1.Strategies for the Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Malignant Tumors Based on the Theory of Stagnant Toxin
Luchang CAO ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Guanghui ZHU ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1000-1006
"Stagnation" is an important pathological state in the development and progression of malignant tumors. However, its intrinsic connection with different stages of tumor evolution has not been clearly elucidated in previous studies. Drawing on clinical practice, this paper proposes the theory of stagnant toxin, emphasizing stage-specific pathogenesis and differentiated treatment strategies for tumors based on the varying manifestations of stagnation at each phase. The theory interprets the pathogenesis of stagnant toxin across the stages of tumor development through the five elements "wood, fire, earth, metal, and water" corresponding respectively to wood stagnation in the precancerous stage, metal stagnation in the postoperative phase, fire stagnation during adjuvant therapy, earth stagnation in the progressive stage, and water stagnation in the advanced stage. Each type of stagnation reflects a distinct pathogenic mechanism, such as wood stagnation giving rise to disease, metal stagnation inducing residual symptoms, fire stagnation resulting in ulceration, earth stagnation spreading toxin transmission, and water stagnation leading to critical deterioration. Accordingly, the treatment principles include guiding wood stagnation with counterflow, dispersing metal stagnation to harmonize symptoms, venting fire stagnation to regress ulcers, depleting earth stagnation to block progression, and controlling water stagnation to preserve vitality. This theoretical framework offers a traditional Chinese medicine perspective for understanding and treating malignant tumors based on the concept of stagnant toxin.
2.Postoperative Stage-based Functional Protection Strategies for Lung Cancer Based on Theory of "Lungs Governing Qi"
Luchang CAO ; Guanghui ZHU ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Wei HOU ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):86-93
Lung cancer (LC) is a significant global public health issue, with both its incidence and mortality rates ranking among the highest worldwide. The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates are increasing annually, posing a serious threat to the life and health of LC patients. Radical surgical resection is the primary treatment for malignant lung tumors. However, postoperative multidimensional functional impairments, including respiratory, mucosal, and psychological functions, are common. These impairments not only reduce patients' quality of life and affect their treatment tolerance and duration, but also negatively correlate with prognosis, facilitating disease recurrence and metastasis. At present, postoperative functional dysfunction after LC surgery remains a key clinical challenge that urgently needs to be addressed. There is a lack of standardized and regulated postoperative rehabilitation treatment management and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation and treatment strategies for LC. Focusing on the core underlying pathogenesis of "Qi sinking" after LC surgery, and guided by the classical TCM theory of "lungs governing Qi", this study, based on the core concept of the "five perspectives on treatment" theory, innovatively proposes the respiratory dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking in the chest" during the rapid rehabilitation phase, mucosal dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Yin deficiency and Qi sinking" during the postoperative adjuvant treatment phase, and the psychological dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking with emotional constraint" during the consolidation phase. Accordingly, stage-specific dynamic functional protection strategies are constructed. In the rapid rehabilitation phase, the strategy emphasizes tonifying Qi and uplifting sinking Qi, with differentiation and treatment based on the principle of ''descending before ascending''. In the adjuvant treatment phase, the approach focuses on nourishing Yin and uplifting Qi, with prescription combinations that integrate unblocking and tonification. In the consolidation phase, the strategy aims to resolve constraint and uplift Qi, with clinical treatment emphasizing a combination of dynamic and static methods. At each stage of functional rehabilitation, clinical differentiation and treatment should support healthy Qi and eliminate pathogenic factors simultaneously. This study is the first to propose the concept of postoperative functional protection in TCM, offering a new approach for TCM differentiation and treatment in the full-cycle, stage-based, and dynamic protection of postoperative function in LC patients. It is expected to contribute to the construction and development of an integrated TCM-Western medicine comprehensive program for cancer prevention and treatment in China.
3.A Hierarchical Strategy for Differentiation and Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Oral Ulcers Related to Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer Based on Yin Deficiency and Qi Collapse
Luchang CAO ; Guanghui ZHU ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Ming LIN ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):116-125
Tumor treatment-related adverse reactions are a major focus of clinical concern, among which recurrent aphthous oral ulcers (RAU) associated with targeted therapy for lung cancer (LC) are among the most painful and distressing for patients. Currently, modern medical interventions show limited efficacy, and there is an urgent need for more effective treatment strategies. This study differentiates RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC from chemotherapy-related and ordinary oral ulcers, elucidates the pathophysiological basis of such ulcers, and traces the theoretical origin of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse". Based on the new system of "five perspectives on diagnosis and treatment" for tumor prevention and treatment, with a focus on the core and symptom perspectives and rooted in the traditional concept of "lung dominating Qi", we innovatively propose the concept of "medicine-induced ulcer" and are the first to introduce the theory of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" into the syndrome differentiation and treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC (i.e., medicine-induced ulcer). We propose that "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" is the core pathogenesis of medicine-induced ulcers, in which the collapse of formless Qi is the key to their onset, while the deficiency and stasis of tangible Yin and blood constitute the root of recurrence. A hierarchical strategy for syndrome differentiation and treatment is established: first treating the collapse of formless Qi, then replenishing tangible deficiencies, and concurrently preventing recurrence. We emphasize that treatment should address both root and manifestation, with appropriate prioritization. In the acute phase, while relieving symptoms and promoting ulcer healing by nourishing Qi, uplifting collapse, and generating body fluids, attention should also be paid to nourishing spleen Yin, facilitating the circulation of nutritive Qi, and alleviating stasis to target the root pathogenesis and reduce recurrence. A verified case is presented to support this approach. This study enriches the theoretical framework and clinical methods of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC, promotes symptom management of treatment-related adverse reactions through integrated TCM and Western medicine, and provides theoretical support for the construction and development of a comprehensive differentiation and treatment system for lung cancer prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
4.Nutritional status and influencing factors in elderly patients with chronic renal insufficiency
Miao ZHU ; Manman LYU ; Haichuan YUAN ; Juantang ZHAO ; Xiujuan WU ; Jing TAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):171-175
Objective To assess the nutritional status in elderly patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and reveal the key factors affecting the nutritional status. Methods A total of 310 elderly patients with CRI who received hospitalization treatment and outpatient follow-up in the hospital from January 2021 to June 2024 were selected as the investigation subjects. The nutritional status of patients was evaluated by mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire, and the nutritional status and dietary structure of patients were comprehensively evaluated by anthropometric indicators [height, weight, body mass index (BMI), upper arm circumference, calf circumference], biochemical indicators [serum albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), hemoglobin (Hb), transferrin (TF)] and 24-hour dietary review method. According to the investigation results of nutritional status, the patients were divided into good nutrition group (MNA score≥24 points), nutritional risk group (MNA score of 17-23.5 points) and malnutrition group (MNA score<17 points). Univariate analysis was adopted to screen the potential influencing factors of elderly CRI. Multivariate logistic regression model was applied to analyze the influencing factors of malnutrition in elderly CRI patients. Results Among the 325 questionnaires were distributed, but only 310 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 95.38%. Investigation results revealed that among the 310 patients, 29.35% (91 cases) had good nutritional status, and 42.26% (131 cases) had nutritional risk, and 28.39% (88 cases) had malnutrition. Univariate analysis indicated that there were statistical differences in BMI, CRI staging, serum ALB, PA, Hb, TF, protein intake and total calorie intake among the good nutrition group, the nutritional risk group and the malnutrition group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that low BMI (OR=0.903, 95%CI: 0.867-0.941), high CRI stage (OR=1.091, 95%CI: 1.053-1.130), low serum ALB (OR=0.907, 95%CI: 0.867-0.948), PA (OR=0.918, 95%CI: 0.888-0.949), Hb (OR=0.944, 95%CI: 0.909-0.997), TF (OR=0.912, 95%CI: 0.874-0.952), insufficient protein intake (OR=0.924, 95%CI: 0.882-0.969) and insufficient total calorie intake (OR=0.938, 95%CI: 0.909-0.968) were influencing factors for malnutrition in elderly patients with CRI (all P<0.05). Drawing ROC curve of malnutrition in elderly patients with CRI according to the prediction probability of logistic regression model found that the AUC, sensitivity, specificity, 95%CI and Youden index were 0.976, 93.18%, 92.34%, 0.953-0.990 (P<0.05) and 0.855. Conclusion The incidence rate of malnutrition is high in elderly patients with CRI, and is mainly affected by factors such as low BMI, high CRI stage, low serum ALB, PA, Hb and TF levels and insufficient protein and total calorie intakes. In addition, logistic regression model has high predictive value and can provide a reference for early clinical identification of high-risk population with malnutrition among elderly patients with CRI.
5.A universal counter-selection strategy based on replacement of sgRNA expression cassettes targeting multi-copy genes.
Qianru CAI ; Manman WANG ; Jinmei ZHU ; Jiequn WU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(4):1649-1657
Selection markers are essential tools in gene editing, the utility of such systems is inherently constrained by species-specific limitations, governed by divergent host genetic backgrounds and metabolic compatibility. To address this limitation, we leveraged the CRISPR/Cas9 system to develop a universal counter-selection tool. We designed and introduced an sgRNA expression cassettes as counter-selection markers, which directs the Cas9 protein to target and cleave genomic DNA, allowing for the selection of the strains where the sgRNA expression cassette has been replaced. Optimized to target multiple copy sites with sgRNA, this system significantly enhances cell lethality, boosting counter-selection efficiency to over 85.00%. This counter-selection tool is not limited to single strains and is suitable for various scenarios, including multi-copy plasmid assembly and plasmid editing, demonstrating broad application potential.
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics*
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Gene Editing/methods*
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RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics*
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Plasmids/genetics*
6.Long non-coding RNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA regulatory network in keloids
Xue′e ZHU ; Manman DUAN ; Yuan DING
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2024;57(7):668-671
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in keloids, and some lncRNAs can interact with miRNAs and act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate downstream mRNA expression. These RNA molecules are interconnected to form a complex ceRNA regulatory network, playing an important role in the occurrence and development of keloids. This review summarizes the relationship of lncRNAs and their mediated ceRNA regulatory networks with keloids, in order to further explore the pathogenesis of keloids.
7.Role of mitochondrial autophagy and the curative effect of rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules on nucleos(t)ide drug-induced renal injury
Kai ZHONG ; Manman ZHANG ; Zixin ZHU ; Xin LIAO ; Baofang ZHANG ; Mingliang CHENG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2024;32(2):125-132
Objective:To study the curative effect of rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules and the role of mitochondrial autophagy on nucleos(t)ide drug-induced renal injury.Methods:Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) was used to construct a hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mouse model for renal injury. Renal function was measured in each group at one and two weeks of modeling. Mitochondrial autophagy indicators were measured at two weeks of modeling in renal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect mitochondrial autophagy phenomena in renal tissue. The model was established for two weeks. Mouse with renal injury were treated with rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules or isotonic saline for eight weeks by intragastric administration. Renal function was measured. Renal tissue morphology was observed. Mitochondrial autophagy indicators were detected in renal tissue. The protective effect of different concentrations of verbascoside (the main active ingredient of rehmannia glutinosa capsule) was observed on HK-2 cell damage induced by ADV. HK-2 cells were divided into control, ADV, and ADV plus verbascoside groups. The effects of verbascoside at different times and concentrations were observed on the HK-2 mitochondrial autophagy indicators. Fifty patients with chronic hepatitis B were collected who presented with renal injury after treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs. The random number method was used to divide 29 cases into a control group that received conventional treatment. The treatment group of 21 cases was treated with rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules on the basis of the control group. Serum creatinine (Scr) and urinary protein were detected at eight weeks.The χ2 test or t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results:Compared with the control group, two weeks of modeling in the ADV group induced renal function injury in HBV mice. The expression of autophagy indicators was higher in the renal tissue of the ADV group than that of the control group. Transmission electron microscopy had revealed mitochondrial autophagy in the renal tissue of the ADV group. Compared with the control group, the renal function of HBV mice treated with rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules improved for two months, and the expressions of autophagy indicators were down-regulated.Verbascoside promoted proliferation in ADV-damaged HK-2 cells, and the expression of autophagy indicators was down-regulated compared with the ADV alone group. In 50 patients with renal function injury, the urinary protein improvement was significantly superior in the treatment group than that in the control group, with eighteen and three cases being effective and ineffective in the treatment group and 12 and 17 cases being effective and ineffective in the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2 ?=?9.975 0, P ?=?0.001 6). Serum creatinine was decreased in the treatment group compared with the control group, with 11 and 10 cases being effective and ineffective in the treatment group and 12 and 17 cases being effective and ineffective in the control group, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2 ?= 0.593 5, P ?=?0.441 1). Conclusion:Rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsule can improve the nucleos(t)ide drug-induced renal function injury in chronic hepatitis B, possibly playing a role via inhibiting PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy.
8.Design and clinical application of bedsheet with postural markers during gastroscopy
Meirong CUI ; Manman ZUO ; Chengli GUO ; Yanli ZHU ; Cui LIU
Journal of Navy Medicine 2024;45(1):95-98
Objective To explore the design and clinical application of the bedsheet with postural markers during gastroscopy.Methods A total of 100 outpatients who underwent gastroscopy for the first time in Digestive Endoscopy Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from November to December 2021 were selected as research objects by convenience sampling coin method.They were randomly divided into experimental group(n=54)and control group(n=46).The bedsheets with postural markers were used in the experimental group,and ordinary disposable sheets were used in the control group during gastroscopy.One-time success rate of postural placement,time from guidance to completion of postural placement,and patient satisfaction were compared between the 2 groups.Results The time from guidance to completion of postural placement in the experimental group was shorter than that in the control group([7.07±2.44]vs[18.36±5.12]),and the one-time success rate of postural placement(96.30% vs 13.04% )and patient satisfaction([95.76±4.32]vs[68.46±7.59])in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion The clinical application of bedsheets with postural markers during gastroscopy can significantly increase the efficiency of postural placement,shorten the guidance time before operation,maximize the utilization rate of examination beds,and improve patient satisfaction.
9.Effect of modified turtle shell moxibustion through meridian pushing and ironing on primary dysmenorrhea due to cold congelation and blood stasis
Suyan ZHU ; Manman BAO ; Xiaowei LI
Journal of Navy Medicine 2024;45(2):194-198
Objective To explore the clinical outcome of modified turtle shell moxibustion along the meridian for patients with primary dysmenorrhea caused by cold congelation and blood stasis.Methods Sixty patients with primary dysmenorrhea caused by cold congelation and blood stasis who were treated in Fuyang Women and Children's Hospital from August 2020 to August 2021 were included in this study.The patients were divided into test group and control group according to the random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was treated with ibuprofen granules,and the test group was treated with modified soft-shelled turtle moxibustion along the meridian pushing and ironing in addition to the treatment of the control group.Both groups were treated for 3 menstrual cycles.The Traditional Chinese Medical symptom scores,pain duration,visual analogue scale(VAS)score,clinical efficacy,serum prostaglandin E2(PGE2),prostaglandin F2a(PGF2a)and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The scores of cold pain in lower abdomen,chills in extremities,lumbosacral soreness,and dark menstrual blood with blood stasis,as well as the VAS score after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment in both groups(P<0.05),and these scores in the test group were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment(P<0.05).The duration of pain was significantly shortened after treatment in both groups,and the duration of pain in the test group was significantly shorter than that in the control group(P<0.05).The total effective rate of the test group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,serum PGE2 level was significantly increased and the PGE2a level was significantly decreased in both groups(P<0.05),and the test group had higher level of PGE2 and lower level of PGF2a than the control group after treatment(P<0.05).No gastrointestinal reactions or bleeding occurred.Conclusion The modified turtle shell moxibustion through meridian pushing and ironing is a safe and effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea due to cold blood stasis syndrome.It can improve clinical symptoms and regulate the level of prostaglandins.
10.Preparation and characterization of folic acid modified D ⁃α⁃tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate nanomaterials encapsulated with siRNA
Manman Zhu ; Yong Cheng ; Peng Rao ; Guiyang Zhang ; Hao Liu ; Lei Xiao ; Jiatao Liu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2023;58(11):1859-1864
Objective :
To construct folate modified D ⁃α ⁃tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate ( TPGS) oparticles on the cytotoxicity and spliced X ⁃box binding protein 1 ( XBP1s) of mouse leukemia cells of monocyte macrophage (RAW264. 7) .
Methods :
Mixed FA⁃TPGS and rhodamine B (RhB) labeled XBP1 siRNA solution in a proportion of 5 ∶ 1 and obtained the nano⁃complex coated with XBP1 siRNA(FT@ XBP1) . FT@ XBP1 nanocarriers were characterized by transmission electron microscope , dynamic light scattering , ultraviolet visible spectrum analysis and/or fluorescence analysis. And the release of siRNA from FA⁃TPGS nano⁃carriers was calculated simultaneously. The cell cytotoxicity of FT@ XBP1 nanomaterials were detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) , CCK⁃8 and flow cytometry. And the inhibited effect of XBP1 s of RAW264. 7 cells was checked by Western blot.
Results
FA modified TPGS could effectively bind XBP1 siRNA. And the average particle size of FT@ XBP1 nanocarriers were(200 ± 20) nm. The relative release assays showed that acidic environments (pH 5. 0) was beneficial for siRNA to release from FT@ XBP1 . Both CCK⁃8 and apoptosis assay showed that the effects of FT@ XBP1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of RAW264. 7 cells were relatively small , and FT@ XBP1 could significantly inhibit the expression of XBP1 s protein in RAW264. 7(P < 0. 001) . Conclusion TPGS nanoparticles modified with folic acid can effectively encapsulate XBP1 siRNA and inhibit XBP1 s expression of RAW264. 7 cells with good cellular compatibility.


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