1.Mechanisms and treatments of cognitive decline induced by cranial radiation
Yifan HU ; Wenjing YANG ; Shufang CUI ; Xiaoying BI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):128-135
While cranial radiotherapy effectively kills tumor cells and significantly prolongs patient survival, it often leads to progressive cognitive decline. To date, the specific mechanisms underlying radiation-induced cognitive decline have not been fully elucidated, which greatly limits the development of related therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of post-radiation changes in neurogenesis, neuronal synaptic plasticity, myelin injury plasticity, and parenchymal cells such as microglia in the brain, systematically elucidates the potential mechanisms of radiation-induced cognitive decline, and summarizes feasible therapeutic approaches. These findings provide a solid foundation for developing novel strategies to mitigate radiation-induced cognitive decline.
2.Effect and mechanism of action of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid on an in vitro cell model of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Junjiao XU ; Tong LIU ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Yijia SONG ; Wenjing WU ; Beilei CUI ; Yajie GUAN ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1586-1596
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential targets of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA) in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and the molecular mechanism by which it regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsA network pharmacology analysis was performed at first, and related databases were used to obtain the common action targets of 2,5-DHBA and MAFLD, followed by molecular docking and pathway enrichment analysis to predict the potential biological processes and signaling pathways regulated by these targets. Then mouse normal hepatocytes AML-12 were used for cell experiments, and CCK-8 assay was used to determine the three optimal intervention concentrations of 2,5-DHBA. AML-12 cells were divided into control group, model group (cells cultured in a medium containing 2 mmol/L free fatty acid [FFA] to establish a cell model of MAFLD), and three 2,5-DHBA intervention groups (cells cultured with FFA and 2,5-DHBA at the three different concentrations of 1.25, 5, and 20 μmol/L, respectively). Oil red O staining was used to observe intracellular lipid accumulation; the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA was used to measure the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS); biochemical assays were used to measure the content of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC); quantitative real-time PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the expression levels of related genes and proteins. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsA total of 32 common targets were obtained for 2,5-DHBA and MAFLD. Within a concentration range of 1.25 — 20 μmol/L, 2,5-DHBA treatment, starting from the concentration of 2.5 μmol/L, increased the viability of AML-12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The minimum effective concentration of 1.25 μmol/L, the intermediate gradient concentration of 5 μmol/L, and the maximum safe concentration within the effective range of 20 μmol/L were selected for low-, middle-, and high-dose intervention, respectively. Compared with the model group, 2,5-DHBA intervention at concentrations of 1.25, 5, and 20 μmol/L could significantly reduce lipid droplet accumulation in cells (all P<0.05), and there were significant differences in TG and TC between the model group and the three intervention groups (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had a significant increase in ROS fluorescence intensity (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, there was a dose-dependent reduction in intracellular ROS level after treatment with 5 μmol/L or 20 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 2,5-DHBA treatment at concentrations of 5 and 20 μmol/L significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of the lipogenic genes SREBf1 and FASN and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of the key antioxidant gene Nrf2 and its downstream target gene HO-1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt in the model group was significantly increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt were significantly decreased after 5 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein in the model group were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). The protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased after treatment with 1.25 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology and cellular experiments confirm that 2,5-DHBA can alleviate lipid deposition and oxidative stress by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on MAFLD.
3.Preliminary study on the similarity of key physicochemical properties between six gene modified pig red blood cells and human red blood cells
Zhaodi MI ; Pengkai LI ; Shen LI ; Mengyi CUI ; Sice WANG ; Xiwei PENG ; Yanbin WU ; Hao WANG ; Man YUAN ; Junming ZHANG ; Yazhou LI ; Chonghui LI ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(5):817-826
Objective To systematically evaluate the similarities between six-gene-modified pig red blood cells and human red blood cells in multiple dimensions, including cell morphology, hematological parameters, microbial safety and serological compatibility, and to verify the feasibility of using six-gene-modified pig red blood cells as an alternative for blood transfusion in cases of traumatic hemorrhage. Methods Blood samples from O-type human donor, six-gene-modified O-type pig and wild-type O-type pig were collected. The pig gene-modified phenotype was identified by flow cytometry. The morphology was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy and the diameter was measured. Hematological tests, including blood routine, osmotic fragility test, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) content and partial pressure of oxygen at 50% hemoglobin saturation (P50), were conducted to assess the deformability of red blood cells. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to screen for zoonotic viruses, and cross-matching was performed using column gel method, condensation amine method and saline tube method. Results The six-gene-modified pig red blood cells successfully knocked out the α-Gal, Neu5Gc and Sda antigens and expressed hCD55. Wild-type pig red blood cells expressed these three antigens but did not express human complement regulatory proteins. All three types of red blood cells presented a biconcave discoid morphology. The diameter of O-type human red blood cells was larger than that of the six-gene-modified porcine red blood cells and wild-type pig red blood cells (all P < 0.05). The average red blood cell volume and average red blood cell hemoglobin of O-type humans were higher than those of the six-gene-modified pig red blood cells, and the distribution width-variable coefficient of O-type human red blood cells was lower than that of the six-gene-modified pig red blood cells (all P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the permeability fragility, ATP content, 2,3-DPG content, P50 and red blood cell deformability indicators of the three types of red blood cells (all P > 0.05). The screening for zoonotic viruses in human and animal cells of the six-gene-modified pigs and wild-type pigs was negative. The cross-matching results showed that in the column gel method and condensation amine method, the primary and secondary sides of the six-gene-modified pig red blood cells did not agglutinate with human red blood cells, while the wild-type pig red blood cells agglutinated with human red blood cells in all cross-matching methods. Conclusions The six-gene-modified pig red blood cells are highly similar to human red blood cells in terms of morphology, key hematological parameters, energy metabolism, oxygen-carrying capacity, mechanical properties, microbial safety and serological compatibility, providing an experimental basis for the clinical transformation of xenotransfusion.
4.Ameliorative effect of Weiling decoction on metabolic associated fatty liver disease based on the gut-liver axis
Beilei CUI ; Yijia SONG ; Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Wenjing WU ; Junjiao XU ; Minghao LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(19):2501-2508
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effect of Weiling decoction on metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) based on the gut-liver axis theory.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into a blank group ( n =9) and a modeling group ( n =47). The modeling group was fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the MAFLD model. Forty-five modeled mice were randomly divided into a model group, a positive control group [metformin, 0.2 g/(kg·d)], and Weiling decoction low-, medium-, and high-dose groups [6.17, 12.34, 24.68 g/(kg·d), calculated as crude drug], with 9 mice in each group. Mice in each group received intragastric administration of the corresponding drug solution or normal saline once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the body weight, liver weight, and liver index were compared among groups; the levels of liver function indicators (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase), lipid indicators (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), inflammatory indicators [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β], oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), and intestinal barrier indicators [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid] were measured; hepatic pathological changes were observed; the expressions of tight junction proteins [zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin] in jejunal tissue and proteins related to lipid metabolism [sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)] and inflammatory pathways [Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65)] in liver tissue were detected; and changes in gut microbiota were analyzed.RESULTS Compared with the model group, hepatic steatosis and inflammatory injury were significantly alleviated in all Weiling decoction dose groups; body weight (at week 16), liver weight, liver index, and the levels of liver function indicators, lipid indicators, inflammation indicators, oxidative stress indicators, and intestinal barrier indicators were all generally improved ( P <0.05). The expressions of SREBP-1, FASN, TLR4, and MyD88 and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 in liver tissue were generally decreased or downregulated ( P <0.05), while the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in jejunal tissue and PPARα in liver tissue were generally increased or upregulated ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the Observed species, Chao1, and Ace indices of gut microbiota in the Weiling decoction high-dose group were significantly increased ( P <0.05), and the relative abundances of Verrucomicrobiota, Akkermansia , etc. were significantly increased, while those of Actinomycetota, Alistipes , Faecalibaculum , etc. were significantly decreased ( P <0.05).CONCLUSIONS Weiling decoction can ameliorate MAFLD, and its effect may be associated with regulating gut microbiota, repairing the intestinal mechanical barrier, reducing LPS translocation, thereby inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory pathway, alleviating oxidative stress, and regulating SREBP-1/FASN and PPARα-mediated lipid metabolism.
5.Pharmacological mechanism of hawthorn fruit and its herb pairs for improving metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Wenjing WU ; Beilei CUI ; Junjiao XU ; Yijia SONG ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(9):2203-2208
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. As a classic food-medicine homologous Chinese herb, hawthorn fruit has the functions of promoting digestion to resolve food stagnation and activating blood circulation to resolve blood stasis. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that hawthorn fruit and its active components exert diverse pharmacological activities in regulating lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, inhibiting inflammatory response, delaying hepatic fibrosis, and protecting hepatocytes. These effects precisely match the “multiple-hit” pathological features of MAFLD, and thus hawthorn fruit shows significant advantages in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD. Drug pair combination is a key strategy in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. In clinical practice, hawthorn fruit is often combined with Salvia miltiorrhiza, Alisma orientalis, cassia seed, and Poria cocos, and such combination adheres to the principle of “mutual reinforcement and assistance” to enhance efficacy and expand their application in different syndromes of MAFLD. This article systematically reviews the core pharmacological mechanisms of hawthorn fruit in intervening against MAFLD and the research advances in its classic drug combinations, in order to provide a scientific reference for the in-depth development of hawthorn fruit and its combinations and the precise clinical intervention of MAFLD.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Jiaqin MOU ; Wenjing LI ; Yanzhu MA ; Yue ZHOU ; Wenfeng YAN ; Shijun YANG ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):241-251
By systematically combing ancient and modern literature, this paper examined Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen(ACS) used in the famous classical formulas from the aspects of name, origin, production area, harvesting and processing, clinical efficacy, so as to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing such medicinal materials. The results showed that the names of Tribuli Fructus in the past dynasties were mostly derived from its morphology, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Cijili and Dujili. The name of ACS in the past dynasties were mostly originated from its production areas, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Shayuan Jili and Tongjili. Because both of them had the name of Baijili, confusion began to appear in the Song dynasty. In ancient and modern times, the main origin of Tribuli Fructus were Tribulus terrestris, and ancient literature recorded the genuine producing areas of Tribuli Fructus was Dali in Shaanxi and Tianshui in Gansu, but today it is mainly cultivated in Anhui and Shandong. The fruit is the medicinal part, harvested in autumn throughout history. There is no description of the quality of Tribuli Fructus in ancient times, and the plump, firm texture, grayish-white color is the best in modern times. Traditional processing methods for Tribuli Fructus included stir-frying and wine processing, while modern commonly used is purified, fried and salt-processed. The ancient records of Tribuli Fructus were spicy, bitter, and warm in nature, with modern research adding that it is slightly toxic. The main effects of ancient and modern times include treating wind disorders, improving vision, promoting muscle growth, and treating vitiligo. The mainstream base of ACS used throughout history is Astragalus complanatus. Ancient texts indicated ACS primarily originated from Shaanxi province. Today, the finest varieties come from Tongguan and Dali in Shaanxi. The medicinal part is the seed, traditionally harvested in autumn. Modern harvesting occurs in late autumn or early winter, followed by sun-drying. Ancient texts valued seeds with a fragrant aroma as superior, while modern standards prioritize plump, uniform and free of impurities. Traditional processing methods for ACS included frying until blackened and wine-frying, while modern practice commonly employs purification methods. In terms of medicinal properties, the ancient and modern records are sweet and warm in nature. Due to originally classified under Tribuli Fructus, its effects were thus regarded as equivalent to those of Tribuli Fructus, serving as the medicine for treating wind disorders, additional functions included tonifying the kidneys and treating vitiligo. The present record of its efficacy is to tonify the kidney and promote Yang, solidify sperm and reduce urine, nourish the liver and brighten the eye, etc. Based on the textual research results, it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas of Tribuli Fructus medicinal materials, we should pay attention to the specific reference object of Baijili, T. terrestris and A. complanatus should be identified and selected, and the processing method should be in accordance with the requirements of the formulas.
8.Levels and clinical significance of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries
Xiaosong LI ; Wenjing XU ; Xiaojian CUI ; Songbo JIA
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(20):2497-2501,2506
Objective To investigate the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)and lipopolysaccha-ride signal receptor(CD14)in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries and their clini-cal significance.Methods A total of 468 preschool children(aged 3-6 years)who underwent oral examina-tions in the hospital from April 2022 to May 2024 were selected as the research objects and were divided into the observation group(with dental caries,n=107)and the healthy group(without dental caries,n=361)based on the presence or absence of dental caries.The observation group was further divided into three sub-groups according to the degree of caries activity test(CAT)score:low activity group(n=29),moderate activ-ity group(n=46),and high activity group(n=32).The children in the observation group were followed up for 6 months,and then divided into the occurrence group(n=36)and the non-occurrence group(n=71)based on whether chronic apical periodontitis occurred during the follow-up period.The levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid in the research objects were detected.The relationship between the levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries and CAT score was ex-plored by Pearson correlation analysis.The predictive value of HIF-1α and CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid for chronic apical periodontitis in preschool children with dental caries was explored by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid in the obser-vation group were higher than those in the healthy group(P<0.05).With the increase of CAT score,the lev-els of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid gradually increased(high activity group>moderate activi-ty group>low activity group),and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries were positively correlated with CAT score(r=0.526,0.634,P<0.001).The levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid in the occurrence group were significantly higher than those in the non-occurrence group(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of combined prediction of HIF-1α and CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid for chronic apical periodontitis in preschool children with dental caries was 0.902(95%CI:0.857-0.952),which was higher than 0.709(95%CI:0.664-0.759)and 0.825(95%CI:0.775-0.870)of individual prediction of HIF-1α and CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid.Conclusion HIF-1α and CD14 are highly expressed in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries,and their levels are related to the activity of dental caries and the occurrence of chronic apical periodontitis in preschool chil-dren with dental caries.The combined detection of the two can be used as effective indicators for predicting the occurrence of chronic apical periodontitis in preschool children with dental caries.
9.Study on the serum pharmacochemistry of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda Medicinal Liquor based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS
Tong QU ; Ning LI ; Hui REN ; Wenjing LU ; Xiaomin CUI ; Jing HU ; Zhiyong CHEN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(3):357-363
Objective:To analyze the blood-transition prototype components and metabolites of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda medicinal liquor.Methods:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatographyquadrupole/electrostatic field orbital trap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS) technique was used to compare the chromatogram differences of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda medicinal liquor extract, blank serum and drug-containing serum. According to the retention time, relative molecular weight and the ratio with primary and secondary ion fragments provided by MS, the prototype components and metabolites of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda medicinal liquor extract were analyzed in serum of rats after oral administration. The detection conditions were as follows: the mobile phase of methanol (A)-0.1% formic acid solution (B) for elution gradient (0-5 min, 5%A; 5-60 min, 5%-95%A; 60-65 min, 95%A), the flow rate of 0.3 ml/min, heated electrospray ionization, detection range of m/z 80-1 200, positive and negative ion scanning modes.Results:A total of 31 transitional components were detected in the serum, of which 9 were prototype components and 22 were metabolites. The 9 prototype components were identified as phenylacetaldehyde, baogongteng C/ erycibellin, p-coumaric acid, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, quinic acid, paeonol, 3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, salicylic acid, and isourecumenol. The 22 metabolites mainly consist of 11 organic acid components, 3 indole components, 2 organic phenolic components, 2 alkaloid components, 1 nucleoside component, 1 amino acid component, 1 lactone component, and 1 sulfonic component. The metabolic pathways were mainly glucuronidation, sulfation and others, which by phase Ⅱ metabolism.Conclusion:Organic phenols and organic acids are the main components that enter the body of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda Medicinal Liquor, while alkaloid compounds and organic acid components may be potential active ingredients for its pharmacological effects.
10.Exploration into the needs and social work intervention of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Yexiang MENG ; Yu CUI ; Wenjing WANG ; Juan YAN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(6):790-798
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive inherited myopathy caused by a pathogenic variant of the amyotrophic protein gene. Currently, DMD patients have needs for treatment, education, and social integration at different stages of the disease. Faced with the multiple needs of DMD patients, based on the professional value and ethics of social work, the integrative orientation of social work, and the multiple roles of social workers, social workers can build a comprehensive service system centred on DMD patients and provide multiple services. Specifically, social work intervention paths can enhance the health and well-being of DMD patients and improve their quality of life by providing various services such as in-hospital and out-of-hospital health management, psychological support, resource links, empowerment, construction of social support networks, science popularization, and policy advocacy.

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