1.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Gouty Arthritis via Regulating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Siyi CHEN ; Shumin HUANG ; Yushan ZHAO ; Jiajin LIN ; Qian SHI ; Yefeng CHEN ; Yize ZHANG ; Zhongwen ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):323-330
Gouty arthritis (GA) is an inflammatory disorder caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition, accompanied by elevated oxidative stress and aberrant release of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in joint tissue damage and intense pain. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key transcription factor regulating the antioxidant defence system, exerts cytoprotective effects through dissociation from Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and activates downstream antioxidant response element (ARE)-mediated pathways. It can upregulate the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione transferase (GST) to preserve redox homeostasis. Moreover, Nrf2 can suppress activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production and release, modulate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcriptional activity, regulate gut microbiota balance, enhance mitophagy, and inhibit apoptosis, so as to reduce joint inflammation and pain and promote body recovery. This review systematically examined recent advancements in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for GA prevention and treatment via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It delineated Nrf2's molecular mechanisms and its role in GA pathogenesis and elucidated how TCM intervenes in multiple pathways including Keap1/Nrf2/ARE, Nrf2/HO-1(NQO1), and Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3 to exert therapeutic effects. The study demonstrated that TCM monomers and compounds effectively counteract oxidative damage, attenuate inflammatory responses, promote autophagy, and inhibit apoptosis via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. These findings not only clarify the scientific basis of TCM in GA treatment but also offer strategic insights for developing novel Nrf2-targeted anti-gout drugs.
2.Role and mechanism of T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cells immune balance regulated by the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway mediated in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Qian WANG ; Kaiyang LI ; Mei YANG ; Hang ZHANG ; Shengjin ZHU ; Qi ZHAO ; Jing HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):942-947
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hepatocyte fatty degeneration and ballooning degeneration, and it plays an important role in the progression of hepatic steatosis. Recent studies have shown that immune homeostasis imbalance between T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells are closely associated with the pathological process of NASH. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a key cytokine for regulating the differentiation and proliferation of Th17/Treg cells, and TGF-β1 binds to its receptor and activates the Smad signaling pathway, thereby regulating the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells and the expression of inflammatory factors and participating in the repair of liver inflammation. This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanism of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in affecting NASH by regulating the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the research on the pathogenesis of NASH and related treatment strategies.
3.Current situation and prevention and control of coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis in key areas of the disease in Zhenxiong County, Yunnan Province
Kailian HUANG ; Anwei WANG ; Zhihua ZHAO ; Yujie LI ; Jiaguo LI ; Changyan PENG ; Tingting QIAN
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(8):647-651
Objective:To investigate the current prevalence and control status of coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis in key areas of the disease in Zhenxiong County of Yunnan Province, thereby providing scientific basis for formulating subsequent prevention strategies and measures.Methods:From October to November 2023, a simple random sampling method was used to conduct a survey in three key townships (towns) in Zhenxiong County, Chishuiyuan Town, Yanyuan Town, and Linkou Yi and Miao Ethnic Township. Three administrative villages were selected from each township (town) as survey sites, and dental fluorosis examination on children aged 8 - 12 years who were born and lived in the local area was conducted. Thirty households were selected from each survey site, the use of household stoves and the formation of related healthy living behaviors were investigated. At the same time, a survey was conducted among primary school students and housewives to investigate their knowledge of coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis prevention and control. The control and elimination of endemic areas were evaluated according to the "Assessment Protocol for Control and Elimination of Key Endemic Diseases (2019 Edition)".Results:A total of 1 172 children were examined, and the detection rate of dental fluorosis was 7.76% (91/1 172), with a dental fluorosis index of 0.11. A total of 295 households were investigated, and the qualified improved stoves rate and the correct use rate of qualified improved stoves were 95.59% (282/295) and 100% (282/282), respectively. The correct drying rate of edible corn and chili peppers was 79.66% (235/295). The awareness rates of coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis prevention and control knowledge among housewives and primary school students were 46.69% (409/876) and 82.49% (440.5/534), respectively. Among the 9 villages investigated, two villages had met the criteria for eliminating endemic disease areas, two villages had met the criteria for controlling endemic disease areas, and the remaining 5 villages were uncontrolled.Conclusions:After implementing the comprehensive prevention and control measures mainly based on changing stoves, coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis condition in Zhenxiong County has been effectively controlled, but there is still a significant gap between the elimination goals of some endemic fluorosis areas. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to strengthen prevention and control measures and promote health education.
4.Advances in the research of constipation
Zihan ZHAO ; Lan HUANG ; Weicheng LIU ; Jingjing TONG ; Qun QIAN
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(8):884-886
Constipation is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with a global prevalence of approximately 10%to 20%.Its causes include functional disorders,organic diseases,and drug factors,with the majority being functional constipation.In recent years,driven by advancements in biomedicine,artificial intelligence(AI),and microbiome research,significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of constipation.This review systematically explores the latest developments in constipation treatment,including the role of the gut microbiota in constipation,the metabolic regulatory effects of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),the impact of mental factors on intestinal motility.Additionally,it discusses future development directions such as AI-assisted diagnosis,AI-based consultation systems,personalized microbiota transplantation,and minimally invasive neuromodulation,providing new insights for precision medicine in constipation.
5.Analysis of the current status and prognosis of BKV, JCV, CMV and EBVviruria infections in renal transplant patients within one year after surgery
Qian HUANG ; Tianming LI ; Xiaowei MA ; Lin ZHAO ; Ruoyang CHEN ; Min LI ; Xiaoying CHEN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):628-633
Objective:This study aimed to analyze the infection status of viral viruria within one year after kidney transplantation, its impact on renal allograft function, and associated risk factors.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted, involving 370 patients who underwent allogeneic kidney transplantation at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Urinary viral loads of BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were detected using PCR fluorescent probe assays. Patients were categorized into infection and non-infection groups. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and tacrolimus trough concentration was measured during infections, and clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for viral viruria.Results:The 1-year patient survival rate and graft survival rate were both 98.6%. The incidence rates of viral viruria were as follows: JCV (42.7%), BKV (29.7%), CMV (11.6%), and EBV (2.9%), with statistically significant differences among viruses ( P<0.001). Single viral infection accounted for 48% of cases, while co-infections were predominantly BKV+JCV (9%). JCV infection rates remained consistently high throughout the year (22.4%-28.9%), whereas BKV infections peaked at 3 months postoperatively (20.5%). Co-infection with low-load JCV (>2 000 copies/ml) and CMV (>6 000 copies/ml) led to a significant decline in GFR at 6 months post-transplantation [median difference: 16.7 ml/(min×1.73 m2), P=0.019]. Univariate analysis revealed that elevated tacrolimus trough concentration was independent risk factor for BKV (4.90 vs. 4.30 ng/ml, Z=4.29, P<0.001) and JCV infections (5.30 vs. 4.80 ng/ml, Z=4.25, P<0.001). Conclusion:High incidences of JCV and BKV infections were observed post-kidney transplantation. Co-infection with low-load JCV and CMV accelerates renal function impairment, highlighting the critical role of tacrolimus concentration management in reducing viral infection risks.
6.Implementation of evidence-based strategies for surgical site infections around the globe and their effects
Jinqi WANG ; Bowen HUANG ; Qian WANG ; Lulu WANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Xi YAO
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(20):3054-3062
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the application effect of implementation strategies in the prevention and control of sur-gical site infection(SSI),and to review its research progress.METHODS A scoping review method was employed,invol-ving systematic searches across databases such as Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane,CNKI and Wanfang.After screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria,the included literature was analyzed and reported in a standard-ized manner.RESULTS A total of 47 articles were included.Most studies adopted comprehensive evidence-based practices(EBP)(≥2 types)and employed multimodal implementation strategies(≥3 items)to facilitate the implementation of SSI prevention and control EBP.Within the framework of the WHO multimodal strategy,42,39,39 and 24 studies re-spectively applied the four implementation strategies of system change,education and training,monitoring and feedback and reminder and communication,while only 9 studies applied the strategy of creating a safety culture.The highest pro-portion of studies(31.91%,15/47)employed a combination of four implementation strategies,with the common combi-nation being"system change+education and training+monitoring and feedback+reminder and communication"(29.79%,14/47),and this combination of four implementation strategies demonstrated outstanding performance in en-hancing EBP compliance.Totally 26(55.32%)showed decrease in the incidence of SSI after intervention(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS Implementation strategies are crucial for the successful implementation of SSI prevention and con-trol EBP.Multimodal implementation strategies are common approaches to facilitate the implementation of EBP.In the future,it is necessary to further standardize the application of scientific methods and improve the effect evaluation of im-plementation strategies,providing a reference for the sustained and widespread application of EBP in clinical practice.
7.The impact of coronary artery calcification on the long-term outcomes after chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention
Lihua XIE ; Changdong GUAN ; Zhongwei SUN ; Jie QIAN ; Fan WU ; Jingang CUI ; Yunfei HUANG ; Jue CHEN ; Fenghuan HU ; Jie ZHAO ; Yuejin YANG ; Shubin QIAO ; Kefei DOU ; Weixian YANG ; Yongjian WU ; Lei SONG
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(12):1375-1382
Objective:Investigate the impact of calcification on the long-term outcomes of patients with coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients who underwent PCI and had at least one CTO lesion at Fuwai Hospital between January 2010 and December 2013 were consecutively enrolled. Calcification was evaluated by coronary angiography, and patients were divided into two groups: moderate/severe calcification group and non/mild calcification group. Clinical follow-up was completed up to 5 years. Incidence of PCI-related complications and immediate procedural outcomes were compared between two groups, and the primary endpoint was the target lesion failure (TLF) at 5 years after PCI. Clinical follow-up endpoint events were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank test, and Cox multivariate regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between calcification and TLF.Results:The study included 2 659 CTO patients with an age of (57.2±10.5) years, of whom 442 (16.6%) were female, and among whom 13.5% (360/2 659) had moderate/severe calcification. Compared with the non/mild calcification group, the moderate/severe calcification group had a higher incidence of PCI-related complications (43.2% (156/361) vs. 32.5% (772/2 374), P<0.001) and procedural failure (34.3% (124/361) vs. 24.3% (577/2 374), P<0.001). Additionally, the moderate/severe calcification group showed a higher risk of the primary endpoint event (TLF) during the 5-year follow-up (19.8% vs. 15.3%, log-rank P=0.028). Higher incidence of cardiac death was observed in moderate/severe calcification group (5.7% vs. 2.7%, log-rank P=0.003). Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that moderate/severe calcified plaques remained an independent risk factor for 5-year TLF after CTO-PCI ( HR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.01-1.79, P=0.043). Conclusion:Compared with CTO patients with non/mild calcification, those with moderate/severe calcification have higher procedural failure and complication rates, as well as poorer long-term prognosis, mainly due to an increase in cardiac death.
8.Phase Ⅲ, multicenter, randomized comparative study of LY01005 and Zoladex ? for patients with premenopausal breast cancer
Xiying SHAO ; Qingyuan ZHANG ; Zhaofeng NIU ; Man LI ; Jingfen WANG ; Zhanhong CHEN ; Ruizhen LUO ; Guangdong QIAO ; Jianguo WANG ; Liyuan QIAN ; Ronghua YANG ; Zhendong CHEN ; Jian WANG ; Yumin YAO ; Jianghua OU ; Tao SUN ; Qiao CHENG ; Yongsheng WANG ; Jian HUANG ; Hongying ZHAO ; Wuyun SU ; Zhong OUYANG ; Yu DING ; Lilin CHEN ; Sumei YANG ; Mengsheng CUI ; Aimin ZANG ; Enxiang ZHOU ; Peizhi FAN ; Jing ZHANG ; Qiang LIU ; Yuee TENG ; Hui LI ; Jianyun NIE ; Jin YANG ; Xiaojia WANG ; Zefei JIANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(4):340-348
Background:To compare the efficacy and safety of monthly administrations of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists LY01005 and Zoladex ? in Chinese patients with premenopausal breast cancer. Methods:From October 2020 to November 2021, 188 premenopausal breast cancer patients were enrolled in 34 hospitals and randomized 1:1 to receive either LY01005 or Zoladex ? every 28 days for a total of three injections. All patients concomitantly received oral tamoxifen (TAM). The primary efficacy endpoint was cumulative probability of maintaining menopausal level [oestradiol (E2) ≤30 pg/ml] from day 29 to day 85. The second efficacy endpoint included changes in E2, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) compared with the baseline. Pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety were analyzed. The study also evaluated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of LY01005. Results:A total of 188 patients were randomised and 187 patients received either LY01005 or Zoladex ?. Cumulative probabilities of maintaining menopausal level (E2≤30 pg/ml) from day 29 to day 85 were 93.1% for LY01005 and 86.3% for Zoladex ?. The between-group difference was 6.8% (95% CI: -2.3%, 15.9%) and primary efficacy in the LY01005 group was not inferior to that in the Zoladex ? group. Changes in E2, LH, and FSH levels compared with the baseline were equivalent between the two groups (E2: 89.34% to 90.23% vs. 82.11% to 85.02%; LH: 88.89% to 95.52% vs. 89.70% to 97.02%; FSH: 75.36% to 80.85% vs.73.07% to 80.24%, respectively). After three consecutive doses of LY01005, the LH and FSH levels of the subjects showed a transient increase after the first dose, reached a peak on the second day and then started to decrease. The LH and FSH reached a lower level and remained at or below that level until the 85th day. Both treatments were well-tolerated. Conclusion:LY01005 is as effective as Zoladex ? in suppressing E2 to menopausal levels in Chinese patients with premenopausal breast cancer, with a similar safety profile.
9.Progress in role and intervention of M2 microglia in ischemic stroke
Si-rou WANG ; Qian ZHANG ; Guo-jian ZHAO ; Meng-jie ZHANG ; Zhi-hua HUANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):411-416
Stroke is one of the main diseases that threaten human health,including ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke,with the former being the main cause.The important pathogenesis of ischemic stroke includes neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,and excitatory toxic damage,and neuroinflammation plays an impor-tant role in the pathogenesis and rehabilitation process of ische-mic stroke.Microglia are inherent immune cells in the central nervous system,which monitor the site of injury and respond to the immune response as soon as a stroke occurs.The activated microglia are mainly polarized into pro-inflammatory M1 type and anti-inflammatory M2 type.The latter improves neurological dys-function by inhibiting neuroinflammation,promoting neuronal re-generation and myelin repair,and maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.It suggests that it may be a potential target for treating ischemic stroke by combating acute phase injury and promoting chronic phase rehabilitation.Precise regulation of M1/M2 activation has important therapeutic value in cerebral protection in ischemic stroke.This article focuses on the role of M2 microglia in ischemic stroke and the mechanism of various drugs or acupuncture and moxibustion therapy regulating the transformation of microglia into M2 type,in order to provide theo-retical basis for clinical treatment of stroke and new drug devel-opment.
10.Functional mechanism of Qushi Huoxue decoction in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Wei-qiang TAN ; Xiao-ke RAN ; Zhao-quan PAN ; Xu-dong LIU ; Ye-huang WEI ; Xiao-qian GONG ; Rong-rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1761-1768
Aim To verify the therapeutic effect of the Qushi Huoxue decoction(QSHXF)on a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)using network pharmacology and experimental approaches,to examine the changes in the PI3K-AKT-lipid metabo-lism signaling pathway,and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms.Methods The potential active ingredi-ents and targets of the QSHXF were identified using the TCMSP platform.NAFLD-related genes were sourced from the GeneCards,PharmGkb,TTD,and OMIM data-bases.The intersection of drug targets and NAFLD treatment targets was analyzed to identify the key tar-gets of the QSHXF in treating NAFLD.The STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.1 software were utilized to construct networks linking traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients to disease targets and PPI networks,allowing for the screening of key active ingredients and core targets.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the intersecting targets were conducted using R version 4.2.2.The NAFLD model was established by feeding mice a methionine-choline deficient diet for a duration of five weeks.Following successful modeling,low,me-dium,and high doses of the QSHXF were administered for intervention over a period of six weeks.The efficacy was verified and the underlying mechanisms were ex-plored using methods such as HE staining,Oil Red O staining,and Western blot analysis.Results The net-work pharmacology prediction indicated that QSHXF might effectively treat NAFLD through key components such as quercetin and kaempferol,as well as core tar-gets including STAT3,AKT1,and HIF1A.KEGG en-richment analysis further suggested that QSHXF might exert its therapeutic effects on NAFLD via signaling pathways such as AGE-RAGE and PI3K-AKT.Verifi-cation through animal experiments demonstrated that QSHXF could significantly reduce hepatic steatosis and lipid droplet accumulation in NAFLD mice.Specifical-ly,it markedly decreased serum levels of TC,TG,ALT,AST,and LDL,while increasing HDL levels.Addition-ally,the treatment significantly reduced the protein ex-pression levels of p-PI3K,p-AKT,SREBP-1c,FASN,and ACC1 in the liver.Conclusions QSHXF can sig-nificantly enhance liver function,improve blood lipid levels,and alleviate hepatic steatosis in NAFLD mice,with its mechanism potentially linked to the inhibition of the PI3K-AKT-lipid metabolism signaling pathway.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail