1.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
2.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
3.Clinical Observation on Abdominal Penetrating Moxibustion Combined with Acupuncture at Four Chong Acupoints for the Treatment of Stroke in the Convalescent Stage
Nan YU ; Jie HU ; Hai-Ning LI ; Shan-Shan SONG ; De-Song ZHENG ; Xin-Hong XUE ; Ying GAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(1):116-122
Objective To observe the effects of abdominal penetrating moxibustion combined with acupuncture at the"four chong points"on balance,walking function and trunk control in patients recovering from stroke.Methods Seventy-eight patients recovering from stroke were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 39 patients in each group.The control group was given conventional rehabilitation exercises,while the observation group was given abdominal penetrating moxibustion combined with acupuncture at the"four chong points"on the basis of the control group.Both groups were treated for 2 consecutive months.After 2 months of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in the Berg Scale score and the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT)were observed before and after treatment.The changes in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores were compared before and after treatment between the two groups.The Sheikh Trunk Control Scale scores were also evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.87%(37/39),and the total effective rate of the control group was 80.00%(31/39),and the efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the Berg scores of the patients in the two groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the Berg scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the TUGT time and NIHSS score of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the TUGT time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group,and the NIHSS score was lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the Sheikh trunk control scores of the two groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the Sheikh trunk control score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Abdominal penetrating moxibustion method combined with acupuncture at the four chong points for the treatment of stroke recovery can effectively restore the patients'balance and walking function,improve the patients'trunk control ability,and the therapeutic effect is precise.
4.Exploration of the Acupoint Selection Rules of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Tic Disorders in Children Based on Data Mining Techniques
Shan-Hong WU ; Zi-Han GONG ; Yan WANG ; Yang GAO ; Yi-Ming YUAN ; Ming-Yue ZHAO ; Zi-Wei ZHANG ; Tian-Yi LI ; Fei PEI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(4):1083-1090
Objective To analyze the acupoint selection rules of acupuncture for the treatment of tic disorders in children based on data mining techniques.Methods A computerized search was conducted for the clinical research literature on acupuncture treatment of tic disorders in children included in the CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,and PubMed databases from January 1992 to December 2022.A database was established by Excel 2019 to count the commonly used treatment methods and analyze the high-frequency application methods acupuncture(high-frequency acupoints,channel entry of acupoints,acupoint association rules,and acupoint clustering),auricular point seed-pressing(high-frequency auricular points,and acupoint association rules),and the high frequency division of cluster needling of scalp point.Results A total of 190 valid literature articles were included,involving 270 acupuncture prescriptions;among them,184 acupoints were counted in the acupuncture method,with a total application frequency of 1 906 times,and the high-frequency application of the acupoints in descending order were Baihui(DU20),Taichong(LR3),Fengchi(GB20),Hegu(LI4),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Neiguan(PC6),Shenmen(HT7),Zusanli(ST36),Yintang(EX-HN3),Sishencong(EX-HN1);and the high-frequency meridians were governor vessol,foot taiyang stomach meridian,foot taiyang stomach meridian,foot shaoyang gallbladder meridian,hand taiyang large intestine meridian,foot taiyang bladder meridian,foot jueyin gallbladder meridian;three sets of strong association rules and five clusters of acupoints were analyzed by SPSS modeler 18.0 and IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 software.There were 29 acupoints of auricular point seed-pressing,application total frequency was 206 times,high-frequency application of auricular points in descending order of Shenmen(HT7),liver,heart,subcortex,kidney;four groups of acupoint strong association rules were obtained through the analysis of SPSS modeler 18.0 software.A total of 14 zones were involved in the application of cephalic acupoint plexus zoning,of which the high-frequency zones were parietal anterior temporal diagonal,parietal parietal 1,and chorea tremor control zone.Conclusion Acupuncture treatment of tic disorders in children,according to its pathogenesis(liver hyperactivity,kidney depletion,spleen deficiency,phlegm disturbance,etc.)and tic site,select acupoints compatibility,and mostly choose yang meridian acupoints,which is related to the nature and treatment characteristics of wind pathogen.Children's tic disorders are closely related to emotional disorders,therefore acupuncture and auricular acupoints all emphasize the method of soothing the liver and clearing the heart,and regulating the emotional state.Cluster needling of scalp point mostly used parietal temporal anterior oblique line,parietal 1 line,and dance tremor control area for the treatment of tic disorders.For children,auricular point seed-pressing and cluster needling of scalp point has the minimun of pain,the effect of treatment is long,and it is not easy to have dangerous situations such as bent needle,broken needle and so on.
5.Research progress on the clinical classification correlation between liver cirrhosis and liver failure
Hua-Qian XU ; Chun-Yan LI ; Shan-Hong TANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(3):355-359
The essence of cirrhosis is the over-repairing reaction of liver tissue damage in the process of chronic liver disease.During repair,the liver parenchyma is gradually replaced by fibrosis tissue,resulting in changes in liver tissue morphology,followed by portal hypertension and other related manifestations.Liver failure are serious disorder of liver functions(synthesis,metabolism,transformation,regeneration,etc.)caused by various factors,often mainly manifested as jaundice,coagulation disfunction,hepatic encephalopathy,ascites,etc.The naming and typing of the two are different,and they can exist independently of each other or intersect with each other.In recent years,with the in-depth exploration of cirrhosis and liver failure,many new definitions and classification methods have been put forward in the research.However,due to the confusion of classification methods,there is still a lack of summary,so this article briefly reviews the current progress of clinical classification of liver cirrhosis and liver failure and their differences and intersections.
6.Chinesization of the HEMO-FISS-QoL questionnaire and its reliability and validity
Songpeng SUN ; Shan JIA ; Fangfang XU ; Tianyu LI ; Zhiyun ZHANG ; Qiaorong CAO ; Xinjian LI ; Yao WU ; Weiping WAN ; Bin SHI ; Jianguo WANG ; Hong NI ; Longyu LIANG ; Xingxiao HUO ; Tianqing YANG ; Lei TIAN ; Ying TIAN ; Mei LIN ; Zhanjun WANG ; Yangyang ZHOU ; Hongchuan CHU ; Riyu LIAO ; Kuerban XIEYIDA ; Junhong LONG ; Shuxin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2024;33(1):75-82
Objective:To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of HEMO-FISS-QoL(HF-QoL) questionnaire (HF-QoL-C) in the Chinese population with hemorrhoids.Methods:From November 2021 to November 2022, a self-constructed general information questionnaire, HF-QoL-C, and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), Goligher classification, and Giordano severity of hemorrhoid symptom questionnaire (GSQ) were used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 760 hemorrhoid patients in the anorectal department of six hospitals. The data was analyzed for reliability and validity using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 26.0 software.Results:The Cronbach's α coefficient of HF-QoL-C and its dimension ranged from 0.831 to 0.960, and the split coefficient was 0.832-0.915. Four common factors were extracted through principal component exploratory factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable structural validity( χ2/ df=8.152, RSMEA=0.097, CFI=0.881, IFI=0.881, NFI=0.867). HF-QoL-C was correlated with SF36 and GSQ( r=-0.694, 0.501, both P<0.01). There were differences in the total score and dimensional scores of HF-QoL-C between surgical and drug treated patients, different grades of Goligher classification for hemorrhoidal disease, and different ranges of hemorrhoid prolapse (all P<0.001). No ceiling effect was found in the total score and the scores of each dimension(0.3%-2.0%). There was a floor effect in both psychological function and sexual activity dimensions (16.7%, 35.1%). Conclusion:HF-QoL-C has good reliability and validity, which can be used to measure the quality of life of Chinese hemorrhoid patients.
7.Effects of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula on neuronal apoptosis of rats with ischemia-reperfusion induced injury
Yang ZHAI ; Xue-Ni MO ; Hong-Li TENG ; Yue-Qiang HU ; Guang-Shan ZHENG ; Wei MA ; Peng YANG ; Xiao-Ping MEI ; Min ZOU ; Kai-Hua WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(3):795-802
AIM To investigate the effects of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula on neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury based on the study of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the edaravone group(3.0 mg/kg),the low,medium and high dose groups(9.0,18.0,36.0 g/kg)of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula,with 18 rats in each group.The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion was conducted by thread embolism method to simulate cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats followed by 6 days corresponding drugs administration.Subsequently,the rats had their neurological function deficit scored by Zeal Longa scoring method;their sizes of cerebral infarction areas measured by TTC staining;their pathological damage and apoptosis of neurons in hippocampal CA1 area of ischemic penumbra of the brain tissue detected by HE staining and TUNEL staining;their SOD activity and levels of GSH,MDA,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α in brain tissue detected by kits;and their protein expressions of Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,cleaved-capase-3,TLR4,NF-κB p65,Nrf2,HO-1 in rat brain tissue determined by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with edaravone,medium and high dose of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula displayed improvements in the scores of nerve function defects,the rate of cerebral infarction,the rate of neuronal apoptosis,the levels of IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α and MDA in the ischemic penumbra of brain tissues,the protein expressions of Bax and TLR4,the ratio of cleaved-capase-3/caspase-3 and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65(P<0.05),the levels of GSH,the activity of SOD and the protein expressions of Bcl-2,Nrf2 and HO-1(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Being an inhibitor of oxidative stress and inflammatory response,Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula can alleviate brain injury in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury through the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and improvement of neural function mediated by the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway and activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway.
8.In vitro quality evaluation of leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates prepared from whole blood stored at 4℃
Huijuan AN ; Hong SHAN ; Zheng LIU ; Jiaojiao ZHANG ; Jiaojie WANG ; Lili BIE ; Jianbin LI ; Xinli JIN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(7):820-826
Objective To investigate the feasibility of leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates from whole blood stored at 4℃,and provide theoretical basis for the components preparation.Methods The collected 400 mL ACD-B antico-agulant whole blood was randomly divided into two groups,stored at 4℃and room temperature.The buffy coat was prepared within 6 hours and store at 22℃until next day to prepare leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates.Platelet samples on day 1,3,5 and 7 were taken for the blood cell count and related parameter detection.The pH,glucose and lactic acid con-tent were determined to reflect the metabolic status,and the thromboelastography,platelet aggregation rate and PAC-1 and CD62P expression were determined to reflect the function and activation of platelets.The difference in platelets between two groups were analyzed.Results With the extension of storage time,the count of leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concen-trates decreased gradually,but the platelets distribution width(PDW),mean platelet volume(MPV)and platelet-larger cell ratio(P-LCR)increased gradually in two groups,with no statistical significance(P>0.05).The pH and glucose con-tents in two groups gradually decreased,but the lactic acid content gradually increased,with no significant difference(P>0.05).The thrombelastogram showed MA value that reflecting platelet function has no significant change during the storage,and there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).The aggregation rates decreased while the expres-sion of PAC-1 and CD62P increased gradually with the prolongation of preservation time,with no significant difference be-tween the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion There is no significant difference in platelet count,function and activation between whole blood stored at 4℃and at room temperature within 6 hours.Whole blood stored at 4℃within 6 hours can be considered as the raw material for leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates.
9.Effects of Licorice chalcone A on proliferation,migration,invasion and oxidative damage of glioma U87 cells through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Hong LI ; Shan-Shan WAN ; Zhi-Xin LIU ; Cong-Cong XUE ; Xue-Cheng LI ; Lei YAN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):678-682
Objective To investigate the effects of Licorice chalcone A(LCA)on proliferation,migration,invasion and antioxidant capacity of human glioma U87 cells and its mechanism.Methods Glioma U87 cells cultured in vitro were divided into 4 groups,blank control group(conventional culture)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(5,10,20 μmol·L-1 LC A).Cell proliferation capacity was detected by cell counting kit-8,cell clonogenesis ability was detected by clonogenesis assay,cell migration ability was detected by scratch assay,and cell invasion ability was detected by Transwell assay.Colorimetric assay was used to detect total glutathione(T-GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD),and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt).Results The cell proliferation activities of blank control group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were(90.20±2.17)%,(79.06±1.57)%,(66.13±2.11)%and(49.52±1.82)%;cell clone formation rates were(76.83±2.30)%,(42.33±2.09)%,(17.71±1.84)%and(12.12±1.97)%;12 h cell mobility rates were(34.92±2.24)%,(27.90±1.89)%,(18.76±1.14)%and(14.87±0.82)%;24 h cell mobility rates were(50.37±2.61)%,(39.43±2.56)%,(21.11±2.33)%and(18.32±2.39)%;the number of perforated cells were 120.39±4.16,79.95±3.83,45.67±3.55 and 18.14±2.85;T-GSH levels were(71.43±2.39),(58.51±2.91),(49.43±2.78)and(35.44±2.76)μmol·L-1;MDA levels were(4.14±0.91),(7.23±1.75),(9.20±1.56)and(11.37±1.90)nmol·mL-1;SOD levels were(41.44±2.10),(35.43±2.91),(28.56±2.32)and(20.62±2.05)U·mg-1;the relative expression levels of p-Akt were 1.27±0.03,1.06±0.02,0.89±0.01 and 0.60±0.02,respectively.The above indexes were statistically significant between experimental-L,-M,-H groups and blank control group(all P<0.01).Conclusion LCA can inhibit the proliferation,migration,invasion and induce oxidative damage of glioma U87 cells,and its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of p-Akt protein expression in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
10.Research status on the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in tumor micro-environment on breast cancer metastasis
Lin-Ye HUA ; Hong-Shan LUO ; Xiu-Lian LIN ; Li-Mei LIN ; Bo-Hou XIA ; Ya-Mei LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(14):2148-2152
The expression level of NOD-like receptors(NLRP3)inflammasome is significantly elevated in breast cancer tissues,and a high level of NLRP3 inflammasomes is closely associated with breast cancer metastasis.Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome can induce the release of inflammatory factors into the tumor microenvironment(TME).These inflammatory factors,by signaling to cancer cells,reshape the TME to promote tumor growth and invasion,ultimately facilitating the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.This equips cancer cells with the ability to establish distant metastases and increase the formation of metastatic lesions.This review addresses the current research status and prospects of NLRP3 inflammasomes in the breast cancer TME and their role in breast cancer metastasis.The goal is to provide new insights for the study of breast cancer metastasis mechanisms and treatment strategies.

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