1.Effect of Yangjing Tongluo Prescription on Oxidative Damage of Endometrium in Rats with Intrauterine Adhesion Based on Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Jiaying CHEN ; Jing ZENG ; Zhaoling YOU ; Yonglian WANG ; Muya LIU ; Fang ZHOU ; Li TANG ; Sainan TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):100-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Yangjing Tongluo prescription (YJTL) in the treatment of intrauterine adhesion (IUA) from the perspective of oxidative stress mediated by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 48 rats with normal estrous cycles were selected and randomly divided into a normal group (n=8) and a modeling group (n=40). An IUA rat model was established using a dual-injury method combining surgical curettage and infection. Eight rats were randomly selected from the modeling group for a pilot experiment to confirm successful model establishment. After successful modeling, the remaining 32 rats were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose YJTL group (YJTL-L), a high-dose YJTL group (YJTL-H), and a Progynova group. Rats in the normal and model groups were administered purified water (15 mL·kg-1) by gavage daily, while rats in the YJTL-L, YJTL-H, and Progynova groups received YJTL at doses of 6.43 and 12.86 g·kg-1 and Progynova at 2.06 × 10-4 g·kg-1, respectively, for 14 consecutive days. The general condition, uterine morphology, and uterine index of the rats were monitored. Histopathological changes in uterine tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and HO-1 in endometrial tissue were detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to assess the distribution of Nrf2 and HO-1, as well as the expression of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and nucleus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group exhibited poor mental status and reduced mobility, markedly edematous and tortuous uterine morphology, decreased gland number, and inflammatory reactions in the endometrium, along with an increased uterine organ index (P<0.05). Serum ROS levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while serum GSH-Px levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In endometrial tissue, Keap1 protein expression was increased (P<0.05), whereas Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was decreased. Mild nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was observed, accompanied by increased relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear Nrf2 and decreased relative fluorescence intensity of cytoplasmic HO-1. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in the above symptoms and pathological changes. Serum ROS levels were reduced (P<0.05), serum GSH-Px levels were increased (P<0.05), Keap1 protein expression in endometrial tissue was decreased, and Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Notably, significant nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was observed, with correspondingly increased relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear Nrf2 and enhanced relative fluorescence intensity of cytoplasmic HO-1. ConclusionYJTL may enhance antioxidant capacity and repair oxidative damage to the endometrial basal layer by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Jiangtang No. 3 Prescription in Alleviating Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Rats via TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway-mediated Inflammation
Tongxun WANG ; Lantian LIU ; Runqi LI ; Haoxiang LI ; Yi ZHAO ; Tian TIAN ; Rufeng MA ; Sihua GAO ; Dandan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):109-117
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Jiangtang No. 3 prescription on inflammatory pathways and insulin resistance-related indicators in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to elucidate its molecular mechanism in combating diabetes. MethodsA T2DM rat model was established using a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to the model group, metformin group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Jiangtang No. 3 prescription groups, and a normal group was also set. Daily gavage was administered for 8 weeks as follows: metformin at 0.1 g·kg-1·d-1, Jiangtang No. 3 prescription granules at 1.62, 3.24, 6.48 g·kg-1·d-1 for the respective dose groups, and sterile water for the normal and model groups. Rat body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were measured. After drug intervention, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and insulin (INS). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphological changes in adipose tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in adipose tissue. Western blot was used to measure the corresponding protein expression levels. ResultsCompared with the model group, Jiangtang No. 3 prescription groups exhibited significantly increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced FBG (P<0.05, P<0.01), significant reductions in TC, TG, NEFA, and LDL (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a significant increase in HDL (P<0.01). Serum levels of inflammatory mediators IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and adipose tissue pathology was improved. The protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and GSDMD were markedly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of these indicators were also significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Some effects were superior to those of the positive control drug metformin, and certain indicators exhibited dose-dependent improvements. ConclusionT2DM rats display significant inflammatory responses, disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Jiangtang No. 3 prescription effectively suppresses inflammatory mediators, improves glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, and ameliorates pathological changes in adipose tissue. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in visceral adipose tissue, thereby influencing downstream inflammatory mediators.
3.Association Between MTHFR C677T Gene Polymorphism and Hypertension, Hyperhomocysteinemia and Hyperlipidemia in Tibet Region
Pengchang LI ; Danni MU ; Zhijuan LIU ; Xiaoxing LIU ; Puchi ZEJI ; Liping TIAN ; Honglei LI ; Li'an HOU ; Dandan LI ; Jie WU ; Ling QIU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):280-285
To explore the correlation between MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia(Hcy), and hyperlipidemia in the Tibetan population of Tibet. Using a cluster sampling method, participants from high-altitude regions including Ngari Prefecture, Lhasa City, and Nyingchi City in Tibet were enrolled. Differences in MTHFR C677T genotype distribution among individuals with hypertension, HHcy, and hyperlipidemia were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between these conditions and the TT genotype. A total of 574 eligible subjects were included, with a mean age of 40.64±12.67 years. Males accounted for 46.7%(268/574) and females 53.3%(306/574). Regional distribution was 34.8%(200/574) from Nyingchi City, 33.1%(190/574) from Lhasa City, and 32.1%(184/574) from Ngari Prefecture. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 117.89±18.98 mm Hg and 79.74±14.88 mm Hg, respectively. The frequency of the TT genotype was significantly higher in the hypertension group than in the non-hypertension group(12.32% The MTHFR C677T TT genotype is significantly associated with hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia in the Tibetan population, suggesting that this polymorphism may be a genetic risk factor for these diseases in high-altitude regions.
4.Current Status,Strategies and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Yandong WEN ; Zhi YANG ; Shaogang HUANG ; Zhongyu LI ; Xiangxue MA ; Qing XU ; Liqing DU ; Bochao YUAN ; Yibing TIAN ; Wentong GE ; Xiaofan ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):404-409
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered defecation habits. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made progress in multiple aspects of IBS research and treatment, including syndrome distribution, development of TCM formulas, clinical efficacy evaluation, external therapies, and psychosocial regulation. However, it still faces challenges such as over-reliance on symptomatic manifestations rather than biomarkers for diagnostic criteria, and the lack of high-quality evidence-based data supporting the efficacy of TCM formulas in treating IBS. This paper proposed that TCM diagnosis and treatment of IBS should adhere to the strategy of integrating the holistic concept with syndrome differentiation and treatment, combining TCM external therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion and acupoint application), and emphasizing individualized diagnosis and treatment for psychosomatic abnormalities. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence and other methods to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS and the mechanisms of TCM formulas, so as to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS.
5.Current Status and Prospects of Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment for Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Haiyan BAI ; Tai ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Lin LIU ; Weichao XU ; Yaxin TIAN ; Lanshuo HU ; Qian YANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):410-415
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), through its multi-target and systematic regulatory effects, has demonstrated unique advantages in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). At present, TCM theoretical research on GPL is mainly reflected in three aspects, the integration of macroscopic syndrome differentiation, the inflammation-carcinoma transformation mechanism, as well as the systematization and scientization of theoretical inheritance from famous TCM practitioners. High-quality evidence-based research findings serve as the foundation for clinical practice guidelines on GPL, and TCM has gained international academic recognition in the field of GPL prevention and treatment. Research on TCM mechanisms has yielded a series of important outcomes in the aspects of signaling pathways, gene expression regulation, cellular epigenetics, histone modification, and intestinal microecology. It is proposed that future research on GPL should focus on four key directions, establishing multi-omics data, exploring targeted intervention strategies on key regulatory nodes, advancing the standardization process of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine prevention and treatment technologies, and constructing stratified screening and intervention platforms. The in-depth integration of TCM microcosmic mechanism of action with its macroscopic syndrome differentiation and treatment system, coupled with interdisciplinary research, will provide valuable references for the clinical treatment and scientific research of GPL.
6.Efficacy comparison of goniosynechialysis versus trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification in the treatment of glaucoma complicated with cataract
Zhentong LIU ; Nannan TIAN ; Xiangci MENG ; Yan ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):405-409
AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy of goniosynechialysis versus trabeculectomy combined with cataract phacoemulsification in treating glaucoma complicated with cataract.METHODS:From January 2019 to January 2024, patients with glaucoma complicated with cataract diagnosed in our hospital were included as the study subjects. They were assigned into trabeculectomy group and goniosynechialysis group based on different surgical methods. The trabeculectomy group was treated with cataract phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy, while the goniosynechialysis group was treated with cataract phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis. The improvement of visual acuity, anterior chamber depth, chamber angle width, intraocular pressure, whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head and in the peripapillary region, and complications were compared between two groups.RESULTS: A total of 120 patients(120 eyes)with glaucoma combined with cataract were included in this study, among which 60 eyes were in the trabeculectomy group and 60 eyes in the goniosynechialysis group. The age of the trabeculectomy group was 60.72±6.16 years, including 28 males and 32 females. The age of the goniosynechialysis group was 61.04±6.24 years, including 31 males and 29 females. At 3 mo after surgery, the visual acuity of patients in both groups improved significantly, and the improvement of visual acuity in the goniosynechialysis group was significantly better than that in the trabeculectomy group(all P<0.01). At 3 mo after surgery, the anterior chamber depth and chamber angle width of patients in both groups were higher than those before surgery, and with the goniosynechialysis group being higher than the trabeculectomy group(all P<0.01), while the intraocular pressure was lower than that before surgery, and with the goniosynechialysis group being lower than the trabeculectomy group(all P<0.01). Before surgery, there was no significant difference in the whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head between the two groups(P>0.05), however, the whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head in both groups on 1 d after surgery were significantly lower than before surgery(all P<0.05); and compared with 1 d after surgery, there was a significant increase at 1 wk, 1, and 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); the whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head in the goniosynechialysis group was significantly higher than that in the trabeculectomy group at various time points after surgery(all P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the whole en face vessel density in the peripapillary region between the two groups before surgery and various time points after surgery(all P>0.05). Within 3 mo after surgery, the incidence of complications in the goniosynechialysis group(8.3%)was significantly lower than that in the trabeculectomy group(21.7%; P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification is more effective than trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification in the treatment of patients with glaucoma complicated with cataract in improving the visual acuity and whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head of patients, increasing the anterior chamber depth and chamber angle width, reducing intraocular pressure and the risk of complications. It has high safety and ideal short-term efficacy.
