1.Association between core symptoms and biological markers in children with autism spectrum disorders
FEI Xianyan, WANG Rui, CHAI Yangyang, HE Xianming, ZHENG Shizhu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):125-128
Objective:
To explore the relationship between serum homocysteine (Hcy), interleukin-5 (IL-5), folate and core symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders, so as to provide potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and intervention of diseases.
Methods:
A total of 106 children with autism spectrum disorders and 106 healthy children with matched sex and age in Lu an People s Hospital were enrolled as autism group and healthy group between May 2020 to December 2023. On the day of admission, levels of serum Hcy, IL-5 and folate were detected. The core symptoms in autism group were evaluated by Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-fourth edition(WPPSI-IV), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). The levels of serum Hcy, IL-5 and folate in the two groups were compared by t- test. The relationship between serum Hcy, IL-5, folate and core symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders was determined by Pearson correlation analysis.
Results:
The levels of serum Hcy and IL-5 in autism group were (7.48±0.32) μmol/L and (345.77±32.51) pg/mL, higher than those in healthy group [(6.11±0.54) μmol/L, (274.04±25.17) pg/mL], while folate level was lower than that in healthy group [(15.24±3.47) ng/mL, (22.51±4.69) ng/mL], the differences were statistically significant ( t =22.47, 17.96, 12.83, all P < 0.05 ). In autism group, levels of serum Hcy and IL-5 were positively correlated with scores of ABC, CARS and SRS ( r =0.29, 0.53 , 0.54; 0.45, 0.41, 0.50), while negatively correlated with WPPSI-IV score ( r =-0.28, -0.26)(all P <0.05). The folate level was negatively correlated with scores of ABC, CARS and SRS ( r =-0.55, -0.40, -0.25), while positively correlated with WPPSI-IV score ( r =0.41) (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Children with ASD show elevated serum Hcy and IL-5 alongside decreased folate,and three markers correlate with core symptoms and intellectual level.
2.Expert Consensus on Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery Phenotyping and Clinical Management of Septic Shock(2025)
Wei HUANG ; Xinchen WANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Keliang CUI ; Bo YAO ; Zhiqun XING ; Cui WANG ; Jingjing LIU ; Shiyi GONG ; Dongkai LI ; Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Wei DU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):40-58
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Septic shock is the primary cause of mortality in sepsis, with its core pathophysiological mechanism being severe ischemia and hypoxia in critical units—composed of microcirculation and the mitochondria of functional cells—resulting from disruptions in blood flow and oxygen flow following a dysregulated host response. Due to the systemically convergent yet clinically heterogeneous nature of the host response, current understanding and management strategies for hemodynamics remain inconsistent, often leading to inadequate resuscitation or overtreatment. To improve the quality of care, based on a systematic review of the "blood flow-oxygen flow" theory, an expert panel emphasizes reevaluating septic shock from an integrated perspective of blood flow and oxygen flow, and has formulated the
3.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
4.Effect of Changji'an Formula (肠激安方) on the miR-29b-3p/TRAF3/NF-κB/MLCK Axis in Colonic Tissues in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Model Rat with Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Yongfu WANG ; Wei KE ; Xiangyu XIE ; Hongmei TANG ; Liuze SI ; Yuna CHAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):439-446
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Changji'an Formula (肠激安方) on intestinal permeability for rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome by the microRNA-29b-3p (miR-29b-3p)/tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) axis. MethodsTwenty-four 1-day-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) suckling rats were selected, and the IBS-D rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome was established via a three-factor method,i.e. maternal separation plus acetic acid stimulation and restraint stress, for 6 consecutive weeks. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, pinaverium bromide group, low-dose and high-dose Changji'an Formula groups, with 6 rats in each group. Another 6 age-matched non-modeled SD rats were included as the control group. The low-dose and high-dose Changji'an Formula groups were given intragastric administration of Changji'an Formula solution at doses of 16.74 g/(kg·d) and 33.48 g/(kg·d), respectively; the pinaverium bromide group received intragastric administration of pinaverium bromide tablets at 0.018 g/(kg·d); and the control group was given distilled water at 10 ml/(kg·d) via intragastric gavage. The intervention was conducted once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the gavage treatment, the fecal water content of rats in each group was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of intestinal permeability indicators, including D-lactic acid (D-LA), diamine oxidase (DAO), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TRAF3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p65, p50, and MLCK in colonic tissues. Western Blot analysis was employed to detect the protein expression levels of TRAF3, TNF-α, p65, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), MLCK, myosin light chain (MLC), phosphorylated MLC (p-MLC), and tight junction proteins including junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colonic tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased fecal water content and serum levels of D-LA, DAO, and LPS, along with decreased protein expression levels of JAM-A, Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colonic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, in the model group, the mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TNF-α, p65, p50, and MLCK in colonic tissues were up-regulated, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRAF3 were down-regulated; the protein levels of TNF-α and MLCK, as well as the ratios of p-p65/p65 and p-MLC/MLC, significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed reduced fecal water content and serum levels of D-LA, DAO, and LPS, along with down-regulated mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TNF-α, p65, p50, and MLCK, and up-regulated TRAF3 mRNA expression in colonic tissues. Moreover, the pinaverium bromide group and high-dose Changji'an Formula group presented increased protein levels of Occludin, Claudin-1, and TRAF3, as well as decreased protein levels of TNF-α and MLCK, and reduced ratios of p-p65/p65 and p-MLC/MLC in colonic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the low-dose Changji'an Formula group, the high-dose group had lower fecal water content and serum levels of DAO and LPS (P<0.01). In comparison with the pinaverium bromide group, the high-dose Changji'an Formula group showed a significant decrease in serum DAO level (P<0.01). ConclusionsChangji'an Formula can reduce intestinal permeability and restore intestinal barrier function in IBS-D rats of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome by regulating the miR-29b-3p/TRAF3/NF-κB/MLCK axis.
5.Research progress on the effects of different myopia prevention and control methods on choroid
Shangzhu ZHANG ; Jiawei WANG ; Ruijie XI ; Song CHAI
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):70-75
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the prevalence of myopia at younger ages in China. Numerous studies have investigated methods for preventing and controlling myopia, including orthokeratology, low-concentration atropine eye drops, light therapy, posterior scleral reinforcement, and traditional Chinese medicine. These approaches can modulate choroidal thickness, blood flow, and target various molecular mechanisms. Orthokeratology and low-concentration atropine demonstrate a thickening effect on the choroid and regulate choroidal blood flow; the use of multi-point defocus control lenses also shows promise in thickening the choroid; the influence of light and light feeding therapy on myopia prevention and control is also reflected in the choroidal thickness and blood flow; and the traditional Chinese medicine has shown good prospect in influencing the microstructure of the choroid for myopia prevention and control. However, the long-term effects of various prevention and control measures on the choroid still need to be explored with a large sample size. This article provides an overview of various methods used to regulate the choroid and prevent myopia. The mechanisms by which these interventions act on the choroid are described to provide new insights and identity novel clinical strategies for myopia management.
6.Plasma and hepatic free fatty acid, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and ketone bodies metabolic profiles in progressive Gao-Binge model
Anqin LI ; Luxin PANG ; Yuanyuan CHAI ; Qinwei YU ; Zhenzhou JIANG ; Luyong WANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(2):196-206
To investigate the correlation between hepatic lipid accumulation and the metabolic profiles of free fatty acids(FFAs), tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and ketone body in alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), a chronic plus acute alcohol feeding model (Gao-Binge model) was employed using C57BL/6N mice to simulate different stages of AFLD. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to measure the levels of FFAs, TCA cycle intermediates, and ketone bodies in mouse liver tissue and plasma, followed by Pearson correlation analysis. The study revealed that both acute and chronic models showed significant increases in total FFAs, saturated FFAs and short-chain FFAs, as well as β-hydroxybutyric acid(HDBT) in plasma and liver, indicating FFA metabolic profile disturbances in the Gao-Binge model. Moreover, in both models, acetic acid (AA), 2-Methylbutyric acid (2-meBA), and HDBT displayed strong positive correlations with hepatic injury markers in plasma and liver samples (for instance, in the acute model plasma data, r = 0.834, 0.699, 0.818, P<0.05), while pyruvic acid (PRA) showed a strong negative correlation (r = −0.66, P<0.05). These findings suggest that FFAs, TCA cycle, and ketone body metabolism are disrupted in the alcoholic liver disease in mice model, and metabolites such as AA, 2-meBA, HDBT and PRA may serve as potential biomarkers for AFLD, which would be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
7.Mechanism of Jiming Powder in improving mitophagy for treatment of myocardial infarction based on PINK1-Parkin pathway.
