1.Mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis based on macrophage polarization
Huaping ZHONG ; Qicheng ZHU ; Zhengwei ZOU ; Zhengyi HE ; Heping XIE ; Xu CHEN ; Zhisheng DUAN ; Tian XIAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):438-443
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis (AS)based on macrophage polarization. METHODS Using atorvastatin served as the positive control, the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction was prepared to treat RAW264.7 macrophages. Macrophage viability, apoptosis rate, and the fluorescence intensities of CD86 and CD206 were measured, along with the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Apolipoprotei n E-deficient (ApoE -/- ) mice (AS model mice) fed with a high-fat diet were randomly assigned to model group, atorvastatin group (2.6 mg/kg), and low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction (90, 180, 360 mg/kg), respectively. C57BL/6J mice fed with a standard diet served as the normal control group, with 10 mice per group. The treatment group mice were administered the corresponding drugs intragastrically, once daily, for 8 consecutive weeks. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in all groups. Lipid deposition in the aorta (assessed by the percentage of plaque in the entire aorta and aortic root) and morphological changes in the aortic root were observed. Expression levels of CD86 and CD206 in aortic tissue, as well as the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1 (Arg-1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) in aortic tissues were all detected. RESULTS Cell experiment results showed that, at concentrations of 5-100 μg/mL, the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction significantly increased RAW264.7 cell viability ( P <0.05). The drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL, along with atorvastatin, significantly reduced apoptosis rates, CD86 fluorescence intensity, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in RAW264.7 cells, while markedly enhancing CD206 fluorescence intensity ( P <0.05). Animal experiment results showed that, compared with the model group, all dosage groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction and the atorvastatin group showed significantly reduced/down-regulated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum, along with decreased aortic total and root plaque percentages, CD86 expression, and iNOS protein expression. CD206 expression and Arg-1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PPAR-γ protein expression were significantly up-regulated ( P <0.05). Pathological morphology of the aorta showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS The formula of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction exerts its anti-AS effects by regulating macrophage polarization, increasing the proportion of M2 macrophages, thereby effectively inhibiting AS plaque formation and reducing inflammatory responses.
2.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
3.High-throughput Meets Visualization: a Microscopy-based CRISPR Screening Platform in Ciliary Biology
Ran HE ; Xiao-Han XU ; Jian-Chao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2513-2518
While pooled CRISPR screens have revolutionized functional genomics by enabling genome-scale interrogation, they have long faced a fundamental compatibility challenge with high-resolution microscopy-based phenotypes. The core issue lies in the technical disconnect between pooled screening formats, where cells are typically analyzed in bulk populations, and microscopy approaches that require spatial resolution and single-cell visualization. This limitation has created a significant blind spot in functional genomics, preventing researchers from systematically linking genetic perturbations to detailed subcellular architectural changes. To bridge this critical technological gap, a recent landmark study published in Developmental Cell has unveiled an integrated microscopy-based CRISPR screening platform that represents a paradigm shift in the field. The most innovative breakthrough of the platform involves extending photoactivation-based labeling techniques to fixed, immunostained cells, thereby overcoming a key limitation of prior approaches that were restricted exclusively to live-cell reporter systems. This methodological advancement allows researchers to capture transient cellular states and preserve delicate subcellular structures that would otherwise be lost in live-cell imaging scenarios. By seamlessly integrating this enhanced labeling approach with sophisticated automated imaging workflows and high-content analysis pipelines, the system enables unprecedented high-throughput, organelle-level phenotypic profiling at true single-cell resolution. The platform’s capabilities were demonstrated through its application to a comprehensive genome-wide screen for regulators of cilium assembly, a complex cellular process involving intricate cytoskeletal dynamics and membrane remodeling events. The screening results validated the platform’s robustness by successfully recapitulating known ciliary machinery components while simultaneously uncovering novel regulatory factors. Most notably, the study identified SMIM27/TZMP1, a conserved transition zone microprotein, as a previously unrecognized regulator of ciliary function. This discovery provides crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms governing ciliary transition zone barrier formation and selectivity. This accessible and versatile framework effectively overcomes longstanding bottlenecks in microscopy-based screening technologies, offering a generalizable strategy for dissecting organelle biology and cellular architecture at scale. The platform’s ability to combine genome-wide screening power with detailed morphological analysis opens new avenues for investigating cellular responses to genetic perturbations across diverse biological contexts.
4.Integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) based effectiveness evaluation of a multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine formula: Taking Xiaoyao San as an example
Caiping HE ; Ye LUO ; Zhiqi LI ; Haocheng YANG ; Lu LIU ; Yingjie XU ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Siqi HUANG ; Jincai WEN ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Zhaofang BAI ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiaohe XIAO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):96-103
The study focuses on the concept of multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas and aims to evaluate the efficacy of the classical formula Xiaoyao San (逍遥散). Study employs the integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) method to organize, integrate, and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in treating different diseases with the same therapy, and to investigate the feasibility of using Eff-iEC to evaluate the multifunctionality of TCM formulas. The evaluation covered Xiaoyao San's therapeutic effects on depression, premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Concurrently, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for evaluation, and authoritative medical documents were incorporated to corroborate the recognition of Xiaoyao San within the medical community. Depression and menopausal syndrome received higher ratings than other conditions in the Eff-iEC, GRADE, and Medical Community Recognition assessments. The Eff-iEC evidence grade for Xiaoyao San was rated as "High" or above for chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome received a "Moderate +" rating. The GRADE evidence level was "Low-〇〇⨁⨁" for depression, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic hepatitis; "Moderate-〇⨁⨁⨁" for dyspepsia and menopausal syndrome; and "Very Low-〇〇〇⨁" for irritable bowel syndrome. Depression and menopausal syndrome had the highest inclusion frequency, appearing in all 4 categories. Premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, and dyspepsia are not recommended in Western medical guidelines, but they are included in TCM guidelines, the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List, and the China National Essential Drug List. Irritable bowel syndrome appears only in the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List and China National Essential Drug List. The evaluation results obtained using the Eff-iEC method align with Medical Community Recognition, providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of Xiaoyao San's efficacy. The findings suggest that Xiaoyao San has strong evidence for treating depression and menopausal syndrome. However, further experimental and clinical trials are needed to assess its efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. These results support the clinical efficacy and rational use of Xiaoyao San, expand the application scope of the Eff-iEC method, and offer valuable insights and methodological references for the comparative evaluation of multifunctional TCM formulas.
5.Discussion on Pathogenesis and Treatment of Esophageal Precancerous Lesions from the Perspective of "Turbidity Damaging the Clear and Harmonious"
Cong HE ; Tingting XU ; Yi WANG ; Jing KONG ; Xiao WANG ; Xiaosu WANG ; Shumiao FAN ; Shengliang ZHU ; Bingduo ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1397-1402
It is considered that "turbid pathogen damaging the clear, and the loss of clarity and harmony regulation" is the core pathogenesis of esophageal precancerous lesions, with turbid pathogen persisting throughout the disease course. Turbid pathogen encompasses qi turbidity, phlegm turbidity, stasis turbidity, and toxin turbidity, closely related to dietary indiscretion, emotional disharmony, spleen-stomach deficiency, and kidney deficiency failing to consolidate. Turbid pathogen undergoes a dynamic evolution process of qi constraint generating turbid→ phlegm-stasis transforming into toxin→turbidity toxin harming the healthy qi, corresponding to the pathological alterations of hypoxia, inflammation and immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. The overall therapeutic principle is to remove turbidity and restore clarity. In the early stage, targeting the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, the suggested treatment method is opening constraint and dispersing the block, regulating qi and remove turbidity, with emphasis on soothing liver and regulating stomach, raising the clear and directing the turbid downward. In the middle stage, targeting inflammatory microenvironment, the treatment aims to clear toxin and dissipate nodules, resolve stasis and eliminate turbid, emphasizing phlegm-stasis elimination, turbid-toxin resolution, and concurrent stomach qi protection. In the late stage, corresponding to immunosuppressive microenvironment, the method of boosting qi, nourishing yin, reinforcing healthy qi, and eliminating turbidity can be used, with focus on spleen-stomach tonification, kidney essence replenishment, and healthy qi reinforcement to expel pathogenic factors.
6.Digital template-assisted design of fibular composite tissue flap for reconstruction of segmental mandibular and soft tissue defect: a report of 30 cases
Jinyi HUANG ; Xiaoqing HE ; Chenliang XIAO ; Xi YANG ; Xuda ZHAO ; Chao DING ; Lu XU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(5):539-546
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of digitally assisted design of surgical template for fibular composite tissue flap in reconstruction of segmental mandibular defect with soft tissue defect.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients who were treated at the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 920th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA from July 2020 to May 2024 for segmental mandibular defects combined with soft tissue defect. The cohort comprised 19 males and 11 females and aged 11-71 years (44.33 years±15.31 years). Pathological diagnoses of the patients were ameloblastoma (14 cases), squamous cell carcinoma (9 cases), osteomyelitis (4 cases), and odontogenic keratocyst (3 cases). Primary reconstructive surgery were performed on 21 patients after surgical resection of lesions, and 9 patients received secondary reconstructive surgery. The length of mandibular defect ranged from 75.83 mm to 111.45 mm (87.31 mm±12.00 mm), and soft tissue defects were measured at 5.0 cm×1.8 cm to 8.6 cm×2.1 cm (mean area 13.63 cm 2±2.42 cm 2). Preoperative CTA was performed to locate the perforator of peroneal artery and for design of digital surgical template. Intraoperatively, a modified fibula composite tissue flap harvesting technique was employed and that involved in: CTA-guided perforator planning, fibula osteotomy, anterior intermuscular septum exposure for identifying the peroneal artery, and a digital template-assisted fibula crafting for reconstruction of mandibule and soft tissue defect. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months, followed by quarterly reviews at outpatient clinic or via telephone interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software with descriptive statistical methods. Results:After surgery, all the fibula composite tissue flaps were viable and the incision wound healed well. Two patients had partial necroses at distal edge of the flaps, and they were healed after treatment. One patient had donor site infection and healed after anti-infective treatment. One month after the surgery, patients were assessed according to the recovery of face, mouth opening and occlusion, of which 25 patients (83.3%) were rated of Grade I, 4 (13.3%) of Grade Ⅱ, and 1 (3.4%) of Grade Ⅳ, with an excellent and good rates of 96.6%. The average distance of condylar movement on the affected side was 1.28 mm±0.35 mm. Postoperative follow-up lasted for 10 to 22 months, with 19.17 months±2.14 months in average. Assessment at the final follow-up was found that a total of 26 patients (86.8%) were of Grade I, 3 (10.0%) of Grade Ⅱ, and 1 (3.3%) of Grade Ⅳ and all the transferred fibula showed good alignment with the mandible over the postoperative follow-up period.Conclusion:Digital template-assisted design of fibular composite tissue flap enables a precise vascular protection, individualised osteotomy and functional restoration in reconstruction of segmental mandibular defect with soft tissue defect. It demonstrates a high clinical feasibility.
7.Isorhamnetin Alleviates Inflammation-Induced Crosstalk between Kynurenine Pathway and Gut Microbiota in Depressed Mice
Mengjie XU ; Wei HE ; Ke YAN ; Xinru GAO ; Jun LI ; Dongyue XU ; Jiao XIAO ; Tingxu YAN
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):297-310
Depression is a widespread psychiatric disorder with complex pathogenesis and unsatisfactory therapeutic effects. As a native flavonoid, Isorhamnetin (ISO) has been deemed to exert neuroprotective effects by antioxidation and regulation of immunity. However, no reports of anti-depressed effect of ISO have yet been found. The present study was conducted to clarify the mechanism basis of anti-depressed effect of ISO utilizing behavioral, biochemical, molecular approaches in vitro and in vivo and bio-informatics analysis. The effects of ISO on depressed mice was investigated through the SPT and FST, and the lesions were examined by H&E staining. Besides, the inflammatory factor and indicator in kynurenine pathway were assessed through detection kits, and the microbiota were checked by 16sRNA. Molecular docking study was performed to investigate the target of ISO. Additionally, Western blot was used to test the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The results indicated that ISO could enhance the sugar water preference of mice in SPT and reduce immobility time in FST. Further more, ISO suppressed peripheral and central inflammation, regulated the changes in kynurenine pathway and gut microbiota, inhibited activation of PI3K/AKT pathway, and presented good binding patterns with target proteins on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ISO alleviated depression-like behaviour by normalizing inflammation-induced dysregulation of the crosstalk between KP and gut microbiota disorder through regulated PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway.
8.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
9.Impact of Multi-Component Fatty Acid Calibration Methods on Quantification of Infant Formula
Xiao-Ting CHEN ; Meng-Qian XU ; Qing-He ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1505-1515,中插4-中插5
Infant formula milk powder(infant formula)contains a variety of fatty acids that require hydrolysis and derivation,and the calibration methods are complex and variable,affecting the accuracy of quantification.Using the gas chromatography with flame ionization detector(GC-FID)under internal standard and external standard calibration methods,the effects of using fatty acid methyl esters(FAMEs)and triacylglycerol(TAGs)as calibration solutions on determination of 19 kinds of fatty acids content in infant formula were compared in this work.Additionally,the differences in determination between the acetyl chloride methanol method and the hydrolysis extraction method using FAMEs as the calibration solution under internal standard method were also compared.The quantitative results of TAGs external standard quantitative method were significantly higher than those of FAMEs external standard quantitative method and FAMEs calibrator derived by methylation,and the deviation of quantitative results were 7%-20%and 2%-10%,respectively.The quantitative results of FAMEs calibrator added FAME internal standard were significantly higher than those of FAMEs calibrator added FAME internal standard derived from TAG methylation and FAMEs calibrator added TAG internal standard with methyl esterification,and the deviation of quantitative results were about 15%and 2%-5%,respectively.The results indicated that both the two methods of internal standard calibration using FAMEs as the calibration solution and external standard calibration using TAGs as the calibration solution could effectively eliminate the bias in the determination,with simple operation and accurate comparation of the results.However,the results were significantly lower under the external standard calibration using FAMEs as calibration solution.
10.Synthesis and Application of Benzimidazole-Carbazole-based Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Phosgene
Guang-Mei XU ; Ze-Yu SONG ; Qin-Qin TIAN ; Xiao-Hong ZHU ; Jin-Chao SHEN ; Wei HE
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1705-1713,中插37-中插41
Phosgene is a highly reactive chemical substance and a prevalent chemical warfare agent,and it is vitally important for rapid and accurate detection of phosgene to counteract terrorist threats and industrial accidents.In this work,a phosgene probe,designated as SX-Pho,which incorporated benzimidazole and hydroxyl groups as recognition motifs,was prepared through Suzuki coupling and Debus-Radziszewski methodologies to incorporate an electron-donating carbazole moiety.This probe exhibited a large Stokes shift(Approximately 130 nm).Upon exposure to triphosgene/triethylamine conditions(in situ phosgene generation),the fluorescence emission of probe at 470 nm underwent significant quenching,with a 20-fold reduction in intensity,while the fluorescence lifetime decreased from 3.30 ns to 3.06 ns.Concentration titration experiments demonstrated that SX-Pho achieved a lower detection limit of 57.8 nmol/L with high specificity and interference resistance.Preton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H NMR),high-resolution mass spectrometry,and density functional theory(DFT)calculations confirmed the cyclization reaction between hydroxyl groups,imines,and phosgene.The extent of overlap between the highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO)and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)was notably decreased,leading to the suppression of radiative transitions.The energy gap underwent a reduction of 0.43 eV,while the non-radiative transition was augmented,resulting in fluorescence quenching and achieving rapid detection of phosgene.Based on this,probe-loaded test strips were prepared.The color change under 365 nm illumination allowed visual discrimination of phosgene at concentrations below 20 μL/L.Furthermore,using a smartphone's built-in RGB application to measure the intensity of the blue(B)channel after the test strips were exposed to phosgene enabled both qualitative and quantitative detection.The detection range was 1.82-50 μL/L,with a limit of detection(LOD)of 1.814 μL/L.

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