1.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Effect of hepatitis B virus integration on functional cure
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):24-29
Functional cure is currently recommended by guidelines as the ideal treatment goal for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in China and globally, and it is defined as sustained and undetectable serum HBsAg and HBV DNA, HBeAg clearance, and presence or absence of HBsAg seroconversion, accompanied by resolution of liver inflammation, histopathological improvements, and a significant reduction in the incidence rate of end-stage liver disease. HBV can integrate into the host genome and contribute to the continuous production of HBsAg, which can occur in the early stage of chronic HBV infection. In addition to the covalently closed circular DNA that is hard to be eliminated in liver tissue, HBsAg derived from HBV integration independent of viral replication may be the most important factor for the difficulty in achieving functional cure after antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B. This article reviews the research advances in HBV integration in recent years and discusses its impact on functional cure.
3.Application of Aromatic Inhalation Therapy in Preventing Respiratory Infectious Diseases Based on the Theory of "Aromatics Acting on the Spleen"
Xinxin WU ; Yue ZHANG ; Xiaolei LI ; Haoyue LI ; Fang ZHANG ; Nanjiang YU ; ZHAOJING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):432-436
Aromatic inhalation therapy is a key traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach for preventing respiratory infectious diseases. Its foundational theory, "aromatics acting on the spleen", is deeply rooted in TCM principles and supported by modern medical research. The theory posits that the aromatic properties of medicinals primarily act on the spleen, and the aromatic inhalation therapy achieved its protective effects by modulation of the spleen and spleen channel to enhance the regulation of wei qi, striae and interstices. In TCM, the spleen is considered the mother of the lungs, with the function of nurturing lung; it is also seen as the source of wei qi, responsible for external defense; and the root of healthy qi, forming the foundation of acquired (postnatal) constitution. Thus, preventive strategies for respiratory infectious diseases focus on strengthening the spleen. From a modern medical perspective, the spleen's role in regulating lung immune responses, the shared immune functions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal mucosa, and the spleen's overall immune modulation provide scientific evidence for using aromatic inhalation therapy to prevent respiratory infections. Additionally, aromatic inhalation therapy offers several advantages, including direct action, rapid onset, minimal side effects, controllable risks, convenience, and ease of dissemination, making it a practical and effective preventive measure for respiratory infectious diseases.
4.Residual Inflammatory Risk and Intracranial Atherosclerosis Plaque Vulnerability: Insights From High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ying YU ; Rongrong CUI ; Xin HE ; Xinxin SHI ; Zhikai HOU ; Yuesong PAN ; Mingyao LI ; Jiabao YANG ; Zhongrong MIAO ; Yongjun WANG ; Rong WANG ; Xin LOU ; Long YAN ; Ning MA
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):207-216
Background:
and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).
Methods:
This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement.
Results:
Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage.
Conclusion
In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.
5.Network meta-analysis of non-surgical treatments for foot and ankle ability and dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability
Xinxin ZHANG ; Ke GAO ; Shidong XIE ; Haowen TUO ; Feiyue JING ; Weiguo LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1931-1944
OBJECTIVE:The optimal non-surgical therapy for chronic ankle instability remains unclear due to the continuous introduction of novel treatment methods despite the availability of several non-surgical options for improving foot and ankle function and dynamic balance in chronic ankle instability patients.This study aims to investigate the most effective non-surgical therapy options to improve foot and ankle function and dynamic balance for patients with chronic ankle instability using a network meta-analysis. METHODS:Using"CAI,exercise,and randomized controlled trial"as search terms,a literature search of PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science databases was conducted through a computer network to collect information from the databases from their inception to March 2024 on non-surgical therapies for the treatment of chronic ankle instability randomized controlled trials on foot and ankle function or dynamic balance in patients.EndNote software was utilized for literature management.RevMan 5.4 software and Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool were used to evaluate the risk of bias of the included literature.Paired meta-analysis and network meta-analysis of the outcomes such as the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in daily living subscale score,Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in sports activities subscale score,Star Excursion Balance Test-Anterior score,Star Excursion Balance Test-Posteromedial score,Star Excursion Balance Test-Posterolateral score and Cumberland ankle instability tool score were performed using the network commands of Stata 14.0 software.The strength of evidence rating of the outcome metrics was evaluated according to the GRADE Level of Evidence and Strength of Recommendation Grading Criteria. RESULTS:Of the 22 randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria,1 study was rated as low risk,8 studies were rated as medium risk,and 13 studies were rated as high risk,enrolling a total of 952 patients and 25 treatments.(1)Network meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group,Isokinetic Strength Training,Balance Training,Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training,Strength Training,Joint Mobilizations Training,CrossFit Training,CrossFit Training+Self-Mobilization,Wobble Board Training,National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program,Trigger Point Dry Needling,and Neuromuscular Training had different significant enhancement effects on improving foot and ankle function and dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability(P<0.05).