1.Role of pyroptosis in hepatic fibrosis and related research advances
Yongfan JIN ; Chunmei ZHAO ; Wenlin TAI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):197-202
Hepatic fibrosis is not only a pathological process of hepatic self-repair after chronic liver injury, but also a critical stage in the progression of chronic liver disease to liver cirrhosis. Studies have shown that as a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death, pyroptosis plays an important role in various diseases and is also considered a potential therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis. This article systematically reviews the association of pyroptosis in hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatic macrophages with hepatic fibrosis and discusses pyroptosis-mediated therapeutic strategies targeting hepatic fibrosis.
2.Effective Components of Epimedii Folium in Regulating Related Signaling Pathways for Treatment of Steroid-induced Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: A Review
Jingxuan CHANG ; Jinyao WU ; Meiying JIN ; Fanqi MENG ; Wenhai ZHAO ; Zhenhai CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):277-288
Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head(SANFH) is a bone and joint disease caused by prolonged and excessive steroid use. Its typical pathological features involve progressive circulatory disorders in the blood supply system of femoral head, leading to osteocyte apoptosis and bone tissue necrosis. As the disease progresses, it ultimately results in structural collapse and necrotic lesions of the femoral head, severely affecting patients' limb function and quality of life. Glucocorticoids mediate pathological damage through dual mechanisms, on the one hand, they disrupt the dynamic equilibrium between bone formation and resorption by suppressing osteoblast differentiation activity and activating osteoclastogenesis, on the other hand, they induce lipid metabolism disorders, inhibit angiogenesis, and impair endothelial cell function, thereby triggering microcirculatory disorders. Epimedii Folium and its active components exhibit multidimensional regulatory effects in SANFH prevention and treatment. Literature review reveals that it is rich in multiple active ingredients, primarily including total flavonoids of Epimedii Folium, icaritin, icariin, kaempferol, icariside Ⅱ, etc. These compounds exert multiple pharmacological effects(regulating bone metabolic homeostasis, modulating angiogenesis, correcting lipid metabolism disorders, and controlling cellular autophagy processes) through multiple signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor(TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB(OPG/RANKL/RANK), etc. Based on existing research findings, this paper systematically elucidates the intervention mechanisms of active components in Epimedii Folium on key pathological processes of SANFH through the above pathways. It also deeply analyzes their regulatory roles in key nodes of different signaling pathways, aiming to provide valuable references for future clinical treatment and experimental research.
3.Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of Extracranial Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor in Children
Shihan ZHANG ; Wen ZHAO ; Mei JIN ; Hongjun FAN ; Xisi WANG ; Libing FU ; Tong YU ; Yan SU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):34-42
To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of extracranial malignant rhabdoid tumor (eMRT) in children, and to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of this disease. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of children with newly diagnosed eMRT who were admitted and treated in the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, from March 2009 to December 2024. The clinical characteristics were summarized, and survival analysis and prognostic risk factor analysis were conducted. A total of 43 children with eMRT were included in this study, the median age at diagnosis of all patients was 20 months (range: 2-138 months). Among them, 24 cases were malignant renal rhabdoid tumors and 19 cases were extracranial, extrarenal rhabdoid tumors. Of the 43 children, 23 cases (53.5%) were complicated with distant metastasis. Twenty-nine (67.4%) underwent primary tumor resection. Among the children, 24 (55.8%) underwent gross total resection (GTR), 5 (11.6%) partial resection, and 14 (32.6%) biopsy only. Their 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 40.8%, 35.3%, and 33.3%, respectively ( Children with eMRT have an overall poor prognosis. A diagnostic age < 12 months is an independent risk factor for higher mortality in these children. Further large-scale, long-term follow-up studies are needed to explore the prognostic factors of this disease.
4.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Complicated by ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Shaoying WANG ; Linyi PENG ; Ke ZHENG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Dachun ZHAO ; Xia ZHANG ; Lin ZHAO ; Wenhui WANG ; Weiqing WANG ; Zhenzhen ZHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):43-51
A 51-year-old male presented with nasal obstruction, followed by progressive hearing loss and blurred vision. Imaging identified space-occupying lesions in the paranasal sinuses, orbits, and paraspinal regions, while laboratory tests confirmed positive anti-proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(PR3- ANCA) immunoglobulin G (IgG)and markedly elevated serum IgG4. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and radiotherapy, the patient exhibited steroid dependency with relentless disease progression. Following multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) coexisting with ANCA- associated vasculitis (AAV) was favored, though IgG4-related disease remained a critical differential. Ultimately, profound immunosuppression precipitated a severe herpesvirus infection, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This case underscores the rarity and diagnostic complexity of concurrent IMT and AAV, highlights the therapeutic dilemma of balancing primary disease control against fatal opportunistic infections, and emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases.
5.Epidemiological analysis and incidence trend prediction of mumps in Nantong City in 2016 - 2023
Enhui ZHAO ; Ye WEI ; Hongmei JIN ; Wuhong ZHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):84-88
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trend of mumps in Nantong City from 2016 to 2023, and to provide a basis for scientific prevention and control. Methods Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on monthly mumps incidence data in Nantong City from 2016 to 2023, and a SARIMA model was constructed to predict the incidence trend. Results A total of 3 928 mumps cases were reported in Nantong City from 2016 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 6.36/100 000. Cases predominantly occurred during April–July and September–December, showing seasonal peaks. The male-to-female ratio was 1.43:1. The cases were concentrated in individuals aged ≤15 years (85.57%), primarily students, children in childcare settings, and scattered children (88.31%). The optimal model constructed by the SPSS Expert Modeler was SARIMA(1,0,0)(0,1,1)12, predicting an epidemic peak of mumps in Nantong City from September to November in the second half of 2024. Conclusion From 2016 to 2023, mumps incidence in Nantong City has shown an overall downward trend with a seasonal bimodal distribution. Males had higher incidence rates than females, and cases were predominantly students, kindergartens and scattered children, highlighting the need to strengthen mumps prevention in schools and childcare institutions. The SARIMA model is suitable for short to medium term prediction of mumps in Nantong City. A minor peak is predicted to occur in the second half of 2024 (September–November). It is necessary to strengthen the epidemic surveillance of mumps and vaccination of age-eligible children.
6.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
7.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
8.Yishen Huashi Granules Protect Kidneys of db/db Mice via p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Kaidong ZHOU ; Sitong WANG ; Ge JIN ; Yanmo CAI ; Xin ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):58-68
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yishen Huashi granules in alleviating renal tubular epithelial cell injury and relieving diabetic kidney disease by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsThe db/db mice of 12 weeks old were randomly assigned into model , dapagliflozin (1.6 mg·kg-1), and Yishen Huashi granules (4.7 g·kg-1), and db/m mice were used as the control group. The general conditions of mice were observed, and fasting blood glucose and 24-h urinary protein and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured at weeks 0 and 12 of administration. After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea (UREA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Mallory staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CC chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) in the renal tissue of mice. The immunohistochemical assay was employed to examine the expression of p38, phospho-p38 (p-p38), MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice. Western blotting was employed to measure the protein levels of p-p38, p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice.HK-2 cells cultured in vitro were grouped as follows: negative control, high glucose(30 mmol·L-1), Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum, and SB203580. After 48 h of cell culture in each group, RNA were extracted and the levels of MCP-1, and CCR2 mRNA were determined by Real-time PCR,proteins were extracted and the levels of p38, p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 were determined by Western blot. ResultsThe in vivo experiments showed that before treatment, other groups had higher body weight, blood glucose level, 24 h urinary protein, and ACR than the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed improved general conditions, a decreasing trend in body weight, lowered levels of blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, and ACR (P<0.01), reduced SCr and UREA (P<0.01), and declined levels of TC, TG, and LDL (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed alleviated damage and interstitial fibrosis in the renal tissue as well as reductions in glomerular foot process fusion and basement membrane thickening. Moreover, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01), reduced positive expression of p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. The cell experiment showed that compared with the high glucose group, the Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum group showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01) and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2(P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionYishen Huashi granules can regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, reduce 24 h urinary protein and ACR, improve the renal function, alleviate the renal tubule injury caused by high glucose, and protect renal tubule epithelial cells in db/db mice by reducing MCP-1/CCR2 activation via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
9.Survey on the perception and current status of drug risk management in medical institutions
Xuelin SUN ; Mingqing XING ; Zixuan ZHANG ; Wenjing ZHAO ; Dongfang QIAN ; Yan LIANG ; Li XU ; Pengfei JIN ; Yatong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):7-12
OBJECTIVE To know about the perception and current status of drug risk management among pharmacists in Chinese medical institutions, providing insights and recommendations for enhancing the drug risk management system in medical institutions. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted across 28 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions; stratified radom sampling was employed to study the population of medical workers and pharmaceutical professionals in medical institutions nationwide. The survey included information on the survey population, the current status of drug risk management implementation in medical institutions, the cognition, definition and process of drug risk management related concepts, and the content and mode of drug risk management work in medical institutions. Finally, suggestions were collected from various medical institutions on the system construction of drug risk management. Descriptive statistical analysis was adopted to summarize the obtained data. RESULTS A total of 446 questionnaires were collected in this survey, including 420 valid questionnaires and 26 invalid questionnaires. The questionnaire collection rate was 100%,and the effective rate was 94.17%. 51.19% of the respondents No.2020YFC2009001)。 based their understanding of drug risk management on Management Measures for Adverse Drug Reaction Reports and Monitoring, while 87.38% recognized the need for drug risk management throughout the drug use process. 63.33% of the participants stated that their medical institutions had dedicated positions related to drug risk management, with the highest proportion (72.17%) was in third-grade class A medical institutions. 66.43% reported implementing risk management across all drug use stages. Suggestions for the development of drug risk management systems in medical institutions by the research participants focused on enhancing guiding documents, clarifying concepts, establishing information-sharing mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS The overall awareness of drug risk management in China’s medical institutions is high, with practices in place across various stages in multiple forms. However, there remains a need to strengthen institutional documents, management regulations, system development, and information-sharing mechanisms to improve collaborative governance, improve drug management levels, and ensure patient safety.
10.Prognostic correlation analysis of multiple myeloma based on HALP score of peripheral blood before chemotherapy
Min CHEN ; Liying AN ; Xiaojing LIN ; Pan ZHAO ; Xingli ZOU ; Jin WEI ; Xun NI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):61-67
[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.


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