1.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
2.Exploring Intervention Effect of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Juice on Slow-transit Constipation and Its "Microbiota-Metabolism" Synergistic Regulation Mechanism Based on Theory of "Spleen Governing Transportation and Transformation"
Dan LI ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Xiaofen WANG ; Zuxin HE ; Junnan WEI ; Yanqing LIU ; Yuxuan GAO ; Ping LUO ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):201-209
ObjectiveBased on the theory of "spleen governing transportation and transformation", this study investigates the efficacy of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice(AMR-AFI) in improving slow-transit constipation(STC), as well as the synergistic regulatory mechanism involving the microbiota-metabolism axis, thereby elucidating the scientific basis of its processing theory. MethodsAnimals were randomly divided into the control group, model group, positive drug(mosapride) group(3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of AMR-AFI(3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the remaining five groups were induced with STC using loperamide hydrochloride. Following modeling, interventions were administered. All groups received continuous administration for 15 d, during which fecal samples, colon tissue, and serum were collected. Constipation improvement was assessed by measuring fecal moisture content and small intestinal propulsion rate, histological morphology of colonic tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of interleukin(IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, and IL-2 in serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Furthermore, the microbial community structure in mouse feces was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, while transcriptomic sequencing was employed to screen differentially expressed genes in colonic tissue, followed by gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the association between differential microbiota and differential genes. ResultsCompared with the control group, the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01), while serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2 were significantly elevated(P<0.01). HE staining showed damage and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, along with a reduction in goblet cells in the model group. In comparison with the model group, all treatment groups improved the pathological state of the colonic mucosa to varying degrees and reduced serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2(P<0.01). Among these, the high-dose group of AMR-AFI significantly increased the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content of rats(P<0.05, P<0.01). Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that a total of 104 differentially expressed genes were identified from comparisons between the model group and the control group, as well as between the model group and the high-dose group of AMR-AFI. These genes were mainly enriched in pathways closely related to STC pathogenesis, such as arachidonic acid metabolism and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption. 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that AMR-AFI reversed the structural imbalance of the gut microbiota in model mice, increased species richness, downregulated the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Parasutterella, and enriched beneficial and butyrate-producing bacteria, including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae. Spearman correlation analysis further showed that the beneficial bacteria enriched in the AMR-AFI group were negatively correlated with genes involved in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and positively correlated with genes in the aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption pathway. In contrast, pro-inflammatory bacteria in the model group exhibited the opposite correlation trends. ConclusionAMR-AFI can effectively exert synergistic therapeutic effects on STC by regulating intestinal microbiota, arachidonic acid-mediated inflammatory metabolism, and aldosterone-regulated water-salt balance pathways.
3.Exploring Intervention Effect of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Juice on Slow-transit Constipation and Its "Microbiota-Metabolism" Synergistic Regulation Mechanism Based on Theory of "Spleen Governing Transportation and Transformation"
Dan LI ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Xiaofen WANG ; Zuxin HE ; Junnan WEI ; Yanqing LIU ; Yuxuan GAO ; Ping LUO ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):201-209
ObjectiveBased on the theory of "spleen governing transportation and transformation", this study investigates the efficacy of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice(AMR-AFI) in improving slow-transit constipation(STC), as well as the synergistic regulatory mechanism involving the microbiota-metabolism axis, thereby elucidating the scientific basis of its processing theory. MethodsAnimals were randomly divided into the control group, model group, positive drug(mosapride) group(3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of AMR-AFI(3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the remaining five groups were induced with STC using loperamide hydrochloride. Following modeling, interventions were administered. All groups received continuous administration for 15 d, during which fecal samples, colon tissue, and serum were collected. Constipation improvement was assessed by measuring fecal moisture content and small intestinal propulsion rate, histological morphology of colonic tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of interleukin(IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, and IL-2 in serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Furthermore, the microbial community structure in mouse feces was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, while transcriptomic sequencing was employed to screen differentially expressed genes in colonic tissue, followed by gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the association between differential microbiota and differential genes. ResultsCompared with the control group, the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01), while serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2 were significantly elevated(P<0.01). HE staining showed damage and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, along with a reduction in goblet cells in the model group. In comparison with the model group, all treatment groups improved the pathological state of the colonic mucosa to varying degrees and reduced serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2(P<0.01). Among these, the high-dose group of AMR-AFI significantly increased the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content of rats(P<0.05, P<0.01). Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that a total of 104 differentially expressed genes were identified from comparisons between the model group and the control group, as well as between the model group and the high-dose group of AMR-AFI. These genes were mainly enriched in pathways closely related to STC pathogenesis, such as arachidonic acid metabolism and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption. 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that AMR-AFI reversed the structural imbalance of the gut microbiota in model mice, increased species richness, downregulated the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Parasutterella, and enriched beneficial and butyrate-producing bacteria, including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae. Spearman correlation analysis further showed that the beneficial bacteria enriched in the AMR-AFI group were negatively correlated with genes involved in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and positively correlated with genes in the aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption pathway. In contrast, pro-inflammatory bacteria in the model group exhibited the opposite correlation trends. ConclusionAMR-AFI can effectively exert synergistic therapeutic effects on STC by regulating intestinal microbiota, arachidonic acid-mediated inflammatory metabolism, and aldosterone-regulated water-salt balance pathways.
4.Current Status and Reflections on Key Technologies and Methods for Clinical Research Design and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Spleen and Stomach Diseases
Fang LU ; Ping WANG ; Liqun BIAN ; Lin LYU ; Mengli XIAO ; Tai ZHANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):498-503
Clinical trials represent a pivotal stage in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, given the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the diagnostic and treatment principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, the clinical evaluation techniques and methods that can comprehensively reflect the characteristics of TCM and are tailored to its specificities are still in need of refinement and innovation. This paper systematically summarizes the key techniques and methods for designing and evaluating the clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM from three aspects including clinical research design, evaluation, and platform construction, compares domestic and international research landscapes, and proposes for future directions. It is suggested that a multidimensional evaluation system integrating modern medicine and TCM theory should be established, and further innovation is needed in TCM research design and methodologies, leveraging intelligent devices and technologies powered by next-generation information technology to transform clinical data into high-quality TCM evidence. Moreover, standardized and shared platforms for TCM clinical data should be accelerated, so as to provide references for the design, implementation, and evaluation of future clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM.
5.Value of demographic factors in early identification of pediatric malignant vasovagal syncope in head-up tilt test
Shuo WANG ; Yuwen WANG ; Hong CAI ; Ping LIU ; Fang LI ; Chuan WEN ; Liqun LIU ; Runmei ZOU ; Cheng WANG
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2026;69(4):353-361
Background:
Malignant vasovagal syncope (VVS) is characterized by cardiac arrest lasting more than 3 seconds during a syncope episode or head-up tilt test (HUTT). We aim to conduct a risk assessment for potential malignant VVS before the HUTT by using economic, simple and convenient demographic data, in order to prevent adverse outcomes for pediatric VVS.Purpose: To explore the correlation between demographic factors and pediatric malignant VVS, and verify the value of these factors in early risk assessment for malignant VVS before HUTT, so as to optimize test safety and reduce adverse events.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 3,734 children who were initially diagnosed with VVS due to unexplained syncope and presyncope. Finally, 122 children who met the diagnostic criteria for malignant VVS were included in the malignant VVS group, and 661 children who did not meet the criteria during the same period were matched as the control group. By analyzing demographic data and other factors, we attempted to clarify the association between these factors and malignant VVS.
Results:
Linear relationship: age and body mass index (BMI) have independent protective effects on malignant VVS. For every 1-year increase in age and every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 12% and 9%, respectively. Nonlinear relationship: When the age is <12.9 years old, for every additional year of age, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 20%. For ages 12.9 years and above, the efficacy is not significant. There is no significant nonlinear relationship between BMI and malignant VVS.
Conclusion
Age and BMI are independent protective factors for pediatric malignant VVS. Before the age of 12.9 years, the incidence of malignant VVS gradually decreases with the increase in age, and thereafter there is no significant impact.
6.Effects and mechanism of Tianma xiongling zhixuan tablet on autophagy of vascular endothelial cells
Sunan YONG ; Chi FANG ; Yuanxiong LONG ; Ping LI ; Xiaobing XIE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1737-1742
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of Tianma xiongling zhixuan tablet on autophagy in vascular endothelial cells of rats and its potential mechanism. METHODS The rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were divided into normal group, model group, blank serum group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medicated serum group, autophagy blocker group, autophagy agonist group, and TCM combined with autophagy agonist group. Except for normal group, other groups were given 10 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours to induce RAECs inflammation injury model. Blank serum group was treated with 10% blank serum; TCM medicated serum group received 10% medicated serum derived from Tianma xiongling zhixuan tablet; autophagy blocker group was treated with 20 μmol/L of PD98059; autophagy agonist group was administered 50 μmol/L Honokiol. Lastly, the TCM combined with autophagy agonist group was given both 10% medicated serum derived from Tianma xiongling zhixuan tablet and 50 μmol/L Honokiol. The morphological characteristics of RAECs in each group were observed. The cell viability of each group, the contents of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO), mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expression levels of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, ubiquitin-binding protein (p62), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) were detected. RESULTS Compared with model group, the levels of ET-1, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and the relative expressions of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 proteins in the autophagy blocker group and TCM medicated serum group were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the cell viability rate (only autophagy blocker group), NO level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the E-mail:46164660@qq.com relative expression level of p62 protein were increased or up-regulated significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the pathological damage of RAECs was significantly improved, the number of cells increased significantly, and the typical paving stone-like characteristics were restored. The levels of ET-1, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and the relative expression levels of Parkin and LC3 proteins in the autophagy agonist group were increased or up-regulated significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while cell viability rate was decreased significantly (P<0.05), the damage of RAECs was aggravated. Compared with the autophagy agonist group, the cell viability rate and the relative expression level of p62 protein in TCM combined autophagy agonist group were increased or up-regulated significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the levels of ET-1, the relative expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 proteins were down-regulated significantly (P< 0.01), the damage of RAECs was reversed to a certain extent. CONCLUSIONS Tianma xiongling zhixuan tablet protects vascular endothelial function by regulating mitochondrial autophagy, the mechanism of which may be associated with the regulation of PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway and the inhibition of mitochondrial autophagy.
7.Advances in the application and future directions of virtual reality technology in early mobilization of ICU patients
Xiao-Xiao SUN ; Yuan HUANG ; Zong-Ping FANG ; Wen-Jing HU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1353-1358
As early mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit(ICU)is increasingly recognized as a key measure for improving patient prognosis and reducing complications,related research is increasing.However,conventional early mobilization methods are often limited by factors such as patient condition,nursing resources,and environmental factors,making it difficult to achieve optimal results.In recent years,virtual reality(VR)technology,owing to its unique immersion and interactive features,has emerged as a focus of research in the field of ICU patient rehabilitation.This review summarizes the advances in the application of VR technology in the early mobilization of ICU patients,focusing on its advantages over traditional methods,specific implementation approaches,clinical outcomes,and challenges encountered during application.By synthesizing existing evidence,this review aims to provide valuable references for clinical practice and to explore future directions for VR technology in ICU rehabilitation,with the goal of promoting its widespread application in the early mobilization of critically ill patients.
8.Teaching practice of movable virtual reality equipment in human anatomy classroom teaching
Ping LIU ; Xuan FANG ; Hui-Ru DING ; Li-Ju LUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jun WANG ; Huai-Cun LIU ; Wei-Guang ZHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(5):607-611
Objective To explore the integration value of mobile virtual reality devices in the classroom teaching of human anatomy,and to evaluate their potential impact on the in-depth construction of human anatomy knowledge,the cultivation of spatial cognitive ability,and the transformation of teaching paradigms from the perspectives of cognitive load theory and situated learning.Methods The undergraduate students majoring in clinical medicine in Peking University were selected as the research objects.Among them,students in grade 2019 were the control group,and students in grade 2022 were the experimental group,introducing movable virtual anatomy equipment and other teaching auxiliary method in theory and practice courses.The final exam scores of the two groups of students were compared,and a questionnaire survey was conducted for the experimental group after the course,and the survey result were statistically analyzed.Results The final examination result showed that the average score of the experimental group was 82.47±10.19,and the average score of the control group was 74.82±16.56,which was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).The questionnaire survey result showed that compared with traditional classroom teaching,94.62%of students preferred the new auxiliary teaching mode such as VR,96.77%of students believed that VR assisted teaching could achieve the traditional teaching effect or better,95.7%of them think that it improved students' interest in learning human anatomy,and 98.92%thought that it improved students' knowledge of anatomy.Conclusion The application of mobile virtual reality devices in anatomy classroom teaching provides immersive and interactive 3D visualization teaching scenarios,effectively reducing students' cognitive load on abstract and complex anatomical structures,promoting spatial understanding and knowledge internalization,significantly improving teaching effectiveness and self-learning ability,thus changing the traditional anatomy teaching mode and laying a solid foundation for the development of future medical education and the cultivation of medical talents.
9.Integrated teaching practice of medical imaging and human anatomy courses in Peking University
Ping HE ; Qing-Yuan HE ; Li-Ju LUAN ; Li-Hua QIN ; Wei-Guang ZHANG ; Xuan FANG ; Jun-Hao YAN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(6):738-742
Objective To explore how to organically integrate the human anatomy curriculum with medical imaging,thereby enhancing medical students' spatial understanding and 3D reconstruction skills,and strengthening their anatomical foundation and clinical competence.This approach aims to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice while cultivating clinical thinking abilities.Methods In this study,the medical imaging knowledge was introduced into the anatomy curriculum in Peking University,enabling students to better understand the human body structure and its relationship to the clinical practice with aid of the ultrasound and MRI method.After the course concluded,we evaluated the examination result and learning satisfaction data from the anatomy course.Results The result showed that students provided positive feedback,showing increased interest in learning,enhanced initiative,significant improvement in their anatomy grades(P<0.01),and a notable enhancement in their ability to apply basic knowledge to solve clinical problems(P<0.05).Conclusion The integrated teaching approach of medical imaging and human anatomy courses provides innovative ideas and practical method for medical students to learn the basic medical course and enhance their clinical skills in the future.
10.Diagnostic value of low-dose CT combined with plasma short stature homeobox 2,Ras association domain family 1A and prostaglandin E receptor 4 gene methylation for malignant pulmonary nodules
Mengkun WANG ; Xiuxiu DUAN ; Ping FANG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(14):34-38,44
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of plasma short stature homeobox 2(SHOX2),Ras association domain family 1A(RASSF1A)and prostaglandin E receptor 4(PTGER4)gene methylation detection combined with low-dose CT(LDCT)for malignant pulmonary nodules.Methods A total of 153 hospitalized patients with pulmonary nodules scheduled for surgi-cal treatment were selected as study subjects.The Ct values of the target genes SHOX2,RASSF1A,PTGER4 and the internal reference gene ACTB in the patients' plasma were detected,and the ΔCt values(ΔCttarget gene-Ctinternal reference gene)and the three-gene fitting positive index(PI)of each gene were further calculated.The sensitivity and specificity of ΔCt values and the three-gene fitting PI as methylation-positive diagnostic criteria for malignant pulmonary nodules were analyzed.Receiver op-erating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of LDCT combined with gene methylation detection for malignant pulmonary nodules.Results According to the pathological results,the patients were divided into benign pulmonary nodule group(47 cases)and malignant nodule group(106 cases).The sensitivity and specificity of the three-gene fitting PI for diagnosing malig-nant pulmonary nodules were 58.49%and 70.21%,respectively.The sensitivities of ΔCtSHOX2,ΔCtRASSF1A and ΔCtPTGER4 values for diagnosing malignant pulmonary nodules alone and their combina-tion were 33.96%,43.40%,49.06%and 75.47%,respectively,and the specificities were 87.23%,72.34%,80.85%and 100.00%,respectively.Compared with the three-gene fitting PI,ΔCt values were more suitable for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules.Based on the pathological diagnosis results,there was a statistically significant difference in the positive rates of malignant pulmonary nodules between LDCT diagnosis and gene methylation combined with LDCT diagnosis(P<0.001).ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves(AUCs)for diagnosing malignant pulmonary nodules using plasma SHOX2,RASSF1A,PTGER4 gene methylation ΔCt values,LDCT alone,and their combination were 0.604,0.582,0.629,0.668 and 0.981,respectively.The diagnostic value of the combined indicators was higher than that of single indicators.Conclusion LDCT combined with plasma SHOX2,RASSF1A,PTGER4 gene methylation detection has high diagnostic efficacy for malignant pulmonary nodules and can significantly reduce the false-positive rate of LDCT in early screening of lung cancer.

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