1.Increased risk of osteoporotic pathological fractures associated with sterol esters:evidence from IEU-GWAS and FinnGen databases
Zengjie GAO ; Xiang PU ; Lailai LI ; Yihui CHAI ; Hua HUANG ; Yu QIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1302-1310
BACKGROUND:Although previous studies have reported associations between lipids and the risk of osteoporotic pathological fractures,the specific causal relationships between lipid level and osteoporotic pathological fractures remain unclear.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the causal relationship between lipids and osteoporotic pathological fractures using a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:The data for 178 lipid metabolites were obtained from the IEU-GWAS database(developed by the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol,UK,which provides extensive summary data from genome-wide association studies),while osteoporotic pathological fracture data(from 173 619 European participants)were acquired from the FinnGen database(constructed by the Finnish national gene research program,focusing on investigating relationships between genomics and health/disease in the Finnish population).Osteoporotic pathological fracture data were used as the outcome variable,with lipids serving as exposures,for the bidirectional Mendelian randomization study to evaluate the causal effects of different lipids on osteoporotic pathological fractures.The UK Biobank database was employed as a validation set by switching the outcome variable to verify the findings horizontally.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The inverse variance weighted analysis indicated that each unit increase in sterol ester(27∶1/20∶2)levels was associated with a 25.55%increase in the risk of osteoporotic pathological fractures(odds ratio=1.256,95%confidence interval:1.001-1.575,P=0.049),suggesting a significant positive correlation between elevated sterol ester levels and increased fracture risk.Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a significant negative association between osteoporotic pathological fractures and three types of phosphatidylcholine.Horizontal validation yielded consistent results,confirming sterol ester as a risk factor for osteoporotic pathological fractures.(2)The results indicate that sterol ester is a risk factor for osteoporotic pathological fractures,while phosphatidylcholine serves as a protective factor.These findings strengthen the evidence supporting the effect of lipids on the risk of osteoporotic pathological fractures.Although the GWAS data used in this study were derived from European populations,given the broad commonality of human genetics,the results provide valuable reference significance for improving osteoporosis in Chinese populations through lipid regulation.
2.Effect of cerebellar intermittent theta-burst stimulation on postural control and fall risk in patients with stroke
Xinyuan LI ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Xuejiao WU ; Linru DUAN ; Yufei GAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):577-587
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of cerebellar intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on postural control and fall risk in stroke patients. MethodsFrom October, 2024 to August, 2025, 45 stroke patients were recruited from Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 15), group A (n = 15) and group B (n = 15). All the groups received conventional medication and rehabilitation. Group A was additionally administered iTBS over the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1), while group B received iTBS over the contralesional cerebellum, for three weeks. Before and after intervention, postural stability indexes (eyes open/closed), limits of stability, directional control score and reaction time were measured using Biodex Balance System, and they were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go Test (TUGT) and 10-meter walk test (10MWT). ResultsAfter intervention, significant group-time interaction effects were observed for eyes open/closed postural stability indexes, limits of stability, directional control score, reaction time, BBS score, TUGT and 10MWT (F > 23.487, P < 0.001). All the groups improved in all the indexes after intervention (P < 0.01). The eyes open/closed postural stability indexes, limits of stability, directional control score and reaction time were the best in group B, followed by group A, and the worst in the control group (P < 0.05), while BBS, TUGT and 10MWT were better in groups A and B than in the control group (P < 0.05). ConclusionCerebellar iTBS can effectively improve postural control disorders and reduce fall risk in stroke patients, and may be superior to M1 iTBS.
3.Discussion on the Role of Ferroptosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease from the Perspective of "Qi Deficiency with Retention and Stagnation"
Yuchen GAO ; Hongyu ZHU ; Heyue XIA ; Dian ZENG ; Cheng YANG ; Jiabing TONG ; Zegeng LI ; Qinjun YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1167-1172
Ferroptosis is a key driver of the onset and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By exploring the role of ferroptosis in COPD from the perspective of "qi deficiency with retention and stagnation", it is considered that mitochondrial dysfunction and imbalanced antioxidant defenses are the microscopic manifestations of "qi deficiency", whereas iron accumulation and lipid peroxide deposition constitute the pathological basis of "retention and stagnation". In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the treatment principle is tonifying deficiency and benefiting qi, scattering retention and unblocking stagnation. Its mechanism involves improving the antioxidant system and mitochondrial function to enhance cellular resistance to ferroptosis, as well as relieving pulmonary iron overload, excessive lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory factor release to reduce the accumulation of pathological products, thereby exerting therapeutic effects on COPD.
