1.Establishment of a Gastrointestinal-Brain Inter-Organ Multimodal Characterization System Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Its Application in Refractory Diseases
Guanghui HAN ; Yan GUO ; Peijing RONG ; Bin CONG ; Shuangjiang LIU ; Shaoyuan LI ; Wei WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):561-568
The concept of holism is the core idea of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Various organs and tissues coordinate with each other to maintain the body's life activities, with a close and mutual influence between the spleen, stomach, and the central nervous system (brain). The gut-brain axis plays an important bridging role between the digestive system and the central nervous system, achieving bidirectional information exchange between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract through complex neuroendocrine and immune mechanisms. The theory of cross-organ interaction involves the mutual influence, coordination, and integration between different organs and systems; multimodality, on the other hand, utilizes multiple sensory modalities, such as vision, hearing, and touch, to convey information. By combining TCM theory with the gut-brain axis theory, a cross-organ multimodal characterization system is established to explore its mechanism and application value in refractory diseases such as functional gastrointestinal disorders, precancerous gastrointestinal diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
2.Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsules Reduce Renal Lipid Deposition and Inflammation in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Tao ZHANG ; Jie TAO ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Yiqi YANG ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):114-121
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 40 mg·kg-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol·L-1, increased urine volume, and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows: Blank, model, low- and high-dose (0.98 and 1.96 g·kg-1, respectively) Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules, and losartan potassium (30 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage, urine and kidney specimens were collected, and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion, collagen fiber deposition, mesangial proliferation, and inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), reduced positive expression of nephrin (P<0.05), increased lipid deposition (P<0.05), and up-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group, the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein (P<0.05). Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated, with reduced inflammatory infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and mesangial proliferation, and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue (P<0.05). In addition, all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets (P<0.05), lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), and down-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.
3.Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsules Reduce Renal Lipid Deposition and Inflammation in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Tao ZHANG ; Jie TAO ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Yiqi YANG ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):114-121
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 40 mg·kg-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol·L-1, increased urine volume, and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows: Blank, model, low- and high-dose (0.98 and 1.96 g·kg-1, respectively) Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules, and losartan potassium (30 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage, urine and kidney specimens were collected, and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion, collagen fiber deposition, mesangial proliferation, and inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), reduced positive expression of nephrin (P<0.05), increased lipid deposition (P<0.05), and up-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group, the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein (P<0.05). Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated, with reduced inflammatory infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and mesangial proliferation, and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue (P<0.05). In addition, all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets (P<0.05), lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), and down-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.
4.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
5.Comparison of bilateral implantation of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens and mix-and-match implantation of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens with a diffractive bifocal intraocular lens
Tong LI ; Zhuoya LI ; Rong GUO ; Xiaomin HU ; Hui ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):337-343
AIM: To compare the clinical outcomes of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses(EDOF IOLs)using either micromonovision implantation or mixed implantation of EDOF and diffractive bifocal IOLs.METHODS: This retrospective clinical trial included 130 patients(260 eyes), who were divided into two groups. Group RR comprised 70 patients(140 eyes)bilaterally implanted with ZXR00 IOLs(Tecnis ZXR00, where one target was -0.5 D to -0.75 D and the other was 0 to -0.25 D). Group RM comprised 60 patients(120 eyes)unilaterally implanted with both ZXR00 and ZMB00 IOLs(Tecnis ZMB00, 0 to -0.25 D). Postoperative outcomes were compared after 3 mo, including visual acuity, defocus curves, stereoacuity, modulation transfer functions(MTFs), higher-order aberrations, and Visual Function-14(VF-14)questionnaire responses.RESULTS: Group RR had superior bilateral intermediate vision, while the group RM had superior bilateral near vision(both P<0.05). Group RM also exhibited superior MTFs and reduced higher-order aberrations(both P<0.05). Stereoacuity and VF-14 questionnaire results showed no statistically significant difference between groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: The implantation of micromonovision has significantly improved near vision. IOLs and their collocation can be customized according to individual patient needs to achieve precise treatment and provide cataract patients with high-quality vision.
