1.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervening in osteoarthritis by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment
Zuo WANG ; Yuxin LIU ; Yuxin QIAO ; Zhengyu YANG ; Ru WANG ; Wenbin LIAO ; Yan GAO ; Jiayi FENG ; Guohua LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):823-828
The inflammatory microenvironment is closely associated with the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), specifically manifesting as macrophage activation, dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and redox imbalance. Following an overview of the pathological characteristics of the OA inflammatory microenvironment, this paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervening in OA by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. It has been found that TCM monomers/active ingredients (such as total alkaloids from Strychnos nux-vomica , quercetin, triptolide, etc.), herb pairs (e.g. Angelica pubescens - Gentiana macrophylla , Carthami Flos-Lycopodii Herba), and TCM formulas (such as Zhuanggu jianxi formula, Duhuo jisheng decoction and Rongjin niantong formula, etc.) can inhibit macrophage activation, reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting multiple signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB, Wnt/ β -catenin, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby alleviating the articular inflammatory microenvironment, restoring local joint homeostasis, and slowing the progression of OA.
2.Quantitative evaluation of policies for the commercialization of traditional Chinese medicine preparations in medical institutions into new drugs in China
Qian GAO ; Ning CHEN ; Zhaonan HE ; Jie FAN ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Jingjia CHEN ; Wei LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(20):2647-2653
OBJECTIVE To quantitatively evaluate the policies for the commercialization of traditional Chinese medicine preparations in medical institutions into new drugs, and to provide a reference for improving and optimizing China’s policy system for the commercialization of such preparations into new drugs.METHODS Relevant policy documents were retrieved from the PKULaw database and official websites of relevant departments. After collection and screening, the policy texts were text-mined with ROST-CM 6.0 software. A policy modeling consistency (PMC) evaluation index system was constructed by combining the analysis of policy instruments with relevant literature. The PMC indices were calculated through binary assignment, and the evaluation grades were classified. MATLAB R2024a software was used to draw PMC surface maps, so as to reveal the structural characteristics and weak links of the policy system and put forward optimization suggestions. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS A total of 44 policies related to the commercialization of traditional Chinese medicine preparations in medical institutions into new drugs were included, and a PMC index model containing 10 first-level variables and 44 second-level variables was constructed. The mean PMC index of the 44 policies was 6.07, and the overall evaluation grade was acceptable. Among the first-level variables, “policy nature”“policy approach”“policy evaluation” scored relatively high, whereas “policy instruments”“policy targets” scored relatively low. These findings were mainly reflected in insufficient support measures for funding, professionals and intellectual property rights transformation, limited coverage of policy targets, and relatively inadequate systematic support for commercialization. It is recommended that relevant departments strengthen financial, talent and intellectual property support, enhance local adaptability, expand the coverage of target entities, and formulate special support policies, so as to promote the commercialization of more traditional Chinese medicine preparations with high clinical value and distinctive advantages into new drugs.
