1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Diabetic Nephropathy via Pathways Related to Pyroptosis: A Review
Jintao SHI ; Zhiyi ZHANG ; Yunfei WEI ; Jiarui HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):290-300
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease, shows increasing prevalence and mortality, seriously affecting the physical and mental health of patients. As a crucial link in the occurrence and development of DKD, pyroptosis can lead to kidney cell injury and inflammation through the abnormal activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NLRP3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/NLRP3, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/NLRP3 signaling pathways, which accelerate the progression of DKD. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated definite efficacy in the treatment of DKD via multiple targets and pathways. Studies have shown that various TCM active components, including glycosides, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids, as well as TCM compound prescriptions for clearing heat and detoxifying, tonifying deficiency and consolidating root, and eliminating stasis and descending turbidity, can target relevant signaling pathways to inhibit pyroptosis and intervene in the development of DKD, providing new possibilities for precision treatment of DKD. This article systematically reviews the relevant pathways of pyroptosis and summarizes the research achievements and mechanisms of TCM active components and compound prescriptions in the treatment of DKD via pyroptosis in recent years. This review aims to provide new directions and ideas for the treatment and research of DKD with TCM and promote the modernization and development of TCM.
2.Progress in research of the definition of multimorbidity
Zhiyi CHEN ; Yuting HAN ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Canqing YU ; Yuanjie PANG ; Liming LI ; Jun LYU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(7):1283-1288
With the rapid global population aging, multimorbidity is becoming a more serious public health problem, to which medical researchers have paid close attention. A standardized definition of multimorbidity is essential for relevant research. However, there is a lack of consensus on the definition of multimorbidity, which makes it difficult to compare results among studies and replicate important findings. Based on the conceptual comparison, this paper summarizes the key dimensions of the definition of multimorbidity, including the number and types of conditions, the granularity of classification, methods for obtaining outcomes, and settings and objectives of research. It also discusses the inherent relationships among the dimensions and their impact on research results, and introduces the characteristics of the commonly used condition lists in current multimorbidity definition research. By suggesting areas for improvement in the multimorbidity definition system, it aims to enhance the understanding of multimorbidity research and achieve consensus on the definition, thereby facilitating further multimorbidity research.
3.Research progress on mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles and Alzheimer's disease
Sirui LIU ; Yadong WANG ; Zhiyi CHEN ; Jingxian HAN ; Xuezhu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(9):113-121
With population aging worldwide,Alzheimer's disease(AD)has become a serious human health issue.Owing in part to the complexity of the pathogenesis of AD,effective therapeutic options are lacking.Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes(MSC-Exos)have powerful regenerative properties and repair functions,providing a new direction for treatment.They are donor-derived,easily stored,natural carriers,with low immunogenicity and a low risk of tumor formation.They have shown great potential in the treatment of AD and post-treatment rehabilitation.This article introduces the pathological mechanisms of AD and characteristics of MSC-Exos,provides a detailed review of the roles of MSC-Exos in the treatment of AD,including anti-inflammatory effects,immunomodulatory effects,and related signaling pathway modulation,and summarizes recent research progress,with the aim of providing a basis for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to AD.
4.Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition-related Pathways: A Review
Jintao SHI ; Zhiyi ZHANG ; Yushan GAO ; Baicun GUO ; Yifei HU ; Jiarui HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):288-298
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) stands as one of the most prevalent microvascular complications of diabetes,noted for its concealed onset and tendency to evolve into end-stage renal disease,profoundly impacting patients' life expectancy and quality of life. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a central pathological process in the initiation and progression of DKD,facilitating disease advancement and renal fibrosis,thus representing a crucial focus of research into the pathological mechanisms of DKD. EMT is driven by the abnormal activation of signaling pathways,including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad,secreted glycoprotein/β-catenin,Notch,tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB),and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR),leading to renal cellular injury and subsequently accelerating renal fibrosis and the progression of DKD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),characterized by its multi-target and multi-pathway therapeutic approach,demonstrates unique advantages in addressing DKD and EMT. Recent research has shown that active ingredients in TCM,including glycosides,flavonoids,and polyphenols,as well as TCM formulas,can precisely target these relevant signaling pathways,effectively inhibiting cellular injury in DKD and intervening in the EMT process. These findings not only underscore the potential of TCM monomers and formulas in treating DKD and EMT but also pave new directions for research in this field within TCM. This paper systematically reviewed the signaling pathways associated with EMT and provided an in-depth analysis of the research achievements and underlying mechanisms of TCM monomers and formulas in treating DKD and intervening in EMT,aiming to offer new insights and directions for TCM in the treatment of DKD and research on EMT,thereby further promoting the modernization and development of TCM.
