1.Mechanisms of Macrophage Glycolysis in Regulating Acute Lung Injury and TCM Intervention Strategies Based on Theory of "Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence"
Qian XU ; Maofu ZHANG ; Xiali LIANG ; Guoxiong HAO ; Jingwei LI ; Xiaojie JIN ; Yongqi LIU ; Xiangxia LUO ; Zhiming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):218-226
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical respiratory emergency caused by various non-cardiogenic factors, including severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections, lung contusion, and sepsis. Its pathological features are centered on alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction, uncontrolled inflammatory responses, and impaired alveolar fluid clearance, manifesting as refractory hypoxemia and respiratory distress, with a poor clinical prognosis. Modern studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction and glucose metabolic reprogramming in macrophages, characterized by hyperactivated glycolysis, drive pro-inflammatory polarization and represent a key mechanism leading to excessive inflammatory responses and disease progression in ALI. Therefore, targeting macrophage glycolysis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI. The Plain Questions: Special Discussion on Channels and Vessels in Huangdi's Internal Classic states that "The spleen disseminates essence upward to the lungs". When the spleen fails in transport and transformation, the distribution of refined nutrients becomes disordered, resulting in the endogenous generation of turbid pathogens that obstruct the pulmonary collaterals, causing failure of lung dispersion and descent and leading to dyspneic reversal. This forms the dynamic pathological pattern of ''deficiency in the root with excess in the manifestation'', thereby proposing the core pathogenesis of ALI as ''spleen deficiency with transport dysfunction and turbid pathogens obstructing the lungs''. This process is intrinsically associated with the inflammatory cascade triggered by disordered macrophage glucose metabolism. Taking the theory of ''spleen failing to disperse essence'' as the entry point, the present study systematically elucidates the progressive pathological mechanism of "energy metabolism disorder-cytokine storm'' in ALI from the perspectives of the ''spleen deficiency-turbid obstruction'' pathogenesis and macrophage glycolysis-pro-inflammatory polarization. In addition, we summarize Chinese medicine compound formulas and monomeric components that ''restore spleen transport and eliminate turbid pathogens'', and explore their potential mechanisms in the treatment of ALI by regulating macrophage metabolic phenotypes to improve the state of ''spleen failing to disperse essence''. This provides a molecular basis for elucidating the ''spleen-lung'' energy metabolism dialogue, deepens understanding of the multi-target regulatory mechanisms of herbal prescriptions, and promotes the deep integration of classical theory with modern medicine.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Signaling Pathways Related to Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer: A Review
Maofu ZHANG ; Xinyu LI ; Yanyun SHEN ; Yeyuan LIU ; Jialin ZHONG ; Lulu CHEN ; Haihong ZHAO ; Zhongyang SONG ; Zhiming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):297-306
Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) are a group of pathological changes caused by abnormalities in the structure, morphology, and differentiation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Since the early symptoms are hidden and non-specific, PLGC is not easy to be diagnosed and it has often developed into intermediate or advanced gastric cancer once being diagnosed and missed the best time for treatment. Accordingly, the incidence of this disease is increasing year by year, which lifts a heavy burden on the patients. The pathogenesis of PLGC is complex, involving inflammatory microenvironment, bile reflux, glycolysis, autophagy, and apoptosis. Currently, PLGC is mainly treated with anti-inflammatory and endoscopic therapies, which are difficult to curb the development of PLGC. Therefore, seeking a safe and effective therapy is an important topic of modern research. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by treatment based on syndrome differentiation and a holistic view, exerts effects via multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets. Recent studies have confirmed that TCM can regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and other signaling pathways. By targeting these pathways, TCM can inhibit aerobic glycolysis, reduce oxidative stress, repair the inflammatory microenvironment, regulate cellular autophagy, and promote vascular normalization, thereby delaying or reversing PLGC. However, few researchers have systematically summarized the TCM regulation of PLGC-associated pathways. By reviewing the relevant articles at home and abroad, this paper summarized the roles of the above signaling pathways in the development of PLGC and the research progress in the regulation of signaling pathways by TCM in the treatment of PLGC, with a view to providing a new theoretical basis for the clinical research on PLGC and the drug development for this disease.
3.Application Value of Pancreatic Duct-to-Jejunum Stent-Bridging Internal Drainage in Robotic Central Pancreatectomy
Enli ZHANG ; Junjie WU ; Mingyue CHEN ; Ben MA ; Hanxin WU ; Yinzhe XU ; Haozhe CUI ; Zhiming ZHAO
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(4):1011-1017
Objective To conduct preliminary evaluation of the reliability and safety of pancreatic duct-to-jejunum stent-bridging internal drainage as a supplementary approach to pancreaticojejunostomy in central pancreatectomy.Methods The clinical data of 28 patients who underwent robotic central pancreatectomy performed by our team between January 2021 and November 2024 were retrospectively collected,and and follow-up of postoperative endocrine and exocrine functions was performed.Based on the methods of digestive tract reconstruction adopted,the patients were divided into a conventional pancreaticojejunostomy group and a pancreatic duct-to-jejunum stent-bridging internal drainage group(PancreaticoJejunal-Stent bridge group).The operative time,digestive tract reconstruction time,and short-term complications were compared between the two groups.Results Among patients undergoing robotic central pancreatectomy,the digestive tract reconstruction time was shorter(t=5.168,P<0.001)in the PancreaticoJejunal-Stent bridge group([31.1±6.3]min)than that in the conventional pancreaticojejunostomy group([49.7±8.9]min)(t=5.168,P<0.001).The total operative time was(172.7±64.6)min in the PancreaticoJejunal-Stent bridge group and(200.1±52.7)min in the conventional pancreaticojejunostomy group,showing no statistically significant difference(t=1.215,P=0.235).In the PancreaticoJejunal-Stent bridge group,one patient developed a postoperative biochemical fistula,and 14 patients developed grade B pancreatic fistulas.Among the 14 patients with grade B pancreatic fistulas,1 case was complicated by fistula-related intra-abdominal infection,and 13 cases had drainage tube retention time of more than 21 days.In the conventional pancreaticojejunostomy group,2 patients developed postoperative biochemical fistulas,and 11 patients developed grade B pancreatic fistulas.Among the 11 patients with grade B pancreatic fistulas,1 case was complicated by fistula-related intra-abdominal infection,and 1 case was complicated by fistula-related intra-abdominal bleeding and infection.No postoperative gastroparesis,pancreatitis,or grade C pancreatic fistulas occurred in either group.There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in overall postoperative complication rate(P=0.522),postoperative pancreatic fistula rate(P=0.583),intra-abdominal infection rate(P=0.583),or bleeding rate(P=0.464).Conclusion Pancreatic duct-to-jejunum stent-bridging internal drainage optimizes the anastomosis between the distal end of the pancreas and the jejunum during central pancreatectomy,shortens digestive tract reconstruction time,and reduces surgical complexity without increasing the risk of short-term severe postoperative complications.This approach is safe and feasible.
4.Progress in the application of deep learning in the auxiliary diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of left ventricular hypertrophy
Hongyang XU ; Peng QIU ; Hui CAO ; Junzhong ZHANG ; Zhiming MA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(10):1495-1503
As an intermediate phenotype for multiple cardiovascular diseases, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) benefits from early diagnosis, which allows for timely intervention to prevent worsening of the condition, mitigate severe complications like heart failure and arrhythmias, and consequently improve patient outcomes. Preliminary advances have been made using deep learning for the early diagnosis and identification of etiology in LVH. This paper reviews the pathophysiology, causes, and diagnostic standards for LVH, discusses the strengths and weaknesses of applying deep learning to diagnostic tools such as echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and electrocardiogram, examines its use in prognostic evaluation, and concludes by summarizing current achievements and suggesting future research avenues.
5.Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of prurigo nodularis.
Li ZHANG ; Qingchun DIAO ; Xia DOU ; Hong FANG ; Songmei GENG ; Hao GUO ; Yaolong CHEN ; Chao JI ; Chengxin LI ; Linfeng LI ; Jie LI ; Jingyi LI ; Wei LI ; Zhiming LI ; Yunsheng LIANG ; Jianjun QIAO ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Qing SUN ; Juan TAO ; Fang WANG ; Zhiqiang XIE ; Jinhua XU ; Suling XU ; Hongwei YAN ; Xu YAO ; Jianzhong ZHANG ; Litao ZHANG ; Gang ZHU ; Fei HAO ; Xinghua GAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2859-2861
6.Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for de novo synthesis of L-theanine.
Siquan ZHOU ; Di ZHANG ; Meijuan XU ; Xian ZHANG ; Taowei YANG ; Zhiming RAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(9):3459-3472
L-theanine is an important natural non-protein amino acid that is widely used in food and medicine. Although in previous studies, a microbial fermentation method for L-theanine without the addition of ethylamine has been developed, the conversion rate of this process needs to be further improved. In this study, we constructed a de novo synthesis pathway of L-theanine with glucose as the substrate. First, an in vitro transformation pathway containing ω-transaminase (TA) and γ-glutamylmethylamide synthetase (GMAS) was designed, optimized, and introduced into the chassis strain Escherichia coli K12 W3110 to achieve de novo synthesis of L-theanine. To improve the synthesis efficiency through metabolic engineering, we increased the copies of the GMAS gene gams and the TA gene spuC and enhanced the expression of the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene eutE to provide sufficient acetaldehyde substrate, knocked out the lactate dehydrogenase gene ldhA and the pyruvate formate lyase gene pflB to block bypass metabolism, and introduced the alanine dehydrogenase gene alD to recycle alanine. Furthermore, we over-expressed the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene ppc to enhance the carbon flux of the TCA cycle, knocked out the succinyl-CoA synthase gene sucCD to reduce the loss of downstream flux of TCA, and integrated the glutamate dehydrogenase gene gdh to enhance the supply of L-glutamate. Finally, the polyphosphate kinase gene ppk was introduced to the ATP cycle, which enhanced the energy supply in L-theanine production. The recombinant strain Tea11 produced 22.60 g/L L-theanine in a 5 L fermenter in 28 h, with a conversion rate of 41.71%. This synthetic pathway in this study balanced the relationship between the supply of ethylamine and the production of theanine, providing a new idea for metabolic engineering of microorganisms to produce L-theanine.
Glutamates/biosynthesis*
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Metabolic Engineering/methods*
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Escherichia coli/genetics*
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Fermentation
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Transaminases/metabolism*
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Amide Synthases/metabolism*
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Glucose/metabolism*
7.Optimization of Electrotransfection Conditions of EGFP Reporter Gene PiggyBac Vector in Triple Negative Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cell Line
Peipei WANG ; Xiaotian ZHANG ; Zhiming LING ; Wenjuan WANG ; Xiuying LIU ; Jianxun WANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(3):189-194
Objective To explore the optimal conditions for stable transfer of reporter gene containing enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)into human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 cells under different electrotransfection conditions.Methods A PiggyBac(PB)transposon system containing EGFP reporter gene was constructed,and transfection conditions such as waveform,voltage,shock time,shock times,plasmid concentration,cell density,transposon to transposase ratio were controlled during electrotransfection of MDA-MB-231 cells.The transfection efficiency was detected by flow cytometry fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)channel.The expression of fluorescent protein was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope,the electrotransfection efficiency and expression of EGFP reporter gene were verified,and the electrotransfer efficiency of MDA-MB-231 cells was analyzed under different electrotransfection conditions.Results The optimal transfection conditions of MDA-MB-231 cells were as follows:voltage 280V,exponential wave,electric shock once,concentration of transposon plasmid about 1 000 ng/μl,mass ratio of transposon to transpotase 1:1,number of cells 2×106,electrotransfection rate up to 60.23%±5.63%.The state of MDA-MB-231 cells was good.Conclusion The electrotransfection conditions of MDA-MB-231 cells were successfully optimized to achieve stable and efficient transfection,which provided efficient electrotransfer experimental parameters for the relevant basic research of MDA-MB-231 cell line.
8.Pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment of chronic prostatitis based on the"host-guest interaction-collateral disease"theory
Yi WEI ; Zhiming HONG ; Junfeng QIU ; Zilong CHEN ; Shengjie WANG ; Wenshuo CHEN ; Lianqin ZHANG ; Chunxiu CHEN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(7):979-984
Chronic prostatitis,a common condition in andrology,is clinically characterized by a prolonged course,resistance to treatment,and frequent recurrence.In traditional Chinese medicine,it is classified under the categories of"turbid sperm,""overstrain strangury,"and"vaginal pain."Based on the"host-guest interaction-collateral disease"theory,we believe that healthy qi deficiency,latent pathogenic factors,and collateral obstruction are the primary pathological factors of this disease,which run through the entire process of chronic prostatitis occurrence and development.Accordingly,we propose that obstruction of collaterals and apathesia of the semen chamber are the core pathogenesis.The disease progression can be divided into three pathological stages:"deficiency,depression,and blood stasis."Spleen and kidney deficiency and malnutrition of collaterals form the pathological foundation.In the deficiency stage,treatment strategies involve reinforcing qi and nourishing the collaterals,using Fuzheng Yangrong Decoction.During disease progression,dampness and heat invasion,as well as collateral stagnation qi,are key contributors to disease progression.Thus,treatment focuses on clearing heat and dampness,promoting qi flow,and smoothing the collaterals,achieved with a modified Qiantongding Decoction.In the final stage,blood stasis and collateral obstruction dominate,warranting therapeutic strategies aimed at tonifying and removing blood stasis,addressing both the body and the collaterals simultaneously using the modified Guiling Huayu Decoction.Overall,the clinical treatment generally focuses on the concept of function through free flow,combination of unblocking and tonifying.This study provides a novel perspective and reference for clinical differentiation and treatment of chronic prostatitis.
9.Impact of health education interventions on the proper use of respiratory protective equipment among dust-exposed workers
Yuhao WANG ; Zhao ZHANG ; Jinyi LU ; Shanyu ZHOU ; Xiaoxin LI ; Zhiming ZHUANG ; Manjia GONG ; Qiaoli WEI ; Shuling HUANG ; Luyao XU ; Xudong LI
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(5):552-557
Objective To investigate the impact of various health education intervention strategies on the proper use of personal respiratory protective equipment (RPE) among workers exposed to dust. Methods Dust-exposed workers were recruited from 60 selected enterprises in Guangdong Province using cluster random sampling method. They were randomly allocated to the control, low-intensity intervention, and high-intensity intervention groups, with 358, 346, and 371 workers in each group, respectively. Workers in the control group received no designed intervention. Workers in the low-intensity intervention group received traditional plus mobile health education on the proper use of RPE. Workers in the high-intensity intervention group received all components of the low-intensity intervention, supplemented with peer education. The intervention lasted for six months. RPE usage was compared among the three groups of workers before and after the intervention. Results Workers in the control, low-intensity intervention, and high-intensity intervention groups showed higher rates of both RPE wearing and correct RPE wearing after the intervention than before it within their respective groups (RPE wearing rate: 94.1% vs 99.2%, 95.7% vs 100.0%, 94.6% vs 100.0%, all P<0.01; correct RPE wearing rate: 66.8% vs 91.1%, 67.3% vs 95.7%, 66.6% vs 96.5%, all P<0.01). Post-intervention correct RPE wearing rates were highest in the high-intensity intervention group, followed by the low-intensity intervention group, and the control group, with the percentage of 96.50%, 95.66% and 91.06%, respectively (P<0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis result showed that different intervention strategies affected the correct use of personal RPE among dust-exposed workers after adjusting for gender, age, and other confounding factors (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the rates of correct RPE use increased in the low-intensity intervention group and the high-intensity intervention group (odd ratio was 2.14 and 3.01; 95% confidence interval was 1.12 - 4.10 and 1.53 - 5.91, respectively). Conclusion The implementation of traditional plus mobile health education interventions on the proper use of RPE can promote correct RPE utilization among dust-exposed workers, and integrating peer education further enhances the intervention effectiveness.
10.Comparative study of the efficacy of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization combined with targeted therapy and immunnotherapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Xiang LI ; Zhiming HU ; Hongguo YANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Jiaze XU ; Jie LIU ; Bangzhun CAI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(11):863-868
Objective:To compare the efficacy of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with targeted therapy and immunnotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with targeted therapy and immunnotherapy in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma HCC.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 40 patients with unresectable HCC treated with HAIC combined with targeted therapy and immunnotherapy and TACE combined with targeted therapy and immunnotherapy in Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province and Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital.The patients were divided into HAIC group ( n=14) and TACE group ( n=26) according to the different treatment methods. Baseline data, surgical conversion and intraoperative situation, tumor response, portal vein cancer thrombus control rate, leukocyte reduction rate, platelet reduction rate, incidence of liver function abnormalities, objective remission rate, and disease control rate were compared between the two groups. Results:The HAIC group had a later baseline tumor staging than the TACE group (higher percentage of portal vein cancer thrombus, CNLC stage Ⅲa).The surgical conversion rate of the HAIC and TACE groups were 28.6%(4/14) and 26.9%(7/26), respectively, with the difference of no statistical significance ( P>0.05);The operation time and intraoperative bleeding were (329.5±19.9) min vs.(413.4±26.4) min, (272.2±49.9) ml vs.(536.0±123.6) ml, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0. 05); The maximum tumor diameter reduction rate [(30.7%±15.1%) vs.(7.2%±12.6%)] and portal vein cancer thrombus control rate [100% (12/12) vs. 64.3% (9/14)], the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05);The incidences of leukocyte and platelet decrease in the two groups during the course of treatment were 71.4%(10/14) vs. 34.6%(9/26)、78.5%(11/14) vs. 38.5%(10/26), and the incidences of liver function abnormalities were 35.7%(5/14) vs. 69.2%(18/26), the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05);The objective response rate and disease control rate were 57.1%(8/14) vs. 30.8% (8/26)、71.4% (10/14) vs. 53.8%(14/26), all statistically significant. Conclusion:HAIC combined with targeted therapy and immunnotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for middle and advanced HCC, especially suitable for patients with portal vein tumor thrombus(PVTT), large tumor, or poor liver function.

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