1.Mechanisms of Antidepressant Effect of Zhizi Houpotang and Its Herbal Pairs Based on NLRP3/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Chang CHEN ; Ziwen GUO ; Tingyu SONG ; Yan WANG ; Baomei XIA ; Weiwei TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):72-80
ObjectiveTaking classical herbal pair compatibility research as the entry point, this study aimed to deeply investigate the material basis and compatibility rules underlying the antidepressant effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Zhizi Houpotang, and to elucidate its antidepressant mechanism, with a particular focus on its regulation of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway and the consequent improvement of neuronal synaptic plasticity. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model group, a Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group (6 g·kg-1·d-1), a Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (MOC)-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a Gardeniae Fructus (GF)-MOC herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a GF-AFI herbal pair group (3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and a positive drug group (fluoxetine, 12 mg·kg-1·d-1). Depressive-like behaviors in mice were evaluated using behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining was used to label and quantify the expression of the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Ibal) and the purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2RX7) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in serum and PFC tissues. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of pannexin 1 (Panx1), P2RX7, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, GSDMD, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and the presynaptic protein Synapsin 1 in PFC tissues. Golgi staining was used to assess dendritic spine density of neurons in the PFC. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the depression model group exhibited significant depressive-like behaviors. In addition, the immunofluorescence areas of Ibal and P2RX7 in the PFC were significantly increased (P<0.01), the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and the PFC were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of Panx1, P2RX7, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the PFC were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). In contrast, the protein expression levels of PSD95 and Synapsin 1 were significantly downregulated (P<0.01), and neuronal dendritic spine density was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group and the GF-MOC herbal pair group showed significant improvement in all the above indicators (P<0.01). The GF-AFI herbal pair group improved all the above indicators except P2RX7, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and PSD95 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In contrast, the MOC-AFI herbal pair group showed no statistically significant improvement in any of the above indicators compared with the model group. ConclusionZhizi Houpotang and its key herbal pair, GF-MOC, can effectively ameliorate CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Its core antidepressant mechanism may involve inhibition of P2RX7/Panx1 signaling, thereby blocking the NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway and significantly reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Simultaneously, it upregulates the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD95 and Synapsin 1 and increases dendritic spine density, promoting the recovery of synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that GF plays a key role in the antidepressant effects of this formula, and that the compatibility of GF with MOC may represent the principal herbal pair combination responsible for its core therapeutic action.
2.Diagnostic value of exhaled volatile organic compounds in pulmonary cystic fibrosis: A systematic review
Xiaoping YU ; Zhixia SU ; Kai YAN ; Taining SHA ; Yuhang HE ; Yanyan ZHANG ; Yujian TAO ; Hong GUO ; Guangyu LU ; Weijuan GONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):223-229
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed databases up to August 7, 2024. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected for data extraction and quality assessment. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and the risk of bias and applicability of included prediction model studies were assessed by the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST). Results A total of 10 studies were included, among which 5 studies only identified specific exhaled VOCs in CF patients, and another 5 developed 7 CF risk prediction models based on the identification of VOCs in CF. The included studies reported a total of 75 exhaled VOCs, most of which belonged to the categories of acylcarnitines, aldehydes, acids, and esters. Most models (n=6, 85.7%) only included exhaled VOCs as predictive factors, and only one model included factors other than VOCs, including forced expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF75) and modified Medical Research Council scale for the assessment of dyspnea (mMRC). The accuracy of the models ranged from 77% to 100%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.771 to 0.988. None of the included studies provided information on the calibration of the models. The results of the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) showed that the overall bias risk of all predictive model studies was high, and the overall applicability was unclear. Conclusion The exhaled VOCs reported in the included studies showed significant heterogeneity, and more research is needed to explore specific compounds for CF. In addition, risk prediction models based on exhaled VOCs have certain value in the diagnosis of CF, but the overall bias risk is relatively high and needs further optimization from aspects such as model construction and validation.
