1.Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Improving Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Xueqing LIU ; Xinyu ZHONG ; Tingting WANG ; Ning WANG ; Man LIU ; Li WU ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):69-78
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes and one of its most common complications. Prolonged hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and pathological angiogenesis, ultimately disrupting the blood-retinal barrier(BRB) and leading to visual impairment or even blindness. Recent studies show that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of DR's pathological changes. Meanwhile, Chinese herbal monomers have been shown to modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby intervening in the development of DR. In terms of inhibiting oxidative stress, saponin compounds such as platycodin-D and ginsenoside Rb1 downregulate the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), thereby ameliorating retinal oxidative stress. Flavonoids such as total flavonoids from Pueraria lobata flower and puerarin upregulate the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), effectively clearing lipid peroxides. Regarding the suppression of inflammation, phenolic compounds like resveratrol and chlorogenic acid inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, reducing the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and mitigating inflammatory responses. In the context of inhibiting apoptosis, polysaccharides such as Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide and Angelica sinensis polysaccharide downregulate the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and suppress the activity of the executioner Caspase-3, thereby reducing the apoptosis rate. As for the inhibition of neovascularization, compounds including bilobalide and physcion significantly decrease the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to a reduction in retinal pathological angiogenesis. Furthermore, Chinese herbal compound prescriptions such as Tongluo Zhujing pills, Yiqi Huoxue Yangyin decoction, Qiming granules, and Danlou tablets can also intervene in the onset and progression of DR through the mechanisms described above. In summary, both Chinese herbal monomers and Chinese herbal compound prescriptions can modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress, alleviate inflammation, and participate in maintaining BRB integrity, suppressing retinal neovascularization, and preventing neurodegeneration, thereby delaying the progression of DR. Therefore, this paper reviews and summarizes recent studies at home and abroad on how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) works to treat DR, and the relationship between the Nrf2 pathway and DR. It aims to provide research ideas for preventing and treating DR.
2.Mechanism of action of luteolin in treatment of liver injury
Ying JIANG ; Ning GAO ; Xiaxuan WANG ; Jie GONG ; Lili LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):472-478
Liver injury has become an increasingly serious global health problem, and existing chemical drugs face the limitations in efficacy and adverse reactions, resulting in the urgent need to develop safe and effective drugs. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of flavonoids from natural medicinal plants in the prevention and treatment of liver injury. As a typical natural flavonoid, luteolin shows a good protective effect against liver injury due to various etiologies, but there is still a lack of systematic elaboration on its mechanism of action. This article summarizes related research advances in China and globally and reviews the mechanism of action of luteolin in inhibiting oxidative stress, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect, regulating cell death, alleviating hepatic fibrosis, modulating lipid metabolism disorders, and regulating the gut-liver axis, as well as the application prospect of luteolin in the treatment of liver injury, in order to provide a scientific reference for further research on this compound.
3.Mechanism of action of luteolin in treatment of liver injury
Ying JIANG ; Ning GAO ; Xiaxuan WANG ; Jie GONG ; Lili LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):472-478
Liver injury has become an increasingly serious global health problem, and existing chemical drugs face the limitations in efficacy and adverse reactions, resulting in the urgent need to develop safe and effective drugs. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of flavonoids from natural medicinal plants in the prevention and treatment of liver injury. As a typical natural flavonoid, luteolin shows a good protective effect against liver injury due to various etiologies, but there is still a lack of systematic elaboration on its mechanism of action. This article summarizes related research advances in China and globally and reviews the mechanism of action of luteolin in inhibiting oxidative stress, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect, regulating cell death, alleviating hepatic fibrosis, modulating lipid metabolism disorders, and regulating the gut-liver axis, as well as the application prospect of luteolin in the treatment of liver injury, in order to provide a scientific reference for further research on this compound.
4.Association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13-18
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1232-1236
Objective:
To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents.
Results:
In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14),and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.
5.Development and testing of validity and reliability in evidence-based health care related competence assessment scale for medical personnel
Shuang WANG ; Ning WANG ; Lin XIAO ; Jiayi ZHANG ; Xiaofen WU ; Lijie WANG ; Chen YANG ; Qinghong FANG ; Lili ZHANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(2):352-359
Objective To develop the Evidence-Based Health Care Related Competence Assessment Scale for Health Professionals(hereinafter referred to as the Scale),and to test its validity and reliability.Methods Based on the JBI evidence-based health care model as the theoretical framework,the initial items of the Scale were formed by reviewing the literature.Through the discussion of the research group,two rounds of Delphi expert consultation and pre-inspection,the items of the Scale were optimized.The convenience sam-pling method was adopted to extract 928 health professionals as the research subjects.The Scale conducted the validity and reliability testing.Results The Scale included the four dimensions of evidence generation,evi-dence synthesis,evidence transfer and evidence implementation,including 47 entries in total.The cumulative variance contribution rate was 59.08%.The confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the model had good fitness.The convergent validity of all dimensions reached the standard,and the distinguishing validity was good.Finally,the Cronbach's α coefficient of the Scale was 0.971,and the split-half reliability was 0.928.Conclusion The developed Scale possesses good reliability and validity,which can be used to evaluate the competence of health professionals carrying the evidence-based healthcare related link works.
6.Antidepressant effects and mechanisms of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress
Zhiwei Qi ; Lingling Qin ; Ming Gao ; Ruifeng Yang ; Congyi Liu ; Ning Wang ; Wenjing Li ; Yongxin Huang ; Lili Wu ; Tonghua Liu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(3):364-374
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Wuhua herbal tea on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression and explore its mechanism of action in combating depression.MethodsWe tested the antidepressant effects of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of CUMS-induced depression using fluoxetine as a positive control. The rats were divided into four groups: control group, model group, fluoxetine group, and Wuhua herbal tea group. The rats underwent body weight measurements, sucrose preference test, and open-field test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect the serum levels of serotonin, dopamine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6. Intergroup comparisons and detection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mRNA expression in the hippocampus were performed using RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the expression of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) proteins in hippocampal paraffin sections of CUMS rats.ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group rats had depressive tendencies, exhibiting low vitality and interest in various behavioral indicators which were signs of despair. The Wuhua herbal tea group statistically increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the serum of CUMS rats to varying degrees (P = .015 and P = .002); reduced serum levels of ACTH, corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6 (all P .05); and decreased mRNA expression of BDNF, CREB, JAK2, and STAT3 in the hippocampus (all P .05); and decreased p-STAT3 protein levels (P = .006).ConclusionWuhua herbal tea shows antidepressant potential in CUMS rats by modulating the HPA axis and inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 overactivation, alleviating neuroinflammation. It also restores BDNF-CREB pathway function, reducing depressive symptoms.
7.Research Progress on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Congyi LIU ; Na ZHENG ; Jingjing XU ; Ning WANG ; Zimeng HUANG ; Ying DING ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2553-2568
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a progressive liver disease caused by factors other than alcohol caused by heterotopic fat accumulation in the liver.In recent years,the incidence rate has been increasing,and there is no specific clinical drug.Studies have found that nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB)can activate inflammation and oxidative stress,which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.Traditional Chinese medicine is convenient to obtain and cheap.It can treat NAFLD through multiple channels with good clinical efficacy,and no obvious side effects have been found till now.Many studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine can inhibit the occurrence and development of NAFLD by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.This article summarizes the research results of traditional Chinese medicine in treating NAFLD based on the NF-κB signaling pathway since 2021,for several traditional Chinese medicine extracts(flavonoids,terpenoids,polysaccharides,glycosides,alkaloids and phenolic compounds)and traditional Chinese medicine compound(Shugan Jianpi Fang,Erhuang Quzhi Granules,Fuzi Lizhong Decoction,Huangqin Decoction,Qinlian Hongqu Decoction,Jiangzhi Granules),which can inhibit the further development of NAFLD by improving liver inflammatory response,oxidative stress response,fibrosis,apoptosis,autophagy and pyroptosis through the NF-κB signaling pathway,in order to provide new ideas for future new drug development and clinical medication.
8.Research on the Extraction of Elements of Complex Scenarios of Medical Surge and the Logical Deduction of Evolution
Tian YU ; Nan MENG ; Yiran GAO ; Min WEI ; Yanping WANG ; Lili JIANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Ning NING ; Zheng KANG ; Avdeev SERGEY ; Qunhong WU
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(11):11-16,21
Objective Exploring the components of complex scenarios of healthcare surges triggered by major epidemics to provide a theorical basis for building resilience in healthcare organizations.Methods A hybrid analysis method is used to summarize macro-meso-micro multi-level and multi-source heterogeneous information,extract the elements of complex scenarios of medical surge and evaluate the rationality.Fault Tree Analysis method is used to clarify the logical relationship between various scenario elements and construct scenario reasoning paths.Results 10 scenario states,11 disaster-bearing,24 emergency management and 23 scenario results are summarized and extracted to form the key elements of complex surge scenarios.Among them,M4 expansion and coordinated scheduling of key positions,B2 conventional drug inventory emergency/insufficient core treatment drugs,B emergency medical material transportation breakage,S3 disease symptom spectrum shift to severe disease,R13 prevention and control awareness laxity,and M5 media information dissemination management are the key driving factors that promote a major turning point in the scenario.The most positive scenario result is the orderly operation of the medical service system,and the most negative scenario result is the paralysis of the medical service system.Conclusion Medical institutions need to improve emergency plans based on the complex evolution scenarios of medical surges and agile governance capabilities targeting key turning points,focus on dynamically expanding and scheduling personnel in key positions,strengthen material rotation and reserve mechanisms,maintain smooth emergency logistics channels,and improve efficient management of media and public opinion,so as to comprehensively improve overall resilience.
9.A Dual-Layer Network Dynamics Modeling and Simulation of Medical Surge Risk Diffusion Based on MATLAB and REPAST
Nan MENG ; Yanping WANG ; Yiran GAO ; Tian YU ; Min WEI ; Wanmeng TENG ; Peng WANG ; Fengqian ZHONG ; Lili JIANG ; Jialin LU ; Ning NING ; Avdeev SERGEY ; Qunhong WU
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(11):22-27
Objective To explore the coupling mechanism between medical surge response resources and the spread of secondary risks during public health emergencies,as well as the effectiveness of relevant interventions.Methods Based on complex network theory,a dual-layer network model of medical resources and secondary events was constructed.The interactive feedback between medical resource status and secondary event risk,as well as the effects of network structure,were analyzed through MATLAB simulations,REPAST agent-based modeling,and mean-field analysis.Results Simulation and prediction results show that an increase in first-layer resource-deficient nodes significantly raises the activation rate and transmission speed of secondary events,while the clustering and spread of secondary events in the second layer,in turn,intensify resource depletion,creating a negative feedback loop.Mean-field analysis indicates a nonlinear positive correlation between the adequacy of medical resources and the likelihood of secondary events.Network structure analysis reveals that when the average node degree exceeds 8,resource allocation efficiency improves markedly.Conclusion There exists a dynamic coupling and bidirectional feedback relationship between medical resource status and secondary event risks.Enhancing the flexible allocation and responsiveness of medical resources,improving multi-sectoral collaborative monitoring and coordinated regulation,optimizing network connectivity and coordination mechanisms for resource distribution,and establishing dynamic monitoring and tiered early warning systems are key strategies for strengthening the resilience of healthcare systems and effectively containing the spread of secondary events.
10.Value of microbiological rapid on-site evaluation in treatment of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia
Junchen XIONG ; Lihua QIU ; Ning LIU ; Lili SHI ; Liming SUN ; Xiaosheng MENG ; Huade ZHENG ; Jiguang MENG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(17):2618-2623
OBJECTIVE To explore the value of microbiological rapid on-site evaluation(M-ROSE)technique in treatment of the patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia(SCAP).METHODS A total of 124 patients with SCAP who were treated in the department of respiratory and critical care medicine of The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from Sep.2023 to Dec.2024 were enrolled in the study and were random-ly divided into the M-ROSE group and the control group in a 1∶1 ratio based on the status of M-ROSE for bron-choalveolar lavage fluid(BALF).The M-ROSE test and conventional etiological test[metagenomic next genera-tion sequencing(mNGS),smear,culture]were performed for the M-ROSE group,and the conventional etiologi-cal test was only carried out for the control group.The baseline data,symptoms and signs,C-reactive protein lev-el,treatment status and outcomes were observed and compared between the two groups of patients.RESULTS A-mong the 62 patients for whom the BALF specimens were detected with M-ROSE,45(72.58%)patients showed the consistent test result for fungi with mNGS,47(75.81%)patients showed the same test result for cocci with mNGS,and 30(48.39%)patients showed the same test result for bacilli with mNGS.The duration of the M-ROSE test was 1.50(1.50,2.00)h,shorter than that of the smear,culture and mNGS(P<0.05).The body temperature returning to the normal and the property,volume of sputum were improved more early in days in the M-ROSE group than in the control group after the anti-infection treatment(P<0.05);the level of inflammatory factor CRP declined more quickly in the M-ROSE group than in the control group(P<0.05);the effective rates of treatment of the M-ROSE group were higher than those of the control group after the hospitalization for 3,5 and 7 days(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The M-ROSE test for BALF may facilitate the rapid etiological diagnosis for the patients with SCAP in early stage,provide guidance for the anti-infection treatment strategies,and accelerate the improvement of symptoms and inflammatory factors;it has certain clinical application value.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail