1.Research Advances of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease:Overview and Prospects
Liang DAI ; Guang JI ; Xianbo WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Hanchen XU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):386-391
The pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is fundamentally rooted in spleen deficiency and is closely associated with phlegm turbidity, damp-heat and blood stasis. Clinically, liver constraint with spleen deficiency and internal retention of damp turbidity represent the predominant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome patterns. Researches have indicated intrinsic connections between the syndrome patterns and biological indicators such as gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. Regarding treatment, classical famous formulas, modern empirical formulas, and newly developed TCM drugs show positive effects in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, and alleviating metabolic inflammation, exhibiting multi-target mechanisms of action; acupuncture and other external therapies also provide adjunctive value. Nevertheless, current researches still have limitations such as the lack of high-quality clinical evidence and insufficient systematic elucidation of the uncerlying mechanisms. Future efforts should focus on conducting high-quality TCM clinical trials with hard endpoint outcomes such as hepatic histology outcomes, and utilizing modern technologies like multi-omics to elucidate TCM's mechanisms of action, thereby advancing the position of TCM as a first-line therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang in Depressive-like Rats via AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Guang WANG ; Xinhua SONG ; Jie YANG ; Jinyao XU ; Junhua MEI ; Chao CHEN ; Guohua CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):144-152
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang(CJLM) on depression-like behaviors and neuroinflammation in rats subjected to social isolation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose CJLM groups(2.89, 5.78, 11.56 g·kg-1), as well as a fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, all other groups were subjected to social isolation combined with CUMS for 63 d. During the first 35 d, depression models were established only, and from day 36 onward, modeling and drug administration were conducted simultaneously for a total intervention period of 28 d. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated using the sucrose preference test, open-field test, and forced swimming test. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to observe hippocampal histomorphology. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) was used to detect the expression levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1) and gasdermin D(GSDMD) proteins in the hippocampus. Western blot analysis was employed to determine the protein expression levels of adenosine 5′-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK) and phosphorylated(p)-AMPK, silent information regulator 1(SIRT1), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) and p-NF-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), and Caspase-1 in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-6, and IL-1β in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a decreased sucrose preference rate(P<0.01), reduced total movement distance(P<0.01), prolonged immobility time(P<0.01), and decreased central zone residence time(P<0.01) in the open-field test, and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test(P<0.01). Hippocampal neuronal structure was damaged. The contents of Iba1 and GSDMD in the hippocampus were significantly increased(P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK and SIRT1 in the hippocampus were significantly decreased(P<0.01), whereas the protein expression levels of p-NF-κB, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 were significantly increased(P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose CJLM groups and the fluoxetine group all were able to reverse depression-like behavioral changes, as evidenced by increased sucrose preference rate, increased total movement distance with shortened immobility time in the open-field test, prolonged central zone residence time, and reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test(P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, hippocampal neuronal structural damage was alleviated. In the hippocampus, the expression levels of Iba1 and GSDMD were downregulated, the expression levels of p-AMPK and SIRT1 were upregulated, and the abnormal elevations of p-NF-κB, NLRP3, Caspase-1, as well as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA were suppressed(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionCJLM can ameliorate depression-like behaviors in rats subjected to social isolation combined with CUMS and attenuate hippocampal neuroinflammation and pyroptosis, suggesting that its effects may be associated with the regulation of AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
3.Zoledronic Acid Inhibits the Growth of ER-Positive Breast Cancer Cells by Inducing Ferroptosis
Shaofei YUAN ; Dejin SHI ; Yiyin XU ; Tao WU ; Shuifeng LIANG ; Dinghao CHEN ; Jiayi WANG ; Guang WU ; Jiawei CAO
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(3):608-617
Zoledronic acid (ZA), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate with established clinical utility in osteoporosis management, exhibits emerging antitumor potential in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its nonapoptotic anticancer effects remain poorly characterized. This study revealed that ZA induced ferroptosis in ER+ breast cancer cells through dual suppression of cystine-glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), key repressors of ferroptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of ferroptosis using Ferrostatin-1 significantly attenuated ZA-induced cytotoxicity, while combinatorial treatment with the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 synergistically enhanced lipid peroxidation and cell death. Mechanistically, ZA activated the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway, promoting YAP phosphorylation, proteasomal degradation, and cytoplasmic retention, thereby silencing SLC7A11 and GPX4. We established a novel metabolic vulnerability in hormone-responsive malignancies.These findings position ZA as a bifunctional ferroptosis inducer in ER+ breast cancer, offering a promising strategy to overcome endocrine resistance.
4.Changes in the body shape and ergonomic compatibility for functional dimensions of desks and chairs for students in Harbin during 2010-2024
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):315-320
Objective:
To analyze the change trends in the body shape indicators and proportions of students in Harbin from 2010 to 2024, and to investigate ergonomic compatibility of functional dimensions of school desks and chairs with current student shape indicators, so as to provide a reference for revising furniture standards of desks and chairs.
Methods:
Between September and November of both 2010 and 2024, a combination of convenience sampling and stratified cluster random sampling was conducted across three districts in Harbin, yielding samples of 6 590 and 6 252 students, respectively. Anthropometric shape indicators cluding height, sitting height, crus length, and thigh length-and their proportional changes were compared over the 15-year period. The 2024 data were compared with current standard functional dimensions of school furniture. The statistical analysis incorporated t-test and Mann-Whitney U- test.
Results:
From 2010 to 2024, average height increased by 1.8 cm for boys and 1.5 cm for girls; sitting height increased by 1.5 cm for both genders; crus length increased by 0.3 cm for boys and 0.4 cm for girls; and thigh length increased by 0.5 cm for both genders. The ratios of sitting height to height, and sitting height to leg length increased by less than 0.1 . The difference between desk chair height and 1/3 sitting height ranged from 0.4-0.8 cm. Among students matched with size 0 desks and chairs, 22.0% had a desk to chair height difference less than 0, indicating that the desk to chair height difference might be insufficient for taller students. The differences between seat height and fibular height ranged from -1.4 to 1.1 cm; and the differences between seat depth and buttock popliteal length ranged from -9.8 to 3.4 cm. Among obese students, the differences between seat width and 1/2 hip circumference ranged from -20.5 to -8.7 cm, while it ranged from -12.2 to -3.8 cm among non obese students.
Conclusion
Current furniture standards basically satisfy hygienic requirements; however, in the case of exceptionally tall and obese students, ergonomic accommodations such as adaptive seating allocation or personalized adjustments are recommended to meet hygienic requirements.
5.Exploring autism spectrum disorder in children from the perspective of "the sovereign fire illuminates, while the ministerial fire occupies its position"
Zilin CHEN ; Xu WANG ; Fei HAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):318-322
Autism spectrum disorder in children (hereinafter called "childhood autism") is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition; however, ancient Chinese medical texts did not provide detailed accounts of it. The concept of "the sovereign fire illuminates, while the ministerial fire occupies its position" was first introduced in the Plain Questions: The Great Treatise on the Origin of Heavenly Influences chapter. Subsequent medical practitioners have elaborated on this idea, identifying the sovereign fire as the master of the spirit and governing life activities, while the ministerial fire is the assisting minister that supports the functions of the zang-fu organs. When these two are in harmony, they complement each other, collectively sustaining the body′s normal physiological functions. In the context of this theory, the pathogenesis of childhood autism is attributed to the imbalance between the sovereign and ministerial fires. The root cause lies in the mutual antagonism of these two fires, resulting in the dysfunction of the spirit. Central to childhood autism onset is the dimming of the sovereign fire and a deficiency in the spirit, while the displacement of the ministerial fire and the impaired function of the five viscera contribute significantly to the progression of the condition. Effective treatment for childhood autism involves restoring these imbalances: dispelling yin-related obstructions to illuminate the sovereign fire, nourishing the spleen and kidney to nourish the ministerial fire, and regulating the liver and lung to harmonize the sovereign and ministerial fires. The ultimate goal is to integrate body and spirit, harmonize the sovereign and ministerial fires, and restore the interconnectedness between spirit and the function of the five zang viscera. This article, based on the "the sovereign fire illuminates, while the ministerial fire occupies its position" theory, provides a novel perspective and insights for understanding and treating childhood autism through the holistic principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Emphasizing the integration of body and spirit offers new insights and approaches for the clinical management of childhood autism in traditional Chinese medicine.
6.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
7.Research progress on the application of intelligent medical treatment in abdominal war trauma
Si-Zhe WANG ; Xu SUN ; Ding-Chang LI ; Xian-Qiang LIU ; Wen-Xing GAO ; Wen ZHAO ; Hao LIU ; Guang-Long DONG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(1):22-27
Abdominal war trauma is a common and high-risk type of injury in the modern battlefield,with rapid changes in condition and a high mortality rate.There is an urgent need for emerging medical technologies to improve the efficiency and success rate of first aid for military casualties.With the development of artificial intelligence(AI),5G,and other emerging technologies,the concept of intelligent medical treatment is gradually forming and can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal trauma.This paper reviews the characteristics of abdominal war trauma in modern wars,discusses the application of intelligent medical treatment for abdominal war trauma and its drawbacks to be solved,aiming to provide reference for research related to abdominal war trauma.
8.Finite element analysis of simulated treatment of Sanders type Ⅲcalcaneal fractures with sustentacular screw placement of sustentaculum tali
Guang-Sheng TANG ; Qi WANG ; Yao XU ; Bing WANG ; Jian-Ning SUN ; De-Guang WANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(3):315-322
Objective To construct a finite element analysis model for the treatment of calcaneal fracture for Sanders Ⅲ type calcaneal by using simulated sustentaculum tali sustentacular screw placement,and to explore the effectiveness of the treatment of Sanders typeⅢcalcaneal fracture.Methods The finite element analysis method was used to study the effectiveness of the treatment of Sanders Ⅲ calcaneal fracture.Three calcaneal specimens of a healthy adult were taken for Micro-CT scanning to obtain the CT sections data,then Mimics 21.0 and Geomagic Wrap 2017 software were used to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of normal calcaneal bone,and SolidWorks 2017 software was used to map the internal fixation and fracture model according to the clinical fracture cases,and simulated surgery was performed.The data obtained were imported into ANSYS 17.0 finite element analysis software for material assignment and mesh division to establish a three-dimensional finite element model.The load and boundary constraints were applied to each model to perform finite element analysis and calculation,and then the stress of the finite element model and the maximum displacement of the fracture end were extracted.Results The maximum stress of the overall structure of each model was concentrated on internal fixation,in which the maximum stress of sustentaculum tali fracture and the maximum stress of screws in all fracture models are located on the sustentaculum tali sustentacular screw.The displacement of fracture end in each finite element model was less than 0.15 mm,and no internal fixation failure occurred.Conclusion It is effective to simulate the treatment of calcaneal fracture of Sanders type Ⅲ by using of sustentaculum tali sustentacular screw.
9.Research on the mechanism of Kaempferol targeting BCL-2 to inhibit lung cancer from the perspective of network pharmacology
Jiandong Chen ; Yingying Lv ; Zheng Xu ; Miao Zhang ; Luyao Liu ; Peng Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1373-1380
Objective:
To investigate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of kaempferol , an active component in the traditional Chinese medicine gardenia , for lung cancer treatment using a network pharmacology approach .
Methods:
The main active ingredients and potential targets of Gardenia jasminoides were obtained through the Tra⁃ditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) , and combined with the lung cancer related target information collected from Gene Cards and OMIM databases , the intersection targets of Garde⁃nia jasminoides and lung cancer treatment were determined by drawing Venn diagrams . Further screening of core targets was conducted through PPI network analysis , and gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the Metascape platform . Auto dock software was used to evaluate the binding affinity between the active ingredients of Gardenia jasminoides and target proteins . In terms of experiments , cell proliferation ability was evaluated through CCK⁃8 assay , cell migration and invasion ability were detected through cell scratch healing assay and Transwell assay , and the expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transition ( EMT) protein and inflammatory factors were detected by Western blot and RT⁃qPCR .
Results:
The active ingredient kaempferol in Gardenia jasminoides exhibited significant binding ability invasion of lung cancer cells . The results of Western blot and RT⁃qPCR further confirmed that kaempferol could promote an increase in E ⁃cadherin , a decrease in N ⁃cadherin and Vimentin , and reduce the expression of inflam⁃matory factors .
Conclusion
The active ingredient of Gardenia jasminoides , kaempferol , inhibits the proliferation ,migration and invasion of lung cancer cells by targeting BCL⁃2 , while reversing EMT progression and suppressing the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in lung cancer cells , thus preventing lung cancer progression .
10.Aldolase A accelerates hepatocarcinogenesis by refactoring c-Jun transcription
Xin YANG ; Guang-Yuan MA ; Xiao-Qiang LI ; Na TANG ; Yang SUN ; Xiao-Wei HAO ; Ke-Han WU ; Yu-Bo WANG ; Wen TIAN ; Xin FAN ; Zezhi LI ; Caixia FENG ; Xu CHAO ; Yu-Fan WANG ; Yao LIU ; Di LI ; Wei CAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):1634-1651
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)expresses abundant glycolytic enzymes and displays comprehensive glucose metabolism reprogramming.Aldolase A(ALDOA)plays a prominent role in glycolysis;however,little is known about its role in HCC development.In the present study,we aim to explore how ALDOA is involved in HCC proliferation.HCC proliferation was markedly suppressed both in vitro and in vivo following ALDOA knockout,which is consistent with ALDOA overexpression encouraging HCC prolifera-tion.Mechanistically,ALDOA knockout partially limits the glycolytic flux in HCC cells.Meanwhile,ALDOA translocated to nuclei and directly interacted with c-Jun to facilitate its Thr93 phosphorylation by P21-activated protein kinase;ALDOA knockout markedly diminished c-Jun Thr93 phosphorylation and then dampened c-Jun transcription function.A crucial site Y364 mutation in ALDOA disrupted its interaction with c-Jun,and Y364S ALDOA expression failed to rescue cell proliferation in ALDOA deletion cells.In HCC patients,the expression level of ALDOA was correlated with the phosphorylation level of c-Jun(Thr93)and poor prognosis.Remarkably,hepatic ALDOA was significantly upregulated in the promotion and progression stages of diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC models,and the knockdown of Aldoa strikingly decreased HCC development in vivo.Our study demonstrated that ALDOA is a vital driver for HCC development by activating c-Jun-mediated oncogene transcription,opening additional avenues for anti-cancer therapies.


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