1.Research advances on traditional Chinese medicine monomers and compounds intervening in ankylosing spondy-litis-related signaling pathways
Haidong ZHOU ; Yaohong LU ; Liangshen HU ; Li GONG ; Maohua LIN ; Shipeng HAO ; Jianbin YAN ; Weihui CHEN ; Shaoyong FAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):373-378
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic immunoinflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine and the sacroiliac joint, the mechanism of which is closely related to signaling pathways, such as osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK)/RANK ligand, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin (β-catenin), phosphoinositide 3- kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR). Traditional Chinese medicine has the characteristics of multiple components and targets, and is widely used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases due to its low toxicity, strong specificity, and high efficacy. This review found that monomers and compounds of traditional Chinese medicine can exert anti ankylosing spondylitis effects by intervening in the aforementioned signaling pathways, regulating immune inflammatory responses, and inhibiting biological processes such as bone destruction, ectopic osteogenic differentiation, cell apoptosis, and autophagy.
2.Association between intestinal barrier disruption in liver failure and the cGAS-STING signaling pathway
Qiao TANG ; Chao ZHOU ; Ning ZHANG ; Man GONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):574-579
Liver failure is a common severe syndrome of liver diseases with high mortality. The function and structural integrity of the intestinal barrier as an entity are closely associated with the development and progression of liver failure. The cGAS-STING signaling pathway can participate in innate immune response by recognizing DNA produced by pathogen invasion and host cell damage and inducing the production of type I interferon. Numerous studies have shown that activation of the cGAS-STING pathway can significantly impact the cellular structure, mucosal components, and commensal bacteria of the intestinal barrier. This article reviews the interplay between the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and intestinal barrier disruption in liver failure, in order to provide novel insights for the clinical management of liver failure.
3.TCMLCM: an intelligent question-answering model for traditional Chinese medicine lung cancer based on the KG2TRAG method
Chunfang ZHOU ; Qingyue GONG ; Wendong ZHAN ; Jinyang ZHU ; Huidan LUAN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(1):36-45
[Objective] :
To improve the accuracy and professionalism of question-answering (QA) model in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) lung cancer by integrating large language models with structured knowledge graphs using the knowledge graph (KG) to text-enhanced retrieval-augmented generation (KG2TRAG) method.
[Methods] :
The TCM lung cancer model (TCMLCM) was constructed by fine-tuning ChatGLM2-6B on the specialized datasets Tianchi TCM, HuangDi, and ShenNong-TCM-Dataset, as well as a TCM lung cancer KG. The KG2TRAG method was applied to enhance the knowledge retrieval, which can convert KG triples into natural language text via ChatGPT-aided linearization, leveraging large language models (LLMs) for context-aware reasoning. For a comprehensive comparison, MedicalGPT, HuatuoGPT, and BenTsao were selected as the baseline models. Performance was evaluated using bilingual evaluation understudy (BLEU), recall-oriented understudy for gisting evaluation (ROUGE), accuracy, and the domain-specific TCM-LCEval metrics, with validation from TCM oncology experts assessing answer accuracy, professionalism, and usability.
[Results] :
The TCMLCM model achieved the optimal performance across all metrics, including a BLEU score of 32.15%, ROUGE-L of 59.08%, and an accuracy rate of 79.68%. Notably, in the TCM-LCEval assessment specific to the field of TCM, its performance was 3% − 12% higher than that of the baseline model. Expert evaluations highlighted superior performance in accuracy and professionalism.
[Conclusion]
TCMLCM can provide an innovative solution for TCM lung cancer QA, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating structured KGs with LLMs. This work advances intelligent TCM healthcare tools and lays a foundation for future AI-driven applications in traditional medicine.
4.A systematic evaluation of the public health governance capacity of 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces
Huayi ZHANG ; Qingyu ZHOU ; Huihui HUANGFU ; Peiwu SHI ; Qunhong SHEN ; Chaoyang ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Chuan PU ; Lingzhong XU ; Anning MA ; Zhaohui GONG ; Tianqiang XU ; Panshi WANG ; Hua WANG ; Chao HAO ; Zhi HU ; Chengyue LI ; Mo HAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):451-457
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the public health governance capacity of 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces, providing a scientific evaluation basis for building a "Healthy Yangtze River Delta". MethodsA comprehensive collection of policy documents, public information reports, and research literature related to public health governance capacity in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces was conducted, totaling 6 920 policy documents, 1 720 information reports, and 1 200 literature pieces. Based on the evaluation standards for an appropriate public health system established by the research team, the basic status of public health governance capacity was assessed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the 40 cities. ResultsIn 2022, the public health governance capacity score for the 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces was (562.5±38.0) points. In terms of specific areas, the emergency response field received the highest score of (791.4±49.7) points, while the chronic disease prevention and control field received the lowest score of (368.2±29.6) points. The Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Anhui region has largely achieved the strategic priority of health, gradually improved public health legal regulations, and established a basic organizational framework with a solid foundation for information and data infrastructure. However, challenges still need to be addressed, such as unstable government funding for public health, unclear departmental responsibilities, and barriers to information interoperability. ConclusionThe public health governance capacity of the 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Province has been at a moderate level, but disparities have still existed across regions and fields. In the future, while continuing to deepen existing advantages, it is essential to accurately identify the causes of problems, establish a long-term and stable investment mechanism, enhance information connectivity mechanisms, further clarify departmental responsibilities, and promote the achievement of the "Healthy Yangtze River Delta" goal.
5.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
6.Genome-wide DNA methylation and mRNA transcription analysis revealed aberrant gene regulation pathways in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis.
Hui LUO ; Honglin ZHU ; Ding BAO ; Yizhi XIAO ; Bin ZHOU ; Gong XIAO ; Lihua ZHANG ; Siming GAO ; Liya LI ; Yangtengyu LIU ; Di LIU ; Junjiao WU ; Qiming MENG ; Meng MENG ; Tao CHEN ; Xiaoxia ZUO ; Quanzhen LI ; Huali ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):120-122
7.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
8.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
9.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
10.Optimization of Processing Technology of Honey Bran-fried Rosae Laevigatae Fructus and Analysis of Its Mechanism in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Bin LIU ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Hongbing LUO ; Qi DENG ; Fuyu XU ; Simin ZHONG ; Ying ZHOU ; Xide YE ; Feipeng GONG ; Yuncheng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):216-224
ObjectiveTo optimize the processing technology of honey bran-fried Rosae Laevigatae Fructus(h-RLF), formulate relevant quality standards, and explore its improving effect and mechanism on mice with ulcerative colitis(UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate(DSS). MethodsTaking the content of polysaccharides and water-soluble extract as the indexes, L9(34) orthogonal test was used to optimize parameters of the amount of honey bran, frying time and frying temperature. The quality of 15 batches of h-RLF decoction pieces was evaluated according to the optimized process, and the inspection limit standard was preliminarily drawn up. Eighty SPF male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 8 groups, including the blank group, model group, mesalazine group(0.13 g·kg-1), RLF group(3.77 g·kg-1), bran-fried RLF group(3.77 g·kg-1), h-RLF low, medium and high dose groups(1.89, 3.77, 7.54 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. The mice in the blank group were free to drink pure water, and the other groups were free to drink 3% DSS solution for 7 days to prepare UC mouse model. Each treatment group was given corresponding drugs by intragastric administration, and the blank and model groups were given equal volume of normal saline. The body weight of mice was recorded daily and the disease activity index(DAI) was calculated. After the administration, the colon tissues of mice were collected to observe the pathological changes by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in the colon of mice were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of phosphorylation nuclear transcription factor-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-p38 MAPK), p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK) and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase(p-JNK) proteins in colon tissues. ResultsThe optimum processing technology of h-RLF was 20 g honey bran per 100 g RLF, and stir-frying at 200 ℃ for 8 min. The limit standard under the examination of h-RLF was preliminarily formulated as follows:the polysaccharide content should not be less than 25% based on anhydrous glucose(C6H12O6), the content of water-soluble extract should not be less than 38%, the moisture content should not be more than 12.0%, the total ash content should not be more than 5.0%, and the acid-insoluble ash content should not be more than 1.0%. The cluster heat map analysis showed that the quality of RLF from Huanggang, Hubei province was better. Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the DAI score of the model group was significantly increased, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the colon tissue were significantly increased, the IL-10 level was significantly decreased, the colonic mucosa was seriously damaged, accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration, tissue congestion and a significant reduction in glands, and the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK and p-JNK proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group could alleviate the symptoms of colonic ulcer, the structure of colonic crypt was basically intact, and the glands were arranged in an orderly manner. Among them, the high-dose group of h-RLF had a better effect, which could significantly reduce the DAI score and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in colon tissue(P<0.01), and significantly increase the level of IL-10(P<0.01), alleviate the colonic mucosal injury, and effectively inhibit the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK and p-JNK proteins(P<0.01). ConclusionThe key parameters of the processing technology of h-RLF are determined, and the optimized technology is stable and feasible. The established quality standard is simple and reliable, and can be used for the quality control. h-RLF can effectively alleviate DSS-induced UC, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of NF-κB/TLR4/MAPK pathway.

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