1.Ameliorating Effect of Yifei Tongluo Prescription on Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats via Regulating NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway and Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition
Bowen ZHOU ; Zefeng LI ; Xian MA ; Xuannian LI ; Jingwen WANG ; Fei XU ; Huaman LIU ; Xinhua JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):150-159
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yifei Tongluo prescription on the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/Caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in rats with pulmonary fibrosis. MethodsTracheal instillation of bleomycin was conducted to establish a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis. Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a prednisone acetate group (1.17 mg·kg-1), and low- and high-dose Yifei Tongluo prescription groups (10.62 and 21.24 g·kg-1, respectively). Administration started on the 7th day after modeling, once a day for 28 consecutive days. The lung coefficient of each group was calculated. The pathological changes of lung tissues in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin in rat lung tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, E-cadherin (E-cad), and typeⅠ collagen (ColⅠ) in lung tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. The content of hydroxyproline (HYP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-18, and IL-1β in rat serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), IL-1β, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in rat lung tissues were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, and Caspase-1 in rat lung tissues were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a significantly increased lung coefficient (P<0.01) and significantly increased range of pulmonary interstitial inflammation and collagen deposition. In addition, the levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, E-cad, and ColⅠ in lung tissues were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of fibrosis- and inflammation-related factors HYP, TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-1β in serum were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). The levels of factors related to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in lung tissues, including NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and TGF-β1, were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yifei Tongluo prescription groups showed improved lung coefficients. Additionally, the extent of lung inflammation and collagen deposition was significantly reduced. The expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, E-cad, and ColⅠ in lung tissue was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of HYP, TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-1β in serum were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and TGF-β1 in lung tissue were also significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionYifei Tongluo prescription can regulate the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway, down-regulate release of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines, alleviate NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and EMT, and thereby improve pulmonary fibrosis in rats.
2.Exploring CRISPR/Cas9 Technology for The Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Shu-Xian WANG ; Fei-Fei GUO ; Guang-Qiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1000-1014
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR /Cas9) immune system is an adaptive immune system widely distributed in bacteria and archaea. It precisely defends against invasion by exogenous phages, viruses, and plasmids through sequence-specific endogenous immune response mechanisms. As the most prominent member of this family, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has evolved into the most widely applied, flexible, and efficient technical platform in the field of genome engineering due to its exceptional genome modification capabilities. Within the CRISPR/Cas9 system, the Cas9 protein, precisely guided by a single-stranded guide RNA (gRNA), can specifically recognize target DNA sequences and induce double-strand breaks. This activates the cell’s DNA repair mechanisms, enabling gene knockout, knock-in, or modification. Demonstrating significant advantages in specificity, flexibility, and operability, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has shown immense potential in the medical field, opening new avenues for modernizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. On one hand, this technology can be used to construct precise disease models and tailor personalized treatment plans. It enables in-depth elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action targets and signaling pathways of TCM formulas and active components, thereby unraveling the scientific secrets of their complex mechanisms of action. On the other hand, it demonstrates powerful tool value in improving TCM germplasm resources, identifying and screening superior varieties, evaluating the controllability of TCM quality, and producing innovative drugs, providing technical support for the standardization and precision of TCM. Simultaneously, the high-throughput omics data generated by CRISPR technology is driving artificial intelligence (AI) to construct virtual disease models and drug prediction systems. This empowers the intelligent screening of effective TCM components, the precise prediction of potential targets, and the exploration of “reducing toxicity while enhancing efficacy” through formula combinations. This synergistic innovation between CRISPR and AI aligns perfectly with precision medicine’s urgent demand for personalized, efficient drug development, injecting new momentum into the modernization and transformation of TCM. This paper first systematically reviews and explains the developmental trajectory, structural basis, and action mechanisms of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, tracing its scientific evolution from a bacterial immune system to a gene-editing tool. It then comprehensively outlines the current state of convergence between precision medicine concepts and modernization research in TCM, analyzing the synergistic points and potential spaces for their integration. Against the backdrop of rapid precision medicine advancement, this paper emphasizes how CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology empowers in-depth analysis of TCM mechanisms—including specific applications in disease model construction, therapeutic target validation, and multi-target network regulation studies. It further elaborates on its multidimensional practical contributions to modernizing TCM, spanning key domains such as germplasm resource innovation, bioactive compound biosynthesis, quality standardization control, and novel TCM drug development. Finally, this paper envisions the future landscape of deep integration between CRISPR technology and AI: from data-driven intelligent drug screening to high-throughput precision discovery of effective TCM components, and further to intelligent model construction based on “reducing toxicity while enhancing efficacy” mechanisms. The synergistic convergence of these multidimensional technologies will pioneer new scientific paradigms and translational pathways for TCM modernization, propelling TCM toward leapfrogging development in the era of precision medicine.
3.Comparative study on analgesic effect of bupivacaine liposome and ropivacaine on quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy
Huan-xi XU ; Xiong-xiong PAN ; Rong MA ; Xu XU ; Xian-rui LI ; Hao WU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(10):892-896
Objective To clarify the differences in the effects of bupivacaine liposome and ropivacaine on quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy.Methods A total of 70 patients who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy at Suqian First People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2023 to October 2024 were selected as the research subjects.The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group,with 35 cases in each group.Before general anesthesia,patients of the control group were given ropivacaine quadratus lumborum block,while patients of the observation group were given bupivacaine liposome quadratus lumborum block.The general conditions before and after operation,visual analogue scale(VAS)scores at different time points after operation,rescue analgesia,mini-mental state examination(MMSE)scores at different time points after operation,postoperative rehabilitation and analgesic adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the general conditions of patients in the two groups before and after the operation(P>0.05).At 24 hours,48 hours,and 72 hours after surgery,the abdominal resting VAS scores of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The time of the first self-controlled use of the intravenous analgesic pump after surgery in the observation group was significantly later than that in the control group(P<0.05).The number of analgesic pump compressions and the rate of oxycodone rescue analgesia in the observation group were significantly fewer/lower than those in the control group within 48 hours after surgery(P<0.05).At 24 hours,48 hours,and 72 hours after surgery,the MMSE scores of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The time for patients to get out of bed and move around after surgery and the recovery time of anal exhaust in the observation group were significantly earlier than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative analgesic adverse reactions between the two groups of patients(P>0.05).Conclusion Compared with the use of ropivacaine for quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy,bupivacaine liposome can provide a longer-lasting analgesic effect,reduce patients'dependence on intravenous analgesia,be conducive to protecting patients'cognitive function,accelerate the recovery of patients without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.
4.Study on the relationship between international collaboration papers and academic impact in the field global health:A case study of the Chinese Consortium of Universities for Global Health
Xian-xia YANG ; Xin-liang LIU ; Jia-xin HE ; Chen CHEN ; Man TAO ; Rong-xiao MA ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(2):76-83
Objective:To explore the relationship between international collaboration papers and academic impact in global health,using the member universities of the Chinese Consortium of Universities for Global Health(CCUGH)as a case study.Methods:The study focuses on journal articles in global health field published by 31 CCUGH member universities between 2014 and 2024.Descriptive statistical analysis of international and non-international collaboration publication volumes was conducted using Excel.Regression analysis and chi-square tests were performed using R to examine the relationship between international collaboration papers and academic impact,and the correlation between the breadth of collaboration and the academic impact of the papers.Results:From 2014 to 2023,the total number of publications,the number of non-international collaborationpublications,and the number of internationally collaborated publications all showed a consistent annual increase,with average annual growth rates of 56.7%,68.3%,and 41.4%,respectively.By the first half of 2024,the total number of publications had increased to 1.5 times that of the corresponding period in 2023.International collaboration positively influenced academic impact,with broader collaborative networks correlating with higher academic influence.Conclusion:The global health publication output of CCUGH member universities has steadily increased,but the volume of international collaboration papers and their proportion remain relatively low.Therefore,it is necessary for CCUGH member universities to strengthen international collaboration papers in global health.
5.The expression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their relationship with clinicopathological features
Yali ZHAO ; Sheng WU ; Wei PENG ; Wanxiang WANG ; Haoran ZHANG ; Zhenzhong FENG ; Li MA ; Xian WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(10):1301-1307,1313
Purpose To investigate the expression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)and analyze their associations with clinicopathological features.Methods Bioinformatics was used to assess the expression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 in pan-cancer and ESCC.Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate their expression and distribution in ESCC tissues,and correlations clinicopathological features were analyzed.Follow-up data were collected to construct Kaplan-Meier survival curves,and Cox regression analysis was proformed to determine their prognostic significance.Results Bioinformatics analysis showed that LAMB3 and ITGB4 were highly expressed in ES-CC tissues(P<0.001).Immunohistochemistry confirmed that both proteins were localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of tumor cells.High LAMB3 expression was significantly associated with poor differentiation(P<0.001),lymph node metastasis(P=0.015),and T staging(P<0.001).High ITGB4 expression was significantly correlated with poor differentiation(P=0.004)and advanced T staging(P=0.004).Cox regression analysis identified high ex-pression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 as independent prognostic factors for overall survival[HR=4.97(95%CI:2.73-9.02);HR=2.33(95%CI:1.36-3.99)].Conclusion LAMB3 and ITGB4 are highly expressed in ESCC.High LAMB3 expression is associated with tumor differentiation,lymph node metastasis,and T staging,while high ITGB4 expression is correlated with tumor differentiation and T staging.Patients with high expression of LAMB3 or ITGB4 have poorer overall survival,suggesting that these proteins may serve as prognostic biomarkers for unfavorable outcome in ESCC.
6.Clinical and genetic characteristics of 14 children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide deficiency
Rui-Xue MA ; Wen-Hai LUO ; Yi-Lin DAI ; Gui-Xian LI ; Fei WANG ; Ou JIANG ; Yin-Hong ZHANG ; Yun-Fen TIAN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1514-1519
Objective To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide(NTCP)deficiency.Methods Clinical data of children with NTCP deficiency diagnosed and treated at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from July 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 14 children were included(6 males,8 females),all with normal growth and development.Reasons for initial consultation included elevated serum bile acids in 7 cases,jaundice in 4 cases,cholestatic hepatitis in 1 case,and one case each of pneumonia and cow's milk protein allergy.At the first visit,all patients had elevated serum total bile acids beyond the normal range,with a mean of 152.5 μmol/L.Elevated alanine aminotransferase was observed in 1 case,elevated aspartate aminotransferase in 2 cases,and elevated total bilirubin in 10 cases.Genetic sequencing revealed that all children carried the homozygous SLC10A1 variant c.800C>T(p.Ser267Phe),classified as likely pathogenic.Conclusions NTCP deficiency often lacks obvious clinical symptoms and signs.Some children present with transient hyperbilirubinemia,cholestasis,or other liver function abnormalities.Persistent isolated elevation of serum bile acids warrants suspicion for this disease.Biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC10A1 constitute the basis for definitive diagnosis.There is no specific treatment for this disease,and management is mainly symptomatic.
7.Comparative study on analgesic effect of bupivacaine liposome and ropivacaine on quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy
Huan-xi XU ; Xiong-xiong PAN ; Rong MA ; Xu XU ; Xian-rui LI ; Hao WU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(10):892-896
Objective To clarify the differences in the effects of bupivacaine liposome and ropivacaine on quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy.Methods A total of 70 patients who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy at Suqian First People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2023 to October 2024 were selected as the research subjects.The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group,with 35 cases in each group.Before general anesthesia,patients of the control group were given ropivacaine quadratus lumborum block,while patients of the observation group were given bupivacaine liposome quadratus lumborum block.The general conditions before and after operation,visual analogue scale(VAS)scores at different time points after operation,rescue analgesia,mini-mental state examination(MMSE)scores at different time points after operation,postoperative rehabilitation and analgesic adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the general conditions of patients in the two groups before and after the operation(P>0.05).At 24 hours,48 hours,and 72 hours after surgery,the abdominal resting VAS scores of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The time of the first self-controlled use of the intravenous analgesic pump after surgery in the observation group was significantly later than that in the control group(P<0.05).The number of analgesic pump compressions and the rate of oxycodone rescue analgesia in the observation group were significantly fewer/lower than those in the control group within 48 hours after surgery(P<0.05).At 24 hours,48 hours,and 72 hours after surgery,the MMSE scores of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The time for patients to get out of bed and move around after surgery and the recovery time of anal exhaust in the observation group were significantly earlier than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative analgesic adverse reactions between the two groups of patients(P>0.05).Conclusion Compared with the use of ropivacaine for quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy,bupivacaine liposome can provide a longer-lasting analgesic effect,reduce patients'dependence on intravenous analgesia,be conducive to protecting patients'cognitive function,accelerate the recovery of patients without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.
8.Problems and suggestions for minor purchasing of medical equipment
Xian-ju YUAN ; Fei-ba CHANG ; Yong CHEN ; Cheng-qun MA ; Jia TAN ; Xi GUO ; Jin-chuan HAN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(8):91-95
The minor purchasing process and mode of some hospital were introduced,and the implementation of the hospital's minor purchasing projects in the past year was analyzed.The causes for high failure rate of purchasing were pointed out including long interval between project creation and procurement,unreasonable demand presentation,insufficient demand demonstration and lack of active participation of suppliers.Some suggestions were put forward such as timely adjustment of demands,strengthening of demand demonstration,improvement of supplier motivation and enhancement of procurement process management,which were of great significance for increasing the success rate of minor purchasing of the hospital.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(8):91-95]
9.Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for native aortic valve regurgitation:single-centre experience
Xiao-xue ZHANG ; Yi FENG ; Xian-tao MA ; Yu-jie YANG ; Akilu WAJEEHULLAHI ; Chen-xi YAN ; Zi-yue ZHANG ; Zi-jun CHEN ; Bo QIN ; Shi-liang LI ; Cai CHENG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(1):33-41
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI)for the treatment of primary aortic valve regurgitation(NAVR)and to compare the difference in the choice of prosthetic valve size and the difference in complications with aortic stenosis(AS).Methods According to the definition of Valve Academic Research Consortium(VARC-3),143 patients with NAVR/AS treated with TAVI and patients with NAVR treated with surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR)at Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology,China,from March 2019 to September 2024 were selected,and clinical data on baseline,perioperative,and primary endpoint events were were retrospectively collected and compared.Results Forty-three patients with NAVR were treated with TAVI,with a device success rate of 86.0%and a surgical success rate of 95.3%.Subgroup comparisons:(1)NAVR-TAVI group than NAVR-SAVR group:patients in the TAVI group had a significantly shorter operative time than those in the SAVR group(P<0.001);complete left bundle branch block was more likely to occur after TAVI(P=0.042),and complete right bundle branch block was more likely to occur after SAVR(P=0.044).SAVR postoperatively The incidence of congestive heart failure was higher(P=0.013),and the mortality rate was significantly higher in the SAVR group than in the TAVI group(P=0.019).(2)NAVR-TAVI group than AS-TAVI group:the differences in access selection,THV size[28(22,34)mm vs.24(22,32)mm,P=0.044]and proportion of THV overdiameter[14%(7%,20%)vs.7%(3%,11%),P<0.001]were statistically significant.patients in AS and NAVR groups had 1 case of permanent pacing after TAVI treatment.In the AS and NAVR groups,there was 1 case of permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI.2 patients in the AS group were converted to surgical treatment,and 6 patients died.Conclusions The use of"off-label"(transfemoral)and"on-label"(transapical)TAVI devices(both from domestic sources)is safer than SAVR for the treatment of NAVR,especially in elderly and high-risk patients.Compared with patients with AS treated with TAVI,larger diameter annulas are usually selected for NAVR,with higher rates of valve migration,but overall safety and efficacy are comparable to AS.
10.Clinical and genetic characteristics of 14 children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide deficiency
Rui-Xue MA ; Wen-Hai LUO ; Yi-Lin DAI ; Gui-Xian LI ; Fei WANG ; Ou JIANG ; Yin-Hong ZHANG ; Yun-Fen TIAN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1514-1519
Objective To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide(NTCP)deficiency.Methods Clinical data of children with NTCP deficiency diagnosed and treated at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from July 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 14 children were included(6 males,8 females),all with normal growth and development.Reasons for initial consultation included elevated serum bile acids in 7 cases,jaundice in 4 cases,cholestatic hepatitis in 1 case,and one case each of pneumonia and cow's milk protein allergy.At the first visit,all patients had elevated serum total bile acids beyond the normal range,with a mean of 152.5 μmol/L.Elevated alanine aminotransferase was observed in 1 case,elevated aspartate aminotransferase in 2 cases,and elevated total bilirubin in 10 cases.Genetic sequencing revealed that all children carried the homozygous SLC10A1 variant c.800C>T(p.Ser267Phe),classified as likely pathogenic.Conclusions NTCP deficiency often lacks obvious clinical symptoms and signs.Some children present with transient hyperbilirubinemia,cholestasis,or other liver function abnormalities.Persistent isolated elevation of serum bile acids warrants suspicion for this disease.Biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC10A1 constitute the basis for definitive diagnosis.There is no specific treatment for this disease,and management is mainly symptomatic.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail