1.Xuefu Zhuyutang Ameliorates Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease via AMPK Signaling Pathway
Ming HAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Lingya KONG ; Jun DAI ; Ting ZHANG ; Zhihong MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):1-12
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyutang (XFZYT) for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) through integrated network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was utilized to predict the core components, key therapeutic targets, and signaling pathways of XFZYT in the treatment of MAFLD. For animal experiments, a rat model of MAFLD was established by feeding a high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks. Intervention was then administered with low-dose (2 g·kg-1) and high-dose (4 g·kg-1) XFZYT for 2 weeks. Biochemical assays were performed to measure the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In addition, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the serum were measured. The same way was adopted to measure the levels of TC and TG in the liver tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Histopathological evaluations included hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for liver tissue morphology, Oil Red O staining for lipid deposition, and dihydroethidium (DHE) probe staining for reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and p-NF-κB in the liver tissue. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of the serum was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis predicted 155 potential targets of XFZYT for MAFLD treatment, with core targets including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), TNF, and IL-6. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment primarily implicated the AMPK signaling pathway. Animal experiments demonstrated that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited dyslipidemia, hepatic function impairment, pronounced hepatic lipid deposition, and inflammatory manifestations, with elevated serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL, and MDA (P<0.05), reduced HDL and GSH levels plus decreased SOD and CAT activities (P<0.05), downregulated protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and p-AMPK (P<0.05), and upregulated protein level of p-NF-κB (P<0.05) in the liver tissue. Compared with the model group, XFZYT intervention groups showed significant amelioration of dyslipidemia and hepatic function impairment, markedly reduced hepatic lipid deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL, and MDA (P<0.05), increased HDL and GSH levels plus enhanced SOD and CAT activities (P<0.05), upregulated protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and p-AMPK (P<0.05), and downregulated protein level of p-NF-κB (P<0.05). Serum metabolomics revealed 511 differentially expressed metabolites (231 upregulated and 280 downregulated) between normal and model groups, while XFZYT groups versus model group showed 94 differential metabolites (51 upregulated and 43 downregulated). Among them, 11 metabolites displayed the most significant alterations, with enriched pathways including glycerolipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and insulin resistance, multiple of which demonstrated AMPK association. ConclusionXFZYT alleviates MAFLD by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway and associated metabolic networks.
2.Clinical Efficacy and Radiographic Outcomes of Manipulative Reduction Combined with Small Splint Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures:A Retrospective Multicenter Study with Propensity Score Matching
Mao WU ; Guoda DAI ; Yang SHAO ; Shaoshuo LI ; Zhen HUA ; Hengyan CUI ; Tingchen ZHU ; Dipeng LI ; Jintao LIU ; Ming ZHOU ; Peimin WANG ; Liyong ZHANG ; Jianwei WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1086-1092
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and radiographic outcomes of manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures. MethodsThe clinical data of 1051 patients with distal radius fractures were retrospectively collected from five hospitals included in the Jiangsu Diagnosis and Treatment Data Platform for Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Dominant Diseases. Propensity score matching at a 1∶4 ratio was applied, resulting in 580 cases selected for final analysis, which comprised 448 patients in the TCM group(manipulative reduction plus small splint fixation) and 132 in the surgical treatment group(open reduction and internal fixation). Each group was further stratified into type A, B, and C subgroups based on AO fracture classification. Radiographic indicators including palmar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height were compared between groups before treatment and 1 day, 1 week, and 4-6 weeks after treatment, and pain visual analog scale(VAS) scores before treatment and 1 week and 4-6 weeks after treatment were also compared. Wrist joint function was assessed 12 weeks after treatment, using the Dienst wrist function score and the Gartland and Werley(G-W) wrist function score. Additionally, the radiographic indicators at different timepoints and the 12-week wrist function levels were compared between groups across different fracture types. ResultsNo statistically significant difference was observed in radiographic indicators and VAS scores at all timepoints before and after treatment, as well as wrist joint function grades assessed by the Dienst score and the G-W score at 12 weeks after treatment (P>0.05). Compared to those before treatment, both groups showed increased palmar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height 1 week and 4-6 weeks after treatment, and decreased VAS scores (P<0.05). Compared to those 1 week after treatment, both groups showed a decrease in palmar tilt, an increase in radial inclination and radial height, and a reduction in VAS score 4-6 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). In type A and B subgroups, the surgical treatment group had a higher radial inclination than the TCM group 4-6 weeks after treatment, while in the type C subgroup, a higher radial height was shown in the surgical treatment group than in the TCM group 4-6 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). In type C subgroup, there was significant difference between groups in the wrist joint function by G-W scores 12 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). ConclusionManipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation can maintain fracture alignment and alleviate pain in treating distal radius fractures, which achieves therapeutic outcomes comparable to surgical treatment. It is particularly suitable for type A and B fractures and can be considered an effective treatment option for distal radius fractures.
