1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating TLR4 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Zhiwei SU ; Juan XUE ; Jun SUN ; Heng FAN ; Rui ZHU ; Chunyan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):291-299
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease closely related to metabolism, which is mainly characterized by abnormal lipid deposition in hepatocytes. In recent years, with the increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, NAFLD has become one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and varied, involving the cross-regulation of multiple signaling pathways such as glucose-lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The TLR4 signaling pathway plays a key role in the development and progression of NAFLD, and abnormal activation of this pathway accelerates the deterioration of NAFLD by promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing oxidative stress, and exacerbating insulin resistance. Studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway to alleviate the symptoms and pathological features of NAFLD. The present review summarizes the experimental research progress in the TCM regulation of the TLR4 signaling pathway in treating NAFLD in the past 5 years, covering a wide range of TCM active ingredients (such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids) and compound prescriptions. The active ingredients and compound prescriptions of TCM can effectively ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders, reduce insulin resistance, regulate intestinal flora, and inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway via multiple targets and pathways, thus slowing down the progression of NAFLD. Through in-depth analysis of the pathological mechanisms of NAFLD and exploration of the potential of TLR4 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target, we can provide theoretical support for the application of TCM in the treatment of NAFLD, as well as new perspectives and directions for future clinical research and new drug development, thereby promoting the innovation and development of therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
2.Correlation of short sleep duration and screening myopia among primary and middle school students in Beijing
WANG Lu, ZHAO Hai, SUN Bingjie, XIA Zhiwei, GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):14-17
Objective:
To study the correlation between short sleep duration and screening myopia among primary and middle school students in Beijing, so as to provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive prevention and control of myopia among students.
Methods:
Using a stratified cluster random sampling, 25 593 primary and middle school students from 16 districts of Beijing were selected from September to November 2023. The National Common Diseases and Health Influencing Factors Monitoring Survey Questionnaire was used to conduct a questionnaire survey, and visual acuity was tested according to the Specification for the Screening of Refractive Error in Primary and Middle School Students. The reporting rates of short sleep duration and detection rates of screening myopia among primary and middle school students were compared using the Chi square test. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between short sleep duration and screening myopia.
Results:
About 68.63% of students reported short sleep duration. There was a statistically significant difference in the reporting rate of short sleep duration among students in different school stages ( χ 2=981.18, P <0.01), with the lowest reporting rate of vocational high school students (47.07%) and the highest reporting rate of ordinary high school students (76.17%). The detection rates of screening myopia among primary school students ( 57.09% ) and middle school students (76.53%) who reported short sleep duration were higher than those who reported enough sleep duration (52.65%, 71.94%), with satistically significant differences ( χ 2=14.83, 17.96, P <0.01). The results of binary Logistic regression analysis showed that primary and middle school students with short sleep duration had a higher risk of developing screening myopia, compared to students with enough sleep duration ( OR =1.25); after adjusting for confounding factors such as educational stage, gender, region, boarding situation, primary and secondary school students with short sleep duration still had a higher risk of screening myopia ( OR =1.26) ( P <0.01). The analysis results stratified by educational stage showed that primary school students from grades 4-6 and middle school students with short sleep duration had a higher risk of screening myopia ( OR=1.18, 1.20, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Primary and secondary school students in Beijing with short sleep duration sleep have a higher risk of developing screening myopia. Families, schools, and society should ensure enough sleep duration to reduce the occurrence of myopia among students.
3.Effect of Tuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" on Spinal Microglial Activation-related Proteins and the IL-10/β-EP Pathway in a Rat Model of Chronic Sciatic Nerve Compression Injury
Tianwei ZHANG ; Xiangqian LYU ; Yani XING ; Liuchen ZHU ; Qingguang ZHU ; Lingjun KONG ; Yanbin CHENG ; Zhen YAN ; Wuquan SUN ; Min FANG ; Zhiwei WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):734-740
ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic effect of Tuina at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" on neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and its potential central spinal mechanisms. MethodsThirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats in each group), sham-operated group, model group, Tuina group, and blockade group. The CCI model was established in the model group, Tuina group, and the blockade group by ligating the sciatic nerve with catgut, while the sham-operated group underwent only sciatic nerve exposure without ligation. From postoperative day 4 to day 14, rats in the Tuina group and the blockade group received Tuina manipulation at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" using a dynamic pressure distribution measurement system (5 N pressure, 2 Hz frequency, 10 min per session, once daily). The blockade group also received intraperitoneal injections of the microglial inhibitor minocycline (10 mg/kg) once daily. The sham-operated and the model group underwent the same handling and fixation as the Tuina group without actual Tuina. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were measured before surgery and on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 post-surgery. Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate sciatic nerve injury and repair, measuring axon diameter and total myelinated fiber diameter to calculate the g-ratio. Western Blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), CD206, CD68, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and β-endorphin (β-EP) precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed significantly reduced MWT and PWL on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group showed increased MWT and PWL on day 10 and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the Tuina group, the blockade group exhibited higher MWT on day 7, 10, and 14, and higher PWL on day 10 (P<0.05). Sciatic nerve pathological morphology revealed intact and well-structured myelin in the sham-operated group, while the model group exhibited myelin collapse, distortion, and myelin ovoid formation. The Tuina group displayed partially irregular myelin with occasional myelin collapse, whereas the blockade group exhibited partial myelin irregularities and phospholipid shedding. Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a decreased g-ratio and increased levels of Iba-1 and CD68 in the spinal dorsal horn (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group exhibited an increased g-ratio and reduced Iba-1 and CD68 levels. Additionally, the Tuina group showed elevated levels of CD206, IL-10, and POMC, whereas the blockade group had decreased CD206 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionTuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" alleviates neuropathic pain in CCI rats, potentially by regulating microglial activation in the spinal cord, inhibiting M1 polarization while promoting M2 polarization, and activating the IL-10/β-EP pathway to exert analgesic effects.
4.Association between polymorphisms in the glucose metabolism and lipid regulation genes with metabolic abnormalities in childhood obesity
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):888-893
Objective:
To explore the association between CDKAL1 rs35261542, FAIM2 rs 3205718, and VGLL4 rs 2574704 polymorphisms with childhood obesity and related metabolic phenotypes to provide evidence for personalized prevention and management strategies.
Methods:
Based on the 2023 Long term Nutritional Health Effects of Early Childhood Nutrition Package Intervention project, the study enrolled 1 078 children aged 5-7 years from four counties in Henan (Songxian and Ruyang countries) and Guizhou (Guiding and Fuquan countries) provinces. Using BMI Z scores, 87 overweight and obese(OVOB) children were selected and matched by sex, age, and BMI Z score with 117 normal weight controls. Participants were further stratified into four metabolic phenotype groups: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW, n =51), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW, n =66), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO, n =31) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO, n =56) based on four conventional cardiometabolic risk factor (CR) criteria. Data were collected through questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, serum biochemical tests, and KASP genotyping. The distribution of three genetic polymorphisms ( CDKAL1 rs35261542, FAIM2 rs3205718, VGLL4 rs 2574704) across metabolic subgroups was analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression models assessed associations between these polymorphisms and obesity/metabolic phenotypes.
Results:
Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Homozygous mutant AA genotype of CDKAL1 rs 35261542 was positively associated with OVOB( OR =3.63), MHO ( OR =11.04), MUO ( OR = 4.88 ) ( P <0.05). Homozygous TT genotype of FAIM2 rs 3205718 increased OVOB risk ( OR =4.44, P <0.05) but showed no association with metabolic phenotypes ( P >0.05). Homozygous mutant TT of VGLL4 rs 2574704 reduced the risks of MHO and MUO ( OR = 0.30, 0.24, P <0.05). Cumulative genetic effects analysis demonstrated carriers of 1 or 2 risk genotypes of rs 35261542 and rs 3205718 had progressively higher OVOB risk ( OR =2.53, 20.79), and the combination of rs 35261542 and rs 2574704 increased risks for both MHO ( OR =8.50) and MUO ( OR =5.00) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The AA genotype of rs 35261542 ( CDKAL1 ) positively correlates with childhood obesity and metabolic abnormalities. The TT genotype of rs 3205718 ( FAIM 2) increases obesity risk but not metabolic phenotypes. The TT genotype of rs 2574704 ( VGLL 4) shows protective effects against metabolic dysfunction. Risk genotypes exhibit dosedependent cumulative effects on obesity and metabolic outcomes.
5.Research progress on the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with lung cancer
Anying LI ; Zhiwei LI ; Dianhan SUN ; Yong CHEN ; Jun WU ; Yusheng SHU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(06):855-862
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which predominantly affects middle-aged and elderly individuals, is associated with a significantly reduced quality of life and often triggers various other pulmonary conditions. Lung cancer, as one of the most prevalent and deadly pulmonary malignancies worldwide, poses a severe threat to global public health. The risk of developing lung cancer is markedly higher in COPD patients compared to the general population, indicating numerous associations between the two conditions that warrant in-depth investigation. Although a substantial body of research has explored the relationship between COPD and lung cancer, studies focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying their connection remain limited. This article reviews the latest research progress on the mechanisms of COPD complicated by lung cancer from four perspectives: the role of chronic pulmonary inflammation, programmed cell death, genetic and molecular interactions, and dysbiosis of the pulmonary microbiome. The aim of this article is to provide new insights and references for the prevention and therapeutic strategies of COPD complicated with lung cancer.
6.Effect of electroacupuncture on intestinal function after gastric cancer surgery.
Junjie GUAN ; Miaomiao GE ; Yuling CAI ; Ting WANG ; Zhiwei JIANG ; Jianhua SUN ; Gang WANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):751-756
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture combined with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on promoting intestinal function in patients after gastric cancer surgery.
METHODS:
Forty-four patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer were randomly divided into an experimental group (22 cases, 3 cases were excluded) and a control group (22 cases, 4 cases were excluded). Both groups received treatment under ERAS protocol, the experimental group was given electroacupuncture at bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36) and Quchi (LI11), disperse-dense wave was selected, with frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz. The control group received placebo electroacupuncture intervention, with the same acupoints as the experimental group, electrode pads were placed on the acupoints without electrical stimulation. Each session lasted 30 min, starting from 1 h after surgery, once every 24 h, until the patient resumed anal flatus. The intestinal sound rate of both groups was observed 24 h before surgery and 24, 48 h after surgery. The bowel sound recovery time (BSRT), time to first anal flatus, time to first defecation, and tolerance to oral enteral nutrition suspension were compared between the two groups. The levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured 24 h before surgery and 24 h after surgery in both groups.
RESULTS:
The intestinal sound rate 24 h after surgery was decreased compared with that 24 h before surgery in the two groups (P<0.05), the intestinal sound rate 24, 48 h after surgery in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The BSRT in the experimental group was earlier than that in the control group (P<0.05) .The levels of serum CRP, IL-6, IL-10 24 h after surgery in the experimental group were higher than those 24 h before surgery (P<0.05), while the levels of serum CRP, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ in the control group were higher than those 24 h before surgery (P<0.05); the levels of serum CRP、IL-4、IFN-γ 24 h after surgery in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05) .The tolerance rate of oral enteral nutrition suspension in the experimental group was 84.2% (16/19), which was higher than 50.0% (9/18) in the control group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Electroacupuncture combined with ERAS protocol can improve the intestinal motility, shorten the BSRT, enhance the tolerance of oral intake, and reduce inflammatory response in patients after gastric cancer surgery.
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Acupuncture Points
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C-Reactive Protein/metabolism*
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Electroacupuncture
;
Gastrectomy
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Interleukin-10
;
Interleukin-6
;
Intestines/physiopathology*
;
Stomach Neoplasms/therapy*
7.SRSF7 promotes pulmonary fibrosis through regulating PKM alternative splicing in lung fibroblasts.
Tongzhu JIN ; Huiying GAO ; Yuquan WANG ; Zhiwei NING ; Danyang BING ; Yan WANG ; Yi CHEN ; Xiaomu TIAN ; Qiudi LIU ; Zhihui NIU ; Jiayu GUO ; Jian SUN ; Ruoxuan YANG ; Qianqian WANG ; Shifen LI ; Tianyu LI ; Yuhong ZHOU ; Wenxin HE ; Yanjie LU ; Yunyan GU ; Haihai LIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3041-3058
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic interstitial lung disease, is characterized by aberrant wound healing, excessive scarring and the formation of myofibroblastic foci. Although the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis has garnered increasing attention, its specific contribution to pulmonary fibrosis remains incompletely understood. In this study, we identified an up-regulation of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7 (SRSF7) in lung fibroblasts derived from IPF patients and a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model, and further characterized its functional role in both human fetal lung fibroblasts and mice. We demonstrated that enhanced expression of Srsf7 in mice spontaneously induced alveolar collagen accumulation. Mechanistically, we investigated alternative splicing events and revealed that SRSF7 modulates the alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase (PKM), leading to metabolic dysregulation and fibroblast activation. In vivo studies showed that fibroblast-specific knockout of Srsf7 in conditional knockout mice conferred resistance to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Importantly, through drug screening, we identified lomitapide as a novel modulator of SRSF7, which effectively mitigated experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Collectively, our findings elucidate a molecular pathway by which SRSF7 drives fibroblast metabolic dysregulation and propose a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.
8.Systematic review on the extracellular vesicles in reproductive medicine and gamete union.
Yutao WANG ; Honghao SUN ; Fangdie YE ; Zhiwei LI ; Zhongru FAN ; Xun FU ; Yi LU ; Jianbin BI ; Hongjun LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101261-101261
In this comprehensive review, we delve into the evolution of drug delivery systems in reproductive medicine with a focus on the emerging role of exosomes, a class of extracellular vesicles. Exosomes offer unique advantages in overcoming these challenges due to their inherent biocompatibility, stability, and ability to facilitate targeted delivery. This review provides a detailed examination of exosome biogenesis and their function in cellular communication, setting the stage for understanding their potential as drug delivery vehicles. We explore the mechanisms through which exosomes can be loaded with small molecule drugs and the benefits they offer over synthetic nanoparticles. The review highlights groundbreaking case studies that illustrate the successful application of exosome-mediated drug delivery in reproductive health, including enhancing fertility treatments, supporting gamete and embryo development, and facilitating maternal-fetal communication. This study aims to provide a precise understanding of how exosomal drug delivery can revolutionize treatments for reproductive health disorders, paving the way for future therapeutic applications. Lastly, we touch upon the promising therapeutic implications of exosomal delivery for proteins and genes, offering a window into future treatments for reproductive health disorders.
9.Analysis of high myopia and dioptre changes among middle school students in Beijing from 2019 to 2022
WANG Lu, ZHAO Hai, SUN Bingjie, XIA Zhiwei, ZHANG Jingshu, GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(7):932-935
Objective:
To analyze high myopia and dioptre changes in middle school students in Beijing from 2019 to 2022, so as to provide a basis for formulating preventive and control measures.
Methods:
Using stratified cluster random sampling, 16 districts of Beijing were divided into four groups, each of which was respectively composed of 83, 83, 84, and 84 middle schools, in order to examine non cycloplegic auto refraction among the senior grades 1 to 3 students from September to October in each year (from 2019 to 2022). Finally, the dataset results of each of the four groups (21 589, 21 161, 21 561, 21 123) were compared by the Chi square test and trend Chi square test. Trend changes were evaluated by annual percentage change (APC).
Results:
The rates of high myopia were higher in female students than in males from 2019 to 2022 (15.60%,14.59%; 15.33%, 14.44%; 14.65 %, 14.17%; 14.63%,13.84%), and the difference in 2019 was statistically significant ( χ 2=4.93, P <0.05). The rates of high myopia in middle school students in urban areas were significantly higher than those in rural areas(16.45%, 13.78%; 16.81 %, 13.00%; 15.84%, 13.06%; 15.85%, 12.72%), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=30.18, 60.43, 33.92 , 42.23, P <0.05). With the increase of grade, the rates of high myopia increased ( χ 2 trend =674.56, 608.38, 655.21, 676.89, P <0.05), with junior grade 3 students being the most robust. The rate of high myopia in middle school students from 2019 to 2022 decreased from 15.09 to 14.22%, with an average annual rate of 2.08% ( APC=-2.08, t=-7.99, P <0.05). The refractive error of high myopia middle school students in 2019 and 2022 were -7.44(-10.25, -6.00) and -7.38(-10.00, -6.00)D, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( H=4.30, P >0.05).
Conclusions
The rate of high myopia in middle school students in Beijing shows a decreasing trend, but it remains at a high level. It is necessary to classify the prevention and control strategy, and standardize the measures in order to manage early onset, high incidence rates, and severe myopia.
10.Association between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age with myopia among lower grade students in 6 provinces and cities in China
LIU Zhihao, ZHANG Jingshu, SUN Bingjie, XIA Zhiwei, QIN Ran, GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(9):1345-1348
Objective:
To explore the association between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age with myopia among lower grade students, so as to provide evidence for myopia prevention on low grade students.
Methods:
From November 2020 to June 2022, a total of 8 368 students of grade 1-3 were selected from Beijing, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Henan, Chongqing, Shaanxi Province by the stratified cluster random sampling and probability sampling methods, and were administered with a questionnaire survey and eye examinations. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age with myopia among lower grade students.
Results:
The prevalence of myopia in grade 1-3 was 23.7% in 6 provinces in China. Students who in central area, grade 3, boarding at school, doing homework/reading/writing time ≥1 h/d after school, extracurricular activities ≥1 h in the past week, extracurricular activities before school age, parental myopia, poor reading and writing posture, sleeping time <10 h/d, less exercise time because of homework or extracurricular activities, having annual vision examination had a higher myopia detection rate, with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=36.41, 487.72, 15.97, 21.35, 43.95, 15.33, 54.04, 6.67, 3.88, 20.02, 20.06, P <0.05). After adjusted for the confounding factors, there was a significant interaction between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age with myopia ( P interaction <0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, Logistic regression analysis showed that those having extracurricular activities before school age had a higher risk of myopia ( OR=1.33, 95%CI =1.19-1.56), compared with those who did not. Compared with children without nearsighted parents, children with nearsighted parents had higher prevalence of myopia ( OR=1.64, 95%CI = 1.45- 1.84) ( P <0.05); and the values of indicators ( RERI, API, Index S ) for interaction between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age were 0.35, 0.27, 1.37, respectively.
Conclusion
Both parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age are associated with myopia among lower grade students, with interactive effects.


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