1.Immunity-inflammation Mechanism of Viral Pneumonia and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Based on Theory of Healthy Qi and Pathogenic Qi
Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Xin PENG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Yunhui LI ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):239-247
Viral pneumonia is an infectious disease caused by virus invading the lung parenchyma and interstitial tissue and causing lung inflammation, with the incidence rising year by year. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can treat viral pneumonia in a multi-component, multi-target, and holistic manner by targeting the core pathogenesis of pneumonia caused by different respiratory viruses, demonstrating minimal side effects and significant advantages. According to the theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi in TCM, the struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi and the imbalance between immunity and inflammation run through the entire process of viral pneumonia, and the immunity-inflammation status at different stages of the disease reflects different relationships between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi. Immune dysfunction leads to the deficiency of healthy Qi, causing viral infections. The struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi causes immunity-inflammation imbalance, leading to the onset of viral pneumonia. Inflammatory damage causes persistent accumulation of phlegm and stasis, leading to the progression of viral pneumonia. The cytokine storm causes immunodepletion, leading to the excess of pathogenic Qi and diminution of healthy Qi and the deterioration of viral pneumonia. After the recovery from viral pneumonia, there is a long-term imbalance between immunity and micro-inflammation, which results in healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi lingering. Healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi excess act as common core causes of pneumonia caused by different respiratory viruses. Clinical treatment should emphasize both replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi, helping to restore the balance between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi as well as between immunity and inflammation, thus promoting the recovery of patients from viral pneumonia. According to the TCM theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi, this article summarizes the immunity-inflammation mechanisms at different stages of viral pneumonia, and explores the application of the method of replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi in viral pneumonia. The aim is to probe into the scientific connotation of the TCM theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi in viral pneumonia and provide ideas for the clinical application of the method of replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi to assist in the treatment of viral pneumonia.
2.Increasing toe-out angle during drop-landing can diminish risk of inversion injuries among individuals with chronic ankle instability
Xiaoxue ZHU ; Qiongqiu ZHAO ; Teng ZHANG ; Dan WANG ; Jihong QIU ; Qipeng SONG ; Peixin SHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1827-1833
BACKGROUND:Individuals with chronic ankle instability are prone to inversion ankle sprains during landing.Moderately increasing the foot toe-out angle during landing may reduce the occurrence of inversion ankle sprains,but no studies have directly demonstrated this effect. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of increased toe-out angle during landing on the peak inversion angle,peak angular velocity,and the time to peak inversion among individuals with and without chronic ankle instability. METHODS:A total of 60 participants were recruited for this study,including 30 individuals with chronic ankle instability and 30 without chronic ankle instability.The study utilized a simulated sprain apparatus for drop-landing tests,featuring a platform that could tilt forward by 24° and inward by 15°,thus simulating the foot position during an ankle inversion sprain.Participants were required to perform drop-landing tests under two landing conditions:natural landing and toe-out landing,with the latter involving a greater foot toe-out angle,over 150%more than the former.Kinematic data of participants were recorded using a 12-camera three-dimensional motion capture system.Data analysis was conducted using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Significant main effects of condition were found for peak inversion angle during drop-landing(P<0.001,η2 p=0.270),peak inversion velocity(P=0.015,η2 p=0.098),and peak inversion time(P<0.001,η2 p=0.260);a significant main effect of group was found for peak inversion velocity(P=0.029,η2 p=0.080).(2)There were significant negative correlations between the foot toe-out angle at landing and the peak ankle inversion angle(P=0.021,r=-0.310;P=0.042,r=-0.278)as well as the peak inversion time(P=0.018,r=-0.312;P=0.021,r=-0.309)in both chronic ankle instability and non-chronic ankle instability groups.Moreover,a significant negative correlation was also found between the foot toe-out angle and peak inversion velocity in the chronic ankle instability group(P=0.021,r=-0.312).(3)It is indicated that increasing the foot toe-out angle at landing can reduce the peak inversion angle,peak inversion velocity,and the peak inversion time during landing in patients with chronic ankle instability and non-chronic ankle instability,thereby decreasing the risk of ankle inversion sprains.
