1.Study on the traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in 757 cases of children with hepatolenticular degeneration based on factor analysis and cluster analysis
Daiping HUA ; Han WANG ; Qiaoyu XUAN ; Lanting SUN ; Ling XIN ; Xin YIN ; Wenming YANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):303-311
Objective:
To explore the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in children with hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson disease, WD) based on factor analysis and cluster analysis.
Methods:
From November 2018 to November 2023, general information (gender, age of admission, age of onset, course of disease, clinical staging, Western medicine clinical symptoms, and family history) and TCM four-examination informations (symptoms and signs) were retrospectively collected from 757 cases of children with WD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, and factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to investigate TCM syndromes in children with WD.
Results:
A total of 757 children with WD were included, of which 483 were male and 274 were female; the median age at admission was 12.58 years, the median age at onset was 8.33 years, and the median course of disease was 24.37 months; clinical typing result indicated 506 cases of hepatic type, 133 cases of brain type, 99 cases of mixed-type, and 19 cases of other type; 36.46% of the children had no clinical symptoms (elevated aminotransferases or abnormalities in copper biochemistry); a total of 177 cases had a definite family history, and 10 cases had a suspected family history. Forty-three TCM four-examination information were obtained, with the top 10 in descending order being feeling listless and weak, brown urine, slow action, inappetence, dim complexion, slurred speech, angular salivation, body weight loss, hand and foot tremors, and abdominal fullness. In children with WD, the syndrome element of disease location was primarily characterized by the liver, involving the spleen and kidney, and the syndrome elements of disease nature were characterized by dampness, heat, and yin deficiency. Based on factor analysis and cluster analysis, five TCM syndromes were derived, which were, in order, syndrome of dampness-heat accumulation (265 cases, 35.01%), syndrome of yin deficiency of the liver and kidney (202 cases, 26.68%), syndrome of liver hyperactivity with spleen deficiency (185 cases, 24.44%), syndrome of qi and blood deficiency (79 cases, 10.44%), and syndrome of yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney (26 cases, 3.43%).
Conclusion
The TCM syndromes of children with WD were primarily syndromes of dampness-heat accumulation, yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, and liver hyperactivity with spleen deficiency. The liver was the main disease location, and the disease nature was characterized by deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality, excess and deficiency mixed. These findings suggest that treating children with WD should be based on the liver while also considering the spleen and kidney.
2.Study on Kinetic and Static Tasks With Different Resistance Coefficients in Post-stroke Rehabilitation Training Based on Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Ling-Di FU ; Jia-Xuan DOU ; Ting-Ting YING ; Li-Yong YIN ; Min TANG ; Zhen-Hu LIANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1890-1903
ObjectiveFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a novel non-invasive technique for monitoring cerebral activity, can be integrated with upper limb rehabilitation robots to facilitate the real-time assessment of neurological rehabilitation outcomes. The rehabilitation robot is designed with 3 training modes: passive, active, and resistance. Among these, the resistance mode has been demonstrated to yield superior rehabilitative outcomes for patients with a certain level of muscle strength. The control modes in the resistance mode can be categorized into dynamic and static control. However, the effects of different control modes in the resistance mode on the motor function of patients with upper limb hemiplegia in stroke remain unclear. Furthermore, the effects of force, an important parameter of different control modes, on the activation of brain regions have rarely been reported. This study investigates the effects of dynamic and static resistance modes under varying resistance levels on cerebral functional alterations during motor rehabilitation in post-stroke patients. MethodsA cohort of 20 stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction was enrolled in the study, completing preparatory adaptive training followed by 3 intensity-level tasks across 2 motor paradigms. The bilateral prefrontal cortices (PFC), bilateral primary motor cortices (M1), bilateral primary somatosensory cortices (S1), and bilateral premotor and supplementary motor cortices (PM) were examined in both the resting and motor training states. The lateralization index (LI), phase locking value (PLV), network metrics were employed to examine cortical activation patterns and topological properties of brain connectivity. ResultsThe data indicated that both dynamic and static modes resulted in significantly greater activation of the contralateral M1 area and the ipsilateral PM area when compared to the resting state. The static patterns demonstrated a more pronounced activation in the contralateral M1 in comparison to the dynamic patterns. The results of brain network analysis revealed significant differences between the dynamic and resting states in the contralateral PFC area and contralateral M1 area (F=4.709, P=0.038), as well as in the contralateral PM area and ipsilateral M1 area (F=4.218, P=0.049). Moreover, the findings indicated a positive correlation between the activation of the M1 region and the increase in force in the dynamic mode, which was reversed in the static mode. ConclusionBoth dynamic and static resistance training modes have been demonstrated to activate the corresponding brain functional regions. Dynamic resistance modes elicit greater oxygen changes and connectivity to the region of interest (ROI) than static resistance modes. Furthermore, the effects of increasing force differ between the two modes. In patients who have suffered a stroke, dynamic modes may have a more pronounced effect on the activation of exercise-related functional brain regions.
3.Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Sleep Deprivation-induced Acceleration of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Si-Ru YAN ; Ming-Yang CAI ; Ya-Xuan SUN ; Qing HUO ; Xue-Ling DAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2474-2485
Sleep deprivation (SD) has emerged as a significant modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with mounting evidence demonstrating its multifaceted role in accelerating AD pathogenesis through diverse molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms. SD is refined within the broader spectrum of sleep-wake and circadian disruption, emphasizing that both acute total sleep loss and chronic sleep restriction destabilize the homeostatic and circadian processes governing glymphatic clearance of neurotoxic proteins. During normal sleep, concentrations of interstitial Aβ and tau fall as cerebrospinal fluid oscillations flush extracellular waste; SD abolishes this rhythm, causing overnight rises in soluble Aβ and tau species in rodent hippocampus and human CSF. Orexinergic neurons sustain arousal, and become hyperactive under SD, further delaying sleep onset and amplifying Aβ production. At the molecular level, SD disrupts Aβ homeostasis through multiple converging pathways, including enhanced production via beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) upregulation, coupled with impaired clearance mechanisms involving the glymphatic system dysfunction and reduced Aβ-degrading enzymes (neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme). Cellular and histological analyses revealed that these proteinopathies are significantly exacerbated by SD-induced neuroinflammatory cascades characterized by microglial overactivation, astrocyte reactivity, and sustained elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) through NF‑κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of neurotoxicity. The synaptic and neuronal consequences of chronic SD are particularly profound and potentially irreversible, featuring reduced expression of critical synaptic markers (PSD95, synaptophysin), impaired long-term potentiation (LTP), dendritic spine loss, and diminished neurotrophic support, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) depletion, which collectively contribute to progressive cognitive decline and memory deficits. Mechanistic investigations identify three core pathways through which SD exerts its neurodegenerative effects: circadian rhythm disruption via BMAL1 suppression, orexin system hyperactivity leading to sustained wakefulness and metabolic stress, and oxidative stress accumulation through mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species overproduction. The review critically evaluates promising therapeutic interventions including pharmacological approaches (melatonin, dual orexin receptor antagonists), metabolic strategies (ketogenic diets, and Mediterranean diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids), lifestyle modifications (targeted exercise regimens, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia), and emerging technologies (non-invasive photobiomodulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation). Current research limitations include insufficient understanding of dose-response relationships between SD duration/intensity and AD pathology progression, lack of long-term longitudinal clinical data in genetically vulnerable populations (particularly APOE ε4 carriers and those with familial AD mutations), the absence of standardized SD protocols across experimental models that accurately mimic human chronic sleep restriction patterns, and limited investigation of sex differences in SD-induced AD risk. The accumulated evidence underscores the importance of addressing sleep disturbances as part of multimodal AD prevention strategies and highlights the urgent need for clinical trials evaluating sleep-focused interventions in at-risk populations. The review proposes future directions focused on translating mechanistic insights into precision medicine approaches, emphasizing the need for biomarkers to identify SD-vulnerable individuals, chronotherapeutic strategies aligned with circadian biology, and multi-omics integration across sleep, proteostasis and immune profiles may delineate precision-medicine strategies for at-risk populations. By systematically examining these critical connections, this analysis positions sleep quality optimization as a viable strategy for AD prevention and early intervention while providing a comprehensive roadmap for future mechanistic and interventional research in this rapidly evolving field.
