1.Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2B due to compound heterozygous variants of TSEN2 gene: A case report and literature review.
Xueqin LIN ; Hailan HE ; Saying ZHU ; Yulin QUAN ; Shichen ZHOU ; Zhanwei ZHANG ; Jing PENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(1):44-49
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical and genetic features of a child with Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2B (PCH2B) due to compound heterozygous variants of the TSEN2 gene.
METHODS:
A PCH2B patient presented at Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in June 2023 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient were retrospectively analyzed. The patient and her parents were subjected to whole exome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Pathogenicity of the candidate variants were classified based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). A literature review was also conducted by searching the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and PubMed databases from their establishment to May 2025 using keywords "TSEN2 gene" "PCH2B" and "Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia 2B" to summarize the clinical and genotypic features of patients with PCH2B due to variants of the TSEN2 gene. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (No.: #202310892).
RESULTS:
The patient, a 6-year-5-month-old girl, had exhibited severe global developmental delay, developmental regression, autism spectrum disorder, myoclonus of eyelids, feeding difficulty, irritability, progressive microcephaly, esotropia, and hypotonia. MRI showed reduced volume of bilateral cerebellar hemispheres and vermis. Genetic testing revealed that she has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the TSEN2 gene (NM_025265.4), namely c.1054A>T (p.Lys352*) and c.899G>T (p.Ser300Ile), which were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. Both variants were classified as likely pathogenic based on the ACMG guidelines and were previously unreported. Literature review has identified six PCH2B patients with missense, nonsense, frameshift, and splice site variants of the TSEN2 gene. Their main clinical manifestations included global developmental delay, progressive microcephaly, feeding difficulties, irritability, and vermis hypoplasia. Cranial MRI and genetic testing are crucial for definite diagnosis.
CONCLUSION
The c.1054A>T (p.Lys352*) and c.899G>T (p.Ser300Ile) compound heterozygous variants of the TSEN2 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in this patient. Above findings has expanded the genotypic and phenotypic spectra of TSEN2-related PCH2B, and offered guidance for genetic counseling for this family.
Child
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Female
;
Humans
;
Cerebellar Diseases/genetics*
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Heterozygote
;
Mutation
2.From Cathartic Colon to Cathartic-dependent Constipation: Diagnostic-therapeutic Strategies from Integrative Medicine Perspective
Youcheng HE ; Fengru JIANG ; Yanru WANG ; Minghan HUANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lian MO ; Lifeng WEI ; Keyi PAN ; Shuyu CAI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):162-172
Both cathartic colon (CC) and cathartic-dependent constipation (CDC) are caused by the abuse of stimulant laxatives, while their concepts are not completely the same.Starting from the disease name of CC, this article traced the origin and evolution of the concept of CC, summarizes and compared the similarities and differences between CC, CDC, and slow transit constipation (STC), and called for strict differentiation among the three.Furthermore, this article explored the specific contents of Western medicine clinical subtypes and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation of CDC and delved into the TCM pathogenesis of CDC according to both literature and clinical practice.The relationship between clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes was established, and the syndrome characteristics of CDC of different clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes were summarized.The recommended prescriptions for corresponding syndromes were listed.A systematic CDC diagnosis and treatment approach of "clinical subtypes-syndrome differentiation-syndrome characteristics-recommended prescriptions" was thus formed.Additionally, the paper provides an overview of current research on CDC in both Western medicine and TCM contexts, identifies future research directions, and suggests research pathways for refining and advancing CDC studies.
3.Clinical Efficacy of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Prescription in Treatment of Cathartic Colon and Analysis of Influencing Factors of Disease Severity
Youcheng HE ; Jingyi SHAN ; Fengru JIANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lu HANG ; Yan ZHOU ; Lian MO ; Shuyu CAI ; Keyi PAN ; Lifeng WEI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):173-184
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue prescription (YYHP) in the treatment of cathartic colon (CC) and its effects on fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 98 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and Western medicine for CC with the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency complicated by blood stasis were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group. The observation group received YYHP granules, while the control group received lactulose. Both medications were administered twice daily, one sachet each time, half an hour after breakfast and dinner, with a treatment course of 8 weeks. The primary constipation symptom score, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) score, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment and at the 8th week after the end of treatment. The overall clinical effective rate, as well as the efficacy attenuation index and degree, were evaluated. Fecal SCFA levels were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. ResultsThe overall clinical effective rate in the observation group (95.83%) was higher than that in the control group (78.72%) (P<0.05). After treatment, the total scores for primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes decreased in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). The severity of all primary constipation symptoms was alleviated in both groups (P<0.05). In terms of "excessive straining and difficult defecation", "anal heaviness, incomplete evacuation, and bloating sensation", "abdominal distension", and "defecation frequency", the observation group showed better efficacy than the control group (P<0.05). Scores of the four PAC-QOL dimensions and the scores and severity of primary and secondary TCM symptoms were reduced in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFAs in the observation group increased significantly (P<0.05). The efficacy attenuation index and degree in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Positive correlations of varying degrees were observed among the total scores of primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes, as well as between these scores and the history of stimulant laxative use, disease duration, and age. ConclusionYYHP can effectively alleviate the primary constipation symptoms in CC patients, improve quality of life, and ameliorate TCM syndromes, with good safety. It also has the advantage of a lower rebound degree after drug withdrawal, and its mechanism may be related to increasing fecal SCFA levels. Long-term abuse of stimulant laxatives may aggravate the severity of CC and prolong the disease course.
4.Qi and Yin Deficiency with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis in Rat Model of Rhein-induced Cathartic Colon
Youcheng HE ; Fengru JIANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Erhao LIU ; Pengfei ZHOU ; Keyi PAN ; Shuyu CAI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):185-195
ObjectiveTo evaluate and analyze the syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis in a rhein-induced cathartic colon (CC) rat model. MethodsTwenty-four rats were divided into a normal group and a model group (CC group). The rats were administered equal volumes of physiological saline or 2% rhein suspension by gavage to establish the model over three cycles (approximately 118 days). The first cycle lasted 46 days, with a dosage of 12 mL·kg-1·d-1, administered every other day. The second cycle lasted 37 days, with a dosage of 12 mL·kg-1·d-1, administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. The third cycle lasted 35 days, with a dosage of 16 mL·kg-1·d-1, also administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of cessation. Each cycle ended when 80% of the rats no longer exhibited loose stools. Body mass, 24 h food intake, coat condition, and coat red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values were recorded. The open field test (OFT) was used to measure the total distance traveled to evaluate Qi deficiency. The body mass coefficient and 24 h water intake were recorded to assess Yin deficiency. The sucrose preference test (SPT) was used to determine the sucrose preference rate (SPR), and the average speed in OFT was measured to evaluate depressive status (liver depression and Qi stagnation). Tongue images and their R, G, and B values were recorded. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) and plasma viscosity (PV) were measured using an automatic hemorheological analyzer to evaluate blood stasis. A carbon ink propulsion test was performed to determine the intestinal transit rate (ITR) for disease model evaluation. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the colon. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) in colon tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of TRPA1 and TPH1. ResultsIn terms of syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the body mass of the CC group decreased (P<0.05), while 24 h food intake increased (P<0.01). The coats of the CC group appeared withered, disheveled, and dull, and the R, G, and B values of the coat decreased (P<0.01). The total distance traveled in OFT decreased (P<0.01). The body mass coefficient decreased (P<0.01), while 24 h water intake increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SPR decreased (P<0.01), and the average speed in OFT slowed (P<0.01). The tongue appeared dark red, and the R, G, and B values of tongue images decreased (P<0.01). WBV and PV increased (P<0.01). Regarding disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the ITR decreased in the CC group (P<0.01). Pathologically, HE staining showed necrosis and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, disruption of mucosal continuity, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria in the CC group. Semi-quantitative analysis showed increased HAI scores (P<0.05) and increased inflammatory cell counts and area proportion (P<0.05). In terms of molecular biological indicators, compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPA1 and TPH1 in colon tissue decreased in the CC group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe rhein-induced CC rat model conforms to the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome characteristics of Qi and Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
5.Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Signaling Pathways: A Review
Yaohong LU ; Chenjie HUANG ; Wenqi YUAN ; Haidong ZHOU ; Gengxin LIU ; Gedi ZHANG ; Ziyou YAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):287-299
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes, with a complex pathogenesis involving immune inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, apoptosis, glomerulosclerosis, renal interstitial fibrosis, and other pathological processes. In recent years, numerous animal or cell model experiments have revealed that the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), secretory glycoprotein (Wnt)/β-catenin, and other classical signaling pathways play important roles in the occurrence and development of DN. Traditional Chinese medicines, as natural drugs, possess characteristics such as multiple components, multiple targets, and few adverse reactions, demonstrating unique advantages in regulating the aforementioned signaling pathways and improving renal pathological changes. This review summarized recent research progress on the intervention of DN through the regulation of the aforementioned signaling pathways by single compounds and formulas of traditional Chinese medicine, focusing on their mechanisms of action in regulating immune inflammatory responses, inhibiting renal fibrosis, oxidative stress, improving metabolic disorders, and other aspects. The aim is to provide theoretical references for a deeper understanding of the modern pharmacological basis and clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of DN.
6.Research Progress on Regulation of Relevant Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Zhonghao GUO ; Quan LI ; Pengyu PAN ; Tengyu ZHAO ; Zeyuan AN ; Yuan LIU ; Yanyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):333-342
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments, with its pathological mechanisms involving multiple processes such as the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein. Current Western medical treatments face challenges including diminished long-term efficacy and motor complications. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated advantages in the prevention and treatment of PD through its systematic regulatory capabilities, featuring multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approaches.This article systematically reviews the roles of seven key signaling pathways-NF-κB, AMPK/mTOR, PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, Nrf2/ARE, Wnt/β-catenin, and BDNF/TrkB-in the pathological process of PD and the regulatory mechanisms of TCM. Research indicates that active ingredients of Chinese herbs and compound formulations can synergistically modulate these pathways, exerting comprehensive effects in inhibiting neuroinflammation, alleviating oxidative stress, promoting autophagy to clear abnormal proteins, and enhancing neurotrophic support. These signaling pathways form a complex regulatory network through crosstalk among key nodal molecules, constituting an intricate regulatory system in PD pathology. The multi-target intervention characteristics of TCM align well with this network-based regulatory requirement, achieving integrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, autophagy-regulating, and neurorestorative effects through synergistic multi-pathway modulation. This article systematically outlines the mechanisms of TCM in the coordinated regulation of multiple pathways, providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the pathological process of PD and the intervention mechanisms of TCM, while also offering new perspectives and directions for modern research on TCM in the prevention and treatment of PD.
7.Danggui Niantongtang in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Enhui ZHOU ; Zhiying CHE ; Zhenliang WANG ; Erping XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):343-349
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis, which may lead to joint deformity and loss of joint function in the long term, severely impairing patients' quality of life. Danggui Niantongtang, originated from Medical Revelations by Zhang Yuansu in the Jin Dynasty, has the effects of clearing heat and draining dampness, dispelling wind and alleviating pain, and serves as a classic formula for treating RA damp-heat stagnation syndrome. By searching CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed and other databases, the author systematically reviewed the clinical efficacy and experimental research of Danggui Niantongtang in the treatment of RA, and elucidated its mechanisms of action, so as to provide a valuable reference for future clinical and basic research of Danggui Niantongtang in the field of RA. Clinical studies demonstrated that Danggui Niantongtang can improve core symptoms in RA patients with the damp-heat stagnation syndrome, including joint swelling and pain, morning stiffness and limited joint mobility, decrease inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and facilitate postoperative rehabilitation in RA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). When combined with Western medicines such as methotrexate, it can enhance the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mitigate adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal discomfort and hepatic injury. Experimental studies revealed that this formula can modulate the inflammatory cytokine network, promote synoviocyte apoptosis, inhibit abnormal synoviocyte autophagy, suppress synovial angiogenesis, and maintain intestinal flora homeostasis. However, several limitations exist in current research, such as insufficient clinical quality, unclear interaction between mechanisms and networks, and insufficient research on dosage form optimization. In the future, high-quality clinical research, multi-omics mechanistic studies, and dosage form improvement are needed to provide scientific basis for its clinical promotion and in-depth research.
8.Isthmin-1 suppresses the growth of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating the FoxO signaling pathway
Liying WANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Xuerong WANG ; Wenbin HUANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(1):60-67
This study aimed to investigate the effects of the peptide secreted protein isthmin-1 (ISM1) on the proliferation and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. ISM1 expression in NSCLC was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ISM1 was overexpressed in lung cancer cell lines by transient transfection of ISM1 plasmids, or establishing ISM1 overexpression stable cell lines, or by treating cells with recombined ISM1 (rISM1). CCK-8 was used to examine cell growth. The intracellular signal transduction pathways regulated by rISM1 were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing, and verified by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The levels of intracellular ROS and apoptosis were further detected using the kit. The results showed that the expression of ISM1 was decreased in human NSCLC tissue samples compared to normal lung tissue samples. Overexpression of ISM1 or rISM1 treatment significantly suppressed the growth of lung cancer cells. RNA sequencing revealed that rISM1 mainly regulated the FoxO signaling pathway. rISM1 treatment decreased the expression of FoxO3 and FoxO1, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and induced cell apoptosis. These results suggest that ISM1 can inhibit the growth of NSCLC by regulating the FoxO signaling pathway. These findings provide new strategies for cancer therapy.
9.Research priorities on physical and mental comorbidity among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):498-501
Objective:
To identify research priorities on physical and mental comorbidity among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide a theoretical base for improving their physical and mental health.
Methods:
In May 2025, 77 experts in the fields of health and education from 11 cities in Zhejiang Province were selected by convenient sampling method to participate in the first round of expert consultation. In June, 2025, snowball sampling was used to expand to 194 experts for the second round of consultation, and it was convenient to select 21 students from primary schools to high schools in Zhejiang Province and 29 parents to empower the evaluation criteria. It applied the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method in a structured process, which encompassed the definition of the research field, generation of research ideas, scoring, and quantitative ranking of priorities. Research ideas were evaluated against 6 predefined criteria: effectiveness, safety, answerability, feasibility, sustainability, and scientific significance.
Results:
After 2 rounds of structured consultations, 81 research ideas on physical and mental comorbidity among children and adolescents were established and classified into 7 subthemes: epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors, optimization of primary service systems and policies, comprehensive intervention strategies for physical and mental comorbidity, biological mechanisms and clinical research, the impact of education and environment on physical and mental health, special populations and social support, and digital and technology driven disease prevention and intervention. The top 10 research priorities primarily centered on the subdomain of "epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors" (5 items). The top 3 research priorities were "the association between outdoor activity duration and the incidence of common diseases (including mental disorders) among children and adolescents" "the impact of outdoor activity duration on the physical and mental health of adolescents" "comprehensive intervention strategies for myopia, obesity, and their comorbidities among children and adolescents".
Conclusion
The framework of priority issues in the field of psychosomatic comorbidity of children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province based on CHNRI method provides a reference for optimizing the allocation of provincial research resources.
10.Cross lagged panel network analysis of relationship between psychological resilience and adjustment disorders among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):512-516
Objective:
To explore the network structure and potential causal relationship between psychological resilience and adjustment disorders among college students, so as to provide a basis for effective prevention and intervention on adjustment disorders.
Methods:
A longitudinal survey was conducted in September 2024 (T1) on 1 028 freshmen from 3 universities selected using convenient sampling method in Jiangsu Province, and a follow up survey was conducted in September 2025 (T2). The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Adjustment Disorder-New Module 20 (ADNM-20) Scale were used to evaluate psychological resilience and adjustment disorders. Network analysis method was employed to construct a symptom network of psychological resilience and adaptation disorders, and cross lagged panel network analysis was used to explore the longitudinal causal relationship.
Results:
At T1, the scores of psychological resilience and adjustment disorders for college students were (76.44±21.91) and (32.79±12.87). At T2, they were (77.45±22.38) and (28.27±11.38), respectively. The longitudinal network analysis results showed that there was a stable negative bidirectional predictive relationship between individual ability and maladjustment (T1 individual ability → T2 maladjustment: β =-0.12; T1 maladjustment → T2 individual ability: β =-0.17; both P <0.01). The node strength between tolerating negative emotions (T1:1.21, T2:1.30) and excessive worry (T1:1.20, T2:1.20) was the greatest, and impulse disturbance was the most robust bridge symptom connecting psychological resilience and adjustment disorder symptoms (T1:0.11, T2:0.08).
Conclusion
By improving individual ability and focusing on the intervention of core bridge symptoms such as over attention and impulsivity, the negative impact of psychological resilience issues on college students adaptation disorders can be reduced.


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