1.Differentiation and Treatment of Microvascular Diseases from the Perspective of "Cold Constraint in Sanjiao (三焦)"
Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zeqi WANG ; Mengwen HUANG ; Yiyao ZHANG ; Kuiwu YAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):741-746
Microvascular diseases (MVD) can affect multiple systems in the body and are important factors in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases, as well as the aging process. It is proposed that the key pathogenesis of MVD is "cold constraint in sanjiao (三焦)". Based on the theory of cold pathogen, and by integrating the common and local pathologies of sanjiao, a treatment principle of promoting blood circulation and warming is established. A basic prescription for promoting blood circulation and warming is formulated, with modifications based on the specific pathogenesis of the upper, middle, and lower jiao (焦). For the upper jiao, cold constraint primarily involves the failure of the clear yang to rise and qi and blood stagnation, for which treatment should focus on diffusing and unblocking the heart and the lung, opening constraint and vibrating yang, commonly adding Shengxian Decoction (升陷汤) for warming and dispersing to assist in diffusion and dissipation, and using Guizhi Decoction (桂枝汤)-series formulas to harmonize ying-wei (营卫) and open the striae and interstices; both formulas can invigorate yang qi. For the middle jiao, cold constraint primarily involves the dysfunction of the central yang and internal accumulation of turbid pathogen, for which treatment should focus on harmonizing the spleen and stomach, warming and reinforcing yang; formulas such as Sini Powder (四逆散), Zhishi Xiaopi Pill (枳实消痞丸), and Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤) can be used to restore qi flow, promote digestion, and balance cold and heat; Shengyang Yiwei Decoction (升阳益胃汤) can further enhance raising the clear and directing the turbid downward, expelling cold and removing dampness. For the lower jiao, cold constraint primarily involves damage to the original yang and dysfunction of qi transformation, for which the treatment should focus on tonifying original qi and reinforcing the foundation, as well as promoting diuresis and supporting yang; depending on the degree of deficiency and the presence of internal water accumulation, formulas like Jingui Shenqi Pill (金匮肾气丸), Fuzi Decoction (附子汤), and Zhenwu Decoction (真武汤) can be used. Based on the theory of cold constraint, the principle of promoting blood circulation and warming method runs through the differentiation and treatment of MVD. By further incorporating the pathological characteristics of sanjiao, flexible treatment strategies can be developed, which helps deepen the understanding of the disease's etiology and pathogenesis, while broadening clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
2.Dentate Gyrus Morphogenesis is Regulated by an Autism Risk Gene Trio Function in Granule Cells.
Mengwen SUN ; Weizhen XUE ; Hu MENG ; Xiaoxuan SUN ; Tianlan LU ; Weihua YUE ; Lifang WANG ; Dai ZHANG ; Jun LI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(1):1-15
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are reported as a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. The structural changes of brain regions including the hippocampus were widely reported in autistic patients and mouse models with dysfunction of ASD risk genes, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we report that deletion of Trio, a high-susceptibility gene of ASDs, causes a postnatal dentate gyrus (DG) hypoplasia with a zigzagged suprapyramidal blade, and the Trio-deficient mice display autism-like behaviors. The impaired morphogenesis of DG is mainly caused by disturbing the postnatal distribution of postmitotic granule cells (GCs), which further results in a migration deficit of neural progenitors. Furthermore, we reveal that Trio plays different roles in various excitatory neural cells by spatial transcriptomic sequencing, especially the role of regulating the migration of postmitotic GCs. In summary, our findings provide evidence of cellular mechanisms that Trio is involved in postnatal DG morphogenesis.
Animals
;
Dentate Gyrus/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Morphogenesis/physiology*
;
Neurons/pathology*
;
Cell Movement
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Autism Spectrum Disorder/pathology*
;
Mice, Knockout
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Neural Stem Cells
;
Male
;
Neurogenesis
;
Autistic Disorder/genetics*
3.Retrospective study on adverse prognosis of neonates with late onset sepsis and invasive procedures in neonatal intensive care unit
Mengwen CHEN ; Chengyi FENG ; Jianfang WANG ; Ying LIU ; Hui WANG ; Haiying SONG ; Rongping ZHU ; Lin ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Lijuan GAO ; Fang HE
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(6):782-788
Objective To investigate the incidence and adverse prognosis of late onset sepsis(LOS)in neonates in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU).Methods A retrospective study was conducted to collect and analyze the peri-natal condition,underlying diseases,invasive procedures,and adverse prognosis of neonates in NICU of a regional maternal and child healthcare hospital from 2019 to 2023.According to whether LOS occurred during hospitaliza-tion,neonates were divided into LOS group and non-LOS group.The LOS group was divided into 5 subgroups based on whether invasive procedures were performed:LOS plus umbilical vein catheter(UVC)group,LOS plus peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)group,LOS plus sequential catheter group,LOS plus tracheal intuba-tion group,and LOS plus lumbar puncture group,the relationship between LOS and adverse prognosis was ana-lyzed.Results Among 2 945 neonates in NICU,354(12.02%)developed LOS.Comparison between LOS groups and non-LOS group were as follows:in term of perinatal condition of neonates,there were statistically significant difference in weight,gestational age,and whether they were twins between the two groups(all P<0.001);in term of underlying diseases,there were statistically significant differences in the number of cases of maternal gestational hypertension,neonatal asphyxia,neonatal congenital heart disease,neonatal ventricular dilation,neonatal pneumo-nia,neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia,and neonatal anemia,as well as five invasive procedures between the two groups(all P<0.05).Compared with the non-LOS group,the incidences of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP),neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis(NNEC),bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD),and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS)in LOS group were all higher(all P<0.001).Regression analysis showed that compared with the non-LOS groups,the risk of ROP increased in the LOS group and its subgroups,with the LOS plus sequential catheter group having a 2.27-fold higher risk of ROP than non-LOS group;the risk of NNEC increased in the LOS group and its subgroups,with the LOS plus UVC group having an 8.29-fold higher risk of NNEC than the non-LOS group.Except for the LOS plus UVC group,the risk of BPD increased in the LOS group and other subgroups,with the LOS plus PICC group and LOS plus sequential catheter group having 4.68-and 4.64-fold higher risk of BPD than the non-LOS group,respectively;the risk of NRDS in the LOS plus PICC group was 6.84-fold higher than the non-LOS group(all P<0.05).The top three pathogens causing LOS were coagulase negative Staphylococcus,Klebsiella pneumoniae,and Escherichia coli.Conclusion LOS can significantly increase the risks of ROP,NNEC,BPD,and NRDS.LOS plus invasive procedures can further increase the risk of adverse prognosis.
4.AMP-activated protein kinase mediates macrophage fatty acid oxidation:an approach to prevent and treat atherosclerosis with traditional Chinese medicine
Panxia CAO ; Zining PENG ; Shanshan LIU ; Tiantian FEI ; Tengyun LIANG ; Mengwen ZHANG ; Hong WU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(18):3906-3914
BACKGROUND:The energy metabolism and polarization state of macrophages play a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis.Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)has shown significant therapeutic potential for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis by regulating macrophage metabolic pathways.OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress in AMP-activated protein kinase regulation of macrophage energy metabolism and polarization and explore the mechanism of TCM in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.METHODS:A computerized search was conducted on the databases including Web of Science,PubMed,and CNKI,covering relevant literature up to June 2024.The search terms were"AMPK,fatty acid oxidation,macrophage polarization,Traditional Chinese Medicine,atherosclerosis,coronary heart disease"in Chinese and English.A total of 62 articles were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The shiftin macrophage energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis plays a key role in the progression of atherosclerosis.The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in macrophages promotes fatty acid oxidation and M2 polarization,exerting anti-inflammatory effects and stabilizing arterial plaques.TCM monomers(such as ginseng,astragalus,and polygonatum)and compounds(such as Huanglian Jiedu Decoction,Yangxin Shumai Granules,and Tiaogan Daozhuo Formula)influence macrophage metabolism and cellular function by regulating the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway and intervening in multiple signaling pathways,such as nuclear factor-κB,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ,and mammalian target of rapamycin,thereby achieving therapeutic effects.Future research should focus on the interactions between AMP-activated protein kinase,metabolism,and polarization pathways,as well as how TCM exerts its therapeutic effects through these pathways,providing new strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
5.Cost-effectiveness analysis of tafolecimab in patients with hypercholesterolemia
Tong LI ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Mengwen FENG ; Zhen FENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2815-2821
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of tafolecimab in patients with hypercholesterolemia, and provide support for optimizing management strategies for hypercholesterolemia and healthcare resource allocation. METHODS From the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, an 11-state mutually exclusive Markov cohort model was developed to simulate disease progression and prognosis in the target population. The model cycle was set to one year, with a 30-year time horizon. Transition probabilities between health states were derived from the CREDIT series of clinical trials, while health utility values and medical cost parameters were sourced from the statistical yearbook and published literature. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were used as the measure of health outcomes. Cost-effectiveness analysis was employed to calculate the incremental cost- effectiveness ratio (ICER) for three dosing regimens of tafolecimab [150 mg every 2 weeks (q2w), 450 mg every 4 weeks (q4w), and 600 mg every 6 weeks (q6w)] in combination with statins compared with control therapy (statins). Using 1-3 times the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of China in 2024 as willingness-to-pay threshold(WTP), with a discount rate of 5%. Model robustness was assessed through one-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis. RESULTS The 150 mg q2w regimen of tafolecimab yielded an ICER of 235 827.73 yuan/QALY, which was below the WTP (287 100 yuan/ QALY), indicating that the regimen was cost-effective. In contrast, the ICERs for the 450 mg q4w and 600 mg q6w regimens were 329 498.24 and 318 630.51 yuan/QALY, respec-tively, both exceeding the WTP and thus not cost-effective.One-way sensitivity analysis identified the discount rate as a key influencing factor. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that under the WTP set in this study, the probabilities of cost-effectiveness for the 450 mg q4w and 600 mg q6w regimens were 15.3% and 22.4%, respectively, while the 150 mg q2w regimen had an 85.2% probability of being cost-effective. The situational analysis revealed that, over a simulated time horizon of 5 to 30 years, the ICER of tafolecimab was progressively reduced compared with the control regimen. When the price of tafolecimab was lowered by more than 20%, all three dosing regimens were demonstrated to be cost-effective.CONCLUSIONS Under the current Chinese healthcare system, compared with statin monotherapy, tafolecimab (150 mg q2w) combination improves health outcomes in patients with hypercholesterolemia, and is cost-effective given the current WTP.
6.Research progress on molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism disorders mediating pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Qi SUN ; Yanming HE ; Jinjing YUAN ; Mengwen SHEN ; Chunlei DING ; Xinyi ZHANG ; Lei ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(14):142-148
Pulmonary vascular remodeling is the core pathological feature in the onset and pro-gression of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).Currently,there is no well-defined therapeutic strategy that can effectively delay or reverse this process.Despite the widespread clinical application of targeted vasodilator drugs,patients still face a high risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular e-vents,suggesting an urgent need to explore new pathological mechanisms and therapeutic targets.In recent years,the relationship between dyslipidemia and PAH has garnered increasing attention.This article aimed to review the role of lipid metabolism disorders in pulmonary vascular remodeling in pul-monary arterial hypertension and its underlying mechanism,with the hope of providing new interven-tion targets for the treatment of PAH,thereby improving patient survival rates and quality of life.
7.Relation between temporal PRRT2 expression pattern and clinical progression of PRRT2-related paroxysmal disorders
Jiayuan ZHANG ; Kang LIU ; Jiayuan ZHAO ; Mengwen ZHANG ; Yanxun CHEN ; Cuishan WANG ; Ruifeng SHEN ; Na HE
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(3):275-279
Objective:To investigate the relation between temporal expression changes of proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 ( PRRT2) gene and clinical progression of PRRT2-related paroxysmal disorders (PRPDs). Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; 19 patients with PRPDs admitted to Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from July 2021 to July 2024 were enrolled; their clinical data, including onset age and disease progression, were collected. Using Bgee database, the PRRT2 gene expressions in different age groups were analyzed to explore their relations with clinical progression. Results:Among the 19 patients, 8 were diagnosed as having infantile convulsion with choreoathetosis (ICCA), 1 patient as having infantile convulsion, and 10 as having paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD). Among patients with ICCA, the disease course was divided into two stages: in infantile period, it manifested as infantile convulsions at the onset, with an onset age of (5.75±1.03) months, ranged 4-7 months; in early childhood, no seizures were noted, enjoying a silent period and lasting for a period ranged 7-15 years; subsequently, the disease relapsed during adolescent, presenting as dyskinesia, with an onset age of (11.75±3.11) years, ranged 8-16 years. Among patients with PKD, onset age was (10.40±3.17) years, ranged 5-17 years. PRRT2 expression peaked before 1 year old, declined to the lowest level at 10 years old, and then gradually increased, reaching a second peak at 17 years old; PRRT2 expression demonstrated bimodal peaks during early childhood and adolescence. Conclusion:PRPDs progression shows a certain consistency with the temporal change of PRRT2 gene expression.
8.Retrospective study on adverse prognosis of neonates with late onset sepsis and invasive procedures in neonatal intensive care unit
Mengwen CHEN ; Chengyi FENG ; Jianfang WANG ; Ying LIU ; Hui WANG ; Haiying SONG ; Rongping ZHU ; Lin ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Lijuan GAO ; Fang HE
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(6):782-788
Objective To investigate the incidence and adverse prognosis of late onset sepsis(LOS)in neonates in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU).Methods A retrospective study was conducted to collect and analyze the peri-natal condition,underlying diseases,invasive procedures,and adverse prognosis of neonates in NICU of a regional maternal and child healthcare hospital from 2019 to 2023.According to whether LOS occurred during hospitaliza-tion,neonates were divided into LOS group and non-LOS group.The LOS group was divided into 5 subgroups based on whether invasive procedures were performed:LOS plus umbilical vein catheter(UVC)group,LOS plus peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)group,LOS plus sequential catheter group,LOS plus tracheal intuba-tion group,and LOS plus lumbar puncture group,the relationship between LOS and adverse prognosis was ana-lyzed.Results Among 2 945 neonates in NICU,354(12.02%)developed LOS.Comparison between LOS groups and non-LOS group were as follows:in term of perinatal condition of neonates,there were statistically significant difference in weight,gestational age,and whether they were twins between the two groups(all P<0.001);in term of underlying diseases,there were statistically significant differences in the number of cases of maternal gestational hypertension,neonatal asphyxia,neonatal congenital heart disease,neonatal ventricular dilation,neonatal pneumo-nia,neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia,and neonatal anemia,as well as five invasive procedures between the two groups(all P<0.05).Compared with the non-LOS group,the incidences of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP),neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis(NNEC),bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD),and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS)in LOS group were all higher(all P<0.001).Regression analysis showed that compared with the non-LOS groups,the risk of ROP increased in the LOS group and its subgroups,with the LOS plus sequential catheter group having a 2.27-fold higher risk of ROP than non-LOS group;the risk of NNEC increased in the LOS group and its subgroups,with the LOS plus UVC group having an 8.29-fold higher risk of NNEC than the non-LOS group.Except for the LOS plus UVC group,the risk of BPD increased in the LOS group and other subgroups,with the LOS plus PICC group and LOS plus sequential catheter group having 4.68-and 4.64-fold higher risk of BPD than the non-LOS group,respectively;the risk of NRDS in the LOS plus PICC group was 6.84-fold higher than the non-LOS group(all P<0.05).The top three pathogens causing LOS were coagulase negative Staphylococcus,Klebsiella pneumoniae,and Escherichia coli.Conclusion LOS can significantly increase the risks of ROP,NNEC,BPD,and NRDS.LOS plus invasive procedures can further increase the risk of adverse prognosis.
