1.Research progress of red light therapy for dry eye and visual fatigue
Yutong XIE ; Siyu JIA ; Jiamin GAO ; Ruofan LIU ; Meiling LI ; Jiangying LI ; Xi LUO ; Xiaonan LI ; Rong YAN ; Hongbo LI
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):636-640
Dry eye disease(DED)is a common ocular surface disorder worldwide, primarily characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and frequently associated with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), decreased tear film stability, ocular discomfort, and visual impairment. In recent years, factors such as the widespread use of digital devices,the aging population, and environmental changes have contributed to a significant increase in its global prevalence, making it a major public health concern. Red light therapy(RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy(LLLT)or photobiomodulation(PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes low-energy red or near-infrared light to irradiate tissues. It exerts photobiomodulatory effects to promote cellular repair and functional recovery. This therapy has demonstrated considerable potential in treating various ocular conditions. Its broader clinical application could improve therapeutic outcomes, alleviate patient discomfort and financial burden, and reduce the consumption of healthcare resources, thereby yielding significant socio-economic benefits. This paper systematically reviews the multifaceted mechanisms and application prospects of RLT in managing DED, including its anti-inflammatory effects, improvement of meibomian gland function, promotion of conjunctival goblet cell repair, and alleviation of visual fatigue, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and practical reference for its clinical adoption.
2.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
3.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
4.Patients' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Non-pharmacologicalTreatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Chengwen LI ; Qiong LIU ; Jianan CAO ; Xuan XU ; Haolong HE ; Yingchun HUANG ; Xinye LIU ; Rong LUO ; Xiaorong CHANG ; Mi LIU
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(2):276-289
Background/Aims:
Non-pharmacological treatments are crucial for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), yet patient engagement remains a challenge. Understanding patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding these treatments is essential for improving care.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted across 5 hospitals, from October 2023 to February 2024. A self-designed knowledge, attitudes, and practices questionnaire along with the IBS quality of life and IBS severity scoring system was administered, and 496 valid responses were analyzed. Statistical analyses included correlation tests, multivariate linear regression, and mediation effect analysis.
Results:
The median scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 28, 25.5, and 21, respectively. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge-attitude (r = 0.195), knowledge-practice (r = 0.364), and attitude-practice (r = 0.151). The multivariate linear regression analysis further indicated that knowledge (β = 0.399, P < 0.001) and attitude (β = 0.219, P = 0.022) positively correlated with the practical performance. SEM revealed that knowledge had a significant direct effect on both attitude (β = 0.186, P = 0.013) and practice (β = 0.356, P = 0.006). However, the direct effect of attitude on practice was not significant, and attitude did not mediate the relationship between knowledge and practice.
Conclusions
IBS patients exhibit a significant gap between their positive attitudes and their actual practices concerning non-pharmacological treatments. Knowledge is a direct driver of practice, but positive attitudes alone are insufficient to translate into behavior. Healthcare providers must move beyond simply fostering positive attitudes and focus on targeted educational interventions that provide actionable knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes.
5.Effect of Huanglian Jiedutang in Regulating Ferroptosis in Mice with Atherosclerosis Based on Nrf2/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhaohui GONG ; Li GAO ; Huiqi ZHAI ; Jinzi YU ; Qingmin CHU ; Chuanjin LUO ; Lijin QING ; Wei WU ; Rong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):22-28
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) in treating mice with atherosclerosis (AS) by improving ferroptosis. MethodsA total of 10 SPF C57BL/6J mice were selected as a normal group, and 50 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into five groups: model group, low-dose group of HLJDT, medium-dose group of HLJDT, high-dose group of HLJDT, and atorvastatin (ATV) group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks to establish the AS model, and at the 9th week, they were given normal saline, low, medium, and high doses of HLJDT (3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and atorvastatin calcium tablets (0.01 g·kg-1·d-1), respectively, for a total of eight weeks. The formation of aortic plaque in mice was observed by gross oil red O staining and Masson staining. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood fat were measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mitochondrial structure of the aorta was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The content of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum was detected by the microplate method, and that of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum was detected by the TBA method. The protein expression of nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with those of the normal group, the contents of TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, and MDA in the serum and the aortic vascular plaque deposition of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of SOD and GSH in serum, as well as Nrf2, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and GPX4 in aorta were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Mice in the model group appeared mitochondrial fragmentation and vacuolation in the aorta, volume atrophy, mitochondrial crista reduction, or a loose and disorganized form. Compared with those in the model group, the aortic vascular plaque deposition was significantly decreased in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of HLJDT and ATV group, and the contents of serum TC, LDL-C, TG, and MDA in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The contents of serum SOD and GSH and the expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the aorta were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the symptoms of aortic mitochondrial vacuolation were alleviated. The number of cristae was increased, and they were ordered neatly. ConclusionHLJDT can reduce aortic vascular plaque deposition, decrease blood lipid and MDA expression, increase SOD and GSH expression, and ameliorate the pathological changes of ferroptosis, the mechanism of which is related to the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.