(2)Cumulative probability ranking results showed that the three treatments with the highest ranked Cumberland ankle instability tool score were Joint Mobilizations Training(88.6%)>Visual Feedback Balance Training(83.1%)>CrossFit Training+Self-Mobilization(74.8%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Star Excursion Balance Test-Anterior score were Joint Mobilizations Training(88.4%)>Isokinetic Strength Training(86.9%)>National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program(65.0%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Star Excursion Balance Test-Posteromedial score were Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training(87.4%)>Neuromuscular Training(74.6%)>Strength Training(68.9%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Star Excursion Balance Test-Posterolateral score were CrossFit Training+Self-Mobilization(74.6%)>Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training(70.0%)>Neuromuscular Training(63.7%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in daily living subscale score were National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program(91.9%)>Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training(85.6%)>Wobble Board Training(82.2%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in sports activities subscale score were Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training(93.5%)>Balance Training(86.7%)>National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program(86.4%). CONCLUSION:Non-surgical therapies can significantly improve foot and ankle function and dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability.National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program had the best efficacy in improving foot and ankle daily activity function in chronic ankle instability patients;Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training had the best efficacy in improving foot and ankle sports function and posterior medial dynamic balance;Joint Mobilizations Training had the best efficacy in improving anterolateral dynamic balance and ankle instability condition;and CrossFit Training+Self-Mobilization had the best efficacy in improving posterior lateral dynamic balance.The strength of evidence for each outcome was low,influenced by the risk of methodological bias and risk of publication bias of the included studies.Therefore,the above conclusions need to be validated by more high-quality pilot studies.
6.Autophagy Abnormalities in PCOS and Targeted Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Xinxin YANG ; Zhicheng JIA ; Mengyu SHI ; Yongqian LI ; Peixuan WANG ; Ying GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):313-322
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine and reproductive disorder,with the main clinical manifestations including ovulation failure,insulin resistance,hyperandrogenism,and obesity. Its occurrence and development are closely related to cellular regulatory mechanisms such as apoptosis,autophagy,oxidative stress,and inflammatory response. Autophagy,as a clearance mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis,plays a crucial role in maintaining the growth,development,and maturation of oocytes. Exploring the mechanism of autophagy during the occurrence and development of diseases can help develop treatment methods for PCOS by regulating autophagy. Studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS,and it can affect the occurrence and development of PCOS through multiple pathways,levels,and targets. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulates autophagy in ovarian granulosa cells or endometrium of patients with PCOS by targeting the expression of autophagy signaling pathways,regulatory factors,and non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules,thereby alleviating inflammation,regulating metabolism disorders,and balancing hormone levels in PCOS. Accordingly,TCM can ameliorate pathological conditions such as insulin resistance,hyperandrogenism,and ovulation failure in PCOS. This article summarizes the TCM formulas and extracts for the treatment of PCOS,as well as the main autophagy pathways and regulatory factors involved,aiming to provide reference and suggestions for the future treatment of PCOS with TCM by regulating autophagy.
7.Study on the intervention of trigonelline on ferroptosis of ARPE-19 based on Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway
Xinxin YUE ; Yang FU ; Haizhe JIN ; Xiaoyan YIN ; Quanwei FU
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):191-197
AIM: To investigate and clarify the intervention mechanism of trigonelline(TRG)in preventing ferroptosis in ARPE-19 cells based on the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway.METHODS: The ARPE-19 cells were cultured and subsequently treated with varying concentrations of trigonelline to ascertain the most effective concentration for modulating the cells. Then the cells were categorized into distinct groups, including normal control(NC)group, high glucose(HG)group, Fer-1 group, TRG group based on the determined concentration. Samples from each group were then gathered to assess relevant indicators. The intracellular levels of glutathione(GSH), malondialdehyde(MDA), and Ferrion were quantified in accordance with the protocols provided by the GSH, MDA, and Ferrion detection kits. Flow cytometry was employed to measure the ROS levels within each group. Additionally, Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), glutathione peroxidase(GPX4), and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)across the different groups.RESULTS: The preconditioning intervention with 40 μg/mL TRG effectively mitigated the decline in cell activity induced by high glucose levels. The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and MDA in the HG group were markedly elevated compared to the NC group; and the TRG group exhibited significantly reduced levels of ROS and MDA compared to those of the HG group, with the antioxidant stress index GSH showing opposite trends to those of ROS and MDA across all the groups. Whereas the Fer-1 and TRG groups showed decreased expression levels of ACSL4 protein and iron ions, and the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and GPX4 in the Fer-1 and TRG groups were increased.CONCLUSION: TRG protects ARPE-19 cells from the detrimental effects of high glucose by targeting the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway to counter ferroptosis.
8.Status survey of uncrossmatched type O suspended RBCs in patients with emergency transfusion
Zhuoyue PENG ; Shilan XU ; Xinxin YANG ; Chunxia CHEN ; Bin TAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):48-53
[Objective] To investigate the implementation of emergency transfusion strategy of uncrossmatched type O suspended RBCs based on the single-center clinical practice, which is "emergency transfusion is initiated by the authorized doctor of the emergency department, and no more than 4 U of type O uncrossmatched suspended RBCs are issued within 15 minutes in the transfusion department"(referred as the Practice), so as to provide reference for blood management. [Methods] A retrospective analysis of the information of patients who received uncrossmatched type O suspended RBCs in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from August 2019 to April 2024 was conducted. The analysis included reasons for emergency blood transfusion, time of receiving transfusion application and blood distribution, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase before and after transfusion, blood group of patients, and disease outcome. [Results] From August 2019 to April 2024, 39 cases applied for emergency transfusion of type O suspended RBCs, and a total of 90 U uncrossmatched suspended RBCs were transfused. All patients were Rh(D) positive, including 14 cases of blood group A, 6 cases of blood group B, 16 cases of blood group O, 2 cases of blood group AB, one case of undetermined blood group, and 2 cases with positive antibody screening. The main cause of emergency transfusion of type O suspended RBCs was traffic accident, accounting for 46% (18/39), with a mortality rate at 51.28% (20/39). The cause of death was primary injury, and no adverse reactions were reported. There was no significant difference in total bilirubin (TBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) before and after blood transfusion (P>0.05). The median duration from admission to receiving transfusion application was 30.20 minutes, and 5.30 minutes from receipt of the application to blood distribution. [Conclusion] The single-center based Practice is safe, but there is room for optimization before the link of blood transfusion application sent to the transfusion department when applying for emergency transfusion of type O suspended RBCs.
9.Overview of the Research on Mechanisms and Application of Essential Oil of Aromatic Chinese Medicinals in Prevention of Respiratory Infectious Disease
Wan Ling LI ; Xinxin WU ; Xiaolei LI ; Mingzhao HAO ; Fang ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Haoyue LI ; Jing ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):638-644
Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs, which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition, immune regulation, and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation, smearing, topical application, bathing, gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification, through methods like diffusion, vaporization, or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience, quick absorption, and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However, there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions, indications, safety, and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils, and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation, and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently, accurately, and safely, thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Analysis of epidemiological trend and spatial aggregation characteristics from 2016 to 2023 of varicella in Shaanxi Province
ZHU Ni, YANG Guojing, WANG Shu, LI Xinxin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):272-275
Objective:
To grasp the distribution characteristics and incidence trend of varicella in Shaanxi Province, so as to provide a reference for scientific and accurate prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Data of 161 377 varicella cases in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023 were collected and described from Surveillance Report Management System, a subsystem of National Disease Control and Prevention Information Systems of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. FlexScan 3.1.2 software was used to determine irregular spatial clustering, and spatial clustering area was detected for each year.
Results:
The incidence of varicella in Shaanxi Province showed a seasonal bimodal distribution with peaks from April to July (36.68%) and from October to next January (48.07%). The cases were mainly concentrated in the 3-12 years old group (60.50%), and there was a trend of high incidence age shift within the 0-19 age group from 2021. Most of the cases were students (62.40%) and preschool children ( 17.78 %). The outbreaks mainly occurred in primary schools (76.47%). The regional distribution was mainly concentrated in some areas of southern Shaanxi and Guanzhong. Through spatial analysis, the primary clusters were primarily concentrated in Ankang and Hanzhong cities in southern Shaanxi from 2016 to 2023, and the secondary clusters were mainly found in some areas of Guanzhong (Xi an, Baoji and Weinan cities).
Conclusions
Prevention and control of varicella should be focused on students and kindergartens aged 3-12 years in southern and Guanzhong areas of Shaanxi Province. Continuous varicella surveillance and vaccination measures should be carried out, and the two dose vaccination strategy and intensive vaccination of key groups should be actively promoted.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail