1.Progress in animal model studies on chronic fatigue syndrome in military seafaring operations
Shuqi CAI ; Ying HE ; Wenhui WU ; Ruisang LIU ; Yunkai ZHANG ; Yong JIAO ; Xiaomeng REN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):373-378
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a common problem in military maritime navigation, which greatly affects the safety of military missions. The use of animal models to carry out research on the mechanism of CFS and treatment measures is a common method. This paper systematically introduced the construction methods of CFS models such as single-factor and multi-factor models, summarized common evaluation indicators of CFS, including behavioral and biochemical indicators, and summed up key characteristics of CFS animal models in military oceanic navigation combined with common causes of CFS in military contexts, such as prolonged continuous work, high-intensity physical activity, sleep deprivation, psychological stress, and extreme environmental conditions. The key characteristics of the animal models included, but not limited to, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, impaired cognitive function, psychological stress responses, and abnormal biochemical indicators. Furthermore, this article identified future research directions for CFS animal models in military oceanic navigation to enhance the application value of the models and provide robust support for the health protection and disease prevention of military personnel.
2.rTMS Improves Cognitive Function and Brain Network Connectivity in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Gui-Zhi XU ; Lin LIU ; Miao-Miao GUO ; Tian WANG ; Jiao-Jiao GAO ; Yong JI ; Pan WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2131-2145
ObjectiveRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing neurocognitive performance in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the neurobiological mechanisms linking synaptic pathology, neural oscillatory dynamics, and brain network reorganization remain unclear. This investigation seeks to systematically evaluate the therapeutic potential of rTMS as a non-invasive neuromodulatory intervention through a multimodal framework integrating clinical assessments, molecular profiling, and neurophysiological monitoring. MethodsIn this prospective double-blind trial, 12 AD patients underwent a 14-day protocol of 20 Hz rTMS, with comprehensive multimodal assessments performed pre- and post-intervention. Cognitive functioning was quantified using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), while daily living capacities and neuropsychiatric profiles were respectively evaluated through the activities of daily living (ADL) scale and combined neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI)-Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD). Peripheral blood biomarkers, specifically Aβ1-40 and phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), were analyzed to investigate the effects of rTMS on molecular metabolism. Spectral power analysis was employed to investigate rTMS-induced modulations of neural rhythms in AD patients, while brain network analyses incorporating topological properties were conducted to examine stimulus-driven network reorganization. Furthermore, systematic assessment of correlations between cognitive scale scores, blood biomarkers, and network characteristics was performed to elucidate cross-modal therapeutic associations. ResultsClinically, MMSE and MOCA scores improved significantly (P<0.05). Biomarker showed that Aβ1-40 level increased (P<0.05), contrasting with p-tau181 reduction. Moreover, the levels of Aβ1-40 were positively correlated with MMSE and MOCA scores. Post-intervention analyses revealed significant modulations in oscillatory power, characterized by pronounced reductions in delta (P<0.05) and theta bands (P<0.05), while concurrent enhancements were observed in alpha, beta, and gamma band activities (all P<0.05). Network analysis revealed frequency-specific reorganization: clustering coefficients were significantly decreased in delta, theta, and alpha bands (P<0.05), while global efficiency improvement was exclusively detected in the delta band (P<0.05). The alpha band demonstrated concurrent increases in average nodal degree (P<0.05) and characteristic path length reduction (P<0.05). Further research findings indicate that the changes in the clinical scale HAMD scores before and after rTMS stimulation are negatively correlated with the changes in the blood biomarkers Aβ1-40 and p-tau181. Additionally, the changes in the clinical scales MMSE and MoCA scores were negatively correlated with the changes in the node degree of the alpha frequency band and negatively correlated with the clustering coefficient of the delta frequency band. However, the changes in MMSE scores are positively correlated with the changes in global efficiency of both the delta and alpha frequency bands. Conclusion20 Hz rTMS targeting dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) significantly improves cognitive function and enhances the metabolic clearance of β-amyloid and tau proteins in AD patients. This neurotherapeutic effect is mechanistically associated with rTMS-mediated frequency-selective neuromodulation, which enhances the connectivity of oscillatory networks through improved neuronal synchronization and optimized topological organization of functional brain networks. These findings not only support the efficacy of rTMS as an adjunctive therapy for AD but also underscore the importance of employing multiple assessment methods—including clinical scales, blood biomarkers, and EEG——in understanding and monitoring the progression of AD. This research provides a significant theoretical foundation and empirical evidence for further exploration of rTMS applications in AD treatment.
3.Phenotypic screening uncovered anti-myocardial fibrosis candidates using a novel 3D myocardial tissue under hypoxia.
Jingyu WANG ; Xiangning LIU ; Rongxin ZHU ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Keyan WANG ; Yong JIANG ; Yong WANG ; Chun LI ; Wei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3008-3024
Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a common pathological hallmark of cardiovascular diseases, reflecting shared mechanisms in their progression. However, the lack of reliable MF models that accurately mimic its pathogenesis has hindered drug discovery, highlighting the urgent need for more effective therapeutic agents. Herein, a novel contractile three-dimensional (3D) myocardial tissue model integrating cardiomyocytes, cardiac-fibroblasts, and bone marrow-derived macrophages in collagen hydrogel was developed to simulate the fibrotic changes of cardiovascular disease, and facilitate the screening of anti-MF compounds. The 3D myocardial tissue model exhibited precise, visualizable, and quantifiable contractile characteristics under hypoxia and drug interventions. 76 compounds extracted from the resins of Toxicodendron vernicifluum, a traditional Chinese medicine with clear clinical benefits for fibrotic diseases, were screened for anti-fibrotic activity. Using an in vitro 3D oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated myocardial tissue model instead of a two-dimensional transforming growth factor-β treated cardiac-fibroblasts model, two candidates including LQ-40 and SQ-3 exert impressive anti-MF activity, which was further validated in left anterior descending coronary artery ligation-induced MF mouse model. The current results demonstrate the feasibility and advantage of the novel contractile 3D tissue model with multi-cell types in discovering candidates for MF, further stressing the great potential of regulating macrophages in the treatment of MF.
4.Intestinal barrier in chronic gut and liver diseases: Pathogenesis and therapeutic targets.
Yongxin ZHANG ; Yameng LIU ; Xinyu LIANG ; Yingquan WEN ; Jingjie ZHAO ; Yong HE ; Qing XIE ; Cen XIE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5515-5536
The intestinal barrier is the primary defense that separates the host from the external environment, possessing several crucial physiological functions, including nutrient digestion, absorption, and protection against potentially harmful dietary antigens and pathogenic microorganisms. Nevertheless, various factors, such as diet, medications, circadian rhythm disturbances, gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and genetic predisposition, can disrupt the intestinal barrier. Such disruption may lead to bacterial translocation, subsequently triggering enterohepatic and systemic inflammation. Impaired intestinal barrier has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, particularly chronic gut and liver diseases. In this review, we will summarize the fundamental functions of intestinal barrier and discuss clinical correlations between intestinal barrier dysfunction and diseases such as colitis, colorectal cancer, and chronic liver diseases including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, alcohol-associated liver disease, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Additionally, we will also highlight some potential therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring barrier integrity to improve disease management.
5.Expert consensus on imaging diagnosis and analysis of early correction of childhood malocclusion.
Zitong LIN ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Ziyang HU ; Zuyan ZHANG ; Yong CHENG ; Bing FANG ; Hong HE ; Hu WANG ; Gang LI ; Jun GUO ; Weihua GUO ; Xiaobing LI ; Guangning ZHENG ; Zhimin LI ; Donglin ZENG ; Yan LIU ; Yuehua LIU ; Min HU ; Lunguo XIA ; Jihong ZHAO ; Yaling SONG ; Huang LI ; Jun JI ; Jinlin SONG ; Lili CHEN ; Tiemei WANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):21-21
Early correction of childhood malocclusion is timely managing morphological, structural, and functional abnormalities at different dentomaxillofacial developmental stages. The selection of appropriate imaging examination and comprehensive radiological diagnosis and analysis play an important role in early correction of childhood malocclusion. This expert consensus is a collaborative effort by multidisciplinary experts in dentistry across the nation based on the current clinical evidence, aiming to provide general guidance on appropriate imaging examination selection, comprehensive and accurate imaging assessment for early orthodontic treatment patients.
Humans
;
Malocclusion/diagnostic imaging*
;
Child
;
Consensus
6.International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025).
Sheng-Sheng ZHANG ; Lu-Qing ZHAO ; Xiao-Hua HOU ; Zhao-Xiang BIAN ; Jian-Hua ZHENG ; Hai-He TIAN ; Guan-Hu YANG ; Won-Sook HONG ; Yu-Ying HE ; Li LIU ; Hong SHEN ; Yan-Ping LI ; Sheng XIE ; Jin SHU ; Bin-Fang ZENG ; Jun-Xiang LI ; Zhen LIU ; Zheng-Hua XIAO ; Jing-Dong XIAO ; Pei-Yong ZHENG ; Shao-Gang HUANG ; Sheng-Liang CHEN ; Gui-Jun FEI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):502-518
Functional dyspepsia (FD), characterized by persistent or recurrent dyspeptic symptoms without identifiable organic, systemic or metabolic causes, is an increasingly recognized global health issue. The objective of this guideline is to equip clinicians and nursing professionals with evidence-based strategies for the management and treatment of adult patients with FD using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Guideline Development Group consulted existing TCM consensus documents on FD and convened a panel of 35 clinicians to generate initial clinical queries. To address these queries, a systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, China Biology Medicine (SinoMed) Database, Wanfang Database, Traditional Medicine Research Data Expanded (TMRDE), and the Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (TCMLARS). The evidence from the literature was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The strength of the recommendations was ascertained through a consensus-building process involving TCM and allopathic medicine experts, methodologists, pharmacologists, nursing specialists, and health economists, leveraging their collective expertise and empirical knowledge. The guideline comprises a total of 43 evidence-informed recommendations that span a range of clinical aspects, including the pathogenesis according to TCM, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, efficacy assessments, and prognostic considerations. Please cite this article as: Zhang SS, Zhao LQ, Hou XH, Bian ZX, Zheng JH, Tian HH, Yang GH, Hong WS, He YY, Liu L, Shen H, Li YP, Xie S, Shu J, Zeng BF, Li JX, Liu Z, Xiao ZH, Xiao JD, Zheng PY, Huang SG, Chen SL, Fei GJ. International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025). J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):502-518.
Dyspepsia/drug therapy*
;
Humans
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
;
Practice Guidelines as Topic
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
7.Association of Longitudinal Change in Fasting Blood Glucose with Risk of Cerebral Infarction in a Patients with Diabetes.
Tai Yang LUO ; Xuan DENG ; Xue Yu CHEN ; Yu He LIU ; Shuo Hua CHEN ; Hao Ran SUN ; Zi Wei YIN ; Shou Ling WU ; Yong ZHOU ; Xing Dong ZHENG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):926-934
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the association between long-term glycemic control and cerebral infarction risk in patients with diabetes through a large-scale cohort study.
METHODS:
This prospective, community-based cohort study included 12,054 patients with diabetes. From 2006 to 2012, 38,272 fasting blood glucose (FBG) measurements were obtained from these participants. FBG trajectory patterns were generated using latent mixture modelling. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to assess the subsequent risk of cerebral infarction associated with different FBG trajectory patterns.
RESULTS:
At baseline, the mean age of the participants was 55.2 years. Four distinct FBG trajectories were identified based on FBG concentrations and their changes over the 6-year follow-up period. After a median follow-up of 6.9 years, 786 cerebral infarction events were recorded. Different trajectory patterns were associated with significantly varied outcome risks (Log-Rank P < 0.001). Compared with the low-stability group, Hazard Ratio ( HR) adjusted for potential confounders were 1.37 for the moderate-increasing group, 1.23 for the elevated-decreasing group, and 2.08 for the elevated-stable group.
CONCLUSION
Sustained high FBG levels were found to play a critical role in the development of ischemic stroke among patients with diabetes. Controlling FBG levels may reduce the risk of cerebral infarction.
Humans
;
Cerebral Infarction/blood*
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Female
;
Blood Glucose/analysis*
;
Fasting/blood*
;
Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Risk Factors
;
Diabetes Mellitus/blood*
;
Adult
;
Proportional Hazards Models
8.Expert Consensus on Perioperative Nursing Care for Follicular Unit Extraction(2025)
Chunhua ZHANG ; Weiwei BIAN ; Congmin WANG ; Lin SHEN ; Yong MIAO ; Na LIU ; Shan JIA ; Junhong AN ; Hongxia WANG ; Dongmei ZHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1606-1613
To promote the standardization and normalization of perioperative care for follicular unit extraction(FUE) hair transplantation, ensure treatment efficacy, and align with advancements in the specialty, the Nursing Branch of the Chinese Association of Plastic and Aesthetics organized a panel of domestic experts. By integrating evidence-based medicine with clinical practice experience, and following thorough discussions, these experts developed the Clinical Practice
9.The Mechanism of Calcium Handling Proteins and NF-κB in Calcium Dyshomeo-stasis of Cardiomyocytes Caused by Acute MDMA Exposure
Rong-Shuai WANG ; Si-Zhe HUANG ; Yun-Yun WANG ; Yan-Fei DENG ; Zi-Jiao DING ; Jie ZHANG ; Yong LIU ; Liang REN ; Liang LIU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(2):144-151,159
Objective To explore the mechanism of myocardial toxicity caused by N-methyl-3,4-methyle-nedioxyamphetamine(MDMA),the changes of intracellular calcium oscillation mode and calcium han-dling proteins during acute exposure to different concentrations of MDMA were detected,and the in-volvement of nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)and its effect on calcium handling proteins were investigated.Methods Primary rat cardiomyocytes were cultured to establish MDMA acute exposure model,and a control group was set up.The MDMA poisoning model was divided into three concentration groups of 10,100 and 1 000 μmol/L.After 1 h of exposure,the morphological changes of cardiomyocytes were ob-served,the cytotoxicity and changes in calcium signals were measured,and the changes in calcium handling proteins RyR2,SERCA2a,PLN,NCX1 and Cav1.2 were detected.The changes of NF-κB activity and the expression of nucleoprotein p-p65(Ser311)and PKCζ after MDMA exposure,and the intervention of NF-κB inhibitors pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ammonium(PDTC)and protein kinase C(PKC)inhibitor chelerythrine(CHE)were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA)and Western blotting.The effects of PDTC intervention on calcium signals,and the expressions of RyR2,SERCA2a,PLN,NCX1 and Cav1.2 after acute MDMA exposure were also observed.Results No obvious changes were observed in the morphology of cardiomyocytes after acute exposure to MDMA,whereas the oscillation waveform of intracytoplasmic calcium ion showed irregular changes with increased oscillation amplitude,intense fluctuations,irregular frequency,and increased fluctuation range of relative optical density values.The expression of RyR2,SERCA2a and NCX1 increased,while the expression of Cav1.2 and PLN de-creased.Acute MDMA exposure could increase NF-κB activity,while PDTC and CHE intervention could inhibit NF-κB activity.In MDMA exposed group,the expression of PKCζ and nucleoprotein p-p65(Ser311)both increased and could be inhibited by CHE.After the intervention of PDTC to block NF-κB,the amplitude of calcium oscillation was lower than that of the MDMA exposed group,and the expres-sion of RyR2,SERCA2a and NCX1 decreased.There was no significant change in PLN,while the ex-pression of Cav1.2 increased.Conclusion MDMA can lead to an increase of calcium ion concentration in cardiomyocytes.Calcium ions are involved in myocardial toxicity of MDMA.The mechanism is re-lated to changes in calcium handling proteins,mainly associated with the increased expression of RyR2.MDMA can up-regulate the intracellular activity of NF-κB through the PKCζ-NF-κB pathway and affect calcium handling proteins,which aggravate intracellular calcium overload during acute MDMA exposure.
10.Development of Benchtop Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technology and Its Application in Drug Control Field
Qi LIAO ; Yong-Hong LIU ; Ying JIAO ; Xiao-Ying YANG ; Yi-Hua YANG ; Cui-Mei LIU ; Rui-Xia GAO
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(3):267-276
At present,the drug substitutes represented by new psychoactive substances are gradually be-coming popular,leading to an increasing demand for identifying novel drugs with unknown structures in drug investigation.Nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy is an important tool for ana-lyzing molecular structures.In the absence of standard substances,quantitative NMR(qNMR)can un-dertake the quantitative analysis of target substances in complex mixtures and has unique advantages in the research of new drugs and their precursor drugs.Due to the limitations of the site and mainte-nance costs,as well as relatively complex operation,high-field superconducting NMR is less com-monly applied in drug research.The desktop low-field NMR developed in recent years provides a new alternative solution.Due to the use of permanent magnets,its size is reduced,and the operation and maintenance costs are lowered.It has been widely used in various research fields.This article reviews the development of low-field NMR technology,summarizes the application of desktop low-field NMR in screening and identification of suspicious substances,rapid content determination,analysis of drug manufacturing processes and synthetic routes,and correlation traceability.It also looks forward to the prospects and development directions of this technology in drug research,aiming to provide a reference for researchers who work in analytical chemistry and drug research.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail