1.Connotation and Prevention Strategies of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Panvascular Diseases
Jie WANG ; Jun LI ; Yan DONG ; Cong CHEN ; Yongmei LIU ; Chao LIU ; Lanchun LIU ; Xuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):1-14
Panvascular disease, with vascular diseases as the common pathological feature, is mainly manifested as atherosclerosis. Panvascular disease mainly affects the important organs of the heart, brain, kidney, and limbs. It is one of the leading causes of death for Chinese residents at present. Previously, due to the narrow branches of disciplines, too much attention was paid to local lesions, resulting in the neglect of panvascular disease as a systemic one. The fact that panvascular disease has overall pathology and comprehensive and individualized treatment strategies, makes the disease highly compatible with the principles of holism concept and syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is believed that blood stasis is the core pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is involved in the whole process of atherosclerosis. The theories of ''blood vessel'', ''meridians'', ''visceral manifestation'', and ''organs-meridians'' in TCM are helpful to comprehensively understand the complexity of panvascular diseases. Moreover, those theories can provide systematic treatment strategies. The TCM syndromes of panvascular diseases evolve from ''phlegm, stasis, stagnation, and deficiency''. Panvascular arteriosclerosis is related to the syndrome of ''stasis and phlegm'', and the treatment mainly promotes blood circulation and removes phlegm. There are different specific drugs and mechanisms of action for coronary atherosclerosis, cerebral atherosclerosis, and renal artery atherosclerotic stenosis. Panvascular venous lesions are related to the syndrome of ''deficiency and stasis'' in TCM, and the TCM treatment mainly invigorates Qi and promotes blood circulation, which can inhibit venous thrombosis, improve venous ulcers, and resist venous endothelial damage. Panvascular microcirculatory lesions are inseparable from the ''stagnation and stasis'' in TCM, and the treatment mainly promotes Qi and dredges collaterals, which has a good effect on coronary microvascular lesions, diabetic microvascular lesions, pulmonary microvascular lesions, and pancreatic microvascular lesions. Panvascular lymphatic lesions are related to the syndrome of ''water and stasis'' in TCM. The treatment method focuses on promoting blood circulation and water excretion, which can promote lymphangiogenesis and enhance lymphatic reflux. In addition, the combination of TCM and modern technology, especially the application of artificial intelligence, can improve the efficiency of early identification and personalized treatment, resulting in early screening and comprehensive management of panvascular diseases. Therefore, TCM will play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of panvascular diseases.
2.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
3.Clinical efficacy of escitalopram combined with transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation therapy for patients with major depressive disorder and its effect on plasma IL-6 and IL-10 levels
Jin LI ; Jinbo SUN ; Di WU ; Wenjun WU ; Runzhu SUN ; Shanshan XUE ; Yapeng CUI ; Huaning WANG ; Yihuan CHEN
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):7-13
BackgroundInvasive vagus nerve stimulation therapy has been approved for the adjunctive treatment of treatment-resistant depression, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), whereas the efficacy of non-invasive transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and its impact on plasma inflammatory factors remain unclear. ObjectiveTo observe the effect of escitaloprom combined with tcVNS on the status of depression, anxiety and sleep quality as well as the plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in MDD patients, in order to provide references for the recovery and treatment of MDD patients. MethodsFrom August 21, 2019 to April 17, 2024, 45 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for MDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) were recruited from the psychosomatic outpatient clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University. Subjects were divided into study group (n=23) and control group (n=22) using random number table method. All patients were treated with escitalopram. On this basis, study group added a 30-minute tcVNS therapy once a day for 4 weeks. While control group was given corresponding sham stimulation, and the duration of each stimulation lasted 30 seconds. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item (HAMD-17) was used to assess depressive symptoms, and HAMD-17 anxiety/somatization subfactor and insomnia subfactor were used to assess patients' anxiety/somatization symptoms and sleep quality. Levels of plasma IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe generalized estimating equation model yielded a significant time effect for HAMD-17 total score, anxiety/somatization subfactor score and insomnia subfactor score in both groups (Wald χ2=315.226, 495.481, 82.420, P<0.01). After 4 weeks of treatment, HAMD-17 total score and anxiety/somatization subfactor score of study group were lower than those of control group, with statistically significant differences (Wald χ2=4.967, 32.543, P<0.05 or 0.01), while no statistically significant difference was found in the insomnia subfactor score between two groups (Wald χ2=0.819, P=0.366). Significant time effects were reported on plasma IL-6 and IL-10 levels in both groups (Wald χ2=21.792, 5.242, P<0.05 or 0.01). Compared with baseline data, a reduction in plasma IL-6 levels was detected in both groups (Wald χ2=22.015, 6.803, P<0.01), and an increase in plasma IL-10 levels was reported in study group (Wald χ2=5.118, P=0.024) after 4 weeks of treatment. ConclusionEscitalopram combined with tcVNS therapy is effective in improving depressive symptoms, anxiety/somatization symptoms and sleep quality in patients with MDD. Additionally, it helps reduce plasma IL-6 levels and increase IL-10 levels. [Funded by Shaanxi Provincial Key Research and Development Program-General Project (number, 2023-YBSF-185), www.clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT04037111]
4.Connotation and Prevention Strategies of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Panvascular Diseases
Jie WANG ; Jun LI ; Yan DONG ; Cong CHEN ; Yongmei LIU ; Chao LIU ; Lanchun LIU ; Xuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):1-14
Panvascular disease, with vascular diseases as the common pathological feature, is mainly manifested as atherosclerosis. Panvascular disease mainly affects the important organs of the heart, brain, kidney, and limbs. It is one of the leading causes of death for Chinese residents at present. Previously, due to the narrow branches of disciplines, too much attention was paid to local lesions, resulting in the neglect of panvascular disease as a systemic one. The fact that panvascular disease has overall pathology and comprehensive and individualized treatment strategies, makes the disease highly compatible with the principles of holism concept and syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is believed that blood stasis is the core pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is involved in the whole process of atherosclerosis. The theories of ''blood vessel'', ''meridians'', ''visceral manifestation'', and ''organs-meridians'' in TCM are helpful to comprehensively understand the complexity of panvascular diseases. Moreover, those theories can provide systematic treatment strategies. The TCM syndromes of panvascular diseases evolve from ''phlegm, stasis, stagnation, and deficiency''. Panvascular arteriosclerosis is related to the syndrome of ''stasis and phlegm'', and the treatment mainly promotes blood circulation and removes phlegm. There are different specific drugs and mechanisms of action for coronary atherosclerosis, cerebral atherosclerosis, and renal artery atherosclerotic stenosis. Panvascular venous lesions are related to the syndrome of ''deficiency and stasis'' in TCM, and the TCM treatment mainly invigorates Qi and promotes blood circulation, which can inhibit venous thrombosis, improve venous ulcers, and resist venous endothelial damage. Panvascular microcirculatory lesions are inseparable from the ''stagnation and stasis'' in TCM, and the treatment mainly promotes Qi and dredges collaterals, which has a good effect on coronary microvascular lesions, diabetic microvascular lesions, pulmonary microvascular lesions, and pancreatic microvascular lesions. Panvascular lymphatic lesions are related to the syndrome of ''water and stasis'' in TCM. The treatment method focuses on promoting blood circulation and water excretion, which can promote lymphangiogenesis and enhance lymphatic reflux. In addition, the combination of TCM and modern technology, especially the application of artificial intelligence, can improve the efficiency of early identification and personalized treatment, resulting in early screening and comprehensive management of panvascular diseases. Therefore, TCM will play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of panvascular diseases.
5.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
6.Research advances in the disease burden of viral hepatitis in China
Jian LI ; Fuzhen WANG ; Zhongdan CHEN ; Jinlei QI ; Ailing WANG ; Fanghui ZHAO ; Yuanyuan KONG ; Jing SUN ; Jiaqi KANG ; Zundong YIN ; Zhongfu LIU ; Jidong JIA ; Yu WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):221-227
Over the past three decades, China has made significant progress in the prevention and control of viral hepatitis, and the incidence rates of new-onset pediatric hepatitis B virus infections and acute viral hepatitis in the population have reduced to a relatively low level; however, there is still a heavy disease burden of chronic viral hepatitis in China, which severely affects the health status of the population. This study systematically summarizes the achievements of viral hepatitis prevention and control in China, analyzes existing problems and challenges, and proposes comprehensive prevention and control strategies and measures to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat based on the national conditions of China, in order to provide a reference for related departments in China on how to achieve the action targets for eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
7.Endovascular Treatment for Acute Posterior Circulation Tandem Lesions: Insights From the BASILAR and PERSIST Registries
Wei LI ; Mohamed F. DOHEIM ; Zhongming QIU ; Tan WANG ; Zhibin CHEN ; Wenjie ZI ; Qingwu YANG ; Haitao GUAN ; Hongyu QIAO ; Wenhua LIU ; Wei HU ; Xinfeng LIU ; Jinbo HUANG ; Zhongkui HAN ; Zhonglun CHEN ; Zhenqiang ZHAO ; Wen SUN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):75-84
Background:
and Purpose Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute posterior circulation tandem lesion (PCTL). This study aimed to explore the role of extracranial vertebral artery (VA) stenting in patients with PCTL stroke undergoing EVT.
Methods:
Individual patient data were pooled from the BASILAR (EVT for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Study) and PERSIST (Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke) registries. Patients with PCTLs who underwent EVT were included in the present cohort and divided into the stenting and nonstenting groups based on the placement of extracranial VA stents. The primary efficacy outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days and 1 year. Safety outcomes included 24-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and all-cause mortality at 90 days and 1 year post-surgery.
Results:
A combined dataset of 1,320 patients with posterior circulation artery occlusion, including 263 (19.9%) with tandem lesions, of whom 217 (median age, 65 years; 82.9% male) met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. The stenting group had 84 (38.7%) patients, while the non-stenting group had 133 (61.3%). After adjustment for the potential confounders, extracranial VA stenting was associated with favorable shifts in mRS scores at both 90 days (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–4.28; P<0.01) and 1 year (adjusted OR [aOR], 2.04; 95% CI [1.05–3.97]; P=0.04), along with lower rate of mortality at both 90 days (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI [0.21–0.93]; P=0.01) and 1 year (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI [0.16–0.79]; P=0.01), with no significant difference in sICH incidence (aOR, 0.35; 95% CI [0.06–1.98]; P=0.24).
Conclusion
Extracranial VA stenting during EVT may improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality in patients with PCTL strokes.
8.Impact of Onset-to-Door Time on Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Tianlong LIU ; Chunrong TAO ; Zhongjun CHEN ; Lihua XU ; Yuyou ZHU ; Rui LI ; Jun SUN ; Li WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianlong SONG ; Xiaozhong JING ; Adnan I. QURESHI ; Mohamad ABDALKADER ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA ; Jeffrey L. SAVER ; Wei HU
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):140-143
9.Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture(消肿止痛合剂)Combined with Antibiotic Bone Cement in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers with Damp-Heat Obstructing Syndrome:A Randomized Controlled Trial of 35 Patients
Xiaotao WEI ; Zhijun HE ; Tao LIU ; Zhenxing JIANG ; Fei LI ; Yan LI ; Jinpeng LI ; Wen CHEN ; Bihui BAI ; Xuan DONG ; Bo SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):704-709
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (消肿止痛合剂) combined with antibiotic bone cement in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) with damp-heat obstructing syndrome. MethodsA total of 72 DFU patients with damp-heat obstructing syndrome were randomly assigned to treatment group (36 cases) and the control group (36 cases). Both groups received standard treatment and topical antibiotic bone cement for ulcer wounds, while the treatment group received oral Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (50 ml per time, three times daily) in additionally. Both groups underwent daily wound dressing changes for 21 consecutive days. Ulcer healing rate, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count were observed before and after treatment, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for wound pain, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, and the DFU Healing Scale (DMIST scale) were also compared. Liver and kidney function were evaluated before and after treatment, and adverse events such as allergic reactions, worsening ulcer pain were recorded. ResultsTotally 35 patients in the treatment group and 33 in the control group were included in the final analysis. The ulcer healing rate in the treatment group was (87.93±9.34)%, significantly higher than (81.82±12.02)% in the control group (P = 0.035). Compared to pre-treatment levels, both groups showed significant reductions in serum CRP, WBC, MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, with an increase in SOD level (P<0.05). TCM syndrome scores, VAS, and DMIST scores also significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05), with greater improvements in the treatment group (P<0.05). No significant adverse reactions were observed in either group during treatment. ConclusionXiaozhong Zhitong Mixture combined with antibiotic bone cement has significant advantages in promoting DFU healing, reducing inflammatory response, and alleviating oxidative stress in DFU patients with damp-heat obstructing syndrome, with good safety for DFU patients with damp-heat obstructing syndrome.
10.Policy texts analysis of the physician periodic assessment system in China
Yingqi CHEN ; Shujie SONG ; Yanxin ZHOU ; Mengyu YAN ; Jing LI ; Mei SUN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):11-17
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of policy texts related to the physician periodic assessment system in China, providing references for the improvement of the system. MethodsContent analysis was employed, examining 116 policy documents from three dimensions: policy process, policy themes, and policy tools. ResultsA total of 298 codes were obtained. The number of policies related to the periodic assessment of physicians showed an overall trend of increasing first and then decreasing, with the peak annual issuance period between 2011 and 2021, and the average number of policy texts showing a downward trend. Policy documents were summarized into 3 levels: physician periodic assessment work, individual behavior, and institutional systems, encompassing a total of 8 categories of themes. The proportion of supply-oriented, environmental-oriented, and demand-oriented policy tools were 4.03%, 60.40%, and 35.57%, respectively. Moreover, environmental-oriented tools continued to dominate over time, followed by demand-oriented tools, with supply-oriented tools being the least. ConclusionThe policy themes are relatively broad and difficult to implement, focusing on establishing regulations while neglecting resource provision, and failing to continuously improve the construction of the system. It is recommended to clearly define the scope of the periodic assessment management, improve supporting systems, increase resource supply, and continuously promote the execution of assessments and policy revisions.

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