1.Analysis of Clinical and Phenomics Characteristics of Patients with Phlegm-Stasis Binding Syndrome and Its Accompanied Patterns in Stable Angina Pectoris of Coronary Heart Disease
Chongchai LI ; Han LI ; Zheng LI ; Zeng LI ; Yushi ZHOU ; Yuhan AO ; Shuang XU ; Xue WANG ; Yaoyao SUN ; Dongning WU ; Hongcai SHANG ; Mingxue ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1514-1522
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical and phenomics characteristics of patients with phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns in stable angina pectoris (SAP) of coronary heart disease (CHD). MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 300 patients with SAP of CHD were enrolled and classified into 120 cases of phlegm-stasis binding syndrome, 125 cases of qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome, 38 cases of qi stagnation-accompanied syndrome, and 17 cases of toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns. Data of patients with different TCM patterns were collected, including general condition, TCM symptoms, blood lipids, coagulation function, immune indicators, and serum metabolomics. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was used to compare differences in phenomics characteristics among groups. Metabolites with variable importance in projection (VIP) ≥1 and fold change (FC) ≥2 were considered as representative differential metabolites. ResultsPatients in each TCM pattern type were most commonly in the 60-75 years age group, with a relatively high proportion of males. Regarding TCM symptoms, patients with phlegm-stasis binding syndrome most commonly presented with wiry-choppy or wiry-slippery pulse, chest pain, and chest tightness; in patients with qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome, fatigue, chest pain, and weak pulse were most common; in patients with qi stagnation-accompanied sydnrome, wiry-choppy or wiry-slippery pulse, chest pain, and symptoms that increase or decrease with emotional changes, belching, or flatulence were most common; in patients with toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome, bitter taste in the mouth, chest tightness, irritability, restlessness or manic delirium, and dry and hard stools or foul-smelling diarrhea were most common. Comparisons among the different TCM patterns showed statistically significant differences in coagulation parameters (P<0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was found in blood lipid levels and immune indicators (P>0.05).Metabolomics analysis suggested that disorders of glycerophosphate metabolism and valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism are characteristic features of phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns. The representative differential metabolites between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome were 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (FC = 3.58) and oxypurinol (FC = 124.50). Those between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and qi stagnation-accompanied syndrome were cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine (FC = 2.62) and D-mannosamine (FC = 2.99). Those between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome were anserine (FC = 7.83) and canrenone (FC = 8.94). ConclusionThere are certain differences in the clinical characteristics and phenomics characteristics among patients with SAP due to CHD exhibiting phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns. The phenomics characteristics mainly involve biological alterations such as lipid metabolism disorders, amino acid metabolism abnormalities, and multiple immune indicators activation, which may provide a reference for precise differentiation and treatment of SAP of CHD in TCM clinical practice.
2.Analysis of Clinical and Phenomics Characteristics of Patients with Phlegm-Stasis Binding Syndrome and Its Accompanied Patterns in Stable Angina Pectoris of Coronary Heart Disease
Chongchai LI ; Han LI ; Zheng LI ; Zeng LI ; Yushi ZHOU ; Yuhan AO ; Shuang XU ; Xue WANG ; Yaoyao SUN ; Dongning WU ; Hongcai SHANG ; Mingxue ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1514-1522
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical and phenomics characteristics of patients with phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns in stable angina pectoris (SAP) of coronary heart disease (CHD). MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 300 patients with SAP of CHD were enrolled and classified into 120 cases of phlegm-stasis binding syndrome, 125 cases of qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome, 38 cases of qi stagnation-accompanied syndrome, and 17 cases of toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns. Data of patients with different TCM patterns were collected, including general condition, TCM symptoms, blood lipids, coagulation function, immune indicators, and serum metabolomics. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was used to compare differences in phenomics characteristics among groups. Metabolites with variable importance in projection (VIP) ≥1 and fold change (FC) ≥2 were considered as representative differential metabolites. ResultsPatients in each TCM pattern type were most commonly in the 60-75 years age group, with a relatively high proportion of males. Regarding TCM symptoms, patients with phlegm-stasis binding syndrome most commonly presented with wiry-choppy or wiry-slippery pulse, chest pain, and chest tightness; in patients with qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome, fatigue, chest pain, and weak pulse were most common; in patients with qi stagnation-accompanied sydnrome, wiry-choppy or wiry-slippery pulse, chest pain, and symptoms that increase or decrease with emotional changes, belching, or flatulence were most common; in patients with toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome, bitter taste in the mouth, chest tightness, irritability, restlessness or manic delirium, and dry and hard stools or foul-smelling diarrhea were most common. Comparisons among the different TCM patterns showed statistically significant differences in coagulation parameters (P<0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was found in blood lipid levels and immune indicators (P>0.05).Metabolomics analysis suggested that disorders of glycerophosphate metabolism and valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism are characteristic features of phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns. The representative differential metabolites between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome were 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (FC = 3.58) and oxypurinol (FC = 124.50). Those between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and qi stagnation-accompanied syndrome were cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine (FC = 2.62) and D-mannosamine (FC = 2.99). Those between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome were anserine (FC = 7.83) and canrenone (FC = 8.94). ConclusionThere are certain differences in the clinical characteristics and phenomics characteristics among patients with SAP due to CHD exhibiting phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns. The phenomics characteristics mainly involve biological alterations such as lipid metabolism disorders, amino acid metabolism abnormalities, and multiple immune indicators activation, which may provide a reference for precise differentiation and treatment of SAP of CHD in TCM clinical practice.
3.Ferroptosis as a double-edged sword in liver fibrosis
Yiyun AO ; Anqi WU ; Zhenggen WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):965-971
Ferroptosis exhibits a clear “double-edged sword” effect in liver fibrosis, with its impact strictly dependent on the type of target cells. In hepatocytes, ferroptosis induced by specific signaling pathways (such as glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibition) is a key factor for driving hepatic injury and initiating fibrogenesis, and dying hepatocytes activate hepatic stellate cells by releasing damage-associated molecules; on the contrary, in activated hepatic stellate cells, ferroptosis becomes a therapeutic target for promoting liver fibrosis regression, and selective elimination can be achieved by disrupting their distinctive antioxidant defense mechanisms. Moreover, ferroptosis modulates the dynamic balance of the fibrotic liver microenvironment by regulating macrophage polarization and intercellular communication. Based on the above mechanisms, targeting ferroptosis has emerged as a promising strategy for precise treatment. This article summarizes related research advances and discusses the major challenges and future directions for clinical translation.
4.New perspectives on the neuro-immune mechanisms of itch in allergic conjunctivitis
Yuhua MA ; Lu ZHANG ; Junyang PAN ; Chunli WU ; Dinghuan NIE ; Yanting WANG ; Ao PENG ; Nan MA
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1203-1209
Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ocular inflammatory disease, with intense itching being the most typical and distressing symptom for patients. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the interaction between the nervous and immune systems, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of itching in allergic conjunctivitis. This review elaborates on the neurobiological basis of itching in allergic conjunctivitis, with a focus on the complex dialogue between immune cells and sensory neurons, particularly the core role of the IL-33-ST2-CGRP signaling axis in mediating itching. Additionally, this article introduces new findings in genetic susceptibility research, including the identification of susceptibility genes for allergic conjunctivitis through transcriptome-wide association studies. The sensory nervous system not only transmits itch signals but also actively participates in the formation of antigen channels related to conjunctival goblet cells, thereby regulating the local uptake of allergens and the initiation of the immune response. Moreover, targeted novel therapeutic strategies offer hope for patients with refractory allergic conjunctivitis. Exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms of itching in allergic conjunctivitis will provide a theoretical basis for the development of more effective treatment methods.
5.Latent Profile Analysis and Influencing Factors of Fear of Progression in Patients with Behçet′s Disease
Lu LI ; Yiyuan AO ; Yeling LIU ; Jingwen WU ; Jinjing LIU ; Wenjie ZHENG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(3):283-291
To explore the latent profile characteristics of fear of progression (FoP) in patients with Behçet′s disease (BD) and analyze its influencing factors. This was a cross-sectional study. By convenience sampling, BD patients attending Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2025 to March 2026 were included as study subjects. Data were collected using sociodemographic and disease status questionnaires, the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Ruminative Response Scale, the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Latent profile analysis was used to identify FoP profiles, and univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression were employed to explore associated influencing factors, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. A total of 221 patients with BD were included in the study. Heterogeneity was observed in their FoP. Latent profile analysis identified three latent classes: the low-fear group-good-adaptation type (68 cases, 30.77%), the moderate-fear group-situational-fluctuation type (110 cases, 49.77%), and the high-fear group-prevalent-worry type (43 cases, 19.46%). The univariate analysis revealed differences among the three patient groups in terms of age, Behçet′s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) score, psychological resilience, perceived social support, rumination, and medical coping styles (including confrontation, avoidance, and resignation)(all FoP in patients with BD exhibits significant population heterogeneity, indicating that individualized and differentiated psychological interventions are warranted in clinical settings to substantially improve patients' overall prognosis and quality of life.
6.Analysis of oxidative stress-related genes and immune infiltration in osteoarthritis
Ao WU ; Peng YU ; Jiawen TENG ; Peng KONG ; Sishan BIAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):302-311
BACKGROUND:At present,the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is still unclear,and there is a lack of effective means to control the disease.Research on osteoarthritis is mostly concentrated in the field of immunity,and there are few studies in the field of oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE:To explore the roles of oxidative stress and immune infiltration in osteoarthritis and to predict related miRNAs and therapeutic agents. METHODS:The GSE55235 dataset(10 samples of osteoarthritis and 10 healthy control samples)and the GSE55457 dataset(10 samples of osteoarthritis and 10 healthy control samples)were obtained from the GEO database for merging to obtain their differentially expressed genes that were combined with oxidative stress genes to get the differentially expressed genes of oxidative stress.The differentially expressed genes of oxidative stress were analyzed for KEGG and GO enrichment,and the osteoarthritis pathways and biological processes were evaluated using GSEA enrichment analysis.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING online website and Cytoscape software,and the Degree algorithm was run to get the key genes.The GSE1919 dataset was obtained from the GEO database as a validation dataset,and the key genes were analyzed by variance analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to get the core genes.In addition,immune infiltration was evaluated by CIBERSORT and the correlation between core genes and immune cells was explored.miRNA prediction of core genes was performed using TargetScan and target drugs were predicted using the DSigDB database. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Sixty-five differentially expressed genes and five core genes(IL1B,CXCL8,MYC,NFKBIA,JUN)associated with oxidative stress were identified.Enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed genes associated with oxidative stress were concentrated in the pathways of oxidative stress,interleukin-17,osteoclast differentiation,fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the five core genes exceeded 0.85,indicating their excellent specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing bone and joint conditions,as well as their close association with immune cells.The predicted miRNA was has-miR-3937,and the therapeutic small-molecule drugs were metformin,ionomycin and celecoxib.To conclude,oxidative stress and immune infiltration exist in osteoarthritis,and immune infiltration is involved in activating oxidative stress.The core genes and predicted miRNAs can be used as novel markers for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis,and small molecule drugs are predicted to treat osteoarthritis.
7.Comparison of lung shunt fraction and intrahepatic distribution obtained from postoperative 90Y-selective internal radiation therapy and preoperative 99Tc m-MAA images
Hongji YOU ; Min XIONG ; Ao LI ; Zhaozhong WU ; Jingmin FENG ; Licong LIANG ; Liteng LIN ; Kangshun ZHU ; Shengnan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(6):330-334
Objective:To compare the lung shunt fraction (LSF) of 90Y imaging after 90Y-selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) and preoperative 99Tc m-macroaggregated albumin (MAA) imaging in patients with liver malignant tumors, and compare the volume and visual score of intrahepatic distribution of both nucleins on SPECT/CT images. Methods:A total of 91 patients with liver malignant tumors (78 males, 13 females; age (56.7±13.7)years; 99 cases) who underwent 90Y-SIRT in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from November 2022 to June 2024 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent preoperative 99Tc m-MAA simulation and postoperative 90Y distribution verification by whole-body planar scintigraphy and hepatic SPECT/CT imaging. ROIs of the liver and lungs under the anterior-posterior position were delineated on the planar scintigraphy and LSF of 99Tc m-MAA and 90Y were calculated. The volume of interest (VOI) was drawn on the SPECT/CT images to calculate the nuclide distribution volume of both 99Tc m-MAA and 90Y within the liver. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the difference between two groups. In addition, the liver was divided into five lobes, namely left lateral lobe, left medial lobe, caudate lobe, right anterior lobe and right posterior lobe. Visual assessment of 90Y and 99Tc m-MAA radioactive distribution was performed ( 90Y and 99Tc m-MAA uptakes were graded on a scale of 0-3, where 0 indicated no nuclide accumulation and 3 indicated heavy accumulation). Kappa consistency test was used to analyze the scores of the corresponding lobes between two groups. Results:LSF for 99Tc m-MAA was 11.60%(4.27%, 15.03%), and LSF for 90Y was 11.80%(9.70%, 13.30%), without significant difference ( Z=-1.50, P=0.134). The distribution volume of 99Tc m-MAA within the liver was 542.63(204.00, 818.00)ml, which was significantly different from that of 90Y (688.69(287.00, 954.00)ml; Z=-7.37, P<0.001). Kappa values of the score of each lobe between 99Tc m-MAA imaging and 90Y imaging were 0.469-0.740 (all P<0.001). Conclusions:99Tc m-MAA simulation is reliable for assessing LSF for 90Y-SIRT. The distribution volume of 99Tc m-MAA is generally smaller than that of 90Y, but the consistency of the visual score of radioactive distribution is high. Overall, 99Tc m-MAA may well simulate the distribution pattern of 90Y-SIRT.
8.Drug susceptibility and clinical data analysis of Cryptococcus neoformans from patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a hospital in Shanghai
Shuai PAN ; Yan WANG ; Yushuo CAO ; Ao WU ; Chunyi YANG ; Wenqiong ZHANG ; Zhaoqin ZHU ; Jinfeng CAI
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(6):467-471
Objective:To investigate the clinical data, drug resistance and treatment prognosis of Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) in a hospital in Shanghai. Methods:The clinical data of AIDS patients with Cryptococcus neoformans infection in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from January 2014 to December 2023, and the drug sensitivity to 5 antifungal drugs in vitro, treatment and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results:From January 2014 to December 2023, there were 295 AIDS patients with Cryptococcus neoformans infection in our hospital, with 255 males and 40 females. CD4 + T lymphocyte counts ≤100 cells/μl were detected in 251 patients. A total of 384 strains of Cryptococcus neoformans were isolated from the 295 patients, with the highest detection rate in cerebrospinal fluid samples (65.9%, 253/384), followed by blood samples (29.4%, 113/384). The sensitivity of 384 strains of Cryptococcus neoformans to 5-fluorocytosine was the highest (98.5%, 379/384), followed by fluconazole (95.6%, 367/384) and amphotericin B (95.3%, 366/384). After treatment against cryptococcal infection, 252 patients (86.0%, 252/293) were discharged and 20 patients (6.8%, 20/293) died. The other 2 cases were not treated for cryptococcal infection. Conclusions:As Cryptococcus neoformans is an important pathogen of AIDS patients, clinicians should actively carry out laboratory examination of Cryptococcus and rational drug use according to the results of drug sensitivity test, while alert to the occurrence of drug resistance.
9.Clinical efficacy of urokinase along the pipeline under offline status to dissolve dialyzer microthrombus in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy
Hua AO ; Senlin QIAN ; Ming LI ; Aihong HE ; Jun DOU ; Xuebing WU ; Yongqiang LIU ; Qiuling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(1):49-54
Objective:To observe the clinical effect of urokinase along the pipeline under offline status to dissolve dialyzer microthrombus in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).Methods:A prospective research method was adopted. A total of 248 CRRT patients with dialyzer microthrombus in Sinopharm-Gezhouba Central Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were selected. The patients were divided into experimental group (continued CRRT treatment after urokinase along the pipeline under offline status to dissolve dialyzer microthrombus) and control group (continued CRRT treatment after dialyzer replacement) by random number table method with 124 cases in each group. The baseline data were recorded, including gender, age, primary disease, hemoglobin, platelet count, hematocrit, plasma albumin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, anticoagulant method and symptoms associated with dialyzer microthrombus. The blood indexes were detected before and after treatment of microthrombus, and the symptom scores were performed. The blood indexes included creatinine, urea nitrogen, β 2 microglobulin (β 2-MG), international normalized ratio (INR), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); and the symptom scores included acute physiology and chronic health status score Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) and (APACHE Ⅱ) and sequential organ failure score. The initial transmembrane pressure, transmembrane pressure before disembarkation, CRRT treatment extension time and coagulation classification were recorded. In experimental group, the blood coagulation function indexes before and after treatment were detected, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial prothrombin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and fibrinogen (Fib). The adverse reactions were recorded, including black stools, arrhythmias and wound bleeding. Results:There were no statistical differences in baseline data, initial transmembrane pressure, transmembrane pressure before disembarkation, CRRT treatment extension time and coagulation classification between two groups ( P>0.05). There were no statistical differences in creatinine, urea nitrogen, β 2-MG, INR, hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, APACHE Ⅱ and SOFA before treatment between two groups ( P>0.05); after treatment, the indexes in both groups were significantly lower than before treatment, and the indexes in experimental group were significantly lower than those in control group: (179.1 ± 41.2) μmol/L vs. (187.1 ± 53.9) μmol/L, (7.3 ± 2.8) mmol/L vs. (9.3 ± 2.5) mmol/L, (2.5 ± 0.6) mg/L vs. (4.2 ± 0.7) mg/L, 1.0 ± 0.3 vs. 1.8 ± 0.5, (8.7 ± 1.1) mg/L vs. (10.6 ± 2.4) mg/L, (21.5 ± 12.7) ng/L vs. (29.5 ± 10.3) ng/L, (20.2 ± 6.1) ng/L vs. (26.6 ± 7.2) ng/L, (12.1 ± 6.9) scores vs. (17.2 ± 5.2) scores and (5.9 ± 1.8) scores vs. (6.8 ± 1.9) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). In experimental group, there were no statistical differences in PT, APTT, TT and Fib between before treatment and after treatment ( P>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group: 4.03%(5/124) vs. 12.90%(16/124), and there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 6.30, P<0.05). Conclusions:The urokinase along the pipeline under offline status to dissolve dialyzer microthrombus in patients undergoing CRRT is safer, cheaper and more efficient. It can improve the biocompatibility of tissue with dialyzer and pipe, prolong the use time of the dialyzer, and complete renal replacement therapy.
10.High fat diet aggravates intestinal barrier damage in mice with irritable bowel syndrome
Cuijuan ZHAO ; Min AO ; Wenbo WU ; Yanhua LI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(8):1022-1027
Objective To explore the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of high fat diet(HFD)on in-testinal barrier damage and inflammatory reaction in mice with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)induced by sodium dextran sulfate(DSS).Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups(n=6):Normal group,DSS group(1.5%DSS solution for one week),HFD+DSS group,and HFD+DSS+WY14643 group(intraperitone-ally injected daily with PPARα agonist WY14643 6 mg/kg).The body weight and liver weight of mice were measured.Colon pathology was observed by HE staining.The protein expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin was detected by immunohistochemistry.The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-β(IL-1β),and interleukin-17(IL-17)were determined by qRT-PCR.PPARα protein expression was determined by Western blot.Results The body weight and liver weight of mice in the HFD+DSS group were significantly higher than those in the DSS group(P<0.001).HE staining showed normal colonic tissue structure in Normal group,while other three groups exhibited varying degrees of mucosal damage with a small amount of in-flammatory cell infiltration and epithelial cell shedding.Among these,the HFD+DSS group displayed the most se-vere intestinal mucosal damage and inflammatory infiltration.Compared with the DSS group,the HFD+DSS group showed decreased ZO-1 and Occludin protein expression(P<0.001),elevated TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-17 mRNA levels(all P<0.001),and downregulated PPARα protein expression(P<0.01).Compared with the HFD+DSS group,mice in HFD+DSS+WY14643 group showed improvement in intestinal mucosal damage and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells.The protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin in colon of mice in the HFD+DSS+WY14643 was increased(all P<0.05),while the expression of TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-17 mRNA was downregulated(P<0.01 or P<0.05),and the protein expression of PPAR α was upregulated(P<0.05).Conclusions HFD-induced obesity aggravates intestinal mucosal damage,intestinal barrier destruction and in-flammatory response in IBS mice,and its molecular mechanism is potentially related to downregulation of PPARαexpression in intestinal tissues.

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