3.Artificial intelligence-assisted system to identify follicular thyroid tumours
Luying GAO ; Liyuan MA ; Yu XIA ; Yuang AN ; Aonan PAN ; Nengwen LUO ; Jionghui GU ; Jiang JI ; Yuxin JIANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):210-215
Objective:To assess the value of artificial intelligence(AI)assisted system in the diagnosis of malignancy in follicular thyroid tumours,and to compare with the diagnostic results of doctors with different levels of experience.Methods:A total of 101 nodules were retrospectively collected from 86 patients with follicular thyroid tumours who underwent surgical treatment at Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,Peking Union Medical College from May 2016 to January 2018.The nodules were classified into risk group(29 patients,34 nodules,including 15 follicular carcinomas and 19 follicular tumours of indeterminable malignant potential)and benign group(59 atients,67 nodules,including 15 follicular adenomas and 52 nodular goitre adenomatoid hyperplasia). The sensitivities,specificities and accuracies of the AI system,two doctors of different seniorities(one junior A and one senior B),and guidelines of thyroid ultrasound malignancy risk stratification[including the 2015 American Thyroid Guidelines(ATA),the 2017 American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(ACR TI-RADS),the 2020 Chinese Society of Ultrasound,Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(C-TIRADS)](classified by a senior doctor C)for diagnosing follicular tumours in the risk group and follicular carcinomas were calculated and compared.Results:The AI system showed a sensitivity of 46.7%,specificity of 89.6% and accuracy of 81.7% for diagnosing follicular carcinoma;and a sensitivity of 32.4%,specificity of 89.6% and accuracy of 70.3% for diagnosing follicular neoplasms(risk group). Compared with junior doctor A,the specificity of AI system in diagnosing follicular cancer and follicular neoplasms(risk group)was higher(89.6% vs. 83.6%, P=0.020;89.6% vs. 73.1%, P=0.020),and the differences of sensitivity were not significant(46.7% vs. 32.4%, P=0.181;32.4% vs. 11.8%, P=0.073). The difference of sensitivity and specificity were not statistically significant between the AI system and senior doctor B(all P>0.05).The differences in area under the curve for diagnosis of follicular carcinoma and follicular tumour(risk group)were not statistically significant between the AI system compared to junior doctor A,senior doctor B,the C-TIRADS,ATA guideline,and ACR TI-RADS(all P>0.05). Conclusions:Ultrasound-based AI-assisted diagnostic system is similarly efficient in diagnosing follicular thyroid tumours as experienced doctors,and the AI system diagnostic specificity is superior to that of junior doctors.
4.Clinical Research Progress in Acupuncture for the Treatment of Post-stroke Depression
Ruize GAO ; Mingyuan HAN ; Xiaolin LYU ; Zhongren SUN ; Chengyan YANG ; Yuxin WANG ; Hongna YIN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):186-191
Post-stroke depression is a common complication after stroke,which seriously affects the quality of life and clinical prognosis of stroke patients.Acupuncture therapy for post-stroke depression has been proven effective.This article reviewed recent clinical studies on acupuncture therapy for post-stroke depression from the perspectives of pure acupuncture therapy,electroacupuncture therapy,head acupuncture therapy,auricular acupuncture therapy,and comprehensive therapy.The acupoint selection focused on the Governor Vessel,combined with the acupoints of the bladder meridian,liver meridian and pericardium meridian.The comprehensive therapy combined acupuncture with Chinese materia medica,moxibustion,music therapy and rehabilitation training is currently the main treatment approach.Further analysis on the shortcomings of the field could provide references for clinical protocols and mechanism research of acupuncture therapy for post-stroke depression.
5.Multifaceted function of B cells in tumorigenesis.
Na KANG ; Qinghui DUAN ; Xin MIN ; Tong LI ; Yuxin LI ; Ji GAO ; Wanli LIU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(2):297-317
B lymphocytes (B cells) play a complex and paradoxical role in tumorigenesis. They can recognize tumor-associated antigens, present these antigens to T cells, and produce antibodies that directly target and eliminate tumor cells. This makes B cells a potentially powerful ally in combating cancer. However, B cells also exhibit immunosuppressive functions, secreting cytokines like IL-10 or generating tumor-promoting antibodies that dampen the anti-tumor immune response, and some tumor cells have even been shown to exploit B cells to promote their growth and metastasis. This dual nature of B cells presents both opportunities and challenges for tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the multifaceted functions of B cells and their current applications in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we also explore the key issues and future directions in this field, emphasizing the need for further research to fully harness the anti-tumor potential of B cells in the fight against cancer.
Humans
;
B-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Carcinogenesis/immunology*
;
Immunotherapy/methods*
;
Animals
6.New diterpenoids from Euphorbia wallichii with antioxidant activity.
Yali WANG ; Juan CHEN ; Wenshuo ZHENG ; Ziyan GAO ; Yuxin GAN ; Hua LI ; Lixia CHEN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(10):1248-1258
Thirteen novel diterpenoids, comprising seven tiglianes (walliglianes G-M, 1-7), four rhamnofolanes (wallinofolanes A-D, 8-11), and two daphnanes (wallaphnanes A and B, 12 and 13), together with two known rhamnofolane diterpenoids (euphorwallside H and euphorwallside I, 14 and 15), were isolated and characterized from Euphorbia wallichii(E. wallichii). The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 9 and 11 demonstrated protective effects against H2O2-induced BV-2 microglial cell damage. Molecular docking analyses indicated that compound 9 exhibited binding affinity to the anti-oxidant-related targets HMGCR, GSTP1, and SHBG.
Euphorbia/chemistry*
;
Antioxidants/isolation & purification*
;
Diterpenes/isolation & purification*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Mice
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Animals
;
Hydrogen Peroxide/toxicity*
;
Cell Line
;
Microglia/drug effects*
7.Diffusion tensor imaging study of white matter microstructure in Parkinson's disease patients with depression
Yuanhao GAO ; Yuxin LI ; Yumei CHEN
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;38(5):356-361
Objective To explore the microstructural alterations in the white matter of patients with Parkinson's disease(PD)with depression(PD-D)by Tract-based Spatial Statistics(TBSS),with the aim of identifying neuroimaging biomarkers for early diagnosis.Methods Participants with PD were recruited from the Parkinson Progression Marker Initiative database and categorized into PD-D group(n=50)and PD without depression(PD-ND)group(n=31)based on the Geriatric Depression Scale(GDS-15).Age-and gender-matched healthy volunteers were also included in healthy control(HC)group(n=23).All subjects underwent brain MRI-DTI scans.TBSS was utilized to compare fractional anisotropy(FA),mean diffusivity(MD),axial diffusivity(AD),and radial diffusivity(RD)values among groups and to perform Pearson correlation analysis with clinical PD data.Results Compared with HC group,FA values were significantly reduced and MD values were significantly increased in bilateral cingulate(hippocampus),crus,parahippocampal,inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus,inferior longitudinal fasciculus,uncinate fasciculus,superior longitudinal fasciculus(SLF),SLF(temporal),thalamic radiation and corticospinal tract of PD-D group(all P<0.05).Compared with PD-ND group,MD values were significantly higher in the left cingulum(cingulate gyrus),left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus,left SLF,left SLF(temporal),left thalamic radiation and left corticospinal tract of PD-D group,while AD values were significantly higher in the left SLF of PD-D group(all P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed that AD values in the left SLF were positively correlated with Epworth sleepiness scale score and GDS-15 score(r=0.192,P=0.043;r=0.443,P<0.01).MD values in the differential brain regions were negatively correlated with Montreal cognitive assessment scale scores(r=-0.187,P=0.047)and positively correlated with GDS-15 scores(r=0.485,P<0.01).Conclusion This study demonstrate that TBSS can reveal microstructural changes in the brains of PD-D patients,which may serve as neuroimaging biomarkers and provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
8.Exploring the pathogenesis of "internal heat leading to zheng" in diabetic kidney disease from the perspective of "glucose toxicity" and its differential diagnosis and treatment
Yuxin HU ; Boning CAO ; Lin WANG ; Ziheng GAO ; Maoxuan LIN ; Zeyu XUE ; Weijing LIU ; Yaoxian WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):386-391
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes. "Internal heat leading to zheng" is the core pathogenesis of DKD, while "glucose toxicity" is transformed from subtle substances through "internal heat" and the cementation of various pathological products, which is pivotal to the transformation of diabetes to DKD. "Glucose toxicity" is characterized by deep and widespread heat, caused by various pathological factors, and its sticky nature makes it difficult to resolve, which can cause severe damage to the kidney collaterals. In the early stage of "glucose toxicity", it is yang pathogen, which can be transformed into yin pathogen in the later stage with disease progression. In clinical practice, treatment should be based on disease staging, with attention on grasping the pathogenesis of "internal heat leading to zheng" and identifying the nature of "glucose toxicity". During the diabetic period, clearing heat is the primary method, often using modified Yueju Pill and Dachaihu Decoction. In the early stage of DKD, treatment primarily focuses on clearing and penetrating latent heat to treat DKD, aiming to prevent toxic heat from transitioning from qi to blood. The approach emphasizes clearing heat and re-penetrating, detoxification, and re-clearing, often using a self-made modified Qingre Xiaozheng Decoction. In the middle and late stages of DKD, the focus shifts to clearing heat, eliminating zheng, strengthening vital qi, and dispelling turbidity, with commonly used treatments including the self-made modified Xiezhuo Xiaozheng Formula, Jingui Shenqi Pill, and Zhenwu Decoction.
9.Vascular restenosis animal model based on data mining
Beili XIE ; Mingwang LIU ; Wei WEN ; Yuxin YAN ; Mengjie GAO ; Lulian JIANG ; Zhidie JIN ; Fuhai ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(2):33-44
Objective To analyze the modeling and evaluation method for vascular restenosis animal models in the last 10 years,to provide a reference for improving animal models of vascular restenosis.Methods Literature related to vascular restenosis was retrieved from mainstream Chinese and English databases from 2013 to 2023.Data on experimental animal strains,modeling method,modeling cycles,and detection method were extracted from the included literature,and a database was established using Excel for summary analysis.Results Among the 122 identified articles,the main experimental animals were rats,rabbits,and pigs,and most animals were male.The most common modeling method was balloon injury,and the modeling cycle was mainly within 4~8 weeks.The main detection indexes were histopathology,accounting for 37.18%,including routine hematoxylin-eosin,Masson,and Elastica van Gieson(EVG)staining.Conclusions The translatability of porcine vascular restenosis models is currently more in line with expectations,but their cost is high and they are unpopular,and rats and rabbits thus remain the main animal models.Balloon injury is the main mode of modeling.Different animal models and modeling method for vascular restenosis have advantages and disadvantages,and the model should be selected according to the experimental purpose.Animal models of vascular restenosis still have some limitations,however,and better animal models are required in the future.
10.Exploration on the treatment of diabetic kidney disease from the liver based on WANG Xugao's"thirty liver-regulating methods"
Yexin CHEN ; Gaiwen CUI ; Yuxin HU ; Ziheng GAO ; Hanzhang HONG ; Maoxuan LIN ; Lin WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(11):1562-1568
Based on WANG Xugao's"thirty liver-regulating methods,"this paper summarized the clinical thinking of treating diabetic kidney disease from the liver.The liver is closely associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease,including internal heat,essence depletion,latent wind,and the accumulation and dissipation of a conglomeration of kidney collateral zhengjia.WANG Xugao's"thirty liver-regulating methods"comprehensively reveals the physiological and pathological changes of the liver,as well as clinical approaches for liver treatment.Liver qi stagnation can lead to the generation of internal heat,liver stagnation and deficiency can cause essence depletion and collateral obstruction,and disharmony of the liver wood can cause internal wind disturbance,which all contribute to the progression of diabetic kidney disease at different stages.Treatment generally follows the essence of"thirty liver-regulating methods."In the early stage,treatment should focus on treating liver heat by soothing the liver qi,clearing the liver fire,and removing damp-heat to resolve stagnation and heat.In the middle stage,treatment should focus on treating liver deficiency by nourishing the liver yin to clear heat,replenishing the essence and blood to tonify deficiency,and promoting blood circulation to remove stasis,thereby strengthening the foundation and nurturing the primal essence.In the later stage,treatment should focus on treating liver wind to prevent complications and improve the patient's quality of life.Throughout the entire process,liver collaterals are treated using pungent herbs to invigorate qi and open the liver channels,relieving blood stasis and promoting circulation.In conjunction with the above methods,flexible selection of effective formulas and drug pairs should be used,each addressing specific treatment goals.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail