1.Pathogenesis and Syndrome Differentiation of "Gaozhuo" of Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Yuman YIN ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Gang HU ; Juan HUANG ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):226-234
Oxidative stress is a pivotal factor in the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and it plays an essential role in the prevention and treatment of DKD. The "Gaozhuo" pathogenesis posits that DKD is characterized by the invasion of Gaozhuo and damage to the kidney collaterals, with the underlying cause being the insufficiency of spleen Qi and the internal formation of Gaozhuo, which provides valuable guidance on oxidative stress. The insufficiency of spleen Qi and the internal formation of Gaozhuo represent a dynamic, evolving process. Gaozhuo invades the kidney collaterals, impairs kidney Qi, and progressively leads to the congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood, ultimately resulting in the failure of both the spleen and kidneys. The damage caused by Gaozhuo to the kidney collaterals and kidney Qi is analogous to the organ and functional damage of the kidneys induced by excessive reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Damage to the kidney collaterals means organic injuries to the glomeruli, renal tubules, and renal interstitium, and the depletion of kidney Qi refers to damage to glomerular filtration and renal tubular reabsorption. The congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood in the kidney collaterals is similar to oxidative stress-induced thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and fibrosis. The interaction between spleen and kidney Qi deficiency and the congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood creates a vicious cycle that exacerbates the condition, ultimately evolving into the failure of both the spleen and kidneys. The failure of the spleen and kidneys is analogous to renal failure, and its extreme manifestation is end-stage renal disease and uremia. The treatment of oxidative stress in DKD with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the principles of strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys, and dispelling turbidity and removing blood stasis. According to the syndrome type, it is recommended to use methods such as strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi while dispelling dampness and removing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys while dispelling dampness and removing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys while dispelling turbidity and removing blood stasis, or consolidating the spleen and kidneys while clearing away turbidity and blood stasis.
2.Research progress on the effects and mechanisms of plateau hypoxia on drug metabolism
Qian LI ; Rong WANG ; Feng YANG ; Xiaofeng WANG ; Dongfeng YIN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):275-279
The plateau region is known for its unique environmental characteristics of low oxygen, low pressure, strong radiation, cold and dryness. Under the low oxygen environment, human physiological functions and drug metabolism are significantly affected. In order to gain a deeper understanding of drug metabolism in the plateau hypoxic environment and to guide the rational use of drugs in the plateau region, the effects of plateau hypoxia on drug metabolism were reviewed in this paper, which focused on changes in metabolic profiles, enzyme activity and expression, and probed the relevant mechanisms in depth.
3.Research progress on the effects and mechanisms of plateau hypoxia on drug metabolism
Qian LI ; Rong WANG ; Feng YANG ; Xiaofeng WANG ; Dongfeng YIN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):275-279
The plateau region is known for its unique environmental characteristics of low oxygen, low pressure, strong radiation, cold and dryness. Under the low oxygen environment, human physiological functions and drug metabolism are significantly affected. In order to gain a deeper understanding of drug metabolism in the plateau hypoxic environment and to guide the rational use of drugs in the plateau region, the effects of plateau hypoxia on drug metabolism were reviewed in this paper, which focused on changes in metabolic profiles, enzyme activity and expression, and probed the relevant mechanisms in depth.
4.Differences in Responses to Neoadjuvant Anti-HER2 Therapy between HER2 2+/ISH+ and HER2 3+ in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Lingjun MA ; Ran ZHENG ; Lingyun XU ; Ying ZHU ; Hong YIN ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Rong DENG ; Jue WANG ; Xiaoming ZHA
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):501-512
Purpose:
Dual anti–human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) drugs have become the standard regimen for neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) to HER2-positive breast cancer patients. However, the efficacy varies greatly among patients with different HER2 protein expression levels.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 575 HER2-positive breast cancer patients from multiple centers throughout China from 2013 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. We compared clinicopathological features in different HER2 immunohistochemistry classes (HER2 2+/in situ hybridization [ISH] + or HER2 3+), and their difference in response to NST and survival with single or dual anti-HER2 drugs. Drug sensitivity assays were used to evaluate different efficacy of anti-HER2 drugs in vitro.
