1.Effect of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) Combined with Western Medicine on Clinical Effectiveness and Immune Function for Patients with Bronchial Asthma of Heat Wheezing Syndrome
Ying SUN ; Haibo HU ; Na LIU ; Fengchan WANG ; Jinbao ZONG ; Ping HAN ; Peng LI ; Guojing ZHAO ; Haoran WANG ; Xuechao LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):38-44
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) combined with western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome, and to explore its potential mechanism of action. MethodsEighty-six participants with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, each group with 43 participants. The control group received conventional western medicine, and the treatment group was additionally administered Qingfei Shenshi Decoction orally on the basis of the control group, 1 dose per day. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The primary outcome measure was clinical effectiveness; secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, asthma control test (ACT) score, pulmonary function indices such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), serum inflammatory factor levels including interleukin-4 (IL-4), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and immune function indices including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+. All outcome measures were evaluated before and after treatment. Vital signs were monitored, and electrocardiography, blood routine, urine routine, liver function, and renal function tests were performed before and after treatment. Adverse events and reactions during the study were recorded. ResultsA total of 80 patients completed the trial with 40 in each group. The total clinical effective rate of the treatment group was 97.5% (39/40), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (85.0%, 34/40, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased TCM syndrome scores, IL-4, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and CD8+ levels, as well as increased ACT scores, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, FEV1, FVC, and PEF levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the improvements in these indices were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant abnormalities in safety indicators were observed in either group, and no adverse events or reactions occurred. ConclusionQingfei Shenshi Decoction combined with conventional western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and clinical effectiveness, with good safety. Its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammatory factor levels and regulating T lymphocyte subsets to improve immune function.
2.Mechanistic study of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside in improving nephrotic syndrome via regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 pathway
Yifan TAO ; Chundong SONG ; Xu WANG ; Chong ZHANG ; Ying SU ; Xidong JIA ; Haoran JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):602-606
OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside (TWM) on nephrotic syndrome in rats. METHODS The nephrotic syndrome model was established by intravenous injection of adriamycin via the tail vein. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group (distilled water), prednisone group (10 mg/kg), and TWM high- and low-dose groups (10 and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Additionally, blank group (distilled water) without model induction was established. Each group consisted of 9 rats. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or distilled water by gavage, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. The histopathological morphology of kidney tissues in rats was observed; the levels of 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP) and serum biochemical indicators [albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), cholesterol (CHOL), and triglyceride (TG)] in rats were determined; the levels of oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA)] in kidney tissue of rats were determined; expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p)/nuclear factor erythriod 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related mRNA and protein in the renal tissues of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the rats in the model group exhibited disordered renal tissue structure, with a small amount of glomerular necrosis and edema of the renal tubular epithelial cells. 24 h-UTP, serum levels of SCr, BUN, CHOL and TG, MDA content, mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α and Keap1 as well as the expression of miR-155-5p in renal tissues were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Serum level of ALB, SOD level in renal tissue as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 were decreased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, TWM high-dose and low-dose groups exhibited significant improvements in renal injury, with notable reversals in the levels of the above quantitative indicators ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS TWM can alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage and thereby improve nephrotic syndrome in rats by regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
3.Nomogram clinical prediction model for severe perioperative complications of hepatic resection for hepatolithiasis based on the albumin-bilirubin score
Ming CAO ; Haoran SUN ; Zhangliu JIN ; Bin ZHANG ; Lei WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):569-575
ObjectiveTo develop and validate a nomogram based on the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score for predicting the risk of severe perioperative complications in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 163 hepatolithiasis patients who underwent hepatectomy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for severe perioperative complications. A nomogram prediction model was constructed and its performance was evaluated. ResultsAmong the 163 patients, 66 and 97 were classified into the low-grade and high-grade ALBI groups, respectively. Significant intergroup differences were observed in gender, total bilirubin, albumin levels, and the incidence of severe complications (P0.05). Severe complications occurred in 40 patients. Independent risk factors included age 60 years (OR=5.49, P0.001), high-grade ALBI (OR=8.30, P0.001), history of biliary surgery (OR=2.60, P=0.035), hepatectomy (segmentectomy)≥3 (OR=2.75, P=0.028), and open surgical approach (OR=4.00, P=0.009). A nomogram for predicting severe perioperative complications was successfully established. Internal validation showed that the model had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.865, which outperformed traditional single predictors. The calibration curve closely aligned with the ideal curve, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.027. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated a net clinical benefit when the threshold probability exceeded 10%, superior to that of traditional predictors. ConclusionThe ALBI score-based nomogram is successfully developed and validated to predict the risk of severe perioperative complications in hepatolithiasis patients undergoing hepatectomy. The model demonstrated favorable predictive performance and high clinical utility, serving as an effective tool for both preoperative risk assessment and postoperative risk stratification.
4.Deep learning for subtype recognition of Yang deficiency tongue images in traditional Chinese medicine
Tongbin Zhang ; Haoran Xu ; Ziyi Wang ; Chuanjun Pan ; Zheng Wang ; Lei Wang
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(2):197-210
Objective:
To address the lack of fine-grained clinical recognition for specific Yang deficiency syndrome subtypes and the limitations of conventional object detection models in extracting irregular, low-contrast tongue phenotypes. This study aims to develop an objective subtype recognition framework based on an improved You Only Look Once nano (YOLO11n) architecture, using a standardized visual phenotype matrix to translate macroscopic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) descriptions into quantifiable clinical targets.
Methods:
This cross-sectional diagnostic study consecutively enrolled adult inpatients admitted to the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical University (Yijishan Hospital), between September 1, 2024 and June 1, 2025, who were suspected of having Yang deficiency constitution based on initial TCM consultation. Clinical tongue image data were collected for analysis. Based on an Expert Visual Phenotype Annotation Matrix, a five-category recognition system was established, including the following TCM syndrome subtypes: spleen-dampness exuberance syndrome, mild kidney Yang deficiency syndrome, upper heat and lower cold syndrome, simultaneous Yin-Yang deficiency syndrome, and Yin deficiency and fluid depletion syndrome (negative control). The proposed Yang deficiency YOLO (YD-YOLO) model, built upon the YOLO11n baseline, integrates the Cross Stage Partial with kernel size 2 (C3k2)-GhostBottleneck-Dynamic Convolution (GBDC) module into the backbone to adaptively extract low-contrast features, and embeds the multipath aggregation coordinate attention (MACA) mechanism into the neck to suppress background interference through multi-scale spatial coordination. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) was used to visualize feature attribution and evaluate the biological plausibility of the model’s focus. Model performance was evaluated through ablation and comparative experiments using mean average precision (mAP), precision, recall, F1 score, inference speed (frames per second, FPS), overall accuracy, Cohen’s kappa, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).
Results:
Based on the final inclusion of 1 186 clinical cases, the YD-YOLO model had an overall accuracy of 91.5%, a Cohen’s kappa of 0.912, and an mAP@50 of 0.731 [higher than the YOLO11n baseline (0.681)], with AUC ranging from 0.91 to 0.97 across all TCM syndrome subtypes. Among the TCM syndrome subtypes, the mild kidney Yang deficiency syndrome had the highest mAP@50 (0.900), and the inference speed reached 89.00 FPS. Grad-CAM analysis showed that the model localized activation to key TCM pathological features, such as marginal tooth marks and focal root coatings, while suppressing non-diagnostic oral background noise.
Conclusion
The YD-YOLO model demonstrates the feasibility of deep learning for the fine-grained classification of TCM Yang deficiency subtypes. By integrating visual phenotype quantification with model interpretability, the proposed framework provides an objective basis for syndrome differentiation, supporting the development of standardized digital diagnostic systems and the provision of clinical decision support in TCM practice.
5.Differential Improvement in Memory and Executive Functions:Personalized Exercise versus Acupuncture for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Stroke-prone Individuals
Yaoyao XING ; Haoran HU ; Qingping MA ; Jianjun YANG ; Xin WANG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2026;24(1):67-83
Objective:
This study compared the effects of personalized exercise versus acupuncture on multidimensional cognitive function in individuals at high risk for stroke with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial enrolled 200 stroke-risk adults aged 50−80 years. Ninety participants diagnosed with MCI (MMSE, HIS, CDR criteria) were randomly assigned to exercise (n = 30), acupuncture (n = 30), or control (n = 30) groups. Interventions lasted 6 months. Cognitive outcomes (MMSE, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Animal Fluency, Rey-Osterrieth test, Stroop test) were assessed before and after intervention. Multivariate regression identified risk factors for MCI. ANOVA was used for group comparisons.
Results:
Hypertension (aOR = 1.5) and diabetes (aOR = 1.3) were significant risk factors for MCI. After intervention, the exercise group showed the largest MMSE improvement (Δ = 5.0), compared with acupuncture (Δ = 3.0) and control (Δ = 1.0) (p < 0.001). Exercise produced greater gains in non-verbal reasoning (31.8% vs. 26.1% in acupuncture, p < 0.01). Acupuncture more effectively enhanced processing speed and attention (DSST: Δ = 26 vs. Δ = 20 in exercise, p = 0.03) and executive function (Stroop interference time: Δ = 16 vs. Δ = 15 seconds in exercise, p = 0.04). Both interventions significantly improved verbal fluency (p < 0.001), with larger benefits in those with baseline MMSE ≤ 20.
Conclusion
Hypertension and diabetes are key risk factors for MCI in stroke-prone individuals. Exercise yields greater improvement in global cognition and memory, whereas acupuncture is more effective for enhancing attention and executive function. Both modalities benefit verbal fluency, particularly in lower-functioning participants.
6.FGF21 overexpression upregulates SIRT1/GPX4 to inhibit ferroptosis and relieve CCl4 mouse acute liver injury
Xutao LING ; Qianqian HUANG ; Lun ZHANG ; Fang XIE ; Nan BAI ; Yingxia WANG ; Haoran HUA ; Haoze WANG ; Wenjing DAI ; Kexin LI ; Jianqing WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1053-1060
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of liver-targeted fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) overexpression against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury (ALI) and its association with silent information regulator 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 (SIRT1/GPX4) expression and ferroptosis-related markers. MethodsFemale ICR mice (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into Control, CCl₄, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-FGF21, and AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 groups. Liver-targeted FGF21 overexpression was achieved via tail vein injection of AAV8-FGF21 virus with green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling. ALI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (0.3 mL/kg), with sample collection at 12 hours. Body weight and liver weight were recorded to calculate the liver weight/body weight. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using a biochemical analyzer. FGF21 expression in liver tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. Hepatic histopathology was evaluated by HE staining. RT-qPCR was performed to assess mRNA expression of ferroptosis and iron metabolism-related genes (ACSL4, PTGS2, HJV, FPN, GPX4), FGF21, and SIRT1. Protein expression of FGF21, SIRT1, and GPX4 were determined by Western blot. Iron content, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver homogenate were quantified using assay kits. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the FGF21 mRNA and protein expression elevated in CCl4 group; serum ALT/AST levels and liver weight/body weigh increased. The HE staining results showed that the liver cell membranes were ruptured. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2, the iron content and MDA levels all increased (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of SIRT1, GPX4, HJV, and FPN, the GSH level and SOD activity all decreased (P<0.05), and the protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the CCl4 group, the serum levels of ALT and AST in the AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 group were decreased (P<0.01), and the liver/body ratio of mice decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining showed that the degree of liver injury was alleviated. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2, iron content and MDA level all decreased (P<0.01), while the mRNA levels of SIRT1, GPX4, HJV, FPN, GSH level and SOD activity all increased (P<0.05). The protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both increased (P<0.05). ConclusionFGF21 overexpression is associated with enhanced SIRT1/GPX4 expression and suppression of ferroptosis features, thereby contributing to the alleviation of CCl4-induced ALI.
7.ZHOU Zhaoshan's Experience in Staged Treatment of Bronchial Asthma by Draining Dampness
Haoran WANG ; Ying SUN ; Na LIU ; Fengchan WANG ; Ping HAN ; Peng LI ; Guojing ZHAO ; Haibo HU ; Xuechao LU ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2416-2420
This paper summarized Professor ZHOU Zhaoshan's clinical experience in treating bronchial asthma (abbreviated as asthma) by stages with dampness-draining method. It is believed that pathogenic dampness is the key pathological factor in the onset of asthma. Dampness accumulates into water, which gathers into rheum; the condensed rheum forms phlegm, which lingers in the lungs. When external pathogens trigger the latent phlegm, phlegm and qi become mutually obstructed, leading to airway obstruction, disrupted qi movement, and upward reversal of lung qi, thereby resulting in asthma attacks. The treatment emphasizes a stage-based approach. During acute attacks, the main syndromes include cold-damp obstructing the lungs, damp-heat accumulating in the lungs, and shaoyang (少阳) constraint with heat. For the syndrome of cold-damp obstructing the lungs, a self-formulated Wenfei Shenshi Decoction (温肺渗湿汤) is used to warm the lungs and disperse cold, drain dampness and relieve panting; for the syndrome of damp-heat accumulating in the lungs, a self-formulated Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) is employed to clear the lungs and expel heat, drain dampness and relieve asthma; and for the syndrome of shaoyang constraint with heat, a self-formulated Chaihu Shenshi Decoction (柴胡渗湿汤) is administered to harmonize the shaoyang, clear heat and drain dampness. During the remission stage, treatment is based on the underlying kidney-deficiency constitution, and a self-formulated Bushen Shenshi Decoction (补肾渗湿汤) is formulated to tonify the kidneys and drain dampness, improve qi reception and relieve panting.
8.Therapeutic effect of Rhizoma Corydalis on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate and its mechanism:a study based on metabolomics
Chentao XIE ; Jialing LIU ; Yangyang GAO ; Haoran XU ; Hui WANG ; Yuanjing ZHAO ; Ruyi FAN ; Simin CHEN
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(7):879-888
Objective:To investigate the interventional effect of Rhizoma Corydalis on mice with ulcerative colitis(UC)induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS),as well as the potential mechanism of Rhizoma Corydalis in the treatment of UC based on metabolomics and inflammation biomarkers.Methods:A mouse model of UC was established,and then the mice were divided into model group,high-dose group(1.517 g/kg crude drug),middle-dose group(0.986 g/kg crude drug),low-dose group(0.455 g/kg crude drug),and positive drug group(5-aminosalicylic acid at a dose of 718.8 mg/kg),while the mice without modeling were selected as normal group(0.9%NaCl by gavage).The mice in each group were administered for 7 consecutive days,and phenotypic parameters were dynamically moni-tored,such as body weight change,disease activity index(DAI),mean daily food intake,and daily water intake.The mice were sacri-ficed after 7 days to collect serum and colon tissue samples;ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of the proinflammatory fac-tors interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-17A(IL-17A),C-reactive protein(CRP),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)was used to perform the non-targeted metabolomics analysis and compare the differences in se-rum metabolite profiles between groups.The mice were selected for modeling and validation with the same method,and glutathione(GSH)was selected as the positive drug.Colon length and mucosal damage were assessed,and quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the relative mRNA expression levels of the key genes in the glutathione synthesis pathway(γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase[γ-GCS]and oxidative stress regulators yap1p and skn7)and mito-chondrial GSH transporter protein(Slc25a39)in colonic tissue.Results:Rhizoma Corydalis significantly improved weight loss,DAI,and colon length in a dose-dependent manner in the model animals,and there were reductions in the serum levels of IL-6,CRP,and TNF-α,while it had no significant effect on IL-17A.The metabolomics analysis revealed 21 potential biomarkers associated with amino acid and lipid metabolism,which were significantly regulated by Rhizoma Corydalis.In the verification experiment,both Rhi-zoma Corydalis and GSH exerted a significant protective effect against colonic mucosal damage without affecting colon length.Rhizoma Corydalis upregulated the expression of genes associated with glutathione synthesis,especially γ-GCS,suggesting that Rhizoma Co-rydalis could enhance intestinal antioxidant defenses.Conclusion:Rhizoma Corydalis has a therapeutic potential in a mouse model of DSS-induced UC and can alleviate symptoms,reduce the serum levels of inflammatory markers,and regulate metabolic pathways,and upregulation of the genes associated with glutathione synthesis suggests that the drug can enhance intestinal antioxidant defenses.
9.Research progress on mechanism of valproic acid in treatment of spinal cord injury
Yibing KE ; Haoran GUO ; Yongping WANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(3):779-785
Spinal cord injury(SCI)can result in varying degrees of spinal motor dysfunction,partial sensory loss and sphincter dysfunction.SCI is divided into two stages:primary injury and secondary injury.The spinal cord cell necrosis during the primary injury period and apoptosis,oxidative stress and autophagy during the secondary injury period lead a large number of cell injury and permanant neurodysfunction.The histone deacetylase(HDAC)plays a key role in regulating the cellular viability and gene transcription.Neuro-dysfunction induced by SCI is associated with transcriptional dysfunction associated with unbalanced levels of protein acetylation.Valproic acid(VPA)is a inhibitor of HDAC and is usually used as an antiepileptic drug in clinic.Studies show that VPA may have the potential to treat the central nervous system diseases.VPA inhib-its HDAC,and then regulates oxidative stress,cellular autophagy,ion imbalance,microglia differentiation and inflammatory response,and plays the neuroprotective effect.This paper reviewed the related molecular mecha-nism of VPA in treating SCI.
10.Ferrostatin-1 attenuates inflammatory response to hypoxic lung injury at plateau by inhibiting ferroptosis in lung epithelial cells
Haoran GUO ; Ting LIU ; Liye WANG ; Zhiyun HAO ; Chengbin WANG ; Chi WANG ; Mianyang LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(12):1261-1275
Objective To investigate the protective effects of ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)on high-altitude hypoxic lung injury and explore novel preventive strategies for high-altitude hypoxia-induced lung injury.Methods ①Eighteen SPF male Wistar rats(5~6 weeks old,210~230 g)were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=6):normoxic control,hypoxic lung injury,and Fer-1 pretreatment groups.A hypobaric chamber was used to establish a rat model of high-altitude hypoxic lung injury.Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was employed to compare pulmonary protein profiles between normoxic and hypoxic groups,followed by bioinformatics analysis of pathways enriched with differentially expressed proteins(DEPs).Histopathological changes and lung injury scores were assessed with HE staining.ELISA was used to quantify the inflammatory cytokines,flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assay were employed to measure the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS),and spectrophotometry was utilized to determine the contents of Fe2?,glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)to evaluate oxidative stress and detect ferroptosis-related markers.② Human bronchial epithelial cells(bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40,BEAS-2B)and macrophages induced by tumor human peripheral blood monocytes-1(THP-1)cells were placed in a low oxygen conditions for 48 h to establish a cellular model of hypoxic lung injury,on which Fer-1 was administered as a preventive group.Ferroptosis markers in BEAS-2B cells and inflammatory cytokine secretion in macrophages were analyzed.Results ①Proteomics identified 2 962 proteins,with 357 DEPs(199 up-regulated,158 down-regulated).Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis showed ferroptosis as the most enriched pathway.Hypoxic lung injury resulted in elevated ROS,MDA,Fe2?,and inflammatory cytokines(P<0.05),reduced SOD,GSH,solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),and ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),and increased acyl-coa synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4)(P<0.05).Fer-1 pretreatment significantly mitigated oxidative stress(ROS,MDA,SOD,GSH;P<0.05),up-regulated SLC7A11 and FTH1,down-regulated ACSL4(P<0.05),and reduced inflammation(P<0.05).②In cellular models,Fer-1 increased SLC7A11,GPX4,FTH1,GSH,and SOD(P<0.05),declined ROS(P<0.05),and suppressed macrophage inflammatory cytokines(P<0.05).Conclusion Fer-1 alleviates high-altitude hypoxic lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis in pulmonary epithelial cells and attenuating macrophage-driven inflammation,providing experimental evidence for novel therapeutic strategies.

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