1.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
2.Tripterygium wilfordii: Historical origins, pharmacological mechanisms, and biosynthesis of triptolide and celastrol
Yuhan JIA ; Xinyi HU ; Ziming ZHU ; Yuan LI ; Xuan LIU ; Jinxuan YU ; Jiadian WANG ; Yating HU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(3):211-224
Tripterygium wilfordii is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a long history of therapeutic use but remains controversial in modern medicine because of its potent toxicity. Among its diverse chemical constituents, the diterpenoid triptolide and the triterpenoid celastrol have emerged as prominent compounds due to their remarkable pharmacological activities, including antitumor, immunosuppressive, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective effects. However, their clinical translation is limited by toxicity concerns and restricted natural availability. This review summarizes the medicinal history and chemical constituents of T. wilfordii, with particular emphasis on the pharmacological mechanisms, structural modification strategies, and recent advances in the biosynthesis of triptolide and celastrol. In addition, we discuss perspectives on toxicity mitigation and lead compound development, aiming to provide theoretical guidance and valuable references for modern drug development and the green manufacturing of T. wilfordii-derived resources.
3.A Cross-Sectional Study on the Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitutions and Factors Associated with Hyperuricemia
Zhongyi ZHANG ; Fangli LI ; Shiping HU ; Shujie AN ; Xihuan ZHU ; Jiahui ZHANG ; Luyao JIN ; Yuhan ZONG ; Mengru ZHOU ; Ji WANG ; Huaiyu WANG ; Qi WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2210-2218
ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and factors associated with hyperuricemia (HUA) in the HUA population, providing a reference for persona-lized prevention and management of HUA. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals who had completed both serum uric acid (SUA) testing and TCM constitution identification during health examinations. According to SUA levels, participants were divided into a hyperuricemia group and a normal SUA group; according to the constitution identification results, participants were classified into balanced constitution, single biased constitution, and mixed constitution. The distribution characteristics of TCM constitution were compared between the two groups; participants in the hyperuricemia group were stratified by sex and age (≥18 years and <40 years, ≥40 years), and the distribution characteristics of TCM constitution were compared across different sex and age groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with HUA, with further stratified analyses by sex and age. ResultsA total of 10 920 participants were included, comprising 4170 cases (38.19%) in the hyperuricemia group and 6750 cases (61.81%) in the normal serum uric acid group. According to TCM constitution, there were 420 cases (3.85%) with balanced constitution, 6108 cases (55.93%) with single biased constitution, and 4392 cases (40.22%) with mixed constitution. In the hyperuricemia group, there were 80 cases (19.05%) with balanced constitution; 2275 cases (37.25%) with single biased constitution, among which damp-heat constitution (1205 cases, 52.97%), phlegm-dampness constitution (500 cases, 21.98%), and qi-stagnation constitution (181 cases, 7.96%) accounted for relatively high proportions; and 1815 cases (41.33%) with mixed constitution, among which mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness (51.35%, 932 cases), mixed constitution involving blood stasis (47.00%, 853 cases), and mixed constitution involving damp-heat (41.21%, 748 cases) accounted for relatively high proportions. Logistic regression showed that qi-stagnation constitution (OR=1.68), mixed constitution involving qi-stagnation (OR=1.53), mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness (OR=1.55), and mixed constitution involving blood stasis (OR=1.50) were independently associated with HUA (P<0.05). Sex-stratified analysis showed that mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness was positively associated with HUA risk in females; age-stratified analysis showed that, among individuals aged ≥18 and <40 years, qi-stagnation constitution, mixed constitution involving qi stagnation, and mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness were positively associated with HUA risk (all P<0.05). ConclusionThe prevalence of HUA differs markedly by sex and age. Mixed constitution accounts for a higher proportion of HUA patients. Qi-stagnation constitution, mixed constitution involving qi stagnation, mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness, and mixed constitution involving blood stasis are associated with HUA. Notably, the specific association of mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness in females and qi-stagnation constitution in young adults is particularly prominent.
4.Predicting mortality risk in severe ards patients using indirect calorimetry-based oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production rates
Ke GUAN ; Huihuang ZOU ; Yuna HU ; Ling YE ; Yanwei CHENG ; Jingjing NIU ; Cunzhen WANG ; Ke QIN ; Tingyuan ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Yuhan SUN ; Wenliang ZHU ; Qingbo FAN ; Zhisong GUO ; Yongchun CHEN ; Wenjie WANG
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(3):396-403
Objective:To investigate the relationship between oxygen consumption (VO 2), carbon dioxide production (VCO 2), and Oxygen Consumption/lactate (VO 2/Lac) with risk of death in patients with severe ARDS. Methods:A retrospective cohort study method was used, and the study subjects were hospitalized for >5 days adult patients with severe ARDS in the central intensive care unit of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2023. The following patients were excluded: IC test was not completed on the 4th day of ICU admission, IC test results were unreliable, mechanical ventilation duration had exceeded 48 h at the time of ICU transfer or admission, palliative care patients and pregnant and parturient women. Using indirect calorimetry to determine VO 2 and VCO 2 values on the 4th day of admission, reviewing medical records to obtain general condition, disease information, blood gas analysis (including lactate value), diagnostic and therapeutic measures, and following up deaths by telephone and time of death. The primary outcome measure was death at 90 days, and the secondary outcome measure was death at 28 days, length of stay in ICU, total length of stay, and total hospitalization cost. Cox regression analysis and linear regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between VO 2, VCO 2, VO 2/Lac and primary and secondary outcome indexes. Results:A total of 216 patients were enrolled, 78 patients (36.1%) died and 138 patients (63.9%) survived at 90 days. After correction for confounders, the results of multifactorial Cox regression analysis suggested that compared with the Q4 group, HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2 Q1 and Q2 groups was 3.21 (1.38, 7.49) and 3.24 (1.42, 7.38), and HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VCO 2 Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups was 5.88 (2.33, 14.84), 4.26 (1. 60, 11.34) and 3.54 (1.34, 9.35), respectively, and the HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2/Lac Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups were 8.72 (3.01, 25.25), 8.43 (2.91, 24.47) and 4.04 (1.34, 12.17) respectively. P-trends were all <0.05, indicating that VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were linearly and negatively associated with the risk of 90-day mortality. In addition, VO 2, VCO 2, and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 28-day risk of death and higher VO 2/Lac was negatively associated with length of ICU stay. Conclusions:VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 90-day mortality risk and 28-day mortality risk in patients with severe ARDS and may be independent risk factors predicting mortality risk of such patients.
5.Potential mechanism of metabolic syndrome related cognitive impairment:Mediation effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone in schizophrenia patients
Liying AI ; Qinghui ZHANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Nanlian WANG ; Keyan XIA ; Hua HU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(22):2814-2823
Objective To investigate the correlation between thyroid hormone levels and cognitive function in schizophrenia(SCZ)patients with metabolic syndrome(MetS),as well as the mediating role of thyroid hormones in the relationship between MetS-related indicators and cognitive function.Methods A cross-sectional trial was conducted on 120 SCZ inpatients and outpatients(40 cases of MetS and 80 cases of non-MetS)and 80 healthy controls admitted in the Chongqing Mental Health Center from August 2023 to December 2024.Thyroid function indicators[Thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH),triiodothyronine(T3),thyroxine(T4),free triiodothyronine(FT3),and free thyroxine(FT4)],MetS-related parameters[blood glucose,triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),and waist circumference],Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)score,and Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)scores were collected.One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was applied to analyze the differences among the 3 groups,and LSD test or Bonferroni correction was performed for post hoc analysis.Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and metabolic parameters as well as cognitive/clinical scale scores(MoCA,PANSS)in the MetS group.Results The MetS group exhibited significantly lower FT4 level(P<0.05)and MoCA score(P=0.001),but higher TSH level(P<0.05)and PANSS negative symptom score(P<0.001)when compared to the non-MetS group.Correlation analysis indicated that in the MetS group,TSH level was positively correlated with TG(r=0.672,P<0.001)and PANSS negative symptom score(r=0.458,P<0.05),and negatively with HDL-C(r=-0.377,P=0.017)and MoCA score(r=-0.667,P<0.001);FT4 level was positively correlated with MoCA score(r=0.534,P<0.001).In the non-MetS group,TSH level was positively correlated with PANSS negative symptom score(r=0.267,P=0.017)and negatively with HDL-C(r=-0.236,P=0.036),T3 was positively with waist circumference(r=0.268,P=0.017).No correlation was observed in FT4 level with HDL-C(r=-0.207,P=0.067)or MoCA score(r=0.216,P=0.055).Mediation analysis revealed that TSH partially mediated the association between TG and MoCA score,with a mediation effect accounting for 29.91%of the total effect.The mediating effect was not significant in the non-MetS group.Conclusion Abnormal elevation of TSH may serve as a critical link between MetS and cognitive impairment in SCZ patients,which providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction in the patients.
6.Preliminary results of implementation of a disability risk management system for the elderly
Xiao BAI ; Shuo YANG ; Yuhan MA ; Rui DU ; Gang YU ; Yixin HU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(8):1016-1021
This study addresses the issue of disability risk among elderly individuals in the context of population aging. Through investigations conducted at 27 retirement cadre centers in Beijing and based on multidisciplinary team collaboration, a closed-loop health management service model was established, incorporating comprehensive geriatric assessment, personalized interventions, and dynamic follow-up. Preliminary implementation results demonstrate that this model can effectively identify high-risk elderly individuals, while improving both participation rates in interventions among the elderly and risk identification capabilities among healthcare professionals.
7.Interaction between gender and visceral adiposity index-associated risk of type 2 diabetes
Hongzhou LIU ; Xuelian ZHANG ; Song DONG ; Xiaojing LI ; Xiaomin FU ; Yuhan WANG ; Xiaodong HU ; Bing LI ; Zhaohui LYU
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(8):736-744
Objective:To examine the interaction between gender and the visceral adiposity index (VAI) in relation to the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the public Dryad database derived from the NAGALA (NAFLD in the Gifu Area, Longitudinal Analysis) project (1994-2016). Participants were stratified into quartiles based on VAI levels. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to evaluate whether VAI independently predicts T2DM risk. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for each VAI quartile. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine associations across age and body mass index categories. Both multiplicative and additive interaction effects between gender and VAI were assessed. Additionally, gender-specific Cox models were fitted to further explore these associations.Results:A total of 15 453 participants [8 419 males and 7 034 females; mean age, (43.7±8.9) years] were included, with a median follow-up duration of 5.39 years. During follow-up, 373 participants (2.4%) developed T2DM. After adjustment for potential confounders, higher VAI levels were independently associated with increased T2DM risk ( HR=1.16; 95% CI 1.11-1.21), consistent with the results across VAI quartiles. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significant trend of increasing T2DM incidence across VAI quartiles ( P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve for VAI in predicting T2DM at 3, 5, and 10 years was 0.755, 0.735, and 0.696, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that elevated VAI was associated with increased T2DM risk across all age and body mass index subgroups (all P<0.05). Regarding interaction analysis, the HR (95% CI) for the multiplicative interaction between VAI and gender was 1.22 (1.19-1.26). The relative excess risk of interaction was -1.08 (95% CI -2.96 to -0.06), the attributable proportion of interaction was -0.54 (95% CI -1.35 to -0.01), and the synergy index was 0.48 (95% CI 0.26-0.91), indicating a negative additive interaction. Using low-VAI women as the reference group, the risk of T2DM in high-VAI women was higher ( HR=2.53, 95% CI 1.59-4.02) compared to high-VAI men ( HR=2.01, 95% CI 1.49-2.72). In gender-specific analyses, increasing VAI remained significantly associated with elevated T2DM risk after adjustment in both females ( HR=1.43, 95% CI 1.21-1.68) and males ( HR=1.16; 95% CI 1.11-1.22), with consistent findings across VAI quartiles. Conclusions:VAI and gender demonstrated multiplicative and additive interaction in relation to T2DM risk. The association between increasing VAI and T2DM risk was more pronounced in women than in men.
8.CMD-OPT model enables the discovery of a potent and selective RIPK2 inhibitor as preclinical candidate for the treatment of acute liver injury.
Yong CHEN ; Xue YUAN ; Wei YAN ; Yurong ZOU ; Haoche WEI ; Yuhan WEI ; Minghai TANG ; Yulian CHEN ; Ziyan MA ; Tao YANG ; Kongjun LIU ; Baojian XIONG ; Xiuying HU ; Jianhong YANG ; Lijuan CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3708-3724
Acute liver injury (ALI) serves as a critical precursor and major etiological factor in the progression and ultimate manifestation of various hepatic disorders. The prevention and treatment of ALI is still a serious global challenge. Given the limited therapeutic options for ALI, exploring novel targeted therapeutic agents becomes imperative. The potential therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting RIPK2 is highlighted, as it may provide significant benefits by attenuating the MAPK pathway and NF-κB signaling. Herein, we propose a CMD-OPT model, a two-stage molecular optimization tool for the rapid discovery of RIPK2 inhibitors with optimal properties. Compound RP20, which targets the ATP binding site, demonstrated excellent kinase specificity, ideal oral pharmacokinetics, and superior therapeutic effects in a model of APAP-induced ALI, positioning RP20 as a promising preclinical candidate. This marks the first application of RIPK2 inhibitors in ALI treatment, opening a novel therapeutic pathway for clinical applications. These results highlight the efficacy of the CMD-OPT model in producing lead compounds from known active molecules, showcasing its significant potential in drug discovery.
10.Application of workshop-driven interactive teaching in clinical alarm training for nursing interns
Yue LI ; Dan HU ; Xin YANG ; Yuhan ZENG ; Chao HUANG ; Yueling HONG ; Xi SHI ; Juan LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(10):1415-1422
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a workshop-driven interactive teaching model in clinical alarm training for undergraduate nursing interns in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:A total of 120 undergraduate nursing students who interned in the ICU from November 2023 to April 2024 were enrolled and randomly assigned using a random number table into a control group ( n=60, traditional teaching) and an intervention group ( n=60, workshop-driven interactive teaching). Clinical alarm knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP); perception of patient safety culture; and training satisfaction were assessed before and after the training using validated questionnaires. Differences between groups were analyzed using independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney U test with SPSS 22.0. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in clinical alarm KAP scores or patient safety culture perception scores before the training ( P>0.05). After the training, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores in clinical alarm KAP [(127.58±6.45) vs. (123.48±7.61), t=3.17, P=0.002] and patient safety culture perception [(99.44±9.17) vs. (95.45±12.03), t=-2.04, P=0.044] compared with the control group. Satisfaction with training content, teaching quality, and overall instructional design was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Within-group comparisons showed that the intervention group had significant improvements in clinical alarm KAP [(127.58±6.45) vs. (120.10±10.25), t=-5.10, P<0.001] and patient safety culture perception [(99.44±9.17) vs. (94.46±12.12), t=-2.65, P=0.010] after training. No significant changes were observed in the control group after training ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The workshop-driven interactive teaching model can effectively enhance the clinical alarm KAP levels and patient safety culture perception among undergraduate nursing interns in the ICU. This teaching approach provides a scientific basis for optimizing clinical alarm education and cultivating high-quality nursing professionals.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail