1.Development of a new paradigm for precision diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine
Jingnian NI ; Mingqing WEI ; Ting LI ; Jing SHI ; Wei XIAO ; Jing CHENG ; Bin CONG ; Boli ZHANG ; Jinzhou TIAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):43-47
The development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis and treatment has undergone multiple paradigms, evolving from sporadic experiential practices to systematic approaches in syndrome differentiation and treatment and further integration of disease and syndrome frameworks. TCM is a vital component of the medical system, valued alongside Western medicine. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation embodies both personalized treatment and holistic approaches; however, the inconsistency and lack of stability in syndrome differentiation limit clinical efficacy. The existing integration of diseases and syndromes primarily relies on patchwork and embedded systems, where the full advantages of synergy between Chinese and Western medicine are not fully realized. Recently, driven by the development of diagnosis and treatment concepts and advances in analytical technology, Western medicine has been rapidly transforming from a traditional biological model to a precision medicine model. TCM faces a similar need to progress beyond traditional syndrome differentiation and disease-syndrome integration toward a more precise diagnosis and treatment paradigm. Unlike the micro-level precision trend of Western medicine, precision diagnosis and treatment in TCM is primarily reflected in data-driven applications that incorporate information at various levels, including precise syndrome differentiation, medication, disease management, and efficacy evaluation. The current priority is to accelerate the development of TCM precision diagnosis and treatment technology platforms and advance discipline construction in this area.
2.Regulation of Signaling Pathways Related to Myocardial Infarction by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun WU ; Chidao ZHANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Xue LI ; Bin LI ; Xinlu WANG ; Mingjun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):321-330
The pathological changes of myocardial infarction (MI) are mainly characterized by progressive myocardial ischemic necrosis, decline in cardiac diastolic function, thinning of the ventricular wall, and enlargement of the ventricles. The clinical manifestations include myocardial ischemia, heart failure, arrhythmia, shock, and even sudden cardiac death, rendering MI one of the most perilous cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the clinical treatment for MI primarily involves interventional procedures and drug therapy. However, due to their significant side effects and high complication rates associated with these treatments, they fail to ensure a satisfactory quality of life and long-term prognosis for patients. On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated remarkable potential in improving patient prognosis while reducing side effects. Research has elucidated that various signaling pathways such as nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), adenosine 5̒-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smads, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin (β-catenin), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) play crucial roles in regulating the occurrence and development of MI. Effectively modulating these signaling pathways through its therapeutic interventions, traditional Chinese medicine can enhance MI management by inhibiting apoptosis, providing anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating oxidative stress levels, and resisting myocardial ischemia. Due to its notable efficacy and favorable safety, it has become an area of focus in clinical practice.
3.Carnosic acid inhibits osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting mitochondrial activity
Haishan LI ; Yuheng WU ; Zixuan LIANG ; Shiyin ZHANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Bin MAI ; Wei DENG ; Yongxian LI ; Yongchao TANG ; Shuncong ZHANG ; Kai YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):245-253
BACKGROUND:Carnosic acid,a bioactive compound found in rosemary,has been shown to reduce inflammation and reactive oxygen species(ROS).However,its mechanism of action in osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast activation,ROS production,and mitochondrial function. METHODS:Primary bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice were extracted and cultured in vitro.Different concentrations of carnosic acid(0,10,15,20,25 and 30 μmol/L)were tested for their effects on bone marrow-derived macrophage proliferation and toxicity using the cell counting kit-8 cell viability assay to determine a safe concentration.Bone marrow-derived macrophages were cultured in graded concentrations and induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand for osteoclast differentiation for 5-7 days.The effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast differentiation and function were then observed through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining,F-actin staining,H2DCFDA probe and mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker fluorescence detection.Western blot and RT-PCR assays were subsequently conducted to examine the effects of carnosic acid on the upstream and downstream proteins of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced MAPK signaling pathway. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining showed that carnosic acid dose-dependently inhibited in vitro osteoclast differentiation and actin ring formation in the cell cytoskeleton,with the highest inhibitory effect observed in the high concentration group(30 μmol/L).Carnosic acid exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect during the early stages(days 1-3)of osteoclast differentiation compared to other intervention periods.Fluorescence imaging using the H2DCFDA probe,mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker demonstrated that carnosic acid inhibited cellular and mitochondrial ROS production while reducing mitochondrial membrane potential,thereby influencing mitochondrial function.The results of western blot and RT-PCR revealed that carnosic acid could suppress the expression of NFATc1,CTSK,MMP9,and C-fos proteins associated with osteoclast differentiation,and downregulate the expression of NFATc1,Atp6vod2,ACP5,CTSK,and C-fos genes related to osteoclast differentiation.Furthermore,carnosic acid enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzyme proteins and reduced the generation of ROS during the process of osteoclast differentiation.Overall,carnosic acid exerts its inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting the phosphorylation modification of the P38/ERK/JNK protein and activating the MAPK signaling pathway in bone marrow-derived macrophages.
4.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.
5.Worksite survey of occupational disease diagnosis
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):1-9
The worksite survey of occupational disease diagnosis is a series of occupational health investigations in the workplace initiated by the occupational disease diagnosis institution or the public health administrative department in order to understand whether there is a causal relationship between the workers' diseases and the workplace in the process of occupational disease diagnosis and verification. The main purpose of the worksite survey is to find out whether there are occupational hazards that cause health damage to workers in the workplace, and to analyze whether there is a causal relationship between the exposure to occupational hazards at the corresponding concentration (intensity) and the diseases suffered by workers. In actual work, it is necessary to determine whether it is necessary to organize worksite survey according to the legal situation and actual work of occupational disease diagnosis. The mainly works of worksite survey includes three aspects: preliminary preparation, survey implementation and survey report writing. It is necessary to pay attention to the key and difficult tasks such as preparation before survey, survey plan and questionnaire, complexity and uncertainty of worksite survey and sampling and detection of occupational hazard factors in workplace. After the worksite survey,it is necessary to write a written occupational disease on-site investigation report to provide objective, reliable and scientific evidence for occupational disease diagnosis.
6.Efficacy of ultrasound-guided transurethral flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage in 48 patients with special renal cystic diseases
Xiaokang ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Disheng LIU ; Wenhui LI ; Yanzong ZHAO ; Wuhua HA ; Bin ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(2):133-136
Objective: To explore the efficacy and surgical techniques of ultrasound-assisted transurethral flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage in the treatment of special renal cystic diseases,so as to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. Methods: The clinical data of 48 patients with special renal cystic diseases treated during Jan.2019 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The diagnosis was made by computed tomography urography (CTU) and three dimensional urinary tract reconstruction before operation.All patients received the abovementioned surgery in semisupine lithotomy position.The general information,clinical data,and incidence of complications were analyzed. Results: There were 27 males and 21 females,with an average age of (48.0±7.5) years,including 22 cases of parapelvic cysts,6 cases of endogenic simple renal cysts with an average diameter of (5.0±1.0) cm,and 20 cases of renal calyceal diverticulum with stones,with an average diameter of (2.5±1.3) cm for the diverticulum and an average diameter of (1.5±1.0) cm for the stones,which were located in the upper or middle calyces.In 7 cases,ureteroscopic localization was difficult,and the surgery was completed with percutaneous renal puncture needle assisted localization.Ureteral stenosis was detected in 2 cases during surgery,and surgery was performed 4 weeks after double J tubes were placed.The remaining operations were successfully completed.The average operation time was (42.0±14.5) minutes,and average hospital stay was (2.0±0.5) days.During the follow-up of (12.0±8.5) months,lumbar pain improved in 27 cases (100%),renal cysts disappeared in 23 cases (82.1%,23/28),cysts significantly reduced by ≥50% in 4 cases (14.3%,4/28),slightly reduced by <50% in 1 case (3.6%,1/28),and the renal calyx diverticulum disappeared in 20 cases (100%).Gross hematuria and lower back pain occurred in 2 cases,and no other complications developed. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided transurethral flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage is a safe and effective treatment for special benign renal cystic diseases.When ultrasound-guided flexible ureteroscope localization is difficult to perform,percutaneous renal puncture needle may be applied.
7.Effect and mechanism of Astragalus polysaccharide on peritoneal fibrosis and angiogenesis in peritoneal dialysis rats
Xue FENG ; Bin PENG ; Li FENG ; Shuangyi ZHU ; Xi HU ; Wei XIONG ; Zhi GAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(6):712-717
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on peritoneal fibrosis and angiogenesis in rats with peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS Rats were randomly divided into normal control group (Control group), model group (PD group), 70 mg/kg APS group (APS-L group), 140 mg/kg APS group (APS-H group), and 140 mg/kg APS+40 mg/kg hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) agonist DMOG group (APS-H+DMOG group), with 12 rats in each group. PD rat models were constructed in the last four groups of rats. Administration groups were given APS intragastrically and DMOG intraperitoneally. Control group and PD group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, the peritoneal ultrafiltration (UF), mass transfer of glucose (MTG), the levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected in rats; peritoneal histomorphology and peritoneal fibrosis (peritoneal thickness and proportion of collagen fiber deposition) were observed; the microvascular density and the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), laminin (LN), HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins were detected in peritoneal tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with Control group, the mesothelium of rats in the PD group was loosely arranged and shed, inflammatory cells infiltrated, the peritoneal thickness and proportion of collagen fiber deposition were increased significantly (P<0.05). The levels of MTG, Scr and BUN in serum, microvascular density and the expressions of α-SMA, LN, HIF-1α and VEGF proteins were significantly increased, while the level of UF was significantly decreased (P< 0.05); compared with PD group, the levels of above indexes were significantly reversed in APS-L and APS-H groups (P<0.05), and the improvement of APS-H group was better than APS-L group (P<0.05). Compared with APS-H group, the levels of above indexes in APS-H+DMOG group were all reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS APS inhibits peritoneal fibrosis and angioge-nesis in PD rats by inhibiting HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.
8.Determination of the Contents of Three Lignans in Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook
Ying-Hua HUANG ; Lin ZHANG ; Jin-Yan LI ; Zhi-Bin LI ; Zhi-Yun LIANG ; Li-E YANG ; Gang WEI ; Yue-Chun HUANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(1):207-212
Objective To establish the method for content determination of three lignans of Dendrobium Fimbriatum Hook..Methods The lignans in Dendrobium tasselii were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography/multi-stage mass spectrometry(HPLC-ESI/MSn)coupled with ultraviolet absorption spectrometry(UV)coupled with retention time localization of high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The separation was carried out on a Kromasil 100-5 C18 column(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm)using a gradient elution of acetonitrile-0.1%formic acid solution as the mobile phase,the volume flow rate was 0.8 mL·min-1 and the column temperature was 35℃,and the mass spectrometry was performed using an ESI ion source with the data collected in the negative ion mode.The HPLC content was determined on the same column as that of MS analysis,with the mobile phase methanol + acetonitrile(V/V=1∶1)-0.01 mol/L ammonium acetate solution,gradient elution,flow rate of 0.8 mL·min-1,column temperature of 40℃,and detection wavelength of 215 nm.Results Syringaresinol di-O-glucoside and(-)-Syringaresinol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and DL-Syringaresinol were identified from Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook.,and the results of content determination showed that the linear ranges of above three components were respectively 0.1701-3.4020,0.1020-2.0400,0.0403-0.8060 μg(r≥0.9995),the average recoveries were in the range of 97.71%-101.67%,and the relative standard deviations(RSDs)were all less than 3.0%.The contents of Syringaresinol di-O-glucoside and(-)-Syringaresinol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and DL-Syringaresinol in the 10 batches of samples were 0.7779-1.3852,0.0734-0.1966,0.0295-0.1882 mg·g-1.Conclusion This research method can provide a reference basis for the quality evaluation method of Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook..