5.Relationship of physical activity and screen time with overweight and obesity among children and adolescents with special needs in Tianjin
HAN Yu, LI Zhi, LI Penghong, CUI Tingkai, XIONG Wenjuan, QU Zhiyi, XI Wei, ZHANG Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):162-166
Objective:
To investigate the association of physical activity and screen time with overweight and obesity among children and adolescents with special needs in Tianjin, so as to provide scientific evidence for childhood obesity prevention and intervention measures in the population.
Methods:
From January 2022 to June 2024, 296 children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders aged 2-18 years were recruited from special education schools and institutions in Tianjin. Height and weight were measured, and a standardized questionnaire was used to assess physical activity and screen time. Binary Logistic regression analysis was carried out to investigate the association of physical activity and screen time with overweight and obesity.
Results:
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents with special needs in Tianjin were 17.2% and 21.6%, respectively, and the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 38.9%. The median of moderatetovigorous physical activity (MVPA) time was 0.20 h/d, and physical activity sufficiency rate was 7.8%. The median of screen time was 1.79 h/d, and the screen time compliance rate was 68.2%. The binary Logistic regression results showed that lower levels of MVPA time and increased screen time were associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents with special needs [OR(95%CI)=1.80(1.06-3.07), 2.40(1.42-4.07),P<0.05].
Conclusions
Insufficient physical activity and excessive screen time are associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents with special needs. Therefore, comprehensive intervention measures should be implemented as early as possible to prevent and reduce the incidence of overweight and obesity in this population.
6.Progress in research of the definition of multimorbidity
Zhiyi CHEN ; Yuting HAN ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Canqing YU ; Yuanjie PANG ; Liming LI ; Jun LYU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(7):1283-1288
With the rapid global population aging, multimorbidity is becoming a more serious public health problem, to which medical researchers have paid close attention. A standardized definition of multimorbidity is essential for relevant research. However, there is a lack of consensus on the definition of multimorbidity, which makes it difficult to compare results among studies and replicate important findings. Based on the conceptual comparison, this paper summarizes the key dimensions of the definition of multimorbidity, including the number and types of conditions, the granularity of classification, methods for obtaining outcomes, and settings and objectives of research. It also discusses the inherent relationships among the dimensions and their impact on research results, and introduces the characteristics of the commonly used condition lists in current multimorbidity definition research. By suggesting areas for improvement in the multimorbidity definition system, it aims to enhance the understanding of multimorbidity research and achieve consensus on the definition, thereby facilitating further multimorbidity research.
7.Research progress on mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles and Alzheimer's disease
Sirui LIU ; Yadong WANG ; Zhiyi CHEN ; Jingxian HAN ; Xuezhu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(9):113-121
With population aging worldwide,Alzheimer's disease(AD)has become a serious human health issue.Owing in part to the complexity of the pathogenesis of AD,effective therapeutic options are lacking.Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes(MSC-Exos)have powerful regenerative properties and repair functions,providing a new direction for treatment.They are donor-derived,easily stored,natural carriers,with low immunogenicity and a low risk of tumor formation.They have shown great potential in the treatment of AD and post-treatment rehabilitation.This article introduces the pathological mechanisms of AD and characteristics of MSC-Exos,provides a detailed review of the roles of MSC-Exos in the treatment of AD,including anti-inflammatory effects,immunomodulatory effects,and related signaling pathway modulation,and summarizes recent research progress,with the aim of providing a basis for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to AD.
8.Effects of Huoxue Digui Decoction on Iron Accumulation and Ferroptosis in Renal Podocytes of Diabetic Nephropathy Mice Based on Nrf2/FPN1 Signaling Pathway
Zhiyi ZHANG ; Xueyi WANG ; Bing LI ; Jintao SHI ; Jiarui HAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(12):105-111
Objective To observe the effects of Huoxue Digui Decoction on iron accumulation and ferroptosis in renal podocytes of diabetic nephropathy(DN)mice.Methods Totally 50 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group(6 mice)and modeling group(44 mice).The DN model was established by streptozotocin injection.Mice conforming to DN model were randomly divided into model group(8 mice),and sulforaphane group,Huoxue Digui Decoction low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(6 mice for each group).The sulforaphane group was injected with sulforaphane intraperitoneally,while Huoxue Digui Decoction low-,medium-and high-dosage groups were orally administered with corresponding solution for 12 consecutive weeks.The fasting blood glucose,blood urea nitrogen,serum creatinine,24 h urinary albumin were detected,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of renal tissue,PAS staining was used to observe glycogen deposition in renal tissue,Masson staining was used to observe fibrosis in renal tissue;transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of renal tissue,immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of Podocin and Nephrin in renal tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),ACSL4,nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2)and ferroportin 1(FPN1)in renal tissue,Prussian blue staining was used to observe the deposition of ferric ion in renal tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,the fasting blood glucose,blood urea nitrogen,serum creatinine and 24 h urinary albumin in model group significantly increased(P<0.01),with renal tissue capillary atrophy,increased glycogen deposition,and worsening fibrosis,the expressions of Podocin and Nephrin in renal tissue were down-regulated,while the expressions of GPX4,Nrf2 and FPN1 protein were significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of ACSL4 protein significantly increased(P<0.01),and the deposition of ferric ion in renal tissue increased.Compared with the model group,the fasting blood glucose,blood urea nitrogen,serum creatinine and 24 h urinary albumin in sulforaphane group and Huoxue Digui Decoction groups were reduced to different degrees(P<0.05,P<0.01),renal tissue pathological damage was reduced to varying degrees,glycogen deposition was reduced,and fibrosis was alleviated,the expressions of Podocin and Nephrin in renal tissue were up-regulated,while the expressions of GPX4,Nrf2 and FPN1 protein significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of ACSL4 protein significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the deposition of ferric ion in renal tissue was reduced.Conclusion Huoxue Digui Decoction can alleviate renal pathological injury,reduce blood glucose and delay the progression of DN mice.The mechanism may be related to regulating the expressions of Nrf2 and FPN1,inhibiting iron accumulation and ferroptosis in renal podocytes of DN mice.
9.Research advances in kidney-tonifying therapy for patients with HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection
Yufeng XING ; Zhiyi HAN ; Daqiao ZHOU ; Guangdong TONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2023;39(6):1267-1273
Chronic HBV infection is an important phase in the natural history of HBV, but there are still controversies over the treatment of this stage. Traditional Chinese medicine has had unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis since ancient times and plays an important role in prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis in China. Based on the pathological process of chronic HBV infection, the team of Department of Hepatology in Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the core pathogenesis of chronic HBV infection is "kidney deficiency and epidemic toxin lurking in liver blood" and established kidney-tonifying therapy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. Under the support of the project of Prevention and Treatment of Major Infectious Diseases such as AIDS and Viral Hepatitis in The Eleventh Five Year Plan, The Twelfth Five Year Plan, and The Thirteenth Five Year Plan, the team has conducted studies on the regularity of syndromes and a series of clinical studies and investigated the clinical efficacy of kidney-tonifying therapy through multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, thereby exploring the application and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine treatment in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, there are still difficulties in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic HBV infection, and with the inheritance, innovation, and modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that traditional Chinese medicine can provide reliable regimens for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
10.An Easily Compatible Eye-tracking System for Freely-moving Small Animals.
Kang HUANG ; Qin YANG ; Yaning HAN ; Yulin ZHANG ; Zhiyi WANG ; Liping WANG ; Pengfei WEI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2022;38(6):661-676
Measuring eye movement is a fundamental approach in cognitive science as it provides a variety of insightful parameters that reflect brain states such as visual attention and emotions. Combining eye-tracking with multimodal neural recordings or manipulation techniques is beneficial for understanding the neural substrates of cognitive function. Many commercially-available and custom-built systems have been widely applied to awake, head-fixed small animals. However, the existing eye-tracking systems used in freely-moving animals are still limited in terms of their compatibility with other devices and of the algorithm used to detect eye movements. Here, we report a novel system that integrates a general-purpose, easily compatible eye-tracking hardware with a robust eye feature-detection algorithm. With ultra-light hardware and a detachable design, the system allows for more implants to be added to the animal's exposed head and has a precise synchronization module to coordinate with other neural implants. Moreover, we systematically compared the performance of existing commonly-used pupil-detection approaches, and demonstrated that the proposed adaptive pupil feature-detection algorithm allows the analysis of more complex and dynamic eye-tracking data in free-moving animals. Synchronized eye-tracking and electroencephalogram recordings, as well as algorithm validation under five noise conditions, suggested that our system is flexibly adaptable and can be combined with a wide range of neural manipulation and recording technologies.


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