1.Effects of Yishen paidu formula on renal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure by regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway
Li FENG ; Bowen PENG ; Bin PENG ; Xue FENG ; Shuangyi ZHU ; Wei XIONG ; Xi HU ; Xiaohui SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):174-179
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of the Yishen paidu formula on renal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF) through the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, Yishen paidu formula low-dose (Yishen paidu formula-L) group, Yishen paidu formula high-dose (Yishen paidu formula- H) group, Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-NC group, and Yishen paidu formula-H+ pcDNA-TXNIP group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for control group, all other rats were fed a diet containing 0.5% adenine to establish a CRF model; the rats were then administered corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically or via tail vein, once daily, for 8 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β were measured in each group. Pathological changes in renal tissue were observed, and the protein expression levels of Collagen Ⅲ, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TXNIP and NLRP3 in renal tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with model group, the renal histopathological damage and fibrosis of rats in Yishen paidu formula-L group and Yishen paidu formula-H group were significantly alleviated. The levels of Scr, BUN, ROS, MDA, TNF- α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and the protein expressions of Collagen Ⅲ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, TXNIP and NLRP3 were significantly decreased, while SOD levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Moreover, the changes were more pronounced in the Yishen paidu formula-H group (P<0.05). Compared with Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-NC group, above indexes of rats in Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-TXNIP group were reversed significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Yishen paidu formula can inhibit renal fibrosis in CRF rats by suppressing the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway.
2.Comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual energy X ray absorptiometry in measuring body composition among Tibetan children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):569-573
Objective:
To compare the consistency between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) in measuring body composition among Tibetan children and adolescents and to explore the applicability of BIA in plateau region, so as to provide scientific and convenient body composition measurement support among children and adolescents.
Methods:
From May to June, 2022, a total of 344 Tibetan children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were selected from Golmud Municipal National Middle School and Changjiangyuan Nationality Primary School in Qinghai Province by cluster sampling method, and their fat mass, fat mass percentage and lean mass were measured by DXA and BIA. The consistency and correlation between the two methods were assessed by using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Spearman correlation analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis.
Results:
DXA measured fat mass and fat mass percentage were significantly higher than those obtained by BIA (6-12 years old: Z =9.91, 11.28; 13-17 years old: Z =9.02, 10.21), while lean mass and lean mass percentage were significantly lower than BIA results (6-12 years old: Z =-11.60, -11.30; 13-17 years old: Z =-10.77, -10.36) (all P < 0.05 ). The two methods showed strong correlations in fat mass and lean mass (all r >0.80, all ICC >0.90), but exhibited poor agreement in fat mass percentage and lean mass percentage (6-12 years old: Lin s CCC =0.64, 0.41; 13-17 years old: Lin s CCC = 0.79 , 0.35). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the difference between the two methods was negatively correlated with the average value in FM%(6-12 years old: r =-0.75, 13-17 years old: r =-0.79, both P <0.01).
Conclusion
BIA and DXA show high consistency in measuring body fat mass and lean body mass in Tibetan children and adolescents, although some bias is still present in certain individuals.
3.Activation of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)ergic Neural Circuit in Salicylate-Induced Tinnitus: the Inferior Colliculus to the Medial Geniculate Body
Xu-Yuan PENG ; Jiang WANG ; Ming-Yue GONG ; Li-Yuan ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bin CHEN ; Zheng-Quan TANG ; Lei CHENG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):55-69
Objectives:
. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neural circuits from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the medial geniculate body (MGB) in salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Methods:
. Mice were treated with salicylate to induce tinnitus, and tinnitus-like behaviors were evaluated via gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. Using combined viral tracing methodologies, we identified and mapped the pathways and connections from the IC to the MGB. Furthermore, we employed Gq-coupled human M3 designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) and Gi-coupled human M4 DREADDs to achieve targeted excitation or suppression of GABAergic neurons in the IC and MGB. Following the administration of clozapine N-oxide, which binds to these receptors, we modulated these neural circuits to assess their impact on tinnitus severity in a mouse model.
Results:
. Our findings demonstrated that mice exposed to salicylate exhibited tinnitus-like behaviors. GABAergic neurons projecting retrogradely from the MGB to the IC were primarily concentrated in the external nucleus of the IC. After clozapine N-oxide administration, chemogenetic activation of IC-MGB GABAergic neurons aggravated salicylate-induced tinnitus. Additionally, activation of GABAergic neurons between the IC and MGB induced the perception of tinnitus even without salicylate. However, chemogenetic inhibition of the IC-MGB GABAergic circuit did not reverse salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Conclusion
. These findings suggest that activation of the IC-MGB GABAergic neural circuit may contribute to tinnitus generation through a mechanism distinct from that of salicylate-induced tinnitus. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
4.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
5.Recurrent Ischemic Stroke Two Decades After Craniospinal Radiotherapy for Suprasellar Germinoma: A Case of Suspected Radiation-Induced Cerebrovascular Disease
Choon Peng Sun ; Ahmad Affan bin Hassannuddin
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):98-
Introduction:
Cranial radiotherapy is an established treatment for
intracranial germinoma but may lead to late cerebrovascular
complications including radiation-induced vasculopathy,
cavernoma formation, and premature intracranial
atherosclerosis. These complications may manifest many
years after treatment and represent an important cause of
stroke in young adult survivors of brain tumors.
Case:
We report a 39-year-old male with a history of suprasellar
germinoma treated with transsphenoidal surgery followed
by craniospinal radiotherapy in 2006. He subsequently
developed panhypopituitarism requiring lifelong hormone
replacement therapy. In October 2024, he experienced
a cerebrovascular accident resulting in mild residual
right-sided weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging
demonstrated multifocal old infarcts, small vessel disease
(Fazekas grade 2), and multiple susceptibility artifacts
suggestive of radiation-induced cavernomas.In March 2026, he presented with new onset right-sided
weakness and facial asymmetry. Initial neurological
examination revealed right-sided motor power of 4/5.
Computed tomography of the brain showed no acute
intracranial hemorrhage but confirmed multiple old infarcts
and small vessel ischemic changes. Computed tomography
angiography revealed intracranial atherosclerotic disease
with 25–50% stenosis of the cavernous segments of both
internal carotid arteries and mild irregularities of posterior
circulation vessels without evidence of large vessel
occlusion or aneurysm.
Radiation-induced vasculopathy is a recognized delayed
complication of cranial irradiation, often presenting 5–25
years after treatment. Pathophysiological mechanisms
include endothelial injury, accelerated atherosclerosis, and
progressive arterial stenosis. In rare cases, cranial irradiation
may also lead to secondary Moyamoya syndrome,
characterized by progressive stenosis of the intracranial
internal carotid arteries with development of collateral
vessels. Although this patient’s vascular imaging did not
demonstrate the characteristic collateral network seen in
Moyamoya syndrome, it remains an important differential
diagnosis in young patients presenting with recurrent
stroke after cranial irradiation. In this patient, young age,
prior cranial irradiation, multifocal infarcts, and coexisting
radiation-induced cavernomas strongly suggest radiationrelated cerebrovascular disease as a major contributor to
recurrent stroke.
Conclusion
Long-term survivors of intracranial germinoma treated
with cranial radiotherapy remain at risk of delayed
cerebrovascular complications. Early recognition and
aggressive secondary stroke prevention, along with
continued neurological surveillance, are essential to reduce
morbidity in this population.
Ischemic Stroke
;
Germinoma
6.Unexpected Cardiovascular Collapse After Radioiodine Therapy in a Patient with Severe Graves' Cardiomyopathy
Choon Peng Sun ; Ahmad Affan Bin Hassannuddin
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):111-112
Introduction:
Graves’ disease may lead to thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy,
a potentially reversible condition following restoration of
euthyroidism. Radioiodine (RAI) therapy is commonly
used as definitive treatment for patients with long-standing
Graves’ disease or poor compliance with antithyroid
medications. However, individuals with severe underlying
cardiomyopathy may remain vulnerable to cardiovascular
instability during the peri-treatment period.
Case:
We report a 39-year-old male with a 10-year history of
Graves’ disease who had previously defaulted on follow-up
and was admitted with thyroid storm. Echocardiography
during that admission demonstrated severe dilated
cardiomyopathy with global hypokinesia and an ejection
fraction (EF) of 26%. Following treatment with carbimazole
and propranolol, he achieved biochemical euthyroidism
and remained clinically stable (NYHA class I). In view
of his long-standing disease and prior thyroid storm, he
underwent RAI therapy as definitive therapy as per the
guidelines.
One week following RAI, he developed a persistent cough
and progressive dyspnea. Six weeks later, he presented to
the emergency department with hypotension (BP 60/31
mmHg) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (heart rate 100
bpm), requiring intubation and inotropic support for
cardiogenic shock. Laboratory evaluation showed low free T4 (5.31 pmol/L) with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone
(2.1 mIU/L). Repeat echocardiography demonstrated
persistent severe left ventricular dysfunction (EF ~25%)
without new structural abnormalities. The patient
improved rapidly with supportive management and was
successfully extubated after stabilization.
Although RAI is considered a safe and effective definitive
therapy, transient thyroid hormone fluctuations and
inflammatory thyroid destruction may occur following
treatment. In patients with severe pre-existing cardiomyopathy, these physiological changes may precipitate
arrhythmias or acute cardiac decompensation. In this case,
new-onset atrial fibrillation in the setting of markedly
reduced myocardial reserve likely triggered cardiogenic
shock despite biochemical euthyroidism.
Conclusion
This case highlights that patients with advanced Graves’
cardiomyopathy may remain at risk of acute cardiovascular
deterioration following RAI therapy. Careful cardiovascular
risk assessment, optimization of heart failure therapy,
and close monitoring after definitive treatment should be
considered in this high-risk population.
7.Analysis of the Theory of "Spirit Turns but Does Not Reverse;If It Reverses,It Ceases to Turn" in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》) and Its Clinical Significance
Bin PENG ; Wenyi LUO ; Bing LI ; Shengxing WANG ; Ziling ZENG ; Lin TONG ; Huamin ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2139-2143
"Spirit turns but does not reverse; if it reverses, it ceases to turn" originates from the Plain Questions: Discussion on Essential Jade Plates (《素问·玉版论要篇》). It profoundly summarizes the objectivity of life as a phenomenon subject to the laws of the universe and nature, while also expressing the subjectivity of individuals possessing systematic, stable, and ordered biological rhythms. In light of relevant ancient philosophical insights, the theory of "spirit turns but does not reverse; if it reverses, it ceases to turn" embodies the principles of constant motion in life, change according to dao (道), orderly progression, and the rule that reversal disrupts continuity. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, one should adopt the therapeutic principle of regulating spirit to promote "spirit turning". Guiding along the trend and acting in accordance with the natural momentum must be adopted to maintain the operation of spirit turning. Adhering to constancy while recognizing variability, and prioritizing harmony above all, should be employed to ensure the orderly progress of spirit turning. Regulating qi movement serves as the driving force behind facilitating spirit turning. This will provide clinical insights and theoretical foundations for treating diseases through the concept of "regulating spirit".
8.Analysis of the Theory of "Spirit Turns but Does Not Reverse;If It Reverses,It Ceases to Turn" in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》) and Its Clinical Significance
Bin PENG ; Wenyi LUO ; Bing LI ; Shengxing WANG ; Ziling ZENG ; Lin TONG ; Huamin ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2139-2143
"Spirit turns but does not reverse; if it reverses, it ceases to turn" originates from the Plain Questions: Discussion on Essential Jade Plates (《素问·玉版论要篇》). It profoundly summarizes the objectivity of life as a phenomenon subject to the laws of the universe and nature, while also expressing the subjectivity of individuals possessing systematic, stable, and ordered biological rhythms. In light of relevant ancient philosophical insights, the theory of "spirit turns but does not reverse; if it reverses, it ceases to turn" embodies the principles of constant motion in life, change according to dao (道), orderly progression, and the rule that reversal disrupts continuity. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, one should adopt the therapeutic principle of regulating spirit to promote "spirit turning". Guiding along the trend and acting in accordance with the natural momentum must be adopted to maintain the operation of spirit turning. Adhering to constancy while recognizing variability, and prioritizing harmony above all, should be employed to ensure the orderly progress of spirit turning. Regulating qi movement serves as the driving force behind facilitating spirit turning. This will provide clinical insights and theoretical foundations for treating diseases through the concept of "regulating spirit".
9.The epidemiologic characteristics of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in Minhang and Jinshan districts, Shanghai
Dun-jia WANG ; Xiao-lu HE ; Tian-tian ZHANG ; Tang WANG ; Zhao-peng DONG ; Can-lei SONG ; Shi-ji TAO ; Zheng-xing HOU ; Yu-ping CHENG ; Yi-bin ZHOU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):173-179
Objective The aim of the study is to analyze the incidence patterns and epidemiological characteristics of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in the Minhang and Jinshan districts of Shanghai, and provide evidence-based information for optimizing prevention and control measures. Methods We collected information from epidemic reports and epidemiological investigation forms for cases of parasitic and vector-borne diseases from 2005 to 2024 in Shanghai's Minhang and Jinshan districts. Descriptive epidemiological method were adopted to conduct a comparative analysis of incidence trends, epidemic characteristics, and infection sources. Results A total of 229 cases in 7 categories were reported between 2005 and 2024, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.36/100 000. The average annual incidence rate in Minhang District was significantly higher than that in Jinshan District. The most prevalent diseases were malaria and dengue fever, followed by Japanese encephalitis. Monthly case reports were available, predominantly from June to October, with a peak in July-August. A statistically significant difference was observed between the two districts in case distribution during June-October (P<0.001), whereas no significant difference was found for July-August (P=0.331). The majority of cases were young men (111/229,48.47%), aged 20-39 years. Migrant workers/farmers constituted the largest occupational group (55/229, 24.02%). Registered residents of other provinces and cities (147/229,64.19%), and the main source of infection was overseas importation (112/229,48.91%). There were no statistically significant differences in gender and household-registration composition between the two districts (P>0.05). Significant differences existed in age, occupation, and source of infection (P<0.05). The imported diseases were malaria and dengue fever, with Africa and Southeast Asia being the primary source locations. Malaria was the predominant disease imported from other provinces and cities, with cases having been imported from abroad since 2012. Local infections were mainly Japanese encephalitis, followed by malaria (with the last local case reported in 2010). Cases between 2005 and 2009 were predominantly imported from other provinces and cities. The proportion of cases imported from abroad increased sharply after 2010, particularly in Minhang District. Local infections sometimes arise in Jinshan District, with Japanese encephalitis serving as the primary type. Conclusions Incidence rates of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in Minhang and Jinshan districts have generally remained low. To further reduce this disease burden, it will be necessary to strengthen joint measures for prevention and control, eliminate the environmental risk factors of vector organisms, enhance monitoring and precise control of the environment and inbound personnel to prevent the occurrence and transmission of parasitic and vector-borne diseases.
10.Effects of ovarian torsional reduction in young rats on ovary tissue structure and reproductive function on torsional side in adult stage
Zhongyan ZHANG ; Hong MA ; Kaixin LI ; Peng ZHAO ; Guangxu ZHOU ; Bin LIU ; Guangyou LANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(1):31-36
Objective To conduct the reductive reservation for torsional ovary in different states(.un-necrotic ovary,suspected necrotic torsional ovary and torsional necrotic ovary)after the ovarian torsion in pre-maturity SD rat,and to investigate its effect on the ovarian reproductive function in maturity stage.Methods A total of 32 SD rats with 3 weeks old were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups,8 cases in each group.The animal model of ovarian torsion was made by using the Turner method,which was similar to the animal model of testicular torsion,and either group was selected to undergo the sham operation as the con-trol group(CG group).The non-necrotic torsional ovary detorsion group(NNTOD group),suspected necrotic torsional ovary detorsion group(SNTOD group)and necrotic torsional ovary detorsion group(NTOD group)were established respectively.When the animals were fed to sexual maturity at 8 weeks of age,the experimen-tal animals were sacrificed by vertebral dislocation method,and the ovary tissues on the torsional side were cut for HE staining and transmission electron microscopy to examine the changes of ovarian histomorphology and mitochondrial structure.Ovarian cell apoptosis was detected by Tunel assay.ELISA method was used to de-tect the follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH)and anti-mullerian duct hormone(AMH)levels in centrifugal blood.Results The ovarian structure in the CG group and NNTOD group was clear,the ovarian follicles at different levels were developed well;the electron microscopy showed normal mi-tochondria.The ovarian partial structure in the SNTOD group was disorganized,the number of follicles at all levels of growth was decreased;electron microscopic examination showed a little damage of mitochondria.In the NTOD group,the arrangement of ovarian structure was obviously disordered,the number of growing folli-cles at all levels was significantly reduced;the electron microscopy showed that most of the mitochondria were obviously swollen and severely damaged.Compared with the CG group,the apoptosis rate in the SNTOD group and NTOD group was significantly increased(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant differ-ence between CG group and NNTOD group(P>0.05).Compared with the NTOD group,the apoptosis rate in the SNTOD group was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the CG group,the levels of LH and FSH in the SNTOD and NTOD groups were increased,and the AMH level was decreased(P<0.05).The LH and FSH levels in the SNTOD group were lower than those in the NTOD group,the AMH level was higher than that in the NTOD group(P<0.05).Conclusion After reduction of the torsional suspected necrotic ovary in the prematurity rat,the ovarian reproductive function in the torsional side during sexual maturity period is slightly injured;while after reduction of torsional necrotic ovary restoration,its reproductive function is appar-ently damaged.


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