1.Effect and Mechanism of Liangyi Paste on Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Naturally Aged Mice with High-fat Diet via Cuproptosis/Oxidative Stress Pathway
Meiling ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yu LIU ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG ; Guoyuan SUI ; Lianqun JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):91-99
ObjectiveTaking the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway as the entry point, this study investigated the effect and mechanism of Liangyi Paste on hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice fed with a high-fat diet. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, 80 ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used. Thirty of them were randomly divided into three groups (10 mice per group): The 12-month-old control group (12MCON), the 15-month-old control group (15MCON), and the 15-month-old group with a high-fat diet (15MHFD). The 12MCON and 15MCON groups were continuously fed a standard diet, while the 15MHFD group started receiving a high-fat diet at 12 months of age. Tissue samples were collected at the corresponding time points for each group. The remaining 50 mice were randomly divided into five groups (10 mice per group): the 20-month-old control group (20MCON), the model group, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liangyi Paste groups (2.91 , 5.82 , 11.64 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). The 20MCON group was continuously fed a standard diet, while the other groups started receiving a high-fat diet at 15 months of age. At 18 months of age, the Liangyi Paste groups were administered the corresponding doses of Liangyi Paste by gavage, while the 20MCON and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of continuous gavage (when the mice reached 20 months of age), tissue samples were collected. Hepatic TG levels were measured using assay kits; liver histology and lipid deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Cu2+, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by colorimetry; mRNA and protein expression of genes related to cuproptosis and oxidative stress pathways were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression system. ResultsCompared with 12MCON, the 15MCON group showed significantly increased hepatic TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA levels (P<0.01), decreased SOD (P<0.01), hepatocyte swelling, and disordered arrangement. The mRNA and protein levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit-β (PDHB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 15MCON group, the 15MHFD and 20MCON groups exhibited further increases in TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), and aggravated hepatocyte swelling and disorder. There were increased lipid droplets with mild vacuolization in the 15MHFD group, and no significant lipid deposition was observed in the 20MCON group. FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 20MCON group, the model group demonstrated markedly elevated TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), severe hepatic steatosis, and upregulated expression of FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). All abnormalities were significantly reversed after Liangyi Paste treatment. ConclusionLiangyi paste can ameliorate hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice with a high-fat diet by modulating the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway.
2.Optimization of Quality Standards for Polygalae Radix Based on Characteristic Chromatograms and QAMS for Xanthones
Humin XIE ; Xiaoqing CUI ; Weihong FENG ; Yu LU ; Xiaoqian LIU ; Xiaoli SUN ; Yanrong LI ; Zhimin WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):196-204
ObjectiveTo address the limitations of the current quality standard for Polygalae Radix(PR), which relies on a single component for quality assessment and struggles to holistically control its intrinsic quality, by constructing a comprehensive quality evaluation system integrating "macro-characterization of chemical profile, synchronous quantification of multiple index components, and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for key component groups". This study aims to facilitate the scientific revision of the quality standard for PR. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) characteristic chromatograms were established for 11 batches of PR medicinal materials(YZ), 10 batches of PR decoction pieces(YP), and 10 batches of licorice-processed PR decoction pieces(ZYZ), followed by similarity evaluation and identification of common peaks. HPLC-QAMS was developed for xanthones(sibiricaxanthone B, polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ) in the characteristic chromatograms. Simultaneously, the external standard method(ESM) was used to determine the contents of the corresponding xanthones and 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose in YZ, YP, and ZYZ, followed by multivariate statistical analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. ResultsThe similarity between the characteristic chromatograms of 31 batches of PR samples and the reference chromatogram was>0.9. A total of 13 common peaks were identified, and 10 of these peaks were characterized through reference standard comparison. The successfully constructed QAMS method showed that the relative correction factors(RCFs) of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ to polygalaxanthone Ⅲ were 0.76 and 0.88, and their relative retention times(RRTs) were 0.85 and 0.97, respectively. The results calculated by the QAMS method showed no significant difference from those obtained by the ESM. According to the limit standard for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia), the pass rate of 31 batches of samples was only 19.35%. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated certain compositional differences between different batches of YZ and YP, as well as between YP and ZYZ, with 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose identified as the main differentiating component. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that the content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ was positively correlated with the contents of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, but showed no association with the content of 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose. ConclusionIt is recommended that the content limit for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in YZ,YP and ZYZ be revised to not less than 0.07%, or the total content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ be not less than 0.18%. The newly established triple quality control model of "holistic control via characteristic chromatograms, precise quantification of oligosaccharide esters, and efficient detection of xanthones by QAMS" provides a systematic and precise solution for quality evaluation of PR and similar Chinese herbal medicines.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
4.Application of artificial intelligence-assisted chromosome karyotyping analysis in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal mosaicism.
Ling ZHAO ; Shiwei SUN ; Qinghua ZHENG ; Qing YU ; Chongyang ZHU ; Ling LIU ; Yueli WU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(3):180-187
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the application value of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted chromosomal karyotype analysis in the diagnosis of prenatal chromosomal mosaicism.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 172 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis at the Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2019 and December 2024. All cases whose fetuses were diagnosed with chromosomal mosaicism via karyotype analysis and stratified into two groups based on the analytical software employed: the conventional analysis group (n = 70), which utilized Leica analysis software for karyotype image recognition and cell counting; and the AI-assisted analysis group (n = 102), which utilized AI-assisted software for the same procedures. The clinical performance of AI-assisted karyotype analysis in diagnosing chromosomal mosaicism was comprehensively evaluated by comparing the types of mosaic karyotypes, distribution of mosaic ratios, and verification outcomes of different detection modalities between the two groups. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-406-01).
RESULTS:
No statistically significant difference was observed in baseline characteristics (maternal age, gestational week, and indications for prenatal diagnosis) between the two groups. Regarding the detection efficacy for numerical and structural mosaicisms, no significant difference was found in the detection of numerical mosaicism. However, the conventional analysis group exhibited a significantly higher detection rate of autosomal structural mosaicism compared to the AI-assisted group (11.43% vs. 0.98%, P < 0.05). Numerical mosaicism cases were further verified using copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The AI-assisted group demonstrated a significantly lower inconsistency rate (5.56% vs. 20.41%, P < 0.05) compared to the conventional group. For low-proportion (< 10%) chromosomal mosaicism, the AI-assisted group had a significantly lower detection rate (13.25% vs. 29.69%, P < 0.05). Subsequent validation of low-proportion mosaicism by CNV-seq and/or FISH showed a higher consistency rate in the AI-assisted group (81.82% vs. 54.55%), though the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.360).
CONCLUSION
For the karyotyping analysis of prenatal chromosomal mosaicism, AI-assisted karyotype analysis shows high accuracy and consistency in identifying numerical chromosomal mosaicism, particularly in reducing the detection of low-proportion (< 10%) mosaicism while improving verification accuracy. AI-assisted analysis can significantly improve the detection accuracy of numerical mosaicism and mitigate the risk of misclassification for low-proportion (< 10%) mosaicism, thereby providing more precise clinical evidence for the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal mosaicisms.
Humans
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Female
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Mosaicism
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Pregnancy
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Karyotyping/methods*
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Artificial Intelligence
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Prenatal Diagnosis/methods*
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Adult
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Retrospective Studies
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Chromosome Disorders/genetics*
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Amniocentesis
5.Role and mechanism of Lck/Yes-related novel tyrosine kinases in macrophage M1 polarization
Xin YU ; Zhensheng GAO ; Weihua BIAN ; Xiangyong LIU ; Yeying SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):209-216
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of Lck/Yes-related novel protein tyrosine kinase (Lyn) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced M1-type polarization of macrophage. MethodsThe LentiCRISPR-V2 plasmid was digested with the restriction endonuclease BSMBI-V2, and the digested DNA fragments were recovered. The digested plasmid was ligated with Lyn-sgRNA using T4 ligase to generate the Lenti-Lyn-gRNA lentivirus. THP-1 cells were infected with the Lenti-Lyn-gRNA lentivirus to obtain a stable cell line with Lyn knockout, and a monoclonal THP-1 cell line with complete Lyn knockout (Lyn⁻/⁻) was established subsequently. Wild-type Lyn (LynWT) and Lyn⁻/⁻ THP-1 cells were induced with 100 ng/mL phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for 48 h to differentiate into M0 macrophages, which were further polarized into M1 macrophages by stimulation with 100 ng/mL LPS for 24 h. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of M0 macrophage markers, including integrin αM (CD11b), macrophage antigen (CD68), and monocyte differentiation antigen (CD14). The expression of Lyn in M1 macrophages differentiated from wild-type THP-1 cells (LynWT-M1) was measured by qPCR, and the ratio of phosphorylated Lyn to total Lyn (P-Lyn/Lyn) in LynWT-M1 cells was determined by Western blot. In M1 macrophages differentiated from Lyn-knockout THP-1 cells (Lyn⁻/⁻-M1), qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL-10). Western blot was conducted to assess the protein expression of iNOS, as well as the protein levels of molecules related to the Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)signaling pathway, including JAK1, phosphorylated JAK1 (P-JAK1), STAT1, and phosphorylated STAT1 (P-STAT1). Additionally, the expression of the M1 macrophage marker cluster of differentiation 80 (CD80) was analyzed by flow cytometry. ResultsThe Lyn-/- monoclonal cell line was successfully constructed. The expression of CD11b was significantly elevated in Lyn-/- M0 macrophages, and the differentiation of M1 macrophages was successful. Knockdown of Lyn inhibited mRNA expression of iNOS, IL⁃6, CXCL⁃10, protein expression of iNOS and CD80 expression in M1 macrophages (P<0.05). Western blot assay showed that Lyn knockdown inhibited protein expression of JAK1 and P-STAT1 (P<0.01). ConclusionAfter CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Lyn knockout, the expression levels of JAK1 and P-STAT1, the key molecules in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway of M1 macrophages, are significantly downregulated; concomitantly, the expression of M1 macrophage-specific secretory factors (iNOS, IL⁃6, CXCL⁃10 mRNA) and CD80 is also downregulated, which may be achieved via targeted regulation of the JAK1/P-STAT1-mediated JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
6.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell nanovesicles fusion neutrophil apoptotic bodies promote skin wound healing in diabetic mice
Zhanpeng SUN ; Sen LIU ; Ling SHI ; Kaiyuan CHEN ; Meichen SONG ; Yan WU ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):34-42
BACKGROUND:Nanocell vesicles possess functions such as re-epithelialization,antioxidation,anti-inflammation,and regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling.Meanwhile,apoptotic bodies have the immunomodulatory effects.Therefore,the combination of the two to form nanofusion vesicles can synergistically promote the healing of diabetic skin wounds.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the impact of nanofusion vesicles on skin wound healing in a diabetic murine model.METHODS:(1)Material preparation and characterization:The primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of C57BL/6J neonatal mice and the neutrophil apoptotic bodies of C57BL/6J mice were isolated and extracted.The nanofusion vesicles were prepared by micro-extrusion mechanism.(2)In vitro experiment:MTT assay was used to detect the proliferative effect of different concentrations of nanofusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.Reactive oxygen species fluorescence probe was used to detect the antioxidant effect of nano-fusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide(H2O2).The inhibitory effect of nanofusion vesicles on RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammation induced by lipopolyside was detected by real-time quantitative RT-qPCR.(3)In vivo experiment:36 male C57BL/6J mice were employed to develop a murine model of diabetes mellitus.Following the successful induction of diabetes,two circular full-thickness wounds,each with a diameter of 6 mm,were created on either side of the diabetic mice's spine using a skin punch.The mice were divided into three groups by random number table method.The control group was injected with 0.1 mL of phosphate buffer solution.The nanovesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanovesicles(25 μg/mL).The nanofusion vesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanofusion(25 μg/mL)vesicles.After treatment for three consecutive days,the wound healing and histomorphological changes were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:nanofusion vesicles,when administered at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 μg/mL,exhibited no toxic effects and promoted the proliferation of NIH-3T3 and HUVEC cell lines.Notably,a concentration of 25 μg/mL nanofusion vesicle significantly enhanced the proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells.Furthermore,the survival rate of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was observed to increase in correlation with escalating concentrations of nanofusion vesicles.Nanofusion vesicles had a good antioxidant effect.In comparison to the H2O2 group,the fluorescence signal indicative of reactive oxygen species was progressively diminished in both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group.Furthermore,nanofusion vesicles possessed anti-inflammatory capabilities,effectively mitigating the inflammatory response in macrophages triggered by lipopolysaccharide stimulation.(2)In vivo experiment:Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining revealed that in comparison to the control group,both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group exhibited a significant increase in granulation tissue formation and collagen fiber deposition within the wounds by day 6.Notably,the nanofusion vesicle group displayed the most pronounced effects.On day 12,the wound of nanofusion vesicle group was significantly reduced,and the healing rate was significantly faster than that of other groups(P<0.01),and the effect of promoting wound healing was the most significant.Our findings demonstrated that nanofusion vesicles exhibited superior pro-cell proliferative,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory properties,thereby exerting a beneficial effect on the promotion of skin wound healing in diabetic mouse models.
7.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell nanovesicles fusion neutrophil apoptotic bodies promote skin wound healing in diabetic mice
Zhanpeng SUN ; Sen LIU ; Ling SHI ; Kaiyuan CHEN ; Meichen SONG ; Yan WU ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):34-42
BACKGROUND:Nanocell vesicles possess functions such as re-epithelialization,antioxidation,anti-inflammation,and regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling.Meanwhile,apoptotic bodies have the immunomodulatory effects.Therefore,the combination of the two to form nanofusion vesicles can synergistically promote the healing of diabetic skin wounds.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the impact of nanofusion vesicles on skin wound healing in a diabetic murine model.METHODS:(1)Material preparation and characterization:The primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of C57BL/6J neonatal mice and the neutrophil apoptotic bodies of C57BL/6J mice were isolated and extracted.The nanofusion vesicles were prepared by micro-extrusion mechanism.(2)In vitro experiment:MTT assay was used to detect the proliferative effect of different concentrations of nanofusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.Reactive oxygen species fluorescence probe was used to detect the antioxidant effect of nano-fusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide(H2O2).The inhibitory effect of nanofusion vesicles on RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammation induced by lipopolyside was detected by real-time quantitative RT-qPCR.(3)In vivo experiment:36 male C57BL/6J mice were employed to develop a murine model of diabetes mellitus.Following the successful induction of diabetes,two circular full-thickness wounds,each with a diameter of 6 mm,were created on either side of the diabetic mice's spine using a skin punch.The mice were divided into three groups by random number table method.The control group was injected with 0.1 mL of phosphate buffer solution.The nanovesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanovesicles(25 μg/mL).The nanofusion vesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanofusion(25 μg/mL)vesicles.After treatment for three consecutive days,the wound healing and histomorphological changes were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:nanofusion vesicles,when administered at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 μg/mL,exhibited no toxic effects and promoted the proliferation of NIH-3T3 and HUVEC cell lines.Notably,a concentration of 25 μg/mL nanofusion vesicle significantly enhanced the proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells.Furthermore,the survival rate of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was observed to increase in correlation with escalating concentrations of nanofusion vesicles.Nanofusion vesicles had a good antioxidant effect.In comparison to the H2O2 group,the fluorescence signal indicative of reactive oxygen species was progressively diminished in both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group.Furthermore,nanofusion vesicles possessed anti-inflammatory capabilities,effectively mitigating the inflammatory response in macrophages triggered by lipopolysaccharide stimulation.(2)In vivo experiment:Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining revealed that in comparison to the control group,both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group exhibited a significant increase in granulation tissue formation and collagen fiber deposition within the wounds by day 6.Notably,the nanofusion vesicle group displayed the most pronounced effects.On day 12,the wound of nanofusion vesicle group was significantly reduced,and the healing rate was significantly faster than that of other groups(P<0.01),and the effect of promoting wound healing was the most significant.Our findings demonstrated that nanofusion vesicles exhibited superior pro-cell proliferative,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory properties,thereby exerting a beneficial effect on the promotion of skin wound healing in diabetic mouse models.
8.WANG Yaoxian's Experience in Treating Diabetic Kidney Disease from the Perspective of Spleen and Stomach:Based on the Theory of "Internal Heat Leading to Concretions"
Bo ZHANG ; Yuxin HU ; Cong ZHAO ; Jiale ZHANG ; Weimin JIANG ; Chang YU ; Yang LIU ; Liqiao SUN ; Weiwei SUN ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):482-486
This paper summarizes Professor WANG Yaoxian's experience in treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspective of spleen and stomach based on the "internal heat leading to concretions" theory. It is considered that internal heat leading to concretions constitutes the core pathogenesis of DKD, with the spleen and stomach serving as the source of internal heat; therefore, treatment should be based on regulating the spleen and stomach. In the early stage of DKD, dysfunction of the spleen and stomach leads to the initial generation of internal heat. Common syndrome patterns include gastrointestinal heat accumulation and constrained heat in the liver and stomach, for which modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction (葛根芩连汤) can be used to clear heat bind while modified Dachaihu Decoction (大柴胡汤) is used to clear stomach and soothe liver, respectively. In the middle stage of DKD, weakness of the spleen and stomach results in the initial formation of concretions and conglomerations. Common patterns include spleen deficiency with prevalence of dampness and deficiency of both the spleen and kidney. Treatment emphasizes strengthening the spleen and resolving dampness, raising yang and boosting the stomach with modified Shengyang Yiwei Decoction (升阳益胃汤), or supplementing spleen and boosting kidney, dissipating bind and dispe-ring concretions with modified Shenqi Dihuang Decoction (参芪地黄汤), respectively. In the late stage of DKD, it is characterized by spleen and stomach depletion, and rampant accumulation of turbidity and toxin, and the common syndrome patterns are damp-turbidity obstruction in the middle jiao (焦) and spleen-kidney yang deficiency. Treatment aims to remove turbidity and harmonize the stomach, or to warm the kidney and strengthen the spleen while elimina-ting turbidity, using modified Dahuang Gancao Decoction(大黄甘草汤) and Jupi Zhuru Decoction (橘皮竹茹汤) or modified Baoyuan Decoction (保元汤) and Lizhong Decoction (理中汤), respectively. In clinical practice, appropriate formulas and medications are flexibly selected according to specific syndromes.
9.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
10.Molecular characterization analyses of a human metapneumovirus outbreak in Gongshu District of Hangzhou City
Jianyi LIU ; Chenye ZHANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Huiqun SHUAI ; Huanhuan YU ; Qingyu SUN ; Fei LU ; Shengjun XI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):216-220
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of a cluster of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in a kindergarten in Gongshu District of Hangzhou City in May 2024, and to provide reference for the prevention and control of similar outbreaks. MethodsAn on-site investigation was conducted using an epidemiological case investigation form. Throat swab specimens collected from cases were screened for 13 respiratory pathogens using real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For HMPV nucleic acid positive specimens, the F gene of HMPV was used as the target gene for amplification and sequencing. The sequencing results were then compared with sequences in GenBank database to determine the virus subtypes and perform phylogenetic analyses. ResultsThe outbreak occurred in a kindergarter junior class with a total of 28 preschoolers and 3 teachers and childcare workers. A total of 11 cases (10 preschoolers and 1 teacher) were identified, including 8 male cases and 3 female cases. Clinical manifestations included fever in all 11 cases (100.00%), cough in 8 cases (72.72%), catarrhal symptoms in 4 cases (36.36%), and headache in 3 cases (27.27%). All symptoms were mild, and no severe cases were observed. A total of 11 throat swab samples were collected. Real-time fluorescent PCR test results showed that 3 samples were positive for HMPV nucleic acid, 2 samples were positive for both HMPV and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and 1 sample was positive for both HMPV and rhinovirus. The sequences of the 6 HMPV nucleic acid positive specimens were amplified and analyzed using specific primers, and all were determined to be HMPV subtype A2b. The F gene fragment sequence showed the highest similarity to PV081665.1/Brazil/2024 (99.65%), and also exhibited high similarity to PP683455.1/Indonesia/2021 (99.48%), PV016275.1/Beijing/2024 (99.31%), and PV052230.1/USA/2024 (99.13%). ConclusionThis cluster of acute respiratory tract infection was caused by HMPV subtype A2b, with co-infection of rhinovirus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The F gene fragment sequences of the HMPV in this outbreak were highly homologous to those of the A2b strains isolated from Brazil, Beijing, Indonesia, and the the United States.

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