1.Insights on Peripheral Blood Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease
Yu-Meng LI ; Jing-Kai LIU ; Zi-Xuan CHEN ; Yu-Lin DENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):72-87
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with profound impact on patients’ quality of life and long-term health, and early detection and intervention are particularly critical. In recent years, the search for precise and reliable biomarkers has become one of the key strategies to effectively address the clinical challenges of PD. In this paper, we systematically evaluated potential biomarkers, including proteins, metabolites, epigenetic markers, and exosomes, in the peripheral blood of PD patients. Protein markers are one of the main directions of biomarker research in PD. In particular, α‑synuclein and its phosphorylated form play a key role in the pathological process of PD. It has been shown that aggregation of α-synuclein may be associated with pathologic protein deposition in PD and may be a potential marker for early diagnosis of PD. In terms of metabolites, uric acid, as a metabolite, plays an important role in oxidative stress and neuroprotection in PD. It has been found that changes in uric acid levels may be associated with the onset and progression of PD, showing its potential as an early diagnostic marker. Epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation modifications and miRNAs, have also attracted much attention in Parkinson’s disease research. Changes in these markers may affect the expression of PD-related genes and have an important impact on the onset and progression of the disease, providing new research perspectives for the early diagnosis of PD. In addition, exosomes, as a potential biomarker carrier for PD, are able to carry a variety of biomolecules involved in intercellular communication and pathological regulation. Studies have shown that exosomes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD, and their detection in blood may provide a new breakthrough for early diagnosis. It has been shown that exosomes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD, and their detection in blood may provide new breakthroughs in early diagnosis. In summary, through in-depth evaluation of biomarkers in the peripheral blood of PD patients, this paper demonstrates the important potential of these markers in the early diagnosis of PD and in the study of pathological mechanisms. Future studies will continue to explore the clinical application value of these biomarkers to promote the early detection of PD and individualized treatment strategies.
2.Treating stasis-heat based on the ministerial fire axis of "pericardium-sanjiao-gallbladder"
Nachuan LI ; Kai LYU ; Ziwang LIU ; Hongxiao ZHANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Lu DING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):330-335
Stasis-heat is a pathological factor associated with numerous exogenous and internal injuries, representing a pivotal mechanism in disease progression. Its primary cause is fire-heat toxicity. Based on the theory of qi and the holistic perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, this concept emphasizes that the biochemistry of all natural phenomena relies on the dynamic movement of qi ascending, descending, exiting, and entering. Within six qi, "fire" includes sovereign and ministerial fires. While physiological ministerial fire is the source power of life, pathological ministerial fire manifests as violent, intense energy that readily interacts with blood, leading to the formation of stasis-heat. Therefore, this article examines the formation and treatment of stasis-heat resulting from ministerial fire dysfunction. From the perspectives of ministerial fire gasification, the shape and quality of meridians, and the elevation of ministerial fire, it elucidates why the "pericardium-sanjiao-gallbladder" axis is regarded as pivotal. Furthermore, when the "pericardium-sanjiao-gallbladder" ministerial fire axis is unfavorable, and the stagnation of ministerial fire elevation and blockage is crucial to stasis-heat formation. Additionally, the depletion of essence and blood in the liver and kidneys, preventing the proper storage of ministerial fire, forms the pathological foundation. Drawing upon The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor, this article explores therapeutic principles based on the rules of odor treatment: "when fires in the interior, the treatment of salty and cold, accompanied by bitter and pungent, acid to astringe, bitter to disperse." These principles are applied to achieve specific therapeutic goals: tempering the excess of ministerial fire to cool the nutritive level and transform stasis; adjusting the imbalance of elevation and depression to vent heat and unblock stasis; and restoring the misplaced fire by nourishing blood to expel stasis. Through these approaches, the article aims to reestablish the proper circulation of ministerial fire, dissipate blood stasis, and ultimately eliminate stasis-heat, thereby offering an integrated perspective on its pathogenesis and treatment.
3.The Role and Mechanism of Circadian Rhythm Regulation in Skin Tissue Regeneration
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Xiao-Meng MA ; Zhen-Kai JIN ; Kun LI ; Min WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1165-1178
Circadian rhythm is an endogenous biological clock mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to the earth’s alternation of day and night. It plays a fundamental role in regulating physiological functions and behavioral patterns, such as sleep, feeding, hormone levels and body temperature. By aligning these processes with environmental changes, circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting optimal health. However, modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular work schedules and pervasive exposure to artificial light, have disrupted these rhythms for many individuals. Such disruptions have been linked to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythm in human health. Among the numerous systems influenced by circadian rhythm, the skin—a multifunctional organ and the largest by surface area—is particularly noteworthy. As the body’s first line of defense against environmental insults such as UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens, the skin is highly affected by changes in circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm regulates multiple skin-related processes, including cyclic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as DNA repair mechanisms and antioxidant defenses. For instance, studies have shown that keratinocyte proliferation peaks during the night, coinciding with reduced environmental stress, while DNA repair mechanisms are most active during the day to counteract UV-induced damage. This temporal coordination highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in preserving skin integrity and function. Beyond maintaining homeostasis, circadian rhythm is also pivotal in the skin’s repair and regeneration processes following injury. Skin regeneration is a complex, multi-stage process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, all of which are influenced by circadian regulation. Key cellular activities, such as fibroblast migration, keratinocyte activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, are modulated by the circadian clock, ensuring that repair processes occur with optimal efficiency. Additionally, circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, which are critical for coordinating cellular communication and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Disruptions to these rhythms can impair the repair process, leading to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, or chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent information on the interactions between circadian rhythms and skin physiology, with a particular focus on skin tissue repair and regeneration. Molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in skin cells, including the role of core clock genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per and Cry. These genes control the expression of downstream effectors involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. By understanding how these mechanisms operate in healthy and diseased states, we can discover new insights into the temporal dynamics of skin regeneration. In addition, by exploring the therapeutic potential of circadian biology in enhancing skin repair and regeneration, strategies such as topical medications that can be applied in a time-limited manner, phototherapy that is synchronized with circadian rhythms, and pharmacological modulation of clock genes are expected to optimize clinical outcomes. Interventions based on the skin’s natural rhythms can provide a personalized and efficient approach to promote skin regeneration and recovery. This review not only introduces the important role of circadian rhythms in skin biology, but also provides a new idea for future innovative therapies and regenerative medicine based on circadian rhythms.
4.Research advance in preparation and functional modification of porous polytetrafluoroethylene artificial blood vessels
Rong XU ; Haojie WANG ; Mengxiang GENG ; Kai MENG ; Hui WANG ; Keqin ZHANG ; Huijing ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(5):759-765
BACKGROUND:Medium-and large-diameter polytetrafluoroethylene artificial blood vessels have been widely used in clinical practice.However,most of the products were imported from other countries.Small-diameter porous polytetrafluoroethylene vessels are easy to form thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia,resulting in an extremely low long-term patency rate,which is difficult to fulfill clinical requirements. OBJECTIVE:To review and summarize the research progress of polytetrafluoroethylene in the field of artificial blood vessels,which can provide a reference for the functional modification of small-diameter polytetrafluoroethylene artificial blood vessels and the improvement of their long-term patency rate. METHODS:The relevant articles published from October 2022 to March 2023 in CNKI,Web of Science,Wiley Online Library,SpringerLink,Science Direct and IOP Science databases were searched by the first author.The search terms in Chinese were"porous polytetrafluoroethylene,vascular graft,electrospinning,medical application,functional modification".The search terms in English were"ePTFE,porous polytetrafluoroethylene,vascular graft,electrospinning,medical application,functional modification".All the articles about the preparation and modification of polytetrafluoroethylene artificial blood vessels were retrieved. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The preparation and functional modification of porous polytetrafluoroethylene artificial blood vessels were still research hotspots and difficult problems.From the research progress in and outside China in recent years,the preparation of porous polytetrafluoroethylene artificial blood vessels mainly adopted the rapid thermal stretching method,but the preparation of polytetrafluoroethylene artificial blood vessels by electrospinning was a promising new method.By analyzing and summarizing different functional modification methods,it was found that the long-term patency rate of porous polytetrafluoroethylene artificial blood vessels had been improved.However,the functional modification of small-diameter polytetrafluoroethylene artificial blood vessels still needed further exploration and optimization.
