1.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
2.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
3.Effects of serum potassium levels on prognosis in elderly patients with sepsis
Beibei YU ; Zhongxue SU ; Shilong LIN ; Yuying YANG ; Qingwu LIAO ; Chenghui QU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):270-276
Objective To explore the effects of different serum potassium levels on the 28-day prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and laboratory indicators within 24 hours after the diagnosis in 204 elderly patients with sepsis admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2018 to January 2022. According to the potassium concentrations in the blood of the patients within 24 hours after admission to intensive care unit (ICU), the patients were divided into the hyperkalemia group (K+≥5.3 mmol/L), normokalemia group (K+ 3.5–<5.3 mmol/L), and hypokalemia group (K+<3.5 mmol/L). According to 28-day outcomes, the patients were divided into the death group and survival group. The acute physiological and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and laboratory indicators were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with sepsis. Results Compared with the normokalemia group (n=99), patients in both the hyperkalemia (n=61) and hypokalemia (n=44) groups had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), longer duration of mechanical ventilation, longer length of hospital stay and ICU stay, and higher mortality (P < 0.05). The death group (n=49) had significantly higher APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA score, white blood cell (WBC) counts, CRP level, and PCT level than the survival group (n=155, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased or decreased serum potassium level, higher SOFA score, and increased WBC counts were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with sepsis (P<0.05). Quadratic fitted curve showed a U-shaped association between serum potassium levels and 28-day mortality risk in elderly patients with sepsis, with the lowest mortality risk observed within the intermediate (normal) range, and both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were associated with an increased mortality risk (P=0.182). Conclusion Both increased and decreased serum potassium levels are independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with sepsis, which should be given particular attention in clinical management.
4.A bibliometric and visual analysis of the literature published in the journal of Organ Transplantation since its inception
Xi CAO ; Tao HUANG ; Qiwei YANG ; Lin YU ; Xiaowen WANG ; Wenfeng ZHU ; Haoqi CHEN ; Ning FAN ; Genshu WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):133-142
Objective To systematically analyze the literature characteristics of Journal of Organ Transplantation since its inception. Methods Using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) academic journal full-text database as the data source, all articles published in the Journal of Organ Transplantation from January 2010 to August 2025 were retrieved. After excluding non-academic papers, a total of 1 568 research papers were included. R language 4.3.0, Bibliometrix package 3.2.1, and Citespace software were used to analyze the number of publications, publishing institutions, authors, keywords and other aspects. Results The number of publications in Journal of Organ Transplantation increased from an average of 82 articles per year in the early years after its inception to 113 articles per year in recent years, a growth of 37.8%. The geographical distribution of publishing institutions covers 32 provinces, cities and autonomous regions nationwide, mainly concentrated in the South China, East China and North China regions, and has now basically covered the central and western regions in recent years. The author collaboration network includes 45 authors distributed across 7 major collaboration clusters, forming a stable multi-level national research system centered on key university-affiliated hospitals. The high-frequency keywords are dominated by "liver transplantation" (425 times) and "kidney transplantation" (396 times). The theme evolution shows a clear three-stage characteristic: initially focusing on clinical technology application, deepening to immune mechanism exploration in the middle stage, and recently (since 2022) focusing on cutting-edge research areas such as xenotransplantation. Conclusions Journal of Organ Transplantation has witnessed the rapid development of China's organ transplantation cause, fully reflecting the research status and trends in China's organ transplantation field, and has provided an important platform for the future development and international cooperation in China's organ transplantation field.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Quisqualis Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiuping WEN ; Shiying CHEN ; Ying TAN ; Guanwen ZHENG ; Huilong XU ; Wen XU ; Chengzi YANG ; Zehao HUANG ; Yu LIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):225-237
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the origin, scientific name, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Quisqualis Fructus by consulting the ancient materia medica, medical books, prescription books, local literature and combining with the modern literature and standards, summarized and explored the development rules of its medicinal properties and efficacy along with their underlying causes, in order to provide support for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shijunzi was first recorded as Liuqiuzi in Nanfang Caomuzhuang of the Jin dynasty, and the name of Shijunzi was first used in Kaibao Bencao of the Song dynasty, which has been consistently used throughout subsequent dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Junziren, Sijunzi, and Dujilizi. The mainstream source of Quisqualis Fructus used in the past dynasties has been the dried mature fruits of Quisqualis indica, a plant belonging to the family Combretaceae. In modern times, its variety Q. indica var. villosa has also been recorded as the medicinal material of Quisqualis Fructus. In 2007, the Flora of China(English edition) designated Q. indica var. villosa as a synonym of Q. indica. Today, the accepted name of Shijunzi is updated to Combretum indicum. According to ancient herbal records, the producing areas of Quisqualis Fructus were Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and Fujian, and then gradually expanded to Yunnan, Taiwan, Jiangxi and Guizhou. Since the Song dynasty, two major production regions have gradually emerged in Sichuan, Chongqing and Fujian. Currently, it is primarily cultivated in Chongqing, Guangxi and other areas, with Chongqing yielding the highest output. Since modern times, superior quality has been defined by large size, a purple-black surface, plump grains, and a yellowish-white kernel. According to ancient herbal records, the harvesting period of Quisqualis Fructus was the July and August of the lunar calendar, mostly used raw after shelling or with the shell intact, it underwent processing methods such as cleaning, slicing, mixing, steaming, roasting, stewing, and frying. Currently, the harvesting period is autumn, followed by sun-drying or low-heat drying, with processing methods including cleaning, stir-frying, and stewing. In ancient and modern literature, the records of the properties, functions and indications of Quisqualis Fructus are basically the same, that is, sweet in taste, warm in nature, predominantly non-toxic, belonging to the spleen and stomach meridians. It possesses effects of insecticide, decontamination and invigorating spleen for ascariasis, enterobiasis, abdominal pain due to worm accumulation and infantile malnutrition.The contraindications for use primarily include avoiding consumption by individuals without parasitic infestations, limiting use for those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, refraining from drinking hot tea during medication, and avoiding excessive intake. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that the dried mature fruits of Q. indica should be used as the medicinal material for the development of famous classical formulas containing Quisqualis Fructus. Processing methods may be chosen according to prescription requirements, and the raw products is recommended for medicinal use if not specified.
6.Advances in the pathogenic mechanisms of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody-associated neuroimmune diseases
Lin BAI ; Yang YU ; Hongzhi GUAN
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(11):1221-1228
The pathogenic mechanisms underlying neuroimmune disorders associated with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies remain incompletely elucidated. This article systematically reviews the immunopathological mechanisms of this disease. In humoral immunity, anti-GAD antibodies target intracellular antigens and induce neuronal dysfunction, yet the mechanisms of antibody penetration across cell membranes remain undefined, and validated animal models confirming their pathogenicity are lacking. In cellular immunity, histopathological studies demonstrate T-lymphocyte infiltration in the central nervous system (CNS) of patients, while GAD antigen-specific T cells have been detected in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid. However, the antigen specificity of CNS-infiltrating T cells and their potential association with GAD reactivity remain unclarified. Additionally, the CNS migration routes, functional phenotypes of these T cells, and their synergistic interplay with humoral immune responses require further investigation. Future research should focus on: (1) resolving the transmembrane mechanisms of anti-GAD antibodies; (2) defining the CNS trafficking pathways and functional roles of GAD antigen-specific T cells; (3) establishing reliable animal models to recapitulate disease-specific immune cascades. Elucidating these mechanisms will advance the development of precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
7.Effects of Yiqi Juanbi Formula on chondrocyte pyroptosis in collagen-induced arthritic rats via NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway
Xin-yu CUI ; Hao-lin LI ; Wei-qing LI ; Hui-qin KANG ; Wei-gang CHENG ; Pei-xin HE ; Cai-hong YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Hai-dong WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2880-2887
AIM To investigate the effects of Yiqi Juanbi Formula on chondrocyte pyroptosis in rat models of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).METHODS Fifty rats were subcutaneously injected at the tail base with an emulsion containing equal volumes of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant(IFA)to establish the CIA models.These rats were then randomly assigned to the model group,the methotrexate group(0.35 mg/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Yiqi Juanbi Formula groups(9.4,18.7,37.4 g/kg),in contrast to the ten intact rats serving in the normal control group.Following four weeks of intragastric administration,the rats had their general conditions observed;their joint swelling and arthritis indices measured;their ankle joint pathology assessed by HE staining;their serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ detected by ELISA;their mRNA expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ in ankle cartilage quantified by RT-qPCR;their protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in ankle cartilage analyzed by Western blot;and their NLRP3 and GSDMD positive expressions in ankle cartilage examined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group showed significantly increased joint swelling and arthritis indices(P<0.01);elevated serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.01);pathological changes including cartilage surface defects,reduced cell count,altered cellular morphology,irregular cell arrangement,and significant inflammatory cell infiltration in synovial tissue;upregulated mRNA expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.01)and increased protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1(P<0.01)in ankle cartilage;enhanced positive expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD in ankle cartilage(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the groups intervened with methotrexate or medium-or high-dose Yiqi Juanbi Formula exhibited reduced joint swelling and arthritis indices(P<0.01);alleviated pathological damage in ankle joints;decreased serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.01);downregulated mRNA expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.05,P<0.01),and reduced protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1(P<0.05,P<0.01)in ankle cartilage;and diminished positive expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD in ankle cartilage(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Yiqi Juanbi Formula alleviates inflammation in CIA rats,potentially by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway,thereby suppressing chondrocyte pyroptosis.
8.Construction and application of a quality and safety evaluation index system for the daytime chemotherapy
Yanping DENG ; Feng HUANG ; Jian SHI ; Yujiao YU ; Lanlan ZHANG ; Xiaxiang XUE ; Xiaohua WU ; Peicheng LIN ; Yang SUN
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(8):609-613
Objective:To establish a quality and safety evaluation index system for the daytime chemotherapy in the Day Medical Management Quality Control Center of Fujian Province, providing references for objectively evaluating the quality of day chemotherapy.Methods:From December 2023 to August 2024, this study screened the initial indexes of the quality and safety evaluation index system for daytime chemotherapy through literature search and expert discussions. An index system and its weights were determined by using two rounds of Delphi method and precedence chart method. The quality of daytime chemotherapy services in 8 hospitals was evaluated by using a thousand point scale checklist based on this index system.Results:The expert motivation of both rounds of Delphi method was 100%, and the expert authority coefficient was 0.92. The quality and safety evaluation index system for daytime chemotherapy included 3 first-level indicators, 13 second-level indicators, and 54 third-level indicators; Among them, the weights of the first-level indicator included structure quality, process quality, and result quality were 0.334, 0.556, and 0.110, respectively. The quality and safety scores of daytime chemotherapy in 8 hospitals ranged from 812 to 980 points, with an average of 933 points.Conclusions:The quality and safety evaluation index system for daytime chemotherapy could objectively and comprehensively evaluate the quality and safety of hospital daytime chemotherapy.
9.Study on Objective Characteristics of Tongue in TCM Diagnosis of Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia
Qianqian YANG ; Xiangdong YANG ; Chuanqi LIN ; Yupeng SONG ; Ke CHEN ; Yu QIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):156-162
Objective To explore the objective characteristics of tongue in primary immune thrombocytopenia(ITP);To provide references for accurate syndrome differentiation.Methods Totally 112 patients with ITP were divided into groups according to their platelet count,TCM symptoms and drug treatment lines.Infrared thermal imager,hygrometer,colorimetry and image analysis software were used to detect the temperature,humidity,colorimetry and morphology of tongue body(TB),tongue coating(TC)and sublingual vessel(SV),and analyze their characteristics.The tongue was divided into five areas:tip of tongue(T),middle of tongue(M),behind of tongue(B),middle left of tongue(ML)and middle right of tongue(MR),and its temperature was measured.Humility(H)of tongue and tongue coating were measured by hygrometer.The images of tongue body,tongue coating and sublingual collaterals were taken,and the chromaticity indexes of R,G,B,L,a,b were analyzed by Adobe Photoshop 2023.The width,length and tortuosity of sublingual collaterals were under morphological analysis.Results ① Comparison of platelet count groups:compared with 30-50 platelet count group and more than 100 platelet count group,the TB-R of 51-100 platelet count group decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and compared with 30-50 platelet count group,the TB-a of 51-100 platelet count group decreased(P<0.01);compared with platelet<30 group and platelet 30-50 group,the TC-H of platelet>100 group increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);compared with platelet>100 group,the length of sublingual collaterals in platelet<30 group was longer(P<0.05).② Comparison of different TCM symptom groups:compared with the bleeding group and asymptomatic group,the M and SV-B in the fatigue group decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);compared with the asymptomatic group,the TC-b in the anxious group was significantly higher(P<0.05).③ Comparison of administration groups:compared with the Danazol group and Chinese materia medica group,the TC-H in the glucocorticoid group was significantly higher(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion There are differences in tongue characteristic indexes among ITP patients with different platelet counts,TCM symptoms and drug treatment lines,which can measure of tongue indexes to provide references for accurate syndrome differentiation of ITP.
10.Prioritization of potential drug targets for diabetic kidney disease using integrative omics data mining and causal inference
Junyu ZHANG ; Jie PENG ; Chaolun YU ; Yu NING ; Wenhui LIN ; Mingxing NI ; Qiang XIE ; Chuan YANG ; Huiying LIANG ; Miao LIN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1787-1799
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)with increasing global prevalence lacks effective therapeutic targets to halt or reverse its progression.Therapeutic targets supported by causal genetic evidence are more likely to succeed in randomized clinical trials.In this study,we integrated large-scale plasma proteomics,genetic-driven causal inference,and experimental validation to identify prioritized targets for DKD using the UK Biobank(UKB)and FinnGen cohorts.Among 2844 diabetic patients(528 with DKD),we identified 37 targets significantly associated with incident DKD,supported by both observational and causal evi-dence.Of these,22%(8/37)of the potential targets are currently under investigation for DKD or other diseases.Our prospective study confirmed that higher levels of three prioritized targets-insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4(IGFBP4),family with sequence similarity 3 member C(FAM3C),and prostaglandin D2 synthase(PTGDS)—were associated with a 4.35,3.51,and 3.57-fold increased likeli-hood of developing DKD,respectively.In addition,population-level protein-altering variants(PAVs)analysis and in vitro experiments cross-validated FAM3C and IGFBP4 as potential new target candidates for DKD,through the classic NLR family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)-caspase-1-gasdermin D(GSDMD)apoptotic axis.Our results demonstrate that integrating omics data mining with causal inference may be a promising strategy for prioritizing therapeutic targets.

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