4.Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Action, and Modern Application of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos: A Review
Jie GAO ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Yinuo LI ; Youcai YUAN ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):327-335
Lonicerae Japonicae Flos refers to the dried flower buds or flowers about to open of Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae). Its dried flower buds or early blooming flowers are listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition) as official medicinal materials. As a Chinese medicine with "heat-clearing and detoxifying" properties and a classic medicinal-edible resource, it is mainly produced in northern authentic producing regions such as Shandong, Henan, and Hebei in China. Lonicerae Japonicae Flos contains abundant bioactive substances that are considered safe and effective, with functions including relieving sore throat, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and immune regulation. In recent years, with the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the rapid development of the "big health" industry, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has become a research hotspot in the fields of natural medicines and functional foods due to its multi-target pharmacological activities and broad application potential. To date, chemical constituents identified from Lonicerae Japonicae Flos include organic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, triterpenes, triterpenoid saponins, and volatile oils. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Lonicerae Japonicae Flos possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, cardiovascular and neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. In terms of modern applications, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has developed into a full industrial chain covering pharmaceuticals, health products, daily chemical products, and food additives, demonstrating high medicinal and health value. Strengthening the development of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos-based health products is of great significance. Based on relevant domestic and international literature, this paper systematically reviews the innovative applications of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos in traditional medicine, modern clinical formulations, health foods, and daily chemical products from the perspectives of chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and modern applications, aiming to further deepen basic research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. Meanwhile, this paper analyzes and proposes suggestions for promoting applied research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, in order to provide a scientific basis for its sound development and to offer references for the rational development and comprehensive utilization of medicinal and edible resources.
5.Guidelines for the management of therapeutic drug monitoring
Zhengxiang LI ; Liyan MIAO ; Rong DUAN ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Xianglin ZHANG ; Zhuo WANG ; Miao YAN ; Lingli ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO ; Suodi ZHAI ; Guobiao GAO ; Jinhui TIAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1381-1392
OBJECTIVE To further standardize the technical operations and management processes throughout therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), clarify the clinical value of TDM implementation, improve the scientific validity and reliability of monitoring results, and provide a solid reference basis for the formulation and optimization of clinical individualized precision dosing regimens. METHODS The Guidelines for the Management of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring were formulated in accordance with the latest definition of guidelines by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and the standard guideline development methodology of the World Health Organization, and in compliance with the requirements of the appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation. A modified Delphi method was adopted to establish the research question system; evidence-based medicine research methods were applied to systematically search multiple databases to screen the latest and most comprehensive evidence. Evidence was graded and evaluated based on the evidence grading system of the Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, and the grading criteria for recommendation strength from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine were used to determine the recommendation strength. The recommendation opinions were formed through multidisciplinary expert consensus. RESULTS The Guidelines for the Management of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring cover four core modules, including TDM application indications, technical procedures, result interpretation and clinical application, and quality control, involving 18 primary research questions, 34 secondary research questions, and yield 82 recommendations. CONCLUSIONS The guidelines systematically standardize the key technical links and management requirements of the whole TDM process, provide scientific and operable standardized tools, help improve the standardization level of TDM work, promote the translation of monitoring results into clinical decision-making, and provide strong support for precision personalized medicine and ensuring the safety and rationality of medication use.
6.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.
7.Modified Zhujing formula combined with ranibizumab for wet age-related macular degeneration
Rui GAO ; Pineng HU ; Meijiao ZHOU ; Jian ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Tiejun ZHANG ; Wujun LI
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1141-1146
AIM:To analyze the efficacy of modified Zhujing formula combined with intravitreal ranibizumab(IVR)injection in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration(wARMD).METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on wARMD patients at the Ophthalmology Department of Yulin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2022 to October 2024. The study subjects were divided into the experimental group and the control group according to the random number table method. The control group received IVR treatment, while the experimental group was treated with modified Zhujing formula in addition to IVR injection. The clinical efficacy, TCM symptom scores, central retinal thickness(CRT), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), macular hemorrhage area, choroidal neovascularization area(CNV), ocular hemodynamic parameters [resistance index(RI), maximum diastolic blood flow(EDV), maximum systolic blood flow(PSV)], and 1-year recurrence rate were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: This study included 60 eyes from 60 wARMD patients. Among them, the control group consisted of 30 patients and 30 eyes, while the experimental group consisted of 30 patients and 30 eyes. The age of the control group was 67.52±3.12 y, with 17 males and 13 females. The age of the experimental group was 67.62±3.04 y, with 18 males and 12 females.The clinical efficacy of the experimental group(97%)was higher than that of the control group(73%)(P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of blurred vision, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, restlessness and insomnia, dizziness and tinnitus in the experimental group were all lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05); the EDV and PSV in the experimental group were both higher than those in the control group(both P<0.05); the BCVA, CRT, macular hemorrhage area, CNV and RI of the experimental group were all lower than those of the control group(all P<0.05), and the 1-year recurrence rate in the experimental group(3%)was lower than that in the control group(27%)(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The combined use of modified Zhujing formula and IVR can effectively alleviate symptoms such as blurred vision and retinal hemorrhage in wARMD patients, improve vision and ocular hemodynamic conditions, and reduce the recurrence rate. This suggests that there may be a synergistic enhancing effect.
8.Wisdom Inheritance of Distinguished Physicians' Experience Through Integration of Multimodal Data and AIGC: A Case Study on Experience in Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer with Phlegm-dampness and Blood Stasis Syndrome by Distinguished Traditional Chinese Medicine Physicians of Sichuan School
Yang YU ; Yadong MU ; Wenping LIU ; Chongcheng XI ; Li ZHANG ; Yan GAO ; Cen JIANG ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):14-25
Lung cancer, with persistently high incidence and mortality rates, remains a significant global health challenge. By taking the study on the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School as an example, the diagnosis and treatment system for lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome, which was formed in response to the humid and foggy environment of the Sichuan Basin, possesses unique value. However, traditional inheritance modes face challenges such as fragmentation, lack of standardization, and insufficient quantification, which hinder the promotion and application of this experience. This research focused on how to leverage multimodal data and artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) to achieve precise analysis, intelligent inheritance, and clinical innovation of the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School. By integrating multimodal data (encompassing four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, modern medical imaging, clinical laboratory tests, molecular biology, and regional environmental information), a precise diagnosis and treatment system integrating macro and micro perspectives for the "disease, syndrome, and pathogenesis" was constructed. The research yielded the following results: (1) In precise syndrome differentiation, the objective quantification of the phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome was achieved. By constructing a "four diagnostic methods, imaging, and molecule" correlation model, the study revealed intrinsic links between tongue and pulse parameters and the tumor microenvironment, as well as between regional climatic factors and syndrome characteristics, enabling real-time dynamic monitoring of efficacy. (2) In elucidating patterns, the study systematically explored the syndrome differentiation thoughts of Sichuan School physicians, such as the timing of purgation and tonification. A "pathogenesis, syndrome complex, and prescriptions and herb" network model was constructed, which accurately elucidated the synergistic action mechanisms of core herb pairs and quantified the dynamic compatibility patterns of reinforcing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. (3) In intelligent empowerment, an auxiliary system integrating intelligent syndrome differentiation, treatment plan generation, and efficacy evaluation was built. This system can fuse regional characteristics with individual data, dynamically generate and optimize personalized prescriptions aligned with the experience of Sichuan School, and predict efficacy trends and potential adverse reactions. The integration of multimodal data and AIGC can effectively facilitate the structured inheritance and clinical translation of distinguished physicians' experience. The established intelligent diagnosis and treatment model integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine demonstrates clear potential in prolonging patients' progression-free survival, alleviating symptoms, and reducing adverse reactions to treatment. This study provides a referential methodological framework for the traditional Chinese medicine experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, especially the empirical inheritance and modernized development of regional academic schools. It contributes to advancing clinical diagnosis and treatment toward greater precision and personalization.
9.Guizhi Fulingwan Alleviate Hepatic Fibrosis by Modulating mtDNA/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Yu TANG ; Xuli YANG ; Qiang YANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Yongxiang GAO ; Xueping LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):91-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan (GFW) against hepatic fibrosis, focusing on elucidating the regulatory effect of GFW on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n=7): control, model, low/medium/high-dose (0.14, 0.28, 0.56 g·kg-1·d-1) GFW (GFW-L, GFW-M, GFW-H), and Dahuang Zhechong pills (DZW, 1.8 g·kg-1·d-1). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. General conditions of the rats were observed. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. Liver histopathology and collagen deposition were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe structural alterations and damage of cellular ultrastructures including mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 in the liver tissue were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein levels of key molecules in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a decrease in body weight (P<0.01), an increase in liver index (P<0.01), elevations in serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.01), and typical fibrotic features such as disorganized hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in the liver tissue. TEM revealed significant karyotheca degeneration, mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum expansion, and organelle efflux in the model group. In addition, the model group showed decreased ΔΨm (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 (P<0.01) and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.01) in the liver tissue, and increased serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the body weight increased in GFW-L, GFW-M, and DZW groups (P<0.05) and markedly increased in the GFW-H group (P<0.01). The liver index decreased in the GFW groups and DZW group (P<0.01). The serum ALT level declined in the GFW-L group (P<0.05), and the serum ALT and AST levels decreased in the GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Histopathological damage and fibrosis were alleviated to varying degrees, and TEM revealed mitigated ultrastructural injuries including mitophagy, mitochondrial swelling, and endoplasmic reticulum expansion in the drug intervention groups. The ΔΨm increased in GFW groups without statistical significance. The mRNA level of mtDNA in the liver tissue was down-regulated in the GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. The mRNA level of NLRP3 was down-regulated in GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly down-regulated protein level of NLRP3 in all the GFW groups and the DZW group (P<0.01). The protein level of GSDMD-N was down-regulated in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). The protein level of cleaved Caspase-1 was down-regulated in GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. In addition, the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 declined in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). ConclusionGFW can suppress pyroptosis to ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through mitigating mitochondrial damage, inhibiting inflammasome assembly and activation, and blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
10.Increased risk of osteoporotic pathological fractures associated with sterol esters:evidence from IEU-GWAS and FinnGen databases
Zengjie GAO ; Xiang PU ; Lailai LI ; Yihui CHAI ; Hua HUANG ; Yu QIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1302-1310
BACKGROUND:Although previous studies have reported associations between lipids and the risk of osteoporotic pathological fractures,the specific causal relationships between lipid level and osteoporotic pathological fractures remain unclear.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the causal relationship between lipids and osteoporotic pathological fractures using a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:The data for 178 lipid metabolites were obtained from the IEU-GWAS database(developed by the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol,UK,which provides extensive summary data from genome-wide association studies),while osteoporotic pathological fracture data(from 173 619 European participants)were acquired from the FinnGen database(constructed by the Finnish national gene research program,focusing on investigating relationships between genomics and health/disease in the Finnish population).Osteoporotic pathological fracture data were used as the outcome variable,with lipids serving as exposures,for the bidirectional Mendelian randomization study to evaluate the causal effects of different lipids on osteoporotic pathological fractures.The UK Biobank database was employed as a validation set by switching the outcome variable to verify the findings horizontally.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The inverse variance weighted analysis indicated that each unit increase in sterol ester(27∶1/20∶2)levels was associated with a 25.55%increase in the risk of osteoporotic pathological fractures(odds ratio=1.256,95%confidence interval:1.001-1.575,P=0.049),suggesting a significant positive correlation between elevated sterol ester levels and increased fracture risk.Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a significant negative association between osteoporotic pathological fractures and three types of phosphatidylcholine.Horizontal validation yielded consistent results,confirming sterol ester as a risk factor for osteoporotic pathological fractures.(2)The results indicate that sterol ester is a risk factor for osteoporotic pathological fractures,while phosphatidylcholine serves as a protective factor.These findings strengthen the evidence supporting the effect of lipids on the risk of osteoporotic pathological fractures.Although the GWAS data used in this study were derived from European populations,given the broad commonality of human genetics,the results provide valuable reference significance for improving osteoporosis in Chinese populations through lipid regulation.

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