1.Immunity-inflammation Mechanism of Viral Pneumonia and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Based on Theory of Healthy Qi and Pathogenic Qi
Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Xin PENG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Yunhui LI ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):239-247
Viral pneumonia is an infectious disease caused by virus invading the lung parenchyma and interstitial tissue and causing lung inflammation, with the incidence rising year by year. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can treat viral pneumonia in a multi-component, multi-target, and holistic manner by targeting the core pathogenesis of pneumonia caused by different respiratory viruses, demonstrating minimal side effects and significant advantages. According to the theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi in TCM, the struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi and the imbalance between immunity and inflammation run through the entire process of viral pneumonia, and the immunity-inflammation status at different stages of the disease reflects different relationships between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi. Immune dysfunction leads to the deficiency of healthy Qi, causing viral infections. The struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi causes immunity-inflammation imbalance, leading to the onset of viral pneumonia. Inflammatory damage causes persistent accumulation of phlegm and stasis, leading to the progression of viral pneumonia. The cytokine storm causes immunodepletion, leading to the excess of pathogenic Qi and diminution of healthy Qi and the deterioration of viral pneumonia. After the recovery from viral pneumonia, there is a long-term imbalance between immunity and micro-inflammation, which results in healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi lingering. Healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi excess act as common core causes of pneumonia caused by different respiratory viruses. Clinical treatment should emphasize both replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi, helping to restore the balance between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi as well as between immunity and inflammation, thus promoting the recovery of patients from viral pneumonia. According to the TCM theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi, this article summarizes the immunity-inflammation mechanisms at different stages of viral pneumonia, and explores the application of the method of replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi in viral pneumonia. The aim is to probe into the scientific connotation of the TCM theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi in viral pneumonia and provide ideas for the clinical application of the method of replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi to assist in the treatment of viral pneumonia.
2.Effect of transcranial magneto-acousto-electrical stimulation on the plasticity of the prefrontal cortex network in mice
Shuai ZHANG ; Zichun LI ; Yihao XU ; Xiaofeng XIE ; Zhongsheng GUO ; Qingyang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1108-1117
BACKGROUND:Transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation is a novel non-invasive neural regulation technique that utilizes the induced electric field generated by the coupling effect of ultrasound and static magnetic field to regulate the discharge activity of the nervous system.However,the mechanism by which it affects synaptic plasticity in the brain is still not enough. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation intensity on synaptic plasticity of the prefrontal cortex neural network in mice. METHODS:(1)Animal experiment:Twenty-four C57 mice were equally and randomly divided into four groups:the control group receiving pseudo-stimulation,the 6.35 W/cm2 stimulation group receiving coupled stimulation of 0.3 T,6.35 W/cm2,the 17.36 W/cm2 stimulation group receiving coupled stimulation of 0.3 T,17.36 W/cm2,and the 56.25 W/cm2 stimulation group receiving coupled stimulation of 0.3 T,56.25 W/cm2.The local field potential signals and behavioral correctness were recorded during the execution of T-maze in mice.(2)Modeling and simulation experiments:A neural network model of the prefrontal cortex in mice stimulated by transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation was constructed to compare the structural connectivity characteristics of the neural network under different stimulation intensities. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation could effectively shorten the behavior learning time,improve the working memory ability of mice(P<0.05),and continue to stimulate the frontal lobe of mice after learning behavior.There was no significant difference in the accuracy of the T-maze behavioral experiment among the experimental groups(P>0.1).Analysis of local field potential signals in the frontal lobe of mice revealed that transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation promoted energy enhancement of β and γ rhythms.As the stimulation intensity increased,there was an asynchronous decrease in β and γ rhythms.Through β-γ phase amplitude coupling,it was found that stimuli could enhance the neural network's ability to adapt to new information and task requirements.Modeling and simulation experiments found that stimulation could enhance the discharge level of the neural network,increase the long-term synaptic weight level,and decrease the short-term synaptic weight level only when the stimulation intensity was high.To conclude,there is a complex nonlinear relationship between different stimulus intensities and the functional structure of neural networks.This neural regulation technique may provide new possibilities for the treatment of related neurological diseases such as synaptic dysfunction and neural network abnormalities.
3.Thoughts of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment and Effect Mechanism of Haoqin Qingdantang in Treating Viral Pneumonia Based on Theory of Treating Different Diseases with Same Therapy
Xin PENG ; Haotian XU ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Kun YANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):209-217
The principle of treating different diseases with the same therapy is the essence of syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It means that when the same pathogenic changes or the same symptoms appear in the development of different diseases, the same principles or methods can be used for treatment. Due to the complexity and high variability of viral pathogenicity, the precise and effective treatment of different types of viral pneumonia (VP) has always been a research focus and difficulty in modern medicine. VP belongs to the category of external-contraction febrile disease, warm disease, and epidemic in TCM. Haoqin Qingdantang (HQQDD) is a representative formula for clearing heat and dispelling dampness in warm diseases, and its intervention in VP caused by various viral infections has significant effects. This study, guided by the theory of treating different diseases with the same therapy, links the related studies on using HQQDD to treat different types of VP and finds that influenza virus pneumonia (IVP), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and COVID-19 all have a common pathogenic mechanism of dampness-heat at different stages of respective diseases. When these diseases are dominated by damp-heat factors, the use of HQQDD yields remarkable therapeutic effects. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that HQQDD can inhibit virus replication, reduce fever reactions, inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators, and regulate immune balance. Moreover, the sovereign medicine in this formula has excellent antiviral activity, and the formula reflects rich scientific connotations of treating VP. According to the theory of treating different diseases with the same therapy and based on the effective treatment practice and modern pharmacological research of HQQDD for different types of VP, this paper mines the underlying TCM theory of treatment with the same therapy, explores the syndrome differentiation and treatment strategy and effect mechanism of this formula for different types of VP, and analyzes the treatment mechanism and characteristics, with the aim of providing evidence and reference for the clinical application and modern research of HQQDD.
4.Professor SUN Shentian's experience in the theoretical basis and practice of Ningshen point.
Yihao ZHOU ; Dongyan WANG ; Rongyu XU ; Danping LI ; Hong HUO ; Ying ZHANG ; Xingyan ZHU ; Shentian SUN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(3):361-364
The paper introduces Professor SUN Shentian's experience in clinical practice of Ningshen (tranquilizing the mind) point. This point is an empirical point discovered by Professor SUN on the basis of meridian differentiation, nerve function and anatomic location, and in association with the years of clinical practice. The point is located in the prefrontal area, jointed with the distribution of the governor vessel, and responded to the body surface projection area of the frontal pole. It works on regulating the mind, regaining consciousness, improving cognition, alleviating depression, mutually treating physical and mental disorders, as well as unblocking collaterals, regulating the tendons and relieving spasm. This point is widely used in treatment of mental disorders, stroke and extrapyramidal diseases and obtains the reliable therapeutic effect in clinical practice.
Humans
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Acupuncture Therapy/history*
;
China
;
Meridians
;
History, 20th Century
5.A single repetition time quantitative magnetic susceptibility imaging method for the lumbar spine using bipolar readout gradient.
Zhenxiang DONG ; Yihao GUO ; Qiang LIU ; Yizhe ZHANG ; Qianyi QIU ; Xiaodong ZHANG ; Yanqiu FENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(6):1336-1342
OBJECTIVES:
To propose a single repetition time (TR) quantitative magnetic susceptibility imaging method for the lumbar spine using bipolar readout gradient, and compare the quantitative magnetic susceptibility measurement using single TR and dual TR methods for the lumbar spine with different bone densities.
METHODS:
A translation correction method was proposed to correct spatial misalignment along the frequency encoding direction between positive and negative gradient readout images, and the phase difference between the images was eliminated using a phase correction method. The data of lumbar vertebrae L1-L5 were collected using single TR and dual TR methods from 6 normal individuals, 2 patients with osteopenia, and 2 patients with osteoporosis. The magnetic susceptibility map was reconstructed, the quantitative results of single TR before and after correction were compared with those of the dual TR method.
RESULTS:
The linear regression result of the lumbar spine magnetic susceptibility values obtained by the single TR method before calibration and the dual TR method is Y=0.64*X-11.61. The linear regression result of the lumbar spine magnetic susceptibility values corrected by the single TR method and the dual TR method is Y=1.03*X+0.25. The results of the corrected single TR method were highly consistent with those of the dual TR method, and the calibrated single TR method could effectively distinguish osteopenia and osteoporosis patients from normal individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
The calibrated single TR bipolar readout gradient method can generate artifact-free lumbar spine quantitative magnetic susceptibility distribution maps and reduce data acquisition time by 50%.
Humans
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/pathology*
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Osteoporosis/diagnosis*
;
Adult
;
Bone Density
;
Aged
;
Bone Diseases, Metabolic/diagnosis*
6.Influencing factors of mood and sleep among special operation personnel
Yanfei ZHANG ; Guorui LIU ; Xiao PAN ; Yihao WANG ; Guanxiong LI ; Yajing WANG ; Li LU ; Chunyue ZHANG ; Feng LENG ; Yonghai BAI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(9):1235-1239
Objective To investigate the factors influencing mood and sleep among special operation personnel,so as to provide evidence for the prevention and intervention of related issues.Methods A total of 600 special operation personnel during their special duty were enrolled by random sampling method.Basic information was collected by a general information questionnaire.Mood and sleep status were evaluated by self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scale(PSQI).Results Spearman correlation analysis showed that factors associated with anxiety were years of work experience(r=0.099,P=0.016),family residence(r=-0.153,P<0.001),and sleep status(r=0.199,P<0.001);the factors associated with depression were relationship with parents(r=-0.134,P=0.001),family residence(r=-0.144,P<0.001),and sleep status(r=0.122,P=0.003);and the factors associated with sleep were age(r=0.088,P=0.031),years of work experience(r=0.079,P=0.049),and number of children(r=0.083,P=0.043).Binary logistic regression analysis showed that depression was not an influencing factor of sleep(odds ratio[OR]=1.302,95%confidence interval[95%CI]0.759-1.758,P=0.086),while anxiety was an influencing factor of sleep(OR=2.187,95%CI 1.608-4.695,P=0.001).Conclusion The sleep status of special operation personnel investigated in this survey is related to age and years of work experience,and is influenced by anxiety.Therefore,greater attention should be given to sleep issues in the occupational health support of special operations.Additionally,years of work experience,family residence,relationship with parents,and sleep status are related to anxiety and depression among special operation personnel.It is necessary to focus on the mental health of older workers and those with longer tenure.
7.Research progress in the mechanism of Chinese materia medica in the treatment of viral pneumonia based on signaling pathway
Jiaqi SHANG ; Xin PENG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Yunfan WANG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Jihong FENG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(9):1332-1336
The research on the mechanism of Chinese materia medica in the treatment of viral pneumonia (VP) is mainly based on the monomer components of Chinese materia medica and TCM compounds. Among them, the monomer components are mainly polyphenols, flavonoids and anthraquinones, which have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory and antioxidant pharmacological effects. The efficacy of TCM compounds is mainly based on clearing heat, and it has the functions of removing phlegm, removing blood stasis, removing dampness, moistening lung and so on. The intervention of Chinese materia medica in VP mainly involves NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt and other signaling pathways. The mechanism includes regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, regulating immune function, inhibiting inflammatory response, etc., which can reduce the pathological damage of inflammatory cell infiltration and edema in lung tissue, and achieve the protective effect on lung tissue. The current research models exhibit unclear patterns of syndrome differentiation, and the mechanisms of Chinese materia medica involving multiple targets and pathways are poorly understood. Future research should integrate disease-syndrome combination models to further explore the mechanisms by which TCM regulates multiple targets and pathways, thereby providing insights and methodologies for the treatment of viral pneumonia with Chinese materia medica.
8.Clinical Observation on the Shengqing Jiangzhuo Acupuncture Method Combined with Western Medical Treatment in Treating Gouty Nephropathy with Damp-Heat Accumulation Syndrome
Longlin ZHANG ; Fengzhi TAN ; Min YU ; Yaoyu DU ; Ao LUO ; Yihao LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1706-1713
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shengqing Jiangzhuo(lifting lucid yang and lowering turbid yin)Acupuncture Method,based on the"turbidity-clearness interaction"theory,combined with western medicine in treating gouty nephropathy(GN)patients with damp-heat accumulation syndrome.Methods A total of 117 patients diagnosed with GN from September 2023 to September 2024 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Chongqing Hospital were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups,with 39 cases in each group.The western medicine group received Febuxostat Tablets,the control group was given western medicine+conventional acupuncture,and observation group was given western medicine+Shengqing Jiangzhuo Acupuncture Method.All groups received 4 weeks of treatment.Clinical efficacy,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,visual analogue scale(VAS)of pain scores,and laboratory parameters—including serum uric acid(UA),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),creatinine(Scr),estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),β2-microglobulin(β2-MG),24-hour urinary protein(24h-UTP),cystatin C(CysC)were assessed.The erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),and C-reactive protein(CRP)were compared before and after treatment.Results(1)The total effective rate was 71.79%(28/39)in the western medicine group,84.62%(33/39)in the control group,and 92.31%(36/39)in the observation group.The observation group demonstrated statistically significant superiority over the western medicine group(P<0.05),while showing marginally better efficacy than the control group without statistical significance(P>0.05).(2)After treatment,all three groups exhibited significant improvements in ESR,CRP,and UA levels(P<0.05).The observation group significantly outperformed the other two groups in reducing ESR and CRP levels(P<0.05),and was statistically superior to the western medicine group in lowering UA levels(P<0.05),though no significant difference was observed versus the control group for UA improvement(P>0.05).The control group showed significantly greater reductions in ESR,CRP,and UA levels than the western medicine group(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,Scr,BUN,and eGFR levels were significantly improved in all groups(P<0.05).The observation group achieved significantly better improvements in Scr and eGFR than the other two groups(P<0.05).However,no statistical difference existed between the control and western medicine groups for Scr or eGFR enhancement(P>0.05).No intergroup differences were detected in BUN improvement(P>0.05).(4)Significant differences emerged in β2-MG and CysC levels among all groups after treatment(P<0.05).Both observation and control groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in 24-hour 24h-UTP(P<0.05),whereas the western medicine group showed no significant change(P>0.05).The observation group significantly outperformed the other groups in reducing 24h-UTP and β2-MG levels(P<0.05),and was superior to the western medicine group in lowering CysC(P<0.05),though no difference versus the control group was observed for CysC reduction(P>0.05).The control group showed no statistical advantage over the western medicine group in improving 24h-UTP,β 2-MG,or CysC(P>0.05).(5)After treatment,TCM syndrome scores and VAS scores were significantly improved in all groups(P<0.05).The observation group achieved significantly greater reductions in TCM syndrome scores and VAS scores than the western medicine group(P<0.05).The control group showed statistically superior VAS score improvement versus the western medicine group(P<0.05),but no significant differences emerged in TCM syndrome score improvement compared to either group(P>0.05).No statistical difference existed between observation and control groups for VAS score reduction(P>0.05).Conclusion Shengqing Jiangzhuo Acupuncture Method,grounded in the"turbidity-clearness interaction"theory,effectively reduces serum UA,controls inflammation,and preserves renal function in damp-heat accumulation type of GN,demonstrating significant therapeutic benefits.
9.Clinical characteristics of C-TI-RADS 3 thyroid nodules measuring more than 2 cm
Yifeng TANG ; Longlong WANG ; Yihao LIU ; Yifei ZHANG ; Hongqiang LI ; Runsheng MA ; Detao YIN
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):74-79
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of C-TI-RADS 3 thyroid nodules with a diameter greater than 2 cm and explore their correlation with gender,nodule ingredient,contralateral cancer presence,diffuse echo changes,TPOAB and TGAB.Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical and pathological information of 94 patients with thyroid nodules who were admitted to our department from September 2022 to March 2023.All the patients underwent cytological and/or histopathological examinations.The proportions of TBS I category,benign tumors,low-risk tumors,and malignant tumors were calculated.The proportion of TBS type Ⅰ,benign tumors,low-risk tumors,and malignant tumors was quantified.Subsequently,a comparative analysis was conducted among the benign,low-risk,and malignant groups in terms of clinical characteristics including gender distribution,nodule composition,contralateral cancer occurrence,diffuse echo changes presence,as well as TPOAB and TGAB levels.Results Seven cases in TBS I category were excluded.Among the remaining 87 cases with confirmed pathology results for nodules,there were 72 benign cases(38 cytology cases and 34 histology cases),5 low-risk thyroid tumors(2 cytology cases and 3 histology cases),10 malignant cases(8 PTC cases,1 FTC case,and 1 MTC case).There was a significant difference in nodule ingredient(cystic/solid)between different pathological types(x2=10.369,P=0.006).However,no statistical significance was found in terms of gender,diffuse echo changes,contralateral cancer presence,TPOAB or TGAB(P>0.05).Further analysis showed that the proportion of solid component was higher in low-risk tumors than in benign nodules(x2=9.571,P=0.002).No statistical significance was found between malignant nodules and low-risk nodules(x2=2.143,P=0.143),or between malignant nodules and benign nodules(x2=2.165,P=0.141).Conclusion Although TI-RADS 3 nodules are generally considered as potentially benign according to various versions of thyroid imaging reporting and data system,malignant nodules still account for a certain proportion.Attention should be paid to thyroid nodules with a typical ultrasonic signs,such as cystic nodules,thyroid follicular tumors and medullary thyroid carcinoma.Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytopathology is necessary for evaluating benign and malignant nodules.It is necessary to pay attention to unsatisfactory or undiagnosable specimens to improve the accuracy of diagnosis.
10.Discussion on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Pharmacological Mechanism of Xuanfei Baidu Prescription in Treatment of Viral Pneumonia
Yihao ZHANG ; Xin PENG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Yunfan WANG ; Jiaqi SHANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):214-224
Viral pneumonia (VP) is an inflammatory disease caused by one or more viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract and spread downward. Causing varying degrees of pulmonary parenchymal damage, VP poses a serious threat to the society and public health. The treatment of VP now faces the dilemma of drug shortage, since Western medicine can only alleviate symptoms and lacks specific treatment methods. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), VP is assigned as an epidemic disease, with the etiology attributed to epidemic toxin and six excesses and the pathological factors of dampness, heat, toxin, deficiency, and stasis. The basic pathogenesis of VP is Yin-Yang imbalance, dysfunction of Zang-Fu organs, and healthy Qi deficiency. Accordingly, the treatment should follow the principle of replenishing healthy Qi and expelling pathogen. The treatment method of VP is mainly developed based on syndrome differentiation of six meridians, defense-Qi-nutrient-blood, and triple energizer. Xuanfei Baidu prescription (XFBD) is an effective prescription developed by Academician ZHANG Boli and Professor LIU Qingquan by literature research and selection of multi-component Chinese medicine. It is the product of modern research combined with TCM. XFBD is modified from Maxing Shigantang, Maxing Yigantang, Tingli Dazao Xiefeitang, Qianjin Weijingtang, and Buhuanjin Zhengqisan. It is mainly used to treat epidemic diseases with the syndrome of dampness toxin stagnating in the lung, with the effects of ventilating lung and resolving dampness, clearing heat and expelling pathogen, purging lung, and removing toxin, demonstrating the potential for the prevention and treatment of VP. This paper reviews the research progress of XFBD in combating VP in terms of the prescription composition, compatibility ideas, indications, and clinical new applications, as well as the pharmacological mechanisms of inhibiting virus, reducing inflammation, regulating immune system, ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis, and modulating intestinal flora. In addition, we put forward our thoughts and suggestions on the problems in the research, with a view to informing the clinical use of drugs and the basic research on the treatment of VP including COVID-19.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail