1.Construction of A Conceptual Framework for the Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Evolutionary Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Across Full-cycle of Parkinson's Disease
Yu WANG ; Jianing MEI ; Hongping ZHAO ; Yunzhe TANG ; Zijun WEI ; Qinliang TAO ; Xueyi HAN ; Jiyuan HU ; Yunyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):270-279
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease involving multiple systems and neurotransmitters. Due to the high clinical heterogeneity of PD,it is urgent to establish a comprehensive and long-term traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) management model. In this paper,the conceptual framework of full-cycle management of PD is preliminarily constructed:based on the evolution of the pathophysiological mechanisms of protein deposition and neurotransmitter disorder in PD,the three-stage syndrome characteristics of the prodromal stage (predominant healthy Qi with subtle pathogenic factors),the early clinical stage (declining healthy Qi with growing pathogenic factors) and the middle and late stages (overwhelming pathogenic factors with deficient healthy Qi) are longitudinally described. Through the syndrome differentiation of visceral manifestations,the etiology and pathogenesis of PD motor and non-motor symptoms were comprehensively analyzed,while the matching treatment methods and prescriptions were inferred,and the modular scheme of the combining main symptoms,accompanying symptoms and secondary symptoms was proposed. The conceptual gap of TCM regarding motor complications ('variable syndrome') and PD-related hyperpyrexia syndrome ('critical syndrome') was explained. This framework reflects the characteristics of combination of disease and syndrome and overall constant motion,and provides new theories and research ideas for individualized and whole-process management of PD in TCM.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.Construction of A Conceptual Framework for the Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Evolutionary Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Across Full-cycle of Parkinson's Disease
Yu WANG ; Jianing MEI ; Hongping ZHAO ; Yunzhe TANG ; Zijun WEI ; Qinliang TAO ; Xueyi HAN ; Jiyuan HU ; Yunyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):270-279
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease involving multiple systems and neurotransmitters. Due to the high clinical heterogeneity of PD,it is urgent to establish a comprehensive and long-term traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) management model. In this paper,the conceptual framework of full-cycle management of PD is preliminarily constructed:based on the evolution of the pathophysiological mechanisms of protein deposition and neurotransmitter disorder in PD,the three-stage syndrome characteristics of the prodromal stage (predominant healthy Qi with subtle pathogenic factors),the early clinical stage (declining healthy Qi with growing pathogenic factors) and the middle and late stages (overwhelming pathogenic factors with deficient healthy Qi) are longitudinally described. Through the syndrome differentiation of visceral manifestations,the etiology and pathogenesis of PD motor and non-motor symptoms were comprehensively analyzed,while the matching treatment methods and prescriptions were inferred,and the modular scheme of the combining main symptoms,accompanying symptoms and secondary symptoms was proposed. The conceptual gap of TCM regarding motor complications ('variable syndrome') and PD-related hyperpyrexia syndrome ('critical syndrome') was explained. This framework reflects the characteristics of combination of disease and syndrome and overall constant motion,and provides new theories and research ideas for individualized and whole-process management of PD in TCM.
4.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
5.Effect of Yang-Reinforcing and Blood-Activating Therapy on the Long-Term Prognosis for Dilated Cardio-myopathy Patients with Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Shiyi TAO ; Jun LI ; Lintong YU ; Ji WU ; Yuqing TAN ; Xiao XIA ; Fuyuan ZHANG ; Tiantian XUE ; Xuanchun HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):53-59
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the long-term prognosis for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) of yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 371 DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was defined as the exposure factor. Patients were categorized into exposure group (186 cases) and non-exposure group (185 cases) according to whether they received yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy combined with conventional western medicine for 6 months or longer. The follow-up period was set at 48 months, and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in both groups. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the risk of MACE, and subgroup analysis was performed. Changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score were compared between groups at the time of first combined use of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy (before treatment) and 1 year after receiving the therapy (after treatment). ResultsMACE occurred in 31 cases (16.67%) in the exposure group and 47 cases (25.41%) in the non-exposure group. The cumulative incidence of MACE in the exposure group was significantly lower than that in the non-exposure group [HR=0.559, 95%CI(0.361,0.895), P=0.014]. Cox regression analysis showed that yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was an independent factor for reducing the risk of MACE in DCM patients [HR=0.623, 95%CI(0.396,0.980), P=0.041], and consistent results were observed in different subgroups. Compared with pre-treatment, the exposure group showed decreased TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score, reduced LVEDD, and increased LVEF and LVFS after treatment (P<0.05); in the non-exposure group, TCM syndrome score decreased, LVEF and LVFS increased, and LVEDD reduced after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the exposure group had higher LVEF and LVFS, smaller LVEDD, and lower TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score compared with the non-exposure group (P<0.05). ConclusionCombining yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy with conventional western medicine can reduce the risk of MACE in DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, meanwhile improving their clinical symptoms, cardiac function, and quality of life.
6.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
7.Non-pharmacological management for post-stroke spasticity from 2004 to 2024: a bibliometric analysis
Junfeng ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Yuzheng DU ; Chen LI ; Tao YU ; Yuanqing YANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):45-58
ObjectiveTo analyze the research status and development trends of non-pharmacological therapies for post-stroke spasticity (PSS) over the past two decades. MethodsRelevant literatures on non-pharmacological rehabilitation of PSS published from January, 2004 to June, 2024 were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace 6.3.R6 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 were used for visualization analysis. ResultsA total of 780 publications were included. The annual number of publications showed an overall upward trend. China, the USA, and Italy contributed the highest number of publications. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and researcher Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari were identified as the most influential institution and author, respectively. High-frequency keywords and cluster labels included electric stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, robot and acupuncture. ConclusionOver the past 20 years, researches on non-pharmacological therapies for PSS have remained active, with hotspots focusing on diverse interventions such as electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation and robot-assisted therapy.
8.Culture and identification of rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells by modified tissue block adherence method
Tao ZHANG ; Maobin YU ; Meijun LIU ; Ziyang MA ; Peihai ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):113-117
ObjectiveTo establish an in vitro culture model of rat corpora cavernous smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) using a modified tissue block adherence method. MethodsCorpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue was digested with collagenase type I and subsequently cultured using an adherent method. Cells were purified via differential adhesion and identified through immunofluorescence and Western blotting. ResultsCCSMCs began to emerge from the tissue block after 3 days, increased significantly by day 7, and converged by day 12. Post-passage, CCSMCs exhibited strong proliferation and a “peak-to-valley” phenomenon. After purification, the cells tested positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), confirming the successful establishment of the in vitro culture model. ConclusionThe modified tissue block adherence method is a cost-effective and efficient way to obtain high-purity CCSMCs.
9.The Regulatory Effects and Mechanisms of Piezo1 Channel on Chondrocytes and Bone Metabolic Dysregulation in Osteoarthritis
Yan LI ; Tao LIU ; Yu-Biao GU ; Hui-Qing TIAN ; Lei ZHANG ; Bi-Hui BAI ; Zhi-Jun HE ; Wen CHEN ; Jin-Peng LI ; Fei LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):564-576
Osteoarthritis (OA), a highly prevalent degenerative joint disease worldwide, is defined by articular cartilage degradation, abnormal bone remodeling, and persistent chronic inflammation. It severely compromises patients’ quality of life, and currently, there is no radical cure. Abnormal mechanical stress is widely regarded as a core driver of OA pathogenesis, and the exploration of mechanical signal perception and transduction mechanisms has become crucial for deciphering OA’s pathophysiological processes. Piezo1, a key mechanosensitive cation channel belonging to the Piezo protein family, has recently gained significant attention due to its pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to mechanical stimuli in joint tissues. This review systematically examines Piezo1’s expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and pathological functions in OA, with a particular focus on its dual roles in modulating chondrocyte homeostasis and bone metabolism disorders, while also delving into the underlying molecular signaling pathways and potential therapeutic implications. Piezo1, consisting of approximately 2 500 amino acids and forming a unique trimeric propeller-like structure, is widely expressed in chondrocytes, osteocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and synovial cells. It exhibits permeability to cations such as Ca2+, K+, and Na+, and directly responds to membrane tension changes induced by mechanical stimuli like fluid shear stress and mechanical overload. In OA patients and animal models, Piezo1 expression is significantly upregulated, especially in cartilage regions subjected to abnormal mechanical stress (e.g., human temporomandibular joint cartilage). This overexpression is closely associated with aggravated cartilage degeneration, increased chondrocyte apoptosis, accelerated cellular senescence, and intensified inflammatory responses. Mechanical overload and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β) are key inducers of Piezo1 upregulation: IL-1β activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance Piezo1 expression, forming a pathogenic positive feedback loop that inhibits chondrocyte autophagy, promotes apoptosis, and further accelerates joint degeneration. Mechanistically, Piezo1 mediates OA progression through multiple interconnected pathways. When activated by mechanical stress, Piezo1 triggers excessive Ca2+ influx, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and mitochondrial dysfunction, which directly induce chondrocyte apoptosis. This process involves the activation of downstream signaling cascades such as cGAS-STING and YAP-MMP13/ADAMTS5. YAP, a transcriptional regulator, upregulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and aggrecanase (ADAMTS5), thereby accelerating cartilage matrix degradation. Additionally, Piezo1-driven Ca2+ overload promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulates senescence markers (p16 and p21), accelerating chondrocyte senescence via the p38MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Senescent chondrocytes secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β), further amplifying joint inflammation. In terms of bone metabolism, Piezo1 maintains joint homeostasis by promoting the differentiation of fibrocartilage stem cells into chondrocytes and balancing bone formation and resorption through regulating the FoxC1/YAP axis and RANKL/OPG ratio. Therapeutically, targeting Piezo1 shows promising potential. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Piezo1 inhibitors (e.g., GsMTx4) can reduce joint damage and alleviate pain in OA mice. Simultaneously, siRNA-mediated co-silencing of Piezo1 and TRPV4 (another mechanosensitive channel) decreases intracellular Ca2+ concentration, inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis, and promotes cartilage repair. Conditional knockout of Piezo1 using Gdf5-Cre transgenic mice alleviates cartilage degeneration in post-traumatic OA models by downregulating MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression. Despite existing challenges, such as off-target effects of inhibitors, inefficient local drug delivery, and interindividual genetic variability, strategies like developing selective Piezo1 antagonists, optimizing targeted nanocarriers, and combining Piezo1-targeted therapy with physical therapy provide viable avenues for clinical translation. The authors propose that Piezo1 serves as a critical therapeutic target for OA, and future research should focus on deciphering its context-dependent regulatory networks, developing tissue-specific intervention strategies, and validating their efficacy and safety in clinical trials to address the unmet medical needs of OA patients.
10.Establishment and validation of a model for femoral head necrosis after internal fixation of femoral neck fracture using logistic regression and SHAP analysis
Long LIAO ; Zepeng ZHAO ; Zongyuan LI ; Qinglong YU ; Tao ZHANG ; Jinyuan TANG ; Nan YE ; Han XU ; Bo SHI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):626-633
BACKGROUND:The most common complication of traumatic femoral neck fractures after internal fixation is femoral head necrosis.Currently,many studies have reported on the risk factors that affect the occurrence and development of postoperative femoral head necrosis,but there is still a lack of tools to predict the risk of femoral head necrosis after internal fixation of femoral neck fractures.OBJECTIVE:To develop a predictive model that estimates the risk of femoral head necrosis shortly after patients with femoral neck fractures receive cannulated screw internal fixation.METHODS:A retrospective analysis reviewed clinical records of 172 patients who underwent cannulated screw internal fixation for femoral neck fractures at Department of Orthopedics of Mianyang Central Hospital from January 2013 to June 2023.Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of femoral head necrosis within one year post-operation:the necrosis group and the non-necrosis group.Univariate analysis,Lasso regression,and multivariate Logistic regression techniques were employed to identify the determinants of femoral head necrosis.A nomogram prediction model was constructed using R language's"rms"package,version 4.0.The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the discriminatory ability of the model.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to evaluate the goodness of fit of the model,and the decision curve analysis was used to determine its clinical application benefits.Internal validation of the study was conducted using the Bootstrap method,involving 1 000 repeated samplings.To delve deeper into the primary factors influencing femoral head necrosis post-internal fixation of the femoral neck,this paper employed the SHAP method for data set analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The risk factors leading to femoral head necrosis in the short term after cannulated screw fixation of femoral neck fractures include:smoking,diabetes,Garden classification,fracture line location,reduction quality,age,and operation time.(2)The prediction model demonstrated robust performance,evidenced by an area under the curve of 0.940(95%Confidence Interval:0.903 to 0.977),indicating a high level of prediction accuracy.The model achieved a sensitivity of 90.2%and a specificity of 87.6%,indicating that its diagnostic performance was stable.The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test yielded a chi-square value of 6.593 with a P-value of 0.581,confirming that the model's predictions closely align with the observed outcomes.(3)The calibration curve of the model also performed well,and its overall trend was very close to the ideal curve,further proving the high accuracy of the model.(4)The internal validation was carried out by the Bootstrap method with 1 000 repeated samplings,and the area under the curve of the model internal validation was still as high as 0.939,proving that the model had good stability.(5)Through the decision curve,it is found that within the probability threshold range of 1%to 92%,the model can obtain the maximum net benefit value.(6)The SHAP analysis results show that among the risk factors analyzed in this study,the location of the fracture line serves as the most significant predictor of femoral head necrosis following internal fixation with cannulated screws in femoral neck fractures,and subcapital fractures are extremely prone to femoral head necrosis after surgery.(7)It is concluded that the validated prediction model demonstrates strong discriminative power and reliability,offering practical clinical utility.It serves as a useful reference tool for short-term risk assessment of femoral head necrosis following internal fixation of femoral neck fractures.

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