1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Alleviates Dry Eye Disease by Regulating Tear Film Homeostasis: A Review
Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Yao CHEN ; Guicheng LIU ; Li TANG ; Pei LIU ; Genyan QIN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):172-181
Dry eye (DE) is a prevalent multifactorial disease of the ocular surface, clinically characterized by tear film homeostasis imbalance accompanied by related ocular surface symptoms. Specifically, the tear film is a thin liquid layer of tears covering the cornea and conjunctiva through blinking, while tear film homeostasis serves as the foundation for maintaining normal ocular surface structure and function. Insufficient tear secretion and excessive tear film evaporation lead to tear hyperosmolarity and the production of inflammatory mediators, disrupting tear film homeostasis and subsequently forming DE. Additionally, cascade reactions are triggered, resulting in a "vicious cycle of DE" that exacerbates the disease severity and prolongs its duration. Therefore, for DE treatment, it is crucial to restore tear film homeostasis and terminate this vicious cycle. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which differentiates and treats DE based on systemic conditions, often achieves favorable therapeutic outcomes, offering additional treatment options for DE. Studies have demonstrated that TCM can alleviate DE by regulating tear film homeostasis and terminating the vicious cycle. This review systematically summarizes recent basic experimental research in China and abroad on TCM in alleviating DE by regulating tear film homeostasis, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment and an insight for research design.
2.Effect of Runmu Dihuang Decoction on Perimenopausal Dry Eye in Rats with Liver-kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on SIRT3/HIF-1α/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Sainan TIAN ; Wei MA ; Yao CHEN ; Yu CAO ; Guicheng LIU ; Pei LIU ; Junxian LEI ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):201-210
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms of Runmu Dihuang decoction (RMDHD) in treating perimenopausal dry eye with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome based on the silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=10 per group): Sham operation group, model group, sodium hyaluronate eye drop group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose RMDHD groups (5.625, 11.25, 22.50 g·kg-1). Except for the sham operation group, all rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy and were administered 0.1% benzalkonium chloride eye drops combined with long-term chronic irritation to establish a perimenopausal dry eye model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. Drug administration began in the 11th week after modeling and continued for 21 days. General conditions, screen-grip test scores, tear secretion volume, tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were recorded. Serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (PROG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological changes in the lacrimal glands, corneas, and uteri were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Protein expression levels of SIRT3, HIF-1α, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and total NF-κB p65 in the lacrimal glands were detected by Western blot. The expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lacrimal glands was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter model establishment, no significant differences were observed among the groups except the sham operation group. Compared with the sham operation group, the other groups exhibited slowed movement, dull responses, increased irritability, reduced body weight, elevated rectal temperature, decreased screen-grip test scores, reduced tear secretion, and significantly shortened TFBUT (P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the model group, the sodium hyaluronate eye drop group and all RMDHD groups showed improved general conditions, significantly increased tear secretion (P<0.05), prolonged TFBUT (P<0.05), and elevated screen-grip test scores (P<0.05). Serum ROS and FSH levels were significantly decreased, while E2 and PROG levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathological damage to the cornea, lacrimal glands, and uterus was ameliorated. In addition, protein expression levels of SIRT3 and HIF-1α in the lacrimal glands were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), whereas the expression of p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, and TNF-α was significantly downregulated (P<0.05). ConclusionRMDHD increases tear secretion and TFBUT, improves lacrimal gland and corneal injury, and alleviates dry eye symptoms in a perimenopausal dry eye rat model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. The underlying mechanism may be related to regulation of the SIRT3/HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and reduction of ocular surface tissue damage.
3.Analysis of Dry Eye Animal Models Based on Clinical Disease and Syndrome Characteristics in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Guicheng LIU ; Yao CHEN ; Binan WANG ; Pei LIU ; Jun PENG ; Sainan TIAN ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):200-208
ObjectiveAccording to the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical characteristics of dry eye (DE), this paper aims to analyze existing DE animal models to provide recommendations for building more clinically relevant DE models that integrate traditional Chinese and Western medicine. MethodsBy the retrieval and analysis of relevant literature on DE animal experiments, combined with expert consensus, an evaluation scale was created to assess relevance from the perspectives of pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation. On the basis of data provided by the literature, the clinical relevance was evaluated for the animal models constructed in the literature. ResultsAmong the existing methods for establishing a DE animal model, benzalkonium chloride eye-drop induction showed the highest clinical relevance, demonstrating 98% alignment with Western medicine. However, current models generally showed higher relevance to Western medicine than to TCM, and there was a lack of models integrating disease with syndrome. ConclusionAs DE involves diverse causes and pathogenesis, single-factor models cannot fully simulate the complex pathology of DE. Future research should focus on building multi-mechanism DE models, exploring new etiological directions, standardizing model evaluation systems, and promoting integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. This will help precisely simulate the pathophysiological process of human DE and provide more valuable guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.
4.Mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine in modulating gut microbiota on primary open-angle glaucoma: a study based on data mining, network pharmacology, and Mendelian randomization
Yu TANG ; Bingyao ZHU ; Qianhong LIU ; Kai WU ; Pai ZHOU ; Xiaolei YAO ; Qinghua PENG
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(4):491-503
Objective:
To elucidate the potential mechanisms by which Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) regulates gut microbiota (GM) to influence the development of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Methods:
Data mining, network pharmacology, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses (two-sample design) were conducted in integration to systematically explore the CHM-GM-POAG axis. Literature-based data mining method was applied to identify frequently used herbs and herb pairs for POAG, and the properties and meridian tropism of the herbs were analyzed as well. Target prediction and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to identify shared molecular pathways among CHM components, GM, and POAG. MR analysis was performed to assess the genetically predicted causal associations between specific microbial taxa and POAG risk.
Results:
Our data mining work indicated that commonly used CHMs were mainly bitter and sweet in flavors and cold in property, with meridian tropism toward the liver, lung, and kidney. The predominant therapeutic effects of the CHMs included soothing the liver and regulating Qi, promoting blood circulation, and reducing fluid retention. Representative herb pairs were Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata)-Gouqi (Lycii Fructus) with Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Gouqi (Lycii Fructus)-Fuling (Poria) with Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), and Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos)-Gouqi (Lycii Fructus) with Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma). Network pharmacology revealed overlapping targets involving antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulation pathways. MR analysis demonstrated that higher abundances of Ruminiclostridium 6 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58 – 0.92, P = 0.007], Ruminococcaceae UCG-002 (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63 – 0.96, P = 0.018), Ruminococcus torques group (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57 – 0.90, P = 0.004), and Victivallis (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70 – 0.96, P = 0.016) were causally associated with reduced POAG risk, whereas Actinomyces (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.06 – 1.68, P = 0.013) and Blautia (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.90, P = 0.042) showed positive associations.
Conclusion
This study revealed potential causal links between GM and POAG and provided integrative evidence that CHM may modulate the microbiota to exert neuroprotective effects. These findings offer new integrative insights into the gut-eye axis and a theoretical basis for developing microbiota-targeted CHM strategies in glaucoma management.
5.Clinical features and perinatal prognosis in fetuses with absence of ductus venosus: an analysis of 84 cases
Guanghui YAO ; Juan YANG ; Zhenling WEI ; Shumin REN ; Qinghua WU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(8):668-673
Objective:To summarize the ultrasonographic characteristics, genetic etiology, and perinatal prognosis of fetuses with absence of ductus venosus (ADV).Methods:A retrospective study enrolled 84 singleton pregnancies that underwent prenatal ultrasound examination and were diagnosed with fetal ADV at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2017 to July 2022. Based on prenatal ultrasonographic findings, the cases were divided into isolated ADV group ( n=37), ADV with ultrasound soft markers group ( n=9), and ADV with definite ultrasound abnormalities group ( n=38). According to the gestational age at the initial diagnosis of ADV, they were categorized into early pregnancy group (11-13 weeks of 6 days) with 17 cases, mid-pregnancy group (14-27 weeks of 6 days) with 45 cases, and late pregnancy group (≥28 weeks) with 22 cases. Depending on the direction of blood flow in the intra-abdominal segment of the umbilical vein, they were classified into umbilical vein directly entering the portal sinus group ( n=75), intrahepatic umbilical vein abnormal shunt group ( n=4), and extrahepatic umbilical vein shunt group ( n=5). The clinical characteristics of each group were summarized, and compared using the Chi-square, trend Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test and Bonferroni correction test. Results:The common ultrasonographic abnormalities in the 84 cases of ADV fetuses were cardiac anomalies (27.4%, 23/84), cystic hygroma (10.7%, 9/84), fetal hydrops (9.5%, 8/84), and body cavity effusion (8.3%, 7/84). The proportions of fetuses with ADV and definite ultrasound abnormalities detected in the early, mid, and late pregnancy were 16/17, 44.4% (20/45), and 9.1% (2/22), respectively, with a higher proportion of definite ultrasound abnormalities associated with earlier detection of ADV ( χ 2trend=27.25, P<0.001). Among them, 21 cases underwent chromosomal karyotyping and/or chromosomal copy number variation sequencing or expanded non-invasive prenatal testing, with five abnormalities detected, including 45,X, trisomy 13, trisomy 22 mosaicism, trisomy 7 mosaicism, and a 14 Mb duplication at 22q12.3q13.33. The neonatal survival (28 days after birth) rates with ADV detected in the early, mid, and late pregnancy gradually increased, at 1/17, 43.9% (18/41), and 90.5% (19/21), respectively ( χ 2trend=27.04, P<0.001). The neonatal survival rates of the isolated ADV group and the group with ultrasound soft markers were higher than that of the group with definite ultrasound abnormalities [93.9% (31/33) and 6/9 vs. 2.7% (1/37), Bonferroni corrected, both P<0.001]. The neonatal survival rates of the umbilical vein directly entering the portal sinus group, intrahepatic umbilical vein abnormal shunt group, and extrahepatic umbilical vein shunt group were 50.0% (35/70), 0/4, and 1/5, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (Fisher's exact test, P=0.105). Conclusions:The earlier the detection of fetal ADV, the more likely it is to be associated with definite ultrasound abnormalities and have lower neonatal survival rates. This highlights the importance of ultrasonographic examination of the fetal ductus venosus. Once ADV is detected, attention should be paid to other potential ultrasound abnormalities, and genetic testing should be completed.
6.Exploration on Machanism of Chufeng Yisun Decoction in the Treatment of Corneal Injury Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Jiangwei LI ; Huimei CHEN ; Wenqing ZHANG ; Chen OU ; Xiong CHEN ; Xiaolei YAO ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(8):23-28
Objective To study the mechanism of Chufeng Yisun Decoction in the treatment of corneal injury based on network pharmacology combined with experimental validation.Methods The active components and targets of Chufeng Yisun Decoction were obtained from TCMSP and TCMID databases.Related targets of corneal injury were searched through GeneCards,OMIM,TTD and NCBI-Gene databases.Chinese materia medica-active components-key target network was established.The main active components of Chufeng Yisun Decoction for the treatment of corneal injury were analyzed.The core targets were predicted through PPI network.CCK-8 method was used to screen the optimal concentration of serum containing Chufeng Yisun Decoction for promoting cell growth.Western blot was used to detect autophagy related protein expressions of LC3,LAMP1 and ERK2.Results The main active components of Chufeng Yisun Decoction in the treatment of corneal injury were kaempferol,wogonin,quercetin and paeoniflorin.The core targets were AKT1,TP53,MAPK1,JUN and TNF.The intervention of serum containing Chufeng Yisun Decoction on human corneal fibroblasts could increase the LC3I/LC3II ratio and LAMP1 protein expression,while decrease ERK2 protein expression,which was consistent with the prediction of network pharmacology.Conclusion Chufeng Yisun Decoction treats corneal injury through multiple components,targets and pathways.The mechanism of promoting autophagy therapy for corneal injury is achieved by down-regulating the expression of ERK2 and up-regulating the expression of LC3 and LAMP1.
7.Interpretation of the radiologist training system in Canada and enlightenment
Jingyu ZHONG ; Yue XING ; Yangfan HU ; Defang DING ; Xianwei LIU ; Qinghua MIN ; Zhengguang XIAO ; Caisong ZHU ; Dandan SHI ; Xiaoyu FAN ; Jingshen CHU ; Huan ZHANG ; Weiwu YAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(9):1210-1216
This paper aims to discuss the ideas and experience about the radiology residency training system of Canada with a presentation of its base accreditation standards for five aspects, competency goals for seven roles, four stages of training arrangement, and two types of final assessment questions. Although the Canada's radiology residency program differs from China's standardized resident and specialist training programs for radiology, there are still several points that are worth referencing, including emphasizing the training priority of competency goals, providing a specific basis for the stratification of training, offering clear guidance for the implementation of training content, and improving assessment methods to focus on competency goals. These points are of great value for improving the standardized radiology resident and specialist training programs in China, so as to provide a reference for the training of excellent radiologists in China.
8.Treating Asthenopia from the Perspective of “the Liver is the Basis of Resistance to Fatigue”
Jiangwei LI ; Xiaolei YAO ; Lihao CHEN ; Yi HU ; Qinghua PENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(6):649-651
By exploring the theory of “the liver is the basis of resistance to fatigue”, it is believed that liver with its physiological function of storing blood and governing the free flow of qi plays an important role in the body's tole-rance to physical fatigue and mental fatigue, and it is also related to the physiological activities of eyes and tendons. The formation of asthenopia is related to the dysfunction of liver, spleen and kidney. The liver plays a key role in the occurrence and development of asthenopia. The deficiency of liver blood and liver dysfunction will cause the abnormal circulation of qi and blood, which leads to the loss of malnutrition of eyes and affects the normal physiological function of eyes. During treatment, we pay attention to nourishing the blood and soothing the liver to nourish the spirit, regulating and tonifying liver qi to stimulate the liver yang, strengthening the spleen and soothing liver to replenish qi and promoting yang, nourishing the liver and kidney to harmonize yin and yang, which are meant to restore the physiological characteristics of liver being yin in form but yang in function, so as to cure asthenopia.
9.Analysis of uranium concentration in surface water and drinking water in Beijing, China
Huan WANG ; Yaru SUN ; Meinan YAO ; Bin BAI ; Qinghua MENG ; Yongzhong MA
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2024;33(1):51-55
Objective To explore the uranium concentration in surface water and drinking water in Beijing, China and the relationship between uranium concentration and gross α activity concentration. Methods Water samples were collected from 16 districts in Beijing. Uranium concentration and gross α activity concentration were measured with WGJ-III trace uranium analyzer and LB6008 six-channel α/β counter using the ultraviolet fluorescence and thick source methods. Results The uranium concentrations in surface water and drinking water were 1.131 and 1.572 μg/L, respectively. The gross α activity concentrations in surface water and drinking water were 0.059 and 0.074 Bq/L, respectively. There were no significant differences in uranium concentration and gross α activity concentration between surface water and drinking water (P > 0.05). The uranium concentration was positively correlated with the gross α activity concentration, with a correlation coefficient of 0.700 (P < 0.05). The gross α activity concentration was determined by the uranium concentration with a determination coefficient of 48%. The committed effective dose of 238U in drinking water was between 3.284 × 10−5 and 1.640 × 10−3 mSv, with an average value of 5.400 × 10−4 mSv. Conclusion The uranium concentration and gross α activity in the surface water and drinking water in Beijing fluctuate and remain in the background range. These values are much lower than the recommended limits of 0.03 mg/L and 0.5 Bq/L stipulated in the GB 5749-2021 Standard for Drinking Water Quality. The annual committed effective dose of 238U through drinking water ingestion is very small.
10.A clinical study of linaclotide combined with compound polyethylene glycol electrolytes powder for bowel preparation for colonoscopy
Xiaxi LI ; Qinghua LIU ; Yao PU ; Guili XIA ; Meiping OUYANG ; Qizhen LIU ; Wei GONG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2023;40(4):288-292
Objective:To explore the value of linaclotide combined with compound polyethylene glycol electrolytes powder (PEG) for bowel preparation for colonoscopy.Methods:A randomized and single blind prospective clinical study was conducted in patients who intended to receive colonoscopy at the Department of Gastroenterology in Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2021 to August 2021. One hundred and fifty-two patients in the experimental group were treated with 580 μg linaclotide + 2 L PEG, and 152 patients in the control group were treated with 3 L PEG. The bowel preparation effects including Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) score, bubble score and lesion detection rate, and safety (adverse events) were compared between the two groups.Results:The total BBPS scores were 9 (8, 9) in the experimental group, and 9 (9, 9) in the control group with no significant difference ( Z=0.141, P=0.888). The bubble scores were 1 (1, 2) in the experimental group, and 1 (1, 1) in the control group with no significant difference ( Z=1.788, P=0.074). There was no significant difference in detection rate of lesions between the experimental group and the control group [37.50% (57/152) VS 33.55% (51/152), χ2=0.517, P=0.472]. There was no significant difference in safety including incidence of nausea [7.24% (11/152) VS 13.16% (20/152), χ2=2.910, P=0.088], vomiting [2.63% (4/152) VS 7.24% (11/152), χ2=3.436, P=0.064], abdominal distension [7.89% (12/152) VS 11.84% (18/152), χ2=1.331, P=0.249] and abdominal pain [2.63% (4/152) VS 4.61% (7/152), χ2=0.849, P=0.357] between the experimental group and the control group. Conclusion:Linaclotide combined with PEG for colonoscopic bowel preparation reduces drinking water volume. The cleaning effect and safety are comparable to using 3 L PEG. It can be recommended for bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail