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.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.
3.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.
4.Evaluation of Effect of Tongnaoyin on Blood-brain Barrier Injury in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Yangjingyi XIA ; Shanshan LI ; Li LI ; Xiaogang TANG ; Xintong WANG ; Qing ZHU ; Hui JIANG ; Cuiping YUAN ; Yongkang LIU ; Zhaoyao CHEN ; Wenlei LI ; Yuan ZHU ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):140-146
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method,the patients were assigned into a control group (32 cases) and an observation group (31 cases). The control group received conventional Western medical treatment,and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals,twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment,the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans,rKep,and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest (ROI) of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment,the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment,the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone,conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients,thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.
5.Treatment of Minimally Conscious State with Musk Based on "Phlegm,Fire,Blood Stasis,and Deficiency"
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Mingyuan LI ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):188-192
Minimally conscious state (MCS) is at the edge between closed and open consciousness, but it still belongs to the category of "wind-strike block" syndrome. The basic pathogenesis of MCS is the obstruction of pathogenic qi, orifices closed and spirit hidden, with pathological factors including phlegm, fire, and blood stasis. Wind movement and water retention may also be present, and often leading to deficiency syndrome due to the exhaustion of qi, blood, yin, and yang at later stages. Treatment chooses Shexiang (Moschus) as the chief medicinal, emphasizing combination of medicinals and urgency of medication administration; the key therapeutic method is to open the orifices, with focuses on expelling pathogens and reinforcing healthy qi. For patients with severe phlegm or fire, use Xiaochengqi Decoction (小承气汤) to open the lower orifices, discharge heat and unblock the bowels, combined with Shexiang (Moschus) and Niuhuang (Bovis Calculus) to open the upper orifices, awaken the spirit and guide qi. For patients with turbid phlegm as the predominant, temporarily replace Shexiang (Moschus) with Baizhi (Angelicae dahuricae radix), using Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) to eliminate phlegm to open the orifices, when turbid phlegm gradually subsided, Shexiang (Moschus) could be added. For patients with blood stasis as the predominant, Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (通窍活血汤) will be used to activate blood and open orifice, if the blood circulates, the endogenous wind will be calmed, the water will be induced, the orifices will open and the consciousness will restore. For patients with closed orifices and body deficiency, the treatment should open the orifices and reinforce healthy qi, and consider the root and branch simultaneously; qi deficiency syndrome can be addressed with Buyang Huanwu Decoction (补阳还五汤) to boost qi and reinforce healthy qi; yin deficiency syndrome can be treated with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (芍药甘草汤) combined with Fengsui Pill (封髓丹) to nourish yin, soften sinews, and secure kidney essence; yang deficiency can be managed by using Dihuang Yinzi Decoction (地黄饮子) to enrich yin, supplement yang, and open the orifices.
6.YOD1 regulates microglial homeostasis by deubiquitinating MYH9 to promote the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Jinfeng SUN ; Fan CHEN ; Lingyu SHE ; Yuqing ZENG ; Hao TANG ; Bozhi YE ; Wenhua ZHENG ; Li XIONG ; Liwei LI ; Luyao LI ; Qin YU ; Linjie CHEN ; Wei WANG ; Guang LIANG ; Xia ZHAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):331-348
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the major form of dementia in the elderly and is closely related to the toxic effects of microglia sustained activation. In AD, sustained microglial activation triggers impaired synaptic pruning, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, and cognitive deficits. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that aberrant expression of deubiquitinating enzymes is associated with regulating microglia function. Here, we use RNA sequencing to identify a deubiquitinase YOD1 as a regulator of microglial function and AD pathology. Further study showed that YOD1 knockout significantly improved the migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory response of microglia, thereby improving the cognitive impairment of AD model mice. Through LC-MS/MS analysis combined with Co-IP, we found that Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), a key regulator maintaining microglia homeostasis, is an interacting protein of YOD1. Mechanistically, YOD1 binds to MYH9 and maintains its stability by removing the K48 ubiquitin chain from MYH9, thereby mediating the microglia polarization signaling pathway to mediate microglia homeostasis. Taken together, our study reveals a specific role of microglial YOD1 in mediating microglia homeostasis and AD pathology, which provides a potential strategy for targeting microglia to treat AD.
7.Chemokine CCL2 Mediates Neuroglial Crosstalk and Drives Chronic Pain Pathogenesis.
Junyu LU ; Yunxin SHI ; Yongkang LI ; Ziyi NIU ; Shengxi WU ; Ceng LUO ; Rou-Gang XIE
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(12):2296-2321
Chronic pain, frequently comorbid with neuropsychiatric disorders, significantly impairs patients' quality of life and functional capacity. Accumulating evidence implicates the chemokine CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 as key players in chronic pain pathogenesis. This review examines the regulatory mechanisms of the CCL2/CCR2 axis in chronic pain processing at three hierarchical levels: (1) Peripheral Sensitization: CCL2/CCR2 modulates TRPV1, Nav1.8, and HCN2 channels to increase neuronal excitability and CGRP signaling and calcium-dependent exocytosis in peripheral nociceptors to transmit pain. (2) Spinal Cord Central Sensitization: CCL2/CCR2 contributes to NMDAR-dependent plasticity, glial activation, GABAergic disinhibition, and opioid receptor desensitization. (3) Supraspinal Central Networks: CCL2/CCR2 signaling axis mediates the comorbidity mechanisms of pain with anxiety and cognitive impairment within brain regions, including the ACC, CeA, NAc, and hippocampus, and it also increases pain sensitization through the descending facilitation system. Current CCL2/CCR2-targeted therapeutic strategies and their development status are discussed, highlighting novel avenues for chronic pain management.
Humans
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Chronic Pain/physiopathology*
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Animals
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Neuroglia/metabolism*
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Chemokine CCL2/metabolism*
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Receptors, CCR2/metabolism*
8.Family-based strategy for prevention and control of Helicobacter pylori infection in China
Yongkang LAI ; Xianzhu ZHOU ; Yiqi DU ; Zhaoshen LI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(1):1-7
Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is the most significant controllable risk factor for gastric cancer,and its eradication is a critical component of gastric cancer prevention in China.A family-based screening and treatment strategy for H.pylori aligns well with China's public health needs.It demonstrates higher eradication success rate,lower recurrence rate,and superior cost-effectiveness,making it suitable for both high-and low-prevalence regions.Implementation of this family-based strategy can lead to greater precision,higher efficiency,and overall coverage in gastric cancer prevention in China,offering a scalable"China model"for global gastric cancer control.
9.Research progress of plants improving air quality in closed environment
Cong ZHANG ; Yongkang TANG ; Jianxiao WANG ; Weidang AI ; Fang LI ; Xiaoxia WANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(3):195-200
Regarding the air quality problems,this article summarized the adverse factors such as trace harmful gases,small particulate matter,and high concentration carbon dioxide that existed in space closed environment,and compared the advantages and disadvantages of physical and chemical treatment methods to improve air quality.The focus was on exploring the improvement benefits of plants method on air quality,and summarizing the research progress in three aspects:absorption of trace harmful gases,release of negative oxygen ions,and absorption of carbon dioxide.The current research problems were pointed out,and the future research directions on using plants to improve the air quality in space closed environment were predicted.
10.Development and characteristics of the volume adjustable vegetable facilities
Yongkang TANG ; Yunze SHEN ; Ruixin MAO ; Guangli LI ; Weidang AI ; Yunjie JI
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(4):216-221
Objective To develop the volume adjustable vegetable facilities and meet the demands of research on the growing technique of vegetables.Methods Three series of adjustable volume vegetable facilities were developed with light and ventilation module,growth module,cultivation tray module and measurement module.Telescopic structure was adopted in the facilities and the performance testing and characteristics analyses were carried out.Results The facilities could be adjusted at the height range of 250-700 mm.Three kinds of LED lights and replaceable cultivation tray and matrix were installed in the facilities.The parameters including water content,electric conductivity and temperature in the matrix,CO2 concentration in the atmosphere of facilities were monitored.The test results showed that the performances and the indexes of facilities met the subsequent experimental demands.Conclusion Light weight,small volume,and adjustable volume vegetable facilities were developed.The production efficiency of lettuce(12 plants/0.12 m2)grown in the facilities was 49.7 g(FW)plant-1.The development of facilities laid the foundation of construction of on-orbit vegetable facility.

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