7.Standardization Challenges in Outcome Evaluation Systems of Animal Experiments and Considerations for Core Outcome Set Construction Strategies
Qingyong ZHENG ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Chen TIAN ; Hui LIU ; Min TIAN ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Yating CUI ; Junfei WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):138-148
Animal experimentation constitutes a critical link between basic research and clinical application, making its research quality and translational efficiency paramount. Although considerable progress has been made in standardizing operational procedures and ethical guidelines, the standardization of outcome evaluation systems has significantly lagged, creating a key bottleneck that constrains the quality of biomedical research and evidence synthesis. This deficiency is manifested by pronounced heterogeneity in outcome selection across similar studies, incomplete methodological reporting, and disparate criteria for result interpretation, which severely impairs the comparability of findings and the evidence integration. To cope with this challenge, this paper systematically introduces a mature methodological tool from clinical research–the core outcome set (COS)–and explores its construction strategies and application potential in the field of animal experimentation. Given the extensive diversity of animal experiments, a pragmatic strategy of "focusing on key areas, implementing phased pilots, and promoting gradual expansion" should be adopted. This approach prioritizes the development of domain-specific COS for disease areas characterized by high research volume, urgent translational needs, and well-established animal models. A multi-source integration pathway for COS development is detailed, comprising systematic literature searches, methodological appraisals, and expert consensus, with the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency also being examined. The development and promotion of such COS are not intended to restrict scientific exploration; rather, they aim to establish a new, tiered evaluation paradigm consisting of "core outcomes" (mandatory), "recommended outcomes" (encouraged), and "exploratory outcomes" (optional). This framework is expected not only to enhance research quality through standardization and to adhere to the "3R" principles but also to accelerate the accumulation of high-quality evidence. This, in turn, provides a solid foundation for higher-level evidence synthesis, ultimately facilitating the effective translation of basic research findings into clinical practice and providing an essential methodological framework for scientific advancement in relevant disciplines.
8.Investigation of somatization symptoms and related factors in adolescents during frequent earthquakes in Hefei
Yu ZHUANG ; Pei TANG ; Yinghan TIAN ; Peng YAO ; Lei XIA ; Huanzhong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):141-145
ObjectiveTo investigate somatization symptoms in adolescents during frequent earthquakes in Hefei, and to explore their correlation with earthquake experiences. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was used to select 324 adolescents in Hefei as the survey objects. The self-rating scale of somatization symptoms (SSS) and the fatigue intensity scale (FIS) were used to evaluate the somatization symptoms and fatigue degree of middle school students, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related factors of somatization symptoms and fatigue among middle school students. ResultsA total of 324 adolescents were included, and the overall detection rate of somatization symptoms was 6.5%, and the detection rate of moderate or above fatigue was 20.1%. The results of regression analysis showed that adolescents who were concerned about the earthquake for a longer time (≥1 h) had a higher risk of somatization symptoms (OR=5.430, 95%CI: 1.547-19.058), and adolescents who received pre-earthquake training had a lower degree of fatigue (OR=0.535, 95%CI: 0.292-0.981) (P<0.05). ConclusionDuring the frequent earthquakes, adolescents have more somatization symptoms and fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance health education, reduce the emphasis on event-related reports, and implement earthquake prevention and disaster reduction training to improve the physical and mental health of adolescents.
9.The effects of galangin on the apoptosis and autophagy of gastric cancer NCI-N87 cells through regulating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway
GUO Fang ; CHEN Wei ; LIU Meng ; ZOU Yanli ; TIAN Xia
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):59-65
[摘 要] 目的:探讨高良姜素(Gal)调控AMPK/mTOR/ULK1信号通路对胃癌细胞凋亡和自噬的影响及其机制。方法:将胃癌NCI-N87细胞分为对照组、多索吗啡(DM)组、Gal低剂量(Gal-L)组、Gal高剂量(Gal-H)组、Gal-H + DM组。采用MTT法、流式细胞术、划痕愈合实验和Transwell实验分别检测各组细胞的增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭能力,WB法检测PCNA、C-caspase-3、免疫逃逸相关蛋白(B7H1)、EMT和AMPK/mTOR/ULK1信号通路蛋白的表达水平。建立裸鼠NCI-N87细胞移植瘤模型,观察Gal和5-FU对移植瘤的抑制效果。结果:与对照组比较,DM组NCI-N87细胞增殖活性、划痕愈合率和侵袭细胞数、N-cadherin、vimentin、PCNA、B7H1、p62和p-mTOR/mTOR蛋白表达均显著升高(均P < 0.05),细胞凋亡率、C-caspase-3、E-cadherin、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、p-AMPK/AMPK和p-ULK1/ULK1蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.05);Gal-L组和Gal-H组NCI-N87细胞的增殖活性、划痕愈合率和侵袭细胞数、N-cadherin、vimentin、PCNA、B7H1、p62和p-mTOR/mTOR蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.05),细胞凋亡率、C-caspase-3、E-cadherin、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、p-AMPK/AMPK和p-ULK1/ULK1蛋白表达均显著升高(均P < 0.05);DM可部分逆转Gal对NCI-N87细胞恶性生物学行为的抑制作用(P < 0.05);与对照组比较,Gal组和5-FU组裸鼠移植瘤体积和质量均显著降低,肿瘤组织细胞凋亡率显著升高(P < 0.05)。结论:Gal可促进胃癌NCI-N87细胞自噬和凋亡,抑制其增殖、迁移和侵袭,可能与激活AMPK/mTOR/ULK1信号通路有关。
10.Mechanisms of Tianma Goutengyin in Alleviating Neuronal Injury in Vascular Dementia Model Rats by Inhibiting A1 Astrocyte Activation via Regulating TNF-α/STAT3/α1ACT Signaling Pathway
Xiaoyan WANG ; Min ZHAO ; Feng TIAN ; Min XIAO ; Nan QU ; Fugui LIU ; Chixiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):56-65
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Tianma Goutengyin on the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/α1-antichymotrypsin C-terminal tail fragment (α1ACT) signaling pathway and A1-type astrocytes in a rat model of vascular dementia. MethodsSeventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=12 per group): Sham-operated group, model group, Tianma Goutengyin high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (5.13, 10.26, and 20.52 g·kg-1), and a nimodipine group (8.1 mg·kg-1). The vascular dementia model was established by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, followed by 4 weeks of intervention. Learning and memory ability were evaluated using the novel object recognition test, and behavioral performance was assessed using the forced swimming test. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in hippocampal tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hippocampal neuronal morphology was observed by Nissl staining, and apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect positive expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and myelin basic protein (MBP). Western blot analysis was performed to measure the protein expression levels of TNF-α, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), α1ACT, IL-6, complement component 3 (C3), BDNF, S100 calcium-binding protein A10 (S100A10), and GFAP in hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significantly reduced relative recognition index in the novel object recognition test (P<0.01), prolonged immobility time and increased immobility frequency in the forced swimming test (P<0.01). Hippocampal IL-6 and CCL2 levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Nissl staining revealed a marked reduction in neuronal number and loss of Nissl bodies (P<0.01). MBP-positive expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01), apoptosis was significantly increased (P<0.01), BDNF-positive expression was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and GFAP-positive expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). In addition, the protein expression levels of TNF-α, TNFR1, p-STAT3, α1ACT, IL-6, and C3 were significantly elevated (P<0.01), while BDNF and S100A10 expression levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Tianma Gouteng yin dose groups exhibited a significant increase in the relative recognition index (P<0.05), shortened immobility time and reduced immobility frequency (P<0.05, P<0.01). IL-6 and CCL2 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01), neuronal number was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and MBP-positive expression was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Apoptosis was significantly reduced (P<0.01), BDNF-positive expression was significantly increased (P<0.05), and GFAP-positive expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Moreover, the protein expression levels of TNF-α, TNFR1, p-STAT3, α1ACT, IL-6, and C3 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while BDNF and S100A10 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionTianma Goutengyin may inhibit A1-type astrocyte activation in rats with vascular dementia through the TNF-α/STAT3/α1ACT signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuronal apoptosis and improving learning and memory function.

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