6.Comparison of bilateral implantation of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens and mix-and-match implantation of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens with a diffractive bifocal intraocular lens
Tong LI ; Zhuoya LI ; Rong GUO ; Xiaomin HU ; Hui ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):337-343
AIM: To compare the clinical outcomes of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses(EDOF IOLs)using either micromonovision implantation or mixed implantation of EDOF and diffractive bifocal IOLs.METHODS: This retrospective clinical trial included 130 patients(260 eyes), who were divided into two groups. Group RR comprised 70 patients(140 eyes)bilaterally implanted with ZXR00 IOLs(Tecnis ZXR00, where one target was -0.5 D to -0.75 D and the other was 0 to -0.25 D). Group RM comprised 60 patients(120 eyes)unilaterally implanted with both ZXR00 and ZMB00 IOLs(Tecnis ZMB00, 0 to -0.25 D). Postoperative outcomes were compared after 3 mo, including visual acuity, defocus curves, stereoacuity, modulation transfer functions(MTFs), higher-order aberrations, and Visual Function-14(VF-14)questionnaire responses.RESULTS: Group RR had superior bilateral intermediate vision, while the group RM had superior bilateral near vision(both P<0.05). Group RM also exhibited superior MTFs and reduced higher-order aberrations(both P<0.05). Stereoacuity and VF-14 questionnaire results showed no statistically significant difference between groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: The implantation of micromonovision has significantly improved near vision. IOLs and their collocation can be customized according to individual patient needs to achieve precise treatment and provide cataract patients with high-quality vision.
7.Role of TIM3 Pathway in Immune Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy of Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Xinyu GUO ; Shunjie YU ; Jinglian TAO ; Yingshuai WANG ; Xiaotong REN ; Zhaoyun LIU ; Rong FU ; Zonghong SHAO ; Lijuan LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(9):731-735
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a myeloid tumor derived from the malignant clones of hematopoietic stem cells, has an annually increasing incidence. The contemporary research direction has shifted to analyzing the synergistic effect of immune surveillance collapse and abnormal bone marrow microenvironment in the pathological process of MDS. Against this backdrop, the immune checkpoint molecule TIM3 has emerged as a key target because of its persistently high expression on the surface of important immune cells such as T and NK cells. The abnormal activation of the TIM3 pathway is the mechanism by which solid tumors and hematological malignancies achieve immune escape and is a key hub in the formation of immune exhaustion phenotypes. This work integrates the original discoveries of our team with the latest international progress, systematically demonstrating the bidirectional regulatory network of TIM3 between the malignant clone proliferation of MDS and the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Integrating the evidence from emerging clinical trials allows us to consider the clinical significance of TIM3-targeted blocking for MDS, providing a transformative path to overcome the resistance of traditional treatments and marking a new chapter in the active immune reconstitution of MDS treatment.
8.Guideline for the workflow of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs
Zhengxiang LI ; Rong DUAN ; Luwen SHI ; Jinhui TIAN ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Lingli ZHANG ; Junhua ZHANG ; Hualin ZHENG ; Rongsheng ZHAO ; Wudong GUO ; Liyan MIAO ; Suodi ZHAI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2353-2365
OBJECTIVE To standardize the main processes and related technical links of the clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, and provide guidance and reference for improving the quality of comprehensive evaluation evidence and its transformation and application value. METHODS The construction of Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs was based on the standard guideline formulation method of the World Health Organization (WHO), strictly followed the latest definition of guidelines by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, and conformed to the six major areas of the Guideline Research and Evaluation Tool Ⅱ. Delphi method was adopted to construct the research questions; research evidence was established by applying the research methods of evidence-based medicine. The evidence quality classification system of the Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center was adopted for evidence classification and evaluation. The recommendation strength was determined by the recommendation strength classification standard formulated by the Oxford University Evidence-Based Medicine Center, and the recommendation opinions were formed through the expert consensus method. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs covers 4 major categories of research questions, including topic selection, evaluation implementation, evidence evaluation, and application and transformation of results. The formulation of this guideline has standardized the technical links of the entire process of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, which can effectively guide the high-quality and high-efficient development of this work, enhance the standardized output and transformation application value of evaluation evidence, and provide high-quality evidence support for the scientific decision-making of health and the rationalization of clinical medication.
9.Antipyretic Effect and Mechanism of Qingwen Baiduling Prescription on Dry Yeast-induced Fever
Jing PAN ; Zheng CAO ; Biao JIA ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):73-81
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antipyretic effect of the Qingwen Baiduling prescription in a dry yeast-induced rat fever model and to investigate its antipyretic mechanism, providing a theoretical basis for its clinical application. MethodsSPF-grade male SD rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n=6 per group): control, model, aspirin (20 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Qingwen Baiduling prescription groups (14.40, 7.20, 3.60 g·kg-1). The fever model was established by subcutaneous injection of dry yeast suspension on the back. After model induction, body temperature was recorded every 1 hour. Drugs were administered at 6 hours after modeling, and body temperature was continuously recorded hourly for 12 hours. Record the body temperature of rats to observe the trend of changes in body temperature. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, as well as hypothalamic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hypothalamic tissue morphology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect hypothalamic expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), inhibitor κBα (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), IκB kinase α (IKKα), IKKβ, phosphorylated IKKα/β (p-IKKα/β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed a significant increase in body temperature 6 hours after modeling (P0.01), confirming successful fever induction. Serum IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and hypothalamic cAMP and PGE2 levels were significantly elevated (P0.01). Hypothalamic neurons exhibited irregular morphology and disordered distribution, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration and microglial aggregation. Expression levels of TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related proteins and phosphorylated proteins were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the model group, 2-3 hours after administration, all Qingwen Baiduling prescription dose groups significantly reduced body temperature (P0.01). All dose groups significantly decreased serum IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and hypothalamic cAMP and PGE2 levels (P0.05, P0.01). Neuronal morphology was markedly improved in the high- and medium-dose groups, with narrowed intercellular spaces and reduced inflammatory infiltration. The prescription effectively inhibited hypothalamic expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, p-IKKα/β, and COX2 proteins (P0.05, P0.01). ConclusionQingwen Baiduling prescription effectively reduces body temperature in rats by mitigating the further effects of inflammatory cytokines on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center through the blood-brain barrier. Its antipyretic mechanism may be related to inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation.
10.Prognostic Value of MELD 3.0 Based Model for Survival Outcomes in Alcoholic Cirrhosis Patients
Zhenwei ZHONG ; Kodjo Kunale ABASSA ; Rong CHEN ; Yunwei GUO ; Bin WU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):318-327
ObjectiveTo explore the value of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 in predicting survival outcomes for patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and to establish an effective mortality prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 788 hospitalized patients who were first diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2019 were analyzed. Patients were followed up until December 31, 2023 and divided into survival and mortality groups based on the survival outcomes at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years after admission. The prognostic values of the MELD 3.0, MELD, MELD-Sodium (MELD-Na) for survival in alcoholic cirrhosis patients were assessed and compared by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC). Additional risk factors associated with mortality in alcoholic cirrhosis patients were identified, and a novel mortality prediction model based on MELD 3.0 was developed. ResultsThe AUC of the MELD 3.0 score in predicting 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, and 3-year survival was 0.823, 0.730, 0.686, and 0.658, respectively, which were superior to those of the MELD-Na (0.802, 0.708, 0.666, and 0.645, respectively) and MELD scores (0.698, 0.668, 0.654, and 0.633, respectively) (all P < 0.05). MELD 3.0 demonstrated better performance at 30 and 90 days (AVC=0.823,0.730; both P < 0.05) than at 1 year and 3 years (AVC=0.686,0.658; both P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression combined with LASSO regression indicated that the independent risk factors associated with the 1-year outcome included MELD 3.0, baseline ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma. A survival prediction model was then established with AUC of 0.748, sensitivity of 0.695, and specificity of 0.775. ConclusionsMELD 3.0 has a superior predictive ability for 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, and 3-year survival in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis than MELD-Na and MELD. The prediction model incorporating MELD 3.0, ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma improves the prediction of 1-year survival outcomes for alcoholic cirrhosis patients.

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