1.Research Progress on Regulation of Relevant Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Zhonghao GUO ; Quan LI ; Pengyu PAN ; Tengyu ZHAO ; Zeyuan AN ; Yuan LIU ; Yanyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):333-342
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments, with its pathological mechanisms involving multiple processes such as the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein. Current Western medical treatments face challenges including diminished long-term efficacy and motor complications. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated advantages in the prevention and treatment of PD through its systematic regulatory capabilities, featuring multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approaches.This article systematically reviews the roles of seven key signaling pathways-NF-κB, AMPK/mTOR, PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, Nrf2/ARE, Wnt/β-catenin, and BDNF/TrkB-in the pathological process of PD and the regulatory mechanisms of TCM. Research indicates that active ingredients of Chinese herbs and compound formulations can synergistically modulate these pathways, exerting comprehensive effects in inhibiting neuroinflammation, alleviating oxidative stress, promoting autophagy to clear abnormal proteins, and enhancing neurotrophic support. These signaling pathways form a complex regulatory network through crosstalk among key nodal molecules, constituting an intricate regulatory system in PD pathology. The multi-target intervention characteristics of TCM align well with this network-based regulatory requirement, achieving integrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, autophagy-regulating, and neurorestorative effects through synergistic multi-pathway modulation. This article systematically outlines the mechanisms of TCM in the coordinated regulation of multiple pathways, providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the pathological process of PD and the intervention mechanisms of TCM, while also offering new perspectives and directions for modern research on TCM in the prevention and treatment of PD.
2.Activation of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)ergic Neural Circuit in Salicylate-Induced Tinnitus: the Inferior Colliculus to the Medial Geniculate Body
Xu-Yuan PENG ; Jiang WANG ; Ming-Yue GONG ; Li-Yuan ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bin CHEN ; Zheng-Quan TANG ; Lei CHENG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):55-69
Objectives:
. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neural circuits from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the medial geniculate body (MGB) in salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Methods:
. Mice were treated with salicylate to induce tinnitus, and tinnitus-like behaviors were evaluated via gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. Using combined viral tracing methodologies, we identified and mapped the pathways and connections from the IC to the MGB. Furthermore, we employed Gq-coupled human M3 designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) and Gi-coupled human M4 DREADDs to achieve targeted excitation or suppression of GABAergic neurons in the IC and MGB. Following the administration of clozapine N-oxide, which binds to these receptors, we modulated these neural circuits to assess their impact on tinnitus severity in a mouse model.
Results:
. Our findings demonstrated that mice exposed to salicylate exhibited tinnitus-like behaviors. GABAergic neurons projecting retrogradely from the MGB to the IC were primarily concentrated in the external nucleus of the IC. After clozapine N-oxide administration, chemogenetic activation of IC-MGB GABAergic neurons aggravated salicylate-induced tinnitus. Additionally, activation of GABAergic neurons between the IC and MGB induced the perception of tinnitus even without salicylate. However, chemogenetic inhibition of the IC-MGB GABAergic circuit did not reverse salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Conclusion
. These findings suggest that activation of the IC-MGB GABAergic neural circuit may contribute to tinnitus generation through a mechanism distinct from that of salicylate-induced tinnitus. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
3.The Clinical and Genetics Characteristics of Oculopharyngodistal Myopathy
Jiaxi YU ; Zhihao QUAN ; Yilei ZHENG ; Jing AN ; Jing LIU ; Qingqing WANG ; Lingchao MENG ; Meng YU ; Zhiying XIE ; Jianwen DENG ; He LYU ; Wei ZHANG ; Yun YUAN ; Zhaoxia WANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):164-174
To analyze the clinical and genetic features of oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) patients and compare the phenotypic differences among various causative genes. A total of 65 genetically confirmed OPDM patients from 43 unrelated families, who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital between January 2008 and December 2025, were retrospectively included.The general demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory/auxiliary examinations, muscle pathology, and genetic test results were systematically collected and analyzed. The clinical and pathological characteristics among different OPDM subtypes were compared. Among the 65 patients(39 male and 26 female), the mean age of onset was (31.20±10.43) years (range: 14 to 63 years). The initial symptom was predominantly distal limb weakness (67.44%), which gradually progressed to involve the extraocular muscles, pharyngeal muscles, facial muscles and proximal limb muscles. Serum creatine kinase levels were mildly to moderately elevated. Muscle pathological examinations revealed rimmed vacuoles and intranuclear inclusions (within muscle fibers). The mean duration from onset to diagnosis was (12.33±7.88) years (range: 1 to 32 years). All probands had negative results on conventional next-generation whole-exome sequencing; pathogenic variants were identified through third-generation long-read sequencing or OPDM-targeted repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction(RP-PCR). Among the 43 families, OPDM2 subtype was the most common genetic subtype ( OPDM2 was the predominant subtype in this study. All subtypes share similar age of onset and muscular pathological changes, yet exhibit distinct disease progression patterns. Future multicenter prospective cohort studies are warranted to further elucidate the clinical characteristics, pathogenetic mechanisms, and prognostic differences among OPDM subtypes.
