1.Autophagy Abnormalities in PCOS and Targeted Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Xinxin YANG ; Zhicheng JIA ; Mengyu SHI ; Yongqian LI ; Peixuan WANG ; Ying GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):313-322
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine and reproductive disorder,with the main clinical manifestations including ovulation failure,insulin resistance,hyperandrogenism,and obesity. Its occurrence and development are closely related to cellular regulatory mechanisms such as apoptosis,autophagy,oxidative stress,and inflammatory response. Autophagy,as a clearance mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis,plays a crucial role in maintaining the growth,development,and maturation of oocytes. Exploring the mechanism of autophagy during the occurrence and development of diseases can help develop treatment methods for PCOS by regulating autophagy. Studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS,and it can affect the occurrence and development of PCOS through multiple pathways,levels,and targets. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulates autophagy in ovarian granulosa cells or endometrium of patients with PCOS by targeting the expression of autophagy signaling pathways,regulatory factors,and non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules,thereby alleviating inflammation,regulating metabolism disorders,and balancing hormone levels in PCOS. Accordingly,TCM can ameliorate pathological conditions such as insulin resistance,hyperandrogenism,and ovulation failure in PCOS. This article summarizes the TCM formulas and extracts for the treatment of PCOS,as well as the main autophagy pathways and regulatory factors involved,aiming to provide reference and suggestions for the future treatment of PCOS with TCM by regulating autophagy.
2.Mechanism of Mingshi Prescription in Regulating Opn4-dopamine Axis to Inhibit Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Delay Myopia Progression
Baohua LI ; Zefeng KANG ; Lulu WANG ; Xin YAN ; Jianquan WANG ; Xinyue HOU ; Bobiao NING ; Shanshan YE ; Mengyu LIU ; Yipeng SHI ; Danyu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):58-67
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Mingshi prescription regulates the retinal melanopsin-dopamine (Opn4-DA) axis in myopic mice to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the retina and sclera, thereby delaying axial elongation associated with myopia. MethodsSixty 4-week-old male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a form-deprived myopia group (FDM group), an intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells ablation group (ipRGCs group), a Mingshi Prescription group (MSF group, 5.2 g·kg-1), and an ipRGCs + MSF group (5.2 g·kg-1). Except for the normal group, all other groups underwent FDM modeling. Additionally, the ipRGCs and ipRGCs + MSF groups received retinal ipRGC ablation. Three weeks after modeling, the MSF and ipRGCs + MSF groups were administered Mingshi prescription via continuous gavage for six weeks. After refraction and axial length were measured in all mice, eyeballs were collected along with retinal and scleral tissues. Pathological and morphological changes in the retina, choroid, and sclera were observed using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Western blot was employed to detect the relative protein expression levels of dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Real-time PCR was used to detect the relative mRNA expression of Opn4, CHOP, and GRP78 in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Immunofluorescence staining (IF) was performed to detect the expression of Opn4 and DRD1 in retinal tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the FDM group showed a significant myopic shift in refraction (P<0.05) and a significant increase in axial length (P<0.05). The retinal layers were thinner, the number of ganglion cells was reduced, and collagen fibers in the sclera were loosely arranged with evident gaps. Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retinal and scleral tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the ipRGCs group exhibited further increases in myopic refraction and axial length (P<0.05), more pronounced thinning and looseness in the retinal, choroidal, and scleral layers, lower expression of Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA in the retina (P<0.05), and higher expression of CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA in the retina and sclera (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the MSF group showed significantly reduced refractive error and axial length (P<0.05), with improved cellular number, arrangement, and thickness in ocular tissues, increased Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina (P<0.05), and reduced CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retina and sclera (P<0.05). Similarly, the ipRGCs + MSF group showed significant improvements in terms of the above items compared with the ipRGCs group (P<0.05). ConclusionMingshi Prescription delays myopic axial elongation and refractive progression by regulating the Opn4-DA axis in the retina of myopic mice, thereby inhibiting ER stress in the retina and sclera. This intervention promotes Qi and blood nourishment of the eyes, softens the fascia, and restores ocular rhythm.
