1.Microscopic Mechanism of Chronic Liver Disease and Novel Thinking of Medicine Management Based on Theory of "Yang Transforming Qi While Yin Constituting Form-sweat Pore"
Yuying XU ; Changpu ZHAO ; Rongzhi LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Fei WANG ; Chenyuan HAO ; Guangjie SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):244-255
The theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form" in the Huangdi's Internal Classic is derived from the application, transformation, movement, and balance of Tao. It is highly condensed, revealing the true meaning of Tao and guiding the changes and progress of all natural things, including diseases. Therefore, the appearance of various physical diseases is the manifestation of Yin-Yang Qi transformation. Sweat pore, formed by the Qi transformation of Yin and Yang, is the nourishing and regulating system. It serves as the hub and channel, assisting in the flow and transformation of Qi, facilitating the exchange of material, energy, and information with the outside world. With sweat pore as the hub and based on the macro-control and holistic thinking of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form", this paper explores the microscopic mechanisms underlying chronic liver disease. In combination with the roles of mitochondria, exosomes, and the ultraliver sieve structure in the formation and progression of chronic liver disease, this paper elucidates the close internal relationship between the disease's initial quality, symptom signs, and its physiological and pathological functions under the guidance of this theory. Modern studies have shown that autophagy, intestinal flora disorders, glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances, activation of inflammatory factors, ferroptosis, and other microscopic pathological mechanisms are involved in the occurrence and development of chronic liver disease. The common connotation of the Yin-Yang concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the pathological mechanisms in modern medicine is deeply analyzed. The corresponding relevant microscopic mechanisms and the guiding role of the theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form-sweat pore" in the management of chronic liver disease are summarized. Wind medicine promotes growth and transformation through sweat pore. The combination of pungent and sweet medicines facilitates Yang and disperse Yin. The formulas, combining the characteristics of wind medicine and pungent and sweet medicines, fit the principle of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form-sweat pore". This paper combines both macro and micro perspectives to explain the scientific connotation and microscopic mechanisms of chronic liver disease based on the theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form-sweat pore", and explore the prevention and treatment of chronic liver disease through the principles, methods, prescriptions, and medicines featured by combination of pungent and sweet medicines, facilitating Yang, activating sweat pore, and dispersing Yin, providing new ideas and reference for the clinical treatment of chronic liver disease.
2.Determinants and prediction model construction of coexistence of myopia, overweight/obesity and depressive symptoms among middle school students in Quzhou City
XU Haoxuan, WANG Shengxian, REN Fei, DAI Liping, LAI Shiming, ZHAO Shiguang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1198-1202
Objective:
To investigate the coexistence of comorbidity of myopia, overweight/obesity and depressive symptoms among middle school students in Quzhou and its associated factors, so as to provide evidence for integrated prevention and control of common multiple health issues in students.
Methods:
From September to November 2023, a total of 5 867 middle school students from 6 counties (cities and districts) in Quzhou City were selected by stratified random cluster sampling. Physical and visual examinations were conducted, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression Scale (CES-D) along with a questionnaire on health status and influencing factors were completed. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of coexistence of myopia, overweight/obesity, and depressive symptoms among middle school students, and a nomogram model was constructed based on the results.
Results:
A total of 161 middle school students in Quzhou City were identified as having comorbid myopia, overweight/ obesity and depressive symptoms, with a detection rate of 2.74%. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the coexistence of myopia, overweight/obesity and depressive symptoms increased among middle school students with older age ( OR =1.11), a greater number unhealthy dietary behaviors (1,2,≥3; OR =2.40, 2.70, 4.63), insufficient sleep( OR =1.78) and alcohol consumption ( OR =2.11)(all P <0.05). Compared with no homework after class, those whose homework duration after class was 1 to < 2 hour had a lower risk of comorbidity of myopia, overweight/obesity and depressive symptoms ( OR =0.53, P <0.05). The results of the nomogram model showed that the AUC (95% CI ) was 0.71 (0.67-0.74).
Conclusions
The coexistence of myopia, overweight/obesity and depressive symptoms among middle school students in Quzhou City is related to age, sleeping, alcohol consumption, poor dietary behavior and the duration of after school homework. The nomogram model can assist in the early screening and intervention of multiple health issues among students.
