1.Mechanism of NAFLD-associated Intestinal Barrier Damage and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Strategies Based on "Turbid Pathogenic Factors Entering the Blood" Theory
Haoyang QIN ; Lei LUO ; Mengge LI ; Xueqian KONG ; Fanghua ZHANG ; Zhongqin DANG ; Zhibo DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):277-287
Intestinal barrier damage is a prominent feature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serves as a critical factor driving the progression from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The "turbid pathogenic factors entering the blood" theory integrates classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles with contemporary disease evolution trends and research findings. It posits that endogenous turbid pathogenic factors within the body infiltrate the blood vessels, leading to impure and viscous blood quality, thereby triggering various diseases. Based on this theory, this article elucidated the pathogenic mechanism of NAFLD-associated intestinal barrier damage. It argued that in NAFLD, the liver loses its dredging function, and the spleen becomes obstructed and dysfunctional. Moreover, essential nutrients fail to be properly transformed, resulting in the internal generation of turbid pathogenic factors. This subsequently initiates a series of pathological changes, namely, "infiltration of phlegm-turbidity into the blood, eroding the intestinal mucosa", "infiltration of glucose-turbidity into the blood, macerating and eroding the intestinal mucosa", "infiltration of heat-turbidity into the blood, scorching and eroding the intestinal mucosa", and "infiltration of stasis-turbidity into the blood, stagnating and eroding the intestinal mucosa", ultimately causing intestinal barrier damage. Furthermore, guided by the "turbid pathogenic factors entering the blood" theory, this article explored TCM intervention strategies: employing medicinals targeting the liver meridian to address the root cause and reduce the generation and deposition of turbid pathogenic factors in the liver, administering blood-system medicinals to clear the blood and purge turbidity, thereby intercepting the progression of the disease mechanism, and applying tonifying medicinals to bolster healthy Qi and defend against turbid invasion, allowing the damaged intestinal mucosa to gradually heal. This article presented novel theoretical and medicinal perspectives for analyzing NAFLD-associated intestinal barrier damage based on the "turbid pathogenic factors entering the blood" theory, aiming to provide new entry points and broader horizons for related research and clinical practice.
2.Association between the incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and meteorological factors in Shenzhen City from 2012 to 2019
Liangqiang LIN ; Dongfeng KONG ; Lanbin XIANG ; Zhigao CHEN ; Yanmin QIN ; Yuefa ZHUANG ; Yang LIU ; Jianfeng LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):194-199
Objective To examine the association between epidemiological characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and meteorological factors in Shenzhen City during the period from 2012 to 2019. Methods Average atmospheric pressure, average air temperature, average relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and sunshine duration were captured from Meteorological Bureau of Shenzhen City each month from 2012 to 2019. The average monthly rodent densities in Shenzhen City from 2012 to 2019 were acquired from the Vector Surveillance Management System of Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the monthly HFRS incidence was retrieved from Shenzhen Municipal Disease Surveillance System from 2012 to 2019. The correlation between meteorological factors and the monthly incidence of HFRS was examined us ing Spearman’s rank correlation in Shenzhen City, and the temporal trends in monthly HFRS incidence and the degrees of freedom for the rodent density were determined in Shenzhen City with a generalized additive model. The optimal lag time was identified using excess risk (ER) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), and univariate and multivariate models were fitted to evaluate the impact of meteorological factors on HFRS incidence in Shenzhen City. Results The median number of incident HFRS cases was 3.00 (interquartile range, 3.25) in Shenzhen City from 2012 to 2019, with an average air temperature of (23.44 ± 4.91) °C, average relative humidity of (76.05 ± 7.61)%, median precipitation of 4.10 (interquartile range, 6.83) mm, average wind speed of (1.97 ± 0.26) m/s, average sunshine duration of (5.17 ± 1.64) h, and median monthly rodent density of 1.74% (interquartile range, 2.52%). Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed that the average air temperature positively correlated with average relative humidity (rs = 0.420, P < 0.05), precipitation (rs = 0.658, P < 0.05) and sunshine duration (rs = 0.633, P < 0.05), and the atmospheric pressure negatively correlated with average air temperature (rs = −0.925, P < 0.05), relative humidity (rs = −0.614, P < 0.05), precipitation (rs = −0.789, P < 0.05) and sunshine duration (rs = −0.437, P < 0.05), while the average relative humidity correlated positively with precipitation (rs = 0.724, P < 0.05) and negatively with sunshine duration (rs = −0.218, P < 0.05). Univariate modeling analysis showed that the ERs and their 95% CI were 0.639% (0.540%, 0.737%) for average atmospheric pressure, −7.157% (−8.113%, −6.190%) for average air temperature, −3.603% (−4.219%, −2.985%) for average relative humidity, −5.889% (−7.085%, −4.669%) forprecipitation,21.881% (−5.149%, 56.612%) for average wind speed, and −13.877% (−16.641%, −11.022%) for sunshine duation (all P values < 0.05). Multivariate modeling analysis showed that in the ensemble model combining average atmospheric pressure and precipitation, the highest ER (6.686%) was caused by increased average atmospheric pressure, and the highest absolute ER values for average air temperature (6.615%), average relative humidity (3.107%) and precipitation (5.386%) were seen after adjustment only for sunshine duration (all P values < 0.05), while the highest absolute ER for sunshine duration (11.875%) was found after adjustment for precipitation (P < 0.05). Conclusions An increase in average air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and sunshine duration resulted in a reduced incidence rate of HFRS in Shenzhen City from 2012 to 2019, and an increase in average atmospheric pressure increased the incidence of HFRS. Meteorological factors are important determinants affecting HFRS incidence in Shenzhen City.
3.Mechanisms of Metabolic Imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM from Theory of Middle Energizer Acting as a Balance and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Strategies
Haoyang QIN ; Mengge LI ; Lei LUO ; Xueqian KONG ; Fanghua ZHANG ; Zhongqin DANG ; Zhibo DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):244-253
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a high comorbidity rate, emerging as a major global public health issue. The concept that the middle energizer acting as a balance refers to the role of the middle energizer in maintaining the balance of Qi and blood, dryness and dampness, as well as water and fire (Yin and Yang) in the human body. The core feature of MAFLD with T2DM is the metabolic imbalance, which is closely related to the dysfunction of the middle energizer's balancing role. This article explores the mechanisms of metabolic imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM from the perspective of the middle energizer acting as a balance, proposing that middle energizer dysfunction is the root cause. Qi movement, dryness-dampness, and ministerial fire are the two ends of the balance. MAFLD with T2DM is accompanied by various seemingly contradictory pathological states and imbalances, such as "Qi stagnation and failure of free movement vs. Qi dispersion without retention", "damp-turbidity obstruction vs. internal dryness and fluid consumption", and "ministerial fire decline vs. hyperactivity and scorching". On this basis, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention strategies and their microscopic mechanisms are discussed. For the root cause of middle energizer imbalance, wind-dispelling herbs and Qi-replenishing and middle energizer-invigorating herbs are used to restore the balancing role of the middle energizer (delaying glucose and lipid absorption, restoring intestinal homeostasis, and ameliorating insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and adipocytes). For the secondary imbalances, pungent-dispersing and liver-soothing herbs combined with sour-astringent herbs are used to balance Qi movement (alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes and impaired glucose transport in tissue cells). Bitter-warm and dampness-draining herbs combined with sweet-cold and moistening herbs are used to balance dryness and dampness (reducing hepatic steatosis, cellular hyperosmotic dehydration, and intracellular metabolic disorders). Yang-lifting and warm-invigorating herbs combined with clearing-descending and Yin-nourishing herbs are used to balance ministerial fire (ameliorating hepatocyte apoptosis and liver fibrosis processes and alleviating systemic chronic inflammation and related damage). According to the theory of the middle energizer acting as a balance, this article explores the mechanisms of metabolic imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM and TCM intervention strategies, providing new insights and a framework for related scientific research and clinical practice.
4.Mechanisms of Metabolic Imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM from Theory of Middle Energizer Acting as a Balance and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Strategies
Haoyang QIN ; Mengge LI ; Lei LUO ; Xueqian KONG ; Fanghua ZHANG ; Zhongqin DANG ; Zhibo DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):244-253
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a high comorbidity rate, emerging as a major global public health issue. The concept that the middle energizer acting as a balance refers to the role of the middle energizer in maintaining the balance of Qi and blood, dryness and dampness, as well as water and fire (Yin and Yang) in the human body. The core feature of MAFLD with T2DM is the metabolic imbalance, which is closely related to the dysfunction of the middle energizer's balancing role. This article explores the mechanisms of metabolic imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM from the perspective of the middle energizer acting as a balance, proposing that middle energizer dysfunction is the root cause. Qi movement, dryness-dampness, and ministerial fire are the two ends of the balance. MAFLD with T2DM is accompanied by various seemingly contradictory pathological states and imbalances, such as "Qi stagnation and failure of free movement vs. Qi dispersion without retention", "damp-turbidity obstruction vs. internal dryness and fluid consumption", and "ministerial fire decline vs. hyperactivity and scorching". On this basis, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention strategies and their microscopic mechanisms are discussed. For the root cause of middle energizer imbalance, wind-dispelling herbs and Qi-replenishing and middle energizer-invigorating herbs are used to restore the balancing role of the middle energizer (delaying glucose and lipid absorption, restoring intestinal homeostasis, and ameliorating insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and adipocytes). For the secondary imbalances, pungent-dispersing and liver-soothing herbs combined with sour-astringent herbs are used to balance Qi movement (alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes and impaired glucose transport in tissue cells). Bitter-warm and dampness-draining herbs combined with sweet-cold and moistening herbs are used to balance dryness and dampness (reducing hepatic steatosis, cellular hyperosmotic dehydration, and intracellular metabolic disorders). Yang-lifting and warm-invigorating herbs combined with clearing-descending and Yin-nourishing herbs are used to balance ministerial fire (ameliorating hepatocyte apoptosis and liver fibrosis processes and alleviating systemic chronic inflammation and related damage). According to the theory of the middle energizer acting as a balance, this article explores the mechanisms of metabolic imbalance in MAFLD with T2DM and TCM intervention strategies, providing new insights and a framework for related scientific research and clinical practice.
5.Application of Germ-free Animal Models in Sepsis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research:A Review
Qinyuan DU ; Congcong QIN ; Guochen LI ; Tejin BA ; Shuanglin ZHANG ; Bagenna BAO ; Meiyu BAO ; Yimin ZHANG ; Meiling SUN ; Sichao ZHANG ; Li KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):308-317
Sepsis remains a challenge in critical care worldwide,with intestinal microbiome dysbiosis implicated in its onset,progression,and organ dysfunction. Germ-free (GF) and human microbiota-colonized animals,by eliminating confounding from resident microbiota and combining induction methods such as CLP/LPS/live-bacterial challenge with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and mono- or combined colonization,enable causal tests and dissection of microbiota-host interactions and drug mechanisms. This review summarizes the application of GF and related models in sepsis research. At the immune level,TLR-related signaling and pathogen community-induced suppression of IRF3-dependent defense affect innate immunity and pathogen clearance. At the barrier level,reprogramming of tight junction proteins and increased permeability drive gut-derived amplification. At the metabolic level,short-chain fatty acids and bile acids function as metabolic valves influencing GPR/HDAC signaling. At the epigenetic level,EZH2 and histone deacetylation emerge as druggable targets. We further synthesize anti-sepsis evidence for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),mainly from conventional animals and clinical studies,discussing how formulae (e.g.,Xuebijing,Shenfu,and Huanglian Jiedu Tang) and active constituents (e.g.,berberine,luteolin,ginsenosides,and resveratrol) may act through microbiota-related and direct host pathways,with FMT/metabolite replenishment enabling further causal testing. Finally,we propose a closed-loop GF-humanized-clinical stratification paradigm for integrated evaluation of microecology,epigenetics,immunity,and organ outcomes,providing a translational path for precision prevention and treatment based on TCM and the microbiome.
