1.Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis Multimorbidity from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral Theory
Xiaojing GUO ; Jiuli DING ; Hongyuan SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):280-287
The multimorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has drawn increasing attention, as both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and progressive bone destruction. Modern research confirms that PD is a significant risk factor for RA development, and their coexistence mutually exacerbates disease progression. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) currently lacks a systematic theoretical explanation for this complex multimorbid relationship. This study, based on the TCM theory of abnormal collateral, thoroughly examines the intrinsic connection between RA and PD multimorbidity, proposing "abnormal collateral as the pivot, with accumulated toxins eroding bone" as the core TCM pathogenesis. The research elucidates PD as the "origin of abnormal collateral", where its pathogens act as toxic factors that invade the joints through collaterals, triggering RA via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry. The dynamic pathological progression of RA-PD multimorbidity can be described as follows: the displacement of Ying and Wei at the microscopic level manifests as immune hyperactivation, leading to collateral malnutrition; heat-toxins traversing collaterals induce collateral hyperactivity, resulting in pathological angiogenesis; ultimately, toxin accumulation at the pivotal abnormal collateral site erodes bone, activating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway-driven osteoclast differentiation. This theoretical framework innovatively integrates modern findings in oral microbiology, immune-inflammation, and bone metabolism, offering a holistic and dynamic perspective to understand the complexity of multimorbidity. Given the limited efficacy of current periodontal treatments for RA and the scarcity of reported TCM compound interventions for multimorbidity, the abnormal collateral theory proposes a systematic intervention strategy centered on "governing diseases through collaterals and regulating collaterals with herbs", along with TCM therapeutic principles such as "unblocking, clearing, and nourishing collaterals". Potential herbal treatments for multimorbidity are also highlighted. Future research should focus on refining TCM syndrome patterns in multimorbid patients and leveraging omics technologies for deeper exploration, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and research direction for TCM in addressing complex multimorbid conditions.
2.Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis Multimorbidity from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral Theory
Xiaojing GUO ; Jiuli DING ; Hongyuan SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):280-287
The multimorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has drawn increasing attention, as both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and progressive bone destruction. Modern research confirms that PD is a significant risk factor for RA development, and their coexistence mutually exacerbates disease progression. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) currently lacks a systematic theoretical explanation for this complex multimorbid relationship. This study, based on the TCM theory of abnormal collateral, thoroughly examines the intrinsic connection between RA and PD multimorbidity, proposing "abnormal collateral as the pivot, with accumulated toxins eroding bone" as the core TCM pathogenesis. The research elucidates PD as the "origin of abnormal collateral", where its pathogens act as toxic factors that invade the joints through collaterals, triggering RA via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry. The dynamic pathological progression of RA-PD multimorbidity can be described as follows: the displacement of Ying and Wei at the microscopic level manifests as immune hyperactivation, leading to collateral malnutrition; heat-toxins traversing collaterals induce collateral hyperactivity, resulting in pathological angiogenesis; ultimately, toxin accumulation at the pivotal abnormal collateral site erodes bone, activating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway-driven osteoclast differentiation. This theoretical framework innovatively integrates modern findings in oral microbiology, immune-inflammation, and bone metabolism, offering a holistic and dynamic perspective to understand the complexity of multimorbidity. Given the limited efficacy of current periodontal treatments for RA and the scarcity of reported TCM compound interventions for multimorbidity, the abnormal collateral theory proposes a systematic intervention strategy centered on "governing diseases through collaterals and regulating collaterals with herbs", along with TCM therapeutic principles such as "unblocking, clearing, and nourishing collaterals". Potential herbal treatments for multimorbidity are also highlighted. Future research should focus on refining TCM syndrome patterns in multimorbid patients and leveraging omics technologies for deeper exploration, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and research direction for TCM in addressing complex multimorbid conditions.
3.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
4.Role of myeloid cell transcription factor EB in alcohol-induced liver injury in mice
Sha Neisha Williams ; Kafayat Yusuf ; Xiaojuan Chao ; Hong-Min Ni ; Wen-Xing Ding
Liver Research 2026;10(1):71-81
Background and aims
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with no currently effective treatment. ALD is caused by excessive lipid buildup, which eventually triggers inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. Activation of hepatic Kupffer cells (KCs) and macrophages drives liver inflammation, which can worsen alcohol-induced liver injury. The autophagy-lysosome system is crucial for macrophages to support their innate immune functions. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a key regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, but the role of macrophage TFEB in ALD development is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Gao-binge alcohol consumption on myeloid cell TFEB and elucidate the role of myeloid TFEB in ALD.
Methods
Two-to-three-month-old male and female LysM Cre− (WT) and LysM Cre+ Tfeb Flox/Flox (f/f) (myeloid-Tfeb KO) mice were subjected to chronic alcohol feeding plus an acute binge following the Gao-binge model. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and cholesterol content were determined using biochemical assays. Total hepatic protein content and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of autophagy-related proteins and inflammatory markers were determined using immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Isolated hepatic infiltrating macrophages and KCs from mice given intragastric ethanol infusions were analyzed by Western blot for TFEB and autophagy-related protein content. Raw 264.7 macrophages were treated with ethanol, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS plus ethanol to examine nuclear TFEB translocation using immunofluorescence.
Results
We found that TFEB levels were higher in macrophage/KC cells than in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. While ethanol feeding increased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, as well as hepatic triglyceride levels, no significant differences were observed between WT and myeloid-Tfeb KO mice. The number of F4/80-positive KCs/macrophages was similar in all four experimental groups, but hepatic neutrophil infiltration increased in alcohol-fed myeloid-Tfeb KO mice. LPS or ethanol alone induced nuclear TFEB translocation only moderately in Raw 264.7 macrophages.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that myeloid TFEB is dispensable for alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.
5.Chest CT imaging features of occupational pneumoconiosis induced by dust of iron and iron compounds
Yan REN ; Rongrong LIU ; Wenyen YAO ; Wenbo DING ; Min LI
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):99-102
Objective To analyze the chest computed tomography (CT) imaging features of occupational pneumoconiosis induced by dust of iron and iron compounds (OPTIDIC), and to explore imaging evidence for its diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods Abnormal coronal multiplanar reconstruction CT images of 19 patients with OPTIDIC were analyzed retrospectively, and imaging findings were compared with those from chest digital radiography (DR). Results Chest CT imaging of 19 patients with OPTIDIC showed multiple small, round opacities in both lungs, with predominantly low-density nodules in 14 cases, and high-density nodules in five cases. Nodules were mainly distributed in the upper and middle lung zones in 15 cases and diffusely distributed in four cases. Hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy and lymph node calcification were observed in 11 and 6 cases, respectively. Interlobular septal thickening was observed in six cases, while reticular opacities, increased lung markings, patchy ground-glass opacities, pleural thickening, and emphysema were observed in 6, 4, 7, 5, and 4 cases, respectively. On chest DR, small opacities were classified as p/s and p/t types in 16 and 3 cases, respectively. No large opacities or honeycombing were observed on either coronal chest CT or chest DR among 19 patients with OPTIDIC. Conclusion Chest CT findings of OPTIDIC patients are characterized by small, low-density round opacities, with a predominance in the upper and middle lung zones and frequent hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. CT provides valuable evidence for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of OPTIDIC.
6.Chicken-Derived Medicinals for Pediatric Enuresis:An Analysis Based on Ancient Classical Literature
Min TONG ; Xianqing REN ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Yatong ZHANG ; Diya MA ; Zichao DING ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyang CAI ; Shuzi ZHANG ; Jialei CAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1966-1972
ObjectiveTo systematically investigate the medication rules of chicken-derived medicinals for treating children enuresis in ancient Chinese medical classicals. MethodsThe China Medical Classics V5.0 database was searched to identify formulas and passages containing chicken-derived medicinals for pediatric enuresis. A database was established using Microsoft Excel 2021 to extract information including formulas, therapeutic categories, natures, flavors, channel entry, processing methods, dosage forms, and administration methods. Frequency analysis was performed, while association rule analysis and cluster analysis were conducted using R software. Gephi 0.10.1 software was used for complex network analysis. ResultsA total of 171 records were included, comprising 36 single-herb formulas and 135 compound formulas, sourced from 64 classical medical monographs. The identified chicken-derived medicinals included jichang (Intestinum Galli), jineijin (Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli), jigan (Gallina Hepar), jishibai (Faeces Galli Albi), jisu (Ingluvies Galli), jiheling (Pluma Alae Galli), and jiweimao (Chicken tail feathers). The top three frequently used single herbs were jichang (17 times), jineijin (8 times), and jiheling (5 times). Among compound prescriptions, the three most frequently recorded formulas were Jineijin Powder (鸡内金散, 43 times), Jichang Powder (鸡肠散, 25 times), and Guigan Pills (桂肝丸, 24 times), with jineijin, jichang, and jigan being the predominant chicken-derived medicinals. When converting the daily dosage of chicken-derived medicines into modern dosage units, the dose ranged from 0.53 g to 33.57 g for jineijin, with 4.48 g being the most frequently used dose, and from 0.25 g to 30.00 g for jichang, with 17.90 g being the most frequently used dose. Chicken-derived medicinals were mostly used after processing, commonly employing burning (68 times), roasting/ stir-baking (37 times), and calcining (24 times) to preserve properties. Powders (117 times), pills (45 times), and decoctions (9 times) were the principal dosage forms, and administration with wine (70 times) was the most common method. The most frequently used herbal pair was jineijin and roucongrong (Herba Cistanches), while the core prescription combinations were Tusizi Powder (菟丝子散), Yangshi Jichang Powder (杨氏鸡肠散), and Rongxiang Pill (茸香丸). ConclusionChicken-derived medicinals , such as jichang and jineijin, are commonly processed by burning or roasting before use in the treatment of enuresis. They are often combined with longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi), muli (Concha Ostreae), sangpiaoxiao (Oötheca Mantidis), roucongrong and rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) to warm and tonify the kidney qi, arrest enuresis and emission with astringents. Pills and powders are the predominant dosage forms and are commonly administered before meals with wine or salted water.
7.Treatment of Pediatric Viral Pneumonia in the Acute Phase Based on the Theory of "Exuberant Fire Consuming Qi"
Zisu CHEN ; Dandan DING ; Fajun LI ; Min LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2179-2182
In clinical practice, it has been observed that pediatric viral pneumonia in the acute phase often present with pronounced heat manifestations, including high fever, flushed face, and rapid pulse, but heat-clearing medicinals alone frequently fails to achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes. Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, it is proposed that during the acute phase of the disease, the pathological process of "exuberant fire consuming qi" often occurs earlier than the appearance of clinical qi deficiency manifestations. Analysis in conjunction with modern viral immunology research findings suggests that the core pathological mechanism of viral infection lies in a vicious cycle of immune overactivation and immune function impairment, and this process shares certain similarities with the TCM pathogenesis of "exuberant fire consuming qi". Therefore, it is proposed that in the acute phase of pediatric viral pneumonia, if there is persistent high fever and poor response to antipyretics, heat-clearing medicinals should be administered in adequate doses to eliminate the "exuberant fire", while sweet-warm qi-supplementing medicinals, such as huangqi (Radix Astragali) and Dangshen (Radix Codonopsis), should be introduced early to reinforce healthy qi and help restore immune homeostasis. Meanwhile, as exuberant fire may damage yin, Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati) may be added to supplement both qi and yin, along with sweet-cool yin-nourishing medicinals, such as Beishashen (Radix Glehniae), Maidong (Radix Ophiopogonis) and Tianhuafen (Radix Trichosanthis), to moisten the yin fluids.
8.Analysis on the clinical application effects and development of intelligent control system for airbag pressure of tracheal catheter
Guangchao YUAN ; Siyuan HA ; Fang WANG ; Weiyi ZHANG ; Wei XIA ; Junyan TAN ; Yijuan DING ; Luyan HUANG ; Min LEI
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(7):87-91
Objective:To analyze the research and development of control system for airbag pressure of intelligent tracheal catheter,and its application effect in clinical practice.Methods:The hospital designed an intelligent self-adaptive control system for cuff pressure of tracheal catheter,which can rationally apply main components such as single chip microcomputer,display screen,control panel,pressure monitoring module,inflation device and solenoid valve,etc..This control system connected the measuring module of pressure through single chip microcomputer,so as to continuously detect the airbag pressure of tracheal catheter.An inflation and deflation algorithm was independently researched and developed to control air pump or solenoid valve to inject or release part of the gas to the airbag,so as to achieve intelligent control for the pressure of airbag.Sixty patients underwent endotracheal intubation who admitted to the department of general surgery of Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected as the study objects,and they were divided into control group(n=30)and observation group(n=30)according to random number table method.The cuff pressure of endotracheal intubation of patients in control group were managed by conventional method.The intelligent adaptive control system was adopted to manage the cuff pressure of endotracheal intubation for patients in the observation group.The complications,compliance rate of airbag pressure,the instantaneous maximum value of airbag pressure during sputum aspiration,insertion of gastric tube,and turning over of body were compared between the two groups after intubation.Results:The incidence of complication included cough,trachyphonia,dysphagia and bloody sputum after tracheal intubation in the observation group were 6.66%,which was significantly lower than 33.33%in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(x2=6.667,P<0.05).The compliance rate of the pressure(25-30cmH2O)of airbag in the control group was 92.83%,which was significantly lower than 97.78%in the observation group,and the difference was statistically significant(x2=14.698,P<0.05).The instantaneous maximum values of airbag pressure during sputum aspiration,insertion of gastric tube and turning over were(28.24±3.65)cmH2O,(27.98±4.25)cmH2O and(28.65±4.87)cmH2O in observation group,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in control group,and the differences were significant(t=17.930,19.208,16.485,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of intelligent adaptive control system for cuff pressure of tracheal catheter can maintain the airbag pressure of tracheal catheter at normal level(20-30 cmH2O),and reduce complications,and improve the compliance rate of airbag pressure.
9.Effects of Xinnao Maikang Regulating PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 Pathway Mediating Lipid Metabolism on ApoE-/-Atherosclerosis Mice
Jiarui ZHANG ; Chunxiao DING ; Zhongying GUAN ; Jing LIU ; Wei CHEN ; Jing GAO ; Min PANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):83-88
Objective To explore the potential mechanism of Xinnao Maikang in improving ApoE-/-atherosclerosis mice based on PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 pathway.Methods Totally 50 ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into model group,atorvastatin group,Xinnao Maikang high-,medium-and low-dosage groups,and fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish atherosclerosis model.Another 10 C57BL/6J mice were selected as normal group,and atorvastatin group was given atorvastatin calcium suspension by intragastric administration,Xinnao Maikang high-,medium-and low-dosage groups were given Xinnao Maikang Decoction 56,28,14 g/kg by intragastric administration,the normal group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline by intragastric administration for 8 weeks.Liver index of mice was detected,serum lipid level of mice was detected by automatic biochemical analyzer,TC and TG contents in liver tissue were detected by biochemical kit,morphology of aortic intima and liver tissue were observed by HE staining,lipid deposition in liver tissue was observed by oil red O staining,the expressions of PPARγ,LXRα,ABCA1,ABCG1 and SR-BⅠ in liver tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the normal group,the liver index in the model group significantly increased(P<0.05),the contents of serum TC,TG and LDL-C significantly increased(P<0.05),and the contents of HDL-C significantly decreased(P<0.05),the contents of TC and TG in liver tissue increased(P<0.05),the aortic wall was thickened,the number of subcutaneous foam cells increased,the arrangement of liver cells were disaffected,and a large number of fat vacuoles could be seen,the protein expressions of PPARγ,LXRα,ABCA1,ABCG1 and SR-BⅠ in liver tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the liver index of Xinnao Maikang high-,medium-and low-dosage groups and atorvastatin group significantly decreased(P<0.05),the serum contents of TC,TG and LDL-C significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the HDL-C contents significantly increased(P<0.05),the contents of TC and TG in liver tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),the aortic wall thickened and the subcutaneous foam cells decreased,the liver cells were arranged neatly,and fat degeneration was reduced to varying degrees,the protein expressions of PPARγ,LXRα,ABCA1,ABCG1 and SR-BⅠ in liver tissue of Xinnao Maikang high-dosage group and atorvastatin group significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Xinnao Maikang can decrease blood lipid level,reduce atherosclerotic plaque and reduce lipid deposition in liver of atherosclerotic mice,and its mechanism may be related to regulating PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 pathway,regulating lipid metabolism,promoting reverse cholesterol transport.
10.A Brief Exploration of Endogenous Wind (内风) by Tracing Its Origin and Development
Xiaojin QIU ; Min LI ; Fei YU ; Ruiying SHU ; Dandan DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):197-200
The historical development of endogenous wind (内风) is traced with time as the thread, based on the progression of factors such as syndromes, causes of disease, and pathogenesis. It is believed that the concept of wind syndrome originated in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), encompassing both exogenous wind (外风) and endogenous wind syndrome. Over time, exogenous wind syndrome gradually evolved into mild syndromes and severe syndromes, while endogenous wind syndrome emerged from severe syndromes of exogenous wind. Endogenous wind syndrome has both syndrome and pathogenic attributes, and its theoretical system has gradually become more refined. Based on the theories of ancient and modern medical practitioners, and combining the holistic perspectives with Xiang (象) thinking, it is proposed that endogenous wind has both physiological and pathological distinctions. The physiological endogenous wind refers to the liver's moderate dispersing and regulating function, which helps to distribute qi (气), blood, and body fluids, while pathological endogenous wind arises from abnormal liver dispersal. Therefore, in clinical practice, different treatment methods, such as tonifying, unblocking, and warming, can be applied according to the differentiation of deficiency and excess in the pathogenesis.


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