1.Translational Research of Electromagnetic Fields on Diseases Related With Bone Remodeling: Review and Prospects
Peng SHANG ; Jun-Yu LIU ; Sheng-Hang WANG ; Jian-Cheng YANG ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; An-Lin LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yu-Hong ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):439-455
Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.
2.Analysis of Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease with Modified Buyang Huanwutang Based on 5hmC-Seal Sequencing Technology
Baixin ZHEN ; Haoyu CHEN ; Duolikun MAIMAITIYASEN ; Xuehui LI ; Hong XIAO ; Xiaxuan LI ; Kuerban SUBINUER ; Lei ZHANG ; Hangyu CHEN ; Jian LIN ; Linlin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):208-217
ObjectiveTo improve the therapeutic effect of Buyang Huanwutang(BYHW) on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and explore new methods for developing new Chinese medicine decoctions,we utilized 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)-Seal sequencing technology and network pharmacology to modify BYHW. MethodsWe selected 14 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and 15 DKD patients hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology of Peking University Third Hospital in 2021. Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) in the patients’ plasma was sequenced. After data processing and screening, we performed temporal clustering analysis to select a DKD 5hmC gene set, which was then cross-validated with a DKD database gene set to obtain the DKD gene set. We retrieved target genes of the seven herbal components of BYHW from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), and performed cross-analysis with the DKD gene set to identify common genes shared by the disease and the Chinese medicines. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for the common genes to screen out the key genes. Chinese medicines targeting these key genes were searched against ETCM to identify removable Chinese medicines. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was performed on non-common DKD genes, and key genes in DKD-related pathways were selected based on machine learning. The GSE30529 dataset was used to verify the expression trends of 5hmC-modified genes and the feasibility of target genes as drug targets. TCMBank was used to search for target genes and obtain compounds targeting these genes and the corresponding Chinese medicines to construct a "key target-compound-Chinese medicine" network. Molecular docking was employed to verify the binding affinity of compounds with key targets. TCMSP and ETCM were used to search and count the candidate Chinese medicines targeting DKD-related genes, and a new decoction was formed by adding the selected Chinese medicines. A mouse model of DKD was established to examine the efficacy of the new decoction based on the mouse body mass, random blood glucose, urinary microalbumin (mALB), serum creatinine (Scr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and by hematoxylin-eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, Masson staining, immunofluorescence assay, and Real-time PCR. ResultsThe cross-analysis results showed that the DKD gene set included 507 genes, of which 30 were target genes of BYHW. The PPI analysis indicated that the top 15% target genes regarding the degree were interleukin-6 (IL-6), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), lactotransferrin (LTF), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1). Persicae Semen and Pheretima in BYHW were unrelated to key genes and removed. Machine learning identified 10 potential target genes, among which TBC1 domain family member 5 (TBC1D5), RAD51 paralog B (RAD51B), and proteasome 20S subunit alpha 6 (PSMA6) had expression trends consistent with the GSE30529 dataset and could serve as drug targets. The "key target-compound-Chinese medicine" network and molecular docking results indicated that the compounds with good binding affinity to target proteins were arginine, glycine, myristicin, serine, and tyrosine, corresponding to 121 Chinese medicines. The top 10 Chinese medicines targeting DKD-related genes were Lycii Fructus, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Isatidis Radix, Glehniae Radix, Ophiopogonis Radix, Allii Sativi Bulbus, Isatidis Folium, and Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma. Based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, the new decoction was obtained after removal of Persicae Semen and Pheretima and addition of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata and Dioscoreae Rhizoma. Animal experiment results indicated that the modified BYHW improved the kidney function and inhibited renal fibrosis in DKD mice, with better effects than the original decoction. ConclusionThe BYHW modified based on 5hmC-Seal sequencing demonstrates better performance in inhibiting fibrosis and ameliorating DKD than the original decoction. This elucidates the biomedical theory behind the epigenetic modification of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, potentially offering new perspectives for the exploration of these prescriptions
3.Analysis of Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease with Modified Buyang Huanwutang Based on 5hmC-Seal Sequencing Technology
Baixin ZHEN ; Haoyu CHEN ; Duolikun MAIMAITIYASEN ; Xuehui LI ; Hong XIAO ; Xiaxuan LI ; Kuerban SUBINUER ; Lei ZHANG ; Hangyu CHEN ; Jian LIN ; Linlin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):208-217
ObjectiveTo improve the therapeutic effect of Buyang Huanwutang(BYHW) on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and explore new methods for developing new Chinese medicine decoctions,we utilized 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)-Seal sequencing technology and network pharmacology to modify BYHW. MethodsWe selected 14 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and 15 DKD patients hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology of Peking University Third Hospital in 2021. Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) in the patients’ plasma was sequenced. After data processing and screening, we performed temporal clustering analysis to select a DKD 5hmC gene set, which was then cross-validated with a DKD database gene set to obtain the DKD gene set. We retrieved target genes of the seven herbal components of BYHW from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), and performed cross-analysis with the DKD gene set to identify common genes shared by the disease and the Chinese medicines. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for the common genes to screen out the key genes. Chinese medicines targeting these key genes were searched against ETCM to identify removable Chinese medicines. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was performed on non-common DKD genes, and key genes in DKD-related pathways were selected based on machine learning. The GSE30529 dataset was used to verify the expression trends of 5hmC-modified genes and the feasibility of target genes as drug targets. TCMBank was used to search for target genes and obtain compounds targeting these genes and the corresponding Chinese medicines to construct a "key target-compound-Chinese medicine" network. Molecular docking was employed to verify the binding affinity of compounds with key targets. TCMSP and ETCM were used to search and count the candidate Chinese medicines targeting DKD-related genes, and a new decoction was formed by adding the selected Chinese medicines. A mouse model of DKD was established to examine the efficacy of the new decoction based on the mouse body mass, random blood glucose, urinary microalbumin (mALB), serum creatinine (Scr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and by hematoxylin-eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, Masson staining, immunofluorescence assay, and Real-time PCR. ResultsThe cross-analysis results showed that the DKD gene set included 507 genes, of which 30 were target genes of BYHW. The PPI analysis indicated that the top 15% target genes regarding the degree were interleukin-6 (IL-6), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), lactotransferrin (LTF), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1). Persicae Semen and Pheretima in BYHW were unrelated to key genes and removed. Machine learning identified 10 potential target genes, among which TBC1 domain family member 5 (TBC1D5), RAD51 paralog B (RAD51B), and proteasome 20S subunit alpha 6 (PSMA6) had expression trends consistent with the GSE30529 dataset and could serve as drug targets. The "key target-compound-Chinese medicine" network and molecular docking results indicated that the compounds with good binding affinity to target proteins were arginine, glycine, myristicin, serine, and tyrosine, corresponding to 121 Chinese medicines. The top 10 Chinese medicines targeting DKD-related genes were Lycii Fructus, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Isatidis Radix, Glehniae Radix, Ophiopogonis Radix, Allii Sativi Bulbus, Isatidis Folium, and Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma. Based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, the new decoction was obtained after removal of Persicae Semen and Pheretima and addition of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata and Dioscoreae Rhizoma. Animal experiment results indicated that the modified BYHW improved the kidney function and inhibited renal fibrosis in DKD mice, with better effects than the original decoction. ConclusionThe BYHW modified based on 5hmC-Seal sequencing demonstrates better performance in inhibiting fibrosis and ameliorating DKD than the original decoction. This elucidates the biomedical theory behind the epigenetic modification of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, potentially offering new perspectives for the exploration of these prescriptions
4.Processing technology of calcined Magnetitum based on concept of QbD and its XRD characteristic spectra.
De-Wen ZENG ; Jing-Wei ZHOU ; Tian-Xing HE ; Yu-Mei CHEN ; Huan-Huan XU ; Jian FENG ; Yue YANG ; Xin CHEN ; Jia-Liang ZOU ; Lin CHEN ; Hong-Ping CHEN ; Shi-Lin CHEN ; Yuan HU ; You-Ping LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2391-2403
Guided by the concept of quality by design(QbD), this study optimizes the calcination and quenching process of calcined Magnetitum and establishes the XRD characteristic spectra of calcined Magnetitum, providing a scientific basis for the formulation of quality standards. Based on the processing methods and quality requirements of Magnetitum in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the critical process parameters(CPPs) identified were calcination temperature, calcination time, particle size, laying thickness, and the number of vinegar quenching cycles. The critical quality attributes(CQAs) included Fe mass fraction, Fe~(2+) dissolution, and surface color. The weight coefficients were determined by combining Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP) and the criteria importance though intercrieria correlation(CRITIC) method, and the calcination process was optimized using orthogonal experimentation. Surface color was selected as a CQA, and based on the principle of color value, the surface color of calcined Magnetitum was objectively quantified. The vinegar quenching process was then optimized to determine the best processing conditions. X-ray diffraction(XRD) was used to establish the characteristic spectra of calcined Magnetitum, and methods such as similarity evaluation, cluster analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to evaluate the quality of the spectra. The optimized calcined Magnetitum preparation process was found to be calcination at 750 ℃ for 1 h, with a laying thickness of 4 cm, a particle size of 0.4-0.8 cm, and one vinegar quenching cycle(Magnetitum-vinegar ratio 10∶3), which was stable and feasible. The XRD characteristic spectra analysis method, featuring 9 common peaks as fingerprint information, was established. The average correlation coefficient ranged from 0.839 5-0.988 1, and the average angle cosine ranged from 0.914 4 to 0.995 6, indicating good similarity. Cluster analysis results showed that Magnetitum and calcined Magnetitum could be grouped together, with similar compositions. OPLS-DA discriminant analysis identified three key characteristic peaks, with Fe_2O_3 being the distinguishing component between the two. The final optimized processing method is stable and feasible, and the XRD characteristic spectra of calcined Magnetitum was initially established, providing a reference for subsequent quality control and the formulation of quality standards for calcined Magnetitum.
X-Ray Diffraction/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Quality Control
;
Particle Size
5.Intervention mechanism of Yiqi Fumai Formula in mice with experimental heart failure based on "heart-gut axis".
Zi-Xuan ZHANG ; Yu-Zhuo WU ; Ke-Dian CHEN ; Jian-Qin WANG ; Yang SUN ; Yin JIANG ; Yi-Xuan LIN ; He-Rong CUI ; Hong-Cai SHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3399-3412
This paper aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of the Yiqi Fumai Formula(YQFM), a kind of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), on mice with experimental heart failure based on the "heart-gut axis" theory. Based on the network pharmacology integrated with the group collaboration algorithm, the active ingredients were screened, a "component-target-disease" network was constructed, and the potential pathways regulated by the formula were predicted and analyzed. Next, the model of experimental heart failure was established by intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin at a single high dose(15 mg·kg~(-1)) in BALB/c mice. After intraperitoneal injection of YQFM(lyophilized) at 7.90, 15.80, and 31.55 mg·d~(-1) for 7 d, the protective effects of the formula on cardiac function were evaluated using indicators such as ultrasonic electrocardiography and myocardial injury markers. Combined with inflammatory factors in the cardiac and colorectal tissue, as well as targeted assays, the relevant indicators of potential pathways were verified. Meanwhile, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed on mouse fecal samples using the Illumina platform to detect changes in gut flora and analyze differential metabolic pathways. The results show that the administration of injectable YQFM(lyophilized) for 7 d significantly increased the left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter, fractional shortening, and ejection fraction of cardiac tissue of mice with experimental heart failure(P<0.05). Moreover, markers of myocardial injury were significantly decreased(P<0.05), indicating improved cardiac function, along with significantly suppressed inflammatory responses in cardiac and intestinal tissue(P<0.05). Additionally, the species of causative organisms was decreased, and the homeostasis of gut flora was improved, involving a modulatory effect on PI3K-Akt signaling pathway-related inflammation in cardiac and colorectal tissue. In conclusion, YQFM can affect the "heart-gut axis" immunity through the homeostasis of the gut flora, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on heart failure. This finding provides a reference for the combination of TCM and western medicine to prevent and treat heart failure based on the "heart-gut axis" theory.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Heart Failure/microbiology*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Male
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Heart/physiopathology*
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Humans
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
6.Effects of combined use of active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of BV2 cells.
Tian-Qing XIA ; Ying CHEN ; Jian-Lin HUA ; Qin SU ; Cun-Yan DAN ; Meng-Wei RONG ; Shi-Ning GE ; Hong GUO ; Bao-Guo XIAO ; Jie-Zhong YU ; Cun-Gen MA ; Li-Juan SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3835-3846
This study aims to explore the effects and action mechanisms of the active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), namely tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) and hydroxy-safflor yellow A(HSYA), on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of microglia(MG). Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective monomer ingredients of BYHWD and determine the safe concentration range for each component. Inflammation and oxidative stress models were established to further screen the best ingredient combination and optimal concentration ratio with the most effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OGD/R BV2 cell models were constructed, and BV2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, an HSYA group, a TMP group, and an HSYA + TMP group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6). Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), nitric oxide(NO), and malondialdehyde(MDA), were also measured. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of both inflammation-related pathway [Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)] and oxidative stress-related pathway [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)]. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1). The most effective ingredients for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in BYHWD were TMP and HSYA. Compared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, along with significantly higher protein expression of NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and HO-1 and significantly lower SOD levels. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Compared to the model group, both the HSYA group and the TMP group showed significantly reduced levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, lower expression of NF-κB and TLR4 proteins, higher levels of SOD, and significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was significantly reduced, while the expression of the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 was significantly increased. The results of the HSYA group and the TMP group had statistically significant differences from those of the model group. Compared to the HSYA group and the TMP group, the HSYA + TMP group showed further significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA levels, along with significant reductions in NF-κB and TLR4 protein expression, an increase in SOD levels, and elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was reduced, while the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 expression increased significantly in the HSYA + TMP group compared to the TMP or HSYA group. The differences in the results were statistically significant between the HSYA + TMP group and the TMP or HSYA group. The findings indicated that the combined use of HSYA and TMP, the active ingredients of BYHWD, can effectively inhibit OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of MG, showing superior effects compared to the individual use of either component.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Animals
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Mice
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Glucose/metabolism*
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Cell Line
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Inflammation/genetics*
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Oxygen/metabolism*
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Pyrazines/pharmacology*
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Microglia/metabolism*
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
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NF-kappa B/immunology*
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Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*
;
Humans
7.Association between improved erectile function and dietary patterns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Bin YANG ; Chao WEI ; Yu-Cong ZHANG ; De-Lin MA ; Jian BAI ; Zhuo LIU ; Xia-Ming LIU ; Ji-Hong LIU ; Xiao-Yi YUAN ; Wei-Min YAO
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):239-244
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.
Humans
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Male
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Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology*
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Diet
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Diet, Fat-Restricted
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Feeding Behavior
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Penile Erection/physiology*
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Diet, Vegetarian
8.Surgical approaches to varicocele: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Lin-Jie LU ; Kai XIONG ; Sheng-Lan YUAN ; Bang-Wei CHE ; Jian-Cheng ZHAI ; Chuan-Chuan WU ; Yang ZHANG ; Hong-Yan ZHANG ; Kai-Fa TANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):728-737
Surgical methods for varicocele remain controversial. This study intends to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches for treating varicocele through a network meta-analysis (NMA). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were thoroughly searched. In total, 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 24 cohort studies were included, covering 9 different surgical methods. Pairwise meta-analysis and NMA were performed by means of random-effects models, and interventions were ranked based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). According to the SUCRA, microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV; 91.6%), microsurgical retroperitoneal varicocelectomy (MRV; 78.2%), and microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy (MIV; 76.7%) demonstrated the highest effectiveness in reducing postoperative recurrence rates. In this study, sclerotherapy embolization (SE; 87.2%), MSV (77.9%), and MIV (67.7%) showed the best results in lowering the risk of hydrocele occurrence. MIV (82.9%), MSV (75.9%), and coil embolization (CE; 58.7%) were notably effective in increasing sperm motility. Moreover, CE (76.7%), subinguinal approach varicocelectomy (SV; 69.2%), and SE (55.7%) were the most effective in increasing sperm count. SE (82.5%), transabdominal laparoscopic varicocelectomy (TLV; 76.5%), and MRV (52.7%) were superior in shortening the length of hospital stay. The incidence rates of adverse events for MRV (0), SE (3.3%), and MIV (4.1%) were notably low. Cluster analyses indicated that MSV was the most effective in the treatment of varicocele. Based on the existing evidence, MSV may represent the optimal choice for varicocele surgery. However, selecting clinical surgical strategies requires consideration of various factors, including patient needs, surgeon experience, and the learning curve.
Humans
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Male
;
Embolization, Therapeutic/methods*
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Microsurgery/methods*
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Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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Sclerotherapy/methods*
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Treatment Outcome
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Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods*
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Varicocele/surgery*
9.Clinical and genetic characteristics of osteopetrosis in children.
Min WANG ; Ao-Shuang JIANG ; Cheng-Lin ZHU ; Jie WANG ; Ya-Ping WANG ; Shan GAO ; Yan LI ; Tian-Ping CHEN ; Hong-Jun LIU ; Jian WANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(5):568-573
OBJECTIVES:
To study the clinical and genetic characteristics of osteopetrosis (OPT) in children.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 14 children with OPT. Whole-exome sequencing was used to detect pathogenic genes, and clinical phenotypes and genotypic features were summarized.
RESULTS:
Among the 14 children (10 males and 4 females), the median age at diagnosis was 8 months. Clinical manifestations included systemic osteosclerosis (14 cases, 100%), anemia (12 cases, 86%), infections (10 cases, 71%), thrombocytopenia (9 cases, 64%), hepatosplenomegaly (8 cases, 57%), and developmental delay (5 cases, 36%). Malignant osteopetrosis (MOP) cases had lower platelet counts, creatine kinase isoenzyme, and serum calcium levels, but higher white blood cell counts, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to non-MOP cases (P<0.05). Genetic testing identified 15 variants in 12 patients, including 8 variants in the CLCN7 gene (53%), 6 in the TCIRG1 gene (40%), and 1 in the TNFRSF11A gene (7%). Three novel CLCN7 variants were identified: c.2351G>C, c.1215-43C>T, and c.1534G>A. All four patients with TCIRG1 variants exhibited MOP clinical phenotypes. Of the seven patients with CLCN7 variants, 4 presented with intermediate OPT, 2 with benign OPT, and 1 with MOP.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinical phenotypes of OPT in children are heterogeneous, predominantly involving CLCN7 and TCIRG1 gene variants, with a correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes.
Humans
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Osteopetrosis/genetics*
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Male
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Female
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Infant
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Child, Preschool
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Retrospective Studies
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Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases/genetics*
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Child
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Chloride Channels/genetics*
;
Mutation
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Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B
10.Clinical characteristics and survival analysis of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma: a multicenter study.
Ying LIN ; Li-Li PAN ; Shao-Hua LE ; Jian LI ; Bi-Yun GUO ; Yu ZHU ; Kai-Zhi WENG ; Jin-Hong LUO ; Gao-Yuan SUN ; Yong-Zhi ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(6):668-674
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children with newly diagnosed HL from January 2011 to December 2023 at four hospitals: Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Zhangzhou Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Children's Hospital. Patients were categorized into low-risk (R1), intermediate-risk (R2), and high-risk (R3) groups based on HL staging and pre-treatment risk factors. The patients received ABVD regimen or Chinese Pediatric HL-2013 regimen chemotherapy. Early treatment response and long-term efficacy were assessed, and prognostic factors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.
RESULTS:
The overall complete response (CR) rates after 2 and 4 cycles of chemotherapy were 42% and 68%, respectively. Compared with the ABVD regimen group, patients treated with the HL-2013 regimen in the R1 group showed significantly higher CR rates after both 2 and 4 cycles (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences in CR rates were observed between the two regimens in the R2 and R3 groups (P>0.05). The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate, overall survival rate, and freedom from treatment failure rate were 83%±4%, 97%±2%, and 88%±4%, respectively. Cox analysis indicated that the presence of a large tumor mass at diagnosis and failure to achieve CR after 4 cycles of chemotherapy were independent risk factors for lower EFS rates (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Pediatric HL generally has a favorable prognosis. The presence of a large tumor mass at diagnosis and failure to achieve CR after 4 cycles of chemotherapy indicate poor prognosis.
Humans
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Hodgkin Disease/pathology*
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Male
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Child
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Female
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Adolescent
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Retrospective Studies
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Child, Preschool
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*
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Prognosis
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Proportional Hazards Models
;
Survival Analysis
;
Infant

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