1.Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis Multimorbidity from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral Theory
Xiaojing GUO ; Jiuli DING ; Hongyuan SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):280-287
The multimorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has drawn increasing attention, as both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and progressive bone destruction. Modern research confirms that PD is a significant risk factor for RA development, and their coexistence mutually exacerbates disease progression. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) currently lacks a systematic theoretical explanation for this complex multimorbid relationship. This study, based on the TCM theory of abnormal collateral, thoroughly examines the intrinsic connection between RA and PD multimorbidity, proposing "abnormal collateral as the pivot, with accumulated toxins eroding bone" as the core TCM pathogenesis. The research elucidates PD as the "origin of abnormal collateral", where its pathogens act as toxic factors that invade the joints through collaterals, triggering RA via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry. The dynamic pathological progression of RA-PD multimorbidity can be described as follows: the displacement of Ying and Wei at the microscopic level manifests as immune hyperactivation, leading to collateral malnutrition; heat-toxins traversing collaterals induce collateral hyperactivity, resulting in pathological angiogenesis; ultimately, toxin accumulation at the pivotal abnormal collateral site erodes bone, activating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway-driven osteoclast differentiation. This theoretical framework innovatively integrates modern findings in oral microbiology, immune-inflammation, and bone metabolism, offering a holistic and dynamic perspective to understand the complexity of multimorbidity. Given the limited efficacy of current periodontal treatments for RA and the scarcity of reported TCM compound interventions for multimorbidity, the abnormal collateral theory proposes a systematic intervention strategy centered on "governing diseases through collaterals and regulating collaterals with herbs", along with TCM therapeutic principles such as "unblocking, clearing, and nourishing collaterals". Potential herbal treatments for multimorbidity are also highlighted. Future research should focus on refining TCM syndrome patterns in multimorbid patients and leveraging omics technologies for deeper exploration, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and research direction for TCM in addressing complex multimorbid conditions.
2.Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis Multimorbidity from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral Theory
Xiaojing GUO ; Jiuli DING ; Hongyuan SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):280-287
The multimorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has drawn increasing attention, as both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and progressive bone destruction. Modern research confirms that PD is a significant risk factor for RA development, and their coexistence mutually exacerbates disease progression. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) currently lacks a systematic theoretical explanation for this complex multimorbid relationship. This study, based on the TCM theory of abnormal collateral, thoroughly examines the intrinsic connection between RA and PD multimorbidity, proposing "abnormal collateral as the pivot, with accumulated toxins eroding bone" as the core TCM pathogenesis. The research elucidates PD as the "origin of abnormal collateral", where its pathogens act as toxic factors that invade the joints through collaterals, triggering RA via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry. The dynamic pathological progression of RA-PD multimorbidity can be described as follows: the displacement of Ying and Wei at the microscopic level manifests as immune hyperactivation, leading to collateral malnutrition; heat-toxins traversing collaterals induce collateral hyperactivity, resulting in pathological angiogenesis; ultimately, toxin accumulation at the pivotal abnormal collateral site erodes bone, activating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway-driven osteoclast differentiation. This theoretical framework innovatively integrates modern findings in oral microbiology, immune-inflammation, and bone metabolism, offering a holistic and dynamic perspective to understand the complexity of multimorbidity. Given the limited efficacy of current periodontal treatments for RA and the scarcity of reported TCM compound interventions for multimorbidity, the abnormal collateral theory proposes a systematic intervention strategy centered on "governing diseases through collaterals and regulating collaterals with herbs", along with TCM therapeutic principles such as "unblocking, clearing, and nourishing collaterals". Potential herbal treatments for multimorbidity are also highlighted. Future research should focus on refining TCM syndrome patterns in multimorbid patients and leveraging omics technologies for deeper exploration, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and research direction for TCM in addressing complex multimorbid conditions.
3.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
4.Role of myeloid cell transcription factor EB in alcohol-induced liver injury in mice
Sha Neisha Williams ; Kafayat Yusuf ; Xiaojuan Chao ; Hong-Min Ni ; Wen-Xing Ding
Liver Research 2026;10(1):71-81
Background and aims
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with no currently effective treatment. ALD is caused by excessive lipid buildup, which eventually triggers inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. Activation of hepatic Kupffer cells (KCs) and macrophages drives liver inflammation, which can worsen alcohol-induced liver injury. The autophagy-lysosome system is crucial for macrophages to support their innate immune functions. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a key regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, but the role of macrophage TFEB in ALD development is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Gao-binge alcohol consumption on myeloid cell TFEB and elucidate the role of myeloid TFEB in ALD.
Methods
Two-to-three-month-old male and female LysM Cre− (WT) and LysM Cre+ Tfeb Flox/Flox (f/f) (myeloid-Tfeb KO) mice were subjected to chronic alcohol feeding plus an acute binge following the Gao-binge model. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and cholesterol content were determined using biochemical assays. Total hepatic protein content and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of autophagy-related proteins and inflammatory markers were determined using immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Isolated hepatic infiltrating macrophages and KCs from mice given intragastric ethanol infusions were analyzed by Western blot for TFEB and autophagy-related protein content. Raw 264.7 macrophages were treated with ethanol, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS plus ethanol to examine nuclear TFEB translocation using immunofluorescence.
Results
We found that TFEB levels were higher in macrophage/KC cells than in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. While ethanol feeding increased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, as well as hepatic triglyceride levels, no significant differences were observed between WT and myeloid-Tfeb KO mice. The number of F4/80-positive KCs/macrophages was similar in all four experimental groups, but hepatic neutrophil infiltration increased in alcohol-fed myeloid-Tfeb KO mice. LPS or ethanol alone induced nuclear TFEB translocation only moderately in Raw 264.7 macrophages.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that myeloid TFEB is dispensable for alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.
5.Chest CT imaging features of occupational pneumoconiosis induced by dust of iron and iron compounds
Yan REN ; Rongrong LIU ; Wenyen YAO ; Wenbo DING ; Min LI
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):99-102
Objective To analyze the chest computed tomography (CT) imaging features of occupational pneumoconiosis induced by dust of iron and iron compounds (OPTIDIC), and to explore imaging evidence for its diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods Abnormal coronal multiplanar reconstruction CT images of 19 patients with OPTIDIC were analyzed retrospectively, and imaging findings were compared with those from chest digital radiography (DR). Results Chest CT imaging of 19 patients with OPTIDIC showed multiple small, round opacities in both lungs, with predominantly low-density nodules in 14 cases, and high-density nodules in five cases. Nodules were mainly distributed in the upper and middle lung zones in 15 cases and diffusely distributed in four cases. Hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy and lymph node calcification were observed in 11 and 6 cases, respectively. Interlobular septal thickening was observed in six cases, while reticular opacities, increased lung markings, patchy ground-glass opacities, pleural thickening, and emphysema were observed in 6, 4, 7, 5, and 4 cases, respectively. On chest DR, small opacities were classified as p/s and p/t types in 16 and 3 cases, respectively. No large opacities or honeycombing were observed on either coronal chest CT or chest DR among 19 patients with OPTIDIC. Conclusion Chest CT findings of OPTIDIC patients are characterized by small, low-density round opacities, with a predominance in the upper and middle lung zones and frequent hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. CT provides valuable evidence for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of OPTIDIC.
6.Chicken-Derived Medicinals for Pediatric Enuresis:An Analysis Based on Ancient Classical Literature
Min TONG ; Xianqing REN ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Yatong ZHANG ; Diya MA ; Zichao DING ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyang CAI ; Shuzi ZHANG ; Jialei CAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1966-1972
ObjectiveTo systematically investigate the medication rules of chicken-derived medicinals for treating children enuresis in ancient Chinese medical classicals. MethodsThe China Medical Classics V5.0 database was searched to identify formulas and passages containing chicken-derived medicinals for pediatric enuresis. A database was established using Microsoft Excel 2021 to extract information including formulas, therapeutic categories, natures, flavors, channel entry, processing methods, dosage forms, and administration methods. Frequency analysis was performed, while association rule analysis and cluster analysis were conducted using R software. Gephi 0.10.1 software was used for complex network analysis. ResultsA total of 171 records were included, comprising 36 single-herb formulas and 135 compound formulas, sourced from 64 classical medical monographs. The identified chicken-derived medicinals included jichang (Intestinum Galli), jineijin (Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli), jigan (Gallina Hepar), jishibai (Faeces Galli Albi), jisu (Ingluvies Galli), jiheling (Pluma Alae Galli), and jiweimao (Chicken tail feathers). The top three frequently used single herbs were jichang (17 times), jineijin (8 times), and jiheling (5 times). Among compound prescriptions, the three most frequently recorded formulas were Jineijin Powder (鸡内金散, 43 times), Jichang Powder (鸡肠散, 25 times), and Guigan Pills (桂肝丸, 24 times), with jineijin, jichang, and jigan being the predominant chicken-derived medicinals. When converting the daily dosage of chicken-derived medicines into modern dosage units, the dose ranged from 0.53 g to 33.57 g for jineijin, with 4.48 g being the most frequently used dose, and from 0.25 g to 30.00 g for jichang, with 17.90 g being the most frequently used dose. Chicken-derived medicinals were mostly used after processing, commonly employing burning (68 times), roasting/ stir-baking (37 times), and calcining (24 times) to preserve properties. Powders (117 times), pills (45 times), and decoctions (9 times) were the principal dosage forms, and administration with wine (70 times) was the most common method. The most frequently used herbal pair was jineijin and roucongrong (Herba Cistanches), while the core prescription combinations were Tusizi Powder (菟丝子散), Yangshi Jichang Powder (杨氏鸡肠散), and Rongxiang Pill (茸香丸). ConclusionChicken-derived medicinals , such as jichang and jineijin, are commonly processed by burning or roasting before use in the treatment of enuresis. They are often combined with longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi), muli (Concha Ostreae), sangpiaoxiao (Oötheca Mantidis), roucongrong and rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) to warm and tonify the kidney qi, arrest enuresis and emission with astringents. Pills and powders are the predominant dosage forms and are commonly administered before meals with wine or salted water.
7.Treatment of Pediatric Viral Pneumonia in the Acute Phase Based on the Theory of "Exuberant Fire Consuming Qi"
Zisu CHEN ; Dandan DING ; Fajun LI ; Min LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2179-2182
In clinical practice, it has been observed that pediatric viral pneumonia in the acute phase often present with pronounced heat manifestations, including high fever, flushed face, and rapid pulse, but heat-clearing medicinals alone frequently fails to achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes. Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, it is proposed that during the acute phase of the disease, the pathological process of "exuberant fire consuming qi" often occurs earlier than the appearance of clinical qi deficiency manifestations. Analysis in conjunction with modern viral immunology research findings suggests that the core pathological mechanism of viral infection lies in a vicious cycle of immune overactivation and immune function impairment, and this process shares certain similarities with the TCM pathogenesis of "exuberant fire consuming qi". Therefore, it is proposed that in the acute phase of pediatric viral pneumonia, if there is persistent high fever and poor response to antipyretics, heat-clearing medicinals should be administered in adequate doses to eliminate the "exuberant fire", while sweet-warm qi-supplementing medicinals, such as huangqi (Radix Astragali) and Dangshen (Radix Codonopsis), should be introduced early to reinforce healthy qi and help restore immune homeostasis. Meanwhile, as exuberant fire may damage yin, Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati) may be added to supplement both qi and yin, along with sweet-cool yin-nourishing medicinals, such as Beishashen (Radix Glehniae), Maidong (Radix Ophiopogonis) and Tianhuafen (Radix Trichosanthis), to moisten the yin fluids.
8.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children Based on Collateral Disease Theory: A Review
Qiuyan WANG ; Xuejun LI ; Ying DING ; Yibai XIONG ; Yudong WANG ; Yongbin YAN ; Min GAO ; Hongji WU ; Weifang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):258-268
The collateral disease theory stands as one of the most instructive frameworks for elucidating the pathology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Its characteristic pathological features—toxin damaging collaterals, dysfunction of Qi collaterals, and protracted illness involving collaterals—closely align with the manifestations of cytokine storms, immune dysregulation, and chronic damage induced by M. pneumoniae (MP). Drug-resistant MP further exacerbates these manifestations and poses challenges in clinical treatment, making it essential to clarify the intrinsic relationship between the collateral disease theory and MPP. However, existing studies still lack relevant elaboration, resulting in a gap in guidance by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory in clinical practice. Considering the instructive, scientific, and necessary role of the collateral disease theory in MPP, this paper thoroughly elucidates the pathological manifestations of MPP and the core evolutionary characteristics of collateral damage, and further provides a scientific interpretation from the perspective of collateral disease on the clinical efficacy and mechanism of TCM treatment of MPP over the past five years. This review aims to reveal the intrinsic relationship between the collateral disease theory and MPP, enrich the scientific connotation of TCM theory, and bridge the gap in TCM theoretical guidance, thereby providing scientific research clues for TCM treatment of MPP.
9.An analysis of the seasonal epidemic characteristics of influenza in Kunming City of Yunnan Province from 2010 to 2024
Zexin HU ; Min DAI ; Wenlong LI ; Minghan WANG ; Xiaowei DENG ; Yue DING ; Hongjie YU ; Juan YANG ; Hong LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):643-648
ObjectiveTo characterize the seasonal patterns of influenza in Kunming City, Yunnan Province before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide scientific evidence for optimizing influenza prevention and control strategies. MethodsInfluenza-like illness (ILI) and etiological surveillance data for influenza from the 14th week of 2010 to the 13th week of 2024 in Kunming City of Yunnan Province were collected. Harmonic regression models were constructed to analyze the epidemic characteristics and seasonal patterns of influenza before (2010/2011‒2019/2020 influenza seasons), during (2020/2021‒2022/2023 influenza seasons), and after (2023/2024 influenza season) the COVID-19 pandemic. ResultsBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza in Kunming City mainly exhibited an annual cyclic pattern without a significant semi-annual periodicity, peaking from December to February of the next year, with an epidemic duration of 20‒30 weeks. During the pandemic, influenza seasonality shifted, with an increase in semi-annual periodicity and an approximate one month delay in annual peaks. However, after the pandemic, the annual amplitude of influenza increased compared with that before the pandemic, and the epidemic duration extended by about one month. Although the annual peak largely reverted to the pre-pandemic levels, the annual peaks for different influenza subtypes/lineages had not fully recovered. ConclusionInfluenza seasonality in Kunming City underwent substantial alterations following the COVID-19 pandemic and has not yet fully reverted to pre-pandemic levels. Continuous surveillance on different subtypes/lineages of influenza viruses remains essential, and prevention and control strategies should be adjusted and optimized in a timely manner based on current epidemic trends.
10.Case of osteitis condensans ilii.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(1):131-132
The paper reports one case of osteitis condensans ilii treated with acupuncture in the young and middle-aged female patient. Based on the "analogy" thinking, bilateral Chengshan (BL57) and Ximen (PC4) were selected. The short needling was delivered at Chengshan (BL57), in which, the needle tip went directly to the bone surface and the needle was lifted and thrusted to induce the tolerable sensation. At Ximen (PC4), the needle was inserted, with the depth of 20 mm to 30 mm, and manipulated with the even needling technique. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once every two days, 3 treatments a week. After treated for 3 weeks, the pain and discomforts in the lumbal and gluteal regions disappeared basically and no recurrence was found in 1-month follow-up visit.
Humans
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Female
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Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation*
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Osteitis/therapy*
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Adult
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Middle Aged
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Acupuncture Points


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