9.AMP-activated protein kinase mediates macrophage fatty acid oxidation:an approach to prevent and treat atherosclerosis with traditional Chinese medicine
Panxia CAO ; Zining PENG ; Shanshan LIU ; Tiantian FEI ; Tengyun LIANG ; Mengwen ZHANG ; Hong WU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(18):3906-3914
BACKGROUND:The energy metabolism and polarization state of macrophages play a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis.Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)has shown significant therapeutic potential for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis by regulating macrophage metabolic pathways.OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress in AMP-activated protein kinase regulation of macrophage energy metabolism and polarization and explore the mechanism of TCM in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.METHODS:A computerized search was conducted on the databases including Web of Science,PubMed,and CNKI,covering relevant literature up to June 2024.The search terms were"AMPK,fatty acid oxidation,macrophage polarization,Traditional Chinese Medicine,atherosclerosis,coronary heart disease"in Chinese and English.A total of 62 articles were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The shiftin macrophage energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis plays a key role in the progression of atherosclerosis.The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in macrophages promotes fatty acid oxidation and M2 polarization,exerting anti-inflammatory effects and stabilizing arterial plaques.TCM monomers(such as ginseng,astragalus,and polygonatum)and compounds(such as Huanglian Jiedu Decoction,Yangxin Shumai Granules,and Tiaogan Daozhuo Formula)influence macrophage metabolism and cellular function by regulating the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway and intervening in multiple signaling pathways,such as nuclear factor-κB,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ,and mammalian target of rapamycin,thereby achieving therapeutic effects.Future research should focus on the interactions between AMP-activated protein kinase,metabolism,and polarization pathways,as well as how TCM exerts its therapeutic effects through these pathways,providing new strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
10.Relation between temporal PRRT2 expression pattern and clinical progression of PRRT2-related paroxysmal disorders
Jiayuan ZHANG ; Kang LIU ; Jiayuan ZHAO ; Mengwen ZHANG ; Yanxun CHEN ; Cuishan WANG ; Ruifeng SHEN ; Na HE
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(3):275-279
Objective:To investigate the relation between temporal expression changes of proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 ( PRRT2) gene and clinical progression of PRRT2-related paroxysmal disorders (PRPDs). Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; 19 patients with PRPDs admitted to Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from July 2021 to July 2024 were enrolled; their clinical data, including onset age and disease progression, were collected. Using Bgee database, the PRRT2 gene expressions in different age groups were analyzed to explore their relations with clinical progression. Results:Among the 19 patients, 8 were diagnosed as having infantile convulsion with choreoathetosis (ICCA), 1 patient as having infantile convulsion, and 10 as having paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD). Among patients with ICCA, the disease course was divided into two stages: in infantile period, it manifested as infantile convulsions at the onset, with an onset age of (5.75±1.03) months, ranged 4-7 months; in early childhood, no seizures were noted, enjoying a silent period and lasting for a period ranged 7-15 years; subsequently, the disease relapsed during adolescent, presenting as dyskinesia, with an onset age of (11.75±3.11) years, ranged 8-16 years. Among patients with PKD, onset age was (10.40±3.17) years, ranged 5-17 years. PRRT2 expression peaked before 1 year old, declined to the lowest level at 10 years old, and then gradually increased, reaching a second peak at 17 years old; PRRT2 expression demonstrated bimodal peaks during early childhood and adolescence. Conclusion:PRPDs progression shows a certain consistency with the temporal change of PRRT2 gene expression.

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