1.Current Status and Prospective of Research on Disease-Syndrome Integrated Animal Models of Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi ZHANG ; Lihui FANG ; Yongtian WEN ; Shan LIU ; Zhuo SHI ; Xintong WANG ; Xinyi DAI ; Meiling SHE ; Lanshuo HU ; Yangxi FU ; Zheng WANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):510-516
Animal model research on spleen and stomach diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of great significance for elucidating the nature of diseases and syndromes and for revealing the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicinals. At present, studies on classical TCM syndrome models of spleen and stomach diseases mainly focus on spleen deficiency syndrome, liver constraint syndrome, and damp-heat syndrome. Model construction is mostly based on the etiological and pathophysiological characteristics of syndrome, and model evaluation primarily involves macroscopic manifestations and physicochemical indicators. This paper summarizes the current research status of animal models integrating disease and syndrome for seven common spleen and stomach diseases, including chronic gastritis and gastric precancerous lesions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, and functional diarrhea. The modeling methods and characteristics of disease-syndrome combined animal models for each disease are analyzed. It is proposed that future research on disease-syndrome integration in spleen and stomach diseases should move toward syste-matic, precise, and integrative development, and that interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research approaches should be adopted to enhance the predictive value and application efficiency of disease-syndrome combined animal models.
2.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
3.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
4.Epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Zhejiang Province
LÜ ; Jing ; XU Xinying ; QIAO Yingyi ; SHI Xinglong ; YUE Fang ; LIU Ying ; CHENG Chuanlong ; ZHANG Yuqi ; SUN Jimin ; LI Xiujun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):10-14
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide the reference for strengthening SFTS prevention and control.
Methods:
Data on laboratory-confirmed SFTS cases in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2023 were collected through the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Meteorological data, geographic environment and socioeconomic factors during the same period were collected from the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Geospatial Data Cloud, and Zhejiang Statistical Yearbook, respectively. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of SFTS from 2019 to 2023, and a Bayesian spatio-temporal model was constructed to analyze the influencing factors of SFTS incidence.
Results:
A total of 578 SFTS cases were reported in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2023, with an annual average incidence of 0.23/105. The peak period was from May to July, accounting for 52.60%. There were 309 males and 269 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.15∶1. The cases were mainly aged 50-<80 years, farmers, and in rural areas, accounting for 82.53%, 77.34%, and 75.43%, respectively. Taizhou City and Shaoxing City reported more SFTS cases, while Shaoxing City and Zhoushan City had higher annual average incidences of SFTS. The Bayesian spatio-temporal interaction model showed good goodness of fit. The results showed that mean temperature (RR=1.626, 95%CI: 1.111-2.378) and mean wind speed (RR=1.814, 95%CI: 1.321-2.492) were positively correlated with SFTS risk, while altitude (RR=0.432, 95%CI: 0.230-0.829) and population density (RR=0.443, 95%CI: 0.207-0.964) were negatively correlated with SFTS risk.
Conclusions
SFTS in Zhejiang Province peaks from May to July. Middle-aged and elderly people and farmers are high-risk populations. Taizhou City, Shaoxing City, and Zhoushan City are high-incidence areas. Mean temperature, mean wind speed, altitude, and population density can all affect the risk of SFTS incidence.
5.Trend in disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco in China from 1990 to 2021
MA Rongjiao ; HUANG Hanyan ; ZHU Manyu ; LIU Rui ; SHI Fang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):89-92
Objective:
To investigate the trend in disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco in China from 1990 to 2021, so as to provide the basis for improving intervention measures of asthma.
Methods:
Data on asthma-related mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) attributable to tobacco among adults aged ≥30 years in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate were calculated using the GBD world standard population structure to analyze the tobacco-attributable asthma burden. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was employed to evaluate temporal trends in the age-standardized mortality and DALY rate from 1990 to 2021.
Results:
In China, the age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco decreased from 0.73/100 000 and 22.20/100 000 in 1990 to 0.17/100 000 and 6.64/100 000 in 2021, showing downward trends (AAPC=-4.603% and -3.888%, both P<0.05). Among males, the tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate declined from 1.44/100 000 and 41.05/100 000 in 1990 to 0.36/100 000 and 12.79/100 000 in 2021 (AAPC=-4.369% and -3.810%, both P<0.05). Among females, the corresponding rates decreased from 0.21/105 and 5.37/105 to 0.03/105 and 1.08/105 (AAPC=-6.074% and -5.074%, both P<0.05). In 2021, males had higher tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate for asthma than females. Both the mortality and DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco increased with age, peaking in the age group ≥80 years at 7.84/100 000 and 112.07/100 000, respectively.
Conclusion
From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco showed a declining trend in China, with males and elderly population aged ≥80 years bearing a relatively heavier disease burden.
6.Analysis of prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among students in Zhejiang Province
SHI Yingyun, GU Fang, XIA Jiayue, LIU Qinye, WEI Xiaoyu, CHEN Fen, WEI Yizhou, LIU Weina
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):232-236
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their associated factors among students in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide evidence for targeted prevention strategies.
Methods:
A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 23 829 college students and primary and secondary school students aged 11-22 years in Zhejiang Province from December 2019 to February 2020. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Three machine learning algorithms, including Logistic regression, random forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were applied to construct predictive models, and key associated factors were identified by comparing model performance.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among students in Zhejiang Province was 19.92%; the rates were 17.20% in boys and 22.87% in girls( χ 2=164.89, P <0.05). The CES-D total score was 9.00(4.00,13.00). Multiple Logistic regression analysis revealed that loneliness had the strongest association with depressive symptoms ( AOR =9.58, 95% CI =8.90-10.30), while bullying exposure ( AOR =4.39, 95% CI =4.02-4.80), female students( AOR =1.81, 95% CI =1.68-1.94),never eating breakfast ( AOR = 2.34,95% CI =2.00-2.67) and overweight/obesity( AOR =1.10,95% CI =1.08-1.12) were significant associated factors of depressive symptoms among students (all P <0.05). Analysis based on the XGBoost model produced highly consistent results, identifying the above 5 factors as the core features with the highest correlation strength (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Female, loneliness, bullying exposure, frequency of weekly breakfast and BMI are strongly associated with depressive symptoms among students. Mental health education for high risk groups should be strengthened, and coordinated prevention efforts between families and schools are recommended.
7.Review and reflection on the practice of pre-ethical review for drug clinical trials
Min HOU ; Xiaoyuan SHI ; Rongguo SUN ; Fang LIU ; Lei CHEN ; Zejin ZUO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(5):594-600
ObjectiveTo sort out the pre-ethical review status of drug clinical trials in a tertiary A hospital, summarize practical experience, and provide references for pre-ethical review. MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted on the ethical review of pre-ethical projects in a tertiary A hospital from 2018 to 2023. ResultsFrom 2018 to 2023, a total of 285 pre-ethical projects were reviewed in this tertiary hospital, including 79 projects where it served as the leading unit. Among these, 279 clinical trials ultimately received approval of the ethical review committee, while 6 projects were not approved due to sponsors’ refusal to modify study protocols. In terms of trial phases, phase III clinical trials constituted the largest proportion, and the oncology center was the department with the highest number of projects. In 2023, the average time for pre-ethical review projects from submission to approval was 43 calendar days, 3 days longer than for other project types. In 2023, this hospital reviewed 75 pre-ethical review projects, including 58 where it served as a participating unit. Among these, 42 projects received approval later than the leading unit, while 9 projects were approved earlier than the leading unit’s ethical approval date. Among the pre-ethical review projects applied in 2023, 70 projects obtained drug clinical trial notifications from the National Medical Products Administration, while 5 projects had unknown notification status due to the lack of ethical approval or discontinuation. Of the projects receiving approval notifications, 16 were annotated with matters requiring enhanced attention during clinical trials, and 7 necessitated protocol improvements. ConclusionThis tertiary A hospital has implemented multiple measures to optimize the management of pre-ethical review. This ethical review model does not compromise the quality of ethical review and contributes to accelerating the initiation of clinical trials. Notably, it is crucial to construct a patient-centered drug development system. Clinical trials guided by this concept align with ethical values, laying the foundation for the smooth conduct of clinical trials, assisting in the drug development process, and safeguarding patients’ medication needs.
8.MRI parameters of carotid artery plaque combined with low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio for predicting ischemic stroke in young adults
Chaoyan LIU ; Xinjing SHI ; Fang CHAI ; Xinying WANG ; Zhilei KANG ; Bing LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(8):507-511
Objective To explore the predictive value of MRI parameters of carotid artery plaque combined with low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C/HDL-C)ratio for predicting ischemic stroke in young patients with carotid atherosclerosis.Methods Totally 125 young patients with carotid atherosclerosis were prospectively included and divided into stroke group and non-stroke group based on whether ischemic stroke occurred within 3 months.Clinical data,laboratory indicators and carotid plaque-related MRI parameters were compared between groups.Based on carotid plaque-related MRI parameters being statistically different between groups,combined model 1 was constructed using multivariable logistic regression analysis,while combined model 2 was constructed combined with LDL-C/HDL-C ratio.The efficacy of each parameter and model for predicting ischemic stroke in young adults was analyzed.Results There were 48 cases in stroke group and 77 cases in non-stroke group.The levels of glycosylated hemoglobin,LDL-C,LDL-C/HDL-C ratio,carotid artery stenosis rate,plaque eccentricity index and plaque enhancement rate in stroke group were all higher than those in non-stroke group(all P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio,carotid artery stenosis rate,plaque eccentricity index,plaque enhancement rate,combined model 1 and 2 for predicting ischemic stroke in young adults was 0.816,0.757,0.768,0.805,0.883 and 0.936,respectively,of combined model 1 was higher than those of single parameter(all P<0.05),while of combined model 2 was higher than that of combined model 1(Z=2.336,P=0.020).Conclusion MRI parameters of carotid artery plaque combined with LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could effectively predict ischemic stroke in young patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
9.Constructing a risk factor model for intracranial artery stenosis in young patients with acute ischemic stroke based on HR-VWI features
Zhilei KANG ; Xinjing SHI ; Fang CHAI ; Chaoyan LIU ; Xinying WANG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(9):808-813,820
Objective To establish a risk factor model for intracranial artery stenosis in young patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)based on high-resolution magnetic resonance vascular wall imaging(HR-VWI).Methods Young patients with AIS(n=290)treated at Hengshui People's Hospital between January 2021 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and randomly divided into a modeling set(203 cases)and a validation set(n=87)at a ratio of 7∶3.Patients in the modeling set were divided into the stenosis and non-ste-nosis groups according to whether they had intracranial artery stenosis.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the clinical data and HR-VWI characteristics of the patients in the modeling set to screen for factors influencing intracranial artery stenosis in young patients with AIS.R software was used to construct and verify the risk factor model.Results Among the 290 patients,88 had intracranial artery stenosis(30.34%).The proportions of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),plaque load,smoking history,hypertension,and eccentric plaques were higher in the stenosis group than in the non-stenosis group(P<0.05),and the minimum lumen area and remode-ling index were lower in the stenosis group than in the non-stenosis group(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking history,hypertension,LDL-C level,plaque load,plaque morphology,and remodeling index were all factors influencing intracra-nial artery stenosis in young patients with AIS(P<0.05).Based on the above risk factors,R was used to build a nomogram early warning model.The ROC results showed that the AUC of the nomogram model for predicting intracranial artery stenosis in the modelling and vali-dation sets were 0.872(95%CI:0.815-0.902)and 0.850(95%CI:0.789-0.891),respectively.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results of the modeling and validation sets were x2=0.589,P=0.571 and x2=0.602,P=0.558,respectively.The calibration curves of the two groups were consistent with the standard curves.Conclusion The risk factor model for intracranial artery stenosis in young patients built in this study based on HR-VWI features exhibits good predictive efficacy,providing a new method for clinical prevention and treatment.
10.circHERC4_041 Inhibits the Fibrotic Phenotype of Cardiac Fibroblasts by Encoding Protein
Yuan GAO ; Chuan-Meng ZHOU ; Hua-Yan WU ; Ya WANG ; Ru-Shi WU ; Pei-Ying GUAN ; Jun-Tao FANG ; Jin-Dong XU ; Yu-Peng LIU ; Zhi-Qin HU ; Zhi-Xin SHAN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):393-403
A mounting body of research suggests that circRNAs significantly contribute to the develop-ment of myocardial fibrosis.The microarray results of human circular RNA expression profile indicated that circHERC4_041 expression increased in the myocardium of patients with heart failure,RT-qPCR a-nalysis confirmed that the myocardial expression level of circHERC4_041 in individuals with heart failure were considerably elevated compared to that in healthy organ donors.Fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)confirmed that circHERC4_041 was abundant in the cytoplasm of human cardiomyocyte AC16.Overexpression of circHERC4_041 in mouse myocardial fibroblasts(mCFs)mediated by adenovirus in-hibited the expression of fibrosis-related proteins in mCFs.Experiments involving cell proliferation,wound healing,and Transwell assays demonstrated that overexpression of circHERC4_041 suppressed the growth and mobility of mCFs(P<0.001).Sequence analysis results suggested that circHERC4_041 con-tains potential ribosome entry sequence(IRES)and open reading frame(ORF).Western blot confirmed that circHERC4_041 could translate the 516 amino acid HERC4-516aa protein,which was mainly located in the cytoplasm of the cell.Cell functional experiments confirmed that circHERC4_041 inhibited the fi-brotic phenotype of mCFs by specifically translating HERC4-516aa(P<0.05).The specific interaction between HERC4-516aa and transglutaminase 2(TGM2)was confirmed by IP-MS screening and Co-IP i-dentification.Further results found that the degradation of TGM2 was promoted through proteasome path-way.The overexpression of TGM2 in mCFs facilitated by adenoviral vectors could counteract the suppres-sive effects of HERC4-516aa on the fibrotic phenotype of mCFs.Therefore,this study confirmed that the HERC4-516aa protein translated by circHERC4_041 can specifically bind to TGM2 to inhibit the fibrotic phenotype of myocardial fibroblasts.


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