1.Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease with different clinical phenotypes: Pathogenesis and strategies for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment
Wenxia ZHAO ; Lei GAO ; Xinju CHEN ; Yuanyuan ZHENG ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Qing ZHAO ; Chenlu ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):930-937
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic metabolic liver disorder with complex etiologies. Different clinical phenotypes of MAFLD (such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, the postmenopausal state, and chronic hepatitis B) have different mechanisms of action in the development and progression of MAFLD, leading to high heterogeneity in its clinical progression and prognosis. This article systematically reviews the pathogeneses and clinical features of the above five clinical phenotypes of MAFLD and elaborates on the corresponding individualized diagnosis and treatment regimens integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, in order to provide a reference for clinical practice and improve clinical diagnosis and treatment.
2.Clinical Experience of Professor CUI Yinglin in Treating Pediatric Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy Based on the Original Qi Theory
Yingge DING ; Shilong CHEN ; Shurui WANG ; Lihui WANG ; Qian CHEN ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1485-1490
This paper summarizes Professor CUI Yinglin's clinical experience in treating pediatric mitochondrial encephalomyopathy based on the original qi theory. It is proposed that original qi depletion is the core pathogenesis, and the fundamental therapeutic principle is consolidating the root and replenishing original qi. Clinically, the disease is classified into four syndrome types, including insufficiency of kidney essence, spleen qi depletion, liver-kidney yin deficiency, and original qi constraint and stagnation accompanied by phlegm-stasis obstructing the collaterals. Correspondingly, self-formulated Gujing Yiyuan Decoction (固精益元汤) can be used to tonify the kidney and replenish essence, reinforce and strengthen original qi. Modified Yiyuan Decoction (益元汤) is used to fortify the spleen and supplement qi, consolidate the root and replenish original qi. Modified Da Bu Yuan Decoction (大补元煎) is employed to nourish the liver and kidney, and replenish original qi. Self-formulated Huatan Quyu Formula (化痰祛瘀方) is used to supplement qi and activating blood, resolve phlegm and unblocking the collaterals. Medication is flexibly adjusted according to syndrome differentiation, with simultaneous attention to the functional balance of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs and the harmony of qi, blood, yin, and yang, which may provide useful guidance for the clinical treatment of pediatric mitochondrial encephalomyopathy.
3.Clinical Experience of Professor CUI Yinglin in Treating Pediatric Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy Based on the Original Qi Theory
Yingge DING ; Shilong CHEN ; Shurui WANG ; Lihui WANG ; Qian CHEN ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1485-1490
This paper summarizes Professor CUI Yinglin's clinical experience in treating pediatric mitochondrial encephalomyopathy based on the original qi theory. It is proposed that original qi depletion is the core pathogenesis, and the fundamental therapeutic principle is consolidating the root and replenishing original qi. Clinically, the disease is classified into four syndrome types, including insufficiency of kidney essence, spleen qi depletion, liver-kidney yin deficiency, and original qi constraint and stagnation accompanied by phlegm-stasis obstructing the collaterals. Correspondingly, self-formulated Gujing Yiyuan Decoction (固精益元汤) can be used to tonify the kidney and replenish essence, reinforce and strengthen original qi. Modified Yiyuan Decoction (益元汤) is used to fortify the spleen and supplement qi, consolidate the root and replenish original qi. Modified Da Bu Yuan Decoction (大补元煎) is employed to nourish the liver and kidney, and replenish original qi. Self-formulated Huatan Quyu Formula (化痰祛瘀方) is used to supplement qi and activating blood, resolve phlegm and unblocking the collaterals. Medication is flexibly adjusted according to syndrome differentiation, with simultaneous attention to the functional balance of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs and the harmony of qi, blood, yin, and yang, which may provide useful guidance for the clinical treatment of pediatric mitochondrial encephalomyopathy.
