors for benign and malignant pulmonary nodules, based on which a nomogram model was established. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results A total of 1 017 patients with pulmonary nodules were included in the study. The training set consisted of 712 patients, including 291 males and 421 females, with a mean age of (58±12) years. The validation set included 305 patients, comprising 129 males and 176 females, with a mean age of (58±13) years. Univariate ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of CT and 7-AABs testing achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC) value (0.794), surpassing the diagnostic efficacy of CT alone (AUC=0.667) or 7-AABs alone (AUC=0.514). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that radiological nodule diameter, nodule nature, and CT combined with 7-AABs detection were independent predictors, which were used to construct a nomogram prediction model. The AUC values for this model were 0.826 and 0.862 in the training and validation sets, respectively, demonstrating excellent performance in DCA. Conclusion The combination of 7-AABs with CT significantly enhances the accuracy of distinguishing between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. The developed predictive model provides strong support for clinical decision-making and contributes to achieving precise diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules.
8.Construction of world-class naval health service system by developing high-quality naval hospitals
Chongyang OU ; Li SHUAI ; Tao DING ; Jiping XU ; Dong XIA ; Jun WANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(4):343-346
Naval hospitals,the backbone of naval health service system,are the key to build a world-class naval health service system.On the basis of the requirements of military transformation and high-quality development of public hospitals,this paper summarized five aspects of high-quality development of naval hospitals,including directions and regulations,support and contribution of combats,efficiency,sustainable development momentum,and the expansion of service functions.It is very important to strengthen the top-level design and policy support for naval hospitals,to improve the level of governance and innovation,and to find the right target for the naval hospital construction in naval health service system reform.
9.Effect and mechanism of high-glucose environment on osteoblast function and bone quality in mice
Zhi-Kang GUO ; Xue LI ; Rui WANG ; Xi-Xiu XIE ; Tao-Jin FENG ; Yi LI ; Peng-Bin YIN ; Li-Jun XU ; Li-Xia ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(10):1306-1314
Objective To explore the effects of different glucose concentrations on the synthesis and secretion of bone collagen in osteoblasts and the impact of diabetes on bone quality in mice.Methods(1)Primary osteoblasts were extracted from the skulls of neonatal mice via collagenase digestion and cultured in four groups under different glucose concentrations:normal glucose(5.5 mmol/L),moderate glucose(11.5 mmol/L),moderate-high glucose(16.5 mmol/L),and high glucose(25 mmol/L).EdU staining was performed to evaluate cell proliferation,while the Transwell assay was used to assess cell migration.Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were performed to detect and quantitatively analyze the content of type Ⅰ collagen(Col-1).Alizarin red S(ARS)staining and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining were applied to assess the effects of different glucose concentrations on osteogenic differentiation.(2)Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and model group(5 in each group).The model group was fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks followed by streptozotocin(STZ)injection to establish a diabetic mouse model.The osteogenic differentiation capacity of primary osteoblasts from both groups was assessed.(3)Micro-computed tomography(Micro-CT)was employed to analyze femoral bone mineral density(BMD),bone volume/tissue volume(BV/TV),trabecular number(Tb.N),and trabecular separation(Tb.Sp).Three-point bending test was conducted to evaluate mechanical parameters including maximum load,Young's modulus,fracture energy,and stiffness.RT-qPCR was employed to assess the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes(Alp,Opn,Col1a1,and Lox).Masson staining and Mallory staining were used to evaluate Col-1 content in trabecular bone.Results(1)EdU and Transwell assay results demonstrated that with the gradual increase in glucose concentration,the proliferation and migration abilities of osteoblasts were significantly decreased(P<0.001),and the protein expression levels of Col-1 and lysyl oxidase(LOX)were significantly reduced(P<0.01 or P<0.001).ARS and ALP staining revealed that calcium salt deposition and ALP activity in osteoblasts were significantly decreased with increasing glucose concentration(P<0.05 or P<0.001).(2)Compared with control group,mice in model group exhibited typical"three polies and one weight loss"symptoms(polyuria,polydipsia,polyphagia,and weight loss)of diabetes,and ARS and ALP staining showed a significant reduction in osteoblasts(P<0.001).(3)Micro-CT and three-point bending test results indicated that,compared with control group,mice in model group showed microarchitectural deterioration of bone,decreased Tb.N,increased Tb.Sp,and significantly reduced maximum load,Young's modulus,fracture energy,and stiffness(P<0.05).RT-qPCR results showed that the relative mRNA expression levels of osteogenic differentiation genes(Alp,Opn,Col1a1,and Lox)were significantly decreased in model group compared with control group(P<0.01 or P<0.001).Masson and Mallory staining indicated a significant reduction in collagen content in model group compared with control group(P<0.01).Conclusions High-glucose environment inhibits osteoblast proliferation,differentiation,and migration.Diabetic mice exhibit reduced bone quality and increased bone fragility,potentially mediated by decreased lysyl oxidase and collagen levels.
10.PERK-mediated inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in microglia
Jia-Xin DING ; Meng-Jun LÜ ; Lin-Xia LU ; Ci-Li JIFU ; Jun XIA ; Jing-Tao WANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(4):421-430
Objective To explore the role of the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in a model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced microglia inflammation.Methods To investigate its effects on endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress,an inflammation model of microglia was established by stimulating with LPS at gradient concentrations for 24 hours and with 1 mg/L LPS for different durations.Cell viability was assessed by the CCK-8 assay;The mRNA and protein expression levels of related inflammatory factors were measured by Real-time PCR and ELISA kits.Cellular oxidative stress was evaluated by detecting reactive oxygen species(ROS),and Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to examine the mRNA and protein expression levels of ER stress pathway markers associated with inflammation.Results 1.The effects of different concentrations of LPS on cell viability and morphology were not statistically significant after acting on BV-2 cells for 24 hours(P>0.05);2.1 mg/L LPS incubated with BV-2 cells for different times and the cell viability decreased with the increase of time;3.Compared with the 0 hour group,the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin(IL)-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)mRNA and protein expression increased significantly(P<0.05)in the LPS-stimulated 9 hours,12 hours,and 24 hours groups,and the inflammation model was successfully established;4.Compared with the 0 hour group,the protein and mRNA expression levels of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway-related indexes in the LPS-stimulated 9 hours,12 hours,and 24 hours groups increased significantly(P<0.01),which showed the time-dependence;5.After adding the PERK inhibitor GSK2606414,the mRNA and protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related indicators in the PERK inhibitor group were significantly reduced compared with those in the LPS group(P<0.05);6.The mRNA and protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the fluorescence intensity of ROS in the PERK inhibitor group were significantly reduced compared with those in the LPS group(P<0.01).Conclusion Targeting PERK-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses in microglia.

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