6.Analysis on clinical efficacy of dual plasma molecular adsorbent sequential plasma exchange in treatment of liver failure
Qian LIU ; Rong CHEN ; Mingdan LI ; Ying ZHANG ; Mei DAI ; Yali XU ; Ping YANG ; Yawen LUO
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(3):588-592
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of dual plasma molecular adsorption(DPMAS)sequential plasma exchange(PE)artificial liver mode in the treatment of liver failure(LF).Methods Eighty-five patients with LF receiving the artificial liver treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical Univer-sity from January 2020 to December 2023 were selected as the study subjects and divided into the study group(n=52)and the control group(n=33)according to the different treatment modes.The study group conduc-ted DPMAS sequential PE treatment and the control group underwent the PE treatment.The liver function[total bilirubin(TBIL),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),serum albumin(ALB),globulin(GLO),prealbumin(PAB)],Hb,coagulation function[platelet(PLT),plasminogen activity(PTA),international normalized ratio(INR),fibrinogen(FIB)]before treatment and at 24 h after treatment were compared between the two groups.Results Compared with before treatment,the levels of TBIL,ALT,AST,GLO and Hb after the first and second treatment in the two groups were decreased,ALB level in the control group and PAB level after the second time treatment was increased(P<0.05).Compared with after the first treatment,the levels of TBIL,ALT and GLO after the second treatment in the two groups and the levels of AST and Hb in the study group were decreased,ALB level in the study group and PAB level in the two groups were increased(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the levels of PLT and FIB after the first treatment in the two groups and INR level in the control group were decreased,PTA level in the control group was increased(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the levels of PLT,INR and FIB after the second treatment in the two groups were decreased,PTA level was increased(P<0.05).Compared with be-fore treatment,the levels of PLT,INR and FIB after the second treatment in the two groups were decreased,and PTA level was increased(P<0.05).Compared with after the first treatment,PTA level after the second treatment in the study group was increased and INR level was decreased.Conclusion PE and DPMAS sequen-tial PE all could improve the liver function in the patients with LF,moreover the two times treatment has more significant effect.
7.The role of human aldehyde dehydrogenase gene family in health and disease
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(5):1240-1244
Human aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH)gene family contains 19 functional members,which encode a class of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD+)or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phos-phate(NADP+)dependent isoenzymes.Their primary function is to oxidise various aldehydes to the corre-sponding carboxylic acids,and act in a variety of pathways:ALDH 1 is used to transmit retinoic acid signals,ALDH2 is used for ethanol detoxification,ALDH1A1 and ALDH3A1 are used to maintain cellular homeosta-sis in the eye,ALDH4A1 participates in amino acid metabolism,ALDH2 and ALDH5A1 participate in the construction of neuronal function,ALDH1L participates in folate metabolism,etc.Mutations in the ALDH gene causing deletion of the ALDH enzyme or abnormal catalytic activity have been associated with a multi-tude of diseases,including type Ⅱ hyperprolainemia,Sj?gren-Larsson syndrome,γ-hydroxybutyric aciduria,cancer,cardiovascular disease,etc.This review provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the 13 mem-bers belonging to the ALDH gene family that have been investigated in health and disease,focusing on their physiological and pathological functions.
8.Construction and identification of tumor organoids derived from human glioblastoma
Zongqiang LÜ ; Hongxiang WANG ; Bo SUN ; Ning LUO ; Rong LI ; Chunlin WANG ; Juxiang CHEN
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(5):577-585
Objective To establish and verify a mature and stable glioblastoma(GBM)organoid model,so as to provide an accurate and personalized preclinical model for the research and treatment of GBM.Methods Fresh GBM tissues obtained through surgical procedures were initially processed,and then GBM stem cells(GSCs)were isolated using stem cell culture medium and were identified.Subsequently,GSCs were cultured in organoid culture medium for 3D cultivation,and GBM organoids were successfully obtained.The histological morphology of GBM organoids was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(H-E)staining;the stemness and similarity to the parental tumor were identified by immunofluorescence staining;and the in vivo tumorigenic ability of GBM organoids was identified by orthotopic tumorigenesis experiments in nude mice.Results A total of 7 GBM organoids were constructed from 9 human GBM samples,with a morphology resembling"neurosphere",and the average duration for organoid formation was 1 week.H-E staining results showed that the histological morphology of GBM organoids under high-power microscope was very similar to that of GBM tumor tissues;immunofluorescence staining results indicated that the GBM organoids possessed stemness characteristics and histological cellular similarity;and GBM organoids had a stronger tumorigenic ability compared to ordinary GBM cells in nude mice.Conclusion This study presents a stable and reliable method for constructing GBM organoids retaining the histological characteristics of the original GBM tissue,which providing new insights for future GBM research and clinical practice.
9.Analysis on the compositional differences of different processing products of Atractylodes lancea Rhizoma based on HS-GC-MS and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS
Li WANG ; Rong LUO ; Xuyang HAN ; Kaijing WANG ; Wei XIAO ; Dechun JIANG ; Songleng DUAN ; Peng ZHANG ; Yanxin ZHAI ; Jiankun WU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(6):833-842
Objective:To compare the differences in chemical compositions before and after processing by different processing methods; To optimize the processing method of Atractylodes lancea Rhizoma.Methods:Atractylodes lancea Rhizoma was processed by stir-frying with bran and treating with rice washing water. The volatile and non-volatile components of raw Atractylodes lancea Rhizoma, bran-fried Atractylodes lancea Rhizoma and rice washing water treated Atractylodes lancea Rhizome were qualitatively analyzed by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS), and the differences in chemical composition before and after processing were compared.Results:The volatile components of the three different products were determined to have 18 common components, such as agarospirol, β-eudesol, etc. In addition, 86 non-volatile components were determined. The peak area response value of atractylodin, the index component prescribed by pharmacopoeia, decreased after processing, but there was little difference in bran stir-frying and rice-washed water frying.Conclusions:Different processing methods have certain effects on the chemical composition of Atractylodes lancea Rhizoma. Among them, the bran-frying method is superior in improving the quality of preparations, reducing production costs and improving production efficiency. The bran-fried product can be used as raw material for preparation production.
10.Effect of Angiopep-2-functionalized bacterial extracellular vesicles system on glioblastoma
Bo SUN ; Zongqiang LYU ; Ning LUO ; Rong LI ; Hongxiang WANG ; Juxiang CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(10):481-490
Objective To construct a targeted drug delivery system, Ang-BEVs@Dox, based on Angiopep-2 peptide-modified bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) loaded with doxorubicin (Dox), overcome the challenges of blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and systemic toxicity in chemotherapy for glioblastoma (GBM), enhance drug targeting to brain tumors and reduce its toxic side effects. Methods BEVs derived from Escherichia coli were isolated using ultracentrifugation. The targeting ligand Angiopep-2, specific for the LRP-1 receptor, was conjugated onto the surface of BEVs to construct the targeted carrier (Ang-BEVs). Dox was loaded into Ang-BEVs using low-frequency sonication to form Ang-BEVs@Dox. The physicochemical properties (morphology and size) of the carriers were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The BBB-penetrating capability, in vitro/in vivo anti-tumor efficacy, and biosafety of the system were evaluated using cellular uptake assays, 3D tumor spheroid models, and orthotopic tumor-bearing mouse models. Results ① Carrier characterization and in vitro efficacy: Ang-BEVs@Dox exhibited a particle size of approximately 100 nm and maintained structural stability after Dox loading. It significantly enhanced cellular uptake efficiency in U87MG cells and achieved deep penetration within 3D tumor spheroids. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated synergistic anti-tumor effects between the BEVs and Dox in the Ang-BEVs@Dox system. ② In vivo targeting and anti-tumor efficacy: In orthotopic tumor-bearing mouse models, Ang-BEVs@Dox effectively penetrated the BBB and significantly inhibited tumor growth, extending the median survival time of tumor-bearing mice to 33.5 days (compared to 23.5 days in the blank control group, P<0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significant suppression of the tumor cell proliferation marker Ki-67 and enhancement of the apoptosis marker TUNEL staining signals. ③ Biosafety: Major organs from mice in the Ang-BEVs@Dox treatment group showed no observable pathological damage, indicating good biosafety. Conclusion This study successfully constructed an Angiopep-2 peptide-modified engineered BEVs delivery system (Ang-BEVs@Dox). Through Angiopep-2-mediated BBB penetration and tumor targeting, it significantly enhanced the accumulation and therapeutic efficacy of BEVs at the GBM site. This method combined efficient delivery, low systemic toxicity, and clinical translation potential, which provided an innovative solution to overcome the therapeutic bottleneck in GBM treatment.

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