1.Huanglian Jiedutang Improves Myelin Damage and Agitated Behavior in Vascular Dementia by Regulating Microglial Polarization via CD22/SHP-1/p-Akt Signaling Pathway
Chen CHEN ; Xiaoxia FENG ; Shiting LIANG ; Xinxian SHI ; Guang YANG ; Jing QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):25-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) modulates microglial (MG) phenotypes through the sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 2 (SIGLEC2/CD22)/Src-homology-2-domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1)/phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) signaling pathway, thereby promoting myelin repair and alleviating agitation-like behaviors in vascular dementia (VAD). MethodsSixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a sham (normal) group, model group, HLJDT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (2.5, 5, and 10 g·kg-1·d-1), and a risperidone group (2 mg·kg-1·d-1), with 10 mice per group. VAD was induced by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS). From day 42, mice received drug interventions for 2 weeks. Agitation-like behaviors were assessed using the resident-intruder test. After behavioral testing, ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) tissues were collected. Western blot was used to measure protein levels of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1 (Arg1), CD86, CD206, and CD22, SHP-1, and p-Akt. Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) intensity and the proportion of iNOS+/ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)+ cells. ELISA was used to detect tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited markedly increased biting and aggressive behaviors and shortened attack latency (P<0.01). MOG, MBP, and PLP protein levels and MAG fluorescence intensity were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). INOS and CD86 expression and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01). CD22 and SHP-1 expression increased significantly (P<0.01), whereas p-Akt expression decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose HLJDT groups and the risperidone group showed markedly reduced biting and aggression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and prolonged attack latency (P<0.01). MOG, MBP, and PLP levels and MAG fluorescence intensity were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). INOS, CD86, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). CD22 and SHP-1 expression decreased, while p-Akt expression increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHLJDT may modulate CD22/SHP-1/p-Akt signaling in the VMHvl, promote the shift of MG toward an anti-inflammatory and phagocytic phenotype, enhance myelin repair, and improve agitation-like behaviors in VAD mice.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
3.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
4.Role of aspirin in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Yongqi LI ; Yanqiu LI ; Lina SUN ; Chaoran WANG ; Ying FENG ; Liang WANG ; Xianbo WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):178-182
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the main type of chronic liver disease in the world, with an increasingly higher incidence rate and a younger age of onset. At present, the treatment of MAFLD mainly depends on lifestyle intervention and comorbidity management, and there is still a lack of effective drugs for MAFLD itself. As a classic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug of the salicylic acid family, aspirin can intervene in the pathological process of MAFLD by regulating lipid metabolism, relieving insulin resistance, reducing liver inflammation and oxidative stress response, exerting an anti-liver fibrosis effect, and inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma, and therefore, it has the value of preventing disease onset, delaying disease progression, and reversing disease condition. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action and safety of aspirin in the treatment of MAFLD, in order to provide more drug treatment options for MAFLD patients.
5.The Experience of Retention Enema with Traditional Chinese Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis Based on the Theory of Sweat Pore
Zifu HONG ; Yinghua HE ; Lipeng FENG ; Fei JIA ; Mouwen QYU ; Liang YUAN ; Mingwen JIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):634-637
This paper discussed the nature of ulcerative colitis, that is deficiency of the root and excess of the branch, from the theory of sweat pore, and to explore the theoretical basis and experience of treating this disease with retention enema of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The main location of this disease is in the intestine. As a part of sweat pore, the intestinal sweat pore serves as the gateway for the ascending, descending, exiting and entering of qi movement in the zang fu (脏腑) organs, meridians and collaterals, as well as the channel for the transportation of qi, blood and body fluids. The constraint and closure of the intestinal sweat pore are the main pathological basis of ulcerative colitis. According to the manifestations of colonoscopy, and the different etiological factors and pathogenesis that lead to the constraint and closure of sweat pore, there should be different treatment focuses such as expelling wind to open sweat pore, clearing fire to open sweat pore, promoting blood circulation to open sweat pore, for which wind-dispersing herbs, heat-clearing herbs, and blood-activating herbs are used accordingly. The method of retention enema can directly induce Chinese medicinal herbs to the affected part, so as to diffuse and unblock the sweat pore, regulate qi and blood, and thus restore the normal function of the intestinal sweat pore.