3.Construction and Clinical Validation of a Deep Learning-Based Automatic Measurement Model for Palmar Tilt and Radial Inclination in Distal Radius Fractures
Guoda DAI ; Jianwei WANG ; Mao WU ; Bin KANG ; Yang SHAO ; Hengyan CUI ; Shaoshuo LI ; Tingchen ZHU ; Zhen HUA ; Zhongming SHEN ; Jintao LIU ; Ming ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1093-1100
ObjectiveTo construct an automatic measurement model for palmar tilt and radial inclination suitable for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical scenarios, and to validate its accuracy and efficiency in TCM manipulative reduction settings. MethodsData on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-rays of distal radius fractures were collected from patients admitted to 18 TCM/ integrated TCM and western medicine hospitals in Jiangsu province between September 1st, 2023, and September 1st, 2024, via the Jiangsu Diagnosis and Treatment Big Data Platform for TCM Dominant Diseases. A medical image segmentation framework based on multi-scale feature fusion and edge-awareness was employed, combined with anatomical knowledge specific to TCM orthopedics, to optimize the feature extraction strategy of an artificial intelligence (AI) model. This framework enabled automatic segmentation of fracture regions and measurement of distal radius palmar tilt and radial inclination. The accuracy of the AI model in measuring radial inclination and volar tilt was validated, and the measurement time and average time gain rate of the AI model were compared to those of manual measurement. ResultsA total of 15,444 AP and lateral X-ray images of distal radius fractures were collected, and were divided into a training set (11,144 images, 5066 AP and 6078 lateral), a validation set (3700 images, 1840 AP and 1860 lateral), and an independent test set (600 images, 300 AP and 300 lateral) after preprocessing. In the measurement of 300 AP X-rays in the independent test set for radial inclination, when the degree error between AI measurement and manual measurement was <3° and <5°, AI measurement accuracy was 83% and 93%, respectively. In 300 lateral X-rays in the test set for palmar tilt, when AI measurements had an error of <3° and <5° compared to manual measurements, corresponding accuracy rate was 78% and 90%, respectively. For 50 X-ray images, AI measurement time was (1.37±0.05) min for radial inclination while manual measurement time was (22.57±2.52) min (P<0.001); in terms of palmar tilt, the AI measurement time was (1.33±0.14) min, shorter than (23.70±2.80) min for manual measurement time (P<0.001). Average time gain rates for manual and AI measurements were 93.93% and 94.39% respectively. ConclusionAn automatic measurement model for palmar tilt and radial inclination in distal radius fractures has been established, enabling more accurate and efficient assessment as well as providing a tool to support the quantitative evaluation of the efficacy of TCM manipulative reduction and large-sample clinical research.
4.The correlation between abnormal metabolic indexes and the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Yajun ZHAO ; Ming LIU ; Yuxiang DAI ; Xiaopan LI ; Xuelin CHENG ; Qizhe WANG ; Ru LIU ; Yaxin XU ; Sunfang JIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):441-448
Objective To explore the influencing factors of coronary artery lesion severity in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Clinical data of ACS patients admitted to Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from December 2017 to December 2019 were consecutively collected. The modified Gensini score was used to assess the severity of coronary artery lesions. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors associated with coronary artery lesion severity. Results A total of 1 689 ACS patients were included, with an average age of (64.04±11.45) years; 1 353 (80.11%) were male, and the mean modified Gensini score was (8.12±4.03). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that sex (β=0.97, P=0.001), age (β=0.03, P=0.021), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; β=-0.03, P<0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; β=0.58, P<0.001), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1; β=-1.28, P=0.012), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a); β=0.001, P=0.033], and glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C; β=0.45, P<0.001) were independent influencing factors of the modified Gensini score. Conclusions Metabolic indicators, including Apo A1, LDL-C, HbA1C, and Lp(a), may serve as risk factors for coronary artery lesion severity in ACS patients, with Apo A1 demonstrating the strongest impact.
5.Interplay Between Interferon Stimulatory Pathways and Organellar Dynamics
Jin-Ru LI ; Yu DUAN ; Xin-Gui DAI ; Yong-Ming YAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1708-1727
Interferon stimulating factor STING, a transmembrane protein residing in the endoplasmic reticulum, is extensively involved in the sensing and transduction of intracellular signals and serves as a crucial component of the innate immune system. STING is capable of directly or indirectly responding to abnormal DNA originating from diverse sources within the cytoplasm, thereby fulfilling its classical antiviral and antitumor functions. Structurally, STING is composed of 4 transmembrane helices, a cytoplasmic ligand binding domain (LBD), and a C terminal tail structure (CTT). The transmembrane domain (TM), which is formed by the transmembrane helical structures, anchors STING to the endoplasmic reticulum, while the LBD is in charge of binding to cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). The classical second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP), represents a key upstream molecule for STING activation. Once cGAMP binds to LBD, STING experiences conformational alterations, which subsequently lead to the recruitment of Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) via the CTT domain. This, in turn, mediates interferon secretion and promotes the activation and migration of dendritic cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. Additionally, STING is able to activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), thereby initiating the synthesis and release of inflammatory factors and augmenting the body’s immune response. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have disclosed the non-classical functions of STING. It has been found that STING plays a significant role in organelle regulation. STING is not only implicated in the quality control systems of organelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum but also modulates the functions of these organelles. For instance, STING can influence key aspects of organelle quality control, including mitochondrial fission and fusion, mitophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This regulatory effect is not unidirectional; rather, it is subject to organelle feedback regulation, thereby forming a complex interaction network. STING also exerts a monitoring function on the nucleus and ribosomes, which further enhances the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in infection-related immunity. The interaction mechanism between STING and organelles is highly intricate, which, within a certain range, enhances the cells’ capacity to respond to external stimuli and survival pressure. However, once the balance of this interaction is disrupted, it may result in the occurrence and development of inflammatory diseases, such as aseptic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Excessive activation or malfunction of STING may trigger an over-exuberant inflammatory response, which subsequently leads to tissue damage and pathological states. This review recapitulates the recent interactions between STING and diverse organelles, encompassing its multifarious functions in antiviral, antitumor, organelle regulation, and immune regulation. These investigations not only deepen the comprehension of molecular mechanisms underlying STING but also offer novel concepts for the exploration of human disease pathogenesis and the development of potential treatment strategies. In the future, with further probing into STING function and its regulatory mechanisms, it is anticipated to pioneer new approaches for the treatment of complex diseases such as inflammatory diseases and tumors.
6.Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Sleep Deprivation-induced Acceleration of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Si-Ru YAN ; Ming-Yang CAI ; Ya-Xuan SUN ; Qing HUO ; Xue-Ling DAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2474-2485
Sleep deprivation (SD) has emerged as a significant modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with mounting evidence demonstrating its multifaceted role in accelerating AD pathogenesis through diverse molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms. SD is refined within the broader spectrum of sleep-wake and circadian disruption, emphasizing that both acute total sleep loss and chronic sleep restriction destabilize the homeostatic and circadian processes governing glymphatic clearance of neurotoxic proteins. During normal sleep, concentrations of interstitial Aβ and tau fall as cerebrospinal fluid oscillations flush extracellular waste; SD abolishes this rhythm, causing overnight rises in soluble Aβ and tau species in rodent hippocampus and human CSF. Orexinergic neurons sustain arousal, and become hyperactive under SD, further delaying sleep onset and amplifying Aβ production. At the molecular level, SD disrupts Aβ homeostasis through multiple converging pathways, including enhanced production via beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) upregulation, coupled with impaired clearance mechanisms involving the glymphatic system dysfunction and reduced Aβ-degrading enzymes (neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme). Cellular and histological analyses revealed that these proteinopathies are significantly exacerbated by SD-induced neuroinflammatory cascades characterized by microglial overactivation, astrocyte reactivity, and sustained elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) through NF‑κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of neurotoxicity. The synaptic and neuronal consequences of chronic SD are particularly profound and potentially irreversible, featuring reduced expression of critical synaptic markers (PSD95, synaptophysin), impaired long-term potentiation (LTP), dendritic spine loss, and diminished neurotrophic support, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) depletion, which collectively contribute to progressive cognitive decline and memory deficits. Mechanistic investigations identify three core pathways through which SD exerts its neurodegenerative effects: circadian rhythm disruption via BMAL1 suppression, orexin system hyperactivity leading to sustained wakefulness and metabolic stress, and oxidative stress accumulation through mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species overproduction. The review critically evaluates promising therapeutic interventions including pharmacological approaches (melatonin, dual orexin receptor antagonists), metabolic strategies (ketogenic diets, and Mediterranean diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids), lifestyle modifications (targeted exercise regimens, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia), and emerging technologies (non-invasive photobiomodulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation). Current research limitations include insufficient understanding of dose-response relationships between SD duration/intensity and AD pathology progression, lack of long-term longitudinal clinical data in genetically vulnerable populations (particularly APOE ε4 carriers and those with familial AD mutations), the absence of standardized SD protocols across experimental models that accurately mimic human chronic sleep restriction patterns, and limited investigation of sex differences in SD-induced AD risk. The accumulated evidence underscores the importance of addressing sleep disturbances as part of multimodal AD prevention strategies and highlights the urgent need for clinical trials evaluating sleep-focused interventions in at-risk populations. The review proposes future directions focused on translating mechanistic insights into precision medicine approaches, emphasizing the need for biomarkers to identify SD-vulnerable individuals, chronotherapeutic strategies aligned with circadian biology, and multi-omics integration across sleep, proteostasis and immune profiles may delineate precision-medicine strategies for at-risk populations. By systematically examining these critical connections, this analysis positions sleep quality optimization as a viable strategy for AD prevention and early intervention while providing a comprehensive roadmap for future mechanistic and interventional research in this rapidly evolving field.
7.The development status of chaperone service industry and the countermeasures of strengthening supervision:A qualitative study
Rui DING ; Rui-ming DAI ; Biao WANG ; Li LUO ; Tian-tian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(4):45-50
Objective:With the aging of the population and the increase of medical treatment in different places,chaperone services are gradually emerging,but there are problems such as insufficient training of patient navigators and lack of rules and regulations in the industry.It is necessary to strengthen supervision and standardized management to improve service quality.To explore the current situation and risks of the chaperone service industry from the perspective of patient navigators and doctors,and to provide suggestions for policy formulation.Methods:The Theory of Planned Behavior(TPB)and Knowledge-Attitude-Practice(KAP)models were developed to outline the interview.A total of 22 doctors and patient navigators were selected from 5 large Grade Three hospitals and 20 online consultation platforms in Shanghai for semi-structured interviews.The data were analyzed using"7 Steps of Data Analysis in Colaizzi Phenomenology Research".Results:The chaperone service industry faces risks such as lack of professional norms,vague definition of legal responsibilities,insufficient professional competence among practitioners,and regulatory gaps.Conclusions:We should further establish a unified industry standard and certification system,strengthen the training of patient navigators,improve the supervision of online platforms,and effectively protect the rights and interests of doctors,so as to better promote the development of the industry and provide quality services for patients and doctors.
8.T cell factor 1 regulates CD8 +T cell immunological and stemness
Yuning DAI ; Ming GAO ; Yanshi WU ; Simin YUN ; Siman HUANG ; Yibei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(11):974-978
T cell factor 1(TCF-1)is a downstream transcription factor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,and plays an important role in the development,differentiation,and memory formation of T cells. Recent studies have shown that TCF-1 can regulate the formation and maintenance of stem-like memory T cells(Tscm),and has potential application value in evaluating the prognosis of tumor immunotherapy and as a target for tumor immunotherapy. This article reviews the regulatory effects of TCF-1 on the immune memory as well as stemness formation and maintenance of CD8 +T cells,summarizes the transcription network centered on TCF-1,and further elucidates the application and value of TCF-1 in tumor immunotherapy.
9.Steatotic liver disease in chronic hepatitis C related hepatocellular carcinoma: Inflictor or bystander?: Correspondence to editorial on “Dynamic change of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in chronic hepatitis C patients after viral eradication: A nationwide registry study in Taiwan”
Chung-Feng HUANG ; Ming-Lun YEH ; Chia-Yen DAI ; Jee-Fu HUANG ; Wan-Long CHUANG ; Ming-Lung YU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):e64-e66
10.Role of SPP1 and MYD88 in diacetylmorphine-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes
Jingyu LIU ; Chenlu DAI ; Min JI ; Liping SU ; Min LIANG ; Ming CHENG ; Xuanming LIU ; Linlin ZHANG ; Yujie GAO ; Sha-oshuai CHEN ; Hongwei PU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(22):3510-3519
Objective To explore the role of secreted phosphoprotein 1(SPP1)and myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MYD88)in morphine-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Methods A morphine addiction model was established in Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats.Twelve SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal saline(NS)group or the morphine-dependent(DAM)group.Histopathological analysis was employed to observe and compare myocardial tissue morphology between the two groups.Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)staining was performed to assess the number of apoptotic cells in each group.The expression levels of SPP1 and MYD88 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry.Quantitative real-time poly merase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of SPP1,MYD88,Bax,Bcl2,Caspase-3,and Caspase-9.Simultaneously,Western blot analysis was used to detected the expression of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Cleaved Caspase-9 proteins.In vitro,SPP1 expression was knocked down in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes(NRCMs),and cells were divided into three groups:control(CON),morphine treated(DA),and shSPP1#3+DA.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay,and apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry.Results HE and TUNEL staining of myocardial tissues from morphine-addicted SD rats revealed that,compared with the NS group,myofibrils in the DAM group exhibited partial disruption and a significant increase in apoptotic cells(P<0.05).Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated that,relative to the NS group,the mRNA and protein levels of SPP1,MYD88,Bax,Caspase-3,and Caspase-9 were significantly upregulated in the DAM group(P<0.05),whereas Bcl2 expression was significantly downregulated at both mRNA and protein levels(P<0.05),and the protein expression levels of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Cleaved Caspase-9 were also increased.with all differences being statistically significant.In NRCMs following morphine intervention,cell viability in the DA group was markedly reduced compared to the CON group(P<0.05),accompanied by a signifi-cant increase in apoptosis rate(P<0.05).Consistently,Western blot and RT-qPCR results showed elevated mRNA and protein expression of SPP1,MYD88,Bax,Caspase-3,and Caspase-9 in the DA group(P<0.05),along with decreased Bcl2 expression(P<0.05).The protein expression levels of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Cleaved Caspase-9 were elevated simultaneously.In contrast,the shSPP1#3+DA group exhibited opposing trends compared to the DA group,with statistically sig nificant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion SPP1 and MYD88 play critical roles in mediating morphine-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis,and silencing SPP1 has been shown to significantly reduce the extent of cardiomyocyte apoptosis following morphine exposure.

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