6.Analysis of the content of five radionuclides in wild edible fungi
Zhenglin YE ; Qiang ZHOU ; Fei TUO ; Baolu YANG ; Zeshu LI ; Weihao QIN ; Shuying KONG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):242-248
Objective To determine the content and distribution characteristics of the artificial radionuclide 137Cs and the natural radionuclides 210Pb, 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K in wild edible fungi, and calculate the committed effective dose due to 137Cs and 210Pb in wild edible fungi. Methods Thirty samples of wild edible fungi were collected and their caps and stems were separated. A total of 60 samples were measured for 137Cs, 210Pb, 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K using a BE5030 wide-energy, low-background, high-purity germanium γ spectrometer. The paired analysis of the four radionuclides 226Ra, 210Pb, 137Cs, and 40K was performed using SPSS 11.5. Results Among the 60 samples, the detection rates and dry weight specific activity ranges of 137Cs, 210Pb, 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K were 97% and 0.62-384 Bq/kg, 73% and 6.4-159 Bq/kg, 52% and 0.7-28.8 Bq/kg, 5% and 0.43-2.18 Bq/kg and 100% and (77.4-264) × 10 Bq/kg, respectively. Conclusion Based on the analysis of the 60 samples, the detection rate of radionuclides is in the order of 40K, 137Cs, 210Pb, 226Ra, and 228Ra. In terms of the specific activity, the distribution of 40K and 226Ra in wild edible fungi in the same region is basically uniform, while the content of 210Pb and 137Cs fluctuates in different samples. Although 137Cs and 210Pb can be detected in most of the wild edible fungi, the annual committed effective dose due to ingestion of wild edible fungi is negligible.
7.Investigation of an outbreak of group A human G9P [8] rotavirus infectious diarrhea among adults in Chongqing
Yang WANG ; Yuan KONG ; Ning CHEN ; Lundi YANG ; Jiang LONG ; Qin LI ; Xiaoyang XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Hong WEI ; Jie LU ; Quanjie XIAO ; Yingying BA ; Wenxi WU ; Qian XU ; Ju YAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):663-668
ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze an outbreak of rotavirus infectious diarrhea in a prison in Chongqing Municipality, to provide a basis for adult rotavirus surveillance and prevention, and to explore the public health problems in special settings. MethodsA retrospective survey was conducted to collect and analyze data on individual cases with diarrheal disease on-site. The clinical characteristics, as well as the temporal, spatial and geographical distribution patterns of the epidemic were described. Multi-pathogen detection tests were conducted both on diarrhea cases and environmental samples, with viral genotyping performed on positive samples. A case-control analysis was performed to identify the causes of the outbreak, and an SEIR model was adopted to predict the outbreak trend and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. ResultsA total of 65 cases were found among the inmates, with an attack rate of 2.03%. The predominant clinical manifestations included diarrhea (89.23%), watery stool (73.85%), and dehydration (18.46%). The epidemic curve indicated a “human-to-human” transmission pattern, with an average incubation period of 5‒6 days. The attack rates among chefs in the main canteen (80.00%, 8/10) and caterers (28.33%, 17/60) were significantly higher than those of other inmates (P<0.05). Multi-pathogen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detected positive for group A rotavirus, with the viral genotyping identified as G9P [8] strain. Factors such as unprotected "bare-handed" food distribution among cases with diarrhea (OR=9.512, 95%CI: 4.261‒21.234) and close contact with diarrhea cases (OR=3.656, 95%CI: 1.719‒7.778) were the possible cause of the outbreak. The SEIR model (r0=5, α=0.3, β1=0.08, β2=0.04) was constructed using prison inmates as susceptible population, aiming at fitting the initial transmission trend of the outbreak, and the epidemic rate declined rapidly after intervention measures were implemented (rt≈0). ConclusionThis rare rotavirus infection diarrhea outbreak among adults in confined settings suggests that the construction of public health prevention and control systems in prison may be overlooked. Cross infection during meal processing and distribution in the canteens of such settings is likely to be the cause of the outbreak. Given the potential neglect of public heath system construction in special settings, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance and monitoring of rotavirus and other intestinal multi-pathogens among adults, as well as the construction of public health prevention and control systems in these special settings.
8.Lipid metabolism in health and disease: Mechanistic and therapeutic insights for Parkinson's disease.
Bingqing QIN ; Yuan FU ; Ana-Caroline RAULIN ; Shuangyu KONG ; Han LI ; Junyi LIU ; Chunfeng LIU ; Jing ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(12):1411-1423
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of Lewy bodies, leading to motor and nonmotor symptoms. While both genetic and environmental factors contribute to PD, recent studies highlight the crucial role of lipid metabolism disturbances in disease progression. Altered lipid homeostasis promotes protein aggregation and oxidative stress, with significant changes in lipid classes such as sphingolipids and glycerolipids observed in patients with PD. These disturbances are involved in key pathological processes, such as α-synuclein aggregation, organelle dysfunction, lipid-mediated neuroinflammation, and impaired lipid homeostasis. This review examines the relationship between lipid species and PD progression, focusing on the physiological roles of lipids in the central nervous system. It explores the mechanistic links between lipid metabolism and PD pathology, along with lipid-related genetic risk factors. Furthermore, this review discusses lipid-targeting therapeutic strategies to mitigate PD progression, emphasizing the potential of lipid modulation for effective treatment development.
Humans
;
Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
;
Lipid Metabolism/physiology*
;
Animals
;
Oxidative Stress/physiology*
;
alpha-Synuclein/metabolism*
9.Investigating the correlation between white matter injury and cerebral perfusion in preterm infants using arterial spin labeling.
Xiang-Bo KONG ; Fan-Yue QIN ; Wen-Li DUAN ; Lin LU ; Xiao-Chan GUO ; Yan-Ran XUE ; Yin-Gang HONG ; Fa-Lin XU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(6):661-667
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the relationship between white matter injury (WMI) and cerebral perfusion in preterm infants using arterial spin labeling (ASL).
METHODS:
A total of 293 preterm infants (gestational age <34 weeks) hospitalized at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between June 2022 and June 2024 were included. After achieving clinical stability, the infants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ASL. Based on MRI findings, infants were classified into WMI (n=66) and non-WMI (n=227) groups. Cerebral perfusion parameters were compared between groups, and the association between WMI and perfusion alterations was evaluated.
RESULTS:
The WMI group showed a higher incidence of mild intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) than the non-WMI group (P<0.05). Significantly lower cerebral perfusion was observed in the WMI group across bilateral frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, as well as the basal ganglia and thalamus (P<0.05). After adjusting for gestational age, corrected gestational age at ASL scan, and mild IVH, WMI remained significantly associated with reduced regional perfusion (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
WMI in preterm infants correlates with localized cerebral hypoperfusion. ASL-detected perfusion abnormalities may provide novel insights into WMI pathogenesis.
Humans
;
White Matter/blood supply*
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Spin Labels
;
Infant, Premature
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cerebrovascular Circulation
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
10.Relationship between 137Cs and stable cesium in wild edible fungi
Zhenglin YE ; Fei TUO ; Baolu YANG ; Zeshu LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Weihao QIN ; Shuying KONG ; Qiang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(5):460-464
Objective:To investigate the relationship between artificial radionuclide 137Cs and stable cesium (Cs) in wild edible fungi and seek potential correlations. Methods:A total of 30 samples, including the caps (with gills) and stipes of wild edible fungi, were collected from the northeastern region of China. The measurement and analysis of 137Cs were conducted following recommended procedures in GB/T 16145-2022, and stable Cs was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Then, the correlation analysis of data on 137Cs and stable Cs was performed using SPSS 11.5 software, and scatter plots were prepared using the Origin 21.0 software. Results:The fungi caps exhibited a specific activity of 137Cs ranging from 0.52 to 55.9 Bq/kg (dry weight) and a stable Cs content from 0.069 mg/kg to 16.2 mg/kg (dry weight). The stipes showed a specific activity of 137Cs ranging from 0.53 Bq/kg to 101 Bq/kg (dry weight) and a stable Cs content from 0.075 to 11.5 mg/kg (dry weight). These data revealed a significant correlation between the specific activity of 137Cs and the stable cesium content in all samples including caps and stipes, with correlation coefficients r of 0.956, 0.912, and 0.931, respectively, and all significant levels P < 0.01. The ratios of the specific activity of 137Cs to stable Cs content varied from 2.09 Bq/kg to 20.1 Bq/kg (dry weight), with an average of 10.7 Bq/kg (dry weight). Conclusions:Wild edible fungi fail to distinguish between 137Cs and stable cesium when absorbing Cs elements from their growing substrates. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation between the specific activity of 137Cs and stable Cs content. In the case of exogenous 137Cs contamination, the ratio of the specific activity of 137Cs and stable Cs content will significantly change. Therefore, an increase in the ratio can be used as a reference for identifying 137Cs contamination events.

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