1.Precision Immunotherapy in Lupus Nephritis
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):310-316
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the common and severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus. Characterized by diverse pathological patterns and variable clinical manifestations, LN presents significant challenges for disease management. Conventional immunosuppressive agents, while representing the classic therapeutic approach for LN, are associated with substantial limitations, including variable efficacy, high risk of relapse, and notable adverse effects. In recent years, the introduction of immunotherapeutic agents, particularly biologics, has inaugurated a new era of precision treatment for LN. By virtue of their high target specificity and favorable safety profiles, these agents are reshaping the therapeutic landscape of LN. This article reviews the current status and future prospects of precision immunotherapy for LN, aiming to provide insights for its clinical management.
2.Analysis of Clinical Prognostic Characteristics in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome-Related Renal Fanconi Syndrome
Xiaoxiao SHI ; Yuan DONG ; Jiahe JIANG ; Peng XIA ; Shuo ZHANG ; Yubing WEN ; Dong XU ; Fengchun ZHANG ; Limeng CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):358-369
Renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) is a rare renal manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This study aims to analyze the clinical and prognostic characteristics of patients with pSS-associated renal FS (pSS-FS) and provide insights for clinical management. Patients diagnosed with pSS-FS via renal biopsy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2024 were enrolled. Data collected included age, sex, clinical symptoms (xerostomia, xerophthalmia, skin purpura, arthralgia, polyuria, and systemic symptoms), laboratory findings [serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM, complement (C3, C4), antinuclear antibody, anti-Sjögren's syndrome-associated antigen A antibody (SSA), anti-SSB antibody, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, tubular proteinuria, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes], treatment, and follow-up information. Systematic assessments included the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score, pulmonary involvement (including non-infectious interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, etc.), hematological involvement (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), etc. Efficacy evaluations encompassed improvements in immunological parameters, renal function, and tubular function. Group comparisons were performed using chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, A total of 38 patients with pSS-FS were included, with 37(97.4%) being female. The median age at pSS diagnosis was 43(37, 57) years. Xerostomia (76.3%) and xerophthalmia (71.1%) were the predominant clinical symptoms. The most common renal tubular dysfunctions were generalized aminoaciduria (96.9%), tubular proteinuria (96.0%), and hypokalemia (94.7%). The median eGFR was 52.57(32.04, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2), with 60.5% (23/38) of patients having an eGFR below 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2).After six months of immunosuppressive therapy, including moderate-to-high-dose glucocorticoids, significant improvements were observed in immunological parameters (improvement rate: 69.2%), renal tubular function (89.5%), and renal function (44.4%). Following immunosuppressive treatment, the median eGFR increased from 54.95(33.06, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2) to 65.56(56.24, 83.58)mL/(min·1.73 m2).Compared to patients with normal or mildly impaired baseline eGFR [≥ 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)], those with significantly decreased baseline eGFR [< 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)] were older (46 years This study reports the clinical characteristics of the largest single-center cohort of pSS-FS patients internationally, characterized by varying degrees of proximal renal tubular dysfunction and renal impairment. Timely initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, including glucocorticoids, is crucial, particularly for patients with significantly reduced eGFR, who may experience more substantial renal function improvement.
3.Chronic Disease Management in Patients with Non-infectious Arthritis: Challenges and Solutions
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):1-4
Non-infectious arthritis (NIS) mainly includes osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. With the aging of the population, chronic disease management of NIS patients in China will face great challenges, such as long disease duration, multi-system involvement, high demand for personalized diagnosis and treatment, lack of patient awareness, and difficulty in managing co-morbidities. To address these challenges, a systematic strategy for chronic disease management of NIS needs to be developed at the national level, which encompasses increasing popularization of science, improving the referral system, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in early diagnosis, and implementing interventions including optimized pharmacological/surgical treatments and multidisciplinary collaboration. In the future, with the deepening of the research on the application of AI technology and novel biologics, the management of chronic disease management of NIS will become more intelligent and personalized.
4.Primary biliary cholangitis comorbid with other connective tissue diseases:Thoughts and challenges
Siyan CAI ; Yi WEI ; Xu WANG ; Li WANG ; Fengchun ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;42(5):817-822
Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic progressive autoimmune liver disease that is often comorbid with other connective tissue diseases(CTDs),and such comorbidity can significantly alter the natural course or clinical phenotype of PBC or CTDs,limiting available therapeutic drugs and complicating clinical decision-making.Due to the involvement of the interdisciplinary subjects of hepatology,rheumatology,and clinical immunology and a paucity of large-scale cohort data and in-depth basic research,there is a limited understanding of such comorbidity in clinical practice,which increases the complexity of clinical diagnosis and treatment.This article summarizes the comorbidity of PBC with common CTDs such as Sj?gren's syndrome,systemic sclerosis,systemic lupus erythematosus,and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies,and analyzes related immune mechanisms,clinical manifestations,diagnostic challenges,treatment strategies,and prognosis.It is expected to establish PBC-CTD comorbidity cohorts through future multidisciplinary collaborations,focus on genetic background,immune mechanisms,and multi-omics approaches,elucidate pathogenesis and novel therapeutic targets,and improve the prognosis of patients by optimizing treatment strategies through precision medicine and artificial intelligence.
5.Analysis of Factors Influencing Avoidable Hospitalization Costs for Stable Angina Pectoris in Liaoning Province
Tong SU ; Jingying ZHANG ; Guilin WANG ; Fengchun ZHENG ; Yuedan MA
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(11):63-66,78
Objective:To provide evidence-based support and policy recommendations for improving the prevention and management of stable angina pectoris(SAP)within the current government chronic disease control system,based on the theory of Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions(ACSCs).Methods:A total of 104 066 hospitalized cases of angina pectoris were included.Using the SHA 2011 framework for total health expenditure analysis,factors influencing avoidable hospitalization for SAP were identified.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between these factors and hospitalization costs for SAP.Results:Avoidable hospitalizations were predominantly concentrated in tertiary hospitals(82.01%),where hospitalization costs were significantly higher than those in primary healthcare institutions.Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that insurance type had a significant effect on hospitalization costs,and patients treated in tertiary hospitals were more likely to incur high medical expenses.Conclusions:The current SAP prevention and treatment system faces challenges such as insufficient capacity of primary healthcare,resource concentration in tertiary hospitals,and the impact of medical insurance policies on hospital choice.It is recommended to strengthen primary healthcare services and include SAP in chronic disease management programs to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.Additionally,expanding insurance coverage could help reduce the risk of catastrophic health expenditure among self-paying patients.
6.Estrogen receptor alpha-activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway promotes proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts
Feng YANG ; Jinfan XU ; Huan LONG ; Fengchun YANG ; Guixin ZHANG ; Tao JIANG ; Qingzhen CHEN ; Min SHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(24):5061-5070
BACKGROUND:Estrogen receptor α can act as an upstream protein to regulate the expression and phosphorylation level of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).Activation of the estrogen receptor α-AMPK signaling pathway promotes osteogenic proliferation and differentiation.OBJECTIVE:To explore the molecular mechanism of estrogen receptor α regulating AMPK and its effect on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation at osteoblast cell line and molecular biology levels.METHODS:(1)The passaged MC3T3-E1 mouse embryonic osteoblasts were divided into three groups:blank control group,mock group(transfected with pCDNA3.1 control plasmid),and estrogen receptor α group(transfected with pCDNA3.1-estrogen receptor α overexpression plasmid),and RT-qPCR and western blot methods were used to detect the hepatic kinase B1,CaMKKβ,and AMPKα1 mRNA,protein and phosphorylation levels.(2)ChIP-qPCR was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptor α interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter.Dual luciferase assay was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptorα interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter region to activate its transcriptional expression.(3)The cells were divided into three groups:mock+shNC group,estrogen receptor α+shNC group,and estrogen receptor α+shLKB1 group.Changes in the expression levels of hepatic kinase B1,phosphorylated hepatic kinase B1,and phosphorylated AMPKα1 proteins in the cells were detected by western blot.(4)The cells were divided into four groups:mock group,estrogen receptor α group,estrogen receptor α+5 μmol/L Compound C(AMPK inhibitor)group,and estrogen receptor α+10 μmol/L Compound C group.The expression of proteins related to the AMPK signaling pathway and related to osteogenesis and osteoinductivity were detected by western blot method.Cells were transfected for 24 hours and then subjected to osteogenic induction for 14 days.Alkaline phosphatase staining was performed and cell viability in each group was detected.Mineralized nodule formation was detected by alizarin red staining at 21 days of osteogenic induction.(5)The cells were transfected and pretreated with different concentrations of AMPK inhibitor in corresponding groups,and cell viability was detected by cell counting kit 8.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells.(2)Estrogen receptor α promotes liver kinase B1 transcription and mediates AMPK signaling pathway activation.(3)Estrogen receptor α promotes the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by activating the AMPK signaling pathway,and the expression of AMPKα1,p-AMPKα,osteoprotegerin,osteopontin,and Runx2 proteins was down-regulated under the intervention of AMPK inhibitor,and the viability of osteoblasts was decreased.(4)To conclude,estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway by acting on liver kinase B1 promoter,promotes osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation,and prevents osteoporosis.
7.Prediction of primary biliary cholangitis among health check-up population with anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody positive
Haolong LI ; Song LIU ; Xu WANG ; Xinxin FENG ; Siyu WANG ; Yanli ZHANG ; Fengchun ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Tengda XU ; Yongzhe LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):474-488
Background:
s/Aims: Anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody (AMA-M2) is a specific marker for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and it could be also present in non-PBC individuals.
Methods:
A total of 72,173 Chinese health check-up individuals tested AMA-M2, of which non-PBC AMA-M2 positive individuals were performed follow-up. Baseline data of both clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were collected in all AMA-M2-positive individuals. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was performed to investigate the potential variables for developing PBC.
Results:
A total of 2,333 individuals were positive with AMA-M2. Eighty-two individuals had a medical history of PBC or fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of PBC at baseline, and 2,076 individuals were non-PBC. After a median follow-up of 6.6 years, 0.6% developed PBC, with an accumulative 5-year incidence rate of 0.5%. LASSO regression showed that levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), immunoglobulin M (IgM), eosinophilia proportion (EOS%), gamma globulin percentage, and hemoglobin (HGB) were potential variables for developing PBC. Multivariate Cox regression is used to construct a predictive model based on 7 selected variables, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve of the prediction model at 3, 5, and 10 years were, respectively, 1.000, 0.875, and 0.917.
Conclusions
This study offers insights into the onset of PBC among individuals who tested positive for AMA-M2 during routine health check-ups. The prediction model based on ALP, GGT, IgM, EOS%, gamma globulin percentage, HGB, and sex has a certain predictive ability for the occurrence of PBC in this population.
8.Primary biliary cholangitis comorbid with other connective tissue diseases: Thoughts and challenges
Siyan CAI ; Yi WEI ; Xu WANG ; Li WANG ; Fengchun ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):817-822
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic progressive autoimmune liver disease that is often comorbid with other connective tissue diseases (CTDs), and such comorbidity can significantly alter the natural course or clinical phenotype of PBC or CTDs, limiting available therapeutic drugs and complicating clinical decision-making. Due to the involvement of the interdisciplinary subjects of hepatology, rheumatology, and clinical immunology and a paucity of large-scale cohort data and in-depth basic research, there is a limited understanding of such comorbidity in clinical practice, which increases the complexity of clinical diagnosis and treatment. This article summarizes the comorbidity of PBC with common CTDs such as Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, and analyzes related immune mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, treatment strategies, and prognosis. It is expected to establish PBC-CTD comorbidity cohorts through future multidisciplinary collaborations, focus on genetic background, immune mechanisms, and multi-omics approaches, elucidate pathogenesis and novel therapeutic targets, and improve the prognosis of patients by optimizing treatment strategies through precision medicine and artificial intelligence.
9.Prediction of primary biliary cholangitis among health check-up population with anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody positive
Haolong LI ; Song LIU ; Xu WANG ; Xinxin FENG ; Siyu WANG ; Yanli ZHANG ; Fengchun ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Tengda XU ; Yongzhe LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):474-488
Background:
s/Aims: Anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody (AMA-M2) is a specific marker for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and it could be also present in non-PBC individuals.
Methods:
A total of 72,173 Chinese health check-up individuals tested AMA-M2, of which non-PBC AMA-M2 positive individuals were performed follow-up. Baseline data of both clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were collected in all AMA-M2-positive individuals. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was performed to investigate the potential variables for developing PBC.
Results:
A total of 2,333 individuals were positive with AMA-M2. Eighty-two individuals had a medical history of PBC or fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of PBC at baseline, and 2,076 individuals were non-PBC. After a median follow-up of 6.6 years, 0.6% developed PBC, with an accumulative 5-year incidence rate of 0.5%. LASSO regression showed that levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), immunoglobulin M (IgM), eosinophilia proportion (EOS%), gamma globulin percentage, and hemoglobin (HGB) were potential variables for developing PBC. Multivariate Cox regression is used to construct a predictive model based on 7 selected variables, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve of the prediction model at 3, 5, and 10 years were, respectively, 1.000, 0.875, and 0.917.
Conclusions
This study offers insights into the onset of PBC among individuals who tested positive for AMA-M2 during routine health check-ups. The prediction model based on ALP, GGT, IgM, EOS%, gamma globulin percentage, HGB, and sex has a certain predictive ability for the occurrence of PBC in this population.
10.Prediction of primary biliary cholangitis among health check-up population with anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody positive
Haolong LI ; Song LIU ; Xu WANG ; Xinxin FENG ; Siyu WANG ; Yanli ZHANG ; Fengchun ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Tengda XU ; Yongzhe LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):474-488
Background:
s/Aims: Anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody (AMA-M2) is a specific marker for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and it could be also present in non-PBC individuals.
Methods:
A total of 72,173 Chinese health check-up individuals tested AMA-M2, of which non-PBC AMA-M2 positive individuals were performed follow-up. Baseline data of both clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were collected in all AMA-M2-positive individuals. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was performed to investigate the potential variables for developing PBC.
Results:
A total of 2,333 individuals were positive with AMA-M2. Eighty-two individuals had a medical history of PBC or fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of PBC at baseline, and 2,076 individuals were non-PBC. After a median follow-up of 6.6 years, 0.6% developed PBC, with an accumulative 5-year incidence rate of 0.5%. LASSO regression showed that levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), immunoglobulin M (IgM), eosinophilia proportion (EOS%), gamma globulin percentage, and hemoglobin (HGB) were potential variables for developing PBC. Multivariate Cox regression is used to construct a predictive model based on 7 selected variables, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve of the prediction model at 3, 5, and 10 years were, respectively, 1.000, 0.875, and 0.917.
Conclusions
This study offers insights into the onset of PBC among individuals who tested positive for AMA-M2 during routine health check-ups. The prediction model based on ALP, GGT, IgM, EOS%, gamma globulin percentage, HGB, and sex has a certain predictive ability for the occurrence of PBC in this population.

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