1.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of sepsis by regulating helper T cell differen-tiation
Sihan GUO ; He SU ; Ruifen ZHANG ; Tingting JIA ; Hairong ZHANG ; Jilintai RONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):516-521
epsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome triggered by infection, and its high mortality rate is closely associated with immune imbalance, particularly the imbalance in the differentiation of helper T cell (Th) cell subsets [Th1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T cell (Treg) ] . In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its characteristics of multi-component and multi-target actions, has demonstrated unique advantages in regulating Th cell differentiation and function, as well as correcting immune imbalances in sepsis, offering new perspectives for immunotherapy of sepsis. This review summarizes relevant studies on the regulation of Th cell differentiation for sepsis treatment by TCM monomers and active ingredients (such as Astragalus membranaceus , Scutellaria baicalensis , Coptis chinensis , Rheum palmatum , Ganoderma lucidum , Ginkgo biloba , and Cistanche deserticola ), the alcohol extract of Dai Baijie, and TCM formulas and preparations categorized as blood-activating and stasis-removing, purgative and laxative, warming and tonifying yang, and tonifying qi and nourishing yin. The results indicate that these TCM monomers, active ingredients, extracts, formulas, and preparations can regulate the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balance, target the differentiation balance of Th cell subsets, alleviate inflammatory responses, or improve immune suppression, thereby exerting therapeutic effects on sepsis.
2.Ethical issues of brain data
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):151-158
With the rapid development and application of cutting-edge neurotechnology, the ethical issues of brain data have become a research hotspot. Brain data, which directly accesses humans’ thoughts and the “loss of control” state under intentional control, deconstructs the subjects’ exclusive right to access their own brain, thereby comprehensively challenging human privacy. The subjects cannot fully control which brain activity signals are collected, and the decoded results of brain data violate the subjects’ autonomy while applying brain data to unknown purposes, posing challenges to informed consent. Brain data describes who you are from a “super first-person” perspective, and it can even “forge” a real first-person perspective to describe who you are. The external presentation of brain data analysis results involves ethical issues in three dimensions, namely, what should be presented, how others treat the analysis results of brain data, and the ethical risks brought about by presenting information in brain data. The governance strategies on the ethical issues of brain data require improving the relevant laws of brain data supervision, refining the ethical principles for brain data applications, leveraging the leading role of the government, and strengthening international cooperation.
3.Comparison of bilateral implantation of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens and mix-and-match implantation of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens with a diffractive bifocal intraocular lens
Tong LI ; Zhuoya LI ; Rong GUO ; Xiaomin HU ; Hui ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):337-343
AIM: To compare the clinical outcomes of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses(EDOF IOLs)using either micromonovision implantation or mixed implantation of EDOF and diffractive bifocal IOLs.METHODS: This retrospective clinical trial included 130 patients(260 eyes), who were divided into two groups. Group RR comprised 70 patients(140 eyes)bilaterally implanted with ZXR00 IOLs(Tecnis ZXR00, where one target was -0.5 D to -0.75 D and the other was 0 to -0.25 D). Group RM comprised 60 patients(120 eyes)unilaterally implanted with both ZXR00 and ZMB00 IOLs(Tecnis ZMB00, 0 to -0.25 D). Postoperative outcomes were compared after 3 mo, including visual acuity, defocus curves, stereoacuity, modulation transfer functions(MTFs), higher-order aberrations, and Visual Function-14(VF-14)questionnaire responses.RESULTS: Group RR had superior bilateral intermediate vision, while the group RM had superior bilateral near vision(both P<0.05). Group RM also exhibited superior MTFs and reduced higher-order aberrations(both P<0.05). Stereoacuity and VF-14 questionnaire results showed no statistically significant difference between groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: The implantation of micromonovision has significantly improved near vision. IOLs and their collocation can be customized according to individual patient needs to achieve precise treatment and provide cataract patients with high-quality vision.
4.Comparison of bilateral implantation of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens and mix-and-match implantation of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens with a diffractive bifocal intraocular lens
Tong LI ; Zhuoya LI ; Rong GUO ; Xiaomin HU ; Hui ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):337-343
AIM: To compare the clinical outcomes of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses(EDOF IOLs)using either micromonovision implantation or mixed implantation of EDOF and diffractive bifocal IOLs.METHODS: This retrospective clinical trial included 130 patients(260 eyes), who were divided into two groups. Group RR comprised 70 patients(140 eyes)bilaterally implanted with ZXR00 IOLs(Tecnis ZXR00, where one target was -0.5 D to -0.75 D and the other was 0 to -0.25 D). Group RM comprised 60 patients(120 eyes)unilaterally implanted with both ZXR00 and ZMB00 IOLs(Tecnis ZMB00, 0 to -0.25 D). Postoperative outcomes were compared after 3 mo, including visual acuity, defocus curves, stereoacuity, modulation transfer functions(MTFs), higher-order aberrations, and Visual Function-14(VF-14)questionnaire responses.RESULTS: Group RR had superior bilateral intermediate vision, while the group RM had superior bilateral near vision(both P<0.05). Group RM also exhibited superior MTFs and reduced higher-order aberrations(both P<0.05). Stereoacuity and VF-14 questionnaire results showed no statistically significant difference between groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: The implantation of micromonovision has significantly improved near vision. IOLs and their collocation can be customized according to individual patient needs to achieve precise treatment and provide cataract patients with high-quality vision.
5.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.
6.Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsules Reduce Renal Lipid Deposition and Inflammation in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Tao ZHANG ; Jie TAO ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Yiqi YANG ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):114-121
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 40 mg·kg-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol·L-1, increased urine volume, and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows: Blank, model, low- and high-dose (0.98 and 1.96 g·kg-1, respectively) Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules, and losartan potassium (30 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage, urine and kidney specimens were collected, and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion, collagen fiber deposition, mesangial proliferation, and inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), reduced positive expression of nephrin (P<0.05), increased lipid deposition (P<0.05), and up-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group, the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein (P<0.05). Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated, with reduced inflammatory infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and mesangial proliferation, and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue (P<0.05). In addition, all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets (P<0.05), lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), and down-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.
7.Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsules Reduce Renal Lipid Deposition and Inflammation in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Tao ZHANG ; Jie TAO ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Yiqi YANG ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):114-121
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 40 mg·kg-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol·L-1, increased urine volume, and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows: Blank, model, low- and high-dose (0.98 and 1.96 g·kg-1, respectively) Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules, and losartan potassium (30 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage, urine and kidney specimens were collected, and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion, collagen fiber deposition, mesangial proliferation, and inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), reduced positive expression of nephrin (P<0.05), increased lipid deposition (P<0.05), and up-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group, the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein (P<0.05). Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated, with reduced inflammatory infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and mesangial proliferation, and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue (P<0.05). In addition, all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets (P<0.05), lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), and down-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.
8.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
9.Prognostic Value of MELD 3.0 Based Model for Survival Outcomes in Alcoholic Cirrhosis Patients
Zhenwei ZHONG ; Kodjo Kunale ABASSA ; Rong CHEN ; Yunwei GUO ; Bin WU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):318-327
ObjectiveTo explore the value of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 in predicting survival outcomes for patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and to establish an effective mortality prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 788 hospitalized patients who were first diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2019 were analyzed. Patients were followed up until December 31, 2023 and divided into survival and mortality groups based on the survival outcomes at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years after admission. The prognostic values of the MELD 3.0, MELD, MELD-Sodium (MELD-Na) for survival in alcoholic cirrhosis patients were assessed and compared by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC). Additional risk factors associated with mortality in alcoholic cirrhosis patients were identified, and a novel mortality prediction model based on MELD 3.0 was developed. ResultsThe AUC of the MELD 3.0 score in predicting 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, and 3-year survival was 0.823, 0.730, 0.686, and 0.658, respectively, which were superior to those of the MELD-Na (0.802, 0.708, 0.666, and 0.645, respectively) and MELD scores (0.698, 0.668, 0.654, and 0.633, respectively) (all P < 0.05). MELD 3.0 demonstrated better performance at 30 and 90 days (AVC=0.823,0.730; both P < 0.05) than at 1 year and 3 years (AVC=0.686,0.658; both P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression combined with LASSO regression indicated that the independent risk factors associated with the 1-year outcome included MELD 3.0, baseline ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma. A survival prediction model was then established with AUC of 0.748, sensitivity of 0.695, and specificity of 0.775. ConclusionsMELD 3.0 has a superior predictive ability for 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, and 3-year survival in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis than MELD-Na and MELD. The prediction model incorporating MELD 3.0, ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma improves the prediction of 1-year survival outcomes for alcoholic cirrhosis patients.
10.Diagnosis of an Outbreak of Canine Distemper in Cynomolgus Monkeys in an Experimental Monkey Farm in 2019
Chenjuan WANG ; Lingyan YANG ; Lipeng WANG ; Xueping SUN ; Jingwen LI ; Lianxiang GUO ; Rong RONG ; Changjun SHI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):360-367
Objective To report the diagnosis of a canine distemper virus outbreak among a colony of cynomolgus monkeys at an experimental monkey farm in 2019. MethodsA total of 46 samples were collected from 21 diseased cynomolgus monkeys (exhibiting symptoms such as facial rash, skin scurf, runny nose, and diarrhea) and from one deceased monkey at an experimental monkey breeding farm in South China in late 2019, including serum, skin rash swabs, and anticoagulated whole blood, liver, lung, and skin tissues were submitted for testing. All submitted samples were tested for canine distemper virus gene fragments using real-time quantitative PCR, while immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect canine distemper virus nucleoprotein in lung tissues. The skin tissue of the deceased monkey was ground and sieved. The filtrate was inoculated into a monolayer MDCK cell line for virus isolation. Then, whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify the isolated virus. The Clustal Omega tool was used to align and analyze the homology of different Asian canine distemper virus isolates. A phylogenetic tree was constructed, followed by genetic evolutionary analysis. ResultsClinical retrospective analysis revealed that the diseased cynomolgus monkeys exhibited symptoms similar to those observed in cynomolgus monkeys infected with measles virus. Necropsy findings showed red lesions in the lungs and significant hemorrhage in the colonic mucosa. Real-time quantitative PCR detected canine distemper virus nucleic acid in the serum, skin rash swabs of the infected monkeys, and various tissue samples of the deceased monkey, all of which tested positive. Calculation based on the standard curve formula indicated the viral load was highest in the skin tissue. Immunohistochemical staining of the deceased monkey's lung tissue demonstrated aggregation of CDV nucleoprotein in alveolar epithelial cells, bronchi, and bronchioles. A CDV strain was isolated from the skin tissue of the deceased monkey. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this strain shares the closest relationship (98.86%) with the Asian-1 type canine distemper virus strain CDV/dog/HCM/33/140816, previously identified in dogs in Vietnam. ConclusionBased on comprehensive analysis of clinical symptoms, nucleic acid detection, viral protein immunohistochemistry, and whole-genome sequencing results, the diagnosis confirms that the cynomolgus monkeys in this facility are infected with canine distemper virus. It is recommended to include canine distemper virus as a routine surveillance target in captive monkey populations. Additionally, this study provides a foundation for further research on the molecular biological characteristics of canine distemper virus.

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