1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Diabetic Nephropathy via Pathways Related to Pyroptosis: A Review
Jintao SHI ; Zhiyi ZHANG ; Yunfei WEI ; Jiarui HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):290-300
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease, shows increasing prevalence and mortality, seriously affecting the physical and mental health of patients. As a crucial link in the occurrence and development of DKD, pyroptosis can lead to kidney cell injury and inflammation through the abnormal activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NLRP3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/NLRP3, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/NLRP3 signaling pathways, which accelerate the progression of DKD. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated definite efficacy in the treatment of DKD via multiple targets and pathways. Studies have shown that various TCM active components, including glycosides, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids, as well as TCM compound prescriptions for clearing heat and detoxifying, tonifying deficiency and consolidating root, and eliminating stasis and descending turbidity, can target relevant signaling pathways to inhibit pyroptosis and intervene in the development of DKD, providing new possibilities for precision treatment of DKD. This article systematically reviews the relevant pathways of pyroptosis and summarizes the research achievements and mechanisms of TCM active components and compound prescriptions in the treatment of DKD via pyroptosis in recent years. This review aims to provide new directions and ideas for the treatment and research of DKD with TCM and promote the modernization and development of TCM.
2.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway to Intervene in Lung Cancer: A Review
Jiarui CAO ; Bo FENG ; Chunzheng MA ; Weixia CHEN ; Jiangfan YU ; Shasha CAO ; Zhenyu ZHANG ; Wenhui OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):265-276
Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality rates globally. Current treatment methods for lung cancer primarily include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the main limitations of these treatments are their side effects, the drug resistance, and the economic burden they impose. As a critical cancer pathway, the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway regulates tumor occurrence and development through multiple mechanisms by influencing various downstream targets. Consequently, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway offers a promising avenue for lung cancer treatment research. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway plays a key role in the proliferation and growth of lung cancer cells, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolic alterations, remodeling of the immune microenvironment, and the development of treatment resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered increasing attention due to its minimal side effects, low economic burden, and its potential to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity when used in conjunction with Western medicine. In addition to traditional Chinese medicine compounds, a growing number of Chinese medicine monomers have come into the spotlight because of their more targeted effects. Numerous studies investigating the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer have demonstrated that TCM can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells, tumor angiogenesis, and EMT, improve the inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironments, and enhance treatment sensitivity by intervening in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, thereby impeding the progression of lung cancer. In recent years, the research on the regulation of this pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer has been updated rapidly. However, the summary of these studies has not been updated in time. This review summarizes and reflects on the recent research findings regarding the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM to intervene in lung cancer from three aspects, introducing the JAK/STAT pathway, elaborating the mechanism of this pathway in lung cancer, and exploring the intervention of TCM in the treatment of lung cancer through this pathway, to provide more reference for the treatment of lung cancer in the future.
3.Expert consensus on the management of mini-midline catheters
Xing LI ; Chunyan LI ; Fengni LI ; Lei WANG ; Fang ZHU ; Jiarui CHEN ; Qi XIA ; Nian YAO ; Jinghui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(13):1548-1553
Objective To establish an expert consensus on the management of mini-midline catheters(hereinafter referred to as the'consensus')to guide nurses in standardizing the insertion and maintenance of mini-midline catheters.Methods Evidence was systematically retrieved,scientifically evaluated,and synthesized using evidence-based methods to draft the initial version of the consensus.From December 2023 to July 2024,totally 2 rounds of expert correspondence and 2 rounds of expert panel discussions were conducted to revise the content,resulting in the final version.Results There were 17 experts from tertiary A general hospitals in Beijing,Shanghai,Hunan,Hubei,Sichuan,Jiangsu,Hainan,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,and Shandong participating in the consultation,with a 100%response rate.In the 2 rounds of expert correspondence,the authority coefficients were 0.947 and 0.962,respectively.The mean importance scores of all items exceeded 4.00 points.The coefficients of variation(CV)were 0-0.32(first round)and 0-0.15(second round).Kendall's concordance coefficients were 0.097 and 0.101(both P<0.001).The consensus covers 11 sections,including definition,indications,contraindications,qualification training,pre-insertion preparation,catheter insertion,catheter use,catheter maintenance,catheter removal,prevention and management of common complications,and health education.Conclusion The Consensus demonstrates scientific rigor and comprehensively addresses key procedures before,during,and after the insertion of mini-midline catheters,providing actionable guidance for nurses in catheter insertion and maintenance.
4.Epidemiological Characteristics and Spatial Distribution of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Lanping County from 2018 to 2023
Furong ZHANG ; Yidan YU ; Jiarui ZHANG ; Xiujun LUO ; Xinyue LI ; Qi DENG ; Zhong SUN ; Guozhong HE
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(6):20-28
Objective To investigate the epidemiological trends,temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Lanping County.Methods Based on tuberculosis management data and basic information systems from the"China Disease Prevention and Control Information System,"pulmonary tuberculosis data from Lanping County for 2018-2023 were obtained.Descriptive epidemiology,concentration method,circular distribution method,and spatial autocorrelation analysis were used to conduct epidemiological and spatial analyses of the pulmonary tuberculosis data.Results A total of 2836 TB cases were reported in Lanping County from 2018 to 2023,with an average annual incidence rate of 233.26 per 100000,showing a declining trend.The male-to-female ratio was 1.95∶1,with the highest incidence among individuals aged 60 and above(932 cases,32.86%).Cases were predominantly among farmers(91.01%)and the Lisu ethnic group(52.68%).TB incidence showed weak seasonality with a bimodal distribution,with primary peak occurring from October to March and secondary peak from June to August.Tu'e Township(324.74 per 100,000),Shideng Township(307.42 per 100000),and Jinding Town(260.98 per 100,000)had the highest incidence rates,accounting for 1,284 cases or 45.28%of the county's total cases.In 2020,the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Lanping County showed a spatial clustering distribution(global Morans's I value<0,P value<0.05),with Shideng Township consistently showing high-low aggregation characteristics.Conclusion Between 2018-2023,while the tuberculosis incidence rate in Lanping County has declined,it still falls short of Yunnan Province's tuberculosis prevention and control targets,and the prevention and control work continues to face significant challenges.Strengthening screening of high-risk populations and providing medical support to remote areas will be key measures for future prevention and treatment.
5.Value of open-mouth scanning for artifact reduction in CT scanning of patients with metallic oral implants
Dongdong ZHAO ; Jiarui XIE ; Lingbo DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(3):356-359
Objective To explore the advantages and clinical potential of open-mouth CT scanning in reducing oral artifacts.Methods Fifty-one patients with oral and maxillofacial space-occupying lesions and wearing metallic dentures were enrolled.All of them underwent routine CT scan fist and then enhanced CT scan following insertion of a bite block into the mouth.The related slice of artifacts such as tongue,palate and gum were selected,and in which the region of interest was delineated.The advantages and disadvantages of conventional closed-mouth scanning and open-mouth scanning were discussed by calculating artifact indexes and subjectively scoring the image quality by senior doctors.Results Scanning was successfully performed in all patients.Compared with closed-mouth group,open-mouth group had smaller artifact index(P<0.001)and higher subjective score(P<0.001).The artifacts in the lesion area were reduced in 38 out of 51 cases,and the lesion area was staggered from the metallic artifact level in 12 cases.The open-mouth scanning showed the lesion clearly,with high contrast and the best image quality.Conclusion The open-mouth position can effectively reduce artifacts in CT scanning of patients with space-occupying lesions in the oral,and improve image quality.
6.MiR-4508 regulates chrysotile asbestos induced inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells through the PI3K/AKT pathway
Yujun WANG ; Li HUANG ; Jiarui HE ; Xu ZHANG ; Tingting HUO ; Faqin DONG ; Jie YANG ; Jianjun DENG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(3):244-253
Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of miR-4508 regulating the inflammatory response of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by representative chrysotile asbestos.Methods:The chrysotile asbestos was ground into ultrafine dust using a horizontal planetary instrument, and human bronchial epithelium (16HBE) cells were taken as the object of infection. Cell survival rate was detected by cell counting kit-8 method, cytotoxicity was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit. The released of inflammatory factor IL-6 was detected by electrochemical luminescence. The released inflammatory factor IL-8 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression level of miR-4508 was screened and verified by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. After 16HBE cells were treated with AKT inhibitor MK2206, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PTEN were detected by western blot. The expression levels of AKT and PTEN and the contents of IL-6 and IL-8 were detected in miR-4508 overexpression and interference experiments.Results:With the increase of chrysotile asbestos exposure concentration, the cell survival rate decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, and the LDH content gradually increased. The secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in chrysotile 25, 50 and 75 μg/ml groups were (325.92±8.61) pg/ml, (331.51±4.96) pg/ml, (378.74±13.77) pg/ml, and (94.95±3.11) pg/ml, (357.60±1.80) pg/ml, (537.19±3.11) pg/ml, respectively, while the group with 0 μg/ml chrysotile was (95.85±1.20) pg/ml and (7.81±0.00) pg/ml ( P<0.05). In addition, chrysotile asbestos exposure to 16HBE could induce the high expression of miR-4508 . After pretreatment with MK2206, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PTEN were decreased, the contents of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly decreased, and the expression level of miR-4508 was significantly reduced. Overexpression of miR-4508 significantly increased the expressions of AKT and PTEN, and the contents of IL-6 and IL-8 ( P<0.01). After interfering with miR-4508, the expressions of AKT and PTEN were significantly decreased, and the contents of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly decreased ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Chrysotile asbestos can induce the inflammatory response of 16HBE cells and up-regulate the expression level of miR-4508. The up-regulation of miR-4508 promotes the 16HBE inflammatory response induced by chrysotile asbestos through the PI3K/AKT pathway.
7.Effects of Xinnao Maikang Regulating PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 Pathway Mediating Lipid Metabolism on ApoE-/-Atherosclerosis Mice
Jiarui ZHANG ; Chunxiao DING ; Zhongying GUAN ; Jing LIU ; Wei CHEN ; Jing GAO ; Min PANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):83-88
Objective To explore the potential mechanism of Xinnao Maikang in improving ApoE-/-atherosclerosis mice based on PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 pathway.Methods Totally 50 ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into model group,atorvastatin group,Xinnao Maikang high-,medium-and low-dosage groups,and fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish atherosclerosis model.Another 10 C57BL/6J mice were selected as normal group,and atorvastatin group was given atorvastatin calcium suspension by intragastric administration,Xinnao Maikang high-,medium-and low-dosage groups were given Xinnao Maikang Decoction 56,28,14 g/kg by intragastric administration,the normal group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline by intragastric administration for 8 weeks.Liver index of mice was detected,serum lipid level of mice was detected by automatic biochemical analyzer,TC and TG contents in liver tissue were detected by biochemical kit,morphology of aortic intima and liver tissue were observed by HE staining,lipid deposition in liver tissue was observed by oil red O staining,the expressions of PPARγ,LXRα,ABCA1,ABCG1 and SR-BⅠ in liver tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the normal group,the liver index in the model group significantly increased(P<0.05),the contents of serum TC,TG and LDL-C significantly increased(P<0.05),and the contents of HDL-C significantly decreased(P<0.05),the contents of TC and TG in liver tissue increased(P<0.05),the aortic wall was thickened,the number of subcutaneous foam cells increased,the arrangement of liver cells were disaffected,and a large number of fat vacuoles could be seen,the protein expressions of PPARγ,LXRα,ABCA1,ABCG1 and SR-BⅠ in liver tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the liver index of Xinnao Maikang high-,medium-and low-dosage groups and atorvastatin group significantly decreased(P<0.05),the serum contents of TC,TG and LDL-C significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the HDL-C contents significantly increased(P<0.05),the contents of TC and TG in liver tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),the aortic wall thickened and the subcutaneous foam cells decreased,the liver cells were arranged neatly,and fat degeneration was reduced to varying degrees,the protein expressions of PPARγ,LXRα,ABCA1,ABCG1 and SR-BⅠ in liver tissue of Xinnao Maikang high-dosage group and atorvastatin group significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Xinnao Maikang can decrease blood lipid level,reduce atherosclerotic plaque and reduce lipid deposition in liver of atherosclerotic mice,and its mechanism may be related to regulating PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 pathway,regulating lipid metabolism,promoting reverse cholesterol transport.
8.Comparison of two methods for establishing mouse models of acute exacer-bation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Hongping ZHANG ; Runhua HOU ; Yuanyuan YE ; Zeping YANG ; Guanqin ZHENG ; Mengzhu LI ; Jiarui FAN ; Chunyun ZHANG ; Rui CHEN ; Defu LI
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):2073-2080
AIM:To compare the degree of disease simulation between the two mouse models of acute exacer-bation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)using intranasal instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and fine particulate matter(PM2.5)for 3 d based on exposure to cigarette smoke(CS)for 90 d.METHODS:Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group(n=8),CS group(n=8),CS+PM2.5 group(n=8)and CS+LPS group(n=8).The AECOPD models in CS+PM2.5 and CS+LPS groups were established by CS exposure combined with intranasal PM2.5 and LPS instillation.Lung function,lung pathology and airway goblet cell hyperplasia using histologi-cal staining were measured.To evaluate the degree of lung inflammation and mucus secretion in mice,the prorein levels of mucin 5AC(MUC5AC),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were detected by ELISA and total white blood cell(WBC)counts and the BALF differential cell counts(neutro-phils,macrophages,lymphocytes)were detected by Giemsa staining.RESULTS:In CS group,lung function decreased(P<0.05),and bronchial inflammation index increased(P<0.01),airway goblet cell hyperplasia and airway collagen de-position were significant(P<0.01),total WBC count and differential cell count in the BALF increased(P<0.05),MUC5AC and inflammatory factor IL-6 and TNF-α levels increased(P<0.05),compared with control group.Compared with CS group,lung function decreased(P<0.05),the bronchial inflammation index increased(P<0.01),airway goblet cell hyperplasia and airway collagen deposition were significant(P<0.01),total WBC count and differential cell count in the BALF increased(P<0.05),and MUC5AC and inflammatory factor IL-6 and TNF-α levels increased(P<0.05)in CS+PM2.5 and CS+LPS groups.Compared with CS+PM2.5 group,lung function decreased(P<0.05),the bronchial inflamma-tion index increased(P<0.01),airway goblet cell hyperplasia and airway collagen deposition were significant(P<0.01),total WBC count and differential cell count in the BALF increased(P<0.05),and MUC5AC and inflammatory factor IL-6 and TNF-α levels increased(P<0.05)in CS+LPS group.CONCLUSION:Exposure to CS combined with both intrana-sal PM2.5 and LPS instillation allowed for establishing AECOPD models in mice,and CS exposure combined with intrana-sal LPS instillation better simulated AECOPD characteristics.
9.Sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate inhalation attenuates pulmonary hyper-tension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice
Runhua HOU ; Siting WANG ; Hongping ZHANG ; Ruanyuan YE ; Zeping YANG ; Mengzhu LI ; Guanqing ZHEN ; Jiarui FAN ; Chunyun ZHANG ; Rui CHEN ; Defu LI
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(9):1713-1720
AIM:To investigate the effects of nebulized sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate(STS)in a mouse model of pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD-PH).METHODS:A to-tal of 32 healthy SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control(CTL,n=8)group,COPD-PH(CS+LPS,n=8)group,STS-treated COPD-PH(CS+LPS+STS,n=8)group,and STS(n=8)group.The COPD-PH model was established through whole-body exposure to cigarette smoke(CS)combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)in-halation.Mice were subjected to cigarette smoke exposure in a chamber(9 cigarettes/h,2 h/session,2 sessions/d,6 d/week)for 60 d,except on days of LPS inhalation.On days 1 and 14,COPD-PH model mice received LPS(7.5 μg/mouse in 50 μL saline)via intranasal inhalation,while the CTL and STS groups received an equivalent volume of saline.STS was administered via nebulized inhalation(5 mg/kg,30 min per session,twice daily)immediately before CS exposure.At the end of the modeling period,lung function and right heart pressure were assessed.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was collected for inflammatory cell counting.Levels of interleukin-6(IL-6)in BALF supernatants and plasma were measured using ELISA.Pathological changes in the airway and lung tissues were evaluated.RESULTS:(1)Com-pared to CTL mice,those exposed to CS and LPS exhibited lesions characteristic of COPD-PH,including emphysema,lung inflammation,decreased lung function,and increased right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP)and right ventricu-lar hypertrophy index(RVHI)(P<0.05);(2)COPD-PH mice showed significantly elevated IL-6 levels in both BALF and plasma(P<0.05);(3)STS treatment alleviated emphysema and lung inflammation,improved lung function,prevent-ed increases in RVSP and the RV/(LV+S)ratio,and reduced IL-6 levels in both BALF and plasma(P<0.05).CON-CLUSION:The results indicate that nebulized inhalation of STS significantly slows the progression of COPD-PH,likely due to its ability to inhibit lung inflammation and reduce IL-6 expression in the lungs.
10.Application of neural network model in ultrasound image segmentation of MTP1 tophus
Yuchen LI ; Ting ZHANG ; Yongming LIU ; Lingtao WANG ; Jiarui LIU ; Yujie XIE ; Cheng ZHAO ; Jianrui DING ; Chunping NING
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(9):745-750
Objective:To evaluate the performance of the neural network model in segmenting gout tophus in the first metatarsophalangeal(MTP1)joint ultrasound images.Methods:A total of 1 218 tophus images from 381 patients who underwent MTP1 ultrasound examinations in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between May 2023 and December 2024 were prospectively collected. The images were divided into training,validation,and test sets in a ratio of 7∶2∶1. Multiple neural network models were trained to automatically identify and segment tophus in the images,with physician-annotated tophus regions serving as the reference standard. Model performance was evaluated in the test set,and the impact of tophus characteristics(e.g.,echogenicity,size,and presence of bone erosion)on segmentation efficacy was analyzed.Results:In the test set,CMUNeXt demonstrated superior tophus segmentation performance versus Unet,Unet++,TransUnet,and CMU-Net,achieving an accuracy of 99.1%,precision of 79.1%,recall of 84.6%,intersection over union of 68.8%,and Dice similarity coefficient of 80.2%. Logistic regression identified tophus echogenicity,size,and bone erosion as independent efficacy factors OR(95% CI)=7.275(1.598-33.129),21.303(4.282-105.985),13.520(3.617-50.530),0.076(0.007-0.823)(all P<0.05). Hypoechoic tophus demonstrated significantly superior segmentation performance compared to mixed-echoic and isoechoic tophus(all P<0.05),and lesions with larger maximum diameters(>10 mm)were segmented more effectively than smaller tophus( P<0.05). Conclusions:The CMUNeXt model enables accurate identification and segmentation of tophus in MTP1 ultrasound images,particularly excelling for larger and hypoechoic lesions. This approach holds significant promise for AI-assisted diagnosis of MTP1 gouty arthritis.

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