Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.

Functional dyspepsia (FD), characterized by persistent or recurrent dyspeptic symptoms without identifiable organic, systemic or metabolic causes, is an increasingly recognized global health issue. The objective of this guideline is to equip clinicians and nursing professionals with evidence-based strategies for the management and treatment of adult patients with FD using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Guideline Development Group consulted existing TCM consensus documents on FD and convened a panel of 35 clinicians to generate initial clinical queries. To address these queries, a systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, China Biology Medicine (SinoMed) Database, Wanfang Database, Traditional Medicine Research Data Expanded (TMRDE), and the Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (TCMLARS). The evidence from the literature was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The strength of the recommendations was ascertained through a consensus-building process involving TCM and allopathic medicine experts, methodologists, pharmacologists, nursing specialists, and health economists, leveraging their collective expertise and empirical knowledge. The guideline comprises a total of 43 evidence-informed recommendations that span a range of clinical aspects, including the pathogenesis according to TCM, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, efficacy assessments, and prognostic considerations. Please cite this article as: Zhang SS, Zhao LQ, Hou XH, Bian ZX, Zheng JH, Tian HH, Yang GH, Hong WS, He YY, Liu L, Shen H, Li YP, Xie S, Shu J, Zeng BF, Li JX, Liu Z, Xiao ZH, Xiao JD, Zheng PY, Huang SG, Chen SL, Fei GJ. International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025). J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):502-518.
Dyspepsia/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of transvaginal core needle biopsy for pelvic masses under finger guidance during a vagino-recto-abdominal examination.Methods:The clinicopathological data and follow-up information of 29 patients with pelvic masses who underwent transvaginal core needle biopsy under finger guidance during a vagino-recto-abdominal examination at Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2020 to July 2024 were collected, and the safety and diagnostic accuracy of the procedure were retrospectively analyzed.Results:(1) A total of 29 patients with pelvic masses were enrolled in this study, with a median age of 50 years (range: 29-73 years), and a median tumor diameter of 3.9 cm (range: 2.7-13.3 cm). Among these patients, 7 were newly diagnosed, and 22 were follow-up. The pre-procedure disease types included 21 patients (72%, 21/29) cervical cancer, 6 patients (21%, 6/29) epithelial ovarian cancer, and 2 patients (7%, 2/29) other suspected gynecologic tumors. (2) Among 29 patients with pelvic masses, 8 cases (28%, 8/29) were diagnosed with benign diseases according to core needle biopsy pathological findings, and 1 case suggested possible residual cervical cancer in the parametrial region by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging after radical chemoradiotherapy 3 months, while the result of core needle biopsy for this patient was negative, with follow-up after 1 year revealed progression of the lesion in the right parametrial area. Another patient underwent fine-needle aspiration cytology, which suggested gastrointestinal stromal tumor, requiring differentiation from endometriosis, and core needle biopsy pathology confirmed endometriosis, with follow-up at 6 months revealed no evidence of malignancy in this patient. The remaining 6 patients with benign diagnoses had follow-up periods exceeding 1 year without imaging or clinical evidence of local lesion progression or malignancy. Among the 21 patients (72%, 21/29) diagnosed with malignant tumors by core needle biopsy, 14 cases were suspected cases of residual or recurrent cervical cancer, 6 cases had advanced ovarian cancer, and 1 case had rectal cancer metastasis, with all biopsy diagnoses being consistent with preoperative clinical findings and imaging results. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the core needle biopsy was 97% (28/29). Among the 7 newly diagnosed patients, the diagnostic accuracy was 7/7, while it was 95% (21/22) for the 22 follow-up patients, with no statistically significant difference observed between the two groups ( P=1.000). (3) All 29 patients with pelvic masses successfully underwent transvaginal core needle biopsy guided by vagino-recto-abdominal examination. Among them, 28 cases (97%, 28/29) reported tolerable pain during the procedure, while 1 case (3%, 1/29) experienced transient syncope at the end of the procedure due to pain, which resolved within seconds. Vaginal bleeding exceeding 50 ml occurred in 3 patients (10%, 3/29) during paracervical tissue sampling, with the maximum blood loss being 150 ml, and hemorrhage was successfully controlled using vaginal tamponade. The overall incidence of adverse events during the core needle biopsy procedure was 14% (4/29). Conclusion:Transvaginal core needle biopsy for pelvic masses guided by vagino-recto-abdominal examination is a simple, safe, and accurate diagnostic method, suitable for patients with gynecologic malignancies, non-gynecologic malignancies suspected of pelvic mass metastasis, and other benign pelvic lesions.

Objective To explore the change of nucleoplasm distribution of glucocorticoid receptor alpha(GRα)in peripheral blood of children with primary nephrotic syndrome(PNS)during the course of the disease,aiming at evaluating the correlation between nuclear transport abnormality and different GC responses.Methods A total of 45 children with PNS were enrolled as subjects in this prospective study,and divided into steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome(SSNS,n=36)and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS,n=9)groups,according to their response to GC.The SSNS group was further subclassified into non-frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome(NFRNS,n=21)and frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome(FRNS,n=15)based on relapse frequency during 12-month follow-up.Peripheral blood samples were collected before GC treatment,6-week and 6-month after GC treatment.GRα nuclear localization was detected by immunofluorescence assay,and their correlations with clinical-laboratory indicators were analyzed.Results Before the GC treatment,the average fluorescence intensity showed no significantly difference among different groups(P＞0.05),the GRαin the three groups were localized mainly in cytoplasm,and the nucleocytoplasmic ratio showed no significantly difference among the three groups(P＞0.05).6-week after the GC treatment,the average fluorescence intensity showed no significantly difference among the three groups(P＞0.05),the GRα in SSNS group were localized mainly in nucleus,while those in SRNS group were localized mainly in cytoplasm.Furthermore,nucleocytoplasmic ratio in NFRNS group and SRNS group demonstrated significant differences,while those in NFRNS group and FRNS group showed no significant difference(P＞0.05).6-month after the GC treatment,the average fluorescence intensity in NFRNS group and FRNS group showed no significant difference(P＞0.05),GRα in the two groups were localized mainly in nucleus,and their nucleocytoplasmic ratio had significantly differences(P＜0.05).The GRα nucleocytoplasmic ratio in children with PNS was negatively correlated with 24-hour urine protein(24 h-UTP),TNF-α,while positively correlated with serum albumin(Alb).Conclusion There are differences in nuclear transport ability among PNS children of SRNS,NFRNS and FRNS groups,and these differences are correlated with the differency of GC responses.

AIM To explore the effects of Dahuang Lingxian Recipe on Th1/Th2 cell immune imbalance in a rat model of cholestatic liver fibrosis(CLF).METHODS 20 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the ursodeoxycholic acid group(0.063 g/kg)and the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group(4.8 g/kg),with 5 rats in each group.Except for those of the normal group,the rats of all other groups had open surgery of common bile duct ligation,followed by the gavage of corresponding drug two days later,and the procurement of the samples after gavage in the third week.The rats had their degree of liver fibrosis observed by HE and Masson stainings;their levels of serum total bile acid(TBA),alkaline phosphatase(AKP),γ-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and total bilirubin(TBil)measured by the kit;their hepatic percentage of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 positive cells detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining;their.hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR;their levels of helper T cell 1(Th1)and helper T cell 2(Th2)in peripheral blood detected by flow cytometry,and their ratio of Th1/Th2 calculated as well.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with either ursodeoxycholic acid or Dahuang Lingxian Recipe displayed well-ordered liver cells,hepatic lobules and hepatic cords;a small amount of fatty degeneration;significantly reduced connective hyperplasia of hepatic fibers;significantly narrowed fibrous cords;a small amount of blue fibrous septa;greatly improved pathological injuries including inflammatory infiltration of central vein and portal area;decreased levels of serum TBA,TBil,AKP,γ-GT,ALT and AST(P＜0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3(P＜0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA(P＜0.05);and increased counts of Th1 cells in peripheral blood,decreased counts of Th2 cells,resultsing increased Th1/Th2 ratio(P＜0.05).And an even better effect was observed in the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group.CONCLUSION Dahuang Lingxian Recipe can reduce or reverse CLF by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation through maintaining Th1/Th2 cell immune balance via the NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs174575 and rs2845574 in the fatty acid desaturase 2 ( FADS2) gene and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods:A total of 1 514 pregnant women who visited West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2021, were enrolled in this study. Among them, 583 were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM group), and 931 had normal pregnancies (control group). The SNPs rs174575 and rs2845574 in the FADS2 gene were analyzed using Sanger DNA sequencing. Plasma levels, insulin (INS), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels were measured using enzymatic methods, chemiluminescence and immunoturbidimetry. This study was approved by Medical Ethics Committee of the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University (Ethics No. 2020-036). Results:① The main type of genotype at the rs174575 C/G and rs2845574 C/T polymorphic sites were CC in both GDM and control groups. No statistically significant differences were observed between the GDM and control groups regarding the genotype frequencies or allele frequencies of rs174575 and rs2845574 sites ( P>0.05). ② Among the GDM group, individuals with the GG genotype at the rs174575 site had lower plasma HDL-C levels compared to those with the CC genotype ( P<0.05), and had higher atherogenic indices (AI) than CC and CG genotype ( P<0.05; P<0.05). Individuals with the TT genotype at the rs2845574 site had higher AI than CT genotype ( P<0.05). Among the control group, individuals with the GG genotype had lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared to those with the CC genotype ( P<0.05). ③ Additional subgroup analysis demonstrated that the rs174575 polymorphism was associated with AI levels in obesity subgroup of GDM, TG levels in non-obese subgroup of control and DBP levels in obese subgroup of control ( P<0.05; P<0.05; P<0.05). Conclusion:The FADS2 rs174575 and rs2845574 polymorphisms in GDM patients were associated wit HDL-C and AI levels, and the FADS2 rs174575 polymorphisms was also associated with DBP levels in normal pregnant women. The AI and DBP levels have BMI-dependent effect.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) with skin lesions as initial symptom. METHODS: The clinical data of 11 ENKTL patients with skin lesions as initial symptom were retrospectively analyzed from August 2016 to January 2023 in Wuhan First Hospital and Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. RESULTS: Among the 11 patients, there were 6 males and 5 females, with a median age of 50(32-80) years. All patients had different forms of skin lesions as initial clinical symptom, including rash, ulcerative mass, painful skin nodules, infiltrating macula, etc. Most of the skin lesions were involved in the limbs and trunk but also appeared in the lower limbs alone. Five patients had hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) at initial diagnosis, and 8 patients had B symptoms. All patients were diagnosed with advanced clinical staging (Lugano staging IV), and classified as high risk (PINK-E score ≥3). Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the positive rates of CD56 and EBER were both 100%, and the median Ki-67 index was 75%(50%-80%). Plasma EBV-DNA tests were all positive (≥5×10² copies/ml). Most of the induction chemotherapy regimens were combination chemotherapy (MESA, p-Gemox, SMILE) containing pegaspargase or L-asparaginase, or combined with PD-1 monoclonal immunotherapy, or HLH regimens (HLH-04 regimen, L-DEP). The median follow-up time and overall survival (OS) time were both 4.5(0.5-27) months. During the follow-up period, all 8 patients who did not receive autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) died, most of whom died of rapid disease progression. Three patients received ASCT, one died of central nervous system recurrence after transplantation, and two survived. The OS of three patients who underwent ASCT was 21, 27, and 19 months, and PFS was 11, 20, and 13 months, respectively. The plasma EBV-DNA copy number was monitored irregularly after transplantation, and the load of EBV was consistent with the changes of the disease. CONCLUSIONS Early clinical symptoms of ENKTL patients with skin lesions as initial symptom are more atypical, and early diagnosis is particularly difficult. The disease progresses rapidly and the prognosis is poor. There is still no uniform standard for the best treatment strategy. The survival of patients can be significantly prolonged by applying ASCT as soon as possible after complete remission obtained by high-dose induction chemotherapy.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell/diagnosis* ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Prognosis ; Aged, 80 and over

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of one patient with primary cutaneous CD8⁺ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (CD8⁺ PCAECTL), and to strengthen the understanding of this extremely rare type of lymphoma. METHODS: The clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment course, and prognosis of one patient with CD8⁺ PCAECTL admitted to our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The patient is a 42-year-old female, with infiltrative skin rash on naso-facial and back as the main clinical manifestations. After pathological examination of the affected skin tissue, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and imaging, the diagnosis was confirmed as CD8⁺ PCAECTL, T3aN₀M₀ stage. Alternating chemotherapy with CHOP/HD-MTX (methotrexate, 6 g/m²) regimen was administered, and achieved complete remission (CR) after 4 cycles. After undergoing chemotherapy with DHAP regimen (cisplatin 100 mg/m², d 1 + cytarabine 2 g/m², q 12h, d 2 + dexamethasone 40 mg/d, d 1-4), the patient was mobilized for peripheral blood stem cells using recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and a sufficient number of CD34⁺ cells were successfully collected. Preconditioning was conducted with the BEAM regimen, followed by consolidation therapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). The patient remained in a disease-free survival state after 20 months of follow-up post-AHSCT. CONCLUSION CD8⁺ PCAECTL is extremely rare in clinical practice, with insidious onset and difficult early diagnosis. It is mainly characterized by the proliferation of epidermotropic CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells and aggressive clinical course. At present, there is still no unified standard for the optimal treatment regimen, and the prognosis is very poor. Consolidation therapy with AHSCT after achieving remission through induction chemotherapy can improve the survival and prognosis of the CD8⁺ PCAECTL patients.
Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/diagnosis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic