1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
4.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
5.Discussion on Scientific Connotation of Vital Qi Strengthening for Detoxification Therapy in Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia Based on Theory of "Vital Qi Deficiency and Toxic Stasis"
Hanxiao WANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Haotian XU ; Xin PENG ; Ziming DANG ; Kun YANG ; Qianqian WANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):226-234
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) refers to an infectious inflammation of the lung parenchyma (including the alveolar wall,that is,the broad pulmonary interstitium) acquired outside the hospital. Its common pathogens include streptococcus pneumoniae,respiratory viruses, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and so on. The related factors for the occurrence and development of CAP include patient characteristics (immune function,mucus production and clearance function,coagulation function,physical condition, and comorbidity) and pathogen characteristics (susceptibility,virulence,and antibiotic resistance). The pathogenesis of CAP lies in immune deficiency,pathogen invasion,inflammatory response disorder,mucus production and clearance disorder, coagulation disorder, and so on. The pathogenesis of CAP in traditional Chinese medicine can be described as "vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis". Vital Qi deficiency (lack of immunity) is the potential pathogenesis of the disease and easy to be invaded by external pathogens (respiratory pathogens). Toxic stasis (inflammatory disorder,mucus production and clearance disorder,and coagulation dysfunction) is the key pathogenic factor. Vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis are intermingled in a state of deficiency and excess,which suggests that the treatment of CAP lies in strengthening vital Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. This involves strengthening vital Qi in the whole process to consolidate body resistance and nourish promordial Qi. It also involves clearing heat,eliminating phlegm,removing dampness,and dispelling stasis to dispel pathogenic toxins based on the syndrome differentiation. Its action mechanism is to regulate immune and inflammatory responses,resist pathogens,and improve mucus production and clearance, as well as coagulation disorders. Starting from the key pathogenesis of CAP,"vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis", this paper discussed the pathogenesis of CAP and summarized the action mechanism of vital Qi strengthening for detoxification in its treatment. It is intended to complement the theoretical system by identifying "vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis" as the key pathogenesis underlying CAP and the scientific connotation of treating CAP with vital Qi strengthening for detoxification,thereby providing insights for its clinical application.
6.Mechanism of mesenchymal stromal cells reversing fibrosis of the uterine endometrium after injury
Shiqi LI ; Yue DANG ; Qingqing ZHOU ; Xin SHANG ; Jiali LIU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):360-368
To investigate the effect of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on the fibrosis progression and endometrial regeneration in mouse models of endometrial injury, a mouse endometrial injury model was established by physical scraping combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) chemical induction, and the endometrium morphology and collagen deposition were evaluated by HE and Masson staining after unilateral administration of MSCs. RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of epithelial markers Epcam and collagen I (Col1). Primary endometrial epithelial cells were isolated to assess p21 expression. Fibrosis-related genes and signaling pathways were validated using transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR. The experimental results showed that MSCs increased endometrial thickness and number of glands (P<0.05), up-regulated the expression of Epcam (P<0.01), while significantly reducing uterine collagen fiber deposition (P<0.05) and the expression of p21 in primary epithelial cells (P<0.0001). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that MSCs attenuated collagen deposition by modulating genes involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway. This study elucidates that MSCs facilitate uterine repair by reversing endometrial fibrosis and promoting epithelial regeneration, and their role is related to the regulation of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway and suppression of aberrant collagen accumulation.
7.Progress on exosomes in common diseases in children
Xin GUO ; Yiting JIA ; Wei DANG ; Hua ZHU ; Junli LI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(10):689-693
Exosomes are a kind of nanovesicles with a wide range of chemical components,which are enriched in a variety of bioactive molecules,such as lipids,proteins,nucleic acids,etc. Exosomes carry biologically active molecules that transmit different messages between cells,and play a role in human physiological and pathological processes. Compared with synthetic carriers such as liposomes and nanoparticles,by virtue of their natural endogenous attributes and cell-specific targeting capabilities,exosomes have broad application prospects in the fields of early disease diagnosis marker screening and targeted therapy drug carriers. This article reviews the role of exosomes in common children's diseases and their research progress,providing new ideas for pediatric clinicians to explore disease diagnosis and treatment.
8.Effects of PEG-IFN-α treatment on the expression of CD +161 and PD-1 in CD8 + T cells of patients with chronic hepatitis B
Yaping LI ; Chenrui LIU ; Xin ZHANG ; Na HUANG ; Wen ZHANG ; Liu YANG ; Shuangsuo DANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(6):570-576
Objective:To investigate and explore the expressional condition and therapeutic role of PD-1 and CD161 in the peripheral blood of patients treated with PEG-IFN-α for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and their correlation with the degree of decrease in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. CHB patients who visited the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from July 2022 to December 2023 and healthy controls during the same period were included. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the IFN treatment group (31 cases), the non-IFN treatment group (30 cases), and the healthy control group (30 cases). Flow cytometry was used to detect the CD8, + PD-1, + CD161 + T lymphocytes and their subpopulations among the three groups. The proportions of cellular subpopulations were compared to analyze intergroup differences using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. The patients in the IFN treatment group were divided into two subgroups, high-and low-level, according to the median levels of PD-1 + lymphocytes, CD8 +PD-1 +T cells, and CD161 + lymphocytes. The magnitude of HBsAg decline was compared between the two groups. Results:The proportions of PD-1 + lymphocytes and CD8 +PD-1 +T cells in the IFN treatment group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group and the non-IFN treatment group ( P<0.001). Moreover, the proportions of PD-1 + lymphocytes [IFN treatment group 48 weeks: 24.3 (23.7, 28.0)%, non-IFN treatment group: 12.7 (10.0, 18.5)%, P<0.01] and CD8 +PD-1 +T cells [IFN treatment group 48 weeks: 29.29 (26.73, 32.98)%, non-IFN treatment group: 17.69 (9.62, 20.68)%, P<0.05] were higher in the IFN treatment group than those in the non-IFN treatment group at 48 weeks. The proportion of CD8 +CD161 +T cells was significantly lower in patients treated with IFN than in the non-IFN treatment group ( P<0.05) at 24 and 48 weeks, with no statistically significant difference with the healthy control group ( P>0.05). In the IFN treatment group, patients with high levels of PD-1 + and CD8 + PD1 lymphocytes had a significantly lower HBsAg decline compared to low-level patients, whereas no significant correlation was found between CD161 levels and HBsAg decline [PD-1 + lymphocytes: 0.15 (0.02, 0.18) log 10 IU/mL vs. 0.32 (0.13, 0.42) log 10 IU/mL, P<0.01; CD8 +PD-1 +T cells: 0.16 (0.03, 0.17) log 10 IU/mL vs. 0.34 (0.13, 0.44) log 10 IU/mL, P<0.05]. Conclusion:The proportions of CD8 +PD-1 +T cells and CD8 +CD161 +T cells were significantly regulated by PEG-IFN-α therapy in the peripheral blood of patients with CHB, revealing the important role of T cell immune activation status during antiviral treatment. The gradual decline of HBsAg is closely related to the high expression of PD-1, suggesting that PD-1 may be negatively regulated during the process of T cell exhaustion and immunological evasion.
9.Multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic analysis of a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Xin WANG ; Xiaojing ZHAO ; Lin DANG ; Jianlong MEN
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(2):194-198
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia(HIT)is an antibody-mediated adverse reaction to heparin that is clinically manifested as a progressive reduction in platelet count after heparin administration,leading to venous and/or arterial thromboembolism and even death in severe cases.Acquired thrombocytopenia is commonly observed in hospitalized patients,the pathological mechanism is associated with drugs,autoimmune diseases,and consumptive thrombocytopenia.Patients with HIT frequently have complex clinical situations,and their manifestations are often atypical or mixed with other symptoms and signs,posing significant challenges to diagnosis and treatment for clinicians.Through the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment process of a HIT patient,this paper discusses HIT occurrence mechanism,clinical evaluation,laboratory testing and alternative anticoagulant therapy,so as to provide reference for doctors to accurately identify and effectively intervention in clinical practice.
10.Research progress on the mechanism and clinical application of the effective ingredients from Sijunzi decoction in the treatment of gastric cancer
Hongwei ZHANG ; Wenfei DANG ; Xin SUO ; Ru ZHANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Ziming JIN ; Xia DOU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):624-629
Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract and can be classified as “fullness of the stomach”, “epigastric pain”, “noise” and other categories in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Sijunzi decoction is composed of Panax ginseng, Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, and honey-fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and it has the effect of tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen. This article summarizes the active ingredients, mechanism of action, and clinical application research progress of Sijunzi decoction in treating gastric cancer. The results show that the main active ingredients of Sijunzi decoction include ginsenosides, atractylenolide, pachymic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, etc.; Sijunzi decoction and its effective ingredients can play an anti-gastric cancer role by inhibiting the proliferation of gastric cancer cell, inducing apoptosis of gastric cancer cell, enhancing gastric cancer cell chemotherapy sensitivity, and inhibiting invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cell. In addition, Sijunzi decoction can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs, strengthen the immune function of the body and lower serum cancer marker levels during the clinical treatment of gastric cancer.

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