9.The relationship between activities of daily living and mental health in community elderly people and the mediating role of sleep quality
Heng-Yi ZHOU ; Jing LI ; Dan-Hua DAI ; Yang LI ; Bin ZHANG ; Rong DU ; Rui-Long WU ; Jia-Yan JIANG ; Yuan-Man WEI ; Jing-Rong GAO ; Qi ZHAO
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(2):143-150
Objective To explore the relationship and internal path between activities of daily living(ADL),sleep quality and mental health of community elderly people in Shanghai.Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among community residents aged 60 years and older seeing doctors in community health care center of five streets in Shanghai during Sept to Dec,2021 using convenience sampling.Activities of Daily Living(ADL),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)and 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale(K10)were adopted in the survey.Single factor analysis,correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.The effect relationship between the variables was tested using Bootstrap's mediated effects test.Results A total of 1 864 participants were included in the study.The average score was 15.53±4.47 for ADL,5.60±3.71 for PSQI and 15.50±6.28 for K10.The rate of ADL impairment,poor sleep quality,poor and very poor mental health of the elderly were 23.6%,27.3%,11.9%and 4.9%,respectively.ADL and sleep quality were all positively correlated with mental health(r=0.321,P<0.001;r=0.466,P<0.001);ADL was positively correlated with sleep quality(r=0.294,P<0.001).Multiple linear results of factors influencing mental health showed that ADL(β= 0.457,95%CI:0.341-0.573),sleep quality(β =0.667,95%CI:0.598-0.737)and mental health were positively correlated(P<0.001).Sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between ADL and mental health(95%CI:0.078-0.124)with an effect size of 33.0%.Conclusion Sleep quality is a mediator between ADL and mental health among community elderly people.Improving ADL and sleep quality may improve mental health in the population.
10.Effect and mechanism of pachymic acid on renal function and fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure
Bin PENG ; Xue FENG ; Li FENG ; Wei XIONG ; Xi HU ; Shuangyi ZHU ; Yang XIAO ; Fang CHEN ; Zhi GAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(12):1489-1494
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of pachymic acid (PA) on renal function and fibrosis in chronic renal failure (CRF) rats and its potential mechanism based on the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway. METHODS Using male SD rats as subjects, the CRF model was established by 5/6 nephrectomy; the successfully modeled rats were divided into model group, PA low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg PA), high-dose PA+ROCK pathway activator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) group (20 mg/kg PA+1 mg/kg LPA), with 15 rats in each group. Another 15 rats were selected as the sham operation group with only the kidney exposed but not excised. The rats in each drug group were gavaged and/or injected with the corresponding liquid via the caudal vein, once a day, for 12 consecutive weeks. During the experiment, the general condition of rats was observed in each group. After the last administration, the serum renal function indexes (blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, uric acid) of rats in each group were detected, the renal histopathological changes were observed; the renal tubule injury score and the area of renal fibrosis were quantified. The levels of oxidative stress indexes [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), the positive expression rates of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen Ⅰ were detected as well as the expression levels of pathway-related proteins (RhoA, ROCK1) and fibrosis- related proteins (transforming growth factor-β1, bare corneum homologs 2, α-smooth muscle actin) were determined. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group, the rats in model group had reduced diet, smaller body size, listless spirit and sluggish response, reduced and atrophied glomeruli, dilated renal tubules with chaotic structure, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated interstitium; the serum levels of renal function indexes, renal tubule injury score, renal fibrosis area proportion, the levels of MDA and inflammatory factors, the positive expression rates of CTGF and collagen Ⅰ, and the expression levels of pathway-related proteins and fibrosis-related proteins in renal tissues were significantly increased, while SOD level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general condition and pathological injuries of kidney tissue of rats in PA groups were improved to varying degrees,and the above quantitative indexes were significantly improved in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). LPA could significantly reverse the improvement effect of PA on the above indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PA can improve renal function and alleviate renal fibrosis in CRF rats, which may be related to inhibiting the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.


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