1.Effect and Mechanism of Exogenous NO in Secondary Metabolism in Scutellaria baicalensis
Kai ZHAO ; Wei MA ; Weili LIU ; Zhihong LOU ; Xiangcai MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):250-261
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on the accumulation and quality formation mechanism of flavonoids in Scutellariae Radix. MethodsFresh roots of Scutellaria baicalensis were treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) solutions at concentrations of 0.0, 7.5, and 20 mmol·L-1, respectively. Kits and supporting reaction systems were used to determine the following indicators of samples in each group, including (1) reactive oxygen species: changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion (O
2.Effects of loneliness, social support and social media use on post-traumatic stress symptoms among post-earthquake adolescents
Zhaoran GUO ; Qicheng CHE ; Zhihong WU ; Wei SHI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):53-58
BackgroundPost-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) is highly prevalent in adolescents who have experienced earthquake, which seriously threatens their physical and mental health, yet there is currently a lack of research on the effects of loneliness, social support and social media use on PTSS among post-earthquake adolescents. ObjectiveTo assess the PTSS among adolescents experiencing MS6.0 Luxian, Sichuan, earthquake on 16 September 2021, and to investigate the effects of loneliness, social support and social media use on PTSS, so as to provide references for the intervention of PTSS among post-earthquake adolescents. MethodsOn November 12, 2021, simple random sampling technique was used to select 2 522 post-earthquake adolescents in Luxian county of Luzhou city in Sichuan province. All subjects were assessed using Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-3) and Social Media Use Scale (SM-10). Binary Logistic regression was used to determine the factors influencing PTSS among post-earthquake adolescents. ResultsPTSS was detected in 91 (3.61%) adolescents. Binary Logistic regression revealed that perceived social support from family members (OR=0.926, 95% CI: 0.879~0.976) was a protective factor for PTSS among post-earthquake adolescents. Lack of companionship (OR=1.764, 95% CI: 1.141~2.727), feeling isolated (OR=2.037, 95% CI: 1.282~3.236), and viewing negative emotional response of disaster victims through social media (OR=1.615, 95% CI: 1.291~2.020) were risk factors for PTSS among post-earthquake adolescents. ConclusionLack of companionship, feeling isolated, and viewing negative emotional response of disaster victims through social media pose a negative impact on PTSS among post-earthquake adolescents, while perceived social support from family members exert a positive impact on PTSS among post-earthquake adolescents. [Funded by Humanity and Social Science Youth foundation of Ministry of Education of China (number, 22YJC190019); Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province (number, 2023NSFSC1486)]
3.Interpretation of Chinese Expert Consensus on Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Management of Wilson Disease-related Renal Damage
Wenming YANG ; Ke DIAO ; Hu XI ; Zhihong RAO ; Taohua WEI ; Yulong YANG ; Shuzhen FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):168-176
Wilson disease is a copper metabolism disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, which encodes a copper-transporting ATPase β, and can result in multisystem damage. The kidneys are the third most commonly affected organs after the liver and brain. In recent years, numerous diagnostic and treatment guidelines for Wilson disease have emerged. However, most of these focus primarily on hepatic and neurological manifestations and their management, with limited coverage of renal involvement. The high incidence, low awareness, and lack of clinical specificity of Wilson disease-related renal damage (WDRD) have made early detection and intervention particularly challenging in clinical practice. To further optimize the treatment of patients with WDRD, improve clinical diagnosis and management, and enhance patients' quality of life, the Neurology Committee of the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine, in April 2024, initiated a revision of the first expert consensus on the integrated diagnosis, treatment, and management of WDRD. This effort brought together experts in hepatology, encephalopathy (neurology), and nephrology from many tertiary-level grade A hospitals and research institutions across China. Through comprehensive literature review and integration of frontline clinical experience, the expert group jointly developed Chinese Expert Consensus on Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Management of Wilson Disease-related Renal Damage (hereinafter referred to as the "Consensus"). This article provides a detailed interpretation of the Consensus in terms of diagnostic criteria, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation and treatment classification, and comprehensive disease management, aiming to better guide clinical application. Regarding diagnostic criteria, the Consensus integrates the latest standards in China and abroad, highlights the importance of biochemical diagnosis, and compensates for the limitations of genetic testing. In the area of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, the Consensus refines four major syndrome types, introduces a newly defined syndrome, i.e., phlegm, blood stasis, and heat accumulation, and elaborates on treatment principles, prescriptions, and clinical modification rules for each syndrome. For comprehensive disease management, the Consensus emphasizes multi-dimensional intervention strategies, including diet, exercise, emotional regulation, medication, and medical care, with the goal of maximally controlling the progression of renal dysfunction and helping patients achieve a better quality of life.
4.Aromatic Substances and Their Clinical Application: A Review
Yundan GUO ; Lulu WANG ; Zhili ZHANG ; Chen GUO ; Zhihong PI ; Wei GONG ; Zongping WU ; Dayu WANG ; Tianle GAO ; Cai TIE ; Yuan LIN ; Jiandong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):264-272
Aromatherapy refers to the method of using the aromatic components of plants in appropriate forms to act on the entire body or a specific area to prevent and treat diseases. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aromatic molecules, such as limonene, linalool, linalool acetate, geraniol, and citronellol. These chemicals have been extensively studied and shown to have a variety of functions, including reducing anxiety, relieving depression, promoting sleep, and providing pain relief. Terpenoids are a class of organic molecules with relatively low lipid solubility. After being inhaled, they can pass through the nasal mucosa for transfer or penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream upon local application. Some of these substances also have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, thereby exerting effects on the central nervous system. Currently, the academic community generally agrees that products such as essential oils and aromatherapy from aromatic plants have certain health benefits. However, the process of extracting a single component from it and successfully developing it into a drug still faces many challenges. Its safety and efficacy still need to be further verified through more rigorous and systematic experiments. This article systematically elaborated on the efficacy of aromatic substances, including plant extracts and natural small molecule compounds, in antibacterial and antiviral fields and the regulation of nervous system activity. As a result, a deeper understanding of aromatherapy was achieved. At the same time, the potential of these aromatic substances for drug development was thoroughly explored, providing important references and insights for possible future drug research and application.
5.Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in key areas during the elimination phase
Chao LÜ ; Xiaojuan XU ; Jiajia LI ; Ting FENG ; Hai ZHU ; Yifeng LI ; Ling XU ; Zhihong FENG ; Huiwen JIANG ; Xiaoqing ZOU ; Wenjun WEI ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Yang HONG ; Shiqing ZHANG ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):475-481
Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, so as to provide insights into formulation of technical guidelines for monitoring of and the precise control strategy for S. japonicum infections in wild rodents during the elimination phase. Methods Two administrative villages where schistosomiasis was historically highly prevalent were selected each from Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, and Duchang County, Jiangxi Province as study villages. Wild rodents were captured from study villages with baited traps or cages at night in June and September, 2021. The number of rodents captured was recorded, and the rodent species was characterized based on morphologi-cal characteristics. Liver tissues were sampled from captured rodents for macroscopical observation of the presence of egg granu- lomas, and S. japonicum infection was detected simultaneously using liver tissue homogenate microscopy, examinations of mesenteric tissues for parasites, and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique (Kato-Katz technique). A positive S. japonicum infection was defined as detection of S. japonicum eggs or adult worms by any of these methods. The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents were compared in different study villages and at different time periods, and the detection of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents was compared by different assays. Results The overall rate of wild ro- dent capture was 8.28% (237/2 861) in Dongzhi County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 9.24% (133/1 439) and 7.31% (104/1 422) in two study villages (χ2 = 3.503, P = 0.061), and were 8.59% (121/1 409) and 7.99% (116/1 452) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.337, P = 0.561). The overall rate of wild rodent capture was 3.72% (77/2 072) in Duchang County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 6.91% (67/970) and 0.91% (10/1 102) in two study villages (χ2 = 51.901, P < 0.001), and were 4.13% (39/945) and 3.37% (38/1 127) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.815, P = 0.365). Rattus norvegicus was the predominant rodent species captured in both counties, accounting for 70.04% (166/237) of all captured wild rodents in Dongzhi County and 88.31% (68/77) in Duchang County. No S. japonicum infection was detected in wild rodents captured in Duchang County. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 51.05% (121/237) in wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, with prevalence rates of 50.38% (67/133) and 51.92% (54/104) in two study villages (χ2 = 0.098, P = 0.755), and 54.31% (63/116) and 47.93% (58/121) in September and June, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.964, P = 0.326). Of 237 wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, there were 140 (59.07%) rodents with visible hepatic egg granulomas, 117 (49.47%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs by liver tissue homogenate microscopy, 34 (14.35%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with Kato-Katz technique; however, no adult S. japonicum worms were detected in mesenteric tissues. In addition, hepatic egg granulomas were found in all wild rodents tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with liver tissue homogenate microscopy. Conclusions The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents vary greatly in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection is slightly higher in wild rodents captured in autumn than in summer. Liver tissue is recommended as the preferred sample for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents, and a combination of macroscopical observation of hepatic egg granulomas and liver tissue homogenate microscopy may be a standard method for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents.
6.Safety and efficacy of sequential hepatectomy after conversion therapy using vascular intervention therapy combined with TKI and PD-1 inhibitors for initial unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Zhihong TANG ; Du YUAN ; Shaowei XU ; Qingqing PANG ; Guilin ZHAO ; Meng WEI ; Feixiang WU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(2):206-214
Objective To explore the perioperative safety and prognostic factors of sequential hepatectomy after conversion therapy using vascular interventional therapy(including transarterial chemoembolization and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy)combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI)and programmed death-1(PD-1)inhibitors in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods The clinical data of 106 eligible HCC patients treated in Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University from Nov.2019 to Apr.2024 were retrospectively analyzed.The perioperative parameters and postoperative pathological outcomes were described in detail,and factors influencing prognosis were analyzed.Results The median operative time for hepatectomy after conversion therapy was 240 min,with a median blood loss of 200 mL.Intraoperative blood transfusion was required in 24(22.6%)patients.Postoperative adverse reactions occurred in 49.1%(52/106)of patients,with liver failure being the most common adverse reactions(23 patients,21.7%).One(0.9%)patient died during the perioperative period,while the remaining 105 patients were followed up for a median duration of 14.7 months,during which 49(46.2%)patients experienced recurrence.Among them,39(36.8%)cases experienced early recurrence(within 1 year),and 33(31.1%)cases had intrahepatic recurrence.Thirteen(12.3%)patients died during follow-up.The median recurrence-free survival(RFS)was 15.7 months,with 1-year and 2-year RFS rates being 56.9%and 40.3%,respectively.The median overall survival(OS)was not reached,with 1-year and 2-year OS rates being 94.2%and 85.3%,respectively.Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that achieving complete pathological response(hazard ratio[HR]=0.410,95%confidence interval[CI]0.172-0.980,P=0.045),presence of microvascular invasion(HR=2.423,95%CI 1.269-4.625,P=0.007),satellite nodules(HR=1.916,95%CI 1.014-3.620,P=0.045),and multiple tumors(HR=1.818,95%CI 1.012-3.241,P=0.046)were independent factors associated with postoperative recurrence.Conclusion For patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma,vascular interventional therapy combined with TKI and PD-1 inhibitors followed by sequential hepatectomy may be a feasible treatment strategy,with manageable adverse reactions and promising efficacy.
7.Establishment of UPLC characteristic spectrum and quantitative analysis of piperine for Hujiao standard decoction
Shuangyan TANG ; Jiabao WEI ; Zhihong ZHAN ; Yidan TONG ; Jiahui XIE ; Hui ZHANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(8):1134-1140
Objective:To establish UPLC characteristic spectrum of Hujiao standard decoction and the determination method for the content of piperine.Methods:15 batches of freeze-dried powder of Hujiao standard decoction were prepared according to the traditional decocting method. The range of paste yield was determined, and the UPLC characteristic spectrum of the standard decoction was established. High-resolution mass spectrometry and control products were used to identify common peaks. Based on the common peak area, the weights of each peak were compared using entropy weight method, and correlation analysis and similarity evaluation were conducted using clustering analysis and grey correlation method; a method for determining the content of piperine in Hujiao decoction pieces and freeze-dried powder of standard decoction was simultaneously established, and the transfer rate was calculated.Results:The extraction rate of 15 batches of freeze-dried powder of Hujiao standard decoction ranged from 10.4% to 16.8%, with an average of 14.0%. The content of piperine ranged from 12.2 to 30.0 mg/g, with an average of 18.5 mg/g, and the transfer rate ranged from 4.0% to 7.8%, with an average of 5.8%. Six common peaks were identified in the established characteristic spectrum and identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry and control products respectively. Peak 1 was N-trans-feruloyltyramine, peak 3 was piperine and the similarity was 0.959-1.000. Clustering analysis and grey correlation analysis showed that there was little difference between quality of Piperis Fructus and origins.Conclusion:In this study, the characteristic spectrum and content determination method of freeze-dried powder of Hujiao standard decoction are established, which can provide references for quality detection and control of Hujiao standard decoction or its derivative products.
8.Probiotic Bifidobacterium reduces serum TMAO in unstable angina patients via the gut to liver to heart axis
Zhihong ZHOU ; Lizhe SUN ; Wei ZHOU ; Wen GAO ; Xiao YUAN ; Huijuan ZHOU ; Yuzhen REN ; Bihua LI ; Yue WU ; Jianqing SHE
Liver Research 2025;9(1):57-65
Background and aims:Studies indicate that the gut microbiota and its metabolites are involved in the progression of cardiovascular diseases,and enterohepatic circulation plays an important role in this progression.This study aims to identify potential probiotics for the treatment of unstable angina(UA)and elucidate their mechanisms of action.Methods:Initially,the gut microbiota from patients with UA and control was analyzed.To directly assess the effects of Bifidobacterium supplementation,10 patients with UA were enrolled and administered Bifidobacterium(630 mg per intake twice a day for 1 month).The fecal metagenome,serum trimethyl-amine N-oxide(TMAO)levels,and other laboratory parameters were evaluated before and after Bifido-bacterium supplementation.Results:After supplementing with Bifidobacterium for 1 month,there were statistically significant dif-ferences(P<0.05)in TMAO,aspartate aminotransferase,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein compared to before.Additionally,the abundance of Bifidobacterium longum increased significantly,although the overall abundance of Bifidobacterium did not reach statistical significance.The gut micro-biota,metabolites,and gut-liver axis are involved in the progression of UA,and potential mechanisms should be further studied.Conclusions:Metagenomic analysis demonstrated a reduced abundance of Bifidobacterium in patients with UA.Supplementation with Bifidobacterium restored gut dysbiosis and decreased circulating TMAO levels in patients with UA.This study provides evidence that Bifidobacterium may exert cardiovascular-protective effects through the gut-liver-heart axis.
9.Efficacy of Shuyao Huoxue Tongluo Decoction Combined with Meridian Acupoint Massage in Treating Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation of Qi-Stagnation and Blood-Stasis Type and Its Impacts on Serological Indicators
Lin ZHOU ; Yanyuan ZHONG ; Wei YE ; Songhui LAN ; Hang YANG ; Zhihong TAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(8):1905-1912
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Shuyao Huoxue Tongluo Decoction combined with meridian acupoint massage in treating lumbar disc herniation(LDH)patients with qi-stagnation and blood-stasis syndrome,and to analyze its effects on serological indicators.Methods A total of 120 LDH patients with qi-stagnation and blood-stasis syndrome admitted to Huizhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from December 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled.The patients were randomly divided into control group and study group using a random number table,with 60 cases in each group.The control group received conventional treatment(including lumbar traction and drug therapy)combined with meridian acupoint massage,while the study group received additional Shuyao Huoxue Tongluo Decoction based on the treatment for the control group.Before and after treatment,the scores of traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores for pain,Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)scores for lumbar function,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores,and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)and interleukin 6(IL-6)in the two groups were compared.After treatment,the clinical efficacy was evaluated between groups.Results(1)After 20 days of treatment,the total effective rate was 95.00%(57/60)in the study group versus 81.67%(49/60)in the control group(tested by chi-square test,P<0.05),demonstrating significantly superior therapeutic effects in the study group.(2)After treatment,both groups showed significant reduction in TCM syndrome scores(P<0.01),and the study group exhibited markedly decrease compared to the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the VAS scores for pain in both groups were significantly decreased compared to those before treatment(P<0.01),and the study group exhibited obvious decrease of the scores than the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,JOA scores for lumbar function in both groups were increased(P<0.05),while Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores were decreased(P<0.05),compared to those before treatment,and the study group demonstrated more significant improvements in both JOA score elevation and ODI score reduction(P<0.05).(5)For serum inflammatory factors,interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels in both groups were significantly reduced(P<0.05)after treatment,and the study group showed more pronounced decrease in both markers(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with meridian acupoint massage alone,the combined therapy of Shuyao Huoxue Tongluo Decoction and meridian acupoint massage is effective on significantly alleviating clinical symptoms,reducing serum inflammatory factors,and enhancing overall therapeutic outcomes in LDH patients with qi-stagnation and blood-stasis syndrome.
10.Predictive Value of Serum miRNA-126a and miRNA-130b Levels in Cognitive Impairment among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Acute Stroke
Lingli LIU ; Ruoxuan WEI ; Wei CHEN ; Caixia KONG ; Zhihong LIU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(10):91-96
Objective To explore the relationship between serum miRNA-126a,miRNA-130b levels and cognitive impairment(CI)in patients with diabetes mellitus(DM)complicated with acute stroke(AS).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 DM patients with AS admitted to Wuhan First Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021.Patients were divided into CI group(41 cases)and non-CI group(29 cases)based on the occurrence of CI.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of miRNA-126a and miRNA-130b in peripheral blood.Results Compared with non-CI group,the CI group showed increased albumin(P<0.05)and decreased levels of miRNA-126a and miRNA-130b(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that albumin(OR=19.045,95%CI=2.001~181.230),miRNA-126a(OR=200.603,95%CI=15.663~2569.162),miRNA-130b(OR=11.770,95%CI=1.966~70.474)were related factors affecting CI occurrence in DM patients with AS.ROC curve analysis showed that peripheral blood miRNA-126a had the highest AUC(0.958)for diagnosing CI in DM patients with AS,with a sensitivity of 97.6%and specificity of 89.7%.The AUC for miRNA-130b(0.669)was lower,with a sensitivity of 73.2%and specificity of 62.1%.Conclusion Decreased expression of peripheral blood miRNA-126a has good diagnostic value for CI in DM patients with AS.

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