1.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
2.Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Research on Mechanism
Junxiang LI ; Hong SHEN ; Tangyou MAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):103-110
In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved significant progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 30, 2024, across Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The clinical applications and mechanistic studies of TCM in IBD were systematically reviewed. The current status of TCM research on the etiology and pathogenesis of IBD, innovative clinical practices, and multimodal therapeutic approaches, including Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs or active compounds, acupuncture, herbal retention enema, and acupoint application, were summarized, together with their synergistic effects when combined with western medical treatments. The development and application of Chinese patent medicines for IBD are undergoing a profound transition from efficacy validation to mechanistic exploration. Mechanistic studies on the effects of TCM in IBD mainly focus on regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and modulating intestinal immune balance. Furthermore, future research directions for TCM-based IBD management are proposed, including the establishment of TCM diagnostic and treatment models, expanding integrated applications of external and internal TCM therapies, innovating personalized treatment strategies, and advancing drug development. These efforts aim to provide insights for the standardized and precision-oriented development of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
3.Research on the generative logic and contemporary value of the red doctor spirit from the “two integrations” perspective
Mao LI ; Shihua ZHONG ; Bangzhai SUN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):256-262
The red doctor spirit is a unique spiritual form and value pursuit nurtured. It was nurtured and formed during the medical practice of the Communist Party of China leading the vast medical workers to integrate the basic principles of Marxism with the concrete realities of the Chinese revolution and with the excellent traditional Chinese medical ethics culture. It constitutes not only an important component of the spiritual spectrum of the Chinese Communists but also a significant source of the health and wellness culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Employing the analytical framework of the “two integrations,” this paper conducted an in-depth analysis of the generative logic of the red doctor spirit. It revealed that this spirit was not only the creative transformation and concrete manifestation of Marxist core concepts such as human emancipation and the people-centered stance in the medical and health practices of the Chinese revolution, but also an integration and elevation of traditional medical ethics like “the caring heart of a physician” and “a master physician must have superb skill and sincerity” in the excellent traditional Chinese culture with the red revolutionary culture at the practical level. This paper argued that the generation of the red doctor spirit was the product of a dialectical unity regarding theoretical guidance, cultural nourishment, and practical exploration under specific historical conditions. Situated in the new era, the red doctor spirit continues to exhibit strong vitality and irreplaceable contemporary value in aspects such as adhering to the people-first principle, advancing the healthy China initiative, strengthening medical ethics and professional conduct, carrying forward the red gene, and cultivating new generations for the era.
4.Mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in Blocking Renal Fibrosis Injury in Diabetic Kidney Disease Mediated by Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Through Inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Axis
Liangjing LIU ; Haolan LIU ; Xiaoling MAO ; Min YU ; Weitong YAN ; Chao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):32-45
ObjectiveThis paper aims to study the potential active compound components and action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) through network pharmacology and in vivo experimental verification. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) technology was used to clarify the main active chemical components of Shenqi Dihuangtang, and it was combined with network pharmacology methods such as gene ontology (GO) functional annotations and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome (KEGG) to predict the potential action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in treating DKD. Subsequently, the DKD model of db/db male mice was established, and the mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (6.10 g·kg-1), medium-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (12.19 g·kg-1), high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (24.38 g·kg-1), and daplizin group (1.25 mg·kg-1). During the same period, C57BL/6J male mice were selected into normal group and received drug intervention for 8 weeks, respectively. During this period, the body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) of the mice were dynamically monitored, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed at the end of dosing. The levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer, and 24-hour urine protein was measured by a urine protein quantitative kit. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic-acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson staining were employed to observe the renal histopathology. The expression of nephrotic protein Nephrin was observed by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins such as TGF-β1, Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), neural-cadherin (N-Cadherin), and snail protein. ResultsUPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS identified 384 active compounds in the aqueous extract of Shenqi Dihuangtang. According to oral bioavailability≥30% and the five drug-like principles, 44 key active ingredients were screened out, and 169 intersection targets highly correlated with DKD were matched. Among them, there was a significant interaction relationship between tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin(IL)-6, protein kinase B(Akt)1, Caspase-3, Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), matrix metallopeptidase-9(MMP-9), IL-1β, and TGF-β1. GO functional annotations were significantly enriched in cellular components such as membrane rafts, membrane microdomains, and collagen-containing extracellular matrix, molecular functions such as DNA-binding transcription factor binding, R-Smad binding, and Smad protein binding, as well as biological processes such as reactions to lipopolysaccharides(LPS), reactions to bacteria-derived molecules, and wound healing. The KEGG pathway was significantly enriched in lipids and atherosclerosis, TGF-β signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, etc. In vivo experimental results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce FBG levels in db/db mice (P<0.01), improve OGTT (P<0.01) and ITT (P<0.01) levels, reduce SCr (P<0.01), BUN (P<0.01), UA (P<0.01) and 24-hour BUN (P<0.01), and increase ALB (P<0.01) and TP (P<0.01) levels. Pathological staining confirmed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce the glomerular mesangial matrix area and collagen deposition (P<0.01) and upregulate the positive expression rate of Nephrin (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group significantly downregulated the expression of TGF-β1 (P<0.01) and Smad2/3 (P<0.01) signal molecules and inhibited the protein levels of α-SMA (P<0.01), N-Cadherin (P<0.01), and Snail (P<0.01). ConclusionShenqi Dihuangtang can inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad signaling axis and block the renal EMT process, thereby improving DKD renal fibrosis damage. Further analysis of its key active components and clinical transformation pathways is needed in the future.
5.Construction of Saikosaponin D Multifunctional Liposomes and Evaluation of Its Anti-liver Cancer Efficacy and Targeting
Kun YU ; Guochun YANG ; Yaliang JIANG ; Yunting XIAO ; Congxian WANG ; Qionge SUN ; Ziyue LI ; Yikun SHANG ; Yu MAO ; Xin CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):205-216
ObjectiveTo construct a multifunctional liposomal delivery system by replacing cholesterol(Chol) in conventional liposomes with saikosaponin D(SSD) and modifying with poloxamer 407(P407) for co-delivery of curcumin(Cur). The system was evaluated for in vivo tumor targeting and inhibitory effects on mouse subcutaneous solid tumors. MethodsSingle-factor and orthogonal tests combined with information entropy weighting were used to optimize the formulation process of the liposome with encapsulation efficiency and absolute Zeta potential as indexes, and validation studies and liposomal characterization were performed. A subcutaneous solid tumor model was established by injecting H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cells subcutaneously into the dorsal surface of the right forelimb of mice. DiR-loaded traditional Chol liposomes(P407-DiR-Chol-LPs, PDCL) and novel SSD-based liposomes(P407-DiR-SSD-LPs, PDSL) were prepared by the optimized formulation process, and tail vein injection was performed to investigate the impact of SSD on liposome tumor targeting with small animal in vivo imaging. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups, including blank group, model group, free doxorubicin(DOX) group(2 mg·kg-1), free Cur group(8 mg·kg-1), free SSD group(10 mg·kg-1), P407-Cur-Chol-LPs(PCCL) group, P407-SSD-LPs(PSL) group, and P407-Cur-SSD-Lps(PCSL) group. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally every other day for seven doses. Antitumor efficacy and biocompatibility were evaluated by monitoring body weight change, organ indices, tumor volume and mass, relative tumor proliferation rate(T/C), and tumor growth inhibition rate(TGI). Histopathological analysis of liver, kidney, and tumor tissues was performed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), and creatinine(Crea)in mice were quantified by fully automated biochemical analyzer. ResultsOrthogonal test yielded optimal ratios of Cur, SSD, and P407 to soybean phosphatidylcholine(SPC) as 1∶25, 1∶20, and 1∶4. The optimized PCSL exhibited spherical morphology with a particle size of 179.15 nm, a Zeta potential of -47.25 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 96.40%. Its in vitro release profile conformed to first-order kinetics, demonstrating excellent storage stability and hemocompatibility. In vivo imaging revealed that the fluorescence signal in tumor tissues and the fluorescence intensity ratio between tumors and organs were significantly higher in the PDSL group than in the PDCL group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Among the treatment groups, PCSL group showed superior efficacy over free Cur group, free SSD group, PCCL group, and PSL group, with TGI>40% and T/C<60%, indicating pronounced anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology and serum biochemistry indicated minimal hepatorenal toxicity and improved hepatic and renal function in PCSL-treated mice. ConclusionReplacing Chol with SSD in preparing multifunctional drug delivery systems not only stabilizes liposomes but also yields superior anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy, achieving the effect of drug-excipient integration. Co-delivery of Cur via this system can be used for treating subcutaneous solid tumors in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing new insights and technical approaches for anti-hepatocellular carcinoma research and the meridian-guiding and messenger-directing theory in traditional Chinese medicine.
6.Effects of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方) on Methylation Key Genes and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway in Myocardial Tissue of Coronary Heart Disease Model Rats with Blood Stasis Syndrome
Chun ZHANG ; Shumeng ZHANG ; Yan MAO ; Xing CHEN ; Huifang KUANG ; Yi YANG ; Lingli CHEN ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):784-791
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方, YTF) in trea-ting coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome based on DNA methylation. MethodsSeventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=60). The modeling group was subjected to a high-fat diet, intragastric administration of vitamin D3, and subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline to establish the rat model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome. Forty-one successfully modeled rats were then randomly allocated into model group, YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the atorvastatin calcium group, with 8 rats in each group and 1 rat reserved. The YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups received YTF at 6, 12, and 18 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively. The atorvastatin calcium group received atorvastatin calcium tablets at 1.8 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. The control group and the model group received 0.9% sodium chloride injection at 4 ml/(kg·d) by gavage. All administrations were performed once daily for 3 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, serum lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), myocardial enzymes including cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by ELISA. Pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via HE staining. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing was used to analyze differential methylation gene expression among the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group. Western Blotting was used to verify the protein levels of the key genes and downstream signaling pathways. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed increased levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, cTnT, CK-MB, LDH, and IL-1β, along with decreased levels of HDL-C and IL-10 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, all treatment groups exhibited decreased levels of TC, LDL-C, CK-MB, and LDH, along with increased IL-10 levels. Among these, the high-dose YTF group demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing cTnT levels compared to the other TCM groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining indicated that the YTF high-dose group ameliorated myocardial cell swelling, disordered arrangement, pyknosis, and disappearance of nuclei, thereby reducing myocardial cell damage. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing identified 240 differentially methylated genes shared by the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group, including 109 hypermethylated and 131 hypomethylated genes; eif2ak3 was identified as a key differentially methylated gene. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3 (eIf2ak3), phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and Bax, along with a decreased level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the YTF high-dose group showed decreased protein levels of eIf2ak3, p-PERK, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax, and an increased level of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionYTF may regulate key differentially methylated genes such as eIf2ak3 and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, reducing myocardial cell apoptosis, and exerting therapeutic effects in coronary heart disease blood stasis syndrome.
7.Exploration of Training System for Visiting Physicians in Department of Rare Diseases
Jiayuan DAI ; Jing XIE ; Jingjing CHAI ; Yueying MAO ; Chunlei LI ; Yaping LIU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):112-116
The construction of a training system for visiting physicians in the department of rare diseases in China is an important measure to improve the overall diagnosis and treatment capacity for rare diseases and address the critical challenge of insufficient knowledge and skills among clinicians in practice. This article systematically describes the visiting physician training system established by the Department of Rare Diseases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. It summarizes the training objectives and positioning, design logic, and learning modules of the system, aiming to provide a reference for the construction of the specialized talent team for rare diseases in China.
8.The Potential Role of Immune Checkpoint Molecules in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Hepatitis and in Targeted Therapy
Haixia LI ; Aiping TIAN ; Miao XUE ; Ziyi LI ; Xiaorong MAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):512-518
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver injury of unknown etiology. The onset of this disease involves the activation and recruitment of diverse immune and non-immune cells, which in turn trigger hepatic damage. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICM) are expressed on the surface of multiple cell types. By regulating cellular functional states, they help limit the intensity and duration of immune responses, thereby preventing excessive inflammation and tissue damage, and maintaining immune homeostasis. In AIH, however, this natural "braking" mechanism is impaired, leading to aberrant activation of both immune and non-immune cells and the breakdown of immune homeostasis. Consequently, ICM are likely to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AIH. A deeper understanding of the function of ICM in AIH not onlyadvances our insight into the disease mechanism, but also suggests that targeting these molecules may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AIH.
9.Construction and Practice of AI-Based Triadic Interactive Teaching Model for Surgical Animal Surgery
Kaikai MAO ; Xiu LI ; Chen ZHOU ; Jianfeng SANG ; Meng WANG ; Guang ZHANG ; Xiaozhi ZHAO
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):288-296
ObjectiveIn the context of the digital transformation of education, this study aims to construct a triadic interactive teaching model for surgical animal surgery in clinical medicine using modern information technology. It explores the effectiveness of different teaching methods in improving students' practical skills, aseptic awareness, and teamwork abilities, providing a reference for the reform of clinical practice education. MethodsA quasi-experimental research design was adopted. A total of 80 students from the eight-year clinical medicine program at Nanjing University were selected, including the Class of 2020 (control group, n=40) and the Class of 2021 (experimental group, n=40). The control group received traditional teaching methods, while the experimental group implemented the "Teacher-Student-AI" triadic interactive teaching model. This model utilized a smart teaching platform for personalized pre-class preparation , as well as data-driven post-class review and feedback throughout the entire teaching process. The "assessment indicators and scoring criteria for the surgical animal surgery course" were used to evaluate teaching effectiveness, with independent samples t-tests used for statistical analysis. ResultsPre-course assessments revealed no statistically significant differences in baseline theoretical knowledge or practical skills between the two groups (P>0.05). Upon completion of the course, the experimental group achieved higher scores than the control group across three key dimensions: practical skills (47.98±1.34 vs 46.92±2.51, P=0.022), aseptic awareness (17.84±1.16 vs 16.94±2.29, P=0.029), and teamwork (16.82±1.44 vs 15.95±1.22, P=0.004). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the scores for humane care awareness between the two groups (8.24±0.70 vs 8.16±0.53, P=0.589). ConclusionThe AI-based triadic interactive teaching model can, to some extent, address the limitations of traditional surgical animal surgery education. It plays a positive role in enhancing medical students' surgical skills, aseptic awareness, and collaborative abilities. This model facilitates the transition from traditional to personalized teaching and offers a practical framework for the digital reform of clinical practice education.
10.Prognostic Significance of KMT2D Gene Mutation and Its Co-mutated Genes in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Mutibaier·MIJITI ; Xiaolong QI ; Renaguli·ABULAITI ; Wenxin TIAN ; Sha LIU ; Weiyuan MA ; Zengsheng WANG ; Li AN ; Min MAO ; Muhebaier·ABUDUER ; Yan LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(2):127-132
Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accompanied with KMT2D gene mutation and the impact of its co-mutated genes on prognosis. Methods Clinical data of 155 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were obtained. The second-generation sequencing method was used to detect 475 hotspot genes, including KMT2D mutation. Patients were divided into the KMT2D mutation group and KMT2D wild-type group based on the presence or absence of KMT2D gene mutation. Clinical characteristics, differences in co-mutated genes, and survival differences between the two groups were compared. Results The frequency of KMT2D mutation was 31%, which is predominantly observed in elderly patients (P=0.07) and less in the double-expressor phenotype (P=0.07). Compared with the KMT2D wild-type group, KMT2D gene mutation was associated with higher co-mutation rates of CDKN2A (OR=2.82, P=0.01) and BCL2 (OR=3.84, P=0.016), while being mutually exclusive with MYC gene mutation (OR=0.11, P=0.013). In univariate survival analysis, no statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) was found between the KMT2D mutation group and the wild-type group (P=0.54). Further analysis of the prognostic significance of KMT2D with other gene mutations indicated that patients with KMT2DmutBTG2mut had poorer OS than those with KMT2Dwt BTG2mut (P=0.07) and KMT2Dwt BTG2wt (P=0.05). On the contrary, patients with KMT2Dmut CD79Bmut had better OS than those with KMT2Dmut CD79Bwt (P=0.09), with no prognostic impact observed for other co-mutated genes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that Ann Arbor stages Ⅲ and Ⅳ (HR=2.751, 95%CI: 1.169-6.472, P=0.02), elevated LDH levels (HR=2.461, 95%CI: 1.396-4.337, P=0.002), Ki-67 index>80% (HR=1.875, 95%CI: 1.066-3.299, P=0.029), and KMT2DmutBTG2mut(HR=4.566, 95%CI: 1.348-15.471, P=0.015) were independent risk factors for OS in patients with DLBCL (P<0.05). Conclusion DLBCL patients with KMT2D mutation often have multiple gene mutations, among which patients with a co-mutated BTG2 gene have poor prognosis.

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