1.Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on the Core Pathogenesis Evolution of "Constraint,Heat,Deficiency,Stasis,and Toxin"
Zhichao RUAN ; Jiangteng LIU ; Hua ZHANG ; Weijun HUANG ; Qiang FU ; Shidong WANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):680-684
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a rich theoretical foundation and clinical experience for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome(CKM), demonstrating unique advantage. Building on previous work in managing diabetes, its complications, and chronic kidney disease, our team has proposed a five-phase evolution theory of "constraint, heat, deficiency, stasis, and toxin" as the core pathogenesis. These phases correspond to the pathological progression of constraint of phlegm-dampness, constraint transforming into heat, heat damaging qi and yin, stasis accumulated in the collateral vessels, and toxin induced by deficiency and stasis. In the prevention and treatment of CKM by TCM, it is emphasized to integrate the concept of "treating disease before it arises" with constitution theory, and incorporate the "2-5-8" prevention and treatment strategy, which combines prevention with treatment, tailors interventions to different phases, and employs comprehensive treatment modalities. Our goal is to leverage TCM's holistic advantages in preventing and treating CKM.
2.Constructing rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration models by different methods under X-ray guidance:a comparative study
Zhili DING ; Jie HUANG ; Qiang JIANG ; Tusheng LI ; Jiang LIU ; Yu DING
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):995-1002
BACKGROUND:Scholars at home and abroad consider New Zealand rabbits to be an ideal model animal because of the similar anatomical morphology of the lumbar spine to that of the human lumbar spine.There is a lack of systematic comparison of different ways to establish rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration models under X-ray guidance. OBJECTIVE:To establish a rabbit model of lumbar disc degeneration using X-ray guided acupuncture,end-plate injection and combined method,and to compare the modeling effects of these three methods. METHODS:Eighteen 6-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were randomly selected and divided into four groups:acupuncture group,endplate injection group,combined group and blank control group.In the acupuncture group,three consecutive segments of the intervertebral discs(L2/3,L3/4,L4/5)were needled and modeled;in the endplate injection group,50 μL of anhydrous ethanol was injected at a single point on the endplates of the three consecutive segmental discs;in the combined group,three consecutive segmental intervertebral discs were needled and injected with 50 μL of anhydrous ethanol at four azimuthal points on the endplates of the corresponding segmental discs;and the blank control group received no interventions.X-ray examination was performed to measure the disc height index at 2,4,and 8 weeks after surgery.The intervertebral disc tissues were then taken for anatomical observation and pathological examination. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Anatomical examination showed that fibrous annulus rupture,nucleus pulposus degeneration,and total disc structure disorder were the main manifestation in the acupuncture group,endplate injection group,and combined group,respectively.(2)X-ray examination showed that the disc height index showed the most obvious reduction in the acupuncture group at 2 weeks after operation,significant reductions in the endplate injection group at 2 and 4 weeks after operation,and significant reductions in the combined group at 2,4,and 8 weeks after operation.(3)Pathological examination showed that the fibrous ring structure was damaged and the inner annulus fibrosus protruded inward in the acupuncture group;endplate fissure,disordered arrangement and nucleus loss were observed in the endplate injection group;total disc structure disorder with the nucleus pulposus losing water and shrinking and no obvious border with the broken annulus fibrosus was found in the combined group.To conclude,acupuncture,endplate injection and the modified endplate injection method can establish the rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration model.Compared with the single method,the modified endplate injection method can greatly accelerate and aggravate the degeneration of the intervertebral disc,and can effectively shorten the experiment period.
3.Prediction of pathological type of early lung adenocarcinoma using machine learning based on SHOX2 and RASSF1A methylation levels
Runqi HUANG ; Guangliang QIANG ; Yifei LIU ; Jiahai SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):67-72
Objective To explore the accuracy of machine learning algorithms based on SHOX2 and RASSF1A methylation levels in predicting early-stage lung adenocarcinoma pathological types. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens from patients who underwent lung tumor resection surgery at Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2021 to January 2023. Based on the pathological classification of the tumors, patients were divided into three groups: a benign tumor/adenocarcinoma in situ (BT/AIS) group, a minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) group, and an invasive adenocarcinoma (IA) group. The methylation levels of SHOX2 and RASSF1A in FFPE specimens were measured using the LungMe kit through methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). Using the methylation levels of SHOX2 and RASSF1A as predictive variables, various machine learning algorithms (including logistic regression, XGBoost, random forest, and naive Bayes) were employed to predict different lung adenocarcinoma pathological types. Results A total of 272 patients were included. The average ages of patients in the BT/AIS, MIA, and IA groups were 57.97, 61.31, and 63.84 years, respectively. The proportions of female patients were 55.38%, 61.11%, and 61.36%, respectively. In the early-stage lung adenocarcinoma prediction model established based on SHOX2 and RASSF1A methylation levels, the random forest and XGBoost models performed well in predicting each pathological type. The C-statistics of the random forest model for the BT/AIS, MIA, and IA groups were 0.71, 0.72, and 0.78, respectively. The C-statistics of the XGBoost model for the BT/AIS, MIA, and IA groups were 0.70, 0.75, and 0.77, respectively. The naive Bayes model only showed robust performance in the IA group, with a C-statistic of 0.73, indicating some predictive ability. The logistic regression model performed the worst among all groups, showing no predictive ability for any group. Through decision curve analysis, the random forest model demonstrated higher net benefit in predicting BT/AIS and MIA pathological types, indicating its potential value in clinical application. Conclusion Machine learning algorithms based on SHOX2 and RASSF1A methylation levels have high accuracy in predicting early-stage lung adenocarcinoma pathological types.
4.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.
5.Construction Process and Quality Control Points of the Database for Facial Phenotypes and Clinical Data of Pediatric Growth and Development-related Diseases
Jiaqi QIANG ; Yingjing WANG ; Danning WU ; Runzhu LIU ; Jiuzuo HUANG ; Hui PAN ; Xiao LONG ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):552-557
The growth and development of children is an important stage for health, and its monitoringand intervention are related to the long-term development of individuals. The construction of a standardized and multi-dimensional database of pediatric growth and development-related diseases is an important basis for realizing precise diagnosis and treatment and health management. Based on the needs of clinical practice, this study proposes to establish a specialized database of pediatric growth and development-related diseases that integrates facial phenotypes and clinical diagnosis and treatment information. This study elaborates on the construction process, including data sources, data collection content, and the operation and management of the database; and proposes key points for quality control, including the establishment of quality control nodes, database construction standards, and a full-process quality control framework. The above ensure the integrity, logic and effectiveness of the data, so that the database can provide an objective basis for the screening and diagnosis of pediatric growth and development-related diseases. On the basis of scientific data management and strict quality control, the database will help reveal the patterns of children's growth and development, and promote the level of children's health management.
6.Plasma miRNA testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter real-world study
Jie HU ; Ying XU ; Ao HUANG ; Lei YU ; Zheng WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Xinrong YANG ; Zhenbin DING ; Qinghai YE ; Yinghong SHI ; Shuangjian QIU ; Huichuan SUN ; Qiang GAO ; Jia FAN ; Jian ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):350-354
Objective To explore the application of plasma 7 microRNA (miR7) testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This study is a multicenter real-world study. Patients with single hepatic lesion (maximum diameter≤2 cm) who underwent plasma miR7 testing at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital, and Peking University People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into very early-stage HCC group and non-HCC group, and the clinical pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The value of plasma miR7 levels, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). In patients with both negative AFP and DCP (AFP<20 ng/mL, DCP<40 mAU/mL), the diagnostic value of plasma miR7 for very early-stage HCC was analyzed. Results A total of 64 528 patients from 4 hospitals underwent miR7 testing, and 1 682 were finally included, of which 1 073 were diagnosed with very early-stage HCC and 609 were diagnosed with non-HCC. The positive rate of miR7 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in non-HCC patients (67.9% vs 24.3%, P<0.001). ROC curves showed that the AUCs for miR7, AFP, and DCP in distinguishing HCC patients from the non-HCC individuals were 0.718, 0.682, and 0.642, respectively. The sensitivities were 67.85%, 43.71%, and 44.45%, and the specificities were 75.70%, 92.78%, and 83.91%, respectively. The pairwise comparison of AUCs showed that the diagnostic efficacy of plasma miR7 detection was significantly better than that of AFP or DCP (P<0.05). Although its specificity was slightly lower than AFP and DCP, the sensitivity was significantly higher. Among patients negative for both AFP and DCP, miR7 maintained an AUC of 0.728 for diagnosing very early-stage HCC, with 67.82% sensitivity and 77.73% specificity. Conclusions Plasma miR7 testing is a potential molecular marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of small hepatic nodules. In patients with very early-stage HCC lacking effective molecular markers (negative for both AFP and DCP), miR7 can serve as a novel and effective molecular marker to assist diagnosis.
7.Effect of Modified of Bazhentang Combined with Guishentang on Th1/Th2 Immune Balance in Mouse Model of Embryo Implantation Dysfunction
Qiang DENG ; Fengying WU ; Lu YIN ; Jun WANG ; Zhaoyang YE ; Jiamei HUANG ; Zhichun JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):68-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of the modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang in improving pregnancy outcomes in mouse models of embryo implantation dysfunction by regulating T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) immune balance. MethodsEighty ICR female mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=20 per group) on gestational day 1 (GD1): control, model, western medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) groups. Except for the control group, all mice received mifepristone solution (0.2 mg/mouse) via oral gavage on GD4 to induce embryo implantation dysfunction. The TCM group received a water decoction of the modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang (20.8 g·kg-1), with the western medicine group administered dydrogesterone (3.9 mg·kg-1), and the control/model groups given equal volumes of saline. All treatments were administered once daily from GD1 until one day before sample collection. Outcomes included implantation site counts (macroscopic observation), pregnancy rates, body weight, endometrial histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining), uterine expression of T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) at protein (Western blot) and mRNA (real-time polymerase chain reaction, Real-time PCR) levels, serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA), and Th1/Th2 immune balance evaluated by calculating T-bet/GATA3 and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed no significant change in pregnancy rate but exhibited a marked reduction in average implantation sites and body weight (P<0.01). Histopathological analysis revealed endometrial abnormalities, including decreased glandular density, stromal compaction, and absence of nucleolar vacuoles. At the molecular level, uterine tissue in the model group demonstrated significantly upregulated expression of T-bet and IFN-γ (P<0.05, P<0.01), alongside markedly downregulated GATA3 and IL-4 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum analysis confirmed markedly elevated IFN-γ (P<0.01) and reduced IL-4 levels (P<0.01), resulting in significantly increased T-bet/GATA3 and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, pregnancy rates in all treatment groups showed no significant change. Implantation sites and body weight increased substantially (P<0.01), with restored endometrial morphology characterized by enhanced glandular density, stromal edema, and reappearance of nucleolar vacuoles. Significant downregulation of T-bet and IFN-γ (P<0.01) and upregulation of GATA3 and IL-4 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in uterine tissue were observed. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while IL-4 levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05). The Th1/Th2 ratios were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang significantly enhances the number of embryo implantation sites in mice with embryo implantation dysfunction, potentially through modulating T-bet/GATA3 expression, restoring Th1/Th2 immune balance, and improving endometrial receptivity.
8.Stem Cell-Based Hair Cell Regeneration and Therapy in the Inner Ear.
Jieyu QI ; Wenjuan HUANG ; Yicheng LU ; Xuehan YANG ; Yinyi ZHOU ; Tian CHEN ; Xiaohan WANG ; Yafeng YU ; Jia-Qiang SUN ; Renjie CHAI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2024;40(1):113-126
Hearing loss has become increasingly prevalent and causes considerable disability, thus gravely burdening the global economy. Irreversible loss of hair cells is a main cause of sensorineural hearing loss, and currently, the only relatively effective clinical treatments are limited to digital hearing equipment like cochlear implants and hearing aids, but these are of limited benefit in patients. It is therefore urgent to understand the mechanisms of damage repair in order to develop new neuroprotective strategies. At present, how to promote the regeneration of functional hair cells is a key scientific question in the field of hearing research. Multiple signaling pathways and transcriptional factors trigger the activation of hair cell progenitors and ensure the maturation of newborn hair cells, and in this article, we first review the principal mechanisms underlying hair cell reproduction. We then further discuss therapeutic strategies involving the co-regulation of multiple signaling pathways in order to induce effective functional hair cell regeneration after degeneration, and we summarize current achievements in hair cell regeneration. Lastly, we discuss potential future approaches, such as small molecule drugs and gene therapy, which might be applied for regenerating functional hair cells in the clinic.
Infant, Newborn
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Humans
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Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/physiology*
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Ear, Inner/physiology*
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Hair Cells, Auditory/physiology*
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Regeneration/genetics*
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Stem Cells
10.Research progress on endogenous small-molecule phenolics and the proposal of "phenolomics"
Hong-qian KUI ; Chuan-xin LIU ; Qiang WANG ; Hai-feng ZHAI ; Jian-mei HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):336-349
Small-molecule phenolic substances widely exist in animals and plants, and have some shared biological activities. The metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine in the human body, and especially the metabolism of catecholamine neurotransmitters, produces endogenous small-molecule phenols. Endogenous small-molecule phenolic substances are functionally related to the important physiological processes and the occurrence of mental diseases in humans and some animals, which are systematically sorts and summarized in this review. Integrating the previous experimental research and literature analysis on natural small-molecule phenols by our research group, the understanding of the hypothesis that "small-molecule phenol are pharmacological signal carriers" was deepened. Based on above, the concept of "phenolomics" was further proposed, analyzed the research direction and research content which can bring into the knowledge framework of phenolomics. The induction of phenolomics will provide wider perspectives on explaining the pharmacological mechanism of drugs, discovering new drug targets, and finding biomarkers of mental diseases.

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