Xin-Yi FAN ; Xiao-Qi WEI ; Wang-Jing CHAI ; Kuo GAO ; Fang-He LI ; Xue YU ; Shu-Zhen GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3346-3355
In the present study, a mouse model of coronary artery ligation was employed to evaluate the effects of Jiming Powder on mitophagy in the mouse model of myocardial infarction and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. A mouse model of myocardial infarction post heart failure was constructed by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. The therapeutic efficacy of Jiming Powder was assessed from multiple perspectives, including ultrasonographic imaging, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, Masson staining, and serum cardiac enzyme profiling. Dihydroethidium(DHE) staining was employed to evaluate the oxidative stress levels in the hearts of mice from each group. Mitophagy levels were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence co-localization. Western blot was employed to determine the levels of key proteins involved in mitophagy, including Bcl-2-interacting protein beclin 1(BECN1), sequestosome 1(SQSTM1), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta(LC3B), PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1), phospho-Parkinson disease protein(p-Parkin), and Parkinson disease protein(Parkin). The results demonstrated that compared with the model group, high and low doses of Jiming Powder significantly reduced the left ventricular internal diameter in systole(LVIDs) and left ventricular internal diameter in diastole(LVIDd) and markedly improved the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS), effectively improving the cardiac function in post-myocardial infarction mice. Jiming Powder effectively reduced the levels of myocardial injury markers such as creatine kinase(CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), thereby protecting ischemic myocardium. HE staining revealed that Jiming Powder attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration after myocardial infarction. Masson staining indicated that Jiming Powder effectively inhibited ventricular remodeling. Western blot results showed that Jiming Powder activated the PINK1-Parkin pathway, up-regulated the protein level of BECN1, down-regulated the protein level of SQSTM1, and increased the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio to promote mitophagy. In conclusion, Jiming Powder exerts therapeutic effects on myocardial infarction by inhibiting ventricular remodeling. The findings pave the way for subsequent pharmacological studies on the active components of Jiming Powder.
Animals
;
Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology*
;
Mitophagy/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Protein Kinases/genetics*
;
Male
;
Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
8.Advance on clinical and pharmacological research of Bawei Chenxiang Powder and related formulae.
Lu-Lu KANG ; Jia-Tong WANG ; Feng ZHOU ; Guo-Dong YANG ; Xiao-Juan LI ; Xiao-Li GAO ; Luobu GESANG ; Xing-Yun CHAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2875-2882
Bawei Chenxiang Powder(BCP), first documented in the Tibetan medical work Four Medical Classics, has been widely applied in clinical practices in Tibetan and Mongolian medicines since its development. It has the effect of clearing the heart heat, calming the mind, and inducing resuscitation. On the basis of BCP, multiple types of formulae have been developed, such as Bawei Yiheyi Chenxiang Powder, Bawei Rang Chenxiang Powder, and Bawei Pingchuan Chenxiang Powder, which are widely used for treating cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Current pharmacological research has revealed the pharmacological effects of BCP and its related formulae against myocardial ischemia, cerebral ischemia, renal ischemia, and anti-hypoxia. BCP and its related formulae introduced more treatment options for related clinical diseases and provided insights for fully comprehending the essence and pharmacological components of the formulae. This paper systematically reviewed the clinical and pharmacological research on BCP and its related formulae, analyzing the formulation principles and potential key flavors and active ingredients. This lays a fundamental scientific basis for the clinical use, quality evaluation, and subsequent development and application of BCP and its related formulae, providing references for studying traditional Chinese medicine formulae in a thorough and systematic manner.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Humans
;
Powders/chemistry*
;
Animals
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
9.Studies on pharmacological effects and chemical components of different extracts from Bawei Chenxiang Pills.
Jia-Tong WANG ; Lu-Lu KANG ; Feng ZHOU ; Luo-Bu GESANG ; Ya-Na LIANG ; Guo-Dong YANG ; Xiao-Li GAO ; Hui-Chao WU ; Xing-Yun CHAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3035-3042
The medicinal materials of Bawei Chenxiang Pills(BCPs) were extracted via three methods: reflux extraction by water, reflux extraction by 70% ethanol, and extraction by pure water following reflux extraction by 70% ethanol, yielding three extracts of ST, CT, and CST. The efficacy of ST(760 mg·kg~(-1)), CT(620 mg·kg~(-1)), and CST(1 040 mg·kg~(-1)) were evaluated by acute myocardial ischemia(AMI) and p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia in mice, respectively. Western blot was further utilized to investigate their hypnosis mechanisms. The main chemical components of different extracts were identified by the UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS technique. The results showed that CT and CST significantly increased the ejection fraction(EF) and fractional shortening(FS) of myocardial infarction mice, reduced left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole(LVIDd) and left ventricular internal dimension at end-systole(LVIDs). In contrast, ST did not exhibit significant effects on these parameters. In the insomnia model, CT significantly reduced sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration, whereas ST only prolonged sleep duration without shortening sleep latency. CST showed no significant effects on either sleep latency or sleep duration. Additionally, both CT and ST upregulated glutamic acid decarboxylase 67(GAD67) protein expression in brain tissue. A total of 15 main chemical components were identified from CT, including 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone and 6-methoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone. Six chemical components including chebulidic acid were identified from ST. The results suggested that chromones and terpenes were potential anti-myocardial ischemia drugs of BCPs, and tannin and phenolic acids were potential hypnosis drugs. This study enriches the pharmacological and chemical research of BCPs, providing a basis and reference for their secondary development, quality standard improvement, and clinical application.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology*
;
Humans
;
Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy*
;
Myocardial Ischemia/drug therapy*
10.Mechanism of Jiming Powder in inhibiting ferroptosis in treatment of myocardial infarction based on NRF2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway.
Xin-Yi FAN ; Xiao-Qi WEI ; Wang-Jing CHAI ; Fang-He LI ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Shu-Zhen GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3108-3116
This study employed a mouse model of coronary artery ligation to assess the effect and mechanism of Jiming Powder on mitochondrial autophagy in mice with myocardial infarction. The mouse model of heart failure post-myocardial infarction was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The pharmacological efficacy of Jiming Powder was evaluated through echocardiographic imaging, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and Masson staining. The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA), Fe~(2+), reduced glutathione(GSH), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in heart tissues, as well as MDA immunofluorescence of heart tissues, were measured to assess lipid peroxidation and Fe~(2+) levels in the hearts of mice in different groups. Ferroptosis levels in the groups were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and Prussian blue staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the levels of key ferroptosis-related proteins, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2), ferritin heavy chain(FTH), glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(KEAP1). The results showed that compared with the model group, both the high-and low-dose Jiming Powder groups exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular internal diameter in systole(LVIDs) and left ventricular internal diameter in diastole(LVIDd), while the left ventricular ejection fraction(EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening(FS) were significantly improved, effectively enhancing cardiac function in mice post-myocardial infarction. HE staining revealed that Jiming Powder attenuated myocardial inflammatory cell infiltration post-infarction, and Masson staining indicated that Jiming Powder effectively reduced fibrosis in the infarct margin area. Treatment with Jiming Powder reduced the levels of MDA and Fe~(2+), indicators of lipid peroxidation post-myocardial infarction, while increasing GSH and SOD levels, thus protecting ischemic myocardium. Western blot results demonstrated that Jiming Powder reduced KEAP1 protein accumulation, activated the NRF2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway, and up-regulated the protein expression of FTH and SLC7A11, exerting an inhibitory effect on ferroptosis. This study reveals that Jiming Powder exerts a therapeutic effect on myocardial infarction by inhibiting ferroptosis through the NRF2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway, providing a foundation for subsequent research on the pharmacological effects of Jiming Powder.
Animals
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
;
Mice
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics*
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Disease Models, Animal


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail