1.Exploring Anti-inflammatory Synergistic Mechanism of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Juice Based on Differential Component Tracking Strategy
Hongda XUAN ; Shengnan SHEN ; Linlin LI ; Jingjing LIAO ; Xianyu XU ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Haining LYU ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):228-237
ObjectiveTaking Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice(AFI)-processed Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) as an example, this study aims to systematically compare the volatile and non-volatile components of AMR and its processed products, investigate the key differential components, evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities, and elucidate the synergistic mechanism of processing. MethodsThe chemical compositions of volatile and non-volatile components in AMR and AFI-processed AMR were systematically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), with relative mass fractions and response values determined separately. Volatile components were identified through searches in the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST)17 database, comparison with retention index(RI) and fragmentation pattern matching. Non-volatile components were identified by searching Waters Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spectral library, in conjunction with PubChem and MassBank, characteristic fragmentation patterns and response values were also used to support identification. Differential components were screened using principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), with variable importance in the projection(VIP) value >1. Components with high log2fold change(FC) among major differential groups were selected as those exhibiting significant changes before and after processing. The anti-inflammatory activity of the differential compounds was evaluated by assessing their effects on nitric oxide(NO) production in a lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the effects of the differential components on tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein(MCP)-1 levels, and immunofluorescence(IF) was employed to assess their effects on nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 translocation, thereby elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms. ResultsA total of 36 compounds were identified in the volatile components of AMR and AFI-processed AMR, among which, sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes were significantly increased after processing. In the non-volatile components, 36 compounds were identified, and the main differential components were flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids. Flavonoids were the primary differential components distinguishing AMR from its processed products, representing compounds directly introduced during processing. Five compounds, including atractylenolide Ⅲ, tangeritin, nobiletin, hesperidin and narirutin, were selected as representatives of three classes based on their most prominent differential expression among different compound types for subsequent anti-inflammatory activity studies. The results showed that 100 μmol·L-1 tangerine and narirutin could significantly inhibit LPS-induced NO production(P<0.01) in a concentration-dependent manner. Tangeritin was able to significantly inhibit the levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 secreted by RAW264.7(P<0.05), while narirutin significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1 and IL-6(P<0.01). IF revealed that both tangeritin and narirutin significantly blocked the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. ConclusionAFI-processed AMR significantly alters the chemical composition profile of AMR, and the newly introduced flavonoid components during processing may be key to its enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.
2.Comparative analysis of hematopoietic reconstitution after different stem cell infusions in a murine model of bone marrow acute radiation syndrome
Xuan LIU ; Yixi HOU ; Qianqian XIAO ; Fang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):407-413
Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy and identify differences between haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with mesenchymal stem cells (Haplo-MSC) and umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSC) in mice with bone marrow acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Methods Eight-to ten-week-old CB6F1 mice were exposed to 8 Gy of 60Co γ-ray irradiation to establish a bone marrow-type ARS model.The mice were then randomly assigned to three groups: the Haplo-MSC group (haploidentical hematopoietic stem cells combined with MSCs), the UCB-MSC group (umbilical cord blood stem cells combined with MSCs), and a saline control group. The survival rate, peripheral blood cell counts, pathological changes in target organs, colony formation of bone marrow cells, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were observed. Results All mice in the saline control group died within 14 days, with a median survival time of 8.9 days. The 30 day survival rate was 65% in the Haplo-MSC group and 60% in the UCB-MSC group. The Log-rank test showed no significant difference in survival time between the two transplantation groups (P=0.561). At 28 days post-transplantation, no significant differences were observed in WBC, PLT, RBC, or Hb counts between the two groups (P=0.151, 0.733, 0.856, and 0.300, respectively). Pathological changes in bone marrow cells showed that bone marrow failure occurred later in the UCB-MSC group than in the Haplo-MSC group. In contrast, the Haplo-MSC group exhibited faster hematopoietic stem cell engraftment. Furthermore, the numbers of CFU-E, CFU-GM, and CFU-GEMM differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Both the Haplo-MSC and UCB-MSC regimens promoted hematopoietic engraftment and reconstitution in mice with lethal-dose radiation-induced bone marrow ARS. However, the onset of bone marrow failure was delayed in mice treated with the UCB-MSC regimen. In contrast, mice treated with the Haplo-MSC regimen showed faster engraftment.
3.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
4.Treatment of Globus Hystericus Based on the Theory of "Regulating the Five Zang Organs and Harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach"
Nailin ZHANG ; Jingxi WANG ; Hongyang WANG ; Fang SHI ; Xuan JING ; Qiquan LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):541-544
Based on the concept of "regulating the five zang organs and harmonizing the spleen and stomach", globus hystericus is believed to originate from dysfunction of the five zang organs and disharmony of the spleen and stomach. Treatment primarily focuses on regulating the spleen and stomach while also considering other affected organs, with a self-prescribed Anpiwei Jingyan Formula (安脾胃经验方) for harmonizing the spleen and stomach as the foundational treatment. Additionally, syndrome-based modifications are applied according to imbalances in the heart, lung, kidney, or liver. For heart-yang deficiency, modified Linggui Zhugan Decoction (苓桂术甘汤) could be combined; for heart-yin deficiency, modified Tianwang Buxin Pill (天王补心丹) could be combined. For lung failing to disperse and descend and fluid retention, modified Sanao Decoction (三拗汤) could be combined; for lung and stomach yin deficiency, modified Shashen Maidong Decoction (沙参麦冬汤) could be combined. For kidney-yang deficiency with ascending counterflow of cold water, modified Jingui Shensi Pill (金匮肾气丸) could be combined; for kidney-yin deficiency, modified Liuwei Dihuang Pill (六味地黄丸) could be combined. For liver constraint and spleen deficiency, modified Sini Powder (四逆散) could be combined; for liver-yin deficiency or liver stagnation transforming into fire and attacking the stomach, modified Yiguan Decoction (一贯煎) could be combined.
5.Effect of the multidisciplinary management model on the prognosis of patients with portal hypertension
Changxiang LAI ; Qiyuan TANG ; Zhiyu LI ; Yujin JIANG ; Xuan ZHOU ; Wenjie XIAN ; Ruikun CHEN ; Xiaojuan WU ; Qing HE ; Fang WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2068-2074
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) management model in improving the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. MethodsA total of 86 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension who were admitted to Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital from May 2022 to July 2024 were enrolled, and according to whether the MDT treatment regimen was implemented, they were divided into execution group with 51 patients and non-execution group with 35 patients. Baseline clinical data were collected, and the patients were observed in terms of gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, liver cancer, and death from admission to the end of follow-up (January 2025). The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves for the cumulative incidence rates of endpoint events (gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, liver cancer, and death), and the Log-rank test was used for comparison between groups. The Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis was used to investigate the effect of MDT management on the prognosis of patients. ResultsThere were significant differences between the execution group and the non-execution group in diameter of the portal vein (t=1.216, P=0.017) and ascites (χ2=4.515, P=0.034) at baseline. The patients were followed up for 14.6±6.2 months, and the survival curve analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the cumulative incidence rate of gastrointestinal bleeding between the two groups (χ2=4.573, P=0.024), while there were no significant differences in the incidence rates of other outcome events between the two groups (all P>0.05). The Cox regression analysis showed that the execution group had a reduced risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (hazard ratio=0.262, 95% confidence interval: 0.110 — 0.630, P=0.003). ConclusionImplementation of the MDT treatment regimen can significantly reduce the short-term risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension, while its long-term benefits require further follow-up verification.
6.Application of nursing guided by Neuman's systems model in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery patients
Xuan LIU ; Yushu BAI ; Ming LI ; Fang YANG ; Kai CHEN ; Wenjing ZHANG
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(3):318-324
Objective To explore the clinical effect of nursing guided by Neuman's systems model on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery patients.Methods This study is a randomized controlled trial.A total of 120 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent surgery in our hospital from Jan.to Dec.2023 were enrolled.According to the order of enrollment,they were randomly assigned to experimental group or control group,with 60 patients in each group.The control group received routine nursing,while the experimental group received nursing guided by Neuman's systems model.Independent-sample t test and χ2 test were used to compare the surgical efficacy,postoperative recovery,quality of life,and self-management ability of the 2 groups.Results Six months post-surgery,the main curve Cobb angle in the experimental group was significantly smaller than that in the control group([14.33±0.78]° vs[16.65±1.02]°,P<0.001).The postoperative bedtime([4.78±1.32])d vs[6.13±1.26]d),incision healing time([13.43±3.29]d vs[15.32±5.23]d),and hospital stay([13.17±5.36]d vs[16.93±3.14]d)were all significantly shorter in the experimental group than those in the control group(all P<0.05).The overall complication rate in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group(5.00%[3/60]vs 21.67%[13/60],P=0.016).Six months post-surgery,the experimental group scored better in terms of physical functioning,bodily pain,general health,vitality,social functioning,role-emotional,and mental health compared to the control group(all P<0.05).In terms of patient self-management,the experimental group also had significantly higher scores in common management(17.53±5.98 vs 13.34±7.32)and symptom management(30.95±8.12 vs 27.32±7.87)compared to the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion The nursing guided by Neuman's systems model for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery patients can promote their postoperative recovery and improve their quality of life and self-management capabilities.
7.Perioperative nursing care of a child with Angelman syndrome and moderate scoliosis
Shanshan ZHANG ; Fang YANG ; Tiantian GAO ; Jie SHAO ; Yushu BAI ; Xuan LIU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(3):325-329
Objective To summarize the perioperative nursing experience of a child with Angelman syndrome(AS)complicated with moderate scoliosis undergoing posterior 3-dimensional osteotomy correction,fusion,and internal fixation under general anesthesia.Methods The clinical data of the child with AS and moderate scoliosis who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital on Aug.4,2023,were analyzed.A multidisciplinary team was established upon admission.Relevant literatures and evidences were reviewed to develop and implement a"1+X"nursing plan,which included 2 components:"1"(core perioperative nursing priorities for scoliosis)and"X"(multiple AS-related nursing issues and corresponding strategies).Results The surgery was successful,with stable postoperative conditions and significant improvement in spinal curvature.The child's height increased by 7 cm.Discharge occurred on postoperative day 10,with 100%follow-up compliance.The child regained preoperative independent walking ability during follow-up.Conclusion The"1+X"nursing protocol for AS complicated with scoliosis can effectively ensure perioperative safety and promote recovery,which providing insights for perioperative nursing care of other rare diseases complicated with scoliosis.
8.Value of dual-energy CT quantitative parameters combined with clinical features in diagnosis of stages T2 and T3 colorectal cancer
Ni FANG ; Xin WEI ; Weijuan CHEN ; Mei FENG ; Lingjing ZHANG ; Yuexi LIU ; Qi LAI ; Xuan DING ; Xinjie LIU ; Wei JIANG ; Han YU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(2):177-185
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of our regression model based on quantitative parameters of dual-energy CT and clinical features for stages T2 and T3 colorectal cancer.Methods A cross-section study was performed on 91 patients with colorectal cancer confirmed by postoperative pathology in our hospital from January 2022 to November 2023.All of them underwent dual-energy CT examination.According to the pathological T staging criteria of Chinese Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Standard(2020 Edition),they were divided into T2 group(n=43)and T3 group(n=48).Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences in quantitative CT parameters and clinical features between the 2 groups,and the obtained significant variables were employed to construct diagnosis models by univariate or multivariate logistic regression analysis.The area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of the CT parametric model and the model combined with clinical features was compared to evaluate the efficacy of diagnosing T2 and T3 stages.Results Univariate analysis showed that carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),N stage,tumor location,tumor longest diameter(LD),CT value of virtual noncontrast(CT-VNC),fat fraction,electron density(Rho)and dual energy index(DEI)were significantly different between the T2 and T3 groups(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that N stage,tumor location,LD,fat fraction and DEI were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of stage T3.The AUC value of the model of above CT parameters in diagnosing stage T3 colorectal cancer was 0.671(95%CI:0.558~0.783),and the AUC value of the combined model of above CT parameters and clinical features was 0.886(95%CI:0.815~0.957),and statistical difference was observed in the AUC value between the combined model and the CT parametric model(P<0.01).Conclusion The regression model constructed with dual-energy CT quantitative parameters combined with clinical features has high value in the preoperative diagnosis of stages T2 and T3 colorectal cancer before surgery.
9.Economic burden of patients with healthcare-associated infection after liver transplant
Binghao BIAN ; Peng XU ; Xuan GUO ; Yi XU ; Jingyi LYU ; Fang ZHANG ; Lili WANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(5):687-693
Objective To investigate the incidence and economic burden of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in patients after liver transplant.Methods Basic clinical information,infection status,and related medical expenses of liver transplant patients in the department of hepatobiliary surgery in a tertiary first-class hospital from November 2012 to December 2023 were investigated retrospectively.A case-control study design was employed,with post-li-ver transplant patients who developed HAI as the infection group and those without HAI during the same period as the control group.The 1∶1 propensity score matching(PSM)method was adopted(caliper value was set at 0.05,employing sampling without replacement).Length of hospital stay and hospitalization expenses between patients in the infection group and the control group were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test,and the economic burden due to HAI was calculated.Results A total of 336 liver transplant patients were included in study,out of which 48 had HAI,with an incidence of 14.29%.44 pairs were successfully matched by PSM.After matching,the median hospitalization expense for patients in the infection group was 334 473.73 Yuan,while that of the control group was 285 824.82 Yuan,with a statistically significant difference(Z=-3.430,P<0.05).The direct economic burden of HAI in liver transplant patients was 48 648.91 Yuan.After matching,the median length of hospital stay in the in-fection group(37.0 days)was 12.5 days longer than that in the control group(24.5 days),with statistically sig-nificnat difference(Z=-3.630,P<0.001).Conclusion HAI after liver transplant increases patients' hospitaliza-tion expense and prolongs their hospital stay,thus brings huge economic burdens to the patients.
10.Research progress of phytochemicals in tumor immunotherapy
Xuan ZHANG ; Juan LI ; Chuanfeng FANG ; Hong TIAN ; Jiaren LIU
Practical Oncology Journal 2025;39(5):428-432
In recent years,the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors have been increasing year by year,becoming a se-rious challenge to global public health.Unlike traditional treatment methods,tumor immunotherapy activates the body's own immune system to against tumors,and has significant advantage such as minimal side effects,long-lasting efficacy,and strong targeting.Howev-er,immunotherapy also has issues such as frequent adverse reactions and high treatment costs.In order to enhance the efficacy of im-munotherapy,some phytochemicals are used in the field of immunotherapy as modulators.These phytochemicals not only increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to immune cells,but also reduce the expression of immune checkpoint proteins.Therefore,this article provides a review of phytochemicals that play an important role in tumor immunotherapy and their related mechanisms of action.


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