1.Tracing Development of LIU Wansu's Theory of ''Fire-heat Inducing Stroke''
Xin LAN ; Changxiang LI ; Haojia ZHANG ; Jialin CHENG ; Zijin SUN ; Liyang DONG ; Zilin REN ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):32-41
LIU Wansu, as the foremost of the four great masters of the Jin-Yuan period, established the "theory of fire-heat'' and extended the fire-heat pathogenesis framework to the field of stroke, thereby forming the theory of ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This achieved a paradigmatic shift in stroke etiology from ''exogenous wind inducing stroke'' to ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This paper systematically reviews the developmental trajectory of LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory and explores the social background, academic origins, and core connotations of its theoretical construction. The study found that, based on the ''Nineteen Pathomechanisms'' in the Huangdi's Internal Classic (Huang Di Nei Jing) and combined with clinical practice, LIU Wansu proposed that fire-heat is the fundamental cause of stroke, and that the Six Climatic Factors and the Five Zhi-Emotions can all transform into fire. He further constructed a stratified syndrome differentiation and therapeutic system centered on clearing heat and purging fire, emphasizing differentiated treatment of exterior and interior syndromes, Six Meridians syndrome differentiation, and seasonally adjusted medication. This theory not only resolved the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas of febrile epidemic diseases during the Jin-Yuan period, but also exerted a profound influence on later physicians such as ZHANG Zihe and ZHU Danxi, thereby promoting the pluralistic development of stroke theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Modern pharmacological research provides solid scientific evidence, confirming that the ''fire-heat'' pathological state is highly associated with key mechanisms such as excessive inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and excitatory amino acid toxicity following cerebral ischemia. Heat-clearing and fire-purging prescriptions and agents, such as Huanglian Jiedu Tang and baicalin, can exert multi-target neuroprotective effects by regulating inflammatory signaling, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and balancing neurotransmitters. This not only verifies the scientific basis of the ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory from a modern biological perspective but also provides conclusive evidence for the clinical application of heat-clearing and fire-purging therapy. LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory represents a major milestone in the historical understanding of stroke pathogenesis, and its academically transitional insights continue to hold core guiding value for the pattern identification and treatment of ischemic stroke today.
2.Tracing Development of LIU Wansu's Theory of ''Fire-heat Inducing Stroke''
Xin LAN ; Changxiang LI ; Haojia ZHANG ; Jialin CHENG ; Zijin SUN ; Liyang DONG ; Zilin REN ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):32-41
LIU Wansu, as the foremost of the four great masters of the Jin-Yuan period, established the "theory of fire-heat'' and extended the fire-heat pathogenesis framework to the field of stroke, thereby forming the theory of ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This achieved a paradigmatic shift in stroke etiology from ''exogenous wind inducing stroke'' to ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This paper systematically reviews the developmental trajectory of LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory and explores the social background, academic origins, and core connotations of its theoretical construction. The study found that, based on the ''Nineteen Pathomechanisms'' in the Huangdi's Internal Classic (Huang Di Nei Jing) and combined with clinical practice, LIU Wansu proposed that fire-heat is the fundamental cause of stroke, and that the Six Climatic Factors and the Five Zhi-Emotions can all transform into fire. He further constructed a stratified syndrome differentiation and therapeutic system centered on clearing heat and purging fire, emphasizing differentiated treatment of exterior and interior syndromes, Six Meridians syndrome differentiation, and seasonally adjusted medication. This theory not only resolved the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas of febrile epidemic diseases during the Jin-Yuan period, but also exerted a profound influence on later physicians such as ZHANG Zihe and ZHU Danxi, thereby promoting the pluralistic development of stroke theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Modern pharmacological research provides solid scientific evidence, confirming that the ''fire-heat'' pathological state is highly associated with key mechanisms such as excessive inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and excitatory amino acid toxicity following cerebral ischemia. Heat-clearing and fire-purging prescriptions and agents, such as Huanglian Jiedu Tang and baicalin, can exert multi-target neuroprotective effects by regulating inflammatory signaling, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and balancing neurotransmitters. This not only verifies the scientific basis of the ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory from a modern biological perspective but also provides conclusive evidence for the clinical application of heat-clearing and fire-purging therapy. LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory represents a major milestone in the historical understanding of stroke pathogenesis, and its academically transitional insights continue to hold core guiding value for the pattern identification and treatment of ischemic stroke today.