3.Thoughts of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment and Effect Mechanism of Haoqin Qingdantang in Treating Viral Pneumonia Based on Theory of Treating Different Diseases with Same Therapy
Xin PENG ; Haotian XU ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Kun YANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):209-217
The principle of treating different diseases with the same therapy is the essence of syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It means that when the same pathogenic changes or the same symptoms appear in the development of different diseases, the same principles or methods can be used for treatment. Due to the complexity and high variability of viral pathogenicity, the precise and effective treatment of different types of viral pneumonia (VP) has always been a research focus and difficulty in modern medicine. VP belongs to the category of external-contraction febrile disease, warm disease, and epidemic in TCM. Haoqin Qingdantang (HQQDD) is a representative formula for clearing heat and dispelling dampness in warm diseases, and its intervention in VP caused by various viral infections has significant effects. This study, guided by the theory of treating different diseases with the same therapy, links the related studies on using HQQDD to treat different types of VP and finds that influenza virus pneumonia (IVP), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and COVID-19 all have a common pathogenic mechanism of dampness-heat at different stages of respective diseases. When these diseases are dominated by damp-heat factors, the use of HQQDD yields remarkable therapeutic effects. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that HQQDD can inhibit virus replication, reduce fever reactions, inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators, and regulate immune balance. Moreover, the sovereign medicine in this formula has excellent antiviral activity, and the formula reflects rich scientific connotations of treating VP. According to the theory of treating different diseases with the same therapy and based on the effective treatment practice and modern pharmacological research of HQQDD for different types of VP, this paper mines the underlying TCM theory of treatment with the same therapy, explores the syndrome differentiation and treatment strategy and effect mechanism of this formula for different types of VP, and analyzes the treatment mechanism and characteristics, with the aim of providing evidence and reference for the clinical application and modern research of HQQDD.
4.Association between alcohol consumption and lumbar disc herniation
ZHANG Ronghua ; HU Jihong ; ZHAO Jirong ; JIN Limei ; CHEN Zhiwei ; SHAO Hong ; WANG Li ; ZHANG Zhidong ; LONG Kaichong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(11):1129-1134
Objective:
To analyze the association between alcohol consumption and lumbar disc herniation (LDH), so as to provide a reference for the development of prevention and treatment strategies for LDH.
Methods:
From May to July 2022, permanent residents aged ≥18 years from eight counties (cities/districts) in Gansu Province were selected using a multistage stratified random sampling method. Data on basic characteristics, alcohol consumption in the past 30 days, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were collected through questionnaire surveys. LDH was determined based on imaging findings, combined with disease history or clinical symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between alcohol consumption and LDH, with subgroup analyses conducted by gender, age, ethnicity, and altitude of residence. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized for sensitivity analysis.
Results:
A total of 4 545 individuals were surveyed. There were 2 026 (44.58%) males and 2 519 (55.42%) females. The mean age was (44.82±15.33) years. The study participants were predominantly of Han ethnicity, with 2 598 persons accounting for 57.17%. The altitude of residence was mainly above 3 500 m, with 1 941 persons accounting for 42.71%. There were 574 alcohol drinkers, accounting for 12.63%. LDH was detected in 1 035 cases, with a detection rate of 22.77%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for gender, age, physical activity, and hypertension, compared to non-drinking residents, alcohol-consuming residents exhibited a 27.6% reduction in the risk of LDH (OR=0.724, 95%CI: 0.544-0.963). No significant interaction effects on LDH risk were observed between alcohol consumption and gender, age, ethnicity, or altitude of residence (all Pfor interaction >0.05). The results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that compared to non-drinking residents, alcohol-consuming residents exhibited a 38.8% reduction in the risk of LDH (OR=0.612, 95%CI: 0.382-0.976).
Conclusion
Alcohol consumption was statistically associated with a lower risk of LDH.
6.Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals abnormal angiogenesis and placentation by loss of imprinted glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase.
Jing GUO ; Jihong ZHENG ; Ruixia LI ; Jindong YAO ; He ZHANG ; Xu WANG ; Chao ZHANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(6):589-608
Imprinted genes play a key role in regulating mammalian placental and embryonic development. Here, we generated glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-knockout (Qpct-/-) mice utilizing the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) platform and identified Qpct as a novel anti-angiogenic factor in regulating mouse placentation. Compared with Qpct+/+ mice, placentae and embryos (Qpct-/+ and Qpct-/-) showed significant overgrowth at embryonic Day 12.5 (E12.5), E15.5, and E18.5. Using single-cell transcriptome analysis of 32 309 cells from Qpct+/+ and Qpct-/- mouse placentae, we identified 13 cell clusters via single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) (8880 Qpct+/+ and 13 577 Qpct-/- cells) and 20 cell clusters via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) (6567 Qpct+/+ and 3285 Qpct-/- cells). Furthermore, we observed a global up-regulation of pro-angiogenic genes in the Qpct-/- background. Immunohistochemistry assays revealed a notable increase in the number of blood vessels in the decidual and labyrinthine layers of E15.5 Qpct-/+ and Qpct-/- mice. Moreover, the elevation of multiple pairs of ligand-receptor interactions was observed in decidual cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages, promoting angiogenesis and inflammatory response. Our findings indicate that loss of maternal Qpct leads to altered phenotypic characteristics of placentae and embryos and promotes angiogenesis in murine placentae.
Animals
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Mice
;
Placentation/genetics*
;
Single-Cell Analysis
;
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Transcriptome
;
Placenta/blood supply*
;
Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics*
;
Genomic Imprinting
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Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis
;
Angiogenesis
7.Expert consensus on imaging diagnosis and analysis of early correction of childhood malocclusion.
Zitong LIN ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Ziyang HU ; Zuyan ZHANG ; Yong CHENG ; Bing FANG ; Hong HE ; Hu WANG ; Gang LI ; Jun GUO ; Weihua GUO ; Xiaobing LI ; Guangning ZHENG ; Zhimin LI ; Donglin ZENG ; Yan LIU ; Yuehua LIU ; Min HU ; Lunguo XIA ; Jihong ZHAO ; Yaling SONG ; Huang LI ; Jun JI ; Jinlin SONG ; Lili CHEN ; Tiemei WANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):21-21
Early correction of childhood malocclusion is timely managing morphological, structural, and functional abnormalities at different dentomaxillofacial developmental stages. The selection of appropriate imaging examination and comprehensive radiological diagnosis and analysis play an important role in early correction of childhood malocclusion. This expert consensus is a collaborative effort by multidisciplinary experts in dentistry across the nation based on the current clinical evidence, aiming to provide general guidance on appropriate imaging examination selection, comprehensive and accurate imaging assessment for early orthodontic treatment patients.
Humans
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Malocclusion/diagnostic imaging*
;
Child
;
Consensus
8.Expert consensus on clinical randomized controlled trial design and evaluation methods for bone grafting or substitute materials in alveolar bone defects.
Xiaoyu LIAO ; Yang XUE ; Xueni ZHENG ; Enbo WANG ; Jian PAN ; Duohong ZOU ; Jihong ZHAO ; Bing HAN ; Changkui LIU ; Hong HUA ; Xinhua LIANG ; Shuhuan SHANG ; Wenmei WANG ; Shuibing LIU ; Hu WANG ; Pei WANG ; Bin FENG ; Jia JU ; Linlin ZHANG ; Kaijin HU
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(5):613-619
Bone grafting is a primary method for treating bone defects. Among various graft materials, xenogeneic bone substitutes are widely used in clinical practice due to their abundant sources, convenient processing and storage, and avoidance of secondary surgeries. With the advancement of domestic production and the limitations of imported products, an increasing number of bone filling or grafting substitute materials isentering clinical trials. Relevant experts have drafted this consensus to enhance the management of medical device clinical trials, protect the rights of participants, and ensure the scientific and effective execution of trials. It summarizes clinical experience in aspects, such as design principles, participant inclusion/exclusion criteria, observation periods, efficacy evaluation metrics, safety assessment indicators, and quality control, to provide guidance for professionals in the field.
Humans
;
Bone Substitutes/therapeutic use*
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods*
;
Consensus
;
Bone Transplantation
;
Research Design
9.Functional exercise for tendon adhesion in a model of deep flexor tendon Ⅱ injury of the third toe
Jie CHENG ; Jihong WANG ; Pei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(8):1161-1167
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have shown that the modified Tsuge suture method can be used to repair chicken tendon injuries.However,the lack of post-repair functional exercise leads to obvious tendon adhesions.Therefore,a functional exercise after tendon repair is very important. OBJECTIVE:To explore a scheme for passive functional exercise against tendon adhesion in a chicken model of flexor toe tendon rupture following repair using the modified Tsuge suture method. METHODS:A total of 100 Sanhuang chickens,10 months of age,were taken to make animal models of deep flexor tendon Ⅱ rupture of the third toe of the right foot.Animal models were randomized into five groups(n=20 per group):groups A,B,C and D were given plaster immobilization for 3 weeks after surgery,and were simultaneously given passive functional exercise 1,2,3,and 0 times a day for 3 weeks,respectively;group E had neither plaster immobilization nor passive functional exercise after surgery.The gross morphology of the chicken claw,the morphology of the tendon anastomosis end and the degree of peritendinous adhesion were observed.The slipping distance of the deep flexor tendon of the third toe,the flexion angles of all joints,the pathological morphology of the tendon at the anastomotic end and the hydroxyproline content were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The tendon of group E was completely ruptured around 6 day after surgery and was removed from the experiment.The chicken claws in groups B and C had better grasping morphology,group D had almost no grasping morphology,and group A had worse grasping morphology than groups B and C.In groups B and C,the tendon anastomosis end was not obviously expanded,with the texture similar to that of normal tendon tissue.Compared with group C,tendon adhesion was relatively mild in group B.In group D,the tendon anastomosis end was obviously expanded,with the hard texture,obvious peritendinous scar and serious adhesion.Expansion at the tendon anastomosis end was more obvious than groups B and C but less severe than group D.The slipping distance and the related flexion angles of the deep flexor tendon of the third toe were better in groups B and C than groups A and D(P<0.05).The content of hydroxyproline in the tendon of chickens in group B was higher than those in groups A,C and D(P<0.05).Findings from hematoxylin-eosin and Sirius red staining showed that collagen fibers of the tendon in groups A,C and B were gradually arranged in a directional manner,where the number of bright red and thick type Ⅰ collagen fibers was gradually increased and the number of tiny green type Ⅲ collagen fibers was gradually decreased.In group E,collagen fibers of the tendon were poorly arranged in a directional manner and type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ collagen fibers were cross-distributed.To conclude,adequate passive functional exercises twice a day following repair with the modified Tsuge suture method could effectively alleviate tendon adhesion and reduce tendon rupture in the chicken model of deep flexor tendon rupture.
10.Targeting cAMP in D1-MSNs in the nucleus accumbens, a new rapid antidepressant strategy.
Yue ZHANG ; Jingwen GAO ; Na LI ; Peng XU ; Shimeng QU ; Jinqian CHENG ; Mingrui WANG ; Xueru LI ; Yaheng SONG ; Fan XIAO ; Xinyu YANG ; Jihong LIU ; Hao HONG ; Ronghao MU ; Xiaotian LI ; Youmei WANG ; Hui XU ; Yuan XIE ; Tianming GAO ; Guangji WANG ; Jiye AA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):667-681
Studies have suggested that the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression; however, the regulatory strategy that targets the NAc to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit has not been elucidated. Here, we identified a specific reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the subset of dopamine D1 receptor medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) in the NAc that promoted stress susceptibility, while the stimulation of cAMP production in NAc D1-MSNs efficiently rescued depression-like behaviors. Ketamine treatment enhanced cAMP both in D1-MSNs and dopamine D2 receptor medium spiny neurons (D2-MSNs) of depressed mice, however, the rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine solely depended on elevating cAMP in NAc D1-MSNs. We discovered that a higher dose of crocin markedly increased cAMP in the NAc and consistently relieved depression 24 h after oral administration, but not a lower dose. The fast onset property of crocin was verified through multicenter studies. Moreover, crocin specifically targeted at D1-MSN cAMP signaling in the NAc to relieve depression and had no effect on D2-MSN. These findings characterize a new strategy to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit by elevating cAMP in D1-MSNs in the NAc, and provide a potential rapid antidepressant drug candidate, crocin.


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