4.Mosquito monitoring and influence of meteorological factors on mosquito density around Beijing Capital International Airport, 2016-2022
Ran FENG ; Tie-zheng MA ; Si-jie ZHU ; Bo TIAN ; Fei QUAN ; Zhi-lin WU ; Xiao-tao LIU ; Fu-yuan ZHANG ; Song-jian ZHANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):40-48
Objective To understand mosquito density, species composition, and seasonal variations around the Beijing Capital International Airport(BCIA)and provide scientific evidence for mosquito-borne disease prevention and control. Methods Meteorological data were collected from 2016 to 2022, and mosquito density was monitored at seven surveillance sites around the BCIA from May to October each year using CO2-baited mosquito traps to analyze the relationship between mosquito density and meteorological factors. Results In total,68 518 female mosquitoes were captured, with a mosquito density of 10.20 per light · hour. The dominant species was Culex pipiens pallens(73.90%), followed by Aedes albopictus(9.71%)and Ae. vexans(9.29%);the mosquito density was highest in 2016(14.8 per light·hour)and lowest in 2022(4.46 per light·hour). Significant statistical differences were observed in mosquito density among different species(F=18.118, P<0.05). The density of Cx. pipiens pallens and other mosquito species showed a mutually exclusive trend; the peak of mosquito density varied based on years and habitats, with significant statistical differences in mosquito density among different habitats(F=8.504, P<0.05). The highest mosquito density was observed near the Wenyu River(21.50 per light·hour), whereas the lowest was recorded at the BCIA construction site(2.44 per light· hour). The monthly average temperature(r=0.595), monthly average highest temperature(r=0.575), and monthly average lowest temperature(r=0.624)showed moderate positive correlations, whereas the monthly average air pressure(r=-0.484)showed a moderate negative correlation. The monthly average minimum temperature was included in the regression model(F=25.575, P<0.000), and the equation Y=1.029X4-8.181 was used. The monthly average air pressure 2 months prior(b=-2.418, β=-1.619, P<0.05)and the monthly average relative humidity(b=-0.739, β=-1.201, P<0.05)significantly negatively predicted the mosquito density. Notably, the regression equation used was y=2526.170+(-2.418)X9+(-0.739)X13. The exposure-response analysis revealed that the density of mosquitoes was not linearly related to the average monthly air pressure, rainfall, and duration of sunshine. Conclusions The dominant mosquito species around the BCIA was Cx. pipiens pallens, Ae. albopictus, and Ae. vexans. During the control of Cx. pipiens pallens, the impact on other mosquito species must also be considered. Environmental management, breeding sites, and scientific use of pesticides should be prioritized based on the activity periods of mosquitoes. Further studies on mosquitoes and meteorological factors should be conducted to provide references and novel avenues for mosquito control.