3.Preliminary Construction of Comprehensive Evaluation System for TCM Clinical Practice Guidelines Based on Bibliometric Analysis and Core Element Extraction
Xue CHEN ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Danping ZHENG ; Fangqi LIU ; An LI ; Junjie JIANG ; Nannan SHI ; Wei YANG ; Xinghua XIANG ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):209-219
ObjectiveTo construct a comprehensive evaluation indicator system for clinical practice guidelines of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is scientific, systematic, and reflects the characteristics of TCM. MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Chinese and English databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, to include literature on domestic and international guideline evaluation tools and TCM-related research. Document analysis and CiteSpace were utilized for keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis. ResultsA total of 65 relevant studies were included, from which seven core thematic domains were identified. Based on the research objectives, a two-step construction strategy was adopted: first, an external evaluation framework was established by referencing international tools to cover methodological rigor and procedural standardization; second, an internal evaluation framework was developed to reflect the distinctive features of TCM clinical practice, including syndrome differentiation and efficacy feedback. Through expert consensus, the indicator system was refined, resulting in a dual-layered structure comprising 8 primary indicators, 22 secondary indicators, and 62 evaluation criteria. ConclusionThe comprehensive evaluation system for TCM clinical practice guidelines, based on bibliometric analysis and core element extraction, integrates both theoretical integrity and practical applicability. This study provides a preliminary research foundation for further optimization, validation, and development of a refined comprehensive evaluation system.
4.Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture for post-ischemic stroke insomnia: a randomized controlled trial.
Run ZHANG ; Xinwang CHEN ; Mengyu WANG ; Wenming CHU ; Lihua WU ; Jing GAO ; Peidong LIU ; Ce SHI ; Liyuan LIU ; Bingzhen LI ; Miaomiao JI ; Yayong HE
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(10):1405-1413
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the efficacy and safety of Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture (acupuncture for regulating defensive qi and nourishing brain) for post-ischemic stroke insomnia (PISI).
METHODS:
A total of 96 patients with PISI were randomized into an acupuncture group (32 cases, 1 case was excluded), a medication group (32 cases, 1 case dropped out, 1 case was excluded) and a sham-acupuncture group (32 cases, 1 case dropped out, 1 case was excluded). In the acupuncture group, Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture was applied at bilateral Shenmai (BL62), Zhaohai (KI6), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3), and Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Yintang (GV24+), Shenting (GV24), once a day, 1-day interval was taken after 6-day treatment, for 3 weeks totally. In the medication group, eszopiclone tablet was given orally, 1-3 mg a time, once a day for 3 weeks. In the sham-acupuncture group, non-invasive sham acupuncture was applied, the acupoint selection, frequency and course of treatment were the same as the acupuncture group. Before treatment, after 2,3 weeks of treatment, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), self-rating sleep scale (SRSS), National Institutes of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS), Hamilton depression scale-17 (HAMD-17) were observed; before and after treatment, the sleep parameters were recorded using polysomnography (PSG); and the efficacy and safety were evaluated after treatment in the 3 groups.
RESULTS:
After 2,3 weeks of treatment, the scores of PSQI, HAMD-17 and SRSS in the acupuncture group and the medication group, as well as the SRSS scores in the sham-acupuncture group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05); after 2 weeks of treatment, the NIHSS score in the acupuncture group was decreased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05); after 3 weeks of treatment, the NIHSS scores in the acupuncture group, the medication group and the sham-acupuncture group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). After 3 weeks of treatment, the scores of PSQI, SRSS, HAMD-17 and NIHSS in the acupuncture group and the medication group, as well as the NIHSS score in the sham-acupuncture group were decreased compared with those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). After 2,3 weeks of treatment, the scores of PSQI, SRSS and HAMD-17 in the acupuncture group and the medication group were lower than those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05), the NIHSS scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the medication group and the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05); after 3 weeks of treatment, HAMD-17 score in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the medication group (P<0.05), the NIHSS score in the medication group was lower than that in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, after treatment, the total sleep time was prolonged (P<0.05), the wake after sleep onset, sleep latency, and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep latency were shortened (P<0.05), the sleep efficiency was improved (P<0.05), the number of awakenings was reduced (P<0.05), the percentage of rapid eye movement (REM%) and the percentage of NREM stage 1 (N1%) were decreased (P<0.05), the percentage of NREM stage 2 (N2%) and the percentage of NREM stage 3 (N3%) were increased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group and the medication group; the sleep latency was shortened in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, the PSG indexes in the acupuncture group and the medication group were superior to those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05); in the acupuncture group, the number of awakenings was less than that in the medication group (P<0.05), the REM% and N1% were lower than those in the medication group (P<0.05), the N2% and N3% were higher than those in the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate were 93.5% (29/31) and 90.0% (27/30) in the acupuncture group and the medication group respectively, which were higher than 10.0% (3/30) in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). There was no serious adverse events in any of the 3 groups.
CONCLUSION
Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture improves the insomnia symptoms in patients with ischemic stroke, improves the quality of sleep, increases the deep sleep, promotes the recovery of neurological function, and relieves the depression. It is effective and safe for the treatment of PISI.
Humans
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Male
;
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Adult
;
Ischemic Stroke/complications*
;
Stroke/complications*
;
Sleep
5.LncRNA EUDAL shapes tumor cell response to hypoxia-induced constitutive EGFR activation and promotes chemoresistance in oral cancer.
Shengkai CHEN ; Zhenlin DAI ; Jianbo SHI ; Mengyu RUI ; Zhiyuan ZHANG ; Qin XU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):64-64
Hypoxia and aberrant activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are considered important features of various malignancies. However, whether hypoxia can directly trigger EGFR activation and its clinical implications remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that in oral cancer, a typical hypoxic tumor, hypoxia can induce chronic but constitutive phosphorylation of wild-type EGFR in the absence of ligands. Oral cancer cell lines exhibit different EGFR phosphorylation responses to hypoxia. In hypoxic HN4 and HN6 cells, ubiquitination-mediated endocytosis, lysosomal sorting, and degradation lead to low levels of EGFR phosphorylation. However, in CAL-27 and HN30 cells, a novel HIF-1α-induced long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), EUDAL, can compete with the E3 ligase/adaptor complex c-Cbl/Grb2 for binding to EGFR, stabilizing phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR) and resulting in sustained activation of EGFR and its downstream STAT3/BNIP3 signaling. STAT3/BNIP3-mediated autophagy leads to antitumor drug resistance. A high EUDAL/EGFR/STAT3/autophagy pathway activation predicts poor response to chemotherapy in oral cancer patients. Collectively, hypoxia can induce noncanonical ligand-independent EGFR phosphorylation. High EUDAL expression facilitates sustained EGFR phosphorylation in hypoxic tumor cells and leads to autophagy-related drug resistance.
Humans
;
ErbB Receptors/metabolism*
;
Mouth Neoplasms/pathology*
;
RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics*
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Phosphorylation
;
Signal Transduction
;
STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Cell Hypoxia
;
Autophagy
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-cbl/metabolism*
6.Analysis of image features of fundus blood vessel in healthy human eye based on deep learning techniques
Mengyu HUI ; Jinglin SHI ; Xiaohan YU ; Jian LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Zhengli TANG ; Shanghai YU ; Yue GAO ; Ping LIU ; Hua ZHANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(10):1542-1550
AIM:To explore the fundus vascular characteristics of healthy individuals based on deep learning techniques, with a view to discovering the range of normal values of the fundus arteries and veins, as well as the relationship between physiological factors, such as gender, age, body mass index(BMI), blood pressure, and fundus vasculature characteristics.METHODS:Fundus images of healthy people were taken from a professional fundus camera, and the subject's blood pressure and laboratory test was collected. Additionally, the fundus arteries and veins were segmented by the improved U-Net model, and the color, morphology and Haralick texture features of the vessels were extracted from computer vision technology.RESULTS:A total of 4 487 cases fundus images were taken and 326 cases with healthy and clear fundus images were screened, including 200 males and 126 females. There were differences in the morphology, color, and textural characteristics of the left and right eyes, as well as of the fundus arterioles and veins, with a mean vessel width(width)of 1.146 in the arteries and 1.430 in the veins, and an arteriovenous ratio about 4:5. Fundus artery and vein characteristics in healthy individuals of different ages(21-30, 31-40, 41-50): compared with the healthy population aged 21-30 and 31-40 years, arterial and venous inverse difference moment(idm), f12 and venous angular second moment(asm)values increased, and arterial and venous contrast(con), entropy(ent), difference entropy(den), and venous sum entropy(sen)values decreased in 41-50 years. Compared with the 21-30 years age group, arterial f12 values increased and venous con values decreased in 31-40 years(all P<0.05). Fundus vascular characteristics of healthy individuals of different sexes: compared with male, fundus arterial and venous sum average(sav), sum variance(sva)values, arterial curved values, and venous b mean, bsd, variance(var), sen, ent values increased in female, while venous area value of female decreased(all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in fundus arteriosus and venous features in healthy subjects with different levels of BMI(all P>0.05). Fundus characteristics of healthy people with different degrees of blood pressure: there were statistically significant differences in fundus arteriosus area, width, and venous con, idm, dva, and den values between the normal blood pressure and high blood pressure groups(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The characteristics of the left and right eyes as well as the fundus arteries and veins differ in healthy individuals and correlate with physiological factors such as gender, age and blood pressure, which have the value of a potential microcirculation marker.
7.Characteristics of Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Danping ZHENG ; Wei YANG ; Nannan SHI ; Dongfeng WEI ; An LI ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Xue CHEN ; Fangqi LIU ; Zhaoshuai YAN ; Weixuan BAI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Yaxin TIAN ; Mengyu LIU ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):137-148
This study used the Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation-Health Systems (AGREE-HS) to demonstratively compare 34 global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) health systems guidance documents (HSGs) and 6 World Health Organization (WHO) standard HSGs. The comparison involved topic, participants, methods, recommendations, and implementability, with the aim of exploring the characteristics of emergency HSGs. The results showed that the emergency HSGs had an overall average score of 49%, with topic having the highest score, recommendations having the second highest score, and participants having the lowest score. The standard HSGs had an overall average score of 79%, with high scores in all items. The emergency HSGs had lower scores in participants, methods, recommendations, and implementability than the standard HSGs (P<0.001), while the COVID-19 emergency HSGs developed by the WHO had higher score in topic than the standard HSGs (P<0.05). Compared with those released by countries, the COVID-19 emergency HSG developed by the WHO showed superiority in all items and overall scores (P=0.000 2). This indicates that emergency HSGs, represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG, place equal emphasis on topic and recommendations as standard HSGs but have low requirements in terms of expert participation, evidence support, and comprehensive consideration in the time- and resource-limited context. They have the characteristics of prominent topics, clear purposes, orientation to demand, keeping up with the latest evidence, flexible adjustment, and timeliness, emphasizing immediate implementation effects, weakening long-term effects, and focusing on comprehensive benefits. Additionally, developers, types, and report completeness are important influencing factors.
8.Characteristics of Developing Methods for Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Danping ZHENG ; Wei YANG ; Dongfeng WEI ; Nannan SHI ; Lin TONG ; An LI ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Xue CHEN ; Fangqi LIU ; Weixuan BAI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Mengyu LIU ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):149-156
The scientific rigor and efficacy of methodologies employed in drafting emergency health systems guidance documents (HSGs) are paramount in guaranteeing the quality, reliability, and applicability of HSGs. According to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation- Health Systems (AGREE-HS), we demonstratively assessed both global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) emergency HSGs and World Health Organization (WHO) standard HSGs to uncover the core attributes of methods employed in the development of emergency HSGs. Our evaluation findings revealed that across the five assessment items of AGREE-HS, methods in the 34 emergency HSGs evaluated ranked third, trailing behind topic and recommendations. Notably, criterion 2 (the best available and most contextually relevant evidence is considered) received the highest score, whereas criterion 5 (evidence of cost and cost-effectiveness of the potential options is described) scored the lowest. Compared with the WHO standard HSGs, the COVID-19 emergency HSGs exhibited low scores in methods (P<0.05), which was reflected in nine criteria (P<0.05), especially in criteria 1 (systematic and transparent methods are used to identify and review the evidence) and 9 (systematic and transparent methods are used to agree upon the final recommendations). Among the COVID-19 emergency HSGs, that developed by the WHO achieved higher scores in eight out of all nine criteria, excluding criterion 8 (P<0.05). The clinically relevant emergency HSGs had higher scores in the criteria 3 (the evidence base is current) and 8 (the rationale behind the recommendations is clear) than other types of emergency HSGs. Collectively, the methodology for developing emergency HSGs, represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG, underscores evidence orientation and integrates expert consensus. It is characterized by adaptable evidence synthesis strategies, streamlined evidence review protocols, and contextual relevance, all of which are influenced by external, internal, and implementation-specific factors.
9.Characteristics of Participants for Developing Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
An LI ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Xue CHEN ; Fangqi LIU ; Danping ZHENG ; Weixuan BAI ; Wei YANG ; Dongfeng WEI ; Nannan SHI ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):157-163
The formulation method of emergency health systems guidance (HSG) is crucial, directly impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of responses in emergencies. A scientifically sound, systematic, and easily executable guidance document can assist health institutions at all levels in quickly coordinating resources, standardizing emergency response processes, and safeguarding public health. This study employed the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation for Health Systems (AGREE-HS) to analyze the characteristics of participants in developing emergency HSGs represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG. The results showed that in the 34 HSGs included in this study, the item participants received the lowest score. Within this item, criterion 1 (diversity of development group) scored the highest (3.13±1.55), while criterion 5 (prevention of funding agency influence) scored the lowest (1.21±0.47). There were differences (P<0.05) in measures taken to mitigate funding agency influence between the six standard HSGs developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the four emergency HSGs. Additionally, differences (P<0.05) existed in the development group members, background, conflicts of interest, and preventive measures between the six WHO standard HSGs and the 34 emergency HSGs, as well as between the HSGs developed by the WHO and those developed by countries. The participants in developing emergency HSGs were influenced by various factors, including limited time for guideline development, modes of participation, scarce evidence, and uncertainties in expected outcomes. There is a need to downplay extensive requirements concerning the composition of group members, institutional diversity, and conflicts of interest, emphasizing the roles of key participants like government officials and professionals who can provide rapid, practical guidance in emergency situations.
10.Characteristics of Recommendations for Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Gezhi ZHANG ; Cuifang LIU ; Danping ZHENG ; Xue CHEN ; An LI ; Fangqi LIU ; Dongfeng WEI ; Wei YANG ; Nannan SHI ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):164-170
Recommendations, consensus-based syntheses of the best available evidence, constitute the core content of a guideline. This paper analyzes the characteristics of emergency health systems guidance documents (HSGs), represented by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) emergency HSG, regarding the item "recommendations" and its eight evaluation criteria in the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation for Health Systems (AGREE-HS). The World Health Organization (WHO) standard HSGs were used as reference to explore the characteristics of emergency HSGs that are different from non-emergency HSGs. The results showed that the “recommendations” scored second after “topic” among the five items. Criterion 7 relating to operability scored higher than others among the eight criteria, and criterion 3 dealing with ethical principles scored lower than other criteria. Compared with the standard HSGs, the emergency HSGs showed decreased scores (P<0.05) of the item recommendations and the criteria of this item except criterion 4 concerning equity promotion. Among the HSGs with different developers, those developed by the WHO had higher (P<0.05) scores of recommendations than nationally developed HSGs, as evidenced by criterion 4, criterion 5 involving acceptability to and alignment with sociocultural and political interests, and criterion 8 for updating plans. The HSGs regarding global or country strategy scored higher (P<0.05) on criterion 2 relating to comprehensiveness than those involving specific guidance on clinical or material issues. Overall, the emergency HSGs, represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSGs, differ from the standard HSGs in a number of ways in terms of their recommendations. Emergency HSGs have more condensed content and weaker articulation of expected outcomes. They incline to put more emphasis on updating plans, rather than comprehensiveness or integrative requirements in terms of ethics, equity, and sociocultural and political interests.

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