1.Treatment of Adolescent Bipolar Disorder Based on the Opening-Closing-Pivot Theory
Xiang LI ; Xue BAI ; Ruijing ZHANG ; Yanli MENG ; Xia CUI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1556-1559
Based on the opening-closing-pivot theory, this paper proposes that adolescent bipolar disorder is closely associated with taiyin (太阴), shaoyang (少阳), and jueyin (厥阴) channels. The principal pathogenesis involves dysfunction of the opening function of taiyin, impaired pivot function of shaoyang, and failure of the closing function of jueyin. Accordingly, the therapeutic principles include regulating taiyin to restore the ascending and descending movement of qi, harmonizing shaoyang to facilitate the pivot mechanism, and balancing yin and yang to reinforce the closing and storing function of jueyin. In clinical practice, Yihuang Powder (益黄散) and Tongxie Important Formula (痛泻要方) are commonly prescribed to regulate the qi movement of taiyin and restore its ascending and transporting functions, while Xiaochaihu Decoction (小柴胡汤) and Sini Powder (四逆散) are used to regulate the shaoyang pivot, and Wumei Pill (乌梅丸), Danggui Sini Decoction (当归四逆汤), and Huanglian Ejiao Decoction (黄连阿胶汤) combined with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (芍药甘草汤) are employed to harmonize the jueyin closing mechanism. In addition, traditional daoyin (导引) exercise yi jin jing (易筋经) is incorporated to simultaneously regulate the body and mind by guiding internal regulation through external movement, thereby calming the body and tranquilizing the mind.
2.Treatment of Adolescent Bipolar Disorder Based on the Opening-Closing-Pivot Theory
Xiang LI ; Xue BAI ; Ruijing ZHANG ; Yanli MENG ; Xia CUI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1556-1559
Based on the opening-closing-pivot theory, this paper proposes that adolescent bipolar disorder is closely associated with taiyin (太阴), shaoyang (少阳), and jueyin (厥阴) channels. The principal pathogenesis involves dysfunction of the opening function of taiyin, impaired pivot function of shaoyang, and failure of the closing function of jueyin. Accordingly, the therapeutic principles include regulating taiyin to restore the ascending and descending movement of qi, harmonizing shaoyang to facilitate the pivot mechanism, and balancing yin and yang to reinforce the closing and storing function of jueyin. In clinical practice, Yihuang Powder (益黄散) and Tongxie Important Formula (痛泻要方) are commonly prescribed to regulate the qi movement of taiyin and restore its ascending and transporting functions, while Xiaochaihu Decoction (小柴胡汤) and Sini Powder (四逆散) are used to regulate the shaoyang pivot, and Wumei Pill (乌梅丸), Danggui Sini Decoction (当归四逆汤), and Huanglian Ejiao Decoction (黄连阿胶汤) combined with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (芍药甘草汤) are employed to harmonize the jueyin closing mechanism. In addition, traditional daoyin (导引) exercise yi jin jing (易筋经) is incorporated to simultaneously regulate the body and mind by guiding internal regulation through external movement, thereby calming the body and tranquilizing the mind.
3.Preparation and performance evaluation of dissolving microneedles with a single matrix of Pterocarya hupehensis total flavonoids
Xingxing GAO ; Dan CHEN ; Yan XIA ; Lin DING ; Xingyue CHEN ; Yang XIANG ; Lunzhi LIU ; Lin YUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2097-2104
OBJECTIVE To screen a single matrix, prepare dissolving microneedles of Pterocarya hupehensis total flavonoids(PHTF-MN), and characterize it while evaluating its analgesic effects.METHODS Using microneedle morphology and puncture rate as evaluation indicators, the matrix was screened from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30), PVP K90, and sodium hyaluronate with relative molecular weights of 15 000 and 60 000 (HA 1.5w and HA 6w ). PHTF-MN was prepared by the layer-by-layer casting method with the selected matrix, and the appearance and morphology, total flavonoid content, mechanical properties, puncture performance, dissolution properties, and drug release behavior of the obtained PHTF-MN were characterized. Using male BALB/c mice as test subjects and aspirin (ASA) as a positive control, the analgesic effects of the microneedles were evaluated using a formalin-induced pain model.RESULTS Blank microneedles prepared with 30% HA 1.5w exhibited optimal surface flatness and the membrane puncture rate (through 4 layers of parafilm membrane) reaching 78%. The PHTF-MNs (with PHTF contents of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/g in the matrix) exhibited uniform arrays and intact tips, with RSDs for total flavonoid contents all below 7% ( n =8). The single-needle puncture forces were 1.46 and 1.07 N (with PHTF contents of 30 and 50 mg/g in the matrix, respectively). The skin penetration rate approached 100%, with visible puncture marks in the stratum corneum and drug residue (with a PHTF content of 50 mg/g in the matrix). After 30 min of fixation, the needles had almost completely dissolved, and the skin retention rates all exceeded 90% (with PHTF contents of 10, 30, and 50 mg/g in the matrix, respectively). The cumulative release within 8 h was (134.64±2.03) μg/cm 2 , and the fit to the first-order kinetic equation ( R 2 =0.950 1) was highest (with a PHTF content of 50 mg/g in the matrix). Low- and high-dose PHTF-MN (containing 85.26 and 145.03 μg of total flavonoids per patch, respectively; 1 patch/day) significantly shortened the cumulative time of phase Ⅱ pain response in mice ( P <0.05), with pain inhibition rates (43.67% and 59.78%) comparable to those of ASA (53.70%).CONCLUSIONS PHTF-MN using HA 1.5w as a single matrix was successfully prepared. This formulation features a simplified preparation process, uniform drug loading, favorable mechanical properties, resistance to fracture, and rapid dissolution. Its drug release behavior conforms to a first-order kinetic model, and its analgesic effect is comparable to that of ASA.
4.Exploration on Mechanism of Topical Treatment of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Mice with Portulacae Herba Based on Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxue WANG ; Guanwei FAN ; Xiang PU ; Zhongzhao ZHANG ; Xia CHEN ; Ying TANG ; Nana WU ; Jiangli LUO ; Xiangyan KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):115-123
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of topical treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice with Portulacae Herba based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 70 6-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) female Kunming mice were adaptively fed for 1 week and randomly divided into blank group, model group, compound dexamethasone acetate cream group (2.075×10-2 g·g-1), blank matrix cream group, low-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.1 g·g-1), high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.2 g·g-1), and Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group (0.2 g·g-1 + 30 mg·kg-1 ML385), with 10 mice in each group. One day before the experiment, the mice were shaved on the neck and back. Except for the blank group, the mice in the other groups were treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to establish an ACD model. After respective administration, the skin lesion of the mice was scored, and the histopathological changes of the skin were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum of mice. The expression of Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in mouse skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the mice in the model group had an increased skin lesion score (P<0.01), severe pathological damage to skin tissue, increased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and decreased content of SOD (P<0.01). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α (IκBα) in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the blank matrix cream group, the mice treated with Portulacae Herba had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), reduced pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα in skin tissue were down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group, the high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in the serum of mice (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα and the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionPortulacae Herba can improve DNCB-induced ACD skin damage in mice by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway.
5.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
6.Mechanisms by which microgravity causes osteoporosis
Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Shenghong WANG ; Changshun CHEN ; Cong TIAN ; Zhenxing YAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2132-2140
BACKGROUND:The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation in microgravity environments leads to significant bone loss in astronauts.Current research indicates that bone loss under microgravity conditions is the result of the combined effects of various cells,tissues,and systems. OBJECTIVE:To review different biological effects of microgravity on various cells,tissues,or systems,and summarize the mechanisms by which microgravity leads to the development of osteoporosis. METHODS:Databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Database were searched for relevant literature from 2000 to 2023.The inclusion criteria were all articles related to tissue engineering studies and basic research on osteoporosis caused by microgravity.Ultimately,85 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In microgravity environment,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells tend to differentiate more into adipocytes rather than osteoblasts,and hematopoietic stem cells in this environment are more inclined to differentiate into osteoclasts,reducing differentiation into the erythroid lineage.At the same time,microgravity inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts,promotes apoptosis of osteoblasts,alters cell morphology,and reduces the mineralization capacity of osteoblasts.Microgravity significantly increases the number and activity of osteoclasts.Microgravity also hinders the differentiation of osteoblasts into osteocytes and promotes the apoptosis of osteocytes.(2)In a microgravity environment,the body experiences changes such as skeletal muscle atrophy,microvascular remodeling,bone microcirculation disorders,and endocrine disruption.These changes lead to mechanical unloading in the bone microenvironment,insufficient blood perfusion,and calcium cycle disorders,which significantly impact the development of osteoporosis.(3)At present,the mechanism by which microgravity causes osteoporosis is relatively complex.A deeper study of these physiological mechanisms is crucial to ensuring the health of astronauts during long-term space missions,and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
7.Resveratrol activates extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5 signaling protein to promote proliferation of mouse MC3T3-E1 cells
Yongkang NIU ; Zhiwei FENG ; Yaobin WANG ; Zhongcheng LIU ; Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Zhi YI ; Hongwei ZHAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):908-916
BACKGROUND:The extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5(ERK5)signaling protein is essential for the survival of organisms,and resveratrol can promote osteoblast proliferation through various pathways.However,whether resveratrol can regulate osteoblast function through the ERK5 signaling protein needs further verification. OBJECTIVE:To explore the regulatory effect of ERK5 on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and related secreted proteins,and to further verify whether resveratrol can complete the above process by activating ERK5. METHODS:Mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were treated with complete culture medium,XMD8-92(an ERK5 inhibitor),epidermal growth factor(an ERK5 activator),resveratrol alone,XMD8-92+EGF,and resveratrol+XMD8-92,respectively.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of ERK5 and p-ERK5 proteins,proliferation-related proteins Cyclin D1,CDK4 and PCNA,and osteoblast-secreted proteins osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in MC3T3-E1 cells of each group.The fluorescence intensity of ERK5,osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in each group was detected by cell immunofluorescence staining,and cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining,respectively.The appropriate concentration and time of resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells were determined by cell morphology observation and cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The activation of ERK5 signaling protein could effectively promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells,up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio.The appropriate concentration and time for resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells was 5 μmol/L and 24 hours,respectively.Resveratrol could activate ERK5 signaling protein,thereby promoting osteoblast proliferation and up-regulating the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio.All these results indicate that resveratrol can promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio by activating the ERK5 signaling protein.
8.The Role of AMPK in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Related Intervention Strategies
Fang-Lian LIAO ; Xiao-Feng CHEN ; Han-Yi XIANG ; Zhi XIA ; Hua-Yu SHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2550-2567
Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a distinct form of cardiomyopathy that can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and sudden death. It has become a major cause of mortality in diabetic patients. The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is complex, involving increased oxidative stress, activation of inflammatory responses, disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism, accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), abnormal autophagy and apoptosis, insulin resistance, and impaired intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a crucial protective role by lowering blood glucose levels, promoting lipolysis, inhibiting lipid synthesis, and exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-ferroptotic effects. It also enhances autophagy, thereby alleviating myocardial injury under hyperglycemic conditions. Consequently, AMPK is considered a key protective factor in diabetic cardiomyopathy. As part of diabetes prevention and treatment strategies, both pharmacological and exercise interventions have been shown to mitigate diabetic cardiomyopathy by modulating the AMPK signaling pathway. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms, optimal intervention strategies, and clinical translation require further investigation. This review summarizes the role of AMPK in the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy through drug and/or exercise interventions, aiming to provide a reference for the development and application of AMPK-targeted therapies. First, several classical AMPK activators (e.g., AICAR, A-769662, O-304, and metformin) have been shown to enhance autophagy and glucose uptake while inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream target, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and/or by upregulating the gene expression of glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4. Second, many antidiabetic agents (e.g., teneligliptin, liraglutide, exenatide, semaglutide, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin) can promote autophagy, reverse excessive apoptosis and autophagy, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation by enhancing AMPK phosphorylation and its downstream targets, such as mTOR, or by increasing the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor‑α (PPAR‑α). Third, certain anti-anginal (e.g., trimetazidine, nicorandil), anti-asthmatic (e.g., farrerol), antibacterial (e.g., sodium houttuyfonate), and antibiotic (e.g., minocycline) agents have been shown to promote autophagy/mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibit oxidative stress and lipid accumulation via AMPK phosphorylation and its downstream targets such as protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and/or PPAR‑α. Fourth, natural compounds (e.g., dihydromyricetin, quercetin, resveratrol, berberine, platycodin D, asiaticoside, cinnamaldehyde, and icariin) can upregulate AMPK phosphorylation and downstream targets such as AKT, mTOR, and/or the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thereby exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, antioxidant, and pro-autophagic effects. Fifth, moderate exercise (e.g., continuous or intermittent aerobic exercise, aerobic combined with resistance training, or high-intensity interval training) can activate AMPK and its downstream targets (e.g., acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), GLUT4, PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), PPAR-α, and forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3)) to promote fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake, and to inhibit oxidative stress and excessive mitochondrial fission. Finally, the combination of liraglutide and aerobic interval training has been shown to activate the AMPK/FOXO1 pathway, thereby reducing excessive myocardial fatty acid uptake and oxidation. This combination therapy offers superior improvement in cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, and fibrosis in diabetic conditions compared to liraglutide or exercise alone.
9.Concordance and pathogenicity of copy number variants detected by non-invasive prenatal screening in 38,611 pregnant women without fetal structural abnormalities.
Yunyun LIU ; Jing WANG ; Ling WANG ; Lin CHEN ; Dan XIE ; Li WANG ; Sha LIU ; Jianlong LIU ; Ting BAI ; Xiaosha JING ; Cechuan DENG ; Tianyu XIA ; Jing CHENG ; Lingling XING ; Xiang WEI ; Yuan LUO ; Quanfang ZHOU ; Ling LIU ; Qian ZHU ; Hongqian LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):499-501
10.Cardiomyocyte pyroptosis inhibited by dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells via the miR-19a-3p/IRF-8/MAPK pathway in ischemia-reperfusion.
Yi LI ; Xiang WANG ; Sixian WENG ; Chenxi XIA ; Xuyang MENG ; Chenguang YANG ; Ying GUO ; Zuowei PEI ; Haiyang GAO ; Fang WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(18):2336-2346
BACKGROUND:
The protective effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury has been widely reported. Dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSCs) have therapeutic effects on various diseases, including diabetes and cirrhosis. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of DP-MSCs on I/R injury and elucidate the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Myocardial I/R injury model mice were treated with DP-MSCs or a miR-19a-3p mimic. The infarct volume, fibrotic area, pyroptosis, inflammation level, and cardiac function were measured. Cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation were transfected with the miR-19a-3p mimic, miR-19a-3p inhibitor, or negative control. Pyroptosis and protein expression in the interferon regulatory factor 8/mitogen-activated protein kinase (IRF-8/MAPK) pathway were measured.
RESULTS:
DP-MSCs protected cardiac function in cardiac I/R-injured mice and inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. The upregulation of miR-19a-3p protected cardiac function, inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, and inhibited IRF-8/MAPK signaling in cardiac I/R-injured mice. DP-MSCs inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and the IRF-8/MAPK signaling by upregulating the miR-19a-3p levels in cardiomyocytes injured by I/R.
CONCLUSION
DP-MSCs protected cardiac function by inhibiting cardiomyocyte pyroptosis through miR-19a-3p under I/R conditions.
Animals
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Pyroptosis/genetics*
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism*
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Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology*
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Mice
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Male
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Dental Pulp/cytology*
;
Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/therapy*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/physiology*

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