1.Traditional Chinese medicine phenomics research on glycolipid metabolism disorder: a review
Xinyi FANG ; Linxuan MIAO ; Yanjiao ZHANG ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Runyu MIAO ; Huifang GUAN ; Jiaxing TIAN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(1):49-58
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as glycolipid metabolism disorder. However, its widespread application has been hindered by the unclear biological essence of TCM syndromes and therapeutic mechanisms. As an emerging interdisciplinary field, phenomics integrates multi-dimensional data including genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome. When combined with TCM's holistic philosophy, it forms TCM phenomics, providing novel approaches to reveal the biological connotation of TCM syndromes and the mechanisms of herbal medicine. Taking glycolipid metabolism disorder as an example, this paper explores the application of TCM phenomics in glycolipid metabolism disorder. By analyzing molecular characteristics of related syndromes, TCM phenomics identifies differentially expressed genes, metabolites, and gut microbiota biomarkers to elucidate the dynamic evolution patterns of syndromes. Simultaneously, it deciphers the multi-target regulatory networks of herbal formulas, demonstrating their therapeutic effects through mechanisms including modulation of insulin signaling pathways, improvement of gut microbiota imbalance, and suppression of inflammatory responses. Current challenges include the subjective nature of syndrome diagnosis, insufficient standardization of animal models, and lack of integrated multi-omics analysis. Future research should employ machine learning, multimodal data integration, and cross-omics longitudinal studies to establish quantitative diagnostic systems for syndromes, promote the integration of precision medicine in TCM and western medicine, and accelerate the modernization of TCM.
2.Connotation and Application of the Theory of "Gout is Not Bi (痹) Syndrome"
Huifang GUAN ; Linhua ZHAO ; Jiaxing TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):987-991
Gout in modern medicine is often attributed to "Li Jie Disease (历节病)", "Bai Hu Wind" (白虎风), and "Bi (痹) Syndrome" categories in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly because its joint pain often presents as wandering attacks, and the clinical symptoms are similar to those caused by wind. However, the essence of gout is actually dietary disorders caused by internal injuries, so it should not be classified as Bi (痹) syndrome due to wind, cold, dampness. Focusing on the theory of "gout is not Bi syndrome" proposed by TONG Xiaolin, combining ancient and modern medical literature and modern clinical research, this article analyzes the underlying etiology of gout, which originates from dietary irregularities and accumulation of turbid toxins, as well as the disease mechanism of "toxicity hurts joints and accumulation of toxins impairs the kidneys", in order to clarify the essential difference between gout and impediment syndrome. Using the theory of "state-targeted diagnosis and treatment", gout is classified into two categories: dampness-heat and deficiency-cold, and the treatment strategy of lowering the turbid toxin, facilitating the joints, and preserving the kidneys was proposed in order to guide the clinical practice.
3.Application and Considerations of Cohort Study in Effectiveness Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes
Sicheng WANG ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Boxun ZHANG ; Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Zishan JIN ; Linhua ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1438-1442
Through the systematic analysis of the current research results on the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its promotion dilemma, it is believed that cohort study, as an observational research method, is particularly suitable for evaluating complex and individualized interventions such as traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Considering the design features and relevant practices of prospective cohort studies, it is specifically proposed to carry out prospective cohort studies using a modern TCM diagnostic and treatment system for diabetes, centered on "state-targeted differentiation and treatment", and framed by "classification-staging-syndrome differentiation". Focused on personalized prevention and treatment, long-term multidimensional assessment of therapeutic effectiveness and syndrome changes, this paper gives in-depth exploration of the advantages and value of applying prospective cohort studies in the effectiveness evaluation of TCM in prevention and treatment of diabetes, aiming to provide insights for clinical researches on TCM for diabetes.
4.Curative Effect and Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Diabetic Gastroenteropathy: A Review
Ruiyang YIN ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yanjiao ZHANG ; Xinyi FANG ; Runyu MIAO ; Huifang GUAN ; Jiaxing TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):239-247
Diabetic gastroenteropathy is a serious chronic complication that accompanies the progression of diabetes mellitus, severely impacting patients' quality of life and overall health. Nearly half of diabetic patients experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, early satiety, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain, which increases their anxiety and depression, prompting frequent medical visits and further burdening the healthcare system. In-depth research into the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroenteropathy has identified several core mechanisms, including hyperglycemia, autonomic and enteric nervous system dysfunction, abnormal secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, macrophage polarization, brain-gut axis dysregulation, microRNA deficiency, and oxidative stress-induced damage and apoptosis of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Current clinical treatments mainly rely on prokinetic and antiemetic drugs. However, their notable adverse effects and diminishing efficacy with long-term use remain pressing issues. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its unique theoretical framework and extensive practical experience, potent in prescription formulation and acupoint selection guided by holistic concepts and syndrome differentiation, has gradually become an important option for treating diabetic gastroenteropathy. Numerous studies have confirmed that mechanisms include improving gastrointestinal hormone secretion, repairing ICC damage, regulating the nervous system, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating the brain-gut axis. These findings provide new insights into the treatment of diabetic gastroenteropathy. This article summarized the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroenteropathy and reviewed recent research on Chinese medicine and acupuncture-moxibustion therapy in improving gastrointestinal motility for diabetic gastroenteropathy treatment, aiming to offer clinical treatment insights and highlight the need for further research to explore comprehensive and individualized treatment approaches, providing better strategies for managing diabetic gastroenteropathy.
5.Postoperative kinesiophobia level in patients with spinal fracture and its correlations with rehabilitation self-efficacy and rehabilitation compliance
Yi YAO ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Xuanhui DAI ; Xubo WANG ; Yanmei WANG ; Xin DONG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(21):127-131
Objective To investigate the kinesiophobia level in patients after spinal fracture surgery and their correlations with rehabilitation self-efficacy and adherence. Methods A total of 150 patients who underwent spinal fracture surgery were enrolled in this study. General information was collected from all patients. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Self-Efficacy for Rehabilitation Outcomes Scale, department-developed Rehabilitation Adherence Scale and postoperative activity pain [assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)] were analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships of kinesiophobia level with rehabilitation self-efficacy and adherence. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing kinesiophobia level. Results The total score of postoperative kinesiophobia level in patients with spinal fracture was (57.14±3.12), which was at a high level. The total score of rehabilitation self-efficacy was (35.19±3.45), which was at a low level. The total score of rehabilitation compliance was (16.46±2.32), which was at a low level. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the total score of kinesiophobia level was negatively correlated with the total score of rehabilitation self-efficacy and rehabilitation compliance (
6.Curcumin alleviates nuclear factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 mediated renal injury caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome through reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Maoxian YANG ; Haitao TIAN ; Peng SHEN ; Longsheng XU ; He LIU ; Jian'gang ZHU ; Qianqian WANG ; Yunchao SHI
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2023;35(4):393-397
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of curcumin on renal mitochondrial oxidative stress, nuclear factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NF-κB/NLRP3) inflammatory body signaling pathway and tissue cell injury in rats with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
METHODS:
A total of 24 specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, ARDS model group, and low-dose and high-dose curcumin groups, with 6 rats in each group. The ARDS rat model was reproduced by intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 4 mg/kg via aerosol inhalation. The control group was given 2 mL/kg of normal saline. The low-dose and high-dose curcumin groups were administered 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg curcumin by gavage 24 hours after model reproduction, once a day. The control group and ARDS model group were given an equivalent amount of normal saline. After 7 days, blood samples were collected from the inferior vena cava, and the levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The rats were sacrificed, and kidney tissues were collected. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by ELISA, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was detected using the xanthine oxidase method, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by colorimetric method. The protein expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), caspase-3, NF-κB p65, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were detected by Western blotting. The mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, NLRP3, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Renal cell apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The morphological changes in renal tubular epithelial cells and mitochondria were observed under a transmission electron microscope.