1.Research progress on the mechanisms of Tibetan medicine Gentianopsis paludosa and its chemical components against ulcerative colitis and associated fibrosis
Huan LI ; Qing NIE ; Yongkang AN ; Shuangxi ZHANG ; Xiang’an ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):676-681
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disease of the intestine. Intestinal fibrosis represents a severe co mplication and a potential risk factor for malignant transformation. Gentianopsis paludosa is one of the traditional Tibetan medicines commonly used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as damp-heat diarrhea and dysentery. Its chemical composition is complex, encompassing xanthones, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other bioactive components, and it exhibits properties such as clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and detoxifying. This article reviews the research progress on the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanisms of G. paludosa against UC and associated fibrosis. Findings suggest that its extracts (e.g., aqueous extract, ethyl acetate extract) and active constituents (e.g., 1-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyxanthone, ursolic acid, swertiamarin, luteolin) may inhibit inflammatory cytokines, combat oxidative stress, suppress cell apoptosis, regulate intestinal microbiota and their metabolites, protect the intestinal mucosal barrier, modulate immune responses, and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition, through modulating relevant signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-kappa B, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein, and transforming growth factor-β 1 /Smad, thus exerting therapeutic effects against UC and its related fibrosis via these seven aspects.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Parkinson's Disease Based on Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway: A Review
Liuping YUE ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Yijun WU ; Huan YU ; Xinzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):307-317
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor dysfunction. The main pathological features include the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, abnormal aggregation of alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn), and the formation of Lewy bodies. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In recent years, the PD incidence has gradually increased, while current treatment methods are limited to symptom alleviation, incapable of halting disease progression, and prone to adverse effects, thus making it urgent to search for medicines effective for PD. Modern research indicates that the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway is closely related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, playing a crucial role in the pathophysiological development of PD. A large number of studies have further confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate diseases through a holistic view of Syndrome differentiation and microscopic molecular pathways. With unique advantages, such as multiple targets, multiple pathways, and fewer adverse reactions, TCM provides a new strategy for PD treatment. This article elucidates the mechanism of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of PD, while summarizing the latest research on PD intervention by TCM monomers, active ingredients, and compounds, as well as acupuncture via the precise targeted regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, aiming to provide a reference for clinical medicine development to prevent and treat PD.
3.Existentialist philosophical analysis of existential distress in advanced cancer patients
Hongtao ZHENG ; Wei WANG ; Huafang LI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):345-350
Existentialist philosophy focuses on human existence, explores subjectivity and uniqueness, and highlights the value of human existence. Advanced cancer patients generally suffer immense existential distress, each with their own modes of appearance and numerous possibilities. From the perspective of existentialist philosophy, targeting the group of advanced cancer patients, this paper clarified the analysis of “Dasein” (holistic phenomenon and modes of appearance). Through recognition (achieving to deepen the inner scope of the subject and object) and comprehension (seeking appropriate “self-knowledge”), it introduced the planning of variable possibilities. Subsequently, based on the patients’ pre-possessing, pre-seeing, and pre-grasping, explanatory activities were carried out to complete the “self-formation” in the planning. Ultimately, it facilitated the realization of existential meaning in the presupposition and proposed actionable clinical practices (meaning therapy and emotional touch therapy) to alleviate the existential distress of advanced cancer patients.
4.Analysis of OCTA parameters for prognostic assessment following vitrectomy in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane
Lulu BAO ; Li WANG ; Mingliang WANG ; Min CHEN ; Zhe LIU
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):873-878
AIM: To investigate the differences in morphological structure and retinal blood perfusion between the affected eye and the contralateral healthy eye using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)before and after surgery, and to evaluate the association of these parameters with functional and anatomical outcomes to inform prognostic assessment. METHODS:A prospective study was conducted at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital between January 2023 and December 2024. Consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral IMEM were enrolled; the fellow eye served as an internal control. All participants underwent standardized ophthalmic evaluations, including optical coherence tomography(OCT), OCTA, and color fundus photography. Key quantitative parameters assessed included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area, vessel density in the inner capillary plexus(ICP), superficial capillary plexus(SCP), deep capillary plexus(DCP), and choroidal capillary perfusion area(CCPA). Measurements were obtained preoperatively and at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively. Correlation analyses were performed between the above parameters and postoperative BCVA and CMT.RESULTS: This study enrolled 30 patients(60 eyes)diagnosed with IMEM, comprising 14 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 65.4±10.8 y.At baseline, IMEM-affected eyes demonstrated significantly reduced BCVA, DCP density, and FAZ area, alongside significantly increased CMT and CCPA, compared with contralateral controls. Following vitrectomy with membrane peeling, CMT decreased significantly at both 1 and 3 mo(both P<0.05)postoperatively; DCP density and BCVA showed significant improvement(both P<0.05). No significant change in FAZ area was observed postoperatively(P>0.05). At 3 mo postoperatively, BCVA of the affected eye was negatively correlated with CMT(r=-0.549, P=0.022). At 1 mo postoperatively, CMT was negatively correlated with preoperative DCP and FAZ, positively correlated with preoperative CMT, and positively correlated with ICP and SCP at 1 mo postoperatively, and negatively correlated with FAZ at 1 mo postoperatively(all P<0.05). Furthermore, CMT at 3 mo postoperatively was negatively correlated with preoperative DCP(r=-0.498,P=0.042).CONCLUSION:In patients with IMEM, the affected eyes exhibit significantly reduced DCP density and FAZ area, alongside increased CMT and CCPA. Following vitrectomy with membrane peeling, CMT decreased progressively, DCP density demonstrated partial restoration, and vision improved gradually. Preoperatively, smaller CMT larger DCP, and FAZ were associated with more favorable surgical outcomes; postoperatively, smaller ICP and SCP densities—combined with a larger FAZ—also correlated with better functional recovery.
5.Effects of oral microbiota and immune cells on oral leukoplakia: a Mendelian randomization and mediation analysis
WANG Yongkang ; GUAN Cuiqiang ; GUO Hongbo
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):129-138
Objective:
To assess the causal association between specific oral microbiota and the risk of oral leukoplakia (OLK) using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, and to elucidate the potential mediating role of immune cells.
Methods:
Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the oral microbiome, GWAS data for immune cell phenotypes, and GWAS summary statistics for OLK from FinnGen were used. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was adopted as the primary approach, and it was supplemented by MR Egger regression, simple mode, weighted median, and weighted mode methods for additional analyses, to investigate the causal relationship between 3 117 types of tongue coating and salivary microbiota, as well as 731 immune cell traits, and OLK. Furthermore, a two-step MR approach was applied to explore the potential mediating role of immune cells in the association between oral microbiota and OLK.
Results:
IVW analysis revealed causal associations between 15 oral microbial genera and OLK. Among these, Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Catonella were associated with a reduced risk of OLK, with Fusobacterium showing the most significant protective effect (OR = 0.41, P = 0.023). In contrast, genera, including Microbacterium, Campylobacter, and Haemophilus_A, were linked to an increased risk of OLK, with Lancefieldella exhibiting the strongest risk effect (OR = 2.66, P = 0.006). Eleven immune cell phenotypes with potential causal associations with OLK were identified, including four protective and seven risk-increasing factors. Mediation analysis further identified four key mediating pathways: pathogenic genera, particularly Campylobacter_A and Lancefieldella, may promote the development and progression of OLK by upregulating highly activated pro-inflammatory immune subsets such as activated monocytes, B cells, and myeloid cells. Conversely, the potentially protective genus Catonella appeared to exert inhibitory effects on OLK by significantly downregulating dendritic cell subsets.
Conclusion
This study is the first to reveal, at the genetic level, causal pathways through which specific oral microbial genera influence the risk of OLK by mediating immune cell responses. These findings provide novel insights into the immunopathological mechanisms underlying OLK and offer potential targets for intervention strategies aimed at modulating specific microbial genera or immune cell subsets.
6.Clinical analysis of five cases of endoscopic and computer navigation-assisted maxillofacial foreign body removal
GUO Junhong ; FANG Songling ; CAI Yongkang ; HE Yilin ; HUANG Zhiquan ; WANG Yan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(4):378-384
Objective:
To explore the application method and clinical efficacy of endoscopic and computerized navigation technology in maxillofacial foreign body removal surgery, and to provide a reference for the clinical application of this technology.
Methods:
This study, which was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital, retrospectively analyzed the data of five patients with maxillofacial foreign bodies who were admitted to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from January 2018 to December 2024. All patients underwent preoperative CT scanning. Intraoperatively, endoscopic and computer navigation techniques were used in combination or separately according to the location, size, and adjacency of the foreign body to important neurovascular vessels. The foreign body was precisely localized by endoscopic magnification and direct visualization, and the optimal surgical path was designed and verified under the real-time guidance of computerized navigation to accurately remove the foreign body. The type of foreign body, location, length and diameter, duration of surgery, length of incision, success rate of foreign body removal, postoperative complications, and follow-up were recorded and analyzed.
Results:
The foreign body was successfully removed in all five patients with a success rate of 100%. The intraoperative computerized navigation system was accurate in positioning, and the alignment stability was not significantly affected by mandibular movement; the endoscope provided good illumination and exposure of the operative field. All surgical incisions were small, and no serious complications, such as foreign body residue, important neurovascular injury, or infection, occurred after surgery. One month after the operation, the patients were followed up and recovered well.
Conclusion
The combination of endoscopy and computer navigation or separately assisted technology can provide a clear field and real-time positioning for maxillofacial foreign body removal, effectively avoiding important anatomical structures, thus realizing safe and complete foreign body removal with minimized trauma. This assistive technology significantly improves the accuracy and safety of the operation and has clinical promotion value.
7.XGboost algorithm-based risk prediction model for postoperative dry eye in glaucoma patients
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1270-1275
AIM:To construct a risk prediction model for postoperative dry eye in glaucoma patients using the XGBoost algorithm.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on glaucoma patients who received surgical treatment at the hospital from July 2022 to June 2025. All patients were divided into a dry eye group and a non-dry eye group according to the occurrence of postoperative dry eye disease. Clinical data of the patients were collected, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to screen out the risk factors for postoperative dry eye. The patients were randomly allocated into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. An XGboost risk prediction model was built with the risk factors as feature variables, and the SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)bar plot and beeswarm plot were used for visual interpretation of the model. The predictive efficacy of the model was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis. RESULTS:The study included 300 glaucoma patients(300 eyes). The non-dry eye group comprised 204 patients(204 eyes, 104 males and 100 females), and the dry eye group comprised 96 patients(96 eyes, 55 males and 41 females). The incidence rate of postoperative dry eye was 32.0%. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, comorbid diabetes, meibum viscosity grade, tear film breakup time, meibomian gland dysfunction, and operative time(all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that all the above factors were risk factors for postoperative dry eye(all P<0.01). The XGBoost model showed that these risk factors were ranked in descending order of predictive importance as: tear film breakup time, comorbid diabetes, operative time, age, meibomian gland dysfunction, and meibum viscosity grade. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve(AUC)of the XGboost model was 0.84(95%CI: 0.78-0.90)for the training set and 0.83(95%CI: 0.74-0.92)for the validation set, with both values showing statistical significance(both P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The XGboost algorithm-based risk prediction model for postoperative dry eye in glaucoma patients exhibits favorable predictive performance. It can be clinically applied to identify patients at high risk of developing postoperative dry eye, thereby facilitating targeted interventions for preventive purposes.
8.Resveratrol activates extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5 signaling protein to promote proliferation of mouse MC3T3-E1 cells
Yongkang NIU ; Zhiwei FENG ; Yaobin WANG ; Zhongcheng LIU ; Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Zhi YI ; Hongwei ZHAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):908-916
BACKGROUND:The extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5(ERK5)signaling protein is essential for the survival of organisms,and resveratrol can promote osteoblast proliferation through various pathways.However,whether resveratrol can regulate osteoblast function through the ERK5 signaling protein needs further verification. OBJECTIVE:To explore the regulatory effect of ERK5 on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and related secreted proteins,and to further verify whether resveratrol can complete the above process by activating ERK5. METHODS:Mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were treated with complete culture medium,XMD8-92(an ERK5 inhibitor),epidermal growth factor(an ERK5 activator),resveratrol alone,XMD8-92+EGF,and resveratrol+XMD8-92,respectively.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of ERK5 and p-ERK5 proteins,proliferation-related proteins Cyclin D1,CDK4 and PCNA,and osteoblast-secreted proteins osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in MC3T3-E1 cells of each group.The fluorescence intensity of ERK5,osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in each group was detected by cell immunofluorescence staining,and cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining,respectively.The appropriate concentration and time of resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells were determined by cell morphology observation and cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The activation of ERK5 signaling protein could effectively promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells,up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio.The appropriate concentration and time for resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells was 5 μmol/L and 24 hours,respectively.Resveratrol could activate ERK5 signaling protein,thereby promoting osteoblast proliferation and up-regulating the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio.All these results indicate that resveratrol can promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio by activating the ERK5 signaling protein.
9.Subchondral bone intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging for quantitatively evaluating knee joint cartilage degeneration
Kai GAO ; Jiming CHEN ; Xianfei WEI ; Yongkang SONG ; Jian ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1129-1133
Objective To observe the value of subchondral bone(SB)intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging(IVIM-DWI)for quantitatively evaluating knee joint cartilage degeneration.Methods Totally 125 patients with knee cartilage degeneration were prospectively enrolled and divided into mild group(n=65,Outerbridge grades Ⅰ-Ⅱ)and moderate-severe group(n=60,Outerbridge grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ)based on arthroscopic findings.Additionally,30 healthy young subjects were recruited as control group.The apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC),true diffusion coefficient(D),pseudo diffusion coefficient(D*)and perfusion fraction(f)values of medial condyle of SB of femur,lateral condyle of femur,medial tibial plateau and lateral tibial plateau,as well as the mean values of each parameter of the above 4 regions were obtained based on knee joint IVIM-DWI and compared within and among groups.Spearman correlation analysis was used to observe the correlations between quantitative parameters and Outerbridge grading.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of each quantitative parameter alone and their combination for assessing knee cartilage degeneration.Results Significant differences of D*values were found among different parts of knee joint SB in moderate-severe group,also of D value,D* value and f value among different parts of knee joint SB in mild group(all P<0.05).Significant differences of IVIM-DWI parameter were found among different parts of knee joint SB in control group(all P<0.05).ADC value of knee joint SB in moderate-severe group,mild group and control group decreased successively,while D value increased successively(all P<0.001).D* values of knee joint SB in moderate-severe group was higher than that in mild group and control group(both P<0.05).No significant difference of f value of knee joint SB was found between moderate-severe group and mild group(P>0.05),while both the latter two were higher than that in control group(both P<0.05).ADC value,D value and f value of knee joint SB were positively correlated(rs=0.671,0.634,0.416,all P<0.01),while D* value of knee joint SB was negatively correlated with Outerbridge grading(rs=-0.729,P<0.01).AUC of combination of parameters for distinguishing mild group from control group,and mild group from moderate-severe group was 0.859 and 0.808,respectively.Conclusion SB IVIM-DWI could be used for quantitatively evaluation of knee cartilage degeneration.
10.Research status and progress in animal models of senile osteoporosis
Tonghai ZHANG ; Lining WANG ; Yongkang HU ; Tianci MA ; Anyang HAN ; Yong MA ; Yang GUO
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(3):440-448
Senile osteoporosis is a growing public health challenge with significant impacts on the daily life of the elderly population as a result of its hidden nature,high prevalence,and high risk of disability.Suitable animal models that simulate senile osteoporosis are crucial for understanding its pathological mechanism and to facilitate the development of anti-osteoporosis drugs and identify new therapeutic targets.This review considers the most commonly used method for creating animal models of senile osteoporosis,analyzes their advantages and limitations,and discusses research progress in animal models in terms of evaluation indicators,to provide references for research using animal models of senile osteoporosis.


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