1.Efficacy and safety of surgery-assisted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in treatment of portal hypertension comorbid with complex portal vein thrombosis
Zhenhua FAN ; Chengbin DONG ; Qimei LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Yifan WU ; Dongfang LIU ; Guangzhong XU ; Dezhong WANG ; Jianfei CHEN ; Zhendong YUE ; Lei WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):586-592
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of surgery-assisted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (SA-TIPS) in the treatment of portal hypertension comorbid with complex portal vein thrombosis, including cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). MethodsAn analysis was performed for the data of 36 patients with portal hypertension and complex portal vein thrombosis who underwent SA-TIPS in Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from November 2023 to January 2025, including general status, technical data of the surgical process (surgical success rate, puncture times, time of operation, the number of stents used, and the length of shunt), perioperative complications, and surgical recovery. The change in portal pressure gradient (PPG) after shunt was compared, and the rate of reaching the standard for PPG reduction was calculated, as well as stent patency rate within 1 week after surgery. The paired samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups. ResultsAmong the 36 patients, 34 (94.4%) underwent SA-TIPS successfully. The incidence rate of perioperative complications was 16.7% (6/36), including 3 cases of thoraco-abdominal hemorrhage, 2 cases of intraoperative arrhythmia, and 1 case of incision infection. There was a significant reduction in PPG after SA-TIPS (t=19.85, P<0.01), and the patients achieving a ≥50% reduction in PPG accounted for 76.5% (26/34). Imaging reexamination within 1 week showed a shunt patency rate of 100%. ConclusionSA-TIPS has a high technical success rate, a favorable safety profile, and good efficacy in the treatment of portal hypertension comorbid with complex portal vein thrombosis (including CTPV), and therefore, it holds promise for clinical application.
2.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.
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.Research progress on the relationship between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity
GAO Lei ; YE Zhen ; WANG Wei ; ZHAO Dong ; XU Peiwei ; ZHANG Ronghua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):48-54
Childhood obesity has become a global public health issue. Current research indicates that early life obesogen exposure has emerged as a significant risk factor for childhood obesity. While obesogens have been confirmed to influence the development and progression of childhood obesity through mechanisms such as endocrine disruption and epigenetic programming, controversies remain regarding the establishment of causal relationships, assessment of combined exposures, and validation of transgenerational effects in humans. In recent years, novel approaches including multi-omics technologies, exposome-based analysis, and multigenerational cohort studies have integrated dynamic biomarker monitoring with analyses of social-environmental interactions, offering new perspectives and methodologies for constructing a systematic "exposure-mechanism-outcome" research framework. This article reviews literature from PubMed and Web of Science up to August 2025 on the association between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity, summarizing evidence on the health effects of early life obesogen exposure, major exposure pathways and internal exposure assessment, interactions and amplifying effects of social and environmental factors, as well as the biological mechanisms underlying obesogen action. It further examines current research frontiers and challenges, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for early prevention and precision intervention of childhood obesity.
5.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
6.Analysis of phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels
Xinqi XU ; Ping WANG ; Tong LIU ; Lei WANG ; Xuansheng ZHU ; Huiwen ZHANG ; Lei SHI ; Wen GAO
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):875-885
AIM:To analyze the characteristics and correlation of phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels.METHODS:A total of 45 type 2 diabetic cataract patients(45 eyes)treated in our hospital from March 2023 to April 2024 were stratified into two groups based on glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels: group A: HbA1c <7%(n=18)and group B: 7%≤HbA1c<8.5%(n=27); a total of 94 age-matched age-related cataract patients(94 eyes)were enrolled as the control group(group C). All underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Anterior segment parameters, including corneal, lens and anterior chamber measurements, were recorded. Correlations between phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters were analyzed, and differences among groups were compared.RESULTS: In groups A and B, effective phacoemulsification time(EPT)negatively correlated with corneal endothelial cell density(CECD)(r=-0.315, P=0.035). Average phacoemulsification time(APT)positively correlated with the anterior corneal surface radius of curvature(Rm; r=0.402, P=0.006)and negatively correlated with the flat axis meridian curvature(K1), steep axis meridian curvature(K2), mean curvature(Km)of the anterior corneal surface, and lens density at 6 mm zones(PDZ3; all P<0.05). Average phacoemulsification energy(AVE)positively correlated with mean lens density(LD-mean), lens density at 2 mm zones(PDZ1), lens density at 4 mm zones(PDZ2), and PDZ3(all P<0.05), and negatively with pupil diameter(r=-0.385, P=0.009). In the group C, EPT showed a positive correlation with Pentacam nucleus staging(PNS)density grade, PDZ1, PDZ2, and PDZ3(all P<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between AVE and PNS classification(r=0.246, P=0.018). Conversely, AVE exhibited a negative correlation with CECD(r=-0.245, P=0.018). EPT in groups A and B was higher than that in the group C(P<0.05). Both EPT and APT in the group B were higher than those in the group A(P<0.05). In diabetic cataract patients, CECD, corneal density(CD), and posterior corneal surface height positively correlated with diabetes duration(P<0.05). Posterior corneal surface K1 and Rm positively correlated with 7%≤HbA1c<8.5%(P<0.05). Total corneal astigmatism negatively correlated with HbA1c, 2-hour post-breakfast blood glucose(2hPBG), and fasting insulin(FINS; P<0.05). CD and lens thickness(LT)positively correlated with FINS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification parameters and blood glucose-related indices exhibited varying degrees of correlation with anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels. EPT in diabetic cataract patients was higher than that in age-related cataract patients, while EPT and APT in diabetic cataract patients with poor glycemic control were higher than those with good glycemic control.
7.Study on Brain Functional Network Characteristics of Parkinson’s Disease Patients Based on Beta Burst Period
Yu-Jie HAO ; Shuo YANG ; Shuo LIU ; Xu LOU ; Lei WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1279-1289
ObjectiveThe central symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is impaired motor function. Beta-band electrical activity in the motor network of the basal ganglia is closely related to motor function. In this study, we combined scalp electroencephalography (EEG), brain functional network, and clinical scales to investigate the effects of beta burst-period neural electrical activity on brain functional network characteristics, which may serve as a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. MethodsThirteen PD patients were included in the PD group, and 13 healthy subjects were included in the healthy control group. Resting-state EEG data were collected from both groups, and beta burst and non-burst periods were extracted. A phase synchronization network was constructed using weighted phase lag indices, and the topological feature parameters of phase synchronization network were compared between the two groups across different periods and four frequency bands. Additionally, the correlation between changes in network characteristics and clinical symptoms was analyzed. ResultsDuring the beta burst period, the topological characteristic parameters of phase synchronization network in all four frequency bands were significantly higher in PD patients compared to healthy controls. The average clustering coefficient of the phase synchronization network in the beta band during the beta burst period was negatively correlated with UPDRS-III scores. In the low gamma band during the non-burst period, the average clustering coefficient of phase synchronization network was positively correlated with UPDRS and UPDRS-III scores, while UPDRS-III scores were positively correlated with global efficiency and average degree. ConclusionThe brain functional network features of PD patients were significantly enhanced during the beta burst period. Moreover, the beta-band brain functional network characteristics during the beta burst period were negatively correlated with clinical scale scores, whereas low gamma-band functional network features during the non-burst period were positively correlated with clinical scale scores. These findings indicate that motor function impairment in PD patients is associated with the beta burst period. This study provides valuable insights for the diagnosis of PD.
8.Components and Brain-protective Effect of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra in Improving Ischemic Stroke Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Qizhong JIN ; Jie ZHANG ; Lijuan XIU ; Fan XU ; Lei WANG ; Ning WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the chemical constituents of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra(CRPRR) that cross the blood-brain barrier in rats with ischemic stroke, their brain-protective effects, and their impact on inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and pharmacodynamic experiments. MethodsA focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established in rats via the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) method using intraluminal suture. Neurological function was evaluated using behavioral scoring. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify the chemical constituents of CRPRR that crossed the blood-brain barrier and entered the cerebrospinal fluid in MCAO/R model rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham operation group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose CRPRR groups (1.35, 2.7, 5.4 g·kg-1, respectively), and an edaravone group (5 mg·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. The sham and model groups received normal saline, while the treatment groups received the respective doses of CRPRR once daily by gavage for three consecutive weeks. The brain-protective effects of CRPRR were assessed using the Longa five-point scoring method, open field test, Morris water maze, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and transmission electron microscopy. ResultsNine chemical constituents were identified in the cerebrospinal fluid containing CRPRR, namely paeoniflorin, senkyunolide F, senkyunolide G, paeonimetabolin Ⅰ, paeoniflorin derivative, senkyunolide H, benzoylpaeoniflorin, senkyunolide A, and ligustilide. Animal experiment results showed that compared with the sham operation group, the model group exhibited disordered neuronal arrangement, severe vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, and evident mitochondrial swelling. Chromatin aggregation and peripheralization were also observed. Neurological scores and the number of crossings in the central region were significantly increased (P<0.01), while platform crossings were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and clear infarct areas were present (P<0.01). Serum levels and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all dose groups of CRPRR showed marked improvement in neuronal morphology which was close to the normal level, with mitochondrial swelling alleviated and chromatin distribution more uniform. The medium- and high-dose groups significantly reduced neurological scores (P<0.01), while the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups significantly reduced the number of central crossings (P<0.01) and infarct volume (P<0.01), and decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) compared with the model group. Furthermore, the medium- and high-dose groups significantly reduced TNF-α protein expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the high-dose group significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-18 protein expression (P<0.01). ConclusionThis study confirmed that CRPRR improves neurological function and alleviates brain tissue damage in MCAO/R rats. Its mechanism may be associated with the downregulation of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18, as well as the presence of nine active chemical constituents in cerebrospinal fluid, namely paeoniflorin, senkyunolide F, senkyunolide G, paeonimetabolin Ⅰ, paeoniflorin derivative, senkyunolide H, benzoylpaeoniflorin, senkyunolide A, and ligustilide, which are closely related to their brain-protective effects.
9.Components and Brain-protective Effect of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra in Improving Ischemic Stroke Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Qizhong JIN ; Jie ZHANG ; Lijuan XIU ; Fan XU ; Lei WANG ; Ning WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the chemical constituents of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra(CRPRR) that cross the blood-brain barrier in rats with ischemic stroke, their brain-protective effects, and their impact on inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and pharmacodynamic experiments. MethodsA focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established in rats via the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) method using intraluminal suture. Neurological function was evaluated using behavioral scoring. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify the chemical constituents of CRPRR that crossed the blood-brain barrier and entered the cerebrospinal fluid in MCAO/R model rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham operation group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose CRPRR groups (1.35, 2.7, 5.4 g·kg-1, respectively), and an edaravone group (5 mg·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. The sham and model groups received normal saline, while the treatment groups received the respective doses of CRPRR once daily by gavage for three consecutive weeks. The brain-protective effects of CRPRR were assessed using the Longa five-point scoring method, open field test, Morris water maze, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and transmission electron microscopy. ResultsNine chemical constituents were identified in the cerebrospinal fluid containing CRPRR, namely paeoniflorin, senkyunolide F, senkyunolide G, paeonimetabolin Ⅰ, paeoniflorin derivative, senkyunolide H, benzoylpaeoniflorin, senkyunolide A, and ligustilide. Animal experiment results showed that compared with the sham operation group, the model group exhibited disordered neuronal arrangement, severe vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, and evident mitochondrial swelling. Chromatin aggregation and peripheralization were also observed. Neurological scores and the number of crossings in the central region were significantly increased (P<0.01), while platform crossings were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and clear infarct areas were present (P<0.01). Serum levels and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all dose groups of CRPRR showed marked improvement in neuronal morphology which was close to the normal level, with mitochondrial swelling alleviated and chromatin distribution more uniform. The medium- and high-dose groups significantly reduced neurological scores (P<0.01), while the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups significantly reduced the number of central crossings (P<0.01) and infarct volume (P<0.01), and decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) compared with the model group. Furthermore, the medium- and high-dose groups significantly reduced TNF-α protein expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the high-dose group significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-18 protein expression (P<0.01). ConclusionThis study confirmed that CRPRR improves neurological function and alleviates brain tissue damage in MCAO/R rats. Its mechanism may be associated with the downregulation of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18, as well as the presence of nine active chemical constituents in cerebrospinal fluid, namely paeoniflorin, senkyunolide F, senkyunolide G, paeonimetabolin Ⅰ, paeoniflorin derivative, senkyunolide H, benzoylpaeoniflorin, senkyunolide A, and ligustilide, which are closely related to their brain-protective effects.
10.Exploration and application of pyrolysis in production of fuel gas from traditional Chinese medicine solid waste under "dual carbon" goals.
Ying-Lei LU ; Xu LONG ; Ke-Ying WANG ; Jing-Li LIU ; Yan-Lei ZHANG ; Yu-Ping TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1437-1448
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) solid waste is characterized by widespread availability, renewability, and substantial production volume. In the context of the "dual carbon" goals, the pyrolysis of TCM solid waste for producing fuel gas for recycling in pharmaceutical production has emerged as a crucial strategy for optimizing the energy structure in the TCM industry and developing renewable energy. This paper comprehensively reviews both internal and external factors that influence the pyrolysis of TCM solid waste. Internal factors encompass moisture content, particle size, ash content, and the morphology of the raw materials, while external factors include pyrolysis conditions, equivalence ratios, types of gasifiers, and gasifying agents. Furthermore, this paper details the challenges associated with the pyrolysis of TCM solid waste, such as the dispersion of feedstocks, the diversity of resources, the complexity of the pyrolysis process, and the variations in gasifier performance. Finally, this paper proposes measures to address these challenges. This paper aims to provide insights into the development of a circular economy for TCM resources and the advancement of low-carbon energy utilization in the TCM industry.
Pyrolysis
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Carbon/chemistry*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Solid Waste/analysis*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Gases/chemistry*


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