1.Qinlian Hongqutang Improves NASH by Promoting Macrophage Polarization Through TLR4 and STAT6 Signaling Pathways
Yong ZHANG ; Yong HU ; Yunliang HE ; Yang YANG ; Donghui CHEN ; Sijie DANG ; Jia HE ; Yaqi LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):10-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Qinlian Hongqutang (QLHQT) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal and modeling groups. The NASH model was established by feeding a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. After successful modeling, mice were randomly assigned to the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose QLHQT groups (0.51, 1.02, and 2.04 g·kg-1), and a positive control metformin group, with six mice in each group. The mice were treated for 8 weeks. Body weight was recorded before and after treatment. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as hepatic TC, TG, and LDL-C contents, were determined by biochemical assays. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were used to evaluate liver histopathology and lipid deposition, respectively. Flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to assess hepatic macrophage expression and related markers. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the potential mechanisms of QLHQT in regulating macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with the normal group, body weight and serum and hepatic levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Liver histopathology showed unevenly distributed round lipid droplets in the hepatocyte cytoplasm, accompanied by inflammatory cell aggregation. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of CD86-positive cells was significantly increased, whereas the proportion of CD206-positive cells was markedly decreased (P<0.05). Hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression were significantly increased, while hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in the liver were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, body weight was reduced in the high-, medium-, and low-dose QLHQT groups and in the metformin group. Serum and hepatic TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Liver histopathology showed alleviated hepatic lipid deposition, with markedly reduced lipid droplets and inflammation. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed that the proportions of CD86-positive cells were significantly decreased, whereas the proportions of CD206-positive cells were significantly increased in the high-, medium-, and low-dose QLHQT groups (P<0.05). Hepatic iNOS levels and TNF-α mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01), whereas hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly increased (P<0.01). The hepatic protein expression levels of TLR4, TRAF6, and MyD88 were significantly decreased, while signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) phosphorylation was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in total STAT6 protein expression. ConclusionQLHQT effectively ameliorates hepatic inflammation in NASH mice, and the mechanism may involve STAT6- and TLR4-mediated signaling pathways driving polarization of M1 macrophages toward the M2 phenotype.
2.Qinlian Hongqutang Improves NASH by Promoting Macrophage Polarization Through TLR4 and STAT6 Signaling Pathways
Yong ZHANG ; Yong HU ; Yunliang HE ; Yang YANG ; Donghui CHEN ; Sijie DANG ; Jia HE ; Yaqi LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):10-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Qinlian Hongqutang (QLHQT) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal and modeling groups. The NASH model was established by feeding a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. After successful modeling, mice were randomly assigned to the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose QLHQT groups (0.51, 1.02, and 2.04 g·kg-1), and a positive control metformin group, with six mice in each group. The mice were treated for 8 weeks. Body weight was recorded before and after treatment. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as hepatic TC, TG, and LDL-C contents, were determined by biochemical assays. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were used to evaluate liver histopathology and lipid deposition, respectively. Flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to assess hepatic macrophage expression and related markers. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the potential mechanisms of QLHQT in regulating macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with the normal group, body weight and serum and hepatic levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Liver histopathology showed unevenly distributed round lipid droplets in the hepatocyte cytoplasm, accompanied by inflammatory cell aggregation. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of CD86-positive cells was significantly increased, whereas the proportion of CD206-positive cells was markedly decreased (P<0.05). Hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression were significantly increased, while hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in the liver were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, body weight was reduced in the high-, medium-, and low-dose QLHQT groups and in the metformin group. Serum and hepatic TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Liver histopathology showed alleviated hepatic lipid deposition, with markedly reduced lipid droplets and inflammation. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed that the proportions of CD86-positive cells were significantly decreased, whereas the proportions of CD206-positive cells were significantly increased in the high-, medium-, and low-dose QLHQT groups (P<0.05). Hepatic iNOS levels and TNF-α mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01), whereas hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly increased (P<0.01). The hepatic protein expression levels of TLR4, TRAF6, and MyD88 were significantly decreased, while signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) phosphorylation was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in total STAT6 protein expression. ConclusionQLHQT effectively ameliorates hepatic inflammation in NASH mice, and the mechanism may involve STAT6- and TLR4-mediated signaling pathways driving polarization of M1 macrophages toward the M2 phenotype.
3.Analysis of sports supplement usage among grade 9 students and associated factors
GE Meiqin, CUI Yinchen, XUE Yaqi, BA Yi, CHEN Shuo, LAI Fengkun, ZHANG Hongyu, ZHEN Zhiping
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):323-326
Objective:
To investigate the status and associated factors of sports supplement usage among grade 9 students, so as to provide a scientific basis for targeted supervision and health education regarding sports supplement usage among junior high school students.
Methods:
From June to September 2025, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 2 261 grade 9 students from 10 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) in China. A questionnaire survey was conducted on their sports supplement usage and related factors. The Chi square test was used to compare the usage rates of sports supplements among different groups of students, and binary Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the related factors of sports supplement usage among grade 9 students.
Results:
Totally 59.7% of the grade 9 students used sports supplements. The usage rate (62.5%) was higher among boys than girls (56.3%), higher among students from rural areas and towns/counties (66.5%, 66.2%) than those from urban districts (52.9%), higher among boarding students (65.2%) than non resident students (54.3%), higher among students whose parents occupations were businessmen and workers (fathers: 65.0%, 63.7%; mothers: 63.6%, 61.1%) than those whose parents were farmers and civil servants (fathers: 57.5%, 54.1%; mothers: 58.8%, 55.7%), higher among students with a monthly family income of 5 000- 10 000 yuan (66.3%) than those in other income groups, and higher among students in the high score zone for the entrance physical examination to senior high school (67.7%) than those in the medium and low score zones ( 56.3% , 56.5%) ( χ 2=8.99, 42.21, 27.98, 20.55, 8.20, 22.74, 24.70, respectively, all P <0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that boys ( OR =1.26), those from rural areas ( OR =1.59), boarding students ( OR =1.36), those with a monthly family income of 5 000- 10 000 yuan ( OR =1.41), and those in the high score zone for entrance physical examination to senior high school ( OR =1.34) were more likely to use sports supplements during the entrance physical examination to senior high school; the probability of sports supplement usage was lower among students whose fathers were civil servants ( OR =0.74) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The usage of sports supplements is relatively common among grade 9 students. Intervention measures should be targeted at specific populations to reduce the risk of misuse.
4.Evaluation of the scientific validity and applicability of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025‒2030 and its implications for China
Yuxian CHEN ; Yaqi LI ; Xiang GAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(7):493-499
Dietary guidelines are nutritional policy tools formulated according to the global consensus on nutrition science and national conditions. Based on five core consensuses, namely dietary patterns, food group recommendations, full life cycle coverage, policy attributes, and sustainable diets, this paper reviews the scientific validity and applicability of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. With “Eat Real Food” as its core concept, this guideline has adjusted its food recommendations, population-specific guidance, and policy implementation pathways. However, some of its scientific evidence such as protein and fat recommendations is controversial, and the feasibility of its implementation is fraught with challenges. Rationally reflecting on the practical experience from the U.S., we suggest the revision of the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents should optimize the dietary guidance system based on national conditions, and promote the policy transformation and practical application.
5.Depressive symptoms and associated factors among middle school and college students from 2021 to 2023 in Hunan Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):96-101
Objective:
To investigate the current status and trends of depressive symptoms among middle school and college students in Hunan Province, and to explore the primary related factors of depressive symptoms, so as to provide a scientific basis for strengthening mental health among students.
Methods:
A total of 279 382 students in Hunan Province were selected through a stratified cluster random sampling method from 2021 to 2023. National Survey Questionnaire on Common Diseases and Health Influencing Factors among Students was adopted for the survey, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used to assess their depressive symptoms. The χ 2 test and trend χ 2 test were used to analyze depressive symptoms prevalence and trends, and multivariable Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of depressive symptoms.
Results:
The prevalence of depressive symptoms among students in Hunan Province from 2021 to 2023 were 19.66%, 20.17% and 21.47%, respectively, showing an upward trend ( χ 2 trend =9.07, P <0.01). In addition, the results of the multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that students with healthy diet ( OR=0.43, 95%CI =0.40-0.45), adequate sleep ( OR=0.88, 95%CI =0.86-0.90), and acceptable screen time ( OR=0.61, 95%CI =0.60-0.62) had lower risks in depressive symptoms detection, while students with smoking ( OR= 1.95, 95%CI =1.88-2.02), secondhand smoke exposure ( OR=1.33, 95%CI =1.30-1.36) and Internet addiction ( OR= 4.19 , 95%CI =4.05-4.34) had higher risks in depressive symptoms detection, with differences in the degree of association among different genders, educational stages and urban rural groups ( OR=0.40-6.04, Z =-12.69-11.98) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
There is an increasing trend of depressive symptoms among middle school and college students in Hunan Province from 2021 to 2023.Targeted depression prevention measures should be taken for students with different demographic characteristics to promote their mental health.
6.Diagnosis and treatment of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation
Chen WANG ; Yuecen DING ; Yaqi DONG ; Chengfeng ZHANG ; Leihong XIANG ; Zhongyi XU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(9):873-877
Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (ADMH) is a group of diseases clinically characterized by grayish-black macules and patches, with pigment predominantly deposited in the dermis. ADMH includes Riehl's melanosis, lichen planus pigmentosus, and erythema dyschromicum perstans/ashy dermatosis. In light of the remarkable similarities in both morphological and histopathological characteristics among this group of diseases, the academic community has recently proposed the new nosological term "acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation" to achieve integration and unified classification of these related disorders. This review comprehensively elaborates on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ADMH, including clinical manifestations, dermoscopic findings, pathological characteristics, and treatment progress.
7.High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol mediates the effects of testosterone-related hormons on type 2 diabetes mellitus: A two-step Mendelian randomization study
Xiaolin ZHAO ; Naixin DOU ; Yaqi GUO ; Xinning WANG ; Pengcheng CHEN ; Chunxiao YU ; Qingbo GUAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(2):111-119
Objective:To investigate the gender differences in the causal relationship between testosterone-related hormones and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), and to analyze the mediating role of blood lipids in this relationship.Methods:Using two-sample Mendelian randomization(TSMR) and two-step Mendelian randomization(MR) methods, we explored the causal associations between testosterone-related hormones, T2DM, and blood lipids in different genders. The potential mediating role of blood lipids between testosterone-related hormones and T2DM was quantitatively assessed using multivariate Mendelian Randomization(MVMR).Results:In males, each standard deviation( SD) increase in genetically predicted total testosterone(TT) was associated with lower odds of T2DM( OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.97, P=0.009) and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C) level( β=0.08 SD, 95% CI 0.03-0.13, P=0.002). In women, each SD rise in genetically predicted bioavailable testosterone(Bio-T) was associated with higher odds of T2DM( OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.40, P<0.001), lower HDL-C level( β=-0.13 SD, 95% CI -0.21--0.05, P<0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that HDL-C played a mediating role(7.83%) between Bio-T and T2DM in women. However, HDL-C showed no mediating effect between SHBG and TT levels on T2DM, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C) showed no mediating effect between TT levels on T2DM in men. Conclusions:Lower levels of TT and SHBG in men, and high levels of Bio-T in women may increase the risk of T2DM. In women, regulating HDL-C levels may offer a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of T2DM related to Bio-T disorders.
8.Application of peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of critically ill neonates with acute kidney injury
Na CHEN ; Lina FU ; Yaqi MA ; Dongxing XIAO ; Li WANG ; Shuhua SONG ; Xiaoqin MA ; Yan WANG ; Na TIAN
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(11):849-854
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill neonates.Methods:It was a retrospective study. The baseline characteristic data, PD protocols, PD catheter placement methods and clinical outcomes of AKI neonates who underwent PD in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University between July 2015 and December 2024 were collected and analyzed.Results:(1) Among the 8 neonates with AKI, gestational age was (30.38±6.02) weeks, and birth weight was 1 397.5 (839.0, 2 312.5) g, with 6 premature infants. The time from birth to AKI onset was 144 (48, 294) hours. The leading cause of AKI was sepsis (6/8). The treatment time of PD was (93.12±37.20) hours. (2) Renal function recovery: After PD treatment, urine output was significantly increased ( Z=-3.29, P<0.001), and serum creatinine was significantly decreased ( t=2.66, P=0.032). (3) Hyperkalemia: Six out of 8 patients presented with hyperkalemia, which significantly decreased after PD treatment ( t=3.37, P=0.008). (4) Acid-base balance:Five out of 8 neonates had metabolic acidosis, and 3 of 5 neonates achieved basically complete correction (including lactic acidosis). There was no statistically significant difference in acid-base balance indicators before and after PD treatment (all P>0.05). (5) PD-related complications: Two out of 8 patients experienced peritoneal dialysate leakage, and no other PD-related complications occurred. (6) Outcomes: The hospital stay was 27.0 (8.0, 57.5) days. Four out of 8 neonates survived, while the other 4 neonates died after withdrawal of treatment. The primary cause was multiple organ failure. Conclusions:PD is a safe and effective treatment for neonatal AKI, facilitating early renal recovery and correction of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances.
9.Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Prescription inhibiting lung pre-metastatic niche formation of gastric cancer through reducing gastric cancer exosome PD-L1
Cancan ZHANG ; Yanzhen CHEN ; Xingxing ZHANG ; Wenjie LI ; Bo HAN ; Yaqi LI ; Jian WU ; Shenlin LIU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(6):798-806
Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanism of Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Prescription in lung pre-metastatic niche formation of gastric cancer by regulating the content of programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) in gastric cancer exosomes.Methods:Totally 30 615 mice were divided into normal group, model group, Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Prescription low- and high-dosage groups, and exosome inhibitor group according to random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. The mouse model of lung pre-metastatic niche formation of gastric cancer was established by tail vein injection of MFC cells. After 12 days of administration, the lung metastasis under the intervention of Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Prescription was evaluated by observing the infiltration of tumor into lung tissue, weighing lung weight and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of lung tissue. Mouse serum exosomes were extracted by ExoQuick kit and identified by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The content of PD-L1 in serum exosomes and the expression levels of serum transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence was used to detect the phenotype of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and the expression of PD-L1 in MDSC and TAM.Results:Compared with the model group, after the intervention of Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Prescription, the lung metastases of mice were reduced ( P<0.05), and the weight of metastatic tumors decreased ( P<0.05). PD-L1 in serum exosomes and the proportion of MDSC and M2 TAM in lung tissue microenvironment decreased, as well as the expression of PD-L1 on MDSC and TAM decreased ( P<0.05). The serum levels of IL-10 and IL-6 significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Prescription can reduce the proportion of MDSC and M2 TAM and the expression level of PD-L1 in the microenvironment of lung tissue before metastasis by inhibiting the transmission of gastric cancer exosome PD-L1 to MDSC and TAM, and reduce the contents of inflammatory factorsIL-10 and IL-6, so as to play a role in improving the microenvironment before lung metastasis of gastric cancer.
10.Exploration on Rules of Medication and Clinical Application of Zhongwan Point Based on Association Rules
Xin TIAN ; Yaqi YAO ; Zezhou ZHANG ; Weilu CHENG ; Shaozong CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(3):642-650
Objective To observe the rules of medication and clinical application of Zhongwan(RN12)point,thus to provide reference for the selection of acupoints in clinical treatment.Methods Collect the Zhongwan point-involved prescriptions in the literature of the last 20 years in China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP)and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,conduct strict screening,organize and record all the acupoints involved in the prescriptions,of which met the acupoint selection criteria,into Excel tables,then use IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 software,IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 software,Cytoscape 3.10.1 software,apriori algorithm to analyze the rules of medication and clinical application of Zhongwan point.Results After screening,a total of 781 articles with 830 acupoint-involved prescriptions were included,involves 183 acupoints and 135 diseases.With the leading five acupoints which ranked in decending order of selection was as follows:Zusanli(ST36),Neiguan(PC6),Tianshu(ST25),Guanyuan(BL26)and Qihai(RN6).The distribution of acupoints with the highest frequency of use in combination acupoints was Zusanli(61.205%support),and the meridians with a higher frequency of use in Zhongwan point-involved prescriptions were the foot-yangming stomach meridian,the foot-taiyang bladder meridian,and the conception vessel(CV),with the combination acupoints dominated by the specific acupoints of Xiahe points,He points,front-Mu points,collateral points,Shu Points,and original points,the advantageous diseases were characterized by intractable hiccups,gastritis,functional dyspepsia and so on.Among them,the diseases pertain to the digestive system were the most involved,followed by endocrine system diseases.Conclusion The data mining analysis yielded that there are certain rules to be followed in the acupoints combination of Zhongwan point,and it exerts some efficacy in the treatment of certain advantageous diseases,which can provide references for clinical treatment and scientific research.


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