4.Da Chengqitang Protects Intestinal Barrier in Septic Mice via Endogenous Antimicrobial Peptide mCRAMP
Yuanyuan LI ; Xuan ZHONG ; Lei LIU ; Shuya SUN ; Jiajun LING ; Rongfeng LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):20-28
ObjectiveMolecular docking and animal experiments were employed to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Da Chengqitang (DCQD) on intestinal barrier in septic mice. MethodText mining method was used to screen the active ingredients in DCQD. AutoDock Tools and Discovery Studio were used to study the interactions of active components with the core target proteins [claudin-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, endogenous antimicrobial peptide mCRAMP, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)] in sepsis. Fifty C57BL/6 mice were randomized into sham, model, low- and high-dose (4 g∙kg-1 and 8 g∙kg-1) DCQD, and ulinastatin groups (n=10). Before, during, and after the day of modeling surgery, each group was administrated with corresponding drugs. The mice in other groups except the model group were subjected to modeling by cecal ligation and puncture. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used measure the serum level of D-lactic acid to assess intestinal mucosa permeability. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes in the ileum and assess the intestinal mucosal damage and inflammatory infiltration. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of tight junction proteins claudin-1 and occludin in the ileal tissue, which were indicative of the bowel barrier function. The TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA to assess the intestinal inflammation. The expression of mCRAMP in the ileal tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of mCRAMP, TLR4, and MyD88 in mouse ileal tissue were determined by Real-time polymerase chain reaction, on the basis of which the mechanism of DCQD in protecting the intestinal barrier of septic mice was explored. ResultMolecular docking results showed that most of the 10 active ingredients of DCQD that were screened out by text mining could bind to sepsis targets by van der Waals force, hydrogen bonding, and other conjugated systems. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, low- or high-dose DCQD lowered the D-lactic acid level in the serum (P<0.01), alleviated damage to the ileal tissue and mucosal edema, protected the small intestine villus integrity, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, promoted the expression of claudin-1 (P<0.01), lowered the IL-6 level (P<0.01), up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of mCRAMP (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and MyD88 (P<0.01) in the ileal tissue. In addition, high-dose DCQD lowered the TNF-α level and promoted the expression of occludin in the ileum tissue (P<0.01), and low-dose DCQD up-regulated the protein level of occludin in the ileum tissue (P<0.05). ConclusionDCQD has a protective effect on intestinal barrier in septic mice. It can reduce intestinal inflammation, repair intestinal mucosal damage, improve the tight junction protein level, and reduce intestinal mucosal permeability by up-regulating the mRNA and protein levels of mCRAMP and the down-regulating the expression of genes in the TLR4/MyD88 pathway.
5.Effects of MYD88 overexpression on proliferation and apoptosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells and its mechanism
Piaopiao HU ; Chengrui XUAN ; Hua DU ; Shirong LI ; Lixin WENG ; Ling HAI ; Yunga WU ; Xiaoyan XU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2024;40(1):44-50
Purpose To investigate the effect of MYD88 gene overexpression on the proliferation and apoptosis of human diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL)cells,and to prelimi-narily explore the mechanism of MYD88 gene action.Methods PEGFP-C2-MYD88 overexpressing MYD88 L265P gene was transfected into DLBCL cells by plasmid transfection.The exper-iment was divided into blank control group,negative control group and MYD88 L265P overexpression group.The fluores-cence expression of MYD88 L265P after overexpression was ob-served under inverted fluorescence microscope.RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expres-sion of MYD88 L265P,IRAK4,NF-κB and BCL2 in DLBCL cells before and after overexpression of MYD88 L265.CCK8 method was used to detect DLBCL cells proliferation and Ho-echst staining was used to detect DLBCL cells apoptosis.Re-sults After overexpression of MYD88 L265P,compared with the blank control group(0.670 4±0.017 5)and the negative control group(0.715 3±0.019 6),the MYD88L265P overex-pression group(1.157 2±0.010 2)increased significantly,with statistical significance(all P<0.05).After overexpression of MYD88 L265P,compared with the blank control group(0.69 ±0.04)and the negative control group(0.81±0.07),the MYD88L265P overexpression group(0.48±0.05)was signifi-cantly decreased,with statistical significance(all P<0.05).After overexpression of MYD88 L265P,compared with the blank control group(mRNA:1.0158±0.0115,0.987 3±0.010 2,1.007 6±0.015 3,protein:0.183 4±0.058 9,0.096 8± 0.015 7,0.147 5±0.0418)and negative control group(mR-NA:0.9132±0.0098,1.0032±0.0156,0.9327± 0.011 2,protein:0.187 9±0.042 3,0.088 9±0.0513,0.134 8±0.050 1),the mRNA(3.243 2±0.013 6,2.976 6 ±0.0213,1.585 9±0.019 8)and protein expressions(0.452 7±0.052 4,0.218 9±0.047 5,0.301 4±0.059 8)of IRAK4,NF-κB and anti-apoptosis protein BCL2 in MYD88L265P overexpression group were significantly increased,which was statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion After overexpression of MYD88 L265P,the apoptosis rate of DLBCL cells decreased and the cell proliferation rate increased.The mechanism may be related to the mutation of MYD88 L265P gene,activation and amplification of NF-κB pathway,and pro-motion of the overexpression of antiapoptotic protein BCL2.
6.Codonopsis polysaccharide protected LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice
Ling XIAO ; Chunlei GAO ; Wei GUO ; Ning WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Ming LIU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(7):948-954
Objective To observe the protective effects of codonopsis pilosulae polysaccharide on lung tissues in mice with acute lung injury(ALI)induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and its mechanism.Methods Fifty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,dexamethasone group,codonopsis polysaccharide high-dose group(300 mg/kg)and codonopsis polysaccharide low-dose group(150 mg/kg).The ALI model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS.All mice were given gavage administration according to the grouping except for the control group.0.3 s force expiratory volume(FEV 0.3)and force spirometry(FVC)and their ratios were measured using multiparametric lung function test system.The histopathology change of mouse lung was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,and the classification and count of inflammatory cells in alveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was detected by Richter-Giemsa staining.Levels of IL-1β,IL-6,MPO and TNF-α were measured by ELISA in BALF,and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of p-p38,p-IκB-α and p-p65.Results Compared with those in the control group,lung histopathological damage was more pronounced in the model mice,with significantly lower FEV 0.3,FVC,FEV0.3/FVC assay value,but signifi-cantly higher lung tissue wet mass/dry mass(W/D),neutrophils,lymphocytes,IL-1β,IL-6,MPO,TNF-α,p-p38 MAPK,p-IκB-α,and p-p65(P<0.05);while codonopsis pilosulae polysaccharide could significantly reverse these effects.Conclusion Codonopsis pilosulae polysaccharide plays a protective role against LPS-induced ALI via inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB pathway to reduce the pathological damage of lung tissue,and the level of inflammatory factors,thus to improve lung function in ALI model mice.
7.Mechanism of long noncoding RNA LINC00987 promoting AML cell apop-tosis through cytochrome P450 pathway
Pengyue YANG ; Xuan LIU ; Yan WANG ; Ling XU ; Yangqiu LI ; Xibao YU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(2):265-273
AIM:To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of long noncoding RNA LINC00987 in the apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia(AML)cells induced by antitumor drugs.METHODS:The LINC00987 expression in AML was detected by RT-qPCR.The Molm13 cells with stable knockdown of LINC00987 gene(shLINC00987)were constructed,and the effect of low LINC00987 expression on the apoptosis of AML cells induced by cytarabine was detected by annexin V/PI staining.Signaling pathway enrichment of LINC00987-coexpressed genes was performed to analyze the ef-fect of LINC00987 expression on cytochrome family genes.RESULTS:Compared with healthy individual group,the ex-pression of LINC00987 was significantly down-regulated in AML cell lines and patients,but highly up-regulated in the complete remission group after anti-AML treatment.In addition,low LINC00987 expression was associated with poor prog-nosis among the patients with AML.The LINC00987 expression in AML cell lines Molm13 and MV411 was significantly induced by antitumor drugs such as cytarabine,doxorubicin,arsenic trioxide,and venetoclax.Meanwhile,LINC00987 down-regulation could inhibit the apoptosis of Molm13 cells induced by cytarabine.The LINC00987-coexpressed genes were enriched in cytochrome P450(CYP450)-mediated oxidative stress pathways,and the LINC00987 expression was positively correlated with the expression of CYP450 family genes CYP11B1,CYP2U1 and CYP2C9.Down-regulation of LINC00987 could inhibit the mRNA expression of CYP11B1,CYP2U1 and CYP2C9 induced by cytarabine.CONCLU-SION:Long noncoding RNA LINC00987 can be used as a prognostic marker for AML and may promote cytarabine-in-duced AML cell apoptosis through CYP450-mediated oxidative stress pathways.
8.Radiation protection in clinical application of yttrium-90-loaded resin microsphere therapy
Jiawu FENG ; Jingzhi SUN ; Shaojia WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Xuan ZHOU ; Ruijie LING
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(1):36-40
Objective:To explore the radiological protection measures for yttrium-90 ( 90Y)-loaded resin microsphere therapy in clinical application. Methods:The surgical operation process for 90Y-loaded resin microsphere therapy was simulated, involving measurement of ambient dose equivalent rates at various stages: preoperative preparation (dominated by drug package), drug transfer, intraoperative procedures (drug operation and injection), and postoperative care and observation within the hospital. Based on the simulation, the protection measures in clinical application were analyzed. Results:The dose equivalent rate ranged from 0.12 to 0.42 μSv/h around the active chamber and from 1.04 to 3.32 μSv/h in the fume hood. Around the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) room, the maximum dose equivalent rate was 0.78 μSv/h when 90Y and DSA were applied simultaneously and 0.36 μSv/h when 99Tc m and DSA were applied. For the first operating position in the fluoroscopy protection area, the maximum dose equivalent rate was 13.19 μSv/h at 155 cm height when only 90Y was applied, and 315.01 μSv/h at 80 cm height when 90Y and DSA were applied. For the second operating position, the maximum dose equivalent rate was 6.28 μSv/h at 155 cm height when only 90Y was applied and 291.03 μSv/h at the same height when 90Y and DSA were applied. The dose-equivalent rates ranged from 0.11 to 0.58 μSv/h around the dedicated ward for postoperative patients. Conclusions:The existing shielding measures, such as those in the nuclear medicine department and interventional room, meet the radiation protection requirements for 90Y-loaded resin microsphere therapy. However, it is still necessary to conduct a scientific assessment based on the actual situation. Additionally, radiation protection measures and surface contamination treatment should be enhanced during drug operation.
9.Palovarotene:A new drug for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive
Ran WEI ; Chao-Yang CHEN ; Xuan-Ling ZHANG ; Ying ZHOU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):745-748
Progressive ossifying fibrous dysplasia(FOP)is a rare,hereditary,and progressive connective tissue disease characterized by heterotopic ossification(HO)formation in muscles,joints,tendons,and ligaments,leading to major joint stiffness,limited movement,deformity,and severe disability in patients.In August 2023,Palovarotene was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)to reduce the formation of HO in adults and children aged 8 years and above for females and 10 years and above for males with FOP.It is currently the only approved curable drug worldwide.Palovarotene is a selective retinoic acid receptor γ(RAR-γ)agonist that reduces the formation of HO by inhibiting bone morphogenetic protein and SMAD 1/5/8 signaling.The pharmacological study,pharmacokinetics,clinical research,and safety are reviewed to comprehensively introduce Palovarotene.
10.68 Ga-DOTATOC,a new diagnostic agent for localization of somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors
Si-Miao ZHAO ; Chao-Yang CHEN ; Ran WEI ; Xuan-Ling ZHANG ; Ying ZHOU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1654-1657
68Ga-DOTATOC injection is a radiopharmaceutical agent for positron emission tomography localization of somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors(NETs)in adult and pediatric patients.68 Ga-DOTATOC binds to cells that express somatostatin receptors(SSTRs),including malignant neuroendocrine cells that overexpress SSTR2 receptor.Gallium-68 is a radionuclide used in positron emission tomography for tumor diagnosis.This paper introduces its the mechanism of action,pharmacokinetics,usage and dosage,clinical evaluation,safety and use in specific populations.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail