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.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.
3.Gandouling Regulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR Autophagy Signaling Pathway via LncRNA H19 for Treatment of Wilson Disease Liver Fibrosis
Xin YIN ; Han WANG ; Daiping HUA ; Lanting SUN ; Yunyun XU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):131-138
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms and pathways through which Gandouling (GDL) exerts its effects in the treatment of liver fibrosis in Wilson disease. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: the normal group, the model group, the GDL low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.24, 0.48, 0.96 g·kg-1), and the penicillamine group (90 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. A copper-loaded Wilson disease rat model was established by gavage administration of 300 mg·kg-1 copper sulfate pentahydrate to all groups except the normal group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathomorphological changes in the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type-Ⅲ peptide (PC-Ⅲ), and collagen type-Ⅳ (C-Ⅳ). Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of liver tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of liver tissues and serum exosomal long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and their phosphorylated forms, as well as autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ) in liver tissues. Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence signal intensity was observed by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in hepatocytes, unclear nuclear boundaries with cell cleavage and necrosis, and collagen fiber deposition around confluent areas. The levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased number of autophagic vesicles, with autophagic lysosomes exhibiting a single-layer membrane structure following degradation of most envelopes. Expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.01), and fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ were markedly enhanced. The protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were reduced (P<0.01), while LncRNA H19 expression was increased (P<0.01), and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were decreased (P<0.01). After treatment with GDL, the degree of liver fibrosis was significantly improved, with decreased levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ. The number of autophagic vesicles was significantly reduced, and expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ proteins were lower (P<0.01). The fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ weakened dose-dependently. The protein levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were elevated (P<0.01), while the expression level of LncRNA H19 was reduced (P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGDL may alleviate liver fibrosis and reduce liver injury by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR autophagy signaling pathway via LncRNA H19.
4.Hei Xiaoyaosan Improves Learning and Memory Abilities in Alzheimer's Disease Rats by Regulating Cell Apoptosis
Huping WANG ; Jiao YANG ; Yiqin CHEN ; Zhipeng MENG ; Yujie LYU ; Yunyun HU ; Wenli PEI ; Yumei HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):108-115
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan in improving the cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) from cell apoptosis mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsFour-month-old SD male rats were randomly assigned into a blank group, a sham group, a model group, a donepezil hydrochloride (0.45 mg·kg-1) group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose (15.30, 7.65, and 3.82 g·kg-1, respectively) Hei Xiaoyaosan groups, with 10 rats in each group. The sham group received bilateral hippocampal injection of 1 μL normal saline, while the other groups received bilateral hippocampal injection of 1 μL beta-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42) solution for the modeling of AD. Rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 42 consecutive days. The Morris water maze test was carried out to assess the learning and memory abilities of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe pathological changes in the hippocampus of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB. A cell model of AD was established by co-culturing Aβ1-42 and PC12 cells in vitro. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry (FC), respectively. ResultsAnimal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had a prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a reduced number of crossing platforms (P<0.01), disarrangement and a reduced number of hippocampal neurons, up-regulated expression of Bax and Caspase-3, down-regulated expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.01), decreased p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt levels, and an increased p-NF-κB/NF-κB level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, donepezil hydrochloride and high- and medium-dose Hei Xiaoyaosan shortened the escape latency and increased the number of crossing platforms (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved the arrangement and increased the number of hippocampal neurons, down-regulated the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3, up-reguated the expression level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced the p-NF-κB/NF-κB level (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum containing Hei Xiaoyaosan at various doses improved the cell viability (P<0.01), and the serum containing Hei Xiaoyaosan at the high dose decreased the cell apoptosis (P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may improve the learning and memory abilities of AD model rats by regulating cell apoptosis, while increasing the vitality and reducing the apoptosis rate of AD model cells via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.
5.Therapeutic effect of folic acid combined with decitabine in mice with diabetic retinopathy of different methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR)Geno-types
Yanru CHEN ; Nian TAN ; Xiaoxue HAN ; Xifeng LIN ; Yunyun HE ; Xunwen LEI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(7):533-538
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of folic acid combined with decitabine in diabetic retinop-athy(DR)mice with different methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR)genotypes.Methods The DR model mice were created by mating 20 MTHFR-/-mice with 20 wild-type C57 mice.A random number table method was employed to allocate 20 successfully modelled mice into the model group,DAC group,FA group,and FA+DAC group,with five mice assigned to each group.Five untreated MTHFR-/-and wild-type mice served as normal control.After constructing the DR model,the DAC group was injected intraperitoneally with 0.25 mg·kg-1 decitabine once every 5 days;the FA group was given 70 μg·kg-1 folic acid by tube feed once a day;the FA+DAC group was given 0.25 mg·kg-1 decitabine and 70μg·kg-1 folic acid at the same time;and the normal group was given an equal amount of physiological saline.All of the above groups were intervened for 30 days.OCT was employed for the measurement of retinal thickness,OCTA for retinal vascular density,histopathology(HE staining)for pathological changes in the mouse retina,real-time fluorescence quanti-tative PCR for mRNA expression,and Western blot analysis for protein expression levels.Results Compared with the wild-type model group,the degree of increase in retinal thickness and vascular density in the retinal layer was more pro-nounced in the MTHFR-/-mice model group(all P<0.05).In wild-type mice,retinal thickness and retinal layer vessel den-sity were reduced in the DAC,FA and FA+DAC groups compared to the model group,with the FA+DAC group show-ing the greatest degree of reduction.The differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05);In MTHFR-/-mice,reti-nal thickness and vascular density in the retinal layer were reduced in the DAC group and the FA+DAC group compared to the model group(allP<0.05).HE staining results showed an increased extent of retinal damage in the MTHFR-/-mice model group compared with the wild-type mice model group.Compared with the model group,the DAC group and the FA+DAC group had thinner retinas and more aligned ganglion cell layers in all types of mice,with the FA group having a worse effect and the FA+DAC group having a better treatment effect.The results of the polymerase chain reaction(PCR)revealed that the relative expression of the SAHH,MAT2A and DNMT1 proteins in the retinal tissues of the wildtype and MTHFR-/-mice model groups was elevated in comparison to the control group(all P<0.05).Furthermore,the relative mR-NA expression of the DAC,FA and FA+DAC groups was reduced in comparison to the model group(all P<0.05).In wild-type mice,the relative expression of MTHFR protein mRNA was decreased in the model group compared with the con-trol group,and increased in the DAC group,FA group,and FA+DAC group compared with the model group(all P<0.05).Western blot results showed that the relative expression of DNMT1,MAT2A and SAHH proteins in the retinal tissues of the wild-type and MTHFR-/-mice model groups was higher than that of the control group(all P<0.05),and the relative expression was lower in the DAC,FA,and FA+DAC groups compared with that in the model group(all P<0.05).In wild-type mice,the relative expression of MTHFR protein in the retinal tissue of the model group was lower than that of the control group,and the relative expression of MTHFR protein in the FA group and the FA+DAC group was elevated com-pared with that of the model group(all P<0.05).Conclusion The protective effect of folic acid combined with decit-abine on DR was superior to that of decitabine alone;treatment with folic acid in combination with decitabine may have yielded better efficacy in wild-type DR mice.
6.Cleidocranial dysplasia:A case report and genemutation analysis
Han ZHANG ; Yuanping CHEN ; Hanyi LI ; Yunyun SUN ; Xianchun ZHU
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(1):135-138
Cleidocranial dysplasia(CCD)is a rare autosomal dominant disorder mainly characterized by skeletal and dental abnormali-ties.It is caused by the runt-related transcription factor-2(Runx2)mutations.In this paper,a case of CCD syndrome is reported.The proband and his family were examined by the proband's verification method for general condition,oral specialty and genetic examination.A new nonsense mutation exon7 c.1078C>T,p.Gln360*heterozygous variant(Q360X)was verified,the relationship between Runx2 mutation and CCD phenotype was analyzed.
7.Comparison of two methods of tube closure in patients with hepatic failure treated with a dual plasma molecular adsorbent system combined with plasma exchange
Shangyan JIANG ; Jiangying HAN ; Yunyun WANG ; Junfei ZHANG ; Liu TIAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(15):2320-2324
Objective To explore the effects of different sealing methods in the treatment of liver failure patients using a dual plasma molecular adsorption system combined with plasma exchange.Methods A total of 120 patients with liver failure admitted between January 2022 and October 2024 were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,each consisting of 60 patients.Both groups received treatment with a dual plasma molecular adsorption system combined with plasma exchange.The control group was administered heparin sodium for catheter sealing,whereas the observation group received protamine prior to hepa-rin sodium catheter sealing.The study compared the two groups in terms of liver function indicators—including aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and bilirubin—coagulation function indicators such as fibrinogen and international normalized ratio(INR),hemoglobin(HGB)levels,catheter blockage rates,and the incidence of adverse reactions.Results No statistically significant differences were observed in liver function,coagulation function,or routine blood parameters between the two patient groups following treatment(P>0.05).However,the incidence of blockage in the observation group(3.33%)was significantly lower than that in the control group(20.00%),with the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).Additionally,no significant differences were found in the occurrence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusions The treatment of liver failure involves the use of a dual plasma molecular adsorption system combined with plasma exchange.Administering protamine prior to heparin sodium sealing has minimal impact on the patient's liver function,blood parameters,coagulation profile,and incidence of adverse reactions,yet it effectively reduces the risk of circuit clotting.
8.Angiopoietin-like protein 8 promotes apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells through activating p53 signaling pathway
Huahui YU ; Zhiyong DU ; Xiaolu JIAO ; Qianwen LYU ; Yunyun YANG ; Lijie HAN ; Yanwen QIN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(7):882-888
Objective To investigate the mechanism by which angiopoietin-like protein 8(ANGPTL8)regulates vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMCs)apoptosis.Methods An in vitro abdominal aortic aneurysm cell model was established by stimulating human VSMCs(HUSMCs)with angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ).Stable ANGPTL8 knockdown and over-expression VSMC cell strains were generated using lentiviral transfection.TUNEL staining was used to de-tect apoptosis.Western blot analysis was performed to measure the protein expression of ANGPTL8,caspase9,caspase3,Bcl-2,Bax,p53,and PUMA,while RT-qPCR was used to assess mRNA expression of ANGPTL8,Bcl-2 and Bax.Results AngⅡ significantly induced ANGPTL8 expression in HVSMCs in a time-and dose-de-pendent manner(P<0.05).ANGPTL8 knockdown significantly reduced the expression of apoptosis-related proteins caspase9,caspase3,and Bax,while increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2(P<0.05).Con-versely,ANGPTL8 over-expression markedly induced HVSMCs apoptosis,which was significantly suppressed by treatment with the p53 pathway inhibitor pifithrin-α(PFT-α).Conclusions ANGPTL8 may promote VSMC apop-tosis by activation of p53 signaling pathway.
9.Study on the correlation between spinal cord atrophy and disease severity in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Xiaoqin ZHU ; Yunyun DUAN ; Zhizheng ZHUO ; Jun SUN ; Decai TIAN ; Ningnannan ZHANG ; Yuxin LI ; Kuncheng LI ; Yongmei LI ; Xuemei HAN ; Muhua HUANG ; Jia SUN ; Ya′ou LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(1):57-63
Objective:To investigate the structural changes in the spinal cord in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and their relationship with clinical disability.Methods:This study was cross-sectional. A retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging data from 124 patients with MS (MS group), 101 patients with aquaporin-4 antibody-positive NMOSD (NMOSD group), and 110 healthy controls (HC group) from seven medical centers were conducted from January 2018 to October 2021. All subjects underwent 3D T 1WI, and the upper cervical spinal cord cross-sectional area (MUCCA) was segmented and measured. All patients completed the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) assessments at baseline and during follow-up, as well as the baseline 25-foot walk test (T25FW) and the nine-hole peg test (NHPT). Patients were classified into EDSS progression and non-progression groups based on follow-up EDSS scores. Comparisons of MUCCA among the three groups were conducted using analysis of covariance, controlling for age and sex as covariates. Pairwise comparisons between groups were performed using the HSD test. Univariate linear regression and logistic models were employed to identify candidate predictors of baseline clinical disability status or EDSS progression in the MS and NMOSD groups. L1 regularized multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of baseline clinical disability status or EDSS progression. Independent predictors were then combined to establish a logistic regression model, and the model′s performance in predicting EDSS progression was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Results:A total of 144 patients completed follow-up EDSS assessments, with a follow-up duration of 3.30 (1.10, 6.42) years, including 82 patients in the MS group and 62 patients in the NMOSD group. Controlling for sex and age as covariates, the overall difference in MUCCA among the MS, NMOSD, and HC groups was statistically significant ( P=0.001). The MUCCA in the MS group was lower than that in the HC group, with a significant difference ( t=-2.54, P=0.007); the MUCCA in the NMOSD group was also lower than that in the HC group, with a significant difference ( t=-2.80, P=0.002). However, the difference in MUCCA between the MS and NMOSD groups was not statistically significant ( t=-0.40, P=0.882). In the MS group, MUCCA was an independent predictor of baseline EDSS score (β=-0.03), baseline T25FW score (β=-0.09), and baseline NHPT score (β=-0.30). In the NMOSD group, MUCCA (β=-0.08), age (β=0.06), and baseline EDSS score (β=-0.43) were independent predictors of EDSS progression, and the logistic regression model incorporating these three factors predicted EDSS progression with an AUC of 0.82. Conclusions:Significant spinal cord atrophy occurs in patients with both MS and NMOSD. Atrophy of the upper cervical spinal cord can predict the degree of disability in MS patients and the progression of clinical disability in NMOSD patients.
10.4'-Hydroxychalcone attenuates ulcerative colitis by regulating Th17/Treg homeostasis
Yunyun LIU ; Dongna ZHANG ; Shanzhi LI ; Yilong ZHU ; Ruikang FANG ; Guangze ZHU ; Yiquan LI ; Yuping ZONG ; Jicheng HAN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(1):81-89
AIM:To elucidate the intervention and mechanism of 4'-hydroxychalcone(4-HC)in colitis mice through the regulation of Th17/Treg homeostasis.METHODS:Using a dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis model in mice,we meticulously observed the pathological characteristics of colon tissue via HE staining.Additionally,we employed immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot techniques to assess the expression levels of proteins associated with the JAK/STAT signaling pathway,as well as the specific content of tight junction proteins such as ZO-1 and occludin.The differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells was analyzed through flow cytometry.RESULTS:Compared to the normal group,the DSS group exhibited a consistent decline in body weight,coupled with symptoms of diarrhea and hematochezia,an increase in the DAI score,and a notable reduction in colon length.In contrast,the body weight of the 4-HC group dis-played an upward trend following an initial decrease,with improvements in diarrhea and hematochezia symptoms,a reduc-tion in the DAI score,and a restoration of colon length relative to the model group.The integrity of colon tissue in the 4-HC group was significantly better than that in the DSS group,evidenced by a marked increase in the number of goblet cells and an enhancement in crypt integrity,while the average histology score showed a decrease.Western blot analysis re-vealed substantial increase in ZO-1 and occludin expression after 4-HC treatment.Flow cytometry results indicated a dra-matic decrease in the differentiation rate of Th17 cells in spleen lymphocytes and mesenteric lymph nodes,while the dif-ferentiation rate of Treg cells was significantly elevated.Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses demonstrated that 4-HC markedly reduced the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3,while up-regulating the phosphorylation of STAT6,suggesting that 4-HC modulates CD4+T cell activity through the JAK-STAT pathway.CONCLUSION:The 4-HC may enhance the course of DSS-induced colitis in mice,alleviate colonic tissue damage,and modulate the balance be-tween Th17 and Treg cells,potentially involving the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

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