Results:
Compared to HER2 3+ subgroup, the HER2 2+/ISH+ group had a higher proportion of hormone receptor–positive status (48.7% vs. 76.1%, p < 0.001), more HER2 protein loss after NST, lower pathological complete response (pCR) rate (46.07% vs. 16.24%, p < 0.001), and tended to have worse disease-free survival (DFS). In HER2 2+/ISH+ patients, treated with pertuzumab and trastuzumab in combination had no significant improvement in pCR (19.12% vs. 12.24%, p=0.287) and DFS (p=0.908) than using alone. Drug sensitivity assay showed poor efficacy with dual anti-HER2 drugs in HER2 2+/ISH+ cell lines; however, fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan drugs had a satisfactory effect.
Conclusion
Owing to the differences in clinicopathological features and treatment efficacy, we considered the HER2 2+/ISH+ group to be a distinct subtype and defined it as the HER2-moderate–positive subgroup. In this subgroup, dual anti-HER2 drugs did not exert significant improvement in pCR and DFS. Therefore, treatment optimization is warranted, with antibody-drug conjugate drugs as potential options.
5.Comparison of Patient Satisfaction Between Gynecological Teaching Outpatient Clinics and General Clinics and Analysis of Influencing Factors
Xiaochen SONG ; Huiying HU ; Qian ZHOU ; Jie YIN ; Shuo LIANG ; Xiaochuan LI ; Rong CHEN ; Lan ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1390-1396
To evaluate patient satisfaction levels in a gynecological teaching clinic and to explore its associated influencing factors, so as to provide evidence for optimizing the operational model of teaching clinics. This was a single-center retrospective cross-sectional survey. Patients who attended the gynecological teaching clinic(teaching clinic group) and the general outpatient clinic(general clinic group) at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2023 to July 2025 were enrolled. Satisfaction wasassessed using the Chinese version of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18, with the 5-level ordinal overall satisfaction as the primary outcome. Ordinal logistic regression was employed to identify independent influencing factors of satisfaction. A total of 1146 patients(578 in the teaching clinic group and 568 in the general clinic group) were enrolled, among whom 985 completed the questionnaire follow-up(496 in the teaching clinic group and 489 in the general clinic group), yielding a response rate of 85.95%. The 5-level ordinal overall satisfaction was higher in the teaching clinic group than in the general clinic group( Patient satisfaction in the gynecological teaching clinic is relatively high, with notable strength in doctor-patient communication; however, there remains room for improvement in technical service quality and humanistic care. Adequate consultation duration and the teaching clinic model are associated with higher patient satisfaction.
6.Identification and diagnostic analysis of occult transfusion-related anaphylactic shock in a patient with severe burns
Yujun YANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Wen YIN ; Wenting WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(9):1290-1294
Objective: To explore the occult clinical features and diagnostic difficulties of transfusion-related anaphylactic shock (TRAS) in patients with severe burns through a retrospective case analysis, and to provide practical references for improving the early identification and treatment efficiency of such atypical allergic reactions. Methods: The clinical data of a patient with severe burns (60%TBSA) who developed severe anaphylactic shock after intraoperative plasma transfusion were retrospectively analyzed. Transfusion reaction laboratory investigations, including blood group re-verification, unexpected antibody screening, and the Coombs test, were performed to rule out hemolytic transfusion reactions and blood group incompatibility. Together with the patient's lack of typical cutaneous allergic signs, ineffective response to conventional vasopressor therapy, and the rapid reversal of the condition following anti-allergic treatment (epinephrine plus glucocorticoids), the diagnosis was established and the recognition pathway was summarized. Results: Immediately after plasma transfusion, the patient developed severe hypotension (50/40 mmHg) accompanied by altered mental status, tachycardia, and shock manifestations. Because of the extensive burn wounds over the whole body, typical allergic signs such as urticaria and skin flushing were not observed. Blood pressure could not be maintained after rapid fluid resuscitation and conventional vasopressor therapy, but recovered rapidly after switching to epinephrine combined with glucocorticoid pulse therapy, and vital signs tended to be stable. Prophylactic anti-allergic drugs were administered before subsequent transfusions, and no similar adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion: Transfusion-related allergic reactions in patients with severe burns are characterized by occult clinical manifestations, with skin signs often masked by burn wounds, which can easily lead to diagnostic delay. Reverse verification through the rapid response to anti-allergic therapy after failure of conventional anti-shock treatment is a key clinical approach for identifying atypical anaphylactic shock. It is recommended to establish an early warning mechanism focusing on hemodynamic monitoring within 15 minutes after transfusion, and develop individualized transfusion protocols, including preoperative allergic history assessment and prophylactic anti-allergic medication, for patients with severe burns, so as to enhance transfusion safety in this high-risk population.
7.Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate drinks on enhanced recovery and neonatal outcomes in women with diabetes undergoing elective cesarean section
Qufei CHEN ; Yannan LI ; Rong HU ; Huifen YIN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(5):858-865
Objective To analyze the effects of preoperative oral administration of carbohydrate (CHO) drinks on enhanced recovery after elective cesarean section in women with diabetes and neonatal outcomes, and to explore the application value and safety of preoperative oral CHO drinks. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 244 diabetic puerpera who underwent elective lower-segment transverse cesarean section at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from May 2024 to April 2026. According to whether CHO drinks were orally administered preoperatively, the participants were divided into the CHO group (n=120) and the control group (n=124) . The incidence rates of perioperative hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and vomiting, preoperative fluid supplementation, postoperative 2 h hunger and thirst scores, postoperative 2 d pain score, as well as satisfaction score regarding the fasting regimen were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia and hospitalization within 48 h. Results Compared with the control group, the proportion of puerpera requiring preoperative fluid supplementation was lower in the CHO group (0.83% vs 8.06%, P=0.006), postoperative 2 h thirst scores (2.15±1.29 vs 2.93±1.67, P<0.001) and hunger scores (1.33±1.06 vs 1.94±1.38, P<0.001) were lower, and satisfaction scores regarding the fasting regimen were higher (7.78±1.22 vs 6.73±1.47, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of perioperative hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, vomiting, postoperative flatus time, or pain scores. Neonatal blood glucose level in the observation room was lower in the CHO group than that in the control group ([3.23±0.77] mmol/L vs [3.38±0.63] mmol/L, P=0.045), and the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia was significantly higher in the CHO group (19.17% vs 2.42%, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative oral CHO drinks was a factor associated with neonatal hypoglycemia (OR=7.04, 95%CI 1.75–28.23, P=0.006). Conclusions Puerpera women receiving preoperative oral CHO drinks experienced less postoperative thirst and hunger and had higher overall satisfaction than those who did not receive CHO drinks, but the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia increased.
8.Effects of acupuncture on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and FSH/cAMP signaling pathway in aged rats.
Yaoyao ZHU ; Yaqian YIN ; Huanfang XU ; Li YANG ; Weixin LI ; Chenchen SU ; Rong ZHANG ; Yigong FANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(2):200-208
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the mechanism of acupuncture on improving ovarian hypofunction in aged rats from two perspectives: the overall regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis and the local ovarian follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway.
METHODS:
Six 3-month-old female SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected as the blank group. Another twelve 9-month-old female SD rats were randomly divided into a model group and an acupuncture group, with six rats in each. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV20), "Guanyuan" (CV4), and bilateral "Ciliao" (BL32) for 20 min per session, once every other day, for a total of 10 sessions. Vaginal smear tests were performed daily to observe the estrous cycle of the rats. Ovarian morphology was observed using HE staining, and follicles