To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications （DMC）， refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles， and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine， hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine， was held in Beijing， 2024. Experts in TCM， Western medicine， and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis， diagnostic and treatment challenges， and mechanism research related to DMC， ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development， research prioritization， and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM， strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.

To investigate whether Tasquinimod can influence cisplatin resistance in drug-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines by regulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) or p21, we explored its effects on the cell cycle, and associated mechanisms.RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, flow cytometry, CCK8 assay, and immunofluorescence were utilized to investigate the effects of Tasquinimod on gene expression, cell cycle, apoptosis, viability, and protein levels in OC cells. The results showed that Tasquinimod inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP (cisplatin) and A2780/DDP cells more effectively than DDP alone. In combination with cisplatin, Tasquinimod further enhanced cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability in these cell lines, an effect that could be reversed following HDAC4 overexpression. Tasquinimod treatment down-regulated HDAC4, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1, and CDK4 expression and up-regulated the cleaved-Caspase-3, and p21 expression in SKOV3/DDP and A2780/ DDP cells. Additionally, Tasquinimod inhibited DDP resistance in OC/DDP cells. These effects were similarly observed in OC mouse models treated with Tasquinimod. In conclusion, Tasquinimod can improve OC cells' sensitivity to DDP by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 axis, offering insights into potential strategies for overcoming cisplatin resistance in OC.

To investigate whether Tasquinimod can influence cisplatin resistance in drug-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines by regulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) or p21, we explored its effects on the cell cycle, and associated mechanisms.RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, flow cytometry, CCK8 assay, and immunofluorescence were utilized to investigate the effects of Tasquinimod on gene expression, cell cycle, apoptosis, viability, and protein levels in OC cells. The results showed that Tasquinimod inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP (cisplatin) and A2780/DDP cells more effectively than DDP alone. In combination with cisplatin, Tasquinimod further enhanced cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability in these cell lines, an effect that could be reversed following HDAC4 overexpression. Tasquinimod treatment down-regulated HDAC4, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1, and CDK4 expression and up-regulated the cleaved-Caspase-3, and p21 expression in SKOV3/DDP and A2780/ DDP cells. Additionally, Tasquinimod inhibited DDP resistance in OC/DDP cells. These effects were similarly observed in OC mouse models treated with Tasquinimod. In conclusion, Tasquinimod can improve OC cells' sensitivity to DDP by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 axis, offering insights into potential strategies for overcoming cisplatin resistance in OC.

To investigate whether Tasquinimod can influence cisplatin resistance in drug-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines by regulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) or p21, we explored its effects on the cell cycle, and associated mechanisms.RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, flow cytometry, CCK8 assay, and immunofluorescence were utilized to investigate the effects of Tasquinimod on gene expression, cell cycle, apoptosis, viability, and protein levels in OC cells. The results showed that Tasquinimod inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP (cisplatin) and A2780/DDP cells more effectively than DDP alone. In combination with cisplatin, Tasquinimod further enhanced cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability in these cell lines, an effect that could be reversed following HDAC4 overexpression. Tasquinimod treatment down-regulated HDAC4, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1, and CDK4 expression and up-regulated the cleaved-Caspase-3, and p21 expression in SKOV3/DDP and A2780/ DDP cells. Additionally, Tasquinimod inhibited DDP resistance in OC/DDP cells. These effects were similarly observed in OC mouse models treated with Tasquinimod. In conclusion, Tasquinimod can improve OC cells' sensitivity to DDP by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 axis, offering insights into potential strategies for overcoming cisplatin resistance in OC.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the antidepression mechanisms of Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a classic Chinese prescription, from the perspective of energy metabolism in the brain and intestinal tissues. METHODS: Chronic unpredictable mild stress model-a classic depression rat model-was established. Effects of XYS on behaviors and gastrointestinal motility of depressed rats were investigated. Effects of XYS on energetic charge (EC), adenosine triphosphate-related enzymes, and key enzymes of energy metabolism in both hippocampus and jejunum tissues of depressed rats were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography, biochemical analysis, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to construct a correlation network of "behavior-brain energy metabolism-intestinal energy metabolism" of depression. RESULTS: XYS significantly reduced the abnormal behaviors that observed in depressed rats and increased the EC and the activity of Na⁺-K⁺-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase in hippocampus and jejunum tissues of depressed rats. XYS restored the key energetic pathways that had been interrupted by depression, including glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, XYS exhibited antidepressive effects in terms of regulating energy metabolism in tissues of both brain and intestine. CONCLUSION XYS significantly corrected the disturbances in EC and energy metabolism-related enzymes of both brain and intestinal tissues, alleviating both core and concomitant symptoms of depression. The current findings underscore the role of energy metabolism in the antidepressive activity of XYS, providing a fresh perspective on depression, and novel research strategies for revealing the mechanism of actions of traditional Chinese medicines on multi-site and multi-symptom diseases. Please cite this article as: Xiao MT, Wang SY, Wu XL, Zhao ZY, Wang HM, Liu HM, Qin XM, Liu XJ. Antidepressant mechanism of Xiaoyaosan: A perspective from energy metabolism of the brain and intestine. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):706-720.
Animals ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects* ; Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Brain/drug effects* ; Male ; Depression/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Intestines/drug effects* ; Hippocampus/drug effects*

Objective To explore the latent profile analysis of oral frailty in elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions and to analyze the influencing factors of different potential profiles in order to provide a theoretical basis for constructing clinical intervention programs.Methods Convenience sampling method was used to select elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions in a tertiary hospital in Hefei City from July to December 2024 as the survey subjects.General information questionnaire,the Chinese version of the Oral Frailty Index-8,Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short-Form,Consumer Health Activation Index and Family APGAR Index Questionnaire were used to conduct the survey,and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors.Results A total of 418 elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions were included,with a total oral frailty score of(7.21±2.83).Oral frailty in elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions can be classified into 3 potential profiles,namely severe oral frailty-low oral functioning group(60.53％),moderate oral frailty-high social behaviors group(8.85％),mild oral frailty-high oral health behavior group(30.62％).Age,family care,type of chronic disease,type of oral medication,and consumer health activation index were influential factors for different potential profiles(P＜0.05).Conclusion The oral frailty in elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions was heterogeneous.Caregivers should focus on the severe oral frailty-low oral functioning group and the moderate oral frailty-high social behavior group,and develop targeted interventions according to the patients'different profile characteristics and influencing factors to prevent and delay the occurrence of oral frailty.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatment of acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients with ASUC treated with JAK inhibitors at the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University between January 2021 and March 2024 were enrolled. The primary endpoints were clinical response rate at 1 week and colectomy rate at 90 days. The secondary endpoints were clinical response rate and clinical remission rate at 8 weeks, and adverse events rate at 90 days.Results:A total of 15 patients with ASUC (7 men, 8 women; mean age, 42.47±9.92 years) were included. Eight patients were treated with upadacitinib, and 7 with tofacitinib. The clinical response rate at 1 week was 53.3% (8/15), the colectomy rate at 90 days was 20.0% (3/15), the clinical response rate at 8 weeks was 60.0% (9/15), and the clinical remission rate at 8 weeks was 33.3% (5/15). During the 90-day follow-up, only 1 patient (6.7%) treated with tofacitinib experienced a mild leukopenia.Conclusion:JAK inhibitors are effective for ASUC with the high safety.

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy of our modified anterior pelvic ring internal fixator(INFIX) in the treatment of anterior pelvic ring injuries.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data from the 16 patients with pelvic anterior ring injury who had been treated with our modified INFIX at Department of Orthopaedics, The First Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical University from June 2020 to June 2023. There were 9 males and 7 females with an age of (49.1±14.3) years. According to the AO/OTA classification, 10 cases were of type B2 and 6 cases of type C1. Their time from injury to surgery was (7.6±2.9) days. Fixation with our modified INFIX was as follows: Three pedicle screws were inserted into the anterior inferior iliac spine on one side and into the pubic symphysis on both sides. Next, a subcutaneous tunnel was created from the anterior inferior iliac spine incision toward the pubic symphysis, and connecting rods were inserted for fixation. The surgical incision length, intraoperative blood loss, surgical time, postoperative fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, incidence of complications during follow-up, and pelvic functional recovery at the last follow-up were recorded in this cohort.Results:In this cohort, surgical incision length was (5.8±0.4) cm, intraoperative blood loss (75.4±11.9) mL, and surgical time (66.1±8.9) min. By the end of one week after surgery, the quality of fracture reduction was evaluated according to the Matta scoring criteria as excellent in 11 cases and as good in 5 cases. All patients were followed up for (17.4±3.1) months after surgery. The fractures got united in all the 16 patients after (11.2±1.2) weeks. At the last follow-up, the pelvic function recovery was evaluated according to the Majeed scoring system as excellent in 13 cases and as good in 3 cases, yielding a Majeed score of (90.1±4.2) points. During the follow-up period, no patient developed complications such as nerve injury, wound infection, or loosening, breakage or withdrawal of internal fixation devices.Conclusion:In the treatment of anterior pelvic ring injuries, our modified INFIX has the advantages of few complications, simple operation and minimal invasion, leading to good short-term efficacy.