1.Mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine in modulating gut microbiota on primary open-angle glaucoma: a study based on data mining, network pharmacology, and Mendelian randomization
Yu TANG ; Bingyao ZHU ; Qianhong LIU ; Kai WU ; Pai ZHOU ; Xiaolei YAO ; Qinghua PENG
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(4):491-503
Objective:
To elucidate the potential mechanisms by which Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) regulates gut microbiota (GM) to influence the development of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Methods:
Data mining, network pharmacology, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses (two-sample design) were conducted in integration to systematically explore the CHM-GM-POAG axis. Literature-based data mining method was applied to identify frequently used herbs and herb pairs for POAG, and the properties and meridian tropism of the herbs were analyzed as well. Target prediction and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to identify shared molecular pathways among CHM components, GM, and POAG. MR analysis was performed to assess the genetically predicted causal associations between specific microbial taxa and POAG risk.
Results:
Our data mining work indicated that commonly used CHMs were mainly bitter and sweet in flavors and cold in property, with meridian tropism toward the liver, lung, and kidney. The predominant therapeutic effects of the CHMs included soothing the liver and regulating Qi, promoting blood circulation, and reducing fluid retention. Representative herb pairs were Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata)-Gouqi (Lycii Fructus) with Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Gouqi (Lycii Fructus)-Fuling (Poria) with Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), and Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos)-Gouqi (Lycii Fructus) with Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma). Network pharmacology revealed overlapping targets involving antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulation pathways. MR analysis demonstrated that higher abundances of Ruminiclostridium 6 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58 – 0.92, P = 0.007], Ruminococcaceae UCG-002 (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63 – 0.96, P = 0.018), Ruminococcus torques group (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57 – 0.90, P = 0.004), and Victivallis (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70 – 0.96, P = 0.016) were causally associated with reduced POAG risk, whereas Actinomyces (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.06 – 1.68, P = 0.013) and Blautia (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.90, P = 0.042) showed positive associations.
Conclusion
This study revealed potential causal links between GM and POAG and provided integrative evidence that CHM may modulate the microbiota to exert neuroprotective effects. These findings offer new integrative insights into the gut-eye axis and a theoretical basis for developing microbiota-targeted CHM strategies in glaucoma management.
2.Hematopoietic stem cell and kidney transplantation from the same donor in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia and literature review
Yan YIN ; Zilin QUAN ; Li SONG ; Zhonglin FENG ; Dongmei CUI ; Liyan ZHAO ; Yuhang HU ; Qinghua ZHOU ; Xiaoli KANG ; Junjie LIAO ; Qizhen LIANG ; Suijin WU ; Hongmei WU ; Shuangxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(9):691-695
The paper reports a 32-year-old female acute myeloid leukemia patient who developed graft-versus-host disease after paternal hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which subsequently led to renal thrombotic microangiopathy. She subsequently required a kidney transplant from the same donor 5 years later due to renal failure. Considering that both the bone marrow and kidney were from the same donor and the recovery of renal function was favorable, immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued after a short course of anti-rejection treatment, with maintained stable kidney function. This case suggests that under the condition of high chimerism, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and kidney transplantation from the same donor can achieve immune tolerance, potentially improving solid organ transplantation success rate. The findings provide a novel therapeutic approach for solid organ transplantation following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
3.Burden and trend of lower respiratory tract infections attributable to non-optimal temperature risk in China,1990-2021
Tianyu LIU ; Junyun ZHOU ; Qinghua WANG ; Jian LI
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(15):2330-2335
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the burden of lower respiratory tract infections(LRIs)attributable to non-op-timal temperature risk and its changing trends in China from 1990 to 2021,and to provide insights for identifying susceptible populations.METHODS The changing trends in mortality and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)of LRIs attributed to non-optimal,low and high temperature risks were analyzed through the 2021 global burden of disease(GBD)database.Joinpoint software was used to analyze the trend changes of time series and explore the standardized mortality rate and the standardized DALYs rate of LRIs attributed to non-optimal temperature risk.RESULTS In 2021,LRIs mortality and DALYs rates attributable to non-optimal temperature risk in China were 1.92 per 100,000(down 66.80%from 5.76 per 100,000 in 1990)and 37.99 per 100,000(down 90.47%from 398.77 per 100,000 in 1990),respectively.The burden of LRIs attributed to non-optimal temperature risks was higher in males than that in females,with the mortality rates of 2.86 per 100,000 and 2.48 per 100,000,and DA-LYs rates of 44.90 per 100,000 and 30.75 per 100,000,respectively.The burden of LRIs increased significantly in children under 5 years old and elderly individuals aged 75 and above.From 1990 to 2021,the standardized mortali-ty rate and the standardized DALYs rate of LRIs attributed to non-optimal temperature factors in China showed a declining trend[average annual percentage change(AAPC):-5.04%and-7.33%,respectively].CONCLUSIONS The overall burden of LRIs attributable to non-optimal temperature in China has generally declined from 1990 to 2021.with higher burden in males than that in females,and higher burden in individuals under 5 years old and those aged 75 and above.In China,low temperature risk plays an important role in the non-optimal temperature effect.To reduce the burden of LRIs disease,early intervention measures should be implemented for males,the middle-aged and elderly people and children,and early protection for susceptible populations should be provided based on changes in external environmental temperature,which are of significant public health importance for re-ducing disease burden.
4.Objective Data Analysis of Tongue Manifestations and Complexions in the Population with Yang Deficiency Constitution
Xuan TENG ; Tianfeng PENG ; Yuxuan ZHOU ; Xinying YI ; Jingyi YANG ; Meiyan ZENG ; Qinghua PENG ; Houpan SONG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(4):797-802
Objective To conduct an analysis on objective data of tongue manifestations and complexions among college students with yang deficiency constitution and balanced constitution,thus to explore the correlation between yang deficiency constitution and the objective data of tongue manifestations and complexions among college students.Methods From August 2023 to January 2024,data collection was carried out in 325 cases of yang deficiency constitution(yang deficiency group)and 175 cases of balanced constitution(balanced group)from college students of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine,Central South University,Hunan Normal University,Hunan University and Changsha University of Science and Technology in Hunan Province.YM-MA-Ⅰ digital detection system for tongue manifestations and complexions of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)was utilized for data collection and image analysis,and the differences in the Lab parameters of tongue color,tongue shape,tongue coating color,complexions,and lip color were compared between yang deficiency group and balanced group.Of the Lab parameters,letter"L"stands for luminance,which expresses the luminance from absolute black to absolute white,and takes the value of 0-100;letter"a"and letter"b"stand for two color channels,letter"a"represents the color from dark green to grey then to bright pink,and takes a value from-128 to 127,and letter"b"represents the color from bright blue to grey then to yellow,and also takes a value from-128 to 127.Results(1)The analysis of tongue manifestations showed that in comparison with the balanced group,enlarged tongue(72.62%),tooth-marked tongue(83.69%),and greasy coating(59.38%)were frequently seen in the yang deficiency group,and the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(2)The analysis of complexions showed that in comparison with the balanced group,lusterless complexion(79.08%)and pale lip(42.15%)were frequently seen in the yang deficiency group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.01).(3)The yang deficiency group had higher L value of tongue color,L value of tongue coating color,L value of complexions,and L and b values of lip color than the balanced group,and the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05),indicating that the tongue color,complexions,and lip color of the yang deficiency group were all pale.Conclusion The objective data and image analysis of tongue manifestations and complexions can accurately identify the population of yang deficiency constitution from college students,and the results will provide approaches and references for the identification of other TCM constitutions from the population.
5.P2Y14R activation facilitates liver regeneration via CREB/DNMT3b/Dact-2/β-Catenin signals in acute liver failure.
Mengze ZHOU ; Yehong LI ; Jialong QIAN ; Xinli DONG ; Yanshuo GUO ; Li YIN ; Chunxiao LIU ; Kun HAO ; Qinghua HU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):919-933
Acute liver failure (ALF) is lack of broadly approved therapeutic strategy except liver transplantation. As a glycogen metabolic intermediate, UDP-glucose (UDP-G) has been considered to accelerate liver repairment. Nevertheless, the role of UDP-G and its receptor P2Y purinoceptor 14 (P2Y14R) in ALF remains unknown. The present study aims to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of UDP-G/P2Y14R axis in ALF. In this study, hepatic P2Y14R is significantly increased in TAA-induced and partial hepatectomy-induced ALF, while knockout of whole-body P2Y14R aggravates liver failure, manifested by inhibiting β-Catenin-mediated liver regeneration. Consistently, P2Y14R deficiency exhibits impaired liver regeneration in mice suffer partial hepatectomy. Importantly, only hepatocellular specific deletion of P2Y14R (P2Y14R flox/flox Alb cre/+ ) mice shows a similar phenomenon, rather than stellate cell specific deletion of P2Y14R (P2Y14R flox/flox Lrat cre/+ ) mice. Mechanistically, P2Y14R induction regulates methylation of Dact-2 through CREB/DNMT3b signals in hepatocytes, subsequently inhibiting the expression of Dact-2 which is a stabilizer of β-Catenin degradation complex, leading to the activation of β-Catenin -mediated liver regeneration. Interestingly, the administration of exogenous UDP-G can accelerate liver regeneration and liver function recovery after partial hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma mice. Together, the findings propose an unrecognized role of P2Y14R in ALF and provide an effective adjuvant strategy for treatment of ALF.
6.RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) exacerbates cellular senescence by mediating ribosome pausing.
Haoxian ZHOU ; Shu WU ; Bin LI ; Rongjinlei ZHANG ; Ying ZOU ; Mibu CAO ; Anhua XU ; Kewei ZHENG ; Qinghua ZHOU ; Jia WANG ; Jinping ZHENG ; Jianhua YANG ; Yuanlong GE ; Zhanyi LIN ; Zhenyu JU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(11):953-967
Loss of protein homeostasis is a hallmark of cellular senescence, and ribosome pausing plays a crucial role in the collapse of proteostasis. However, our understanding of ribosome pausing in senescent cells remains limited. In this study, we utilized ribosome profiling and G-quadruplex RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing techniques to explore the impact of RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) on the translation efficiency in senescent cells. Our results revealed a reduction in the translation efficiency of rG4-rich genes in senescent cells and demonstrated that rG4 structures within coding sequence can impede translation both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the abundance of rG4 structures in senescent cells, and the stabilization of the rG4 structures further exacerbated cellular senescence. Mechanistically, the RNA helicase DHX9 functions as a key regulator of rG4 abundance, and its reduced expression in senescent cells contributing to increased ribosome pausing. Additionally, we also observed an increased abundance of rG4, an imbalance in protein homeostasis, and reduced DHX9 expression in aged mice. In summary, our findings reveal a novel biological role for rG4 and DHX9 in the regulation of translation and proteostasis, which may have implications for delaying cellular senescence and the aging process.
G-Quadruplexes
;
Cellular Senescence
;
Ribosomes/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics*
;
Protein Biosynthesis
;
RNA/chemistry*
;
Neoplasm Proteins
7.Meta-analysis of dose-effect of exercise on improving muscle health in community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia
Siqi JIANG ; Huanhuan HUANG ; Xinyu YU ; Ying PENG ; Wei ZHOU ; Qinghua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(29):6295-6304
OBJECTIIVE:The positive role of exercise intervention in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia has received widespread attention,but the optimal exercise dose for elderly sarcopenic patients still needs to be further determined.The article explored the dose-effect relationship between various elements of exercise prescription and the improvement of muscle mass,muscle strength and physical function in community-dwelling elderly patients with sarcopenia,aiming to provide scientific support for the development of exercise prescription for community-dwelling elderly patients with sarcopenia.METHODS:Literature published from the inception to October 9,2024 in PubMed,EMBASE,Scopus,Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang,VIP,and CBMdisc databases was systematically searched.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.Standardized mean difference(SMD)and its 95%CI were used as effect statistics.RESULTS:(1)A total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included,with 348 in the trial group and 304 in the control group.(2)Meta-analysis results showed that exercise improved appendicular skeletal muscle mass index,grip strength,and walking speed in elderly patients with sarcopenia(SMDs 0.46,0.63,0.67,P<0.05).(3)When the frequency of exercise was 2-3 days/week,appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(SMD=0.57,95%CI:0.28-0.86,P<0.001),grip strength(SMD=0.70,95%CI:0.37-1.02,P<0.001),and walking speed(SMD=0.69,95%CI:0.20-1.18,P=0.006)were effectively improved in elderly patients with sarcopenia.(4)When the duration of exercise was 25-60 minutes per session,appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(SMD=0.28,95%CI:0.07-0.50,P=0.01),grip strength(SMD=0.37,95%CI:0.16-0.59,P<0.001),and walking speed(SMD=0.39,95%CI:0.06-0.73,P=0.02)were effectively improved in elderly patients with sarcopenia.(5)When the exercise intensity was moderate,appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(SMD=0.69,95%CI:0.35-1.03,P<0.001),and grip strength(SMD=0.36,95%CI:0.09-0.64,P=0.009),and walking speed(SMD=0.91,95%CI:0.34-1.47,P=0.002)were effectively improved in elderly patients with sarcopenia.(6)When the dose of exercise cycle was 8-12 weeks,appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(SMD=0.42,95%CI:0.20-0.64,P<0.001),grip strength(SMD=0.45,95%CI:0.26-0.64,P<0.001),and walking speed(SMD=0.76,95%CI:0.27-1.25,P=0.002)were effectively improved in elderly patients with sarcopenia.CONCLUSION:Active,regular exercise can improve muscle health in older adults with sarcopenia.It is recommended that older patients with sarcopenia exercise at least 2 to 3 days per week,25 to 60 minutes each time,lasting for 8 to 12 weeks of moderate intensity exercise to improve muscle health.
8.The Impact of Visual Impairment on Gait Characteristics in Hemiplegic Patients
Hongshuai LENG ; Qinghua MENG ; Luxing ZHOU ; Nan ZHANG ; Yijie DENG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(5):1200-1206
Objective To explore the impact of vision impairment(VI)on the gait of hemiplegic patients,assess their walking ability and fall risks,and provide a basis for developing effective rehabilitation strategies.Methods Thirty hemiplegic patients were enrolled and stratified by the severity of visual acuity impairment into three groups(unimpaired,mildly impaired,and severely impaired).The gait data of patients under uncorrected vision were collected using the Qualisys motion capture system and the Kistler three-dimensional force platform,and the balance ability of patients was assessed simultaneously.Subsequently,the gait and assessment data were statistically analyzed to compare inter-group differences.Results Compared with the visually unimpaired group,significant differences in step length,symmetry,and walking speed were observed in hemiplegic patients of the mild visual impairment group and severe visual impairment group.As VI increased,gait abnormalities became more pronounced,with a longer double-limb support phase,a longer swing phase of the affected limb,and a shorter single-limb support phase of the affected limb in the gait cycle.Compared with the visually unimpaired group,significant differences in center of pressure(COP)and COP symmetry were found between the mild visual impairment group and severe visual impairment group,with gait abnormalities intensifying.The Berg balance scale(BBS)scores showed that there was a significant difference between the visually unimpaired group and severe visual impairment group,indicating that the group with visual impairment had poorer balance ability.Conclusions VI has a significant negative impact on the gait and walking ability of hemiplegic patients.This study emphasizes the importance of focusing on the impact of VI in the rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients,with regular vision assessments and personalized interventions being conducted,which are of great significance in enhancing patients' walking quality.
9.Analysis of Animal Models of Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on Clinical Features in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Qinghua WANG ; Yu HUAN ; Shuangling ZHOU ; Ting ZUO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):220-226
ObjectiveTo systematically review the modeling methods and analyzes the model alignment with clinical features of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine, providing theoretical and practical guidance for establishing the animal models of PD that better reflect the diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of both TCM and western medicine. MethodsThe literature on PD animal models was searched against domestic and international databases such as PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang Data. According to the diagnostic criteria of TCM and western medicine, the modeling methods in the literature were summarized, evaluated for strengths and weaknesses, and systematically assessed for clinical concordance rates to identify suitable reference models. ResultsThe available animal models of PD showed the average clinical concordance rates of 43.64% and 61.27% with the clinical features in TCM and western medicine, respectively. Commonly used modeling methods included estrogen administration, physical stimulation, and surgical intervention, with the estrogen combined with oxytocin model and the ice-water bath model being the most studied. The model of Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome that was established with the comprehensive stimulation method demonstrated the highest clinical concordance rate. ConclusionCurrent PD animal models primarily replicate dysmenorrhea and simulate menstruation, but they differ from human menstruation to some extent and cannot fully reflect the pathogenesis and physiological characteristics of PD. Moreover, except the cold coagulation and dampness stagnation syndrome and Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, no animal models for other TCM syndromes have been reported, which limits comprehensive TCM research on this disease to a certain extent.
10.Analysis of Animal Models of Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on Clinical Features in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Qinghua WANG ; Yu HUAN ; Shuangling ZHOU ; Ting ZUO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):220-226
ObjectiveTo systematically review the modeling methods and analyzes the model alignment with clinical features of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine, providing theoretical and practical guidance for establishing the animal models of PD that better reflect the diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of both TCM and western medicine. MethodsThe literature on PD animal models was searched against domestic and international databases such as PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang Data. According to the diagnostic criteria of TCM and western medicine, the modeling methods in the literature were summarized, evaluated for strengths and weaknesses, and systematically assessed for clinical concordance rates to identify suitable reference models. ResultsThe available animal models of PD showed the average clinical concordance rates of 43.64% and 61.27% with the clinical features in TCM and western medicine, respectively. Commonly used modeling methods included estrogen administration, physical stimulation, and surgical intervention, with the estrogen combined with oxytocin model and the ice-water bath model being the most studied. The model of Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome that was established with the comprehensive stimulation method demonstrated the highest clinical concordance rate. ConclusionCurrent PD animal models primarily replicate dysmenorrhea and simulate menstruation, but they differ from human menstruation to some extent and cannot fully reflect the pathogenesis and physiological characteristics of PD. Moreover, except the cold coagulation and dampness stagnation syndrome and Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, no animal models for other TCM syndromes have been reported, which limits comprehensive TCM research on this disease to a certain extent.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail