1.Exploring Mechanism of Glucose Metabolic Reprogramming-driven Macrophage Polarization in Regulating Metabolic Syndrome Based on Theory of "Spleen Qi Dispersing Essence"
Jinshun YOU ; Shijie QIAO ; Linzhen LI ; Lingfang ZHENG ; Shujie XIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):221-229
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation is closely associated with its pathogenesis. The imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization, as one of the core pathological mechanisms of chronic inflammation, is a crucial driver of MS progression. According to Essential Questions in Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon: Distinctive Theory on Meridians and Diseased Pulses, "the spleen Qi dispersing essence... along all the meridians and collaterals". When the spleen fails in transportation and transformation, the distribution of refined essence becomes disordered, leading to internal accumulation of phlegm-dampness, forming a dynamic pathological state of "root deficiency with branch excess". Accordingly, the core traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pathogenesis of MS is closely related to "spleen failing in transportation and transformation coupled with the internal accumulation of phlegm-dampness"; however, its modern biological basis remains elusive. Therefore, based on the theory of "spleen Qi dispersing essence" and recent advances in immunometabolism, this paper explored the modern scientific connotation of the TCM pathogenesis of MS from the perspective of macrophage polarization driven by glucose metabolic reprogramming. Through theoretical analysis and literature integration, it was proposed that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation participates in the energy metabolism process of "spleen Qi dispersing essence". The dysfunction of the spleen's transportation and transformation prompts macrophage metabolism to shift toward glycolysis, resulting in the accumulation of lactate and succinate, which represents the microscopic manifestation of "refined essence deviating from proper transformation" and can be defined as "microscopic phlegm-dampness". These metabolites subsequently drive M1 macrophage polarization via the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing systemic chronic low-grade inflammation, ultimately manifesting as insulin resistance, lipid metabolic disorders, and other core components of MS, thus achieving immune amplification from local "microscopic phlegm-dampness" to systemic "internal accumulation of phlegm-dampness". Therefore, macrophage polarization driven by glucose metabolic reprogramming constitutes an important biological link connecting the TCM concept of "spleen failing to disperse essence" with the pathology of MS. Furthermore, this paper reviewed the potential mechanisms by which TCM herbal formulas and their monomeric components that "restore spleen transportation and resolve phlegm-dampness" ameliorate MS by modulating macrophage metabolic remodeling, thereby providing novel biological connotations for the modern interpretation of the theory of "spleen Qi dispersing essence". Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies with disease-syndrome animal models to elucidate the regulatory network of formulas that "restore spleen transportation and resolve phlegm-dampness". Additionally, the feasibility of utilizing macrophage metabolic phenotypes as objective diagnostic biomarkers for the phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS warrants further investigation.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Glucose Metabolic Reprogramming-driven Macrophage Polarization in Regulating Metabolic Syndrome Based on Theory of "Spleen Qi Dispersing Essence"
Jinshun YOU ; Shijie QIAO ; Linzhen LI ; Lingfang ZHENG ; Shujie XIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):221-229
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation is closely associated with its pathogenesis. The imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization, as one of the core pathological mechanisms of chronic inflammation, is a crucial driver of MS progression. According to Essential Questions in Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon: Distinctive Theory on Meridians and Diseased Pulses, "the spleen Qi dispersing essence... along all the meridians and collaterals". When the spleen fails in transportation and transformation, the distribution of refined essence becomes disordered, leading to internal accumulation of phlegm-dampness, forming a dynamic pathological state of "root deficiency with branch excess". Accordingly, the core traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pathogenesis of MS is closely related to "spleen failing in transportation and transformation coupled with the internal accumulation of phlegm-dampness"; however, its modern biological basis remains elusive. Therefore, based on the theory of "spleen Qi dispersing essence" and recent advances in immunometabolism, this paper explored the modern scientific connotation of the TCM pathogenesis of MS from the perspective of macrophage polarization driven by glucose metabolic reprogramming. Through theoretical analysis and literature integration, it was proposed that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation participates in the energy metabolism process of "spleen Qi dispersing essence". The dysfunction of the spleen's transportation and transformation prompts macrophage metabolism to shift toward glycolysis, resulting in the accumulation of lactate and succinate, which represents the microscopic manifestation of "refined essence deviating from proper transformation" and can be defined as "microscopic phlegm-dampness". These metabolites subsequently drive M1 macrophage polarization via the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing systemic chronic low-grade inflammation, ultimately manifesting as insulin resistance, lipid metabolic disorders, and other core components of MS, thus achieving immune amplification from local "microscopic phlegm-dampness" to systemic "internal accumulation of phlegm-dampness". Therefore, macrophage polarization driven by glucose metabolic reprogramming constitutes an important biological link connecting the TCM concept of "spleen failing to disperse essence" with the pathology of MS. Furthermore, this paper reviewed the potential mechanisms by which TCM herbal formulas and their monomeric components that "restore spleen transportation and resolve phlegm-dampness" ameliorate MS by modulating macrophage metabolic remodeling, thereby providing novel biological connotations for the modern interpretation of the theory of "spleen Qi dispersing essence". Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies with disease-syndrome animal models to elucidate the regulatory network of formulas that "restore spleen transportation and resolve phlegm-dampness". Additionally, the feasibility of utilizing macrophage metabolic phenotypes as objective diagnostic biomarkers for the phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS warrants further investigation.
3.Geraniin attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis
Jiaqi DING ; Shenjie ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Boyu XIA ; Jingjing WU ; Xu LU ; Chao HUANG ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Qingsheng YOU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):307-319
Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.
4.Analysis of risk factors for post-prematurity respiratory disease in very preterm infants
You YOU ; Jingwen LYU ; Lin ZHOU ; Liping WANG ; Jufeng ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Yongjun ZHANG ; Hongping XIA
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(1):50-54
Objective:To investigate the risk factors associated with post-prematurity respiratory disease (PPRD) in very preterm infants.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 369 very preterm infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, within one week of birth from January 2019 to June 2023. Data on maternal and infant clinical characteristics, neonatal morbidities, and treatments during hospitalization were collected. The very preterm infants were divided into 2 groups based on whether they developed PPRD. Continuous variables were compared using Mann-Whitney U test, while categorical variables were compared using χ2 tests or continuity correction χ2 test. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for PPRD in very preterm infants. Results:Among the 369 very preterm infants, 217 cases(58.8%) were male, with a gestational age of 30 (28, 31) weeks at birth and a birth weight of 1 320 (1 085, 1 590) g. Of these, 116 cases (31.4%) developed PPRD, while 253 cases (68.6%) did not. The very preterm infants in the PPRD group had a lower gestational age and lower birth weight (both, P<0.001). The PPRD group also had a higher proportion of males, lower Apgar scores at the 1 th minute after birth and the 5 th minutes after birth, a higher rate of born via cesarean delivery, and a higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, more pulmonary surfactant treatment, longer durations of mechanical ventilation, longer total oxygen therapy, and lower Z-score for weight at discharge (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age ( OR=0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.99, P=0.037), born via cesarean delivery ( OR=2.23, 95% CI 1.21-4.10, P=0.010), a duration of mechanical ventilation ≥7 days ( OR=2.51, 95% CI 1.43-4.39, P=0.001), and a Z-score for weight at discharge ( OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.67-0.99, P=0.040) were all independent risk factors for PPRD in very preterm infants. Conclusion:Very preterm infants with a small gestational age, born via cesarean section, mechanical ventilation ≥7 days, and a low Z-score for weight at discharge should be closely monitored for PPRD, and provided with standardized respiratory management after discharge.
5.Geraniin attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis
Jiaqi DING ; Shenjie ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Boyu XIA ; Jingjing WU ; Xu LU ; Chao HUANG ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Qingsheng YOU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):307-319
Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.
6.Geraniin attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis
Jiaqi DING ; Shenjie ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Boyu XIA ; Jingjing WU ; Xu LU ; Chao HUANG ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Qingsheng YOU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):307-319
Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.
7.Emerging trends and frontier research in the field of plant-derived vesicles for medicinal use:bibliometric analysis
Yingqi CAO ; Yuanyuan XIA ; Qi YOU ; Zhengting WU ; Qing ZHAO ; Dongxiao LI ; Zimei CHEN ; Kewei ZHAO
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(21):2561-2570
Based on the core collection retrieval of the Web of Science database,researches related to the medicinal field of plant-derived vesicles(PDVs)were retrieved.The research hotspots and their changes in the pharmaceutical field of PDVs are visually analyzed by using bibliometric software VOSviewer and CiteSpace.A detailed discussion is held around the author,institution,country,key research hotspots and annual develop-ment hotspots,revealing the current research status of PDVs in the pharmaceutical field and predicting future trends,which provides valuable perspectives for researchers to understand the current research status of PDVs in the pharmaceutical field and discover possible unexplored areas in this field.
8.Signal Analysis of Niraparib-Related Adverse Events Based on US FAERS Database
Hongying XIA ; Wenjie YIN ; Yanhua LI ; Lina YOU ; Xingxing GENG ; Feilong TAN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(2):118-125
Objective To explore the risk signals of niraparib and provide references for rational and safe clinical medication.Methods Niraparib-related adverse drug events(ADEs)reports from Q1 2017 to Q2 2023 were extracted from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS)database.Risk signals were identified using the reporting odds ratio(ROR),proportional reporting ratio(PRR),Bayesian confidence propagation neural network(BCPNN),and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker(MGPS)methods.The Risk signals were described and classified by preferred system organ classes(SOCs)and preferred terms(PTs)from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities(MedDRA)version 26.1,and the occurrence of niraparib-related ADEs was also analyzed.Results A total of 16,961 ADE reports with niraparib as the primary suspected drug were extracted.Through screening and analysis,32 PTs were identified involving 11 SOCs,which were largely consistent with the information in the drug label.However,suspicious signals not mentioned in the label,including neuropathy peripheral,decreased red blood cell count,reduced hematocrit,dehydration,and hot flashes,require further attention.The median occurrence time was 22 days(IQR 2-98 days),and the Weibull distribution test indicated an early failure-type curve.Conclusion When using niraparib,particularly in early stages of treatment,it is essential to monitor not only the ADEs mentioned in the drug instructions,such as decreased platelet count,nausea and fatigue,but also to pay close attention to the ADEs not included in the instructions,such as peripheral neuropathy and decreased red blood cell count,which exhibit strong signal values,to ensure patient medication safety.
9.Geraniin attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis
Jiaqi DING ; Shenjie ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Boyu XIA ; Jingjing WU ; Xu LU ; Chao HUANG ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Qingsheng YOU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):307-319
Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.
10.Geraniin attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis
Jiaqi DING ; Shenjie ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Boyu XIA ; Jingjing WU ; Xu LU ; Chao HUANG ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Qingsheng YOU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):307-319
Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.

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