1.Huangqi Jianzhongtang Regulates Polarization of Macrophages M1/M2 and Improves Fat Consumption in Cancer Cachexia Mice
Zhiyan FANG ; Haiyan ZHU ; Wenying HUAI ; Cong HUANG ; Ruocong YANG ; Haiyan YU ; Tiane ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):61-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huangqi Jianzhongtang (HQJZ) on macrophage polarization and fat consumption in cancer cachexia (CC) mice. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was used to control the quality of HQJZ. (1) In vitro experiment: HQJZ-containing serum was prepared, and the optimal concentration was determined by cytotoxicity assay. Mouse monocyte-derived macrophages (RAW264.7) were cultured and randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a classically activated macrophages (M1) group, an alternatively activated macrophages (M2) group, a HQJZ + blank group, a HQJZ+M1 group, and a HQJZ + M2 group. The relative expression of macrophage marker genes CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg1) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR ). (2) In vivo experiment: Thirty-two BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) group, and a HQJZ group. Except for the control group, the other mice were injected with CT-26 colon cancer cells to establish a CC model. Mice in the MPA and HQJZ groups were given MPA (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1) or HQJZ (13.13 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, respectively, while mice in the control and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage, with interventions continued for 10 d. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of macrophage markers (iNOS, Arg1, CD86, CD206) and fat browning-related genes uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in epididymal adipose tissue. Western blot (WB) was used to detect protein expression levels of UCP1 and PPARγ. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to measure residual fat volume, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess fat browning and calculate pathological scores. ResultsIn vitro, the dominant effective concentration of HQJZ-containing serum was 12.5%. Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the blank group, Arg1 expression decreased in the HQJZ+blank group (P<0.05), CD206 showed a downward trend without statistical significance, while iNOS and CD86 expression were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the M1 group, Arg1 and CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M1 group (P<0.05). Compared with the M2 group, CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M2 group (P<0.05), CD86 expression increased significantly (P<0.01). In vivo, Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the control group, CD86 and CD206 expression levels were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, CD206 expression in the MPA group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the HQJZ group, CD206 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). WB results showed that, compared with the model group, protein expression of UCP1 and PPARγ was significantly reduced in the HQJZ group (P<0.05, P<0.01). micro-CT results showed that the total white fat volume in the HQJZ group was greater than that in the model group (P<0.05). HE staining results showed that pathological scores in the HQJZ group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionHQJZ may inhibit white adipose tissue browning by promoting macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing M2 polarization, thereby delaying fat consumption in CC mice.
2.Institutional examination and system reconstruction of next-of-kin decision-making rights in cadaveric organ donation
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):143-149
Organ transplantation is a vital means of saving patients with end-stage diseases, and organ donation serves as its foundation. China’s cadaveric organ donation system adopts a dual model that recognizes both individual autonomy and next-of-kin decision-making rights. However, in practice, the next-of-kin decision-making rule faces multiple challenges, including a narrow scope of eligible decision-makers, inefficient decision-making processes, the misuse of revocation rights and the absence of disqualification mechanisms. This article explores the legal nature of next-of-kin decision-making rights and reflects on the existing rules. By integrating the principles respect, ‘non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice’ in medical ethics, it proposes three pathways for reform: hierarchical ordering of decision-makers, limitation of revocation rights, and legal codification of disqualification grounds. The aim is to balance individual autonomy, family ethics and public interest, realign the cadaveric organ donation system with its altruistic essence and public-oriented mission, and promote the development of organ donation in China.
3.Mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo Prescription in Improving Renal Fibrosis in Rats with Chronic Kidney Disease Based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xincui BAO ; Baosheng ZHAO ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Jing YANG ; You WANG ; Lijia WU ; Yujin LI ; Ming GAO ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):100-108
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription improves renal fibrosis in rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy specific pathogen-free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=15) and a modeling group (n=55). Rats in the modeling group were administered a 2.5% adenine suspension at a dose of 200 mg·kg-1·d-1 by gavage for 4 weeks to establish a CKD model. Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, an irbesartan group (20.25 mg·kg-1·d-1), and Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.82, 11.64, and 23.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively), with 10 rats in each group. Each group was administered an equal volume of physiological saline, the corresponding concentration of irbesartan, or Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription by gavage for 12 weeks. Body weight and renal function indices were dynamically monitored. Serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), 24-hour urinary total protein (24 hUTP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Renal histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and mTOR in renal tissues. Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), and mTOR in renal tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in renal tissues. ResultsCompared with the model group, rats in the irbesartan group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription groups showed significantly decreased levels of SCr, BUN, ACR, 24 hUTP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.01). AST levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), while no significant difference was observed in ALT levels. Histopathological examination revealed that, compared with the model group, renal tubular epithelial cell edema and necrosis and Bowman's capsule dilation were alleviated, inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced, and interstitial and glomerular fibrosis was markedly improved in all treatment groups, with the most pronounced effect observed in the high-dose Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription group. Real-time PCR results showed that mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were significantly downregulated in the high-dose group (P<0.01). IHC results demonstrated that PI3K and p-Akt expression levels in renal tissues were significantly decreased in the high-dose group (P<0.01). Western blot analysis further confirmed that the expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly reduced in the high-dose group (P<0.01). ConclusionBushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription improves renal function indices in CKD rats, reduces collagen deposition in renal tissues, and decreases serum inflammatory factor levels. Its protective effect on renal function may be achieved by activating autophagy through downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby alleviating renal fibrosis.
4.Current Status and Prospects of Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment for Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Haiyan BAI ; Tai ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Lin LIU ; Weichao XU ; Yaxin TIAN ; Lanshuo HU ; Qian YANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):410-415
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), through its multi-target and systematic regulatory effects, has demonstrated unique advantages in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). At present, TCM theoretical research on GPL is mainly reflected in three aspects, the integration of macroscopic syndrome differentiation, the inflammation-carcinoma transformation mechanism, as well as the systematization and scientization of theoretical inheritance from famous TCM practitioners. High-quality evidence-based research findings serve as the foundation for clinical practice guidelines on GPL, and TCM has gained international academic recognition in the field of GPL prevention and treatment. Research on TCM mechanisms has yielded a series of important outcomes in the aspects of signaling pathways, gene expression regulation, cellular epigenetics, histone modification, and intestinal microecology. It is proposed that future research on GPL should focus on four key directions, establishing multi-omics data, exploring targeted intervention strategies on key regulatory nodes, advancing the standardization process of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine prevention and treatment technologies, and constructing stratified screening and intervention platforms. The in-depth integration of TCM microcosmic mechanism of action with its macroscopic syndrome differentiation and treatment system, coupled with interdisciplinary research, will provide valuable references for the clinical treatment and scientific research of GPL.
5.Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of Prediction Model for Turbidity Toxicity Accumulation Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Yican WANG ; Chenggong ZHAO ; Pengli DU ; Jie WANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Haiyan BAI ; Yongli HUO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Jianping LIU ; Yanru CAI ; Jianming JIANG ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):288-295
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the risk factors for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome and establish a prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 180 patients with CAG who participated in the "clinical study of Xianglian Huazhuo Particles blocking CAG cancer transformation" of Hebei Sheng Zhong Yi Yuan from July 2021 to March 2022 were collected. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, patients were divided into a training set (namely dev) and a validation set (namely vad) in a seven to three ratio. The risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome in the training set were investigated by using univariate Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (namely Lasso) regression algorithms. Subsequently, a model, named model 1se, was developed by using the training set data to predict the risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome. The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed by using various methods, including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsAge, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, job and life satisfaction, yellow and greasy fur with slippery pulse, and heavy body sensation were independent risk factors of the model. The prediction model showed excellent predictive value for both the training and validation sets. ConclusionThe established prediction model for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome has high discrimination and excellent calibration, which could provide an excellent clinical basis for disease diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients.
6.Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of Prediction Model for Turbidity Toxicity Accumulation Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Yican WANG ; Chenggong ZHAO ; Pengli DU ; Jie WANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Haiyan BAI ; Yongli HUO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Jianping LIU ; Yanru CAI ; Jianming JIANG ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):288-295
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the risk factors for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome and establish a prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 180 patients with CAG who participated in the "clinical study of Xianglian Huazhuo Particles blocking CAG cancer transformation" of Hebei Sheng Zhong Yi Yuan from July 2021 to March 2022 were collected. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, patients were divided into a training set (namely dev) and a validation set (namely vad) in a seven to three ratio. The risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome in the training set were investigated by using univariate Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (namely Lasso) regression algorithms. Subsequently, a model, named model 1se, was developed by using the training set data to predict the risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome. The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed by using various methods, including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsAge, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, job and life satisfaction, yellow and greasy fur with slippery pulse, and heavy body sensation were independent risk factors of the model. The prediction model showed excellent predictive value for both the training and validation sets. ConclusionThe established prediction model for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome has high discrimination and excellent calibration, which could provide an excellent clinical basis for disease diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients.
7.Efficacy comparison of foldable capsular body with scleral buckling in treating experimental retinal detachment
Yifan DONG ; Baike ZHANG ; Yong JIA ; Fan YANG ; Lisha GUO ; Xiangyang ZHANG ; Cong LU ; Zhonghao ZHANG ; Haiyan WU ; Xuemin TIAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1566-1573
AIM: To compare the effectiveness of foldable capsular body(FCB)with traditional scleral buckling(SB)in the treatment of experimental retinal detachment animal models.METHODS: After successfully establishing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)animal models, 24 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups(RRD models group, SB group, and FCB group), with 8 rabbits in each group. The FCB and SB groups underwent SB and FCB surgeries for the RRD animal models, while the RRD models group only consists of RRD models without any surgical intervention during the follow-up period. The follow-up duration was 3 mo. Wide-field neonatal fundus imaging system and ophthalmic B-ultrasound were used to assess the fundus conditions before and after surgery. The Icare® TONOVET Plus tonometer was utilized to evaluate intraocular pressure changes before and after surgery. The Eaton and Draize scoring systems were selected to monitor postoperative inflammatory reactions.RESULTS: The retinal reattachment rates in the FCB and SB groups were 87.5% and 75.0%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups(P>0.05). The intraocular pressure in both the FCB and SB groups increased postoperatively compared to preoperative levels(P<0.01), and there were no significant differences in intraocular pressure at any time points during the follow-up period between the groups(P>0.05). The intraocular pressure in the RRD models group remained at a low level throughout the follow-up period. The average surgical time for the FCB group was 16.87±2.29 min, which was shorter than 46.25±4.74 min in the SB group(t=-15.166, P<0.001). According to the Eaton and Draize scoring systems, the FCB group had lower grades of conjunctival hyperemia and edema in the early postoperative period compared to the SB group, indicating milder inflammatory reactions(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Both FCB and SB are effective in treating experimental RRD. Compared to SB, FCB is simpler to operate, and also has a shorter surgical time and milder postoperative inflammatory reactions.
8.An analysis of epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness in Hongkou District, Shanghai from 2015 to 2024
Zhenzhen QI ; Tong LI ; Xiaofan REN ; Haiyan WANG ; Jixing YANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):649-653
ObjectiveTo explore the epidemic levels and epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Hongkou District of Shanghai, to track the trends in virus mutations, so as to offer a scientific foundation for precisely predicting influenza epidemic trends, providing early alerts, and implementing prompt prevention and control measures. MethodsData on ILI and etiological surveillance from Hongkou District between 2015 and 2024 were collected and statistically analyzed. ResultsThe consultation percentage of ILI (ILI%) in Hongkou District from 2015 to 2024 was 0.58%, and the differences were statistically significant between different years (χ²=19 280.500, P<0.001), with winter and summer being the prevalence peaks. The highest proportion of ILI cases was observed in the 25‒<60 years age group, and the proportion of cases aged ≥60 years showed an increasing trend. The positive rate for influenza viruses was 17.60%, with seasonal influenzaA (H3N2) subtype (49.78%) and influenza A(H1N1) (30.03%) being the predominant strains,and the positive rate was different by years. There was a correlation between ILI% and the positive rate of influenza viruses (r=0.260, P<0.001). The median intensity of influenza activity in 2023‒2024 was 23.09, which was significantly higher than that in 2015‒2019 (H=37.052, P<0.001) and that in 2020‒2022 (H=40.436, P<0.001). ConclusionFrom 2015 to 2022, the ILI% in Hongkou District, Shanghai remained at a relatively low level, but it significantly increased in 2023‒2024, with peaks observed in winter and summer. The predominant influenza virus strains varied and alternated by years. The 2023‒2024 period witnessed an intensified influenza activity. It is necessary to continuously monitor the impact of other respiratory pathogens on influenza epidemic, so as to provide a scientific basis for early warning and prevention and control of influenza.
9.Efficiency analysis of a metabolic profile-based model for predicting the risk of disease progression in patients with diabetic macular edema
Haiyan YANG ; Xin WANG ; Li LYU
International Eye Science 2025;25(11):1869-1875
AIM: To screen the predictors of disease progression risk in patients with diabetic macular edema(DME), establish a joint prediction model and analyze its predictive efficiency.METHODS:A retrospective selection was made of 240 patients with DME who were treated in our hospital from July 2021 to October 2024 as the research subjects. The patients were divided into a low-risk group(n=102)and a high-risk group(n=138)based on the central macular thickness(CMT)and whether the fovea was accumulated. The basic information of the patients and relevant examination data such as glycolipid metabolism indicators and liver and kidney function indicators were collected. The indicators with differences in the univariate analysis(P<0.05)were included in the multivariate analysis to screen out the independent influencing factors of disease progression in DME patients and construct a predictive model. The fitting effect of the prediction model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the prediction model was verified by sensitivity, specificity and Youden index.RESULTS: The general data of the two groups of patients are comparable, and there was no statistically significant difference in blood pressure between the two groups of patients(both P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c), fasting blood glucose(FBG), advanced glycation end products(AGEs), total cholesterol(TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), triglycerides(TG), serum creatinine(Scr), uric acid(UA), and cystatin C(Cys-C)at 3 and 6 mo in the high-risk group at baseline, 3 and 6 mo were higher than those in the low-risk group(all P<0.01). The baseline, 3 and 6 mo estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR), total bilirubin(TBIL), and 3 and 6 mo high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)in the high-risk group were all lower than those in the low-risk group(P<0.05). Regression analysis showed that baseline HbA1c, 3 mo FBG, 3 mo AGEs, baseline LDL-C, 3 mo TG, 3 mo eGFR, baseline TBIL, and 6 mo TBIL were risk factors for disease progression in DME patients. The area under curve(AUC)of the combined prediction model was 0.909(95%CI: 0.872-0.945), with a sensitivity of 79.00% and a specificity of 94.10%.CONCLUSION: HbA1c, FBG, AGEs, LDL-C, TG, eGFR and TBIL are risk factors for the risk of disease progression in patients with DME. The combined prediction model can provide a reference for predicting the risk of disease progression in patients with DME.
10.Application of micro-kinetic chromogenic method in bacterial endotoxin test of influenza vaccine(split virion, inactivated)
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2025;38(10):1235-1240
Objective To evaluate the feasibility of micro-kinetic chromogenic method for quantitative detection of bacterial endotoxin in influenza vaccine(split virion, inactivated), so as to establish a detection method that saves the dosage of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate(LAL).Methods The working standard of bacterial endotoxin was detected by micro-kinetic chromogenic method, and the standard curve of bacterial endotoxin was established to verify the reliability. The minimum dilution of the test sample with no interference on test results was determined by the interference test. The bacterial endotoxin content of seven batches of influenza vaccines(split virion, inactivated) was detected by micro-kinetic chromogenic method, and the results were compared with those of the conventional kinetic chromogenic method.Results The standard curve of the micro-kinetic chromogenic method showed good linearity in the range of 0. 05-5. 0 EU/mL, with a correlation coefficient(r)of -0. 999 7. When the influenza virus was diluted 16 times or below, there was no interference in the detection, and the recovery rates was between 50% and 200%. The bacterial endotoxin content of seven batches of influenza vaccines(split virion, inactivated) detected by microkinetic chromogenic method all met the company's specification(< 10 EU/mL) and were consistent with the test results of conventional kinetic chromogenic method.Conclusion The micro-kinetic chromogenic method can be adopted for the quantitative detection of bacterial endotoxin in influenza vaccine(split virion, inactivated).The method is accurate and reliable, and can greatly reduce the dosage of LAL under the premise of ensuring quality control,which is of great significance to protect endangered limulus resources.


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