1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Parkinson's Disease Based on Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway: A Review
Liuping YUE ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Yijun WU ; Huan YU ; Xinzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):307-317
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor dysfunction. The main pathological features include the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, abnormal aggregation of alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn), and the formation of Lewy bodies. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In recent years, the PD incidence has gradually increased, while current treatment methods are limited to symptom alleviation, incapable of halting disease progression, and prone to adverse effects, thus making it urgent to search for medicines effective for PD. Modern research indicates that the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway is closely related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, playing a crucial role in the pathophysiological development of PD. A large number of studies have further confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate diseases through a holistic view of Syndrome differentiation and microscopic molecular pathways. With unique advantages, such as multiple targets, multiple pathways, and fewer adverse reactions, TCM provides a new strategy for PD treatment. This article elucidates the mechanism of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of PD, while summarizing the latest research on PD intervention by TCM monomers, active ingredients, and compounds, as well as acupuncture via the precise targeted regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, aiming to provide a reference for clinical medicine development to prevent and treat PD.
2.Study on the mechanism of Huatan qushi huoxue formula in improving metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis
Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Junjiao XU ; Yijia SONG ; Dongfang SHANG ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Minghao LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):864-869
OBJECTIVE To focus on the classic NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/Caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pyroptosis pathway and explore the mechanism by which Huatan qushi huoxue formula (HQHF) inhibits macrophage pyroptosis to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). METHODS RAW264.7 cells were divided into 5 groups: Control group (10% blank serum), Model group [10% blank serum+5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS)], HQHF-L group (2.5% drug-containing serum+7.5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), HQHF-M group (5% drug-containing serum+5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), and HQHF-H group (10% drug-containing serum+5 μg/mL LPS). After 24 h of routine culture post-administration, cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy; localization and expression of gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N) were observed by immunofluorescence. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 contents in supernatants were detected by ELISA; mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the Control group, the Model group showed typical pyroptotic morphology (cell membrane bulging and pore formation), increased aggregation and fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N on the cell membrane ( P <0.05), significantly increased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). Compared with the Model group, the HQHF-L, HQHF-M and HQHF-H groups showed improved pyroptotic morphology, reduced membrane localization and significantly weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N ( P <0.05), significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS HQHF inhibits LPS-induced macrophage pyroptosis, and its mechanism of improving MASH may be associated with the suppression of the activation of the classical NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.
3.Protective effect of sub-hypothermic mechanical perfusion combined with membrane lung oxygenation on a yorkshire model of brain injury after traumatic blood loss.
Xiang-Yu SONG ; Yang-Hui DONG ; Zhi-Bo JIA ; Lei-Jia CHEN ; Meng-Yi CUI ; Yan-Jun GUAN ; Bo-Yao YANG ; Si-Ce WANG ; Sheng-Feng CHEN ; Peng-Kai LI ; Heng CHEN ; Hao-Chen ZUO ; Zhan-Cheng YANG ; Wen-Jing XU ; Ya-Qun ZHAO ; Jiang PENG
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(6):469-476
PURPOSE:
To investigate the protective effect of sub-hypothermic mechanical perfusion combined with membrane lung oxygenation on ischemic hypoxic injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss.
METHODS:
This article performed a random controlled trial. Brain tissue of 7 yorkshire was selected and divided into the sub-low temperature anterograde machine perfusion group (n = 4) and the blank control group (n = 3) using the random number table method. A yorkshire model of brain tissue injury induced by traumatic blood loss was established. Firstly, the perfusion temperature and blood oxygen saturation were monitored in real-time during the perfusion process. The number of red blood cells, hemoglobin content, NA+, K+, and Ca2+ ions concentrations and pH of the perfusate were detected. Following perfusion, we specifically examined the parietal lobe to assess its water content. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were then dissected for histological evaluation, allowing us to investigate potential regional differences in tissue injury. The blank control group was sampled directly before perfusion. All statistical analyses and graphs were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 Student t-test. All tests were two-sided, and p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.
RESULTS:
The contents of red blood cells and hemoglobin during perfusion were maintained at normal levels but more red blood cells were destroyed 3 h after the perfusion. The blood oxygen saturation of the perfusion group was maintained at 95% - 98%. NA+ and K+ concentrations were normal most of the time during perfusion but increased significantly at about 4 h. The Ca2+ concentration remained within the normal range at each period. Glucose levels were slightly higher than the baseline level. The pH of the perfusion solution was slightly lower at the beginning of perfusion, and then gradually increased to the normal level. The water content of brain tissue in the sub-low and docile perfusion group was 78.95% ± 0.39%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (75.27% ± 0.55%, t = 10.49, p < 0.001), and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with the blank control group, the structure and morphology of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampal gyrus were similar, and their integrity was better. The structural integrity of granulosa neurons was destroyed and cell edema increased in the perfusion group compared with the blank control group. Immunofluorescence staining for glail fibrillary acidic protein and Iba1, markers of glial cells, revealed well-preserved cell structures in the perfusion group. While there were indications of abnormal cellular activity, the analysis showed no significant difference in axon thickness or integrity compared to the 1-h blank control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Mild hypothermic machine perfusion can improve ischemia and hypoxia injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss and delay the necrosis and apoptosis of yorkshire brain tissue by continuous oxygen supply, maintaining ion homeostasis and reducing tissue metabolism level.
Animals
;
Perfusion/methods*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Brain Injuries/etiology*
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Swine
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Male
;
Hypothermia, Induced/methods*
4.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*
;
Humans
;
Genitalia, Male/drug effects*
;
Flavonoids/therapeutic use*
;
Animals
5.Mediating effect of sleep duration between depression symptoms and myopia in middle school students.
Wei DU ; Xu-Xiang YANG ; Ru-Shuang ZENG ; Chun-Yao ZHAO ; Zhi-Peng XIANG ; Yuan-Chun LI ; Jie-Song WANG ; Xiao-Hong SU ; Xiao LU ; Yu LI ; Jing WEN ; Dang HAN ; Qun DU ; Jia HE
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(3):359-365
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mediating role of sleep duration in the relationship between depression symptoms and myopia among middle school students.
METHODS:
This study was a cross-sectional research conducted using a stratified cluster random sampling method. A total of 1 728 middle school students were selected from two junior high schools and two senior high schools in certain urban areas and farms of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Questionnaire surveys and vision tests were conducted among the students. Spearman analysis was used to analyze the correlation between depression symptoms, sleep duration, and myopia. The Bootstrap method was employed to investigate the mediating effect of sleep duration between depression symptoms and myopia.
RESULTS:
The prevalence of myopia in the overall population was 74.02% (1 279/1 728), with an average sleep duration of (7.6±1.0) hours. The rate of insufficient sleep was 83.62% (1 445/1 728), and the proportion of students exhibiting depression symptoms was 25.29% (437/1 728). Correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations between visual acuity in both eyes and sleep duration with depressive emotions as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (with correlation coefficients of -0.064, -0.084, and -0.199 respectively; P<0.01), as well as with somatic symptoms and activities (with correlation coefficients of -0.104, -0.124, and -0.233 respectively; P<0.01) and interpersonal relationships (with correlation coefficients of -0.052, -0.059, and -0.071 respectively; P<0.05). The correlation coefficients for left and right eye visual acuity and sleep duration were 0.206 and 0.211 respectively (P<0.001). Sleep duration exhibited a mediating effect between depression symptoms and myopia (indirect effect=0.056, 95%CI: 0.029-0.088), with the mediating effect value for females (indirect effect=0.066, 95%CI: 0.024-0.119) being higher than that for males (indirect effect=0.042, 95%CI: 0.011-0.081).
CONCLUSIONS
Sleep duration serves as a partial mediator between depression symptoms and myopia in middle school students.
Humans
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Myopia/etiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Depression/physiopathology*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Sleep
;
Adolescent
;
Students
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Child
;
Time Factors
;
Sleep Duration
6.Study on Reentry Strategy and Results of Blood Donors with Single Reagent Reactivity in Wuhan Area.
Ting-Ting XU ; Qin YU ; Song-Qing KE ; Yan CAI ; Song-Li XIE ; Jing XIONG ; Lei ZHAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(2):530-537
OBJECTIVE:
To study the results, re-donation situation and characteristics of single-reagent reactive blood donors who were put into the reentry strategy in Wuhan area, explore the rationality and effectiveness of the current reentry strategy, and provide data support for the improvement of the reentry process of blood donors.
METHODS:
From January 2020 to December 2023, blood donors who conform the reentry criteria and voluntarily applied for returning to Wuhan Blood Center were tested and the results were analyzed. According to the reentry strategy, serological testing and nucleic acid testing were carried out in parallel, serological testing was performed by ELISA with reagents from two different manufacturers, and the primary reactive samples were tested by double-well retest, and HBV/HCV/HIV nucleic acid detection was performed by RT-PCR with an individual donor test mode. Supplementary HBcAb testing was applied for HBV single reagent reactivity by chemiluminescence method. Supplementary TP-WB testing was applied for returning blood donors with repeated TP single reagent reactivity. If returning blood donors with HIV single reagent reactivity were repeated single reagent reactivity, the samples were sent to local CDC for confirmatory test.
RESULTS:
7 098 blood donors were qualified for reentry, 716 donors voluntarily applied for reentry, 436 donors successfully reentry, 251 donors entered the next round, 29 donors could not reentry. The reentry rates for the past four years were 66.67%(42/63), 54.73%(81/148), 60.71%(136/224) and 62.99%(177/281), respectively. Up to December 31, 2023, 275 donors donated blood again, and the donation rates for past four years were 76.19%(32/42), 72.84%(59/81), 61.76%(84/136) and 56.50%(100/177), respectively. After donating blood, 31 donors were disqualified again by blood screening and subjected to permanent deferral. The results of returning to the team had statistical differences in reentry items, educational level, age, and marriage(P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The current reentry strategy adopted by the blood donation and supply institution can effectively retain part of blood donors, reduce the negative emotions of blood donors and increase blood resources.
Humans
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Blood Donors
;
China
;
Hepatitis B
;
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
;
Hepatitis C
;
Male
7.Brain function and connection in patients with refractory overactive bladder and healthy population: Analysis based on resting-state functional MRI.
Yu-Wei ZHANG ; Si-Yi FU ; Yu-Min LIU ; Hui-Hui SONG ; Peng JIANG ; Jia XU ; Bin HU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(1):39-44
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the characteristics of central nervous system regulation in patients with refractory overactive bladder (rOAB) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and to analyze the differences in brain function and connection between the patients and healthy population.
METHODS:
From May 1 to November 30, 2024, we performed rs-fMRI for 47 rOAB patients and another 47 matched healthy controls, documented relevant clinical data from all the participants and obtained their Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores (OABSS) and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-Q) scores. Based on rs-fMRI, we compared the results of Independent Component Analysis (ICA), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo) and degree centrality (DC) between the rOAB patients and healthy controls.
RESULTS:
The rOAB patients, in comparison with the healthy controls, showed dramatically higher daytime urination frequency (11.64 ± 3.85) vs (5.76 ± 0.91), nighttime urination frequency (3.72 ± 1.64) vs (0.31 ± 0.47), OABSS (8.22 ± 2.21) vs (0.64±0.78), OAB-Q1 score (20.85 ± 5.28) vs (6.78 ± 1.04), and OAB-Q2 score (45.04 ± 12.11) vs (14.51 ± 1.66) (all P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed in the results of ICA and ALFF between the right superior frontal and right middle frontal regions in the rOAB patients (P>0.05), but fALFF, ReHo and DC were significantly decreased in the patients compared with those in the healthy controls (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Compared with healthy population, the functions and connection of the frontal superior right and frontal middle right brain regions in rOAB patients are significantly down-regulated, which may serve as new therapeutic targets.
Humans
;
Urinary Bladder, Overactive/physiopathology*
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Brain/physiopathology*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Rest
;
Brain Mapping
8.Improvement effect of rehabilitation nursing based on IKAP theory on patients with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
Ting-Ting XIA ; Wen-Fang CHEN ; Jie LIU ; Xiao-Wen TAN ; Juan LI ; Yan-Yan ZHANG ; Yu-Mei CAO ; Song XU ; Ting-Ling ZHANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(5):438-443
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the improvement effect of rehabilitation nursing based on information-knowledge-belief-behavior (IKAP) theory on urinary incontinence patients after radical prostatectomy.
METHODS
Sixty-six patients with urinary incontinence who received robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected and divided into control group (n=33) and observation group (n=33) according to random number table method. The patients in the control group were treated with rehabilitation nursing. The patients in the observation group were treated with rehabilitation nursing guided by IKAP theory. The recovery of urinary incontinence, duration of urinary incontinence, subjective well-being, quality of life, psychological and emotional indexes of patients in the two groups were compared. Results: The total effective rate of urinary incontinence recovery in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (90.91% vs 60.61%,P<0.05). The duration of urinary incontinence in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ([3.36±1.54]d vs [4.15±1.36]d,P<0.05). And the subjective well-being score in observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ([19.36±2.69]points vs [11.65±2.65]points, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative physical function, social function,and mental health scores between the two groups (P>0.05). And all scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after surgery (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the preoperative SAS and SDS scores between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). And the scores of SAS and SDS in observation group were lower than those of the control group after the operation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Rehabilitation nursing based on IKAP theory can significantly improve urinary incontinence in patients with prostate cancer after surgery, which promotes the recovery of urinary incontinence, shortens the time of urinary incontinence, and improves the subjective well-being and quality of life, as well as reduces the negative impact of negative emotions. Therefore, it can be widely promoted and implemented in clinical practice.
Humans
;
Prostatectomy/adverse effects*
;
Urinary Incontinence/etiology*
;
Male
;
Quality of Life
;
Rehabilitation Nursing
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
9.The systemic inflammatory response index as a risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among individuals with coronary artery disease: evidence from the cohort study of NHANES 1999-2018.
Dao-Shen LIU ; Dan LIU ; Hai-Xu SONG ; Jing LI ; Miao-Han QIU ; Chao-Qun MA ; Xue-Fei MU ; Shang-Xun ZHOU ; Yi-Xuan DUAN ; Yu-Ying LI ; Yi LI ; Ya-Ling HAN
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(7):668-677
BACKGROUND:
The association of systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) with prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients has never been investigated in a large sample with long-term follow-up. This study aimed to explore the association of SIRI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a nationally representative sample of CAD patients from United States.
METHODS:
A total of 3386 participants with CAD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018 were included in this study. Cox proportional hazards model, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were performed to investigate the association of SIRI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Piece-wise linear regression and sensitivity analyses were also performed.
RESULTS:
During a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 1454 all-cause mortality occurred. After adjusting for confounding factors, higher lnSIRI was significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23) and CVD mortality (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05-1.30) but not cancer mortality (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.99-1.38). The associations of SIRI with all-cause and CVD mortality were detected as J-shaped with threshold values of 1.05935 and 1.122946 for SIRI, respectively. ROC curves showed that lnSIRI had robust predictive effect both in short and long terms.
CONCLUSIONS
SIRI was independently associated with all-cause and CVD mortality, and the dose-response relationship was J-shaped. SIRI might serve as a valid predictor for all-cause and CVD mortality both in the short and long terms.

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