1.Action Mechanism of Huamoyan Granules in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Based on TRPV1/p38 MAPK Pathway
Jin ZHANG ; Lili YANG ; Canwen ZHENG ; Jing KANG ; Yanlei MA ; Yue SHI ; Lei LI ; Hongxu MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):79-89
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the protective effect of Huamoyan granules on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and explore whether its protective effect is oriented toward an anti-inflammatory direction by regulation of macrophage polarization, which can effectively inhibit the progression of pathological inflammatory response, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate the protein expression level of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), so as to provide experimental evidence for its clinical application and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, model group, celecoxib group, and high, medium, and low-dose synovitis granule groups (9.6, 4.8, 2.4 g·kg-1). The administration dose of celecoxib capsules was 20 mg·kg-1. There were 10 rats in the sham group and 12 rats in the model group and each administration group. A KOA animal model was established by means of intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate into the knee joint. From the 10th day of the experiment, each administration group was given intragastric administration at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 for 4 weeks. General conditions of rats in each group were assessed daily. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) to mechanical stimulation and joint diameter were recorded. X-ray examination was performed on the right knee joints of rats for imaging analysis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat serum samples, as well as the expression levels of neurogenic inflammatory mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Histopathological changes in the knee joint synovial tissues were examined by hematoxylineosin (HE) staining. Safranin O-fast green staining was performed to observe and evaluate the degree of knee cartilage lesions. Western blot was employed to quantitatively analyze TRPV1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK in rat knee synovial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to measure and assess M1/M2 macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with those in the sham group, the circumference and joint diameter of the right knee were markedly enlarged in the model group (P<0.01), while PPTs of rats showed a significant reduction (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β, TNF-α, CGRP, and NGF in rats' serum were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the synovial Krenn score was increased (P<0.01). The Mankin score of cartilage tissue was increased (P<0.01), and the protein expressions of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). The experimental intervention significantly reduced the proportion of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in the total macrophage population (P<0.01), and the percentage of M2 macrophages was decreased (P<0.01). The M1/M2 macrophage ratio was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Knee joint diameters of all dose groups of Huamoyan granules and the celecoxib group were reduced (P<0.01) compared with those of the model group, and the PPT recovery speeds in the high and medium-dose groups of Huamoyan granules were more obvious (P<0.05). The contents of IL-1β, CGRP, and NGF in the rats' serum in all administration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of TNF-α in rats' serum was significantly reduced (P<0.01). All dose groups of Huamoyan granules demonstrated significant reductions in both synovial Krenn score (P<0.05, P<0.01) and protein expression of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK in rats' synovial tissues (P<0.01). The percentage of M1 macrophages in the synovial tissues of the celecoxib group and all dose groups of Huamoyan granules was decreased (P<0.01). The percentage of M2 macrophages was increased (P<0.05), and the M1/M2 ratio was decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuamoyan granules can alleviate the inflammatory response of KOA, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate TRPV1 protein expression by regulating macrophage polarization. Its mechanism may be related to the TRPV1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thereby achieving the effect of improving peripheral pain hypersensitivity in KOA.
2.Current Status,Challenges,and Strategies of Basic Research on the Brain-Gut Interaction Theory for Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ting CHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Xiaohua HOU ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lifei ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Xinxin WANG ; Xuan LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):517-522
The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis, involving neural, endocrine, and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs (脏腑) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory, and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid, the liver governing the free flow of qi, and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases, including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, neurotransmitter levels, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses, as well as the gut microecology. However, current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges, such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology, lack of innovation in research concepts, and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration, multi-omics technologies, and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases, thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.
3.Activation of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)ergic Neural Circuit in Salicylate-Induced Tinnitus: the Inferior Colliculus to the Medial Geniculate Body
Xu-Yuan PENG ; Jiang WANG ; Ming-Yue GONG ; Li-Yuan ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bin CHEN ; Zheng-Quan TANG ; Lei CHENG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):55-69
Objectives:
. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neural circuits from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the medial geniculate body (MGB) in salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Methods:
. Mice were treated with salicylate to induce tinnitus, and tinnitus-like behaviors were evaluated via gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. Using combined viral tracing methodologies, we identified and mapped the pathways and connections from the IC to the MGB. Furthermore, we employed Gq-coupled human M3 designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) and Gi-coupled human M4 DREADDs to achieve targeted excitation or suppression of GABAergic neurons in the IC and MGB. Following the administration of clozapine N-oxide, which binds to these receptors, we modulated these neural circuits to assess their impact on tinnitus severity in a mouse model.
Results:
. Our findings demonstrated that mice exposed to salicylate exhibited tinnitus-like behaviors. GABAergic neurons projecting retrogradely from the MGB to the IC were primarily concentrated in the external nucleus of the IC. After clozapine N-oxide administration, chemogenetic activation of IC-MGB GABAergic neurons aggravated salicylate-induced tinnitus. Additionally, activation of GABAergic neurons between the IC and MGB induced the perception of tinnitus even without salicylate. However, chemogenetic inhibition of the IC-MGB GABAergic circuit did not reverse salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Conclusion
. These findings suggest that activation of the IC-MGB GABAergic neural circuit may contribute to tinnitus generation through a mechanism distinct from that of salicylate-induced tinnitus. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
4.Expert consensus on electronic patient-reported outcome-based symptom management for perioperative lung cancer patients (version 2026)
Wei DAI ; Cheng LEI ; Yuanqiang ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Pengyu Jinming ; Jinming XU ; Yuzhen ZHENG ; Liang ZHAO ; Guibin QIAO ; Guowei CHE ; Jian HU ; Lei JIANG ; Jie LI ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1166-1178
Patients with lung cancer experience a heavy symptom burden during the perioperative period, which seriously affects their recovery and quality of life. Traditional symptom management models rely mainly on scheduled ward rounds during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up after discharge. However, they have limitations such as delayed symptom recognition, lack of post-discharge monitoring, and non-quantitative symptom assessment, which often lead to delayed interventions and low patient satisfaction. In recent years, the symptom management model based on electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has been increasingly valued in clinical practice. Existing high-level evidence from both domestic and international studies indicates that, through proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and remote interventions, this model enables dynamic and continuous symptom management and helps improve patient recovery and healthcare experience. As a supplement to routine medical care, the ePRO-based symptom management model aims to enhance the quality of care rather than replace existing medical processes. To promote the standardized application of this model in perioperative lung cancer care, this consensus integrates domestic and international evidence. After multiple rounds of voting by more than 50 experts, it formulates 12 consensus statements covering the three core components, symptom monitoring, alerting, and intervention, to provide scientific and practical recommendations for clinical practice.
5.Clinical Application of Qili Qiangxin Capsules in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure: A Review
Dongmei LI ; Ziyi WANG ; Yuzhi JIA ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Jia SUN ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):306-313
This study systematically dissects the core pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF) featured by internal deficiency and external excess,imbalance of Qi,blood,Yin,and Yang,and intermingling of phlegm,blood stasis,and fluid retention. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic principles of simultaneously treating root cause and symptoms,regulating Yin and Yang,replenishing Qi and activating blood,and promoting urination to relieve edema,this article deeply explores the formula-syndrome correspondence of Qili Qiangxin (QLQX) capsules in the treatment of CHF,providing a solid theoretical basis for the multi-effect characteristics of this drug. CHF is a common critical cardiovascular disease in clinical practice,and its pathological process involves multiple links including myocardial injury,neurohumoral disturbance,and ventricular remodeling. Its TCM pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple Zang-Fu organs,making it difficult for a single therapeutic method to achieve comprehensive coverage. QLQX capsules,formulated based on classical TCM theory,perfectly matches the pathogenic characteristics of CHF. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that QLQX capsules possess definite cardiotonic,diuretic,and vasodilatory effects. The active ingredients of QLQX capsules can rapidly and effectively alleviate the core clinical symptoms such as chest tightness,shortness of breath,decreased exercise tolerance,limb edema,palpitations,and fatigue of CHF patients by enhancing myocardial contractility and coronary blood flow,improving renal water excretion function,dilating peripheral blood vessels,and reducing cardiac load,thereby significantly improving patients' quality of life. On the basis of analyzing the symptomatic treatment of CHF with QLQX capsules,this study further expounds that the drug can intervene in ventricular remodeling through multiple pathways and targets,regulate the pathological mechanism of CHF,improve vascular endothelial function,mediate the activation of related signaling pathways,inhibit the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts,and regulate myocardial energy metabolism,thus delaying disease progression. QLQX capsules exert significant benefits in reducing composite cardiac events,improving New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification,left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),6-minute walking distance (6MWD),and quality of life,demonstrating favorable clinical value. With the TCM pathogenesis of CHF as the guiding principle and modern pharmacology as the evidence,this study systematically clarifies the core advantage of QLQX capsules in treatment based on syndrome differentiation and multi-target synergy through the in-depth integration of TCM theory and modern pharmacology. It provides academic support with both theoretical depth and practical value for TCM intervention in CHF,and contributes TCM wisdom and schemes to the construction of a chronic disease management system with Chinese characteristics.
6.Clinical Application of Qili Qiangxin Capsules in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure: A Review
Dongmei LI ; Ziyi WANG ; Yuzhi JIA ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Jia SUN ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):306-313
This study systematically dissects the core pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF) featured by internal deficiency and external excess,imbalance of Qi,blood,Yin,and Yang,and intermingling of phlegm,blood stasis,and fluid retention. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic principles of simultaneously treating root cause and symptoms,regulating Yin and Yang,replenishing Qi and activating blood,and promoting urination to relieve edema,this article deeply explores the formula-syndrome correspondence of Qili Qiangxin (QLQX) capsules in the treatment of CHF,providing a solid theoretical basis for the multi-effect characteristics of this drug. CHF is a common critical cardiovascular disease in clinical practice,and its pathological process involves multiple links including myocardial injury,neurohumoral disturbance,and ventricular remodeling. Its TCM pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple Zang-Fu organs,making it difficult for a single therapeutic method to achieve comprehensive coverage. QLQX capsules,formulated based on classical TCM theory,perfectly matches the pathogenic characteristics of CHF. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that QLQX capsules possess definite cardiotonic,diuretic,and vasodilatory effects. The active ingredients of QLQX capsules can rapidly and effectively alleviate the core clinical symptoms such as chest tightness,shortness of breath,decreased exercise tolerance,limb edema,palpitations,and fatigue of CHF patients by enhancing myocardial contractility and coronary blood flow,improving renal water excretion function,dilating peripheral blood vessels,and reducing cardiac load,thereby significantly improving patients' quality of life. On the basis of analyzing the symptomatic treatment of CHF with QLQX capsules,this study further expounds that the drug can intervene in ventricular remodeling through multiple pathways and targets,regulate the pathological mechanism of CHF,improve vascular endothelial function,mediate the activation of related signaling pathways,inhibit the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts,and regulate myocardial energy metabolism,thus delaying disease progression. QLQX capsules exert significant benefits in reducing composite cardiac events,improving New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification,left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),6-minute walking distance (6MWD),and quality of life,demonstrating favorable clinical value. With the TCM pathogenesis of CHF as the guiding principle and modern pharmacology as the evidence,this study systematically clarifies the core advantage of QLQX capsules in treatment based on syndrome differentiation and multi-target synergy through the in-depth integration of TCM theory and modern pharmacology. It provides academic support with both theoretical depth and practical value for TCM intervention in CHF,and contributes TCM wisdom and schemes to the construction of a chronic disease management system with Chinese characteristics.
7.Analysis of drinking water quality and related factors in rural schools in Anhui Province from 2023 to 2025
ZHENG Li, MA Lei, SUI Xinmiao, LI Fei, YANG Jicui, XU Yanlong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1354-1357
Objective:
To assess the drinking water quality and its related factors in rural schools in Anhui Province from 2023 to 2025, so as to provide a basis for drinking water management of school.
Methods:
From July 2023 to December 2025, a total of 920 drinking water samples from rural schools were collected and tested in all 59 counties in Anhui Province by using stratified random sampling. The results were evaluated based on the Standards for Drinking Water Quality. Chi-square test, Chi-square trend test, and Logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.
Results:
From 2023 to 2025,the compliance rates of drinking water quality in rural schools were 79.06%,84.10%,87.15% respectively,with an overall compliance rate of 84.24%. The water quality compliance rate showed an upward trend over the three years ( χ 2 trend =5.99, P <0.05). Conventional treatment was the predominant water supply mode (74.57%), and rural centralized projects accounted for most water supply facilities (83.70%). Univariate analysis indicated that water samples from surface water sources, large scale water plants, municipal water supply, rural centralized water supply projects, conventional treatment processes and plants with sanitary licenses had significantly higher compliance rates ( χ 2=94.52, 74.39, 253.69, 218.34, 113.34,all P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for survey year, water supply mode( OR =4.98, 95% CI =2.55-9.75), sanitary license( OR =2.36, 95% CI =1.29-4.31), and water plant type( OR =3.78, 95% CI =2.04-7.03) were factors associated with the compliance rate of drinking water (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Drinking water quality in rural schools across Anhui Province has improved, but the compliance rates of water samples from supplies with unconventional treatment, self supplied facilities, and supplies without health permits are relatively low. The water treatment of water plants should be improved, sanitation management should be strengthened, so as to ensure the safety of drinking water in schools.
8.Urban drinking water quality in Anhui Province in 2014-2022
Yanlong XU ; Lei MA ; Xiaoliang FENG ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Xinmiao SUI ; Fei LI ; Li ZHENG ; Qinghua XU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):35-38
Objective To analyze the urban drinking water quality and its influencing factors in Anhui Province from 2014 to 2022, and to provide a scientific basis for water quality improvement and protection. Methods The data were collected, saved and monitored according to the Standard Test Method for Drinking Water (GB/T5750-2006) and evaluated according to the Hygienic Standard for Drinking Water (GB 5749-2006). Results A total of 20 941 samples were collected, and the overall qualified rate was 84.26%. The qualified rate of urban drinking water increased from 76.9% in 2014 to 93.3% in 2022, and the qualified rate of water quality was on the rise (χ2=544.43, P<0.01). From 2014 to 2022, the qualified rate of water quality in dry season was higher than that in wet season (χ2=35.98, P<0.001), the qualified rate of surface water was higher than that of ground water (χ2=4440.8, P<0.001), and the qualified rate of peripheral tap water was higher than that of factory water (χ2=145.1, P<0.001). Among all kinds of disinfection methods, chlorination disinfection had the highest qualified rate (χ2=1483.8, P<0.001). The qualified rate of water quality increased with the increase of the scale of water plant. Among the inspected indicators, the main unqualified indicators were chlorine dioxide (7.72%), fluoride (7.41%), free residual chlorine (3.90%), and total bacterial count (2.13%). Conclusion The passing rate of urban drinking water quality in Anhui Province is on an upward trend, and the quality of urban drinking water has improved. However, it is still important to pay attention to the problem of excessive microorganism and fluoride in water, and the quality of drinking water varies from place to place.
9.Experiences of food avoidance behavior in patients with inflammatory bowel disease:a qualitative study
Qingyu WANG ; Meijing ZHOU ; Yang LEI ; Sha LI ; Junyi GU ; Zheng LIN ; Qiugui BIAN ; Jiefeng YANG ; Lichen TANG ; Jiali CHEN ; Hantian CHENG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(11):1323-1329
Objective This study applies Roy adaptation theory to deeply explore the experience of food avoid-ance behavior in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),offering insights for developing dietary management strategies.Methods A descriptive qualitative research method was employed.By purposive sampling,24 IBD pa-tients hospitalized in the gastroenterology department of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing from July 2022 to December 2024 were selected for semi-structured interviews.Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach.Results This study identified 4 main themes and 11 sub-themes,encompassing overattribution leading to inappro-priate avoidance(recurrent symptoms triggering overattribution,disease staging triggering inappropriate avoidance),negative self-perception leading management struggles(illness fear diminishing self-efficacy,disease trauma eroding self-identity,knowledge deficiency constraining self-determination),functional impairment intensifying role challenges(role internalization undermining social function,social roles relinquishing dietary management),and external con-straints amplifying practical difficulties(family and friend oversight heightening dietary stress,healthcare gaps foster-ing practical helplessness,traditional beliefs restricting dietary exploration,economic hardship limiting balanced nu-trition).Conclusion The interplay of overattribution,negative self-perception,functional impairment,and external constraints in IBD patients hinders their ability to adapt to disease fluctuations,ensnaring them in the adaptive predicament of food avoidance behavior.Healthcare professionals should comprehensively address these factors by fostering accurate perceptions,enhancing psychological support,guiding effective coping strategies,and optimizing ex-ternal resources,thereby improving patients' overall adaptive capacity and promoting their recovery.
10.Dai Tianzhang's"Wu Jian Shi Jia"Theory in Epidemic Diseases and Clinical Significance
Lufeng ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Hongtao LI ; Guangkun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(12):20-24
"Wu Jian Shi Jia"was from Dai Tianzhang's Guang Wen Yi Lun in the Qing Dynasty.By combing the meaning of the word"Wu Jian Shi Jia"and the relevant theoretical views of physicians in the past dynasties,this article summarized the symptoms and treatment outcomes of"Wu Jian Shi Jia"and the situation of concomitant syndromes.The"Wu Jian"refers to epidemic pathogenic factors complicated by cold,wind,summer-heat,malaria,and dysentery,while the"Shi Jia"includes excess syndromes:complications with phlegm-fluid retention,food stagnation,depression,and blood stasis;deficiency syndromes:complications with spleen deficiency,kidney deficiency,and blood depletion;chronic disorders:complications with hernia,heart-stomach pain,and asthma.Additionally,this research expanded the scope of concomitant syndromes of epidemic diseases to accompanying dampness,dryness,toxicity,yin deficiency,and yang deficiency.The theory of"Wu Jian Shi Jia"holds significant literary and application value,enriching the theoretical framework of modern diagnosis and treatment of epidemic diseases.


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