1.Regulatory Pathways of Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yunjie YANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Chen QIU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Senlin CHEN ; Wenxin HUANG ; Hangbin ZHENG ; Yi WEI ; Pengfei LI ; Xueqin LIN ; Jing WU ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):294-306
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD) is a chronic kidney structural and functional disorder caused by diabetes. With the global prevalence of diabetes continuing to rise, DKD has gradually become a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease(ESRD), posing a serious threat to patients' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. Studies have shown that apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of DKD, with its mechanisms involving abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase(Caspase)-3, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)/activating transcript factor 4(ATF4)/CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/tumor suppressor protein 53(p53), thereby accelerating renal pathological damage in DKD. Extensive evidence-based medical studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), leveraging its unique therapeutic advantages of multi-target, multi-component and multi-pathway approaches, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety profiles in treating DKD. Recent studies have demonstrated that active components of TCM can specifically target and modulate key effectors in apoptotic signaling pathways. Meanwhile, traditional compound formulations exert synergistic effects through multiple approaches such as replenishing deficiency and activating blood circulation, detoxifying and dredging collaterals, tonifying kidney essence, and removing stasis and purging turbidity, thereby comprehensively regulating critical pathological processes including endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This combined therapeutic approach of molecular targeting and holistic regulation provides novel strategies for delaying the progression of DKD. Based on this, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of key apoptotic signaling pathways and their regulatory mechanisms, while systematically summarizing recent research advances regarding the therapeutic effects of TCM active components, compound formulations, and proprietary Chinese medicines on DKD through modulation of these pathways, with particular emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings not only elucidate the modern scientific connotation and theoretical basis of TCM in treating DKD but also establish a solid theoretical and practical foundation for promoting the wider clinical application and further research of TCM in the field of DKD treatment.
2.Expert consensus on the medication catalog for drug-induced liver injury and rational drug use
Jianchun LI ; Di CHEN ; Pengfei JIN ; Gerontology NATIONAL ; Association GERIATRIC ; Research PHARMACY ; Society PHARMACY ; Association GERIATRIC
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):273-280
OBJECTIVE To systematically sort out the drugs causing drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and their relevant information, and to develop the Expert consensus on the medication catalog for drug-induced liver injury and rational drug use (hereinafter referred to as the Consensus), so as to provide a reference for rational clinical use. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted across various literature databases, guideline retrieval websites and professional liver injury websites. Drugs identified as causing DILI from the included literature and online resources were extracted and assigned scores based on source credibility: three points for LiverTox A-class drugs and two points for B-class drugs; two points for drugs from Hepatox and guidelines; and one point for drugs from consensus and related literature sources. Drugs classified as LiverTox category A/B or with total scores ≥4 were included in the preliminary list of DILI-causing drugs. Opinions were collected and integrated from a multidisciplinary expert panel comprising 45 medical and pharmaceutical experts from 27 provinces across China through three rounds of the Delphi method (including questionnaires and discussion sessions), and after revision, the final version of Consensus was formed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS This Consensus included 12 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) such as Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Ephedrae Herba, 151 Western medicines including amiodarone and atorvastatin, along with rational use information. For TCM, eight rational use information were included: evidence-based score, liver injury classification based on pathogenesis, liver injury classification based on biochemical abnormality pattern, clinical phenotype, laboratory examination manifestations, latency period, recovery time, and management strategies. For Western medicines, six additional items were included based on the TCM, namely liver function monitoring, discontinuation, contraindications, cautions, dose adjustments, and risk factors, totaling 14 items. This Consensus systematically compiles DILI drugs and their rational use information, which will support clinicians in enhancing the prevention, identification, and management of DILI, reducing the incidence of liver injury, and ensuring patient medication safety and efficacy.
3.Ameliorative effect and mechanism of vitexin on inflammation in ulcerative colitis mice
Lin ZHOU ; Pengfei XIA ; Yuling LIU ; Zhichao MENG ; Geng LI ; Yuanyuan YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):758-763
OBJECTIVE To explore the ameliorative effect and potential mechanism of vitexin on inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. METHODS The UC mice model was established by continuous administration of 3% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 5 days. Mice with successful modeling were randomly divided into UC group, vitexin low- and high-dose groups (vitexin-L and vitexin-H groups, 40, 80 mg/kg), mesalazine group (400 mg/kg), and vitexin-H+recombinant Jagged canonical Notch ligand 1 (rJagged-1) group (vitexin-H+rJagged-1 group, 80 mg/kg vitexin+1 mg/kg rJagged-1), with 12 mice in each group. Another 12 normal mice were used as the control (CK) group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or the corresponding drugs and normal saline by gavage and intraperitoneal injection once daily for 7 consecutive days. General conditions were observed during the experiment. At 24 h after the last administration, the disease activity index (DAI) score was evaluated. Colonic histopathological morphology was observed and scored. Macrophage polarization levels in the spleen and colon tissues were measured. The protein expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ), Jagged-1, Notch1 and Notch intracellular domain (NICD) in colonic tissues were determined. RESULTS Compared with the UC group, the symptoms (reduced food and water intake, dull fur, etc.) and pathological changes (epithelial cell shedding, inflammatory cell infiltration, etc.) were significantly improved in the vitexin-L, vitexin-H and mesalazine groups. DAI scores, colonic histopathological scores, M1 macrophage contents in spleen tissue, M1/M2 macrophage ratios, M1 macrophage proportions in colon tissue, and protein expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, Jagged-1, Notch1 and NICD in colon tissue were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Meanwhile, the M2 macrophage contents in spleen tissue, M2 macrophage proportions in colon tissue, and protein expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β 1 in colon tissue were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Moreover, the improvement effects in the vitexin-H and mesalazine groups were significantly superior to those in the vitexin-L group ( P <0.05). Compared with the vitexin-H group, the above symptoms and pathological changes were aggravated, and all quantitative indicators were significantly reversed in the vitexin-H+rJagged-1 group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Vitexin can ameliorate the inflammation of UC mice, which is associated with its inhibition of the Jagged-1/Notch1 pathway and regulation of macrophage polarization (inhibition of M1-type polarization and promotion of M2-type polarization).
4.Fascioliasis in the common bile duct: a case report
Pengfei ZHANG ; Qiong TANG ; Li LIU ; Jingxin LI ; Weiming LAN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):219-222
This article reports the diagnosis and treatment of one patient with fascioliasis of the common bile duct, aiming to provide reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The patient sought medical attention due to long-term symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging examinations displayed dilatation of the common bile duct and intrahepatic bile ducts, and the patient was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of “common bile duct stone”. Through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and choledochoscopy, two worms were collected from the common bile duct, which were identified as Fasciola hepatica by high-throughput sequencing.
5.Correlation analysis of the severity of OSAHS with visual field defects and visual evoked potentials in patients with AION
Pengfei DUAN ; Shuo LI ; Yuman WU ; Yufeng MA ; Sujuan JI
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1258-1263
AIM: To investigate the correlation between different severity grades of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)and visual field defects as well asvisual evoked potential(VEP)parameters in patients with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(AION). METHODS: A retrospective case-control study. Patients diagnosed with AION complicated by OSAHS at the Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, between June 2022 and October 2025 were selected as the study subjects. According to the AHI and mSaO2, the patients were divided into three groups: a mild group(AHI 5-15 events/h, mSaO2 85%-90%), moderate group(AHI 16-30 events/h, mSaO2 80%-85%), and severe group(AHI >30 events/h, mSaO2 <80%). General demographic data, retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)thickness, visual field defect indicators including mean defect(MD)and pattern standard deviation(PSD), as well as VEP parameters(P100 latency and amplitude)were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: This study included a total of 110 patients with AION complicated by OSAHS. Based on the severity of OSAHS, the patients were divided into a mild group of 37 patients(21 men and 16 women, mean age 62.15±9.37 y), a moderate group of 35 patients(20 men, 15 women; mean age 61.82±8.94 y), and a severe group of 38 patients(22 men, 16 women; mean age 63.02±9.61 y). There were no significant differences among the three groups in terms of age, sex, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C levels, or AION severity(all P>0.05); however, there were significant differences in history of hypertension, history of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and FPG levels(all P<0.05). The mean RNFL thickness in the severe group(63.27±5.58 μm)was significantly lower than that in the moderate group(74.14±6.28 μm)and the mild group(83.22±7.02 μm), and the moderate group was lower than the mild group(all P<0.05); The MD value(-11.57±1.82 dB)and PSD value(7.35±0.87 dB)in the severe group were both higher than those in the moderate group [(-7.62±1.31 dB),(4.89±0.62 dB)] and the mild group [(-4.38±1.05 dB),(2.57±0.45 dB)](all P<0.05); the P100 latency in the severe group(132.41±8.57 ms)was longer than that in the moderate group(118.75±7.32 ms)and the mild group(105.62±6.14 ms), and the amplitude(7.65±1.53 μV)was lower than that of the moderate group(11.24±1.89 μV)and the mild group(15.38±2.11 μV)(all P<0.05). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the severity of OSAHS was negatively correlated with the MD value(rs=-0.901, P<0.05)and positively correlated with the PSD value and P100 latency(rs=0.947, 0.807, P<0.05), and was negatively correlated with P100 amplitude(rs=-0.878, P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The severity of OSAHS is closely associated with RNFL thickness, visual field defects, and VEP parameters in patients with AION; the more severe the OSAHS, the more pronounced the structural and functional damage to the optic nerve. Monitoring AHI and mSaO2 can aid in assessing the condition of patients with AION and developing personalized intervention plans.
6.Early Predictors of Long-Term Outcome in Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Post Hoc Analysis of the ATTENTION Trial
Feiyang GAO ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Chao ZHANG ; Rui LI ; Dafan YU ; Pengfei XU ; Anmo WANG ; Min CHEN ; Wei HU ;
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):150-159
Background:
and Purpose Accurately predicting long-term functional outcomes of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains challenging. We compared the predictive performance of the baseline, 24-hour, and 72-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores for 90-day BAO functional outcomes using the Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: Endovascular Thrombectomy versus Standard Medical Treatment (ATTENTION) trial data. We identified the optimal assessment time point, determined treatment-specific NIHSS cutoff values, and explored the role of early neurological function in treatment effects.
Methods:
This retrospective post hoc analysis included 324 patients with acute BAO with baseline NIHSS scores ≥10 and complete NIHSS assessments at each time point. The primary outcome was a favorable 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–3). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the predictive ability of NIHSS scores. The optimal 72-hour NIHSS predictive cutoff values were determined for the endovascular treatment (EVT) and best medical management (BMM) subgroups.
Results:
The 72-hour NIHSS score showed the highest predictive accuracy for the primary outcome (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.954), outperforming the 24-hour (AUC: 0.903) and baseline (AUC: 0.688) scores; its optimal predictive cut-off value was ≤11 in the EVT group (sensitivity: 85.6%, specificity: 92.9%, positive predictive value [PPV]: 91.8%, negative predictive value [NPV]: 87.4%) and ≤9 in the BMM group (sensitivity: 84.6%, specificity: 95.1%, PPV: 84.6%, NPV: 95.1%).
Conclusions
The 72-hour NIHSS score outperformed the baseline and 24-hour scores in predicting 90-day functional outcomes and mediating the effects of EVT. Treatment-specific 72-hour NIHSS cut-off values may guide early risk stratification and prognostic assessments.
7.Research progress on the application of virtual reality technology in amblyopia visual training
Kang WANG ; Qiao WANG ; Pengfei LI ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Zifan QIN ; Jing LI
International Eye Science 2026;26(8):1411-1416
The therapeutic concept of amblyopia has gradually shifted from improving the visual acuity of the amblyopic eye to restoring binocular visual function.Conventional occlusion therapy and routine visual training have issues such as long treatment cycles, insufficient entertainment value and poor patient compliance, which limits the stability of therapeutic effects. Virtual reality(VR)technology, characterized by immersion, interactivity, and adjustable stimulus parameters, has been increasingly applied to visual training for amblyopia.Current evidence suggests that VR-based training can improve visual acuity and binocular visual function in amblyopia patients to a certain extent.Moreover, its gamified interactions and feedback-driven design may also enhance patient motivation and treatment adherence. This review begins with the mechanisms and theoretical basis of VR training for amblyopia, proceeds to summarizeits advantages over conventional methods, current systems, training modes, clinical efficacy, commonly used outcome measures, as well as safety and acceptability, aiming to provide a reference for its standardization, clinical translation, and widespread adoption.
8.Risk factors for early postoperative liver metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and related mechanisms
Chunhui QI ; Chujun HUANG ; Pengfei LYU ; Tingkai YANG ; Bin LI ; Xiaoliang ZHU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1738-1744
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly malignant and often has an extremely poor prognosis, and early postoperative liver metastasis is one of the key influencing factors for prognosis. With reference to the clinical and experimental studies in recent years, this article reviews the clinical risk factors for early liver metastasis after PDAC and systematically elaborates on major molecular events underlying early postoperative liver metastasis from various aspects of construction of the pre-metastatic niche in the liver driven by tumor-derived exosomes, the pro-metastatic microenvironment maintained by metastasis-associated macrophages and neutrophil extracellular traps, the invasive phenotype and liver-tropic migration of tumor cells, intrahepatic immunometabolic adaptation, and fibrotic remodeling, in order to provide a theoretical basis for perioperative risk stratification and the development of intervention strategies.
9.Association between non-essential metal exposure and cognitive function in rural older adults: effect modification by essential metals
Yong ZENG ; Yang YANG ; Xu WANG ; Pengfei LI ; Yong LYU ; Linsheng YANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(8):979-987
Background China has the largest elderly population in the world, and age-related cognitive impairment has become an increasingly important public health issue. Objective To investigate the associations of exposure to selected essential metals (EMs) and non-essential metals (NEMs) with cognitive function among rural older adults and to examine whether EMs modified the association between NEW exposure and cognitive functions. Methods A total of 1045 adults aged 60 years and above were enrolled using baseline survey data from a cohort study. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine urinary concentrations of five EMs (selenium, cobalt, vanadium, manganese, and boron) and five NEMs (arsenic, chromium, cadmium, lithium, and tin). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale was used to assess cognitive function. Generalized linear models (GLMs) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to examine the associations of individual EMs and NEMs with MMSE scores. Quantile g-calculation (QGC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to evaluate the associations of EM and NEM mixtures with MMSE scores. Results The mean age of the participants was (69.72±6.63) years, and 511 participants (48.90%) were male. The mean MMSE score was 21.06±5.79. After adjustment for covariates, GLM analysis showed that cobalt (β=0.575, 95%CI: 0.233, 0.918), selenium (β=0.440, 95%CI: 0.045, 0.836), and vanadium (β=0.633, 95%CI: 0.251, 1.016) were positively associated with MMSE scores, whereas tin (β=−0.379, 95%CI: −0.728, −0.029) was negatively associated with MMSE scores. After categorizing metal concentrations into quartiles and including them in the GLM, cobalt (βQ4 vs. Q1=1.697, 95%CI: 0.806, 2.589) and vanadium (βQ4 vs. Q1=1.598, 95%CI: 0.719, 2.477) remained positively associated with MMSE scores, whereas tin (βQ4 vs. Q1=−0.890, 95%CI: −1.771, −0.008) and lithium (βQ4 vs. Q1=−0.794, 95%CI: −1.689, −0.007) were negatively associated with MMSE scores. RCS model showed linear positive associations of cobalt and vanadium with MMSE scores, a linear negative association of tin with MMSE scores, and an inverted U-shaped association between lithium and MMSE scores. Both QGC and BKMR models indicated that the EMs mixture was positively associated with MMSE scores, with cobalt contributing the most. The NEM mixture showed a negative but nonsignificant association with MMSE scores, with lithium contributing the most. When EMs and NEMs were jointly modeled, no significant association was observed between the overall metal mixture and MMSE scores. Interaction analysis suggested a positive interaction between EMs and NEMs in relation to MMSE scores. Stratified analysis showed that, compared with participants with high cobalt or EMs exposure, those with low cobalt or EMs exposure had a more pronounced and statistically significant negative association between NEMs exposure and MMSE scores. Conclusion The EM mixture is significantly and positively associated with MMSE scores, whereas the NEMs mixture shows a negative but nonsignificant association. EMs and NEMs have a positive interaction on MMSE scores; EMs attenuate the association between NEMs and MMSE scores.
10.GAO Shuzhong's Experience in Treating Idiopathic Tinnitus with Combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Materia Medica
Pengfei WANG ; Yiyang SUN ; Xiaoyan LI ; Wenli YAN ; Ningning MENG ; Guirong YANG ; Yuxia MA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):233-237
To summarize Professor GAO Shuzhong's clinical experience in treating idiopathic tinnitus with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica. It is believed that idiopathic tinnitus is mostly caused by weak lungs and spleen, kidney essence deficiency, liver constraint transforming into fire, and binding constraint of heart qi. Treatment advocates the combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica in clinical practice. Acupuncture treatment mainly focus on the method of opening the orifices by syndrome identification in combination with Ermen (TE 21), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2), Shenmai (BL 62) to regulate qi and blood, and supporting with Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Taichong (LR 3), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) to soothe the liver, resolve constraint, and calm the mind. Oral administration of Chinese medicinal prescription usually includes modified Yiqi Congming Decoction (益气聪明汤) and Tongqi Powder (通气散), and the external administration of Chinese medicinal prescription can apply self-prescribed Wenqing Powder (温清散) to navel moxibustion.

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