1.Clinical Efficacy of Tangshen Dihuang Decoction in Treating Diabetic Kidney Disease with Liver-kidney Yin Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome and Its Impact on Gut Microbiota
Chaomao YANG ; Shunxiao ZHANG ; Zhixin YANG ; Jiandong GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):171-178
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Tangshen Dihuang decoction in treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) with liver-kidney Yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome and its impact on gut microbiota. MethodsA randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted, in which 102 DKD patients with liver-kidney Yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were randomly assigned to the Tangshen Dihuang decoction group and the control group. Each group consisted of 51 cases, and the treatment period was 3 months. The primary efficacy indicators included urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2 hPBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ), serum cystatin C (Cys-C), urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), urinary β2-microglobulin (Uβ2-MB), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, and gut microbiota. ResultsAfter treatment, the total response rate in the Tangshen Dihuang decoction was 87.23% (41/47), which was higher than that (69.57%, 32/46) in the control group (Z=4.30, P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores decreased in both groups (P<0.01) and were lower in the Tangshen Dihuang decoction group than in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the control group showed decreases in UACR, Uβ2-MG, AngⅡ, and FBG (P<0.05) as well as 2 hPBG and HbA1C (P<0.01), and no significant differences in BUN, Cys-C, eGFR, SCr, and NAG. The Tangshen Dihuang decoction group showed increased eGFR (P<0.05), declined levels of UACR, BUN, Cys-C, Uβ2-MB, AngⅡ, FBG, 2 hPBG, NAG, and HbA1C (P<0.01), and no significant difference in SCr. The Tangshen Dihuang decoction group had lower BUN (P<0.05), Cys-C (P<0.05), AngⅡ (P<0.05), 2 hPBG (P<0.05), Uβ2-MG (P<0.01), and NAG (P<0.01) and higher eGFR level (P<0.05) than the control group. After treatment, the control group showed declines in Shannon, Observed_species, and Chao1 indices (P<0.05). The samples from both groups showed statistically significant differences in the principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) plot based on Anosim analysis (P<0.05). After treatment, the Tangshen Dihuang decoction group showed decreased relative abundance of Actinobacteria (P<0.05). Moreover, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria was significantly lower in the Tangshen Dihuang decoction group than in the control group (P<0.05). At the genus level, the control group showed decreased relative abundance of Bifidobacterium (P<0.05), and the Tangshen Dihuang decoction group presented increased relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Blautia_A (P<0.05). After treatment, the Tangshen Dihuang decoction group had higher relative abundance of Bifidobacterium than the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionTangshen Dihuang decoction has a significant therapeutic effect on DKD patients with liver-kidney Yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. It can markedly relieve clinical symptoms and reduce proteinuria and postprandial blood glucose by antagonizing the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and alleviating gut microbiota dysbiosis.
2.Comparison of mosquito capture efficacy between the BG-Sentinel trap method and the light trap method
Yingyu YANG ; Chunwei SUN ; Zhixin WU ; Jiang ZHU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):240-244
ObjectiveTo compare the mosquito capture efficacy of the BG-trap method and the light trap method, and to explore the precisely applicable scenarios for the two monitoring approaches. MethodsFrom May to October 2024, one BG-trap and one light trap were placed at eight monitoring sites, with a distance of over 10 meters between the two traps at each site. Surveillance was performed twice monthly to compare the two surveillance methods in terms of mosquito species composition, the proportional distribution of female mosquitoes across different habitats, and seasonal fluctuations in mosquito density. ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in mosquito species composition (χ2=60.61, P<0.001) and female mosquito species composition (χ2=37.12, P<0.001) between the BG-trap method and the light trap method, with the BG-trap method capturing a higher proportion of Aedes albopictus than the light trap method. The average density of mosquitoes monitored by the BG-trap method [13.36 mosquitoes·(trap·night)-1] was higher than that monitored by the light trap method[4.70 mosquitoes·(trap·night)-1]. There was statistically significant difference (t=6.70, P<0.001) for the mosquito density between the two methods, and there was a significant positive correlation (r=0.909, P<0.001) for the mosquito density indices between the two methods. The average density of female mosquitoes monitored by the BG-trap method [8.18 mosquitoes·(trap·night)-1] was higher than that monitored by light trap method [3.36 mosquitoes·(trap·night)-1]. There was statistically significant difference (t=6.00, P<0.001) for the female mosquito density between the two methods, and there was a significant positive correlation (r=0.929, P<0.001) for the female mosquito density indices between the two methods. In the four different habitats, the constituent ratio of mosquitoes and female mosquitoes monitored by the BG-trap method in descending order were urban residential area (43.80% and 40.25%), rural farm households (35.55% and 38.60%), hospital (12.70% and 12.87%), and park (7.95% and 8.28%), while the constituent ratio of mosquitoes and female mosquitoes monitored by the light trap method in descending order were rural farm households (34.37% and 43.34%), hospital (33.26% and 30.03%), park (17.96% and 15.17%), and urban residential area (14.41% and 11.46%). In different habitats, there were statistically significant differences for mosquito composition ratios (χ2=189.64, P<0.001) and female mosquito composition ratios (χ2=109.15, P<0.001) between the two monitoring methods. ConclusionThe BG-trap method offers advantages such as simple operation, compact equipment, and high efficiency, with a higher trapping rate for Aedes albopictus compared to the light trap method. In routine monitoring, the BG-trap method can serve as a supplement to the light trap method, while for emergency monitoring of Aedes albopictus in dengue fever outbreak areas and mosquito collection efforts, the BG-trap method is more effective than the light trap method.
3.Effects of LOX-1 gene G501C variation on brain structural changes and cognitive function in patients with white matter hyperintensities
Yajun ZHOU ; Shujian CHEN ; Zhixin WANG ; Yayu WANG ; Chaojuan HUANG ; Xia ZHOU ; Xiaoqun ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):562-568
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) gene G501C on brain structure and cognitive function in patients with white matter hyperintensities (WMH). MethodsA total of 118 patients with WMH were enrolled. All participants underwent T1-weighted and T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR) MRI to assess gray matter structure and WMH burden, and completed the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Partial correlation and mediation analyses were performed to explore the impact of LOX-1 polymorphism on cognitive function. ResultsParticipants were divided into GG+GC group (n = 35) and CC group (n = 83). The GG+GC group showed lower MMSE and MoCA scores (MMSE: P=0.003; MOCA: P=0.015), as well as greater WMH burden (all P0.001), compared with the CC group. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis revealed reduced left thalamic volume in the GG+GC group, which was correlated with cognitive scores (all P0.05). Subregional thalamic analysis further showed volume reductions in the lateral, ventral, medial, and pulvinar thalamic regions (all P0.05) in the GG+GC group, all positively associated with cognitive performance (all P0.05). Mediation analyses indicated that volumes of the medial and pulvinar thalamic regions mediated the association between genotype and cognitive function (MMSE, MoCA), and that WMH volume mediated the effect on MoCA scores. ConclusionThe LOX-1 G501C polymorphism may indirectly affect cognitive function by influencing specific thalamic subregional volumes and white matter damage, suggesting a potential mediating role of thalamic structures between genetic background and cognitive impairment.
4.Bacterial endotoxin;Recombinant C-factor method;Sabin strain inactivated poliovirus vaccine(sIPV)
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2026;39(05):592-598
ObjectiveTo address abnormal foam formation during liquid fermentation of Trichoderma reesei(T. reesei) for cellulase production through process optimization.MethodsUsing quadruple fermentation tank, the process was optimized through four key parameters: medium composition, seed source preparation, feeding rate and feeding methodology. Different feeding strategies were evaluated, including time-sequence feeding, dissolved oxygen(DO) process value(PV)-linked feeding, and PID algorithm-controlled user defined function(UDF) feeding. The effects of coarse wheat bran supplementation and seed culture sources(plate vs. shake flask) on the fermentation process were also examined. Cellulase activity and biomass accumulation were monitored throughout the fermentation process.ResultsBoth reduced feeding rate and coarse wheat bran supplementation effectively decreased foam formation during protein expression, preventing abnormal foaming and overflow phenomena. The PID algorithm-controlled feeding strategy enhanced microbial growth, achieving a maximum biomass of 442. 9 g/L at 145 h. Shake flask-derived seed cultures demonstrated superior enzyme production compared to plate-derived seeds, maintaining higher enzyme activity levels after 66 h of fermentation. The combination of coarse wheat bran supplementation, time-sequence feeding strategy(sequence 1), and shake flask-derived seed culture promoted optimal cellulase accumulation, reaching an enzyme activity of 60. 096 U/mL at 145 h.ConclusionAn optimized fermentation process for T.reesei was developed, which effectively controls foam formation while maintaining high enzyme productivity.The findings provide new solutions for addressing foam-related issues in T. reesei liquid fermentation and offer valuable data support for scaling up cellulase production.
5.Hydrogels:role and problems in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects
Zhixin WU ; Wenwen JIANG ; Jianhui ZHAN ; Yangshurun LI ; Wenyan REN ; Yiyu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2178-2188
BACKGROUND:Hydrogels have become a research hotspot due to their unique advantages in the biomedical field due to their superior mechanical and biological properties.At present,related research involves tissue engineering,wound dressing and so on. OBJECTIVE:To review the advantages and properties of hydrogels and the research progress of their application in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects,discuss the current limitations and challenges of hydrogels in application and promotion,and provide new ideas for future research directions. METHODS:Relevant literature was searched in PubMed,CNKI,and WanFang database by computer.The search terms were"hydrogel,oral and maxillofacial defects,mechanical properties,tissue engineering,wound dressing"in Chinese and"hydrogel,oral and maxillofacial defects,mechanical properties,guided tissue regeneration,wound dressing"in English.Preliminary screening was carried out by reading titles and abstracts,and articles not related to the topic of the article were excluded.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,108 articles were finally included for the result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The hydrogel has good biological activity,mechanical controllability,and stimulation response.(2)Polymer,metal,and ceramic hydrogel composites have appropriate mechanical properties,biodegradability,and controlled release rate,which are suitable for maxillofacial bone tissue engineering.(3)Fibrin-based hydrogel could fill the hollow nerve conduit through the nerve defect area and promote the regeneration and growth of axons to restore the function of maxillofacial nerve.(4)Controlling the interaction between nanomaterials and hydrogels can improve the formation of muscle fiber oriented structure to promote maxillofacial muscle tissue regeneration.(5)Polysaccharide hydrogel has gradually become the first choice for repairing irregular periodontal defects due to its ability to control drug delivery,carry bioactive molecules,and combine with other materials to produce the best scaffold matching the extracellular matrix.(6)Calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate-based hydrogels can be used to fill irregular or fine tissue defects and remineralize hard tissues.The self-assembled hydrogels are simple to prepare and have good biological activity.(7)Salivary gland-derived extracellular matrix-like gel is expected to participate in the treatment of many salivary gland diseases.(8)Hydrogels can be used as wound dressings in combination with biological adhesives,acellular biomaterials,antimicrobials,antioxidants,or stem cells to treat various wounds.(9)Fibrin-based hydrogel has the most potential in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects.It has excellent biocompatibility,flexibility,and plasticity.It can combine with cells,extracellular matrix proteins,and various growth factors,and promote the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells,axon regeneration and growth,angiogenesis,myotube differentiation,salivary gland tissue regeneration,and periodontal tissue regeneration.It has a broad prospect in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects.However,its therapeutic effect depends on the function of the substance carried.The complex preparation process,its safety and long-term efficacy,and the special anatomical oral and maxillofacial structure is the problem that hinders its promotion,which also provides directions for future research.
6.Mechanism by which exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor promotes wound healing in rats
Zhenchao LI ; Xiling DU ; Zhixin HAN ; Dawei NIU ; Changwei FAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2243-2251
BACKGROUND:This study provided insight into the molecular mechanisms by which exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)promotes wound healing. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of exogenous bFGF on macrophage phenotype transition and granulation regeneration during wound repair in rats. METHODS:(1)In vitro experiment:Cells were divided into normal control group,low-dose bFGF group,high-dose bFGF group,and bFGF+valproic acid group.100 and 200 μg/L bFGF was added into the cell culture medium of low-dose bFGF group and high-dose bFGF group,respectively,while 200 μg/L bFGF and 20 mmol/L valproic acid were added into the cell culture medium of valproic acid group.EdU test,scratch test and tubule formation test were used to detect the effects of bFGF on proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.(2)In vivo experiment:Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into model group,low-dose bFGF group,high-dose bFGF group and bFGF+valproic acid group.The open wound model of full-thickness skin defect was established in low-dose bFGF group,high-dose bFGF group and bFGF+valproic acid group.Rats in the low-and high-dose bFGF groups were given 100 and 200 μg/L bFGF through subcutaneous injection,while those in the bFGF+valproic acid group received subcutaneous injection of 200 μg/L bFGF and intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg valproic acid.The wound healing rate of rats was detected at 7 and 14 days of administration.TUNEL was used to detect the apoptosis of cells in wound tissue.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum levels of malondialdehyde,superoxide dismutase,tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10.Immunofluorescence detection was conducted to detect the phenotypic transformation of macrophages in wound tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen,platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31)and vascular endothelial growth factor in wound tissue.Western blot was used to detect the expression of Notch1 and Jagged1 in wound tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal control group,bFGF could significantly promote the proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner.(2)Compared with the model group,bFGF could significantly promote wound healing,downregulate the rate of apoptosis in wound tissue,decrease the levels of malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum,increase the levels of superoxide dismutase and interleukin-10,promote the conversion of macrophages to type M2 in wound tissue,upregulate the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen,CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor in wound tissue,and inhibit the expression of Notch1 and Jagged1 in a dose-dependent manner.Valproic acid could partially reverse the promoting effect of bFGF on wound healing.To conclude,bFGF can significantly promote wound healing and granulation regeneration and induce the conversion of macrophages to M2,which may be related to the regulation of Notch1/Jagged1 signaling pathway.
7.Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Zhixin YU ; Shaodong HONG ; Hui YU ; Xuanye ZHANG ; Zichun LI ; Ping CHEN ; Yixin ZHOU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(5):531-539
BACKGROUND:
The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy (ICI + Chemo) shows promise in treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC), but some patients received limited benefit and the prognostic factors of the treatments remain unclear. Furthermore, ICIs efficacy in subsequent treatments needs further evaluation.
METHODS:
A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and major conference proceedings was conducted to identify relevant studies for meta-analysis. The study was designed to compare ICI + Chemo with chemotherapy in first-line treatment and identify efficacy predictors, and to evaluate ICIs alone in subsequent-line treatment for RM-NPC, with a focus on progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS:
Fifteen trials involving 1928 patients were included. Three trials compared ICI + Chemo with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment, while 12 trials evaluated ICIs alone in subsequent-line treatment of RM-NPC patients. First-line ICI + Chemo showed superior PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.63; P <0.001) and ORR (risk ratio [RR] = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.05-1.24; P <0.001) compared to chemotherapy, without increased AEs (RR = 1.01, 95% CI, 0.99-1.03; P = 0.481). Neither programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) nor other factors predicted the efficacy of ICI + Chemo vs . chemotherapy. Subsequent-line ICIs alone had a median PFS of 4.12 months (95% CI, 2.93-5.31 months), an ORR of 24% (95% CI, 20-28%), with grade 1-5/grade 3-5 AEs at 79%/14%. However, ICIs alone were associated with significantly shorter PFS (HR = 1.31, 95% CI, 1.01-1.68; P = 0.040) than chemotherapy alone.
CONCLUSIONS
ICI + Chemo confers superior survival benefits compared to chemotherapy in first-line RM-NPC treatment, independent of PD-L1 expression or other factors. However, ICIs alone demonstrate a manageable safety profile but do not surpass chemotherapy in efficacy for subsequent-line treatment.
Humans
;
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects*
;
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/drug therapy*
;
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy*
8.Research progress of Faricimab in the treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vascular diseases
Xinyi HOU ; Haoran WANG ; Chunhua DAI ; Jing ZHANG ; Meng XIN ; Zhixin GUAN ; Shu LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(8):1267-1273
Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)agents has become the primary treatment for macular edema associated with retinal vascular disease such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion, but there are limitations such as variable treatment efficacy and insufficient durability of therapeutic effects. As the first bispecific antibody applied in ophthalmic treatment, Faricimab achieves favorable outcomes by simultaneously targeting both VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2(Ang-2)pathways. Based on evidence from recent clinical trials and real-world studies, this article reviews the research progress on Faricimab for the treatment of diabetic macular edema(DME), retinal vein occlusion-associated macular edema(RVO-ME)and refractory macular edema compared to the therapeutic effects of other agents. Additionally, based on Faricimab's safety characteristics and future potential, its therapeutic prospects for macular edema associated with retinal vascular diseases are discussed. This review aims to provide evidence-based references for optimizing clinical treatment strategies, thereby contributing to mitigating the risk of vision loss due to macular edema.
9.Evaluation of the effect of campus tray design on salt intake control among boarding students in Guizhou Province
QIU Yujie, DU Zhixin, YUAN Fan, ZHAO Hang, LIU Ailing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):956-960
Objective:
To explore the effect of replacing rice bowls with trays on controlling the salt intake among school aged children, providing new evidence and insights for salt reduction intervention.
Methods:
From April to May 2024, 373 students from grades 4-9 at a boarding school in Guizhou Province were enrolled through stratified random cluster sampling, with one intervention class and one control class per grade. During the intervention period for one month, and the types of meals provided, pricing standards, and dining procedures shall remain consistent with daily operations, the intervention group ( n =181) compartmentalized trays for lunch and dinner, while the control group ( n =192) still used a rice bowl. Pre and post intervention assessments included 24 hour urine collection, questionnaire surveys, and physical measurements. The difference in differences analysis combined with multiple linear regression was used to analyze the changes in sodium intake and to evaluate the net effect of the intervention.
Results:
The post intervention 24 hour sodium intake in the intervention group was ( 2 222.6 ±1 013.6) mg, an increase of 94.6 mg from baseline, with no statistically significant difference ( t=1.10, P >0.05). In contrast, the post intervention 24 hour sodium intake in the control group was (2 080.5±895.7) mg, a decrease of 190.8 mg from baseline, showing a statistically significant difference ( t=-2.39, P <0.05). The difference in differences results indicated that after adjusting the model for factors such as gender, grade and dietary behaviors affecting sodium intake, the intervention group showed a net increase of 232.5 mg [ β(95%CI )=232.5(-40.3-505.2)] in 24 hour sodium intake compared to the control group, with no statistically significant net effect ( P >0.05).
Conclusions
Merely changing tableware is insufficient to control children s salt intake effectively. Based on continuous practical explorations and evidence based research grounded in the nudge theory, multi dimensional measures such as salt reduction education and the construction of a supportive environment should be integrated to form an intervention system that achieves synergistic and enhanced effects.
10.Anti-tumor Effect and Mechanism of Active Ingredients from Yin-nourishing Chinese Herbs: A Review
Qimeng FAN ; Yanran HE ; Liangshan MING ; Zishu DONG ; Yingjiao LIU ; Zhixin LI ; Jia HUANG ; Hongning LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):252-265
Tumor has become a major disease that seriously threatens human health and life. The incidence rate is increasing year by year, yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a treasure of the Chinese nation and a wealth for people worldwide, plays an important role in the treatment of tumors and has been receiving increasing attention both in China and abroad. In earlier work, based on the symptoms and metastatic characteristics of tumors, and drawing on the TCM theory of Yin and Yang in combination with modern medical research on tumors, the ''Yin deficiency-cancer correlation'' hypothesis was proposed. This hypothesis holds that ''Yin deficiency'' of the body is a major cause of malignant tumors, and that nourishing Yin to eliminate the pathogenic factor of Yin deficiency can treat cancer. By using Yin-nourishing drugs to tonify Yin deficiency, the occurrence and development of malignant tumors can be effectively prevented. Common anti-tumor Yin-nourishing drugs include Glehniae Radix, Lilii Bulbus, Ophiopogonis Radix, Liriopes Radix, Asparagi Radix, Dendrobii Caulis, Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis, Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma, Polygonati Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus, Mori Fructus, Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, Ecliptae Herba, Rehmanniae Radix, and Anemarrhenae Rhizoma. These drugs are generally sweet in flavor, cold and cool in nature, and moist in texture. They have the functions of nourishing Yin fluids, generating body fluids, and moistening dryness, and can also clear heat, being primarily indicated for Yin deficiency with depletion of body fluids. In view of the potential advantages and value of treating malignant tumors by tonifying Yin deficiency with Chinese medicine, this paper reviews recent studies on the anti-tumor effects of active components of Yin-nourishing drugs. It further summarizes their mechanisms of action in inducing apoptosis of tumor cells, arresting tumor cell proliferation, inhibiting tumor invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, enhancing and regulating immune function, augmenting the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs, and reversing tumor drug resistance. This study provides an objective overview of research progress on Yin-nourishing drugs in tumor treatment and offers new ideas for cancer therapy.


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