Jilin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine

A growing body of evidence suggests a potential correlation between obesity and diabetic neuropathy (DN), but the causal nature of this relationship remains uncertain. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between obesity and DN. Independent single nucleotide polymorphisms strongly associated with DN were identified from genome-wide association studies. Summary statistics for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were also obtained from genome-wide association studies datasets. The causal effects were estimated using inverse-variance weighted analysis, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median estimation. Sensitivity analyzes were performed to assess the robustness of the findings. Inverse-variance weighted analysis revealed significant negative associations of BMI (P = .0006, OR = 0.809, 95% CI: 0.716-0.913), WC (P = .008, OR = 0.792, 95% CI: 0.665-0.943), and HC (P = .032, OR = 0.871, 95% CI: 0.768-0.988) with DN risk. No significant association was observed for WHR (P = .425, OR = 0.954, 95% CI: 0.849-1.071). After Bonferroni correction (α = 0.0125), there was a statistically significant relationship between BMI and DN (P ≤ .0125), indicating a causal relationship. However, the causal relationships between WC, HC, WHR, and DN were not statistically significant, with P-values all > .0125. However, the OR value of MR analysis is close to 1, indicating that BMI may have a slight protective effect on the risk of DN.

This letter critiques a trial of fermented wheat germ for pediatric asthma. We commend exploring the gut-lung axis but note key limitations: the control (standard bread) precludes isolating fermented wheat germ -specific effects; significant between-group differences were absent; and proposed mechanisms lack analytical support. Results from adolescents with mild asthma are preliminary. We recommend future placebo-controlled trials with mechanistic biomarkers in more severe populations to conclusively determine fermented wheat germ’s role in asthma management.

Psychedelics, such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), have captured the attention of scientists, artists, and seekers alike for their profound ability to alter consciousness and inspire creativity. The concept of "creation" encompasses multiple interpretations-ranging from generating novel ideas to fostering personal transformation. This perspective explores how psychedelics interact with the concept of creation, examining their role in enhancing artistic inspiration, facilitating spiritual experiences, and driving therapeutic breakthroughs in mental health treatment. By integrating findings from neurobiological research, clinical applications, and cultural analysis, we offer a holistic view of how psychedelics may catalyze innovative modes of thinking and awaken the mind's creative and transformative potential. As these substances gain prominence as tools for reshaping our understanding of consciousness and psychological healing, their broader integration into society requires careful consideration of legal complexities, ethical responsibilities, and cultural contexts to ensure their use is evidence-based, respectful, and responsibly guided.

Vertigo is a prevalent clinical disorder that significantly compromises the quality of life of a patient. Among the syndrome patterns recognized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), vertigo due to liver-yang hyperactivity (LYH) is the most common subtype. This study explored the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of Tianma Anshen Dingxuan formula (TADF) on vertigo induced by LYH through the analysis of gut microbiota and their metabolites. A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control, LYH vertigo model, and TADF groups. The LYH vertigo model was established through intragastric administration of aconite decoction combined with unilateral labyrinthectomy. Behavioral changes and colonic histopathology were conducted. The concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) in the rat hypothalamus were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The gut microbiota and metabolites were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationships among the microbiota, metabolites, and behavioral indices. Treatment with TADF significantly improved behavioral indices (such as reduced head tilt, normalized reflexes) and colonic inflammation (lower histopathological scores, p < 0.01), whereas it significantly reduced the concentrations of 5-HT, DA, and NE in the rat hypothalamus (p < 0.05). Additionally, TADF modulated gut microbiota by upregulating both p_Patescibacteria and o_Oscillospirales while downregulating g_Bifidobacterium. Metabolomics identified 16 biomarkers (for instance, N-acetylneuraminate) enriched in pathways like tryptophan metabolism. Spearman analysis revealed correlations between microbiota (g_Ruminococcus), metabolites (chlorphenoxamine), and behavioral scores. Collectively, this study is the first to demonstrate the therapeutic effect of TADF on vertigo-afflicted rats. TADF significantly improved the levels of microbiota-mediated metabolites by restoring the impaired gut microbiota.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder driven by dysregulated purine metabolism and impaired urate excretion, and robust animal models are critical for elucidating its pathophysiology and guiding therapy development. This review systematically examines chemically induced, gene‐edited, environmental, exercise and microbiota‐based HUA models across rodents, poultry, primates, zebrafish and silkworms, highlighting each model’s strengths and limitations in mimicking human uric acid handling. We discuss how these models have validated standard urate‐lowering treatments—such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors and uricosurics—and uncovered emerging therapeutic targets, including the gut–NLRP3 inflammasome axis and SIRT1‐mediated ABCG2 regulation. Finally, we propose a unified three‐tier framework encompassing biochemical, mechanistic and pathological criteria to standardize model evaluation and accelerate translational research in hyperuricemia.

Chronic liver disease is a major global health concern, posing significant challenges due to its asymptomatic progression and the limitations of conventional treatments. Effective therapeutic strategies remain a pressing need. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric rhizomes, has demonstrated diverse pharmacological properties. Beyond its well-known antioxidant activity, curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fibrotic effects, along with the ability to regulate cellular autophagy and apoptosis. Recent studies suggest its potential to inhibit the progression of chronic liver disease through multiple molecular pathways. This review summarizes the latest research on curcumin's therapeutic effects in chronic liver disease, focusing on its mechanisms of action and clinical relevance. By integrating findings from experimental and clinical studies, we aim to provide novel insights into curcumin as a promising therapeutic candidate for liver disease management.