3.ERCP combined with peroral cholangioscopy in the treatment of gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones
Liying TAO ; Hongguang WANG ; Xiang GUO ; Qingmei GUO ; Sijie GUO ; Yan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(6):406-409
Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined with peroral cholangioscopy in the treatment of gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones.Methods:Clinical data of 19 patients with gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones admitted to the Digestive Endoscopy Center, Jilin People’s Hospital from July 2019 to November 2024 were retrospectively analyzed, including 13 males and 6 females, aged (68.2±14.2) years. All patients underwent ERCP combined with peroral cholangioscopy. Perioperative data, including the long diameter of the common bile duct stone, the long diameter of the gallbladder stone, the number of stones, ERCP operative time, gallbladder stone extraction time, stone clearance status, hospitalization duration, and complications, were recorded. Postoperative follow-up was conducted through outpatient visits or telephone consultations to monitor recurrence.Results:The long diameter of the common bile duct stones was (9.55±2.86) mm, and the long diameter of the gallbladder stones was 4.0(3.0, 5.5) mm. Among the 19 patients, 5 had single gallbladder stones, and 14 had multiple stones. The ERCP operative time was (49.0±18.4) min, and the gallbladder stone extraction time was (25.0±11.7) min. The methods used for handling the gallbladder neck were as follows: two cases involved stone removal after 6 mm balloon dilation; six cases involved stone removal after metal stent placement; three cases involved the placement of a plastic stent in the gallbladder for three months, followed by stone extraction using ERCP combined with peroral cholangioscopy; eight cases were treated directly for stone removal without specific procedures. Among the 19 patients, 11 completed stone removal within one treatment, while eight required a second treatment. All patients had complete clearance of both common bile duct and gallbladder stones under direct peroral cholangioscopy. No severe complications occurred postoperatively, although two cases developed post-ERCP pancreatitis. The postoperative hospitalization time was 8.0 (6.0, 10.0) d. The follow-up duration for the 19 patients was 14.0 (8.5, 20.0) months. One patient had a recurrence of gallbladder stones 12 months postoperatively, while no other patients had recurrence at the final follow-up.Conclusion:ERCP combined with peroral cholangioscopy is a safe and feasible approach for treating gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones.
4.Change in serum uric acid level and its influencing factors among military personnel during long-term maritime mission
Lifeng SHI ; Yan WU ; Guangyong WANG ; Shaoyu ZHANG ; Fang WANG ; Tao GUO ; Guangman TANG ; Lan LI ; Yibing ZHOU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(12):1284-1290
Objective To investigate the characteristics of changes in blood uric acid(UA)and detection rate of hyperuricemia(HUA)among officers and soldiers during long-term maritime missions,as well as their related influencing factors.Methods A total of 100 servicemen were randomly selected from 240 officers and soldiers who will participate in a long-distance voyage mission.Their general information,including age,education level,administrative position,years of service on board,and department,was surveyed.Their annual data of physical examination were retrospectively analyzed and compared with the results of another 335 shore-based servicemen during the same period.On mission day 10(D10)and day 50(D50),the venous blood samples were collected from the participants to synchronously measure blood UA level and body composition indicators(body fat mass,BMI,fat percentage,fat mass,muscle mass,and muscle percentage).Additionally,on D50,Self-Rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS)and Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90)were employed to survey their conditions.Seventy service members were randomly selected from the 100 participants to engage in aerobic exercise.The changes in UA level and detection rate of HUA among the mission personnel were analyzed,along with their influencing factors.Results The UA level and HUA detection rate in long-term navigation personnel during concurrent annual physical examinations were significantly lower than those in shore-based personnel(P<0.01).Compared to pre-voyage physical examination results,the UA level and HUA detection rate in long-term navigation personnel were significantly increased from mission day D10(P<0.001).Compared to the values at D10,the UA level and HUA detection rate at D50 showed significant decreases(P<0.05),and then essentially returned to pre-mission examination levels(P>0.05).Aged<32 years was an independent risk factor for new-onset HUA at mission D10(P<0.05).<32 years old and aerobic exercise during the voyage were independent influencing factors for HUA outcome(P<0.05).Conclusion Serum UA level and HUA detection rate among officers and soldiers participating in long-term maritime missions are relatively low before departure,but in significant increases during the early stages of the mission,particularly among those aged<32 years.Scientific aerobic exercise during the mission period helps reduce UA level and HUA detection rate,playing a crucial role in guaranteeing physical and mental health.
5.Clinical characteristics and contributors to diagnostic delay in autoimmune gastritis
Haofeng LI ; He MA ; Tao FU ; Xinyi HUANG ; Qing SHI ; Yan ZHENG ; Hanning LIU ; Hengqi LIU ; Yan GUO ; Chunhui LAN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2396-2404
Objective To analyze the diagnostic process and clinical characteristics of autoimmune gastritis(AIG)in order to improve the awareness and diagnostic proficiency of this disease.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 114 patients diagnosed with AIG in Army Medical Center of PLA between January 2021 and June 2024.Comprehensive statistical analysis was performed on clinical data,including demographic characteristics(age,sex),clinical symptoms,comorbidities,diagnostic process,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection and treatment history,laboratory indicators[results of routine blood test,anemia-related indices,thyroid function,anti-parietal cell antibody(APCA),intrinsic factor antibody(IFA)],and gastrointestinal endoscopic findings(frequency and endoscopic features).Results Among the 114 patients,males accounted for 28.1%(32/114)and females for 71.9%(82/114),and they were at a mean age of 56.3±8.4 years.Predominant symptoms included epigastric/upper abdominal pain(47.4%,54/114)and postprandial fullness(43.0%,49/114),while 24.6%(28/114)reported acid reflux or heartburn.Diagnostic delay occurred in 76.4%(87/114)of patients,with a median delay duration of 11.5 months.Primary diagnostic clues were endoscopic reverse gradient atrophy(significantly more severe mucosal atrophy in the gastric corpus/fundus versus antrum;53.5%,61/114)and repeated H.pylori eradication failure(≥2 attempts;22.8%,26/114).Positivity rate of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb)and thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb)was 56.9%(33/58)and 36.2%(21/58),respectively.APCA positive rate was 98.8%(81/82),IFA positive rate was 34.1%(28/82),and dual-antibody rate was 32.9%(27/82).Anemia was present in 25.7%(26/101)of the patients.Gastric neuroendocrine tumors(NET)were found in 12.2%(14/114),intraepithelial neoplasia in 5.3%(6/114),and gastric adenocarcinoma in 0.9%(1/114).Among colonoscopy-examined patients,tubular adenomas occurred in 25.0%(13/52)and colorectal malignancies in 3.4%(2/58).There were 18.4%(21/114)patients having gallbladder-related diseases,7.9%(9/114)having diabetes mellitus,and 1.8%(2/114)of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.Conclusion AIG is frequently associated with diagnostic delay.The reverse pattern of atrophy on endoscopy serves as a critical diagnostic clue,necessitating enhanced recognition in endoscopists.Patients with recurrent H.pylori eradication failure(≥2 attempts)should be evaluated for AIG.
6.The strategy and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in isolated atrial fibrillation
Tao YAN ; Fan WENG ; Shijie ZHU ; Dajun ZHAO ; Changfa GUO ; Chunsheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(7):416-420
Objective:To determine the safety and efficacy of the modified off-pump biatrial mini-maze procedure to treat isolated atrial fibrillation.Methods:This study retrospectively included isolated atrial fibrillation patients who underwent the modified off-pump biatrial mini-maze procedure at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2021 to December 2023. These patients underwent a mini-maze procedure using the Dallas lesion set protocol. A purse-string suture was then performed on the right atrium, and 4 ablation lesions were made to the superior vena cava, the inferior vena cava, the appendix of the right atrium and the tricuspid valve annulus from the purse-string suture point using the bipolar radiofrequency clamp. After the operation, the patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12months and every year thereafter.Results:A total of 301 patients were followed up. There were no deaths or strokes. A follow-up at intervals of 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months showed that the cumulative success rate free from isolated atrial fibrillation was 96.0%、91.0%、85.9%、79.5% and 72.7%.Conclusion:The modified off-pump biatrial mini-maze procedure is safe and effective and can be considered as an off-pump ablation option for patients and cardiac surgeons.
7.Analysis of interference of glycosuria on urinary creatinine-related urinary renal injury biomarkers
Jingjing GUO ; Haixia LI ; Jie DONG ; Cunling YAN ; Tao LI ; Jialin DU ; Chongwen AN ; Lu PANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(8):1063-1070
Objective:To analyze the interference of an exogenous glucose test on urinary creatinine-related renal injury biomarkers in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods:This cross-sectional study enrolled CKD patients who visited Peking University First Hospital between October 2023 and March 2024. The patients (age: 50±18 years) included 90 males and 70 females. Fresh morning urine samples were collected, totaling 160 samples. Each urine sample was divided into 5 aliquots,each containing 225 μl. One aliquot received 75 μl of deionized water as the control. The other aliquots received 75 μl of glucose solutions at concentrations of 120, 480, 960, and 1200 mmol/L, resulting in final glucose concentrations of 30, 120, 240, and 300 mmol/L in the urine samples, respectively. Urinary creatinine in each sample was measured using both the enzymatic method and the picric acid (Jaffe) method. The following ratios were calculated: urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (uPCR), urinary transferrin-to-creatinine ratio (uTRF/uCr), urinary α1-microglobulin-to-creatinine ratio (uA1M/uCr), urinary immunoglobulin G-to-creatinine ratio (uIgG/uCr), and urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase-to-creatinine ratio (uNAG/uCr).Results:Under high glucose concentrations, significant differences ( P<0.05) were observed between the enzymatic method and the picric acid method in measuring urinary creatinine-related renal injury biomarkers. At glucose concentrations of 30, 120, 240, and 300 mmol/L, the mean percentage biases for creatinine measured by the enzymatic method were -0.19%, -0.27%, -0.20%, and -0.21%, respectively. The mean percentage biases for creatinine measured by the picric acid method were 0.78%, 1.26%, 1.35%, and 1.38%, respectively, showing an increasing deviation between the results before and after glucose addition as the glucose concentration rose. For uACR measurement, the mean absolute biases using the enzymatic method were -0.01, 1.27, 0.95, and 1.10 mg/g at the respective glucose concentrations. Using the picric acid method, the mean absolute biases for uACR were -11.69, -14.98, -16.91, and-18.51 mg/g. The biases of the picric acid method were significantly higher than the those of the enzymatic method, and the absolute value of the mean biases increased with rising glucose concentration. For uPCR, uTRF/uCr, uA1M/uCr, uNAG/uCr, and uIgG/uCr, the deviations measured by the enzymatic method were consistently smaller than those measured by the picric acid method. Conclusions:The measurement of creatinine and related renal injury biomarkers by the enzymatic method is less affected by glucose concentration. In contrast, the measurement results obtained using the picric acid method are significantly affected by glucose concentration.
8.Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain (version 2025)
Hui CHE ; Wenge DING ; Shiming FENG ; Xueping GU ; Qinwei GUO ; Jianchao GUI ; Yinghui HUA ; Yuefeng HAO ; Qinglin HAN ; Bo HU ; Xiaojun LIANG ; Guoping LI ; Yunxia LI ; Qi LI ; Yanlin LI ; Xin MA ; Jun MA ; Xudong MIAO ; Jianzhong QIN ; Xiaodong QIN ; Xu SUN ; Kefu SUN ; Weidong SONG ; Dai SHI ; Zhongmin SHI ; Youlun TAO ; Xu WANG ; Youhua WANG ; Liheng WANG ; Anli WANG ; Aiguo WANG ; Weidong WU ; Yajun XU ; Weidong XU ; Renjie XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Tengbo YU ; Lianqi YAN ; Xiaodong YUAN ; Yuan ZHU ; Mingzhu ZHANG ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Xiaofei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):517-529
Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.
9.Evidence-based guideline for diagnosis and early fixation of severe open tibiofibular fractures (version 2025)
Yongjun RUI ; Yongqing XU ; Qingtang ZHU ; Xin WANG ; Zhao XIE ; Shanlin CHEN ; Jingyi MI ; Xianyou ZHENG ; Juyu TANG ; Xiaoheng DING ; Aixi YU ; Tao SONG ; Jianxi HOU ; Jian QI ; Xinyu FAN ; Jun FEI ; Lin GUO ; Xingwen HAN ; Weixu LI ; Aiguo WANG ; Yun XIE ; Tao XING ; Meng LI ; Baoqing YU ; Yan ZHUANG ; Xiaoqing HE ; Tao SUN ; Pengcheng LI ; Jihui JU ; Hongxiang ZHOU ; Haidong REN ; Guangyue ZHAO ; Gang ZHAO ; Yongwei WU ; Jun LIU ; Yunhong MA ; Yapeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1021-1034
Severe open tibiofibular fractures account for approximately 28.1% of all open fractures. Among them, Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB/C fractures present significant clinical challenges due to associated bone and soft tissue defects, high infection rates, and risk of amputation. Inadequate preoperative assessment may lead to suboptimal emergency surgical planning or intraoperative complications. Historically, external fixation was often preferred, but this approach has been associated with limitations such as restricted joint mobility, delayed bone union, joint stiffness, and disuse osteoporosis, resulting in poor functional recovery. With advancements of debridement techniques, standardization of antibiotic use, and popularization of early soft tissue coverage, early internal fixation has gained broader acceptance. Nevertheless, controversies persist regarding the choice of fixation method, timing of definitive fixation, use of reamed versus unreamed intramedullary nailing, and necessity of fibular fixation. To standardize the diagnosis and early management of severe open tibiofibular fractures, reduce complication rates, and improve functional recovery, the Society of Microsurgery of the Chinese Medical Association organized a panel of domestic experts to develop the Evidence-based guideline for the diagnosis and early fixation of severe open tibiofibular fractures ( version 2025), using evidence-based methodology. The guidelines provided 12 recommendations covering diagnostic and early fixation strategies of severe open tibiofibular fractures, aiming to provide clinicians with scientifically grounded and standardized guidance.
10.Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries (version 2025)
Fulin TAO ; Jinlei DONG ; Gang WANG ; Xianzhong MA ; Guanglin WANG ; Jiandong WANG ; Zhanying SHI ; Wei FENG ; Shiwen ZHU ; Gang LYU ; Guangyao LIU ; Dahui SUN ; Yuqiang SUN ; Ming LI ; Weixu LI ; Yan ZHUANG ; Kaifang CHEN ; Dapeng ZHOU ; Qishi ZHOU ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Chengla YI ; Longpo ZHENG ; Jianzhong GUAN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Shuquan GUO ; Xiaodong GUO ; Xiaoshan GUO ; Xiaodong QIN ; Hua CHEN ; Shicai FAN ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Lianxin LI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(8):709-720
Sacroiliac complex injuries are commonly seen in high-energy pelvic fractures. The injuries make a big difference in treatment patterns due to the diverse injury types, posing considerable challenges in formulating optimal treatment strategies, and hence are persistent clinical difficulties in orthopedic trauma. The clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries presents several key challenges such as a non-negligible rate of missed diagnoses in associated vascular and visceral injuries, absence of standardized protocols for surgical approaches and reduction-fixation strategies across different injury patterns, and ongoing controversies regarding surgical indications and optimal timing for patients combined with concomitant lumbosacral plexus injuries. Currently, no systematic clinical guidelines are available for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries both domestically and internationally. To this end, the Pelvic and Acetabular Surgery Group, Orthopedic Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care and Orthopedic Physician Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized a panel of domestic experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medicine and adhering to the principles of scientific rigor, clinical applicability, and innovation. These guidelines provided 11 recommendations covering diagnosis, therapeutic principles and techniques, management protocols for lumbosacral plexus injuries, outcome evaluation, and postoperative rehabilitation pathways, etc., aiming to standardize the clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries.

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