4.Clinical Study on Treatment of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Patients with Dyslipidemia by Dizhuo Huayu Prescription with Catgut Embedding Therapy
Xiaoyan LIU ; Dongfang SHANG ; Lihui ZHANG ; Chenlu ZHAO ; Siying WANG ; Huaxin CHEN ; Wenxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):152-159
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Dizhuo Huayu prescription combined with catgut embedding therapy in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and dyslipidemia and explore the effect of the combined therapy on inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β. MethodsA total of 82 patients with NASH and dyslipidemia from the Gastroenterology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine were randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group, with 41 patients in each group. The control group received Polyene Polyenylphosphatidylcholine Capsules, while the treatment group received Dizhuo Huayu prescription granules combined with catgut embedding. The treatment duration was 24 weeks for both groups. At weeks 0, 12, and 24, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, body mass index (BMI), liver fat content assessed by Fibroscan (CAP value), the level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and free fatty acid (FFA), and the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-18 and IL-1β in serum were observed. Adverse reactions in both groups were recorded. ResultsA comparison of the comprehensive therapeutic effects between the two groups after 24 weeks of treatment revealed that the total effective rate was 62.16% (23/37) in the control group and 85.71% (30/35) in the treatment group, with a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 5.14, P<0.05). At weeks 12 and 24 after treatment, the TCM syndrome score, BMI, CAP value, TC, TG, LDL-C, and FFA were all significantly lower in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels, while the HDL-C level significantly increased (P<0.05). The effect was better at week 24 (P<0.05) than at week 12 (P<0.05), and the treatment group showed better outcomes than the control group at weeks 12 and 24 after treatment (P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, both groups exhibited significant reductions in IL-18 and IL-1β levels (P<0.05). The treatment group demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Both groups experienced decreases in ALT, AST, and GGT levels after treatment (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the 12-week and 24-week post-treatment values within each group, nor were there significant differences between the two groups. No significant adverse reactions were observed in both groups. ConclusionThe Dizhuo Huayu prescription combined with catgut embedding therapy is safe and effective in treating patients with NASH and dyslipidemia, exhibiting hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, lipid-regulating, and weight-reducing effects.
5.Clinical Effect of Xiaozhi Hugan Capsules in Treatment of Patients with Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Its Impact on Serum IL-6 and MCP-1
Xiaoyan LIU ; Suping MA ; Qingliang MA ; Chunxiao LI ; Lihui ZHANG ; Huaxin CHEN ; Wenxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):185-192
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of Xiaozhi Hugan capsules in treating patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome and its effects on serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). MethodsA total of 124 patients with NASH combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome who were admitted to the Department of Spleen, Stomach, and Hepatobiliary Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from July 2020 to December 2022 were selected. According to the random number table method, patients were randomly divided into an observation group (62 cases) and a control group (62 cases). The treatment duration was 6 months. The observation group received Xiaozhi Hugan capsules orally, while the control group received polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules. The efficacy indicators included alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores (discomfort/dull pain/distending pain in liver region, fatigue, etc.), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [including fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin level (INS)], free fatty acids (FFA), IL-6, and MCP-1. Adverse drug reactions were recorded. ResultsAfter treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was 92.3% (48/52), while that in the control group was 75.5% (39/49). The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (χ2=5.339, P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores in both groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the post-treatment scores in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of ALT, AST, TC, FFA, fasting insulin (FINS), HOMA-IR, MCP-1, IL-6, CAP, LSM, BMI, and WHtR were decreased (P<0.05) significantly in both groups, and the observation group showed superior improvement in the above indicators compared to the control group (P<0.05). The observation group exhibited significant reductions in TG and FBG (P<0.05) and an increase in HDL-C (P<0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. The observation group was superior to the control group after treatment (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group during the treatment. ConclusionXiaozhi Hugan capsules have significant clinical efficacy in treating patients with NASH combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome. It reduces hepatic steatosis, lowers liver stiffness, inhibits the expression of serum inflammatory factors, and alleviates liver inflammation. No obvious adverse reactions occur, suggesting it is suitable for clinical application.
6.Clinical Effect of Xiaozhi Hugan Capsules in Treatment of Patients with Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Its Impact on Serum IL-6 and MCP-1
Xiaoyan LIU ; Suping MA ; Qingliang MA ; Chunxiao LI ; Lihui ZHANG ; Huaxin CHEN ; Wenxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):185-192
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of Xiaozhi Hugan capsules in treating patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome and its effects on serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). MethodsA total of 124 patients with NASH combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome who were admitted to the Department of Spleen, Stomach, and Hepatobiliary Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from July 2020 to December 2022 were selected. According to the random number table method, patients were randomly divided into an observation group (62 cases) and a control group (62 cases). The treatment duration was 6 months. The observation group received Xiaozhi Hugan capsules orally, while the control group received polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules. The efficacy indicators included alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores (discomfort/dull pain/distending pain in liver region, fatigue, etc.), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [including fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin level (INS)], free fatty acids (FFA), IL-6, and MCP-1. Adverse drug reactions were recorded. ResultsAfter treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was 92.3% (48/52), while that in the control group was 75.5% (39/49). The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (χ2=5.339, P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores in both groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the post-treatment scores in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of ALT, AST, TC, FFA, fasting insulin (FINS), HOMA-IR, MCP-1, IL-6, CAP, LSM, BMI, and WHtR were decreased (P<0.05) significantly in both groups, and the observation group showed superior improvement in the above indicators compared to the control group (P<0.05). The observation group exhibited significant reductions in TG and FBG (P<0.05) and an increase in HDL-C (P<0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. The observation group was superior to the control group after treatment (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group during the treatment. ConclusionXiaozhi Hugan capsules have significant clinical efficacy in treating patients with NASH combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome. It reduces hepatic steatosis, lowers liver stiffness, inhibits the expression of serum inflammatory factors, and alleviates liver inflammation. No obvious adverse reactions occur, suggesting it is suitable for clinical application.
7.Evidence that metformin promotes fibrosis resolution via activating alveolar epithelial stem cells and FGFR2b signaling.
Yuqing LV ; Yanxia ZHANG ; Xueli GUO ; Baiqi HE ; Haibo XU ; Ming XU ; Lihui ZOU ; Handeng LYU ; Jin WU ; Pingping ZENG ; Saverio BELLUSCI ; Xuru JIN ; Chengshui CHEN ; Young-Chang CHO ; Xiaokun LI ; Jin-San ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4711-4729
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease lacking effective therapy. Metformin, an antidiabetic medication, has shown promising therapeutic properties in preclinical fibrosis models; however, its precise cellular targets and associated mechanisms in fibrosis resolution remain incompletely defined. Most research on metformin's effects has focused on mesenchymal and inflammatory responses with limited attention to epithelial cells. In this study, we utilized Sftpc lineage-traced and Fgfr2b conditional knockout mice, along with BMP2/PPARγ and AMPK inhibitors, to explore metformin's impact on alveolar epithelial cells in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model and cell culture. We found that metformin increased the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, particularly the recently identified injury-activated alveolar progenitors (IAAPs)-a subpopulation characterized by low SFTPC expression but enriched for PD-L1. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a reduction in apoptosis among mature AT2 cells. Interestingly, metformin's therapeutic effects were not significantly affected by BMP2 or PPARγ inhibition, which blocked the lipogenic differentiation of myofibroblasts. However, Fgfr2b deletion in Sftpc lineage cells significantly impaired metformin's ability to promote fibrosis resolution, a process linked to AMPK signaling. In conclusion, metformin alleviates fibrosis by directly activating AT2 cells, especially the IAAPs, through a mechanism that involves AMPK and FGFR2b signaling, but is largely independent of BMP2/PPARγ pathways.
8.Develop an ICU nursing shift handover index based on ISBAR framework and create an intelligent platform for it
Lihui XU ; Yan WU ; Min CHI ; Chunhua LUO ; Fen CHEN
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(9):66-75
Objective To establish an ICU nursing shift handover index based on the standardised communication framework of ISBAR(Identity,Situation,Background,Assessment,and Recommendation)and create an intelligent nursing shift handover system(hereinafter referred as"Smart ICU-ISBAR Nursing Shift Handover System"),thereby improving the standardisation,efficiency and quality of ICU nursing shift handovers with a standardised tool for planning ICU nursing shift handovers.Methods Literature was searched to identify the core elements of ISBAR and the key contents of ICU nursing shift handovers,then a preliminary draft of ICU nursing shift handover index was proposed.Delphi expert-consensus technique(20 experts)was used to screen and finalise the core dimensions and specific indicators of the index system,which were then integrated into the Smart ICU-ISBAR Nursing Handover System.Finally,the clinical effectiveness of the system was evaluated.Results Both Delphi rounds achieved 100.00%response rate.The expert authority coefficient was 0.83.The Kendall's W values of 2 rounds were 0.127 and 0.166(all P<0.001)respectively.The index importance scores ranged from 4.25-4.95 and 3.90-5.00,with coefficients of variation of 0.05-0.19 and 0.00-0.22,respectively.The final version of Smart ICU-ISBAR nursing shift handover system comprised 6 primary indicators and 60 secondary indicators.Over the clinical trials,the system achieved a 96.67%success rate in data-upload with an average response time of 1.80 sec.,the mean documentation time of shift handover at(1.97±0.58)min per patient,12 nurses'satisfaction with the shift handover quality of(4.47±0.25)and the rating of the system's usability of(4.75±0.08).The system was highly practical,convenient and intelligent.Conclusion The ICU nursing shift handover index system developed on the basis of ISBAR theory features a structural integrity,standardisation and ICU-specific characteristics and it is objective,scientific and rigorous.The Smart ICU-ISBAR Nursing Shift Handover System standardises the shift handover process,reduces information omissions,and improves efficiency and quality of nursing shift handover process.It serves as a standardised shift handover tool for ICU nursing shifts.
9.Research progress in broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies targeting surface glycoproteins of influenza A virus
Nan CHEN ; Xiangjun HAO ; Lihui CHAI ; He XIAO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(5):1238-1245
Influenza is a major public health problem worldwide,resulting in millions of hospitalizations each year.In addi-tion to vaccination and antiviral drugs against influenza,monoclonal antibody therapy is a promising treatment method because of its cross-reactivity and targeting.Widely reactive monoclonal antibodies can bind and neutralize multiple subtypes of influenza A virus,and also show good protective effect on infected mice,showing high potential in the prevention and treatment of influenza.In this review,we briefly review the recent research progress of broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies targeting HA and NA,two important surface glycoproteins of influenza A virus.
10.Msx2 regulates differentiation of outer enamel epithelial cells by modu-lating cytoskeleton and cell-cell interactions
Zhe YU ; Xiaohe JI ; Jingkun BAI ; Lihui ZHANG ; Juanjuan ZHANG ; Yan SUN ; Limei CHEN ; Xiaoying LIU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(3):555-561
AIM:To investigate the mechanism by which muscle segment homeobox 2(Msx2)regulates the differentiation of outer enamel epithelial cells in the enamel organ.METHODS:Tissue paraffin sections were prepared and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to analyze the effect of Msx2 deficiency on the differentiation status of epithelial cells in the enamel organ at the morphological level.At the ultrastructural level,alterations in cell structure were analyzed.The intermediate steps mediating cell differentiation were identified.Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed to validate the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenomena.RESULTS:Msx2 deficiency was innovatively found to induce severe squamous epithelial hyperplasia in outer enamel epithelial cells of enamel organ,accompanied by dynamic restructuring of the cell cytoskeleton and alterations in cell adhesion at the ultrastructure level.As a transcriptional repressor,the loss of Msx2 expression results in significant increases(P<0.05 or P<0.01)in the mRNA expression levels of integrin β2(Itgβ2),ItgαM,Itgα4,Rac family small GTPase 2(Rac2),Rac/Cdc42 guanine nucleo-tide exchange factor 6(Arhgef6)and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C(Ptprc).CONCLUSION:Msx2 regu-lates cytoskeleton structure and cell-cell interaction through the Rho GTPases signaling pathway,thereby influencing the differentiation state of outer enamel epithelial cells.This study reveals the mechanism through which Msx2 regulates the differentiation of outer enamel epithelial cells,providing a theoretical foundation for the prevention and treatment of enam-el-related clinical dental diseases.

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