3.Novel therapeutic advances for uveal melanoma
Xiaodie LI ; Chaoqun LIU ; Xiaojuan CHENG ; Yuhan SHANG ; Ruixue REN ; Yulu HE ; Xiaoli YANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):823-830
Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, characterized by high invasiveness and unique metastatic biological features. Although local treatments(such as proton beam therapy and brachytherapy)can effectively control the primary lesion, approximately 50% of patients eventually develop distant metastasis, with the liver being the primary target organ(occurring in 90% of cases). This highlights a paradigm shift in treatment focus from mere local control to systemic prevention and management. For metastatic UM(mUM), current treatment strategies encompass biomarker-guided molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy(including Tebentafusp, vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapy), and liver-directed therapy. Focusing on the synergy between local and systemic prevention and control, this article systematically elaborates on the precision local treatment for primary UM, the decision-making pathway for systemic treatment of metastatic UM based on molecular subtyping, the integration of local and systemic therapies for liver metastases, and the translational value of nanomedicine in addressing therapeutic bottlenecks. It provides insights for optimizing clinical management of mUM and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
4.WANG Qingguo's Experience in Treatment of Headache Based on the Concept of "Achieving Harmony by Unblocking and Balancing"
Chuxin ZHANG ; Zilin REN ; Yang ZHAO ; Jinhua HAN ; Bomin ZHANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):935-940
This paper summarizes professor WANG Qingguo's experience in treatment of headache based on the "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing" concept. It is considered that although the pathogenesis of headache is generally attributed to "pain arises from obstruction" and "pain arises from malnourishment", clinical presentations often involve a complex mixture of deficiency and excess, as well as cold and heat patterns. Professor WANG proposes the diagnostic and therapeutic theory of "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing", advocating for equal emphasis on "freeing the flow of qi and blood" and "regulating the balance of yin and yang". He has summarized eight treatment methods for common headache patterns. For wind-cold attacking the collaterals, treatment should focus on dispersing and unblocking through modified Gegen Decoction (葛根汤). For wind-dampness binding, it is recommended to unblock and drain, using modified Qingshang Juantong Decoction (清上蠲痛汤). For damp-heat congestion, unblocking and clearing is the method, using modified Toufeng Shen Formula (头风神方). For liver-gallbladder qi constraint, unblocking and soothing is the treatment principle, and modified Sanpian Decoction (散偏汤) is suggested. For insufficiency of center qi, even supplementation method is recommended, and modified Yiqi Congming Decoction (益气聪明汤) can be used. For liver yang hyperactivity, unblocking and subduing are combined, using modified Xunlong Decoction (驯龙汤). For deficiency-cold in the liver and stomach, warming, harmonizing, unblocking, and descending are applied, using modified Wuzhuyu Decoction (吴茱萸汤). For blood deficiency with cold congelation, unblocking and nourishing are undertaken together, using modified Danggui Sini Decoction (当归四逆汤). The ultimate goal is to restore the dynamic balance of yin, yang, qi, and blood in the body, thereby allevia-ting pain by restoring clarity and function to the head orifices.
5.WANG Qingguo's Experience in Treatment of Headache Based on the Concept of "Achieving Harmony by Unblocking and Balancing"
Chuxin ZHANG ; Zilin REN ; Yang ZHAO ; Jinhua HAN ; Bomin ZHANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):935-940
This paper summarizes professor WANG Qingguo's experience in treatment of headache based on the "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing" concept. It is considered that although the pathogenesis of headache is generally attributed to "pain arises from obstruction" and "pain arises from malnourishment", clinical presentations often involve a complex mixture of deficiency and excess, as well as cold and heat patterns. Professor WANG proposes the diagnostic and therapeutic theory of "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing", advocating for equal emphasis on "freeing the flow of qi and blood" and "regulating the balance of yin and yang". He has summarized eight treatment methods for common headache patterns. For wind-cold attacking the collaterals, treatment should focus on dispersing and unblocking through modified Gegen Decoction (葛根汤). For wind-dampness binding, it is recommended to unblock and drain, using modified Qingshang Juantong Decoction (清上蠲痛汤). For damp-heat congestion, unblocking and clearing is the method, using modified Toufeng Shen Formula (头风神方). For liver-gallbladder qi constraint, unblocking and soothing is the treatment principle, and modified Sanpian Decoction (散偏汤) is suggested. For insufficiency of center qi, even supplementation method is recommended, and modified Yiqi Congming Decoction (益气聪明汤) can be used. For liver yang hyperactivity, unblocking and subduing are combined, using modified Xunlong Decoction (驯龙汤). For deficiency-cold in the liver and stomach, warming, harmonizing, unblocking, and descending are applied, using modified Wuzhuyu Decoction (吴茱萸汤). For blood deficiency with cold congelation, unblocking and nourishing are undertaken together, using modified Danggui Sini Decoction (当归四逆汤). The ultimate goal is to restore the dynamic balance of yin, yang, qi, and blood in the body, thereby allevia-ting pain by restoring clarity and function to the head orifices.
6.SIRT5 Potentiates Hepatocarcinogenesis by Modulating Protein Acylation in Mice
Yu ZHANG ; Feng-Rui REN ; Jia-Yun LI ; Xiang-Yu CHEN ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Jun-Cheng ZHAO ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhen HUANG ; Hao HU ; Tao-Tao WEI ; Min XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1712-1722
ObjectiveHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 90% of all primary liver cancers. The main risk factors associated with HCC include viral hepatitis (B and/or C), alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which progressively advance to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately evolve into HCC. Surgical resection represents the most effective treatment for HCC, while recent advances in immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have provided improved treatment prospects for patients with unresectable HCC. However, the complex metabolic heterogeneity of HCC limits the therapeutic efficacy. Metabolic intermediates acyl-CoA not only provide energy and substrates for numerous biochemical reactions but also serve as donors for protein lysine acylation, a major class of post-translational modification (PTM). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein lysine acylation and hepatocarcinogenesis is urgently needed. MethodsThe levels of protein lysine acylation and silence information regulator 5 (SIRT5) expression levels in clinical HCC samples were analyzed by Western blot. Quantitative malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples were analyzed by antibody-based affinity enrichment coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The proliferation of HCC cells was analyzed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, the apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining coupled with flow cytometry, and the ability of cells to migrate was assayed by Transwell assays. The enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) was quantified. Transgenic mice with hepatic overexpression of SIRT5 were constructed using CRISPR-Cas9, and primary hepatocarcinogenesis was induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine. ResultsWestern blot analysis indicated that the expression level of SIRT5 was elevated in clinical samples from HCC patients, and the levels of lysine malonylation, glutarylation, and succinylation were significantly reduced in HCC tissues. Knockout of SIRT5 in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L hepatoma cells suppressed cell proliferation, and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples revealed significant enrichment in two major classes of biological processes: core energy metabolism (e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid metabolic process, fatty acid beta oxidation) and detoxification and oxidative stress response (e.g., response to toxic substance, chemical carcinogenesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)). SIRT5 removes malonylation from lysine residues in GSTM1 and restores its detoxification activity, which is crucial for the survival of hepatocytes under stressed conditions. More importantly, in vivo experiment indicated that hepatic-specific overexpression of SIRT5 in mice accelerated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, indicating the critical role of SIRT5 in HCC progression. ConclusionThis study highlights the previously unrecognized SIRT5-GSTM1 axis as a key regulator in hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggests a potential target for the treatment of patients with HCC.
7.Association between cardiovascular health scores and visual impairment among U.S. adults: A crosssectional study using NHANES 2013 to 2018
Mengyu LIU ; Qinghua REN ; Baohua LI ; Mingming ZHANG ; Xinyue HOU ; Jianquan WANG ; Xin YAN ; Danyu LI ; Juan CHENG ; Zefeng KANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(3):270-279
Background: Visual impairment is increasingly prevalent, underscoring the need for effective prevention strategies. This study investigated the association between cardiovascular health and visual impairment using three progressively developed metrics: Life’s Simple 7 (LS7), a cardiovascular health score developed by the American Heart Association based on 7 components, including physical activity, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), diet, blood glucose, blood pressure, and total cholesterol; Life’s Essential 8(LE8), which adds sleep health as an additional component; and Life’s Crucial 9 (LC9), which further incorporates mental health. We aimed to evaluate whether these expanded metrics provide additional explanatory value and to inform future public health strategies. Objective: To investigate the associations among LS7, LE8, and LC9 cardiovascular health scores and visual impairment in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 to 2018, assess the added value of sleep and mental health components, and identify key contributing subcomponents using regression and machine learning methods. Methods: We analyzed data from 9891 participants in the 2013 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline modeling, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between cardiovascular health and visual impairment. Machine learning methods, including Random Forest and SHapley Additive exPlanations, a model interpretation approach used to assess feature importance, were applied. The Boruta algorithm, a feature selection method, was used to identify key subcomponents of cardiovascular health. Results: Participants with visual impairment were older, had lower poverty-to-income ratios, and exhibited lower cardiovascular health scores (LS7, LE8, and LC9). Higher cardiovascular health scores were negatively associated with visual impairment. Each one standard deviation increase in LS7, LE8, and LC9 was associated with approximately 8%, 2%, and 3% lower odds of visual impairment, respectively. LS7 showed the strongest negative association, whereas LE8 and LC9 emerged as the most important predictors in the machine learning models. Key subcomponents such as blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI, as well as mental health status, were strongly associated with visual impairment. Conclusion: Higher cardiovascular health scores were negatively associated with visual impairment. LS7 demonstrated the strongest statistical association, whereas LE8 and LC9 were the most influential features in the machine learning models. Blood glucose, blood pressure, BMI, and mental health status were important correlates of visual impairment. From the perspective of the “prevention and treatment of diseases” in traditional Chinese medicine and the holistic concept, the aforementioned research findings confirm that severe visual impairment is indeed an external manifestation of overall health imbalance (such as organ dysfunction and Qi deficiency and blood stasis). The prevention strategy lies in comprehensively adjusting lifestyle, emotional factors, and metabolic indicators (corresponding to the key factors in the study) to restore the body’s internal balance and achieve prevention before disease arises.
8.Brief analysis on " Lijie and yellowish sweating" in Synopsis of Golden Chamber
Xin LAN ; Zilin REN ; Qi SHAO ; Yuxiao ZHENG ; Changxiang LI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Xueqian WANG ; Qingguo WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):161-165
" Lijie and yellowish sweating" originates from the chapter on stroke and arthralgia diseases in Synopsis of Golden Chamber. Later generations typically interpret it as yellow fluid oozing from painful joints, a characteristic manifestation of arthralgia. In Western medicine, Lijie corresponds to diseases such as gouty arthritis, with its primary clinical manifestations being redness, swelling, heat, and painful joints, most often without yellow fluid discharge. Therefore, the interpretation of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" contradicts the clinical manifestations often observed in this disease. Thus, this article reinterprets the meaning of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" from the pathogenesis of " sweat exposure to water, as if water harms the heart" , combined with the viewpoints of other medical practitioners. Determining the meaning of " yellowish sweating" is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of arthralgia and clarifying the relationship between arthralgia and yellowish sweating. ZHANG Zhongjing mentioned arthralgia and " yellowish sweating" together, not to differentiate between the two diseases but to emphasize the common pathogenesis of the two, namely, the cold and dampness injuring the heart, blood, and vessels. This paper proposes a new explanation of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" , which suggests that " yellowish sweating" is not confined to the joints but can be found all over the body. The pathogenesis of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" lies in the insufficiency of the liver and kidney and exogenous water dampness, leading to disharmony between nutrient qi and defensive qi and between yin and yang. Primary treatment should harmonize yingfen and weifen, as well as tonify and replenish the liver and kidney. The clinical selection of medicines can be considered Guizhi Decotion, a type of formula. The pathogenesis of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" is complex, and clinical treatment should be comprehensively considered to achieve the best therapeutic effect.
9.Discussion on the decoction and dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions
Zilin REN ; Changxiang LI ; Yuxiao ZHENG ; Xin LAN ; Ying LIU ; Yanhui HE ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG ; Xueqian WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):48-54
The purpose of this paper is to explore the decoction and dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions and to provide a reference basis for the clinical use of rhubarb root and rhizome. By collating the relevant classical prescriptions of rhubarb root and rhizome in Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolüe, the relationship between its decoction and dosing methods and the syndrome was analyzed. The decoction of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions can be divided into three categories: simultaneous decoction, decoction later, and other methods (impregnation in Mafei decoction, decoction with water from the well spring first taken in the morning, and pills). If it enters the blood level or wants to slow down, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted at the same time with other drugs. If it enters the qi level and wants to speed up, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted later. If it wants to upwardly move, rhubarb root and rhizome should be immersed in Mafei decoction. If it wants to suppress liver yang, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted with water from the well spring first taken in the morning. If the disease is prolonged, rhubarb root and rhizome should be taken in pill form. The dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome can be divided into five categories: draught, twice, three times, before meals, and unspecified. For acute and serious illnesses with excess of pathogenic qi and adequate vital qi, we choose draught. For gastrointestinal diseases, we choose to take the medicine twice. For achieving a moderate and long-lasting effect, we choose to take the medicine three times. If the disease is located in the lower part of the heart and abdomen, we choose to take it before meals. The use of rhubarb root and rhizome in clinical practice requires the selection of the appropriate decoction and dosing methods according to the location of the disease, the severity of the disease, the patient′s constitution, and the condition after taking the medicine.
10.The application of operation plan based on injury stress sequence in the treatment of degree Ⅲ and Ⅳ ankle fractures with Lange-Hansen classification of pronation and external rotation
Bing FANG ; Jie CHENG ; Guangfeng HU ; Xin ZHANG ; Yaozheng LI ; Wei REN
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(2):166-170
Objective To investigate the application of operation plan based on injury stress sequence in the treatment of degree Ⅲ and Ⅳ ankle fractures with Lange-Hansen classification of pronation and external rotation.Methods From May 2019 to May 2022,80 eligible patients of degree Ⅲand Ⅳ ankle fractures with Lange-Hansen classification were selected prospectively and randomely divided into 2 groups:40 patients in the study group were treated with surgical reduction according to the sequence of injury stress,and the other 40 patients in the control group were treated with traditional reduction sequence.The operative time,intraoperative blood loss,fracture healing time,full weight-bearing time,Ankle dorsoextension Angle,plantar flexion Angle,and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Association were compared between the two groups Society,AOFAS)Ankle and posterior foot function scores and complications.Results The surgical time[(44.80±5.12)min vs.(47.61±6.42)min]and surgical bleeding volume[(43.81±9.02)ml vs.(51.50±12.01)ml]between the study group and the control group were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Before surgery,there had no significant differences in ankle joint dorsiflexion angle,plantar flexion angle,AOFAS ankle and hind foot function score in 2 groups(all P>0.05).The ankle dorsiflexion angle at 3 months after surgery[(16.84±1.77)° vs.(15.50±1.65)°],plantar flexion angle at 3 months after surgery[(45.64±4.10)° vs.(42.58±3.86)°]and at 6 months after surgery[(52.38±3.03)°vs.(50.64±3.74)°],the maximum walking distance score[(3.50±0.64)vs.(3.16±0.60)],ground walking score[(2.06±0.56)vs.(1.72±0.48)]and ankle joint anteroposterior activity score at 3 months after surgery[(4.96±1.38)vs.(4.16±1.07)]of the study group were all higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in terms of fracture healing time,complete weight-bearing time,postoperative pain score,ankle joint function autonomous activity support score,abnormal gait score,maximum walking distance score at 6 months after surgery,ground walking score,ankle joint anterior and posterior activity score and surgical complications between 2 group(all P>0.05).Conclusion According to the sequence of injury stress,surgical reduction for the treatment of grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ ankle fractures of Lange-Hansen classification of middle pronation and external rotation can shorten the operation time and promote the early recovery of joint function.


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