3.A cohort study of lipid levels and recurrence risk of ischemic stroke in a community-based natural population in Songjiang District, Shanghai
Yangbo GENG ; Huayuan FEI ; Yunlong KAN ; Minhua TANG ; Yunhui WANG ; Jianguo YU ; Jiedong XU ; Yiling WU ; Genming ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Yan JIN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(7):562-568
ObjectiveTo investigate the recurrence of ischemic stroke (IS) and to analyze the association between four indices of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) and the risk of IS recurrence by analyzing the follow-up data related to IS in the community-based natural population of Songjiang District, Shanghai, so as to provide a scientific basis for improving the prognosis of stroke patients in the community and controlling IS recurrence. MethodsA prospective follow-up study was conducted among the IS patients in the community-based cohort population, collecting data about patient’s age, gender, disease history, biochemical indicators, and etc. Cox regression model and restricted cubic spline model were used to analyze the relationship between different levels of plasma lipids and the recurrence of IS in these patients. ResultsA total of 1 368 patients with IS were included. The total follow-up duration was 7 171.46 person-years, with a median follow-up time of 6.24 years. There were 420 cases of IS recurrence, resulting in a cumulative recurrence rate of 30.70%. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the recurrence risk of IS was reduced when the baseline TC and LDL-C levels of IS patients were in the ranges of 4.65‒5.67 mmol·L-1 and 2.52‒3.46 mmol·L-1, respectively. The results of restricted cubic spline analysis showed a U-shaped relationship between baseline TC and LDL-C levels and the recurrence risk in IS patients. ConclusionThe cumulative recurrence rate of patients with IS in the community of Songjiang District in Shanghai is high, and the levels of TC and LDL-C at baseline survey are correlated with the recurrence of IS in these patients. It is suggested to pay more attention to the levels of LDL-C and TC in patients with IS, so as to improve the prognosis.
4.Advances in the role of protein post-translational modifications in circadian rhythm regulation.
Zi-Di ZHAO ; Qi-Miao HU ; Zi-Yi YANG ; Peng-Cheng SUN ; Bo-Wen JING ; Rong-Xi MAN ; Yuan XU ; Ru-Yu YAN ; Si-Yao QU ; Jian-Fei PEI
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(4):605-626
The circadian clock plays a critical role in regulating various physiological processes, including gene expression, metabolic regulation, immune response, and the sleep-wake cycle in living organisms. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial regulatory mechanisms to maintain the precise oscillation of the circadian clock. By modulating the stability, activity, cell localization and protein-protein interactions of core clock proteins, PTMs enable these proteins to respond dynamically to environmental and intracellular changes, thereby sustaining the periodic oscillations of the circadian clock. Different types of PTMs exert their effects through distincting molecular mechanisms, collectively ensuring the proper function of the circadian system. This review systematically summarized several major types of PTMs, including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and oxidative modification, and overviewed their roles in regulating the core clock proteins and the associated pathways, with the goals of providing a theoretical foundation for the deeper understanding of clock mechanisms and the treatment of diseases associated with circadian disruption.
Protein Processing, Post-Translational/physiology*
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Circadian Rhythm/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
CLOCK Proteins/physiology*
;
Circadian Clocks/physiology*
;
Phosphorylation
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Acetylation
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Ubiquitination
;
Sumoylation
5.The role of selenoproteins in adipose tissue and obesity.
Yun-Fei ZHAO ; Yu-Hang SUN ; Tai-Hua JIN ; Yue LIU ; Yang-Di CHEN ; Wan XU ; Qian GAO
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):939-955
Selenoproteins, as the active form of selenium, play an important role in various physiological and pathological processes, such as anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, immune response, metabolic regulation, reproduction and aging. Although the expression level of selenoproteins in adipose tissue is significantly influenced by dietary selenium intake, it is closely related to the homeostasis of adipose tissue. In this review, we summarized the role of selenoproteins in the physiological function of adipose tissue and the pathogenesis of obesity in recent years, in order to provide a rationale for developing potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Selenoproteins/metabolism*
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Adipose Tissue/physiology*
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Obesity/metabolism*
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Humans
;
Animals
;
Selenium
6.Potential regulatory role of macrophages in discogenic pain.
Fei SUN ; Yu SUN ; En-Xu LIU ; Lei YANG ; Zhao-Yong LI ; Shao-Feng YANG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):979-988
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of low back pain. Immune cells play an extremely important role in regulating the progression of IDD by interacting with nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Healthy NP tissue is a vascular-free and immune-privileged tissue that does not normally interact with macrophages. However, the establishment of neovascularization channels in damaged intervertebral discs has led to extensive cross-talk between NP and macrophages, with different results depending on microenvironmental stimuli. Based on this, this review reviewed the correlation between IDD and low back pain, summarized the source and function of macrophages, and discussed the possible regulatory mechanism between macrophages and discogenic pain. Finally, potential therapies targeting macrophages to delay IDD in recent years were also discussed, aiming to emphasize the important role of immunology in IDD and provide a new direction for the prevention and treatment of IDD.
Humans
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Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/complications*
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Low Back Pain/immunology*
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Nucleus Pulposus
;
Animals
;
Extracellular Matrix
7.Rapid characterization and identification of non-volatile components in Rhododendron tomentosum by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS method.
Su-Ping XIAO ; Long-Mei LI ; Bin XIE ; Hong LIANG ; Qiong YIN ; Jian-Hui LI ; Jie DU ; Ji-Yong WANG ; Run-Huai ZHAO ; Yan-Qin XU ; Yun-Bo SUN ; Zong-Yuan LU ; Peng-Fei TU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3054-3069
This study aimed to characterize and identify the non-volatile components in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stems and leaves of Rhododendron tomentosum by using sensitive and efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with a self-built information database. By comparing with reference compounds, analyzing fragment ion information, searching relevant literature, and using a self-built information database, 118 compounds were identified from the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. tomentosum, including 35 flavonoid glycosides, 15 phenolic glycosides, 12 flavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 7 phenylethanol glycosides, 6 tannins, 6 phospholipids, 5 coumarins, 5 monoterpene glycosides, 6 triterpenes, 3 fatty acids, and 11 other types of compounds. Among them, 102 compounds were reported in R. tomentosum for the first time, and 36 compounds were identified by comparing them with reference compounds. The chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum leaves and stems showed slight differences, with 84 common chemical components accounting for 71.2% of the total 118 compounds. This study systematically characterized and identified the non-volatile chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum for the first time. The findings provide a reference for active ingredient research, quality control, and product development of R. tomentosum.
Rhododendron/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Mass Spectrometry/methods*
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Plant Leaves/chemistry*
8.Three new chalcone C-glycosides from Carthami Flos.
Jia-Xu BAO ; Yong-Xiang WANG ; Xian ZHANG ; Ya-Zhu YANG ; Yue LIN ; Jiao-Jiao YIN ; Yun-Fang ZHAO ; Hui-Xia HUO ; Peng-Fei TU ; Jun LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3715-3745
The chemical components of Carthami Flos were investigated by using macroporous resin, silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase octadecylsilane(ODS) column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The planar structures of the compounds were established based on their physicochemical properties and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis), infrared(IR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopic technology. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism(ECD). Six flavonoid C-glycosides were isolated from the 30% ethanol elution fraction of macroporous resin obtained from the 95% ethanol extract of Carthami Flos, and identified as saffloquinoside F(1), 5-hydroxysaffloneoside(2), iso-5-hydroxysaffloneoside(3), isosafflomin C(4), safflomin C(5), and vicenin 2(6). Among these, the compounds 1 to 3 were new chalcone C-glycosides. The compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 could significantly increase the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) at a concentration of 50 μmol·L~(-1), showing their good cardioprotective activity.
Glycosides/pharmacology*
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Flowers/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Carthamus tinctorius/chemistry*
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Chalcones/pharmacology*
;
Animals
9.Pharmacological actions of the bioactive compounds of Epimedium on the male reproductive system: current status and future perspective.
Song-Po LIU ; Yun-Fei LI ; Dan ZHANG ; Chun-Yang LI ; Xiao-Fang DAI ; Dong-Feng LAN ; Ji CAI ; He ZHOU ; Tao SONG ; Yan-Yu ZHAO ; Zhi-Xu HE ; Jun TAN ; Ji-Dong ZHANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):20-29
Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male
;
Epimedium/chemistry*
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Humans
;
Genitalia, Male/drug effects*
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Flavonoids/therapeutic use*
;
Animals
10.Moxibustion combined with low-dose tadalafil for diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction: A prospective, single-center, three-arm randomized controlled trial.
Tao LIU ; Zhao-Xu YANG ; Yan XU ; Qi ZHAO ; Xue LIU ; Xin-Fei HUANG ; Zhi-Xing SUN ; Yun CHEN ; Jian-Huai CHEN
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(2):55-60
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical efficacy of moxibustion (Mox) combined with low-dose tadalafil (TAD) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis.
METHODS:
According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 90 patients with DMED for this trial and equally randomized them into a Mox, a TAD, and a Mox combined with TAD (Mox+TAD) group to be treated by mild Mox applied to the acupoints Zusanli, Sanyinjiao and Yinlingquan qd alt, oral medication with low-dose TAD at 5 mg per dose qd, and combination of the above two therapies, respectively, all for 4 weeks. We obtained from the patients their IIEF-5 scores, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms scores, Erectile Hardness Scale (EHS) scores, corpus cavernosal hemodynamic indexes, and the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) of the corpus cavernosal arteries before and after treatment, and compared them among the three groups.
RESULTS:
The total effectiveness rate was significantly higher in the Mox+TAD (90.0%) than in the Mox (46.7%) and TAD groups (60.0%) (P< 0.05). Compared with the baseline, the IIEF-5 and EHS scores were increased, while the TCM symptoms scores decreased in all the three groups after treatment, more significantly in the Mox+TAD group than in the other two (P< 0.05). And the PSV and RI were remarkably increased, while the EDV decreased (P< 0.05) in all the three groups (P< 0.05) after treatment, with PSV even higher in the Mox+TAD than in the Mox and TAD groups (P< 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Moxibustion combined with tadalafil has a definite efficacy and safety for the treatment of DMED, which can effectively improve the erectile function of the patients by increasing penile blood supply, benefiting qi and activating blood circulation.
Humans
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Male
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Tadalafil
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Erectile Dysfunction/etiology*
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Moxibustion
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Middle Aged
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Prospective Studies
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Adult
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Carbolines/administration & dosage*
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Diabetes Complications/therapy*
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Aged
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Combined Modality Therapy


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