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, the ARDS model group exhibited kidney oxidative stress and inflammatory response, significantly elevated serum levels of kidney injury biomarker NGAL, activated NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway, increased kidney tissue cell apoptosis rate, and renal tubular epithelial cell damage and mitochondrial integrity destruction under transmission electron microscopy, indicating successful induction of kidney injury. Following curcumin intervention, the injury to renal tubular epithelial cells and mitochondria in the rats was significantly mitigated, along with a noticeable reduction in oxidative stress, inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway, and a significant decrease in kidney tissue cell apoptosis rate, demonstrating a certain dose-dependency. Compared with the ARDS model group, the high-dose curcumin group exhibited significantly reduced serum NGAL levels and kidney tissue MDA and ROS levels [NGAL (μg/L): 13.8±1.7 vs. 29.6±2.7, MDA (nmol/g): 115±18 vs. 300±47, ROS (kU/L): 75±19 vs. 260±15, all P < 0.05], significantly down-regulated protein expressions of HIF-1α, caspase-3, NF-κB p65, and TLR4 in the kidney tissue [HIF-1α protein (HIF-1α/β-actin): 0.515±0.064 vs. 0.888±0.055, caspase-3 protein (caspase-3/β-actin): 0.549±0.105 vs. 0.958±0.054, NF-κB p65 protein (NF-κB p65/β-actin): 0.428±0.166 vs. 0.900±0.059, TLR4 protein (TLR4/β-actin): 0.683±0.048 vs. 1.093±0.097, all P < 0.05], and significantly down-regulated mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, NLRP3, and IL-1β [HIF-1α mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 2.90±0.39 vs. 9.49±1.87, NLRP3 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 2.07±0.21 vs. 6.13±1.32, IL-1β mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 1.43±0.24 vs. 3.95±0.51, all P < 0.05], and significantly decreased kidney tissue cell apoptosis rate [(4.36±0.92)% vs. (27.75±8.31)%, P < 0.05], and significantly increased SOD activity (kU/g: 648±34 vs. 430±47, P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Curcumin can alleviate kidney injury in ARDS rats, and its mechanism may be related to the increasing in SOD activity, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
Male
;
Rats
;
Animals
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
NF-kappa B
;
Actins
;
Caspase 3
;
Curcumin
;
Lipocalin-2
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4
;
Inflammasomes
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
;
Reactive Oxygen Species
;
Saline Solution
;
Kidney
;
Superoxide Dismutase
7.Tanshinone ⅡA activates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to inhibit the apoptosis of mice cochlear pericytes induced by high glucose.
Tian Feng SHI ; Jin Jing JIA ; Tian Lan HUANG ; Jing Wen MA ; Jun Qiang SI ; Ke Tao MA ; Li LI
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2023;58(7):681-689
Objective: To investigate whether tanshinone ⅡA can protect the apoptosis of mice cochlear pericytes induced by high glucose and its specific protective mechanism, so as to provide experimental evidence for the prevention and treatment of diabetic hearing loss. Methods: C57BL/6J male mice were used to prepare type 2 diabetes model, which were divided into normal (NG) group, diabetic (DM) group, diabetic+tanshinone ⅡA (HG+tanshinone ⅡA) group and tanshinone ⅡA group. Each group had 10 animals. Primary cochlear pericytes were divided into NG group, HG group (high glucose 35 mmol/L), HG+tanshinone ⅡA (1, 3, 5 μmol/L) group, HG+Tanshinone ⅡA+LY294002 (PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor) group, LY294002 group, tanshinone ⅡA group and DMSO group. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to measure hearing threshold. Evans blue was used to detect the permeability of blood labyrinth barrier in each group. TBA methods were used to detect oxidative stress levels in various organs of mice. Morphological changes of stria vascularis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE). Evans blue was used to detect the vascular labyrinth barrier permeability in cochlea. The expression of apoptosis protein in stria vascularis pericytes was observed by immunofluorescence. Pericytes apoptosis rate was observed by flow cytometry. DCFH-DA was combined with flow cytometry to detect intracellular ROS content, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptotic proteins (Cleaved-caspase3, Bax), anti-apoptotic proteins (BCL-2) and pathway proteins (PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT). SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Independent sample t test was performed, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Animal experiments: Tanshinone ⅡA decreased the hearing threshold of DM group [(35.0±3.5) dB SPL vs. (55.3±8.1) dB SPL] (t=4.899, P<0.01), decreased the oxidative stress level in cochlea (t=4.384, P<0.05), improved the structure disorder, atrophy of cochlea vascular lines, vacuole increased phenomenon. Tanshinone ⅡA alleviated the increased permeability of the blood labyrinth barrier [Evans blue leakage (6.84±0.27) AU vs. (8.59±0.85) AU] in the cochlea of DM mice (t=2.770, P<0.05), reversed the apoptotic protein: Caspase3 (t=4.956, P<0.01) and Bax (t=4.388, P<0.05) in cochlear vascularis. Cell experiments: Tanshinone ⅡA decreased intracellular ROS content in a concentration-dependent way (t=3.569, P<0.05; t=4.772, P<0.01; t=7.494, P<0.01); Tanshinone ⅡA decreased apoptosis rate and apoptotic protein, and increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in concentration-dependent manner (all P values<0.05); LY294002 reversed the protective effect of tanshinone ⅡA on pericytes apoptosis (all P values<0.05). Conclusion: Tanshinone ⅡA can inhibit the apoptosis of cochlear pericytes induced by high glucose by reducing oxidative stress level and activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway under high glucose environment, thus playing a protective role in diabetic hearing loss.
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Apoptosis
;
bcl-2-Associated X Protein
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
;
Evans Blue
;
Glucose
;
Hearing Loss
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Pericytes/metabolism*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction
8.Exploration of the Core Prescription and Intervention Mechanism of Academician TONG Xiaolin's Treatment for Metabolic Syndrome Based on Data Mining
Haoran WU ; Xinyi FANG ; Pei ZHANG ; Dan DAI ; Jiaxing TIAN
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2023;34(12):1784-1792
Objective To summarize the core prescription for treating metabolic syndrome by academician TONG Xiaolin and explore the intervention mechanism.Methods Outpatient medical records of TONG Xiaolin's treatment for metabolic syndrome were input into the Ancient and Modern Medical Records Cloud Platform for data mining,then the core prescription was extracted.The effective components and therapeutic targets of the core prescription,and metabolic syndrome-related genes were obtained from relevant databases.The core targets were screened out by protein-protein interaction network.The network of core prescription-core compound-core target was constructed.Pathway enrichment analyses were carried out based on the core targets.Results A total of 1 028 records were enrolled and analyzed.The core prescription consists of 10 Chinese medicinals,such as Coptidis Rhizoma,Anemarrhenae Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix Rubra,etc..The prescription was modified with three-herb formulas,which was composed of Fritillariae Thunbrgii Bulbus,Curcumae Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.A total of 151 active compounds and 64 potential targets for metabolic syndrome of the core prescription were obtained.The core compounds included isorhamnetin,calycosin,berberine and monacolin K.The core targets were MAPK3,MAPK8,and LDLR.The PI3K-Akt,AGE-RAGE and MAPK signaling pathways were involved.Conclusion The core prescription of academician TONG Xiaolin's treatment for metabolic syndrome was composed of Coptidis Rhizoma,Anemarrhenae Rhizoma.The prescription was modified according to symptoms in the form of three-herb formulas.The core prescription may exert its effect by regulating PI3K-Akt,AGE-RAGE,MAPK and other signaling pathways,which could reflect the characteristics of Chinese herbal compound,such as multi-component,multi-target,multi-pathway,and comprehensive regulation.
9.Pathogenic spectrum and laboratory indicators of fungal infections in the central nervous system.
Yue Ru TIAN ; Xing Ying CHEN ; Jia Xin WANG ; Ming GUAN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;56(3):250-255
Central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections are challenging and difficult to diagnose and treat. This article introduces the high risk factors, pathogen spectrum and laboratory indicators that cause CNS fungal infection. As patients with CNS fungal infections are often accompanied by immunodeficiency, it is especially necessary for clinical early detection, early prevention, and early diagnosis, and timely and effective implementation of optimized diagnosis and treatment programs to prevent further deterioration of the disease.
Central Nervous System
;
Central Nervous System Fungal Infections/microbiology*
;
Central Nervous System Infections
;
Fungi
;
Humans
;
Risk Factors
10.Novel mutation c.1210-3C > G in cis with a poly-T tract of 5T affects CFTR mRNA splicing in a Chinese patient with cystic fibrosis.
Xinyue ZHAO ; Keqiang LIU ; Wenshuai XU ; Meng XIAO ; Qianli ZHANG ; Jiaxing SONG ; Keqi CHEN ; Yaping LIU ; Xinlun TIAN ; Kai-Feng XU ; Xue ZHANG
Frontiers of Medicine 2022;16(1):150-155
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare autosomal recessive disease with only one pathogenic gene cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). To identify the potential pathogenic mutations in a Chinese patient with CF, we conducted Sanger sequencing on the genomic DNA of the patient and his parents and detected all 27 coding exons of CFTR and their flanking intronic regions. The patient is a compound heterozygote of c.2909G > A, p.Gly970Asp in exon 18 and c.1210-3C > G in cis with a poly-T of 5T (T5) sequence, 3 bp upstream in intron 9. The splicing effect of c.1210-3C > G was verified via minigene assay in vitro, indicating that wild-type plasmid containing c.1210-3C together with T7 sequence produced a normal transcript and partial exon 10-skipping-transcript, whereas mutant plasmid containing c.1210-3G in cis with T5 sequence caused almost all mRNA to skip exon 10. Overall, c.1210-3C > G, the newly identified pathogenic mutation in our patient, in combination with T5 sequence in cis, affects the CFTR gene splicing and produces nearly no normal transcript in vitro. Moreover, this patient carries a p.Gly970Asp mutation, thus confirming the high-frequency of this mutation in Chinese patients with CF.
China
;
Cystic Fibrosis/genetics*
;
Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Mutation
;
Poly T
;
RNA, Messenger/genetics*


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail