1.Quercetin Ameliorates Gouty Arthritis in Rats via ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway
Baowei FENG ; Yan WANG ; Chang LI ; Yujing ZHANG ; Dingxing FAN ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):145-153
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of quercetin on acute gouty arthritis (GA) in rats by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (25, 50, 100 mg·kg-1, respectively) quercetin groups (n=10). The rats in the dosing groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs (10 mL·kg-1) by gavage once a day for one week. An equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage to rats in normal and model groups. One hour after drug administration on day 5, an acute GA model was established in other groups except the control group via intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the right posterior ankle joint cavity. The joint swelling and gait were scored at the time points of 6, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling. Histopathological alterations in the ankle joint tissue from each group were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) assay kits were used to assess the levels of MDA, XOD, and T-SOD in the serum. The levels of tumor interleukin-6 (IL-6), necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β in the rat serum, as well as ROS in the ankle joint tissue, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain (ASC), precursor cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (pro-Caspase-1), cleaved Caspase-1 (Caspase-1 p20), and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased spontaneous activity, mental fatigue, increased ankle joint swelling and gait scores (P<0.01), aggravated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.01), elevated levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), a declined level of T-SOD (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose quercetin groups showed improved general conditions, decreased gait scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced joint swelling (P<0.01), alleviated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), increased levels of T-SOD (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Low-dose quercetin also ameliorated some of the above parameters (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQuercetin exerts anti-GA effects by blocking the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway, downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
2.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
3.The Philosophical Implications of "Xiang (Manifestation)" and "Xing (Physique)" and Their Theoretical Construction and Future Value in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Yongyan WANG ; Yan MA ; Yipin FAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):2-9
As a pair of core categories in traditional Chinese philosophy, "xiang (manifestation)" and "xing (physique)" together construct a cognitive paradigm distinct from the western subject-object dichotomy. Both originate from the common ontological foundation of "qi" , exhibiting a dialectical unity between "xiang" which is characterized by change, virtuality, and functionality, and "xing" which is characterized by determinacy, substance, and structure. Their relationship achieves profound unity through shared origins, mutual transformation, and interdependence as substance and function. This dialectical "xiang-xing" paradigm is deeply embedded in the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is reflected in the multi-layered construction of visceral manifestation theory, the cognitive approach of "inferring the viscera through manifestation" , the clinical practice of "treating the physique by observing the manifestation", and the academic feature of "emphasizing qi and body, unifying body and qi". Looking to the future, the "xiang-xing" paradigm can not only provide a philosophical foundation and methodological guidance for the modernization of TCM theory and the integration of Chinese and western medicine, but also demonstrate unique practical value in areas such as clinical precision diagnosis and treatment, innovative development and quality control of Chinese herbal medicine. Therefore, it can promote the creative transformation and innovative deve-lopment of TCM, and contribute holistic and dynamic Chinese wisdom to contemporary life sciences.
4.A bibliometric and visual analysis of the literature published in the journal of Organ Transplantation since its inception
Xi CAO ; Tao HUANG ; Qiwei YANG ; Lin YU ; Xiaowen WANG ; Wenfeng ZHU ; Haoqi CHEN ; Ning FAN ; Genshu WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):133-142
Objective To systematically analyze the literature characteristics of Journal of Organ Transplantation since its inception. Methods Using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) academic journal full-text database as the data source, all articles published in the Journal of Organ Transplantation from January 2010 to August 2025 were retrieved. After excluding non-academic papers, a total of 1 568 research papers were included. R language 4.3.0, Bibliometrix package 3.2.1, and Citespace software were used to analyze the number of publications, publishing institutions, authors, keywords and other aspects. Results The number of publications in Journal of Organ Transplantation increased from an average of 82 articles per year in the early years after its inception to 113 articles per year in recent years, a growth of 37.8%. The geographical distribution of publishing institutions covers 32 provinces, cities and autonomous regions nationwide, mainly concentrated in the South China, East China and North China regions, and has now basically covered the central and western regions in recent years. The author collaboration network includes 45 authors distributed across 7 major collaboration clusters, forming a stable multi-level national research system centered on key university-affiliated hospitals. The high-frequency keywords are dominated by "liver transplantation" (425 times) and "kidney transplantation" (396 times). The theme evolution shows a clear three-stage characteristic: initially focusing on clinical technology application, deepening to immune mechanism exploration in the middle stage, and recently (since 2022) focusing on cutting-edge research areas such as xenotransplantation. Conclusions Journal of Organ Transplantation has witnessed the rapid development of China's organ transplantation cause, fully reflecting the research status and trends in China's organ transplantation field, and has provided an important platform for the future development and international cooperation in China's organ transplantation field.
5.Analysis and prediction of incidence and mortality trends of colorectal cancer in Jinhua City from 2016 to 2027
ZHOU Fan ; WANG Xiaohon ; CHEN Mengqian ; ZHANG Xiaolan ; XU Zelin
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):26-30
Objective:
To analyze the trends in incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2024, and to predict the incidence and mortality from 2025 to 2027, so as to provide the evidence for improving regional colorectal cancer prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Data on incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Jinhua City from 2016 to 2024 were collected through the Zhejiang Chronic Disease Surveillance Information Management System. The crude incidence and crude mortality were calculated, and standardized using the data from the Sixth National Population Census in 2010. Trends in incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer from 2016 to 2024 were analyzed using the average annual percent change (AAPC). A grey Markov model was constructed to predict the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer from 2025 to 2027.
Results:
From 2016 to 2024, the crude incidence and standardized incidence of colorectal cancer in Jinhua City were 46.90/100 000 and 30.69/100 000, respectively, showing upward trends (AAPC=4.594% and 2.051%, both P<0.05). The crude mortality and standardized mortality were 17.47/100 000 and 10.36/100 000, respectively, and the trends were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). The standardized incidence and standardized mortality of colorectal cancer in males were higher than those in females (35.38/100 000 vs. 25.68/100 000, 11.96/100 000 vs. 8.57/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and crude mortality of colorectal cancer in the ≥80 years age group were the highest, at 220.04/100 000 and 186.86/100 000, respectively. From 2016 to 2024, the standardized incidence of colorectal cancer in males and females showed upward trends (AAPC=5.069% and 3.965%, both P<0.05), while the trends in standardized mortality were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The crude incidence in the 70-<80 years age group showed an upward trend (AAPC=1.320%, P<0.05), and the crude mortality in the 40-<50 years age group showed a downward trend (AAPC=-3.756%, P<0.05). Trends in other age groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The prediction results of the grey Markov model showed that the predicted values of crude incidence and crude mortality of colorectal cancer in the whole population would increase from 58.20/100 000 and 20.04/100 000 in 2025 to 61.70/100 000 and 21.26/100 000 in 2027.
Conclusions
From 2016 to 2024, the incidence of colorectal cancer in Jinhua City showed upward trends, while the mortality trend was stable. Males and the elderly aged ≥80 years are high-risk populations for colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. It is predicted that both crude incidence and crude mortality will increase from 2025 to 2027.
6.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
7.Natural control and clearance of hepatitis B virus infection
Jianyu YE ; Bing WANG ; Leyan GU ; Yingting FAN ; Jieliang CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):7-13
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a unique hepatotropic DNA virus that forms covalently closed circular DNA within the nucleus of hepatocytes and can partially integrate into the host genome, establishing the molecular basis for persistent viral infection. HBV infection and replication depends on multiple hepatocyte-enriched host factors and is modulated by the hepatic microenvironment. The host achieves natural control and clearance of HBV through various mechanisms, including cytolytic elimination mediated by cellular immunity such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, innate immunity and noncytolytic clearance driven by interferons and various cytokines, and antibody-mediated protection and clearance as part of humoral immune response. In addition, intracellular restriction factors and pathways, hepatocyte turnover through division and replacement, and changes in the hepatic microenvironment (such as the increase in matrix stiffness) collectively influence the efficiency and outcome of viral control and clearance. This article clarifies and elaborates on related mechanisms, so as to deepen the understanding of HBV chronicity, spontaneous resolution, and cure and provide a theoretical basis for optimizing clinical management and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
8.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
10.MAFLD or MASLD: Which better represents the prognosis of the steatotic liver population: Letter to the editor on “Evolutionary changes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study”
Ying WANG ; Shengfeng WANG ; Xiude FAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yongfeng SONG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):e128-e133


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