1.Mechanism of Wumen Zhiqiao gancao decoction inhibiting pathological angiogenesis in degenerative intervertebral discs by regulating HIF-1α/VEGF/Ang signal axis
Zeling HUANG ; Zaishi ZHU ; Yuwei LI ; Bo XU ; Junming CHEN ; Baofei ZHANG ; Binjie LU ; Xuefeng CAI ; Hua CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):807-814
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of Zhiqiao gancao decoction (ZQGCD) on pathological angiogenesis of degenerative intervertebral disc. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) inhibitor (YC-1) group [2 mg/(kg·d), tail vein injection], and ZQGCD low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups [3.06, 6.12, 12.24 g/(kg·d)], with 8 rats in each group. Except for sham operation group, lumbar disc degeneration model of rat was constructed in all other groups. After modeling, they were given relevant medicine once a day, for consecutive 3 weeks. After the last medication, pathological changes and angiogenesis of the intervertebral disc tissue in rats were observed; the levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and the expressions of angiogenesis-related proteins [HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), angiotensin 1(Ang 1), Ang 2] in the com intervertebral disc tissue in rats were all determined. In cell experiment, the primary nucleus pulposus cells were isolated and cultured from rats, and cellular degeneration was induced using 50 ng/mL TNF-α. The cells were divided into blank control group (10% blank control serum), TNF-α group (10% blank control serum), YC-1 group (10% blank control serum+0.2 mmol/L YC-1), and 5%, 10%, 15% drug-containing serum group (5%, 10%, 15% drug-containing serum). After 24 hours of intervention, the nucleus pulposus cells were co-cultured with HUVEC. The expressions of Collagen Ⅱ, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in nucleus pulposus cells were detected. HUVEC proliferation, migration and tube forming ability were detected, and the expression levels of the HIF-1α/VEGF/Ang signal axis and angiogenesis- related proteins (add MMP-2, MMP-9) in HUVEC were detected. RESULTS Animal experiments had shown that compared with model group, the positive expression of CD31 in the intervertebral disc tissues of rats in each drug group was down-regulated (P< 0.05), the levels of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related proteins were decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the pathological changes in the intervertebral disc were alleviated. Cell experiments had shown that compared with TNF-α group, the expression of Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus cells of all drug groups was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05), and the expression of MMP-3 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05); the proliferation, migration and tubulogenesis of HUVEC were significantly weakened (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α, VEGF, Ang 2 as well as the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins (except for the expression of Ang 2 mRNA and HIF-1α, VEGFR2, Ang 2 protein in 5% drug- containing serum group) were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS ZQGCD may inhibit the HIF-1α/VEGF/ Ang signal axis to weaken the angiogenic ability of vascular endothelial cells, improve pathological angiogenesis in the intervertebral disc, and delay the degeneration of the intervertebral disc.
2.Academic Connotation and Practical Applications of Theory of Cancer Collaterals
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):245-255
The modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the field of oncology has led to the formation of a diversified theoretical system for tumor treatment. However, this system faces challenges such as significant differences between theoretical understanding and clinical treatment and lack of unified consensus and standardized protocols. The pathogenesis and treatment of collateral diseases, when summarized by the philosophy of Yin and Yang Qi transformation, offer a valuable academic perspective in the tumor theory by simplifying complexity and integrating knowledge. Building on the foundation of the collateral theory and modern research, our team has innovatively proposed the theory of cancer collaterals. From the Yin and Yang Qi transformation of collaterals, this theory emphasizes that the core pathogenesis of cancer collaterals is the dysfunction of Qi transformation in collaterals. Cancer collaterals are characterized by a Yin substance with a Yang function, representing the pathogenic Qi combining Yin and Yang. This theory outlines seven pathological characteristics (concealment, aggressive onset, toxin coagulation, obstruction and stasis, deficiency and damage, variable dispersion, and differences in Zang-organ collaterals) of cancer collaterals, five unique pathogeneses (latent toxin, stasis obstruction, damage, abnormal proliferation, and toxin dispersion in cancer collaterals) of cancer collaterals, and the full-cycle pathogenesis evolution through four stages (early, middle, late, and post-treatment stages) of tumors. In clinical practice, it is essential to differentiate the Yin and Yang Qi transformation states of body collaterals and cancer collaterals to restore the normal Qi transformation of collaterals and regulate the disordered Qi transformation of cancer collaterals. Therefore, the treatment method of regulating Qi and dredging collaterals in the theory of cancer collaterals is proposed. Regulating Qi involves adjusting the yang of cancer collaterals to promote Qi transformation, while dredging collaterals involves resolving the Yin of cancer collaterals to transform the formed cancer toxin. Finally, the practical value of the theory of cancer collaterals is discussed in terms of guiding clinical differentiation and treatment, promoting scientific research, and breaking down theoretical barriers. The aim is to perfect the theoretical system of malignant tumor differentiation and treatment.
3.Study on the traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in 757 cases of children with hepatolenticular degeneration based on factor analysis and cluster analysis
Daiping HUA ; Han WANG ; Qiaoyu XUAN ; Lanting SUN ; Ling XIN ; Xin YIN ; Wenming YANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):303-311
Objective:
To explore the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in children with hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson disease, WD) based on factor analysis and cluster analysis.
Methods:
From November 2018 to November 2023, general information (gender, age of admission, age of onset, course of disease, clinical staging, Western medicine clinical symptoms, and family history) and TCM four-examination informations (symptoms and signs) were retrospectively collected from 757 cases of children with WD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, and factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to investigate TCM syndromes in children with WD.
Results:
A total of 757 children with WD were included, of which 483 were male and 274 were female; the median age at admission was 12.58 years, the median age at onset was 8.33 years, and the median course of disease was 24.37 months; clinical typing result indicated 506 cases of hepatic type, 133 cases of brain type, 99 cases of mixed-type, and 19 cases of other type; 36.46% of the children had no clinical symptoms (elevated aminotransferases or abnormalities in copper biochemistry); a total of 177 cases had a definite family history, and 10 cases had a suspected family history. Forty-three TCM four-examination information were obtained, with the top 10 in descending order being feeling listless and weak, brown urine, slow action, inappetence, dim complexion, slurred speech, angular salivation, body weight loss, hand and foot tremors, and abdominal fullness. In children with WD, the syndrome element of disease location was primarily characterized by the liver, involving the spleen and kidney, and the syndrome elements of disease nature were characterized by dampness, heat, and yin deficiency. Based on factor analysis and cluster analysis, five TCM syndromes were derived, which were, in order, syndrome of dampness-heat accumulation (265 cases, 35.01%), syndrome of yin deficiency of the liver and kidney (202 cases, 26.68%), syndrome of liver hyperactivity with spleen deficiency (185 cases, 24.44%), syndrome of qi and blood deficiency (79 cases, 10.44%), and syndrome of yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney (26 cases, 3.43%).
Conclusion
The TCM syndromes of children with WD were primarily syndromes of dampness-heat accumulation, yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, and liver hyperactivity with spleen deficiency. The liver was the main disease location, and the disease nature was characterized by deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality, excess and deficiency mixed. These findings suggest that treating children with WD should be based on the liver while also considering the spleen and kidney.
4.Research progress on molecular biomarkers related to polypoid choroidal vasculopathy
Jingjing LIU ; Yangyan XIAO ; Xia HUA
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):754-759
Polypoid choroidal vasculopathy(PCV)is associated with poor visual prognosis in its natural course and is more prevalent in Asian populations. Despite advancements in optical coherence tomography(OCT)and OCT angiography(OCTA)that have significantly improved morphological diagnostic capabilities, imaging biomarkers are limited by temporal resolution constraints and fail to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying vascular angiogenesis, inflammation, genetic factors, and extracellular matrix(ECM)remodeling. This review synthesizes current research on molecular biomarkers associated with PCV, focusing on its core pathological mechanisms. These biomarkers provide crucial insights into disease pathogenesis to inform precision prevention, dynamic disease monitoring, and therapeutic response prediction. Furthermore, this article proposes the integration of multi-omics data(genomics, proteomics, and radiomics)to establish a multimodal hierarchical diagnostic-therapeutic model. This framework will guide risk stratification, real-time disease assessment, and personalized treatment strategies, advancing the development of a precision medicine framework for PCV management.
5.Factors influencing the occurrence of capsular contraction syndrome in cataract patients after phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation
Xi CHEN ; Haiying MA ; Xinshuai NAN ; Xin HUA ; Ming ZHAO ; Dongsheng YE ; Heqing JI
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):849-853
AIM: To analyze the influencing factors of capsular constriction syndrome(CCS)in cataract patients after phacoemulsification(Phaco)combined with intraocular lens(IOL)implantation.METHODS: Retrospective study. The data of 2 900 cataract patients(2 900 eyes)in our hospital's information system from January 2021 to January 2024 were collected. All patients were treated with Phaco combined with IOL implantation, and the incidence of CCS within 30 wk after surgery was recorded. Patients were categorized into CCS(116 cases, 116 eyes)and N-CCS group(2 784 cases, 2 784 eyes)based on the occurrence of CCS. The basic data of the two groups were compared, and the influencing factors of CCS within 30 wk after Phaco combined with IOL implantation in cataract patients were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression.RESULTS: Among 2 900 patients(2 900 eyes)included, 116 cataract patients(116 eyes)developed CCS within 30 wk after Phaco combined with IOL implantation, with an incidence rate of 4.00%. The single factor and multi-factor Logistic regression analysis showed that the complicated diabetes, high myopia, complicated glaucoma, and axial length(AL)>30 mm were the risk factors for the occurrence of CCS after Phaco IOL implantation in cataract patients(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Attention should be paid to cataract patients with diabetes, high myopia, glaucoma and AL>30 mm, which will increase the risk of CCS within 30 wk after Phaco combined with IOL implantation in cataract patients.
6.Establishment and application of plasmid reference for detection of residual DNA of early region 1A protein and simian virus 40 large T antigen
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2025;38(04):418-426
Objective To construct a plasmid reference for the detection of residual DNA from early region 1A(E1A) protein and simian virus 40 large T antigen(SV40LTA), and to explore a digital PCR(dPCR)-based analytical technique for copy number calibration of plasmid reference to quantify plasmid reference accurately, thereby providing a new idea for host cell DNA residual detection in biological products.Methods The plasmid pUC19-E1A-SV40LTA was constructed, and the whole gene was synthesized and then amplified to obtain sufficient reference plasmid. The digital PCR system was employed to determine the copy numbers using double fluorescence channels of E1A and SV40LTA primer-probe sets, respectively.The reference material calibrated by digital PCR was subsequently applied to qPCR to establish a method for detecting the specific E1A and SV40LTA sequences. The developed qPCR assay was systematically validated for plasmid reference linearity, accuracy, limit of quantification(LOQ), precision, specificity, applicability, and stability. Furthermore, the established qPCR system was utilized for the detection of recombinant adenovirus(rAdV) sample and recombinant adeno-associated virus(rAAV) sample.Results The copy numbers of E1A and SV40LTA targets in the plasmid reference were found to be essentially consistent through digital PCR using dual fluorescence channels. The detection values detected by E1A and SV40LTA primer-probe sets were 3. 55 × 109and 3. 48 × 109copies/μL, respectively. The coefficient of variation(CV) of these two values was 1. 42%, and the mean value of 3. 51 × 109copies/μL was taken as the calibration value of digital PCR.The qPCR system established by using digital PCR to calibrate copy number exhibited good linearity, accuracy, LOQ, precision, specificity, applicability and stability, and the recovery rates for rAdV and rAAV samples were between 70% and130%.Conclusion A reference plasmid for detecting E1A and SV40LTA residues in biological products was established,and a more sensitive and accurate digital PCR method was introduced for quantification, which can be used to detect the residual DNA of E1A and SV40LTA in gene therapy products produced with HEK293 and HEK293T as host cells.
7.Psychodrama group therapy based on family parenting intervention for parents of adolescents with depressive disorder: a qualitative study
Hong CHEN ; Lijun CHA ; Yuhan WANG ; Xiaohong YANG ; Hua HU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):102-107
BackgroundFamily factors are known to play a critical role in the development, progression and prognosis of adolescent patients with depressive disorder. Psychodrama group therapy has the potential for bringing about positive change in individual growth and relationship repair, but there is currently insufficient research evidence for the effectiveness of psychodrama group therapy in promoting the recovery in depressive disorder in adolescents through improving the family parenting skills of their parents. ObjectiveTo explore the influence of psychodrama group therapy based on family parenting intervention on parents of adolescent patients with depressive disorder, so as to provide references for promoting the recovery for adolescent patients with depressive disorder. MethodsPurposive sampling was used to recruit adolescent patients who met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder of the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) and hospitalized in the psychiatric outpatient department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from October 2023 to March 2024, and their parents (either mother or father) were taken as the study subjects. Psychodrama group therapy based on family parenting intervention was performed once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. After intervention, semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents who participated in the group, and the interviews were recorded. Content analysis method was employed to perform qualitative analysis on the interview recordings and verbatim transcripts. ResultsAfter receiving psychodrama group intervention based on family parenting, parents of adolescent patients with depressive disorder demonstrated improvement in emotional state, enhanced reflective ability and altered coping style, which were specifically manifested as reducing negative emotions, increasing positive emotions, reflecting on themselves, empathizing with others, adjusting cognition, changing the way of stress regulation, improving communication styles and actively seeking resources. ConclusionApplication of psychodrama group therapy based on family parenting intervention may improve emotional state, reflective ability and coping style of the parents of adolescent patients with depressive disorder. [Funded by Chongqing Education Commission Humanities and Social Science Research Project (number, 19SKGH018); Chongqing Social Science Planning Project (number, 2021WT29)]
8.Current status and prospects of phage therapy in lung transplantation
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Zitao WANG ; Wenjie HUA ; Zhenhang DAI ; Jingyu CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(3):489-494
Multidrug resistant organism refers to bacteria that are insensitive to three or more antibiotics commonly used in clinic, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter Baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc. MDRO infection is a major factor affecting the survival rate after lung transplantation (LTx), accounting for 30% of the causes of death in the first year after transplantation. Antibiotic treatment has low specificity and is prone to drug resistance. The development of new drugs has a long cycle and high cost, with significant limitations. Phage has high specificity for bacteria, which can proliferate in large quantities in the infected lesion and co-evolve with bacteria during the action process. Phage also have a good killing effect on MDRO, which is expected to make up for the deficiencies of existing antibiotic therapy. This article reviews the development background and mechanism of action of phage therapy, and summarizes its application status and early clinical trial results in the field of LTx, in order to providing new thinking paths for clinical work.
9.Relevance between parental psychological control and Internet gaming disorder in middle school students
WANG Xi, JIANG Hong, WANG Lina, ZHANG Hua, ZHANG Wei, MA Le
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):544-547
Objective:
To analyze the relationship between parental psychological control and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among junior high school students, so as to provide evidence for preventing IGD development in adolescents.
Methods:
From August 2019 to February 2020, a survey was conducted among 1 169 junior high school students from three middle schools in Xian using stratified cluster sampling. The Parental Psychological Control Scale and IGD Scale were administered to assess parental psychological control and IGD prevalence. Univariate and binary Logistic regression analyses were used to explore IGD risk factors and their correlation with parental psychological control.
Results:
The detection rate of IGD in middle school students was 19.9%(184/1 169). Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that compared to those with lower parental psychological control scores(≤21 points), students with higher parental psychological control scores (>21 points) had a higher risk of IGD (OR=1.82, 95%CI=1.21-2.74), a 1.58fold higher risk of selfperceived gaming addiction (95%CI=1.07-2.30), as well as reduced likelihood of seeking external help to reduce gaming time (OR=0.66, 95%CI=0.47-0.94) (P<0.05).
Conclusions
Parental psychological control may elevate the risks of IGD and selfperceived addiction while diminishing proactive helpseeking behaviors to reduce gaming time. Parents should enhance communication with adolescents and provide positive guidance to mitigate potential gamingrelated harms.
10.LIU Shangyi's Experience in Treating Pruritus Vulvae Using Self-Prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方)
Xiao LIU ; Zhaozhao HUA ; Yiyuan ZHOU ; Taiwei ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Shuang HUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Kaiyang XUE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):992-995
To summarize the clinical experience of Professor LIU Shangyi in treating pruritus vulvae. It is believed that women have the physiological characteristics of liver and kidney as the root, and their pubic area is easily attacked by wind-dampness pathogenic qi, so the core mechanism of pruritus vulvae is proposed as wind-dampness accumulation and deficiency of liver and kidney. The core treatment method is to dispel wind-dampness and nourish the liver and kidneys, and modify the Danggui Decoction (当归饮子) to form a self-prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方) as the basic prescription to treat pruritus vulvaen.


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