5.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
6.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
7.Effect of orthokeratology on the myopia progression of contralateral eyes in adolescents with monocular myopia
International Eye Science 2025;25(7):1206-1210
AIM:To investigate the effect of orthokeratology on myopia progression in contralateral eyes of adolescents with monocular myopic anisometropia.METHODS:Prospective clinical control study. From January 2021 to August 2021 at Nanning Aier Eye Hospital, 35 patients(70 eyes)diagnosed with monocular myopia and opting for single vision frame glasses correction were recruited as the SV group, and 35 patients(70 eyes)opting for orthokeratology correction were recruited as the OK group, with 1 year of follow-up. Both eyes in the SV group wore single vision lenses, while the myopic eye in the OK group wore an orthokeratology lens, with no intervention in the contralateral eye. After wearing glasses for 6 and 12 mo, the axial lengths of the myopic and contralateral eyes in both groups were measured again, and the data were statistically analyzed.RESULTS:After wearing lenses for 6 and 12 mo, the axial length of the myopic eye of patients in the SV group increased by 0.18±0.07 and 0.35±0.12 mm, respectively, and that of the contralateral eye increased by 0.10±0.05 and 0.23±0.10 mm, respectively. In the OK group, the axial length of the myopic eye of patients, increased by 0.09±0.05 and 0.16±0.09 mm, respectively, and that of the contralateral eye increased by 0.19±0.08 and 0.38±0.13 mm, respectively. The axial length growth of the myopic eye in the SV group was higher than that in the OK group at different time points(t=0.367, P<0.001; t=0.688, P<0.001), whereas the axial length growth of the contralateral eye was lower than that in the OK group(t=0.074, P<0.001; t=0.170, P<0.001). After wearing lenses for 6 and 12 mo, the interocular axial length difference values increased by 0.08±0.05 and 0.12±0.08 mm in the SV group, but decreased by 0.10±0.07 and 0.21±0.12 mm in the OK group, respectively. A statistically significant inter-group difference was observed in the change of interocular axial length discrepancy after wearing lenses for 6 and 12 mo(t=0.111, P<0.001; t=0.084, P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Compared with single vision frame glasses, wearing an orthokeratology lens in the myopic eye can effectively help inhibit the growth of axial length and reduce the degree of anisometropia in adolescents with monocular myopic anisometropia, but there is a potential risk of promoting the growth of axial length in the contralateral eye.
8.Effects of donor human milk on medical costs in very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight infants
Xinrui YAO ; Lin WANG ; Jing YUAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Meiying QUAN ; Bing YANG ; Zhenghong LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(2):112-117
Objective:To compare the medical costs of using standard fortified donor human milk (DHM) or preterm formula (PF) to supply very low birth weight [VLBW, defined as birth weight (BW) ≥1 000 g but <1 500 g] and extremely low birth weight (ELBW, defined as BW <1 000 g) premature infants with insufficient maternal breast milk.Methods:VLBW and ELBW preterm infants hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2017 to October 2020 were retrospectively enrolled and assigned into DHM group and PF group based on complementary feeding methods. The cost of parenteral nutrition (PN), cost of antibiotics, and total medical expenses during hospitalization were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 89 infants were enrolled in this study, out of whom 50 was in the DHM group and 39 the PF group. The gestational age in DHM group and PF group were both (29±2) weeks. The BW of DHM group was 1 170 (919, 1 380)?g and that of PF group was 1 170 (1 010, 1 360) g. There were no significant differences in gestational age, BW, maternal age at delivery, delivery mode, gender ratio, proportion of small-for-gestational-age infants and length of hospital stay between the two groups (all P>0.05). The cost of parenteral nutrition in DHM group was significantly lower than that in PF group [3 500 (1 922, 5 704) Chinese yuan vs 7 995 (5 579, 10 788) Chinese Yuan, P<0.01]. The cost of antibiotics in DHM group was significantly lower than that in PF group [6 529 (2 265, 10 860) Chinese Yuan vs 13 676 (10 480, 18 506) Chinese Yuan, P<0.01]. The difference in total medical expense during hospitalization showed no statistical significance between two groups ( P>0.05). Amorg VLBW preterm infants, the cost of PN, cost of antibiotics, total cost of hospitalization, and daily cost of hospitalization in HDM group was significantly lower than that in PF group (all P<0.05). In ELBW preterm infants, the cost of PN and the cost of antibiotics in HDM group were significantly lower than that in PF group (both P<0.05), but the total cost of hospitalization and the daily cost of hospitalization between two groups showed no significant difference (all P>0.05). Conclusions:When mother's own milk is insufficient, using donor human milk reduces the costs of PN and antibiotics in VLBW and ELBW preterm infants compared with using PF. In VLBW preterm infants, using DHM can also reduce the total and daily cost of hospitalization.
9.Molecular epidemiological survey of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Ochotona curzoniae in Zoige County,Sichuan Province
Hong-xi CHEN ; Yang XIANG ; Ri-hong JIKE ; Tian-xiang CHEN ; Dong-bo YUAN ; Liang-quan ZHU ; Li-li HAO
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):331-338
This study was aimed at investigating infections with Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Ochotona curzoniae in Zoige County,Sichuan Province.O.curzoniae were captured in five townships of Zoige County(Dazhasi,Axi,Hongxing,Tangke,and Maixi)between March and December of 2023.DNA from the gastrointestinal contents was subjected to nested PCR to amplify Giardia bg,gdh,and tpi genes,and the Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA gene.The sequences of PCR-PCR products were analyzed and compared.Phylogenetic trees were constructed to determine the protozoa species and genotypes.A total of 114 O.curzoniae animals were captured,among which 44 samples showed bg gene positivity,and 14 samples showed gdh gene positivity for Giardia.The total detection rate was 43.9%(50/114),and two assemblages were detected(assem-blage E and a new assemblage tentatively termed assemblage OC1);the positivity rate for Cryptosporidium was 7.0%(8/114),and three new genotypes were observed.Mixed infection with Cryptosporidium and Giardia was present in some sam-ples,with a detection rate of 3.5%(4/114).Giardia lamblia and Giardia sp.(REG-1,REG-2)were prevalent in O.curzoni-ae in Zoige County in Sichuan province;assemblage E was the dominant assemblage,and the new assemblage OC1 was pres-ent;and Cryptosporidium sp.(REG-1,REG-2,and REG-3)were identified.In summary,future monitoring of Giardia and Cryptosporidium should be further strengthened in Zoige to provide detailed data for promoting local public health.
10.REG-augmented decellularized porcine cornea/hydroxyethyl methacrylate in situ integrated composite artificial cornea
Yuan XIN ; Xixi WU ; Liang QUAN ; Hengtong ZHANG ; Qiang AO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(16):3388-3399
BACKGROUND:Currently,artificial corneas used for full-thickness transplantation lack biological activity and mechanical adaptability.Composite artificial corneas face interface issues between the corneal button and surrounding components.OBJECTIVE:To prepare an integrated artificial cornea with peptide enhancement,matched mechanical strength to natural cornea,and excellent transparency via in situ ultraviolet light curing of decellularized porcine cornea.METHODS:Non-ionic decellularization reagent Triton X-100 combined with ultrasonic freeze-thawing and super nucleases was utilized to prepare decellularized porcine cornea.Hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomer and photoinitiator were introduced into the decellularized porcine cornea simultaneously.Ultraviolet light with a filter was used to cover the peripheral region except for the central area,where polymerization was initiated using 275 nm ultraviolet light.After removal of unreacted monomers and initiators,the central optical zone was obtained.Similarly,the posterior lamellar layer was polymerized to form the hydrophobic barrier zone.Finally,REG active polypeptide was introduced to obtain in situ integrated full-layer artificial cornea.The physical properties,mechanical properties,transparency,degradation properties and in vivo and in vitro biocompatibility of artificial cornea were characterized.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)An optical region with the co-existence of polymer and collagen fibers was constructed in situ using hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the central region of decellularized porcine cornea.Under scanning electron microscopy,the upper surface of the artificial cornea was rough and irregular,with obvious concave and convex structure,and the lower surface was relatively smooth.The artificial cornea had mechanical properties close to those of natural cornea.The transparency of the optical zone reached 80%of that of the natural cornea.After soaking in PBS aseptic solution containing collagenase,it could preserve the solidified optical region and hydrophobic barrier zone,and maintain the basic structure of cornea.The artificial cornea had good cytocompatibility,could provide a suitable adhesion and growth environment for cells,was conducive to the migration and adhesion of corneal epithelial cells,promoted the growth of vascular endothelial cells and the formation of new blood vessels,and promoted the epithelialization process.The artificial cornea had good biocompatibility and safety after 12 weeks of subcutaneous implantation in SD rats,and could reduce the acute inflammatory reaction at the initial stage of implantation.(2)The results show that the integrated full-layer artificial cornea prepared by the experiment has the potential as a full-layer artificial cornea scaffold.


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