6.Establishment and stress analysis of a finite element model for adolescent cervical disc herniation
Yuxin ZHAO ; Liang LIANG ; Feng JIN ; Yangyang XU ; Zhijie KANG ; Yuan FANG ; Yujie HE ; Xing WANG ; Haiyan WANG ; Xiaohe LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):448-454
BACKGROUND:Cervical disc herniation can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area,as well as radiating pain in the upper limbs.The incidence rate is increasing year by year and tends to affect younger individuals.Fully understanding the biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine in adolescents is of great significance for preventing and delaying the onset of cervical disc herniation in this age group. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct cervical spine models for both healthy adolescents and adolescent patients with cervical disc herniation utilizing finite element analysis techniques,to analyze the motion range of the C1-T1 cervical vertebrae as well as the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and the cartilage of the small joints. METHODS:A normal adolescent's cervical spine and an adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation were selected in this study.The continuous scan cervical spine CT raw image data were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format.The C1-T1 vertebrae were reconstructed separately.Subsequently,the established models were imported into the 3-Matic software for disc reconstruction.The perfected models were then imported into Hypermesh software for meshing of the vertebrae,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,and ligaments,creating valid geometric models.After assigning material properties,the final models were imported into ABAQUS software to observe the joint motion range of the C1-C7 cervical vertebrae segments under different conditions,and to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and small joint cartilage of each cervical spine segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In six different conditions,the joint motion range of the C1 vertebra in the cervical spine models of both normal adolescent and adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation was higher than that of the other vertebrae.Additionally,the joint motion range of each cervical spine segment in normal adolescent was greater than that in adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation.(2)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress values in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus were found on the left side during C2-3 flexion conditions(0.43 MPa and 0.17 MPa,respectively).In the cervical spine model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress values were found on the left side during C7-T1 flexion conditions(0.54 MPa and 0.18 MPa,respectively).(3)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the upper endplate of C3 during flexion conditions(1.46 MPa).In the model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the lower endplate of C7 during flexion conditions(1.32 MPa).(4)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value in the small joint cartilage was found in the C2-3 left rotation conditions(0.98 MPa).In adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the stress in the small joint cartilage significantly increased under different conditions,especially in C1-2,with the maximum stress found during left flexion(3.50 MPa).(5)It is concluded that compared to normal adolescent,adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation exhibits altered cervical curvature and a decrease in overall joint motion range in the cervical spine.In adolescent with cervical disc herniation,there is a significant increase in stress on the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,and endplates in the C7-T1 segment.The stress on the left articular cartilage of the C1-2 is notable.Abnormal cervical curvature may be the primary factor causing these stress changes.
7.Resveratrol activates extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5 signaling protein to promote proliferation of mouse MC3T3-E1 cells
Yongkang NIU ; Zhiwei FENG ; Yaobin WANG ; Zhongcheng LIU ; Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Zhi YI ; Hongwei ZHAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):908-916
BACKGROUND:The extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5(ERK5)signaling protein is essential for the survival of organisms,and resveratrol can promote osteoblast proliferation through various pathways.However,whether resveratrol can regulate osteoblast function through the ERK5 signaling protein needs further verification. OBJECTIVE:To explore the regulatory effect of ERK5 on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and related secreted proteins,and to further verify whether resveratrol can complete the above process by activating ERK5. METHODS:Mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were treated with complete culture medium,XMD8-92(an ERK5 inhibitor),epidermal growth factor(an ERK5 activator),resveratrol alone,XMD8-92+EGF,and resveratrol+XMD8-92,respectively.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of ERK5 and p-ERK5 proteins,proliferation-related proteins Cyclin D1,CDK4 and PCNA,and osteoblast-secreted proteins osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in MC3T3-E1 cells of each group.The fluorescence intensity of ERK5,osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in each group was detected by cell immunofluorescence staining,and cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining,respectively.The appropriate concentration and time of resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells were determined by cell morphology observation and cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The activation of ERK5 signaling protein could effectively promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells,up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio.The appropriate concentration and time for resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells was 5 μmol/L and 24 hours,respectively.Resveratrol could activate ERK5 signaling protein,thereby promoting osteoblast proliferation and up-regulating the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio.All these results indicate that resveratrol can promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio by activating the ERK5 signaling protein.
8.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
9.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.
10.Association of Rapidly Elevated Plasma Tau Protein With Cognitive Decline in Patients With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Che-Sheng CHU ; Yu-Kai LIN ; Chia-Lin TSAI ; Yueh-Feng SUNG ; Chia-Kuang TSAI ; Guan-Yu LIN ; Chien-An KO ; Yi LIU ; Chih-Sung LIANG ; Fu-Chi YANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(2):130-139
Objective:
Whether elevation in plasma levels of amyloid and tau protein biomarkers are better indicators of cognitive decline than higher baseline levels in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains understudied.
Methods:
We included 67 participants with twice testing for AD-related plasma biomarkers via immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assays (amyloid beta [Aβ]1-40, Aβ1-42, total tau [t-Tau], phosphorylated tau [p-Tau] 181, and alpha-synuclein [α-Syn]) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) over a 1-year interval. We examined the correlation between biomarker levels (baseline vs. longitudinal change) and annual changes in the MMSE scores. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to compare the biomarkers.
Results:
After adjustment, faster cognitive decline was correlated with lower baseline levels of t-Tau (β=0.332, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 (β=0.369, p=0.015) and rapid elevation of t-Tau (β=-0.330, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 levels (β=-0.431, p=0.004). However, the levels (baseline and longitudinal changes) of Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and α-Syn were not correlated with cognitive decline. aMCI converters had lower baseline levels of p-Tau 181 (p=0.002) but larger annual changes (p=0.001) than aMCI non-converters. The change in p-Tau 181 levels showed better discriminatory capacity than the change in t-Tau levels in terms of identifying AD conversion in patients with aMCI, with an area under curve of 86.7% versus 72.2%.
Conclusion
We found changes in p-Tau 181 levels may be a suitable biomarker for identifying AD conversion.

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