1.Effect and Mechanisms of Ermiao Formula Analogs and Their Active Components in Treating Dampness-heat Type Gouty Arthritis: A Review
Xueping ZHAO ; Xinya ZHANG ; Le YANG ; Ye SUN ; Xin SUN ; Hui SUN ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Guangli YAN ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):276-285
Gouty arthritis (GA) is caused by monosodium urate(MSU) deposition due to purine metabolism disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it falls under the category of "dampness-heat Bi syndrome", with core pathogenesis involving dampness-heat accumulation and dysfunction of the spleen and kidney. The dampness-heat syndrome is the most common and the primary syndrome type during acute attacks. In Western medicine, GA is associated with purine metabolism imbalance and inflammation triggered by MSU crystals, involving pathways such as NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and Toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) signaling. Clinically, colchicine and similar drugs are commonly used to treat GA, although long-term use carries potential side effects. Ermiao Formula analogs originate from ancient prescriptions, including Ermiao, Sanmiao, and Simiao compound formulas. All contain Atractylodis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. Ermiaowan follow a 1∶1 formulation ratio. Sanmiaowan add Cyathulae Radix. Simiaowan further incorporate Coicis Semen. These formulas are rich in active ingredients, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and sterols, and treat GA through multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms. Ermiaosan primarily exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pathways such as TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) or regulating immune responses to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators, while also suppressing xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity to decrease uric acid production. Sanmiaowan enhance uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects through the guiding herb Cyathulae Radix, while also protecting cartilage from damage. Simiaowan utilizes Coicis Semen to regulate intestinal flora, alleviate dampness-heat symptoms, and exert multi-pathway anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering effects. The active ingredients contribute differently to uric acid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant activity, and bone repair, resulting in varying therapeutic effects due to differences in formula composition. In summary, formulas derived from Ermiaosan demonstrate significant efficacy in treating dampness-heat type GA. This review summarizes their research progress and mechanisms, providing a reference for clinical application, new drug development, and further studies.
2.The Role and Regulatory Mechanisms of FOXO1 in Hepatic Lipid Deposition
Meng JIA ; Fang-Hui LI ; Shi-Zhan YAN ; Ai-Ju LI ; Yi-Le WANG ; Pin-Shi NI ; Jia-Han HE ; Yin-Lu LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):905-919
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is fundamentally driven by an imbalance in hepatic fatty-acid flux: the influx of fatty acids exceeds the liver’s capacity for disposal, resulting in excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, predominantly in the form of triglycerides (TGs). The occurrence and progression of MAFLD depend on disordered regulation across multiple metabolic steps, including fatty-acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty-acid oxidation (FAO), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) export. Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key transcriptional regulator within the hepatic network coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism. Under metabolic stress and insulin resistance (IR), FOXO1 expression is frequently increased, whereas its inhibitory phosphorylation is reduced. These changes enhance FOXO1 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, thereby reprogramming the expression of genes related to metabolism in the liver. Because hepatic lipid deposition is the central pathological feature of MAFLD, the functional status of FOXO1 directly influences hepatic lipid homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that FOXO1 can exert bidirectional, environment-dependent effects on hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the molecular basis for this functional switch remains incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO1 and its roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, with a particular focus on its crosstalk with insulin signaling. FOXO1 expression is shaped by RNA modifications and epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. Its transcriptional output is precisely governed by post-translational modifications—such as phosphorylation and acetylation—as well as by coordinated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Notably, these regulatory patterns vary markedly across nutritional states, degrees of insulin resistance, and stages of disease. In the fed state, insulin/IGF-1 signaling activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of FOXO1 and facilitating additional modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Together, these events drive FOXO1 export from the nucleus and dampen its transcriptional activity, suppressing gluconeogenesis and constraining lipogenic programs. Conversely, during fasting or when insulin signaling is weakened, FOXO1 inhibition is relieved. FOXO1 accumulates in the nucleus, binds to DNA, and regulates the transcription of downstream target genes. Mechanistically, FOXO1 can aggravate hepatic lipid accumulation by activating genes involved in TG synthesis while repressing FAO-related pathways, thereby favoring storage over oxidation. However, under specific conditions, FOXO1 may also alleviate the hepatic lipid burden by promoting TG hydrolysis and enhancing VLDL secretion, thereby reducing the net hepatic lipid load. In addition, lipotoxic signals mediated by ceramides and diacylglycerols (Cer/DAG) activate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), further exacerbating the disruption of the AKT-FOXO1 axis. This vicious cycle ultimately produces a metabolic paradox in which increased hepatic glucose output coexists with persistent, insulin-independent lipogenesis, accelerating MAFLD progression. Importantly, FOXO1 regulation is not uniform: during early metabolic overload, insulin-mediated suppression may remain effective, whereas in advanced insulin resistance, the loss of AKT control permits sustained FOXO1 activity. Such stage-dependent dynamics may help explain why FOXO1 can either promote steatosis or, in certain contexts, support programs that facilitate lipid turnover. Accordingly, interventions should be liver-specific and tuned to the disease stage, aiming to curb maladaptive FOXO1 signaling while preserving its capacity to promote triglyceride hydrolysis and VLDL secretion when advantageous. Overall, this review offers an important perspective on MAFLD pathogenesis, emphasizing FOXO1 as a potential therapeutic target and providing a theoretical basis for developing liver-specific, disease-course-dependent precision interventions.
3.Data analysis of resolution discrepancies in minipool nucleic acid testing: A 2024 national study of Chinese blood stations
Ying YAN ; Qing HE ; Wei ZHENG ; Jie MA ; Le CHANG ; Huimin JI ; Huizhen SUN ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):423-429
Objective: To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and influencing factors of resolution discrepancies within the minipool (MP) testing model across Chinese blood station laboratories in 2024. Methods: A nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted, including 334 blood station laboratories that reported nucleic acid reactive data among enzyme immunoassay non-reactive samples. Of these, 296 laboratories adopted the pool resolution model, with a total of 12 536 273 samples tested. Systematic analysis was performed on resolution data, focusing on the MP-NAT reactivity rate, the pool resolution concordance rate, and the resolution discrepancy rate. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on reagent types, viral targets, and Ct values. Potential causes were further explored through laboratory surveys and re-examination of raw amplification curves. Results: In 2024, the national average MP-NAT reactivity rate was 0.15%. The overall pool resolution concordance rate was 57.86%, which showed a gradual decline as Ct values increased across all reagents. The national average resolution discrepancy rate was 0.081‱(102/12 536 273), with 17.91%(53/296) of laboratories reporting at least one discrepancy. Nine reagent types were associated with these events, exhibiting reagent-specific patterns. For Reagent A2, the predominant discrepancy was HBV reactive pools resolving as HIV (36.36%); for Reagent D1, HBV pools frequently resolved as HCV (38.89%); and for Reagent E, the most common pattern was HIV pools resolving as HBV (48.00%). These resolution discrepancies were strongly associated with high Ct values: the median pool Ct for HBV exceeded 38, while those for HCV and HIV both exceeded 40. Investigations across 16 laboratories revealed that most discrepant samples exhibited “tailing” amplification curves, with some cases linked to cross-contamination or reagent batch-specific issues. Conclusion: While the incidence of resolution discrepancies in the MP-NAT model remains low in China, variations exist across different reagents and laboratories. These discrepancies are closely associated with low viral load, reagent performance, and laboratory operational practices.
4.Study on the mechanism of Naozhenning granules in improving learning and memory impairment in multiple cerebral concussion model rats
Xinru WANG ; Yaozhou YAN ; Chunxue ZHANG ; Le ZHAO ; Li GAO ; Yonghui WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1416-1421
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Naozhenning granules (NZN) improve learning and memory impairment in a rat model of multiple cerebral concussion (MCC). METHODS The MCC rat model was established using the closed controlled cortical impact method. The experiment was set up with a blank group (normal saline), a model group (normal saline), a piracetam group (positive control group, 0.324 g/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose NZN groups (5.4, 2.7, 1.35 g/kg), with 11 rats in each group. Drugs or normal saline were administered by gavage once daily for 28 consecutive days. General condition and body weight were monitored throughout the experiment. The sucrose preference rate and novel object recognition index were measured; Evans blue (EB) extravasation in the cerebral cortex was detected; pathological changes of cortical neurons were observed; the levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cerebral cortex were determined; and the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and Tau protein were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the model group showed poor mental state, sluggish response to external stimuli, reduced food and water intake, decreased limb flexibility, and disheveled fur. Body weight, sucrose preference rate, and novel object recognition index were significantly decreased ( P <0.05); EB extravasation in the cerebral cortex was significantly increased ( P <0.05), with severe neuronal damage. The positive area ratio of Bax protein, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and Tau protein phosphorylation level were all significantly increased ( P <0.05), whereas the positive area ratio of Bcl-2 protein, IL-10 level, and AMPK and GSK3β protein phosphorylation levels were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, all NZN dose groups showed improvements in general condition and pathological damage, with quantitative indices partially restored, and the differences in quantitative indices in high-dose NZN group were statistically significant ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS NZN can effectively improve learning and memory impairment in MCC model rats. The mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/GSK3β pathway, inhibiting inflammatory response, reducing Tau protein phosphorylation level, and then repairing the neuronal injury.
5.Study on the Expression of Serum 14-3-3β,CC16 Levels in Patients with COPD Complicated with Respiratory Failure and Their Relationship with Prognosis
Guitao CHEN ; Binlin YAN ; Huidong ZHOU ; Yuyan FU ; Le ZUO
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(5):113-118,135
Objective To investigate the expression levels of serum tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein β(14-3-3β)and clara's cell secretory protein 16(CC16)in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)complicated by respiratory failure,and their relationship with prognosis.Methods A total of 232 patients with COPD complicated with respiratory failure admitted to Yantian Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology from April 2020 to October 2023 were enrolled in the COPD complicated with respiratory failure group.According to the severity of the disease,they were divided into mild group(n=67),moderate group(n=73)and severe group(n=92).According to the 28-day prognosis,they were divided into death group(n=73)and survival group(n=159).In addition,80 patients with simple COPD(COPD group)and 80 healthy subjects(control group)were selected at the same time.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the expression of serum 14-3-3β and CC16.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors of death in patients with COPD complicated with respiratory failure.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the predictive value of serum 14-3-3β and CC16 expression on the death of patients with COPD complicated with respiratory failure.Results The expression of serum 14-3-3β in COPD complicated with respiratory failure group was higher than that in COPD group and control group(U=3.894,11.417),the expression of CC16 was lower than that in COPD group and control group(t=5.845,14.306),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05),respectively.The expression of serum 14-3-3β in severe group was higher than that in moderate group and mild group(U=5.179,8.234),the expression of CC16 was lower than that of moderate group and mild group(t=4.090,9.281),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05),respectively.The 28-day mortality rate of 232 COPD patients with respiratory failure was 31.47%(73/232).The expression of serum 14-3-3β in the death group was higher than that in the survival group,and the expression of CC16 was lower than that in the survival group,the differences were statistically significant(U/t=6.790,8.265,all P<0.05).The age of the death group was older than that of the survival group,the degree of airflow limitation and the number of acute exacerbations within 1 year were higher than those of the survival group,and the differences were statistically significant(t/χ2/U=3.895,7.202,3.360,all P<0.05).Age,severe airflow limitation,extremely severe airflow limitation,and the number of acute exacerbations within 1 year,elevated 14-3-3β were independent risk factors for death in patients with COPD complicated with respiratory failure(Wald χ2=3.914~22.668,all P<0.05),and elevated CC16 was an independent protective factor(Wald χ2=23.675,P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum 14-3-3β combined and CC16 expression in predicting the death of patients with COPD complicated with respiratory failure which was greater than that of serum 14-3-3β and CC16 expression alone,the differences were statistically significant(Z=3.995,3.813,all P<0.01).Conclusion The increase of serum 14-3-3β expression and the decrease of CC16 expression in patients with COPD complicated by respiratory failure are closely related to the aggravation of the disease and poor prognosis.The combination of serum 14-3-3β and CC16 expression is of high value in predicting the death of patients with COPD complicated with respiratory failure.
6.A case of chronic total occlusion of coronary arteries opened by reverse guidewire technology with ipsilateral brachioradial artery combined approach
Zhao-kun MA ; Cheng-yi XU ; Ya-feng GUO ; Dong YI ; Zheng-le YANG ; Hua YAN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(10):597-600
Intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP),as the most commonly used percutaneous mechanical circulatory assist device,is routinely implanted through the femoral artery pathway.However,when implantation through the femoral artery pathway is difficult or contraindicated,other pathways including the brachial artery pathway,axillary artery pathway,etc.can be considered.IABP assisted interventional treatment for complex high-risk and indicated patients(CHIP)can reduce the risk of intraoperative complications,stabilize hemodynamics,increase the complete revascularization rate of CHIP,and improve long-term prognosis.The reverse guidewire technique can improve the success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)for chronic total occlusion(CTO)of coronary arteries.In clinical practice,the reverse pathway is often chosen in addition to the forward pathway,such as the contralateral radial and brachial artery pathway,femoral artery pathway,etc.This article reports a case of bilateral femoral artery occlusion,in which IABP was implanted through the left brachial artery pathway,and then with the assistance of IABP,the right coronary artery CTO lesion was successfully opened through the right radial artery in the forward direction and the right brachial artery in the reverse direction,with the aim of providing reference for clinical PCI treatment for such special cases.
7.Research progress on regulatory mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution in glymphatic system
Xue-ling LIN ; Ying LI ; Jia-le REN ; Yan-jun ZHANG ; Peng-wei ZHUANG ; Qing-sheng YIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):811-815
The glymphatic system(GS)is a unique toxic sub-stance clearance system in brain,which is very important for maintaining the microenvironment stability of the central nervous system.The polarization distribution of aquaporin 4(AQP4)lo-cated in the terminal foot of astrocytes affects the function of GS and participates in the pathological progress of many neurodegen-erative diseases,but the detailed regulation mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution has not been systematically summarized.Therefore,this paper systematically combs the mechanism of reg-ulating the polarization distribution of AQP4 from the perspective of the composition integrity of dystrophin-glycoprotein complex(DGC)and basement membrane foot complex,and summarizes the potential drug and non-drug therapies for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization distribution at present,aiming at providing new target reference and theoretical basis for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization to prevent and treat neurodegenerative dis-eases.
8.Dynamic expressions of lipocalin-2 and its receptor in the spinal cord of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice at different ages
Hangyu LE ; Sumeng QI ; Yihui SUN ; Si'en YAN ; Qiupeng YAN ; Jinmeng LIU ; Haoyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(2):165-172
Objective:This study investigated the dynamic expression of lipocalin-2(LCN2)and its receptor,brain-type organic cation transporter protein(BOCT),in spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice during disease pro-gression,providing potential targets for early anti-inflammatory therapy for ALS.Methods:Utilizing hSOD1G93A trans-genic mice and their wild-type littermates(WT)as animal models,this investigation examined the expression of LCN2 and BOCT at four distinct disease stages:pre-symptomatic stage(60 d),early-symptomatic stage(95 d),symptomatic stage(108 d),and late-symptomatic stage(122 d).Spinal cords were harvested,then RT-qPCR,Western blot,and immunofluorescence double-labeling techniques were employed to assess alteration expressions of LCN2 and BOCT.Ad-ditionally,BV2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1-G93A-SOD1 overexpression plasmid served as an in vitro hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial model.After stimulated with LPS for 24 hours,LCN2 mRNA and protein expression in hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial cells and its culture medium were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA respectively,while BOCT expression was measured by Western blot.Results:Compared with WT mice littermates,increased expression of LCN2 mRNA was detected in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice at 108 and 122 d.No significant differences were observed in LCN2 or BOCT protein expression in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice from 60 to 122 d.Double-immunofluorescence labeling revealed co-localization of LCN2 and BOCT with the microglial marker Iba-1 in the ventral horn of lumbar spinal cord of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice from 95 to 122 d.In hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial model,LPS stimulation led to a significantly increased LCN2 mRNA expression and protein secretion.Conversely,there was no significant change in BOCT protein expression after LPS stimulation.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that during ALS progression,there is an enhanced expression and release of LCN2 from activated microglia,potentially exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration.
9.Dynamic expressions of lipocalin-2 and its receptor in the spinal cord of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice at different ages
Hangyu LE ; Sumeng QI ; Yihui SUN ; Si'en YAN ; Qiupeng YAN ; Jinmeng LIU ; Haoyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(2):165-172
Objective:This study investigated the dynamic expression of lipocalin-2(LCN2)and its receptor,brain-type organic cation transporter protein(BOCT),in spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice during disease pro-gression,providing potential targets for early anti-inflammatory therapy for ALS.Methods:Utilizing hSOD1G93A trans-genic mice and their wild-type littermates(WT)as animal models,this investigation examined the expression of LCN2 and BOCT at four distinct disease stages:pre-symptomatic stage(60 d),early-symptomatic stage(95 d),symptomatic stage(108 d),and late-symptomatic stage(122 d).Spinal cords were harvested,then RT-qPCR,Western blot,and immunofluorescence double-labeling techniques were employed to assess alteration expressions of LCN2 and BOCT.Ad-ditionally,BV2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1-G93A-SOD1 overexpression plasmid served as an in vitro hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial model.After stimulated with LPS for 24 hours,LCN2 mRNA and protein expression in hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial cells and its culture medium were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA respectively,while BOCT expression was measured by Western blot.Results:Compared with WT mice littermates,increased expression of LCN2 mRNA was detected in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice at 108 and 122 d.No significant differences were observed in LCN2 or BOCT protein expression in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice from 60 to 122 d.Double-immunofluorescence labeling revealed co-localization of LCN2 and BOCT with the microglial marker Iba-1 in the ventral horn of lumbar spinal cord of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice from 95 to 122 d.In hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial model,LPS stimulation led to a significantly increased LCN2 mRNA expression and protein secretion.Conversely,there was no significant change in BOCT protein expression after LPS stimulation.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that during ALS progression,there is an enhanced expression and release of LCN2 from activated microglia,potentially exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration.
10.Characteristics of cognitive empathy and affective empathy in pupils with high levels of autistic traits
Beilin LE ; Yan GAO ; Youhong XIE ; Yi WANG ; CHAN Raymond CK
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(2):164-168
Objective:To explore the characteristics of social cognition function in the cognitive and affective dimensions of empathy and theory of mind of pupils with high levels of autistic traits.Methods:One hundred and seventy-four elementary school fifth-grade pupils were recruited and divided into high(n=43)and low(n=43)levels of autistic traits groups based on their Autism Spectrum Quotient(AQ)scores(high level≥25 and low lev-el ≤18).Both two groups completed the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy(QCAE)and Interper-sonal Reactivity Index(IRI),as well as the Patient Health Questionnaire and also completed the Yoni and Faux Pas Tasks to examine theory of mind.Results:Compared with the low autistic traits group,the high autistic traits group exhibited significantly lower scores on both the Cognitive and Affective subscales of QCAE(Ps<0.01).However,there were no significant differences between the high and low autistic traitsgroups in cognitive and affective theory of mind as assessed with the Yoni and Faux Pas Tasks(Ps>0.05).Conclusion:Pupils with high levels of autistic traits may exhibit significant difference in both cognitive and affective empathy but not in theory of mind comparing to pupils with low levels of autistic traits.

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