1.Application of Mitophagy in Regulating Ulcerative Colitis Based on "Spleen Dysfunction in Essence Distribution Leading to Endogenous Turbid Pathogens"
Xuli YANG ; Yanwei HAO ; Qiaobo YE ; Lingling YUAN ; Ruijie FANG ; Yi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):176-184
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, non-specific intestinal inflammatory disease. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving interactions among genetic, immune, and environmental factors, and remains incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial damage can trigger the abnormal release of mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs), activating inflammatory pathways and thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response in UC. Mitophagy, a core mitochondrial quality control mechanism, can clear damaged mitochondria and effectively reduce the abnormal release of mtDAMPs and the accumulation of harmful substances, thereby mitigating inflammatory damage resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier function and in the prevention and intervention of UC. Notably, the function of the spleen governing transportation and transformation in traditional Chinese medicine shares similarities with the role of mitochondria in energy transformation and substance metabolism. Furthermore, the pathological state of the spleen failing in transportation and transformation may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction, while the pathogenic characteristics of "endogenous turbid pathogen" align with the inflammatory cascade responses triggered by abnormal release of mtDAMPs. Based on this theoretical correlation, this paper aims to explore the correlation between the traditional Chinese medicine theory of "spleen dysfunction in essence distribution leading to endogenous turbid pathogens" and mitophagy. Using the correlation as an entry point, the potential role of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of UC was elucidated. Additionally, by considering the epidemiological characteristics of UC in the Southwest region of China, a new thinking for the treatment of UC from the perspective of turbid pathogens was proposed based on the "fortifying the spleen and resolving turbidity" method to provide theoretical support and research enlightenment for further exploring the prevention and treatment of UC with traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Intervention Mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan in Delaying Colitis-associated Colon Cancer via Modulating and Restoring MDSCs and Reshaping Immune Microenvironment
Yanwei HAO ; Chunrun LI ; Zhengwu QU ; Junmei TANG ; Jing GUO ; Yi ZHANG ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):185-194
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the efficacy and related actions of Guizhi Fulingwan in intervening in the mice with colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) based on the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MethodsSixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to a blank group, a model group, an aspirin group (0.04 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Guizhi Fulingwan groups (4.87, 9.75, and 19.50 g·kg-1), with ten mice per group. The CAC mouse model was established via combined induction of azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Drug intervention commenced in week five, with continuous intragastric administration for nine weeks. The food intake, body weight, fecal characteristics, and haematochezia were observed and recorded, and disease activity index (DAI) scores were calculated according to scoring criteria. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the colon tissues of the mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine proliferating cell nuclear antigen-67 (Ki67) expression in the colon tissues, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum of the mice. Flow cytometry was employed to determine the proportion levels of MDSCs, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells in the spleen tissues of the mice. The mRNA expressions of MDSC-associated effector molecules, including arginase 1 (Arg1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). After that, an in vitro co-culture model of MDSCs and CD8+ T cells was established, and drug-containing serum of Guizhi Fulingwan was used for intervention. The Flow cytometry was employed to assess the effects of drug-containing serum of Guizhi Fulingwan with different concentrations on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iNOS in MDSCs and the proliferation of CD8+ T cells. The levels of granzyme B (GZMB) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced body weight, elevated DAI scores, shortened colon length (P<0.01), increased number of tumors and Ki67 expression (P<0.01), and significantly elevated contents of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.01). Significant increases in the number of MDSCs were observed in mouse spleens, alongside marked reductions in the levels of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells (P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of MDSC function-associated effector molecules Arg1 and iNOS were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the mice in the middle-dose Guizhi Fulingwan group exhibited increased body weight and significantly decreased DAI scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mice in the middle- and high-dose Guizhi Fulingwan groups exhibited significantly improved colon shortening, significantly decreased number of tumors and Ki67 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly decreased contents of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, administration of Guizhi Fulingwan markedly reduced MDSC infiltration in the spleen of the mice, with different degrees of increase in the levels of both CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), alongside significant decreases in the mRNA expressions of Arg1 and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). In vitro cell co-culture shows that administration of drug-containing serum of Guizhi Fulingwan significantly decreases the activity levels of ROS and iNOS in MDSCs and promotes the proliferation of CD8+ T cells and the secretion of GZMB and IFN-γ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGuizhi Fulingwan can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and inhibit tumor proliferation in the colon tissues of CAC mice. Its potential mechanism may involve reducing MDSC infiltration, enhancing effector T cells, particularly CD8+ T cell response, and improving the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment.
3.A Mendelian randomization study of relationship between maternal smoking around birth and offspring psychiatric disorders
Bei ZHANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Hao REN ; Xinglian WANG ; Haitang QIU ; Zehui LI ; Yanwei LI ; Chenggang JIANG ; Qinghua LUO
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(3):207-214
Objective:To investigate the causal impact of maternal smoking around birth(MSAB)on off-spring's risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),autism spectrum disorder(ASD),bipolar disorder(BD),and major depressive disorder(MDD).Methods:The datasets for MSAB and 4 psychiatric disorders were extracted from genome-wide association studies(GWAS).Mendelian randomization(MR)was employed,using in-verse variance weighting(IVW)as the primary analysis method.Sensitivity analyses and outlier correction were conducted using weighted median(WM),MR-Egger regression,and MR-PRESSO.The results were expressed as odds ratios(OR)and corrected for false discovery rate(FDR).Results:MR analysis showed significant causal re-lationships between MSAB and increased risk of ADHD(OR=5.36,95%CI=2.58-7.63,PFDR=0.003),MDD(OR=1.92,95%CI=1.29-2.88,PFDR=0.003),and BD(OR=6.33,95%CI=1.56-8.73,PFDR=0.013).However,no statistically significant association was found between MSAB and ASD(OR=1.66,95%CI=0.23-5.87,PFDR=0.616).Conclusion:This study suggests a potential causal link between maternal smoking around the time of birth and an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,bipolar disorder,and major depressive disorder in offspring.
4.The Effect of Tai Chi Practice on Balance Control Ability in Single-Leg Stance for the Individuals with Functional Ankle Instability:An Intervention Study
Hao LIU ; Zongtao LI ; Yanwei CAI ; Lei ZHAO
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(2):344-350
Objective To determine the effect of Tai Chi practice on balance control ability of the individuals with functional ankle instability(FAI)in single-leg stance(SLS),and further observe the augmented effect from attention focus on ankle.Methods A total of 46 individuals with FAI were randomly divided into ankle focus group,free focus group and control group.The ankle focus group and free focus group performed Tai Chi practice for 10 weeks;the ankle focus group focused their attention on the ankle joint,while the free focus group didn't require attention focus;the control group maintained the origin lifestyle and didn't engage in special physical activities.The three-dimensional force plate and Y balance test(YBT)were used to evaluate the static(with eyes open and closed)and dynamic(instant and continuous)balance ability of individuals with FAI.Results For ankle focus group and free focus group,the anterior-posterior(AP)and medial-lateral(ML)sway distances of center of pressure(COP)in SLS with eyes open and closed were significantly reduced,and the reach distance in YBT in three directions were increased.For the ankle focus group,the ML stability index and the dynamic postural stability index were significantly reduced during single-leg drop landing.The ankle focus group and free focus group had a significantly smaller ML COP sway distance than control group in SLS with eyes open;the ankle focus group had a significantly smaller ML COP sway distance than free focus group and control group in SLS with eyes closed;and the reach distance of ankle focus group in posterior-medial&posterior-lateral direction in YBT was longer than that of free focus group and control group.Conclusions Tai Chi practice can comprehensively improve static and dynamic balance control ability of the individuals with FAI in SLS,and ankle attention-focused Tai Chi practice is more effective,especially for the enhancement of their ML control ability in static state with eyes closed and in continuous dynamic SLS.
5.The Effect of Tai Chi Practice on Balance Control Ability in Single-Leg Stance for the Individuals with Functional Ankle Instability:An Intervention Study
Hao LIU ; Zongtao LI ; Yanwei CAI ; Lei ZHAO
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(2):344-350
Objective To determine the effect of Tai Chi practice on balance control ability of the individuals with functional ankle instability(FAI)in single-leg stance(SLS),and further observe the augmented effect from attention focus on ankle.Methods A total of 46 individuals with FAI were randomly divided into ankle focus group,free focus group and control group.The ankle focus group and free focus group performed Tai Chi practice for 10 weeks;the ankle focus group focused their attention on the ankle joint,while the free focus group didn't require attention focus;the control group maintained the origin lifestyle and didn't engage in special physical activities.The three-dimensional force plate and Y balance test(YBT)were used to evaluate the static(with eyes open and closed)and dynamic(instant and continuous)balance ability of individuals with FAI.Results For ankle focus group and free focus group,the anterior-posterior(AP)and medial-lateral(ML)sway distances of center of pressure(COP)in SLS with eyes open and closed were significantly reduced,and the reach distance in YBT in three directions were increased.For the ankle focus group,the ML stability index and the dynamic postural stability index were significantly reduced during single-leg drop landing.The ankle focus group and free focus group had a significantly smaller ML COP sway distance than control group in SLS with eyes open;the ankle focus group had a significantly smaller ML COP sway distance than free focus group and control group in SLS with eyes closed;and the reach distance of ankle focus group in posterior-medial&posterior-lateral direction in YBT was longer than that of free focus group and control group.Conclusions Tai Chi practice can comprehensively improve static and dynamic balance control ability of the individuals with FAI in SLS,and ankle attention-focused Tai Chi practice is more effective,especially for the enhancement of their ML control ability in static state with eyes closed and in continuous dynamic SLS.
6.A Mendelian randomization study of relationship between maternal smoking around birth and offspring psychiatric disorders
Bei ZHANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Hao REN ; Xinglian WANG ; Haitang QIU ; Zehui LI ; Yanwei LI ; Chenggang JIANG ; Qinghua LUO
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(3):207-214
Objective:To investigate the causal impact of maternal smoking around birth(MSAB)on off-spring's risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),autism spectrum disorder(ASD),bipolar disorder(BD),and major depressive disorder(MDD).Methods:The datasets for MSAB and 4 psychiatric disorders were extracted from genome-wide association studies(GWAS).Mendelian randomization(MR)was employed,using in-verse variance weighting(IVW)as the primary analysis method.Sensitivity analyses and outlier correction were conducted using weighted median(WM),MR-Egger regression,and MR-PRESSO.The results were expressed as odds ratios(OR)and corrected for false discovery rate(FDR).Results:MR analysis showed significant causal re-lationships between MSAB and increased risk of ADHD(OR=5.36,95%CI=2.58-7.63,PFDR=0.003),MDD(OR=1.92,95%CI=1.29-2.88,PFDR=0.003),and BD(OR=6.33,95%CI=1.56-8.73,PFDR=0.013).However,no statistically significant association was found between MSAB and ASD(OR=1.66,95%CI=0.23-5.87,PFDR=0.616).Conclusion:This study suggests a potential causal link between maternal smoking around the time of birth and an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,bipolar disorder,and major depressive disorder in offspring.
7.Study on effects and mechanism of Qifu Lizhong Enema Prescription on mechanical barrier function of intestinal mucosa in rats with ulcerative colitis
Wei LI ; Lingling YUAN ; Jiaxin LI ; Pengfei WEI ; Shuangyuan HU ; Yanwei HAO ; Yi ZHANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(7):874-880
Objective:To observe the effects of Qifu Lizhong Enema Prescription on ulcerative colitis rats with yang deficiency of spleen and kidney syndrome; To discuss its mechanism.Methods:Totally 70 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, mesalazine group, Qifu Lizhong Guanchang Prescription high-, medium- and low-dosage groups; blank group ( n=10), other groups ( n=12). Except for the blank group, the other groups used bitter cold purgative therapy (Dahuang Decoction) by gavage, and combined with trinitrobenzen sulfonic acid (TNBS) +55% ethanol compound method to induce UC rat model. After successful modeling, the blank group and model group were given 1 ml normal saline enema daily, Qifu Lizhong Enema Prescription groups were given Qifu Lizhong Enema Prescription 3.00, 1.50, 0.75 g/kg enema daily, and the mesalazine group was given mesalazine 0.03 g/kg enema daily, once a day for consecutive 14 days. After 14 days, Disease Activity Index (DAI) score was performed, and hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the pathological tissues of the colon. The expressions of Occludin and adhesion molecules A (JAM-A) protein in colon tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results:HE results showed that the mucosal structure was damaged, inflammatory cells were infiltrated, edema and ulcer foci were observed in model group. The mucosal structure of mesalazine group and Qifu Lizhong Enema Prescription groups were intact, and inflammatory infiltration, edema and ulcer of neoepithelial were improved. Compared with model group, the DAI scores of Qifu Lizhong Enema Prescription groups decreased ( P<0.01), the expressions of Occludin and JAM-A in Qifu Lizhong Guanchang Prescription high- and medium-dosage groups significantly increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Qifu Lizhong Enema Prescription can significantly relieve the symptoms and pathological morphology of UC rats, and the mechanism of repairing intestinal mucosal barrier may be related to up-regulating the expressions of Occludin and JAM-A proteins.
8.Relationship of balance in static single-leg stance to muscle strength and position sense of ankle in individuals with functional ankle instability
Hao LIU ; Zongtao LI ; Yanwei CAI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(2):243-248
ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship of the static single-leg stance balance with ankle muscles strength and position sense in individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI). MethodsFrom March to May, 2023, 44 FAI individuals were recruited in Hebei Normal University, and the maximum isokinetic muscle strength (60°/s and 180°/s) and position sense as ankle flexion, extension, inversion and eversion were measured using isokinetic dynamometer; while the center of pressure (COP) sway distance and envelope area were measured as static single-leg stance with eyes open or closed using three-dimensional force plate. ResultsThe maximum isokinetic torque as ankle eversion at 180°/s correlated with the COP anterior-posterior sway distance with eyes closed (r = -0.378, P < 0.05). ConclusionExplosive ankle eversion strength is related with the balance in static single-leg stance, which may help to evaluate and intervent the ankle function of FAI individuals.
9.Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Based on Turbidity Theory:Focusing on Brain Cholesterol Homeostasis
Xueqing DUAN ; Shaofeng WANG ; Keshangjing WU ; Jiaxin LI ; Yanwei HAO ; Li LI ; Bin LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(4):902-907
Alzheimer's disease(AD),the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease in dementia,is also a special lipid disease.From the perspective of modern medicine,cholesterol homeostasis is an important risk factor for AD.Amyloid-beta plaque deposition,neurofibrillary tangles,and large amount of lipid granule accumulation are typical pathological features of AD.From the perspective of TCM,turbidity is the key to the pathogenesis of AD.Phlegm turbid,stasis turbid and turbid toxin are the concrete derivation of turbidity,which are the standard of AD.Cholesterol is the greasy lipid which is produced from of the essence of water and food,the disturbance of cholesterol homeostasis is a typical embodiment of the pathogenesis mechanism of endogenous turbidity.Regulating cholesterol homeostasis by traditional Chinese medicine may be a new direction for the treatment of AD in the future.Focusing on the modern research of cholesterol homeostasis,taking the theory of turbidity as the starting point,this paper analyzed the correlation between the connotation of turbidity theory and the imbalance of cholesterol homeostasis as well as the pathogenesis mechanism,and further elucidated the clinical application results in the treatment of AD from the aspects of phlegm turbid,stasis turbid and turbid toxin,so as to better guide clinical practice and scientific research.
10.Neuroprotective Effect of Chinese Medicinal Compounds Effective in Supplementing Qi and Resolving Phlegm on Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Shaofeng WANG ; Yanwei HAO ; Jiaxin LI ; Shengnan YUE ; Qingsong LIU ; Bin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(13):222-229
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common chronic degenerative neurological disease in the elderly and is mainly manifested by the impairment of cognition, memory, and behaviors. At present, the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease have not been fully unraveled, and the research on related drugs for alleviating the disease progression is still in clinical trials. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that the elderly have reduced visceral function. Deficiency of vital Qi and turbid phlegm obscuring orifices are the core pathogenesis of AD. Qi deficiency and phlegm obstruction run through the whole pathological process of AD, and the important role of therapeutic principles of supplementing Qi and resolving phlegm is emphasized in treatment. In recent years, the Chinese medicinal compounds effective in supplementing Qi and resolving phlegm represented by Kaixin Powder have been widely used in the clinical and basic research of AD. As reported, in addition to the improvement of the cognitive function of AD, it can also reduce β amyloid (Aβ) deposition, inhibit tau hyperphosphorylation, improve neurotransmitter activity, regulate neuronal synaptic plasticity, resist oxidant stress injury, and inhibit the central inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis. Therefore, this article reviewed and analyzed the theoretical basis of the treatment of AD by supplementing Qi and resolving phlegm and the mechanism of Chinese medicinal compounds effective in supplementing qi and resolving phlegm against AD to provide theoretical support and a scientific basis for the clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of AD.

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