5.Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compounds in Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Adenoma: A Review
Meng SHEN ; Ye ZHANG ; Kai CHEN ; Yuquan TAO ; Minmin FAN ; Mingxin NI ; Liu LI ; Haibo CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):64-72
Colorectal adenoma is a benign tumor originating from the mucosal glandular epithelium of the colorectum and belongs to the category of intraepithelial neoplasia. Its etiology and pathogenesis are not completely clear, and some patients have genetic factors. In recent years, with the improvement in living standards, the incidence of colorectal adenoma has gradually increased due to high-fat diets, intestinal flora disorder, and emotional disturbance. As one of the precancerous lesions of colorectal cancer, colorectal adenoma is increasingly threatening human health. Surgical resection is the most direct and effective method for the treatment of colorectal adenoma, but some patients with colorectal adenoma have the possibility of recurrence after resection. At present, there is still a lack of effective prevention and treatment measures for the recurrence of colorectal adenoma. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a unique advantage in improving the clinical symptoms of patients with colorectal adenoma and preventing postoperative recurrence and carcinogenesis. Therefore, this review summarized the clinical research and mechanism of TCM compounds in the prevention and treatment of colorectal adenoma in recent years. The clinical study on the prevention and treatment of colorectal adenoma by TCM compounds can be divided into internal treatment, external treatment, and internal and external combined treatment. The internal treatment mainly focuses on strengthening the spleen, and the external treatment includes retention enema, acupoint application, and other methods. The internal and external combined treatment is mainly based on the internal administration of TCM compounds combined with acupuncture, retention enema, and acupoint stimulation. The study on the mechanism of TCM compounds in preventing and treating colorectal adenoma was mainly explored from the aspects of regulating intestinal flora, regulating cell proliferation immune function, and achieving anti-inflammation. This review summarized the research progress of TCM compounds in the prevention and treatment of colorectal adenoma in recent years and provided a reference for future treatment with TCM.
6.Construction of Chinese Herbal Medicine Traceability System Based on Influencing Factors of Chinese Herbal Medicine Quality
Kunyang LAI ; Jiancai XIAO ; Binbin YAN ; Xiufu WAN ; Jian YANG ; Guangxing MENG ; Chuanzhi KANG ; Kai SUN ; Yan ZHANG ; Lanping GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):215-224
As a Chinese saying goes, "good Chinese medicinal material makes good medicine", the quality of Chinese herbal medicines is related to the development prospect of Chinese medicine industry in China. With the rapid development of new technologies such as traceability methods and monitoring instruments, it is imperative to integrate and innovate traditional Chinese herbal medicines with new-generation information technology in view of the quality problems existing in the current production and circulation of Chinese herbal medicines, and it is of great significance for the construction of traceability system to ensure the quality and safety of Chinese herbal medicines and to promote the industry of Chinese herbal medicines to move towards high-quality development. This paper reviews the development history of the traceability system of Chinese herbal medicines in China, takes the influencing factors of the quality of Chinese herbal medicines as the entry point, and proposes that the construction of the traceability system should satisfy the traceability requirements of the characteristics of Chinese herbal medicines and their traditional medication experience. By analyzing the influencing factors of the quality of Chinese herbal medicines, it is pointed out that focusing on the influencing factors to build a traceability system is of great significance for targeting the problematic links at a later stage and exploring the interrelationship between environmental factors and the quality of Chinese herbal medicines. Based on the previous explorations, the author summarizes the system framework, functional modules and practical applications of the traceability system of Chinese herbal medicines, and looks forward to the development of a traceability system with risk early warning function and expert decision-making function in its functional development. Finally, based on the factors affecting the quality of Chinese herbal medicines, the author puts forward several thoughts on construction of the traceability system, and makes an in-depth analysis and puts forward a solution for the current situation that a unified, standardized and universal traceability system has not yet been built, with a view to providing ideas and references for the construction of traceability system of Chinese herbal medicines.
7.Effect of Tongfeng Decoction (痛风汤) on NLRP3 Inflammatory Vesicles and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Synovial Tissues of Ankle Joints in Acute Gouty Arthritis Model Rats
Yongzheng DENG ; Qingliang MENG ; Junfu MA ; Jiakang CUI ; Kai LI ; Gengfeng WANG ; Chenyang SONG ; Hua BIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(17):1816-1824
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Tongfeng Decoction (痛风汤) for preventing and treating acute gouty arthritis. MethodsSixty Wistar male rats were divided into normal group, model group, colchicine group and low-, medium- and high-dose Tongfeng Decoction groups according to the random number table, 10 rats in each group. Tongfeng Decoction of 11.34, 22.68 and 45.36 g/kg were given by gavage to low-, medium- and high-dose Tongfeng Decoction groups, colchicine 3.15×10-4 g/(kg·d) to the colchicine group, and normal saline 10 ml/(kg·d) to the normal group and model group respectively for 7 consecutive days. After 1 hour of gavage on day 5, rats in all groups except the normal group were modelled as acute gouty arthritis in the ankle joint of the right hind limb with the modified Coderre's method; rats in the normal group were injected with 0.2 ml of normal saline at the same location. The swelling degree of the ankle joint was measured before modelling and after 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h of modelling, respectively. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological and morphological changes in the synovial tissue of the ankle joint; immunoblotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), cysteine aspartate protease 1 (Caspase-1), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) protein and mRNA expression levels in ankle synovial tissues, respectively; immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expression of Caspase-1 and IL-1β in ankle synovial tissues; ELISA was used to detect the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, and interleukin in serum; immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the synovial tissues of the ankle joints. ResultsCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group showed elevated joint swelling at all time points, significantly increased inflammatory cell infiltration and the number of synovial cell layers in the synovial tissues of the ankle joints, elevated NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC and IL-1β protein and mRNA expression, elevated positive expression of Caspase-1 and IL-1β, increased formation of NETs, and elevation of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in serum (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, there was an improvement in synovial cell proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration of the ankle joint in the colchicine group, high- and medium-dose Tongfeng Decoction groups. In the colchicine group and the high-, medium- and low-dose Tongfeng Decoction groups, the degree of joint swelling, positive expression of Caspase-1, IL-1β and formation of NETs in the synovial tissue of the ankle joint, and TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in serum reduced 24 h and 48 h after modelling; in colchicine group and high-dose Tongfeng Decoction group, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β protein and mRNA expression in the synovial tissues of ankle joints all reduced (P<0.05). The colchicine group and high-dose Tongfeng Decoction group were superior to the low-dose Tongfeng Decoction group in reducing ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β protein and mRNA expression in the ankle synovial tissues, the positive expression of Caspase-1, as well as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β level in serum (P<0.05). ConclusionTongfeng Decoction showed effectiveness for the prevention and treatment of acute gouty arthritis, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles in ankle synovial tissues, the inhibition of the release of inflammatory factors, and the formation of NETs.
8.Preliminary study on expression of LINC02695 in neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy
Yuan YUAN ; Anmin ZHU ; Lan ZENG ; Xiaofeng LONG ; Meng YE ; Kai TANG ; Wei TAN
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(4):487-492,497
Objective To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)LINC02695 in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs)in high glucose(HG)environment and its effect on the proliferation,migration and neovascularization of HRMECs.Methods HRMECs was divided into four groups:the normal glucose(NG)group(5.5 mmol/L),the HG group(30.0 mmol/L),the HG+LINC02695 silenced group(HG+si-LINC02695),and the HG+silenced control group(HG+si-NC).Real-time quantita-tive fluorescent PCR(qPCR)was used to detect the expression of LINC02695 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)mRNA in HRMECs of each group.The cell proliferation of each group was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)method.The migration ability of cells in each group was detected by Transwell as-say.The tube forming ability of cells in each group was detected by tube forming experiment.Results The qPCR results showed that compared with the NG group,LINC02695 and VEGF were highly expressed in the HG group(P<0.05).Compared with the HG group,VEGF mRNA expression level in the HG+si-LINC02695 group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The results of CCK-8 experiment showed that the proliferation ability of the HG group was significantly enhanced compared with the NG group(P<0.05).Compared with the HG group,the cell proliferation ability of the HG+si-LINC02695 group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The results of Transwell experiment showed that the cell migration ability of the HG group was significantly increased compared with the NG group(P<0.05).Compared with the HG group,the cell migration ability of the HG+si-LINC02695 group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The results of tube formation experiment showed that compared with the NG group,the tube formation ability of the HG group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the HG group,canalization ability of cells in the HG+si-LINC02695 group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion LINC02695 may be involved in promoting the proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of HRMECs induced by HG.
9.Epidemiological Investigation of Dampness Syndrome Manifestations in the Population at Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease
Xiao-Jia NI ; Hai-Yan HUANG ; Qing SU ; Yao XU ; Ling-Ling LIU ; Zhuo-Ran KUANG ; Yi-Hang LI ; Yi-Kai ZHANG ; Miao-Miao MENG ; Yi-Xin GUO ; Xiao-Bo YANG ; Ye-Feng CAI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):531-539
Objective To make an epidemiological investigation on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)dampness syndrome manifestations in the population at risk of cerebrovascular diseases in Guangdong area.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the clinical data related to the risk of cerebrovascular diseases in 330 Guangdong permanent residents.The diagnosis of dampness syndrome,quantitative scoring of dampness syndrome and rating of the risk of stroke were performed for the investigation of the distribution pattern of dampness syndrome and its influencing factors.Results(1)A total of 306(92.73%)study subjects were diagnosed as dampness syndrome.The percentage of dampness syndrome in the risk group was 93.82%(258/275),which was slightly higher than that of the healthy group(48/55,87.27%),but the difference was not statistically significant(χ2 = 2.91,P = 0.112).The quantitative score of dampness syndrome in the risk group was higher than that of the healthy group,and the difference was statistically significance(Z =-2.24,P = 0.025).(2)Among the study subjects at risk of cerebrovascular disease,evaluation time(χ2 = 26.11,P = 0.001),stroke risk grading(χ2= 8.85,P = 0.031),and history of stroke or transient ischemic attack(TIA)(χ2 = 9.28,P = 0.015)were the factors influencing the grading of dampness syndrome in the population at risk of cerebrovascular disease.Conclusion Dampness syndrome is the common TCM syndrome in the population of Guangdong area.The manifestations of dampness syndrome are more obvious in the population with risk factors of cerebrovascular disease,especially in the population at high risk of stroke,and in the population with a history of stroke or TIA.The assessment and intervention of dampness syndrome should be taken into account for future project of stroke prevention in Guangdong.
10.Expert consensus on the evaluation and management of dysphagia after oral and maxillofacial tumor surgery
Xiaoying LI ; Moyi SUN ; Wei GUO ; Guiqing LIAO ; Zhangui TANG ; Longjiang LI ; Wei RAN ; Guoxin REN ; Zhijun SUN ; Jian MENG ; Shaoyan LIU ; Wei SHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Kai YANG ; Zhongcheng GONG ; Jichen LI ; Qing XI ; Gang LI ; Bing HAN ; Yanping CHEN ; Qun'an CHANG ; Yadong WU ; Huaming MAI ; Jie ZHANG ; Weidong LENG ; Lingyun XIA ; Wei WU ; Xiangming YANG ; Chunyi ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Yanping WANG ; Tiantian CAO
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2024;40(1):5-14
Surgical operation is the main treatment of oral and maxillofacial tumors.Dysphagia is a common postoperative complication.Swal-lowing disorder can not only lead to mis-aspiration,malnutrition,aspiration pneumonia and other serious consequences,but also may cause psychological problems and social communication barriers,affecting the quality of life of the patients.At present,there is no systematic evalua-tion and rehabilitation management plan for the problem of swallowing disorder after oral and maxillofacial tumor surgery in China.Combining the characteristics of postoperative swallowing disorder in patients with oral and maxillofacial tumors,summarizing the clinical experience of ex-perts in the field of tumor and rehabilitation,reviewing and summarizing relevant literature at home and abroad,and through joint discussion and modification,a group of national experts reached this consensus including the core contents of the screening of swallowing disorders,the phased assessment of prognosis and complications,and the implementation plan of comprehensive management such as nutrition management,respiratory management,swallowing function recovery,psychology and nursing during rehabilitation treatment,in order to improve the evalua-tion and rehabilitation of swallowing disorder after oral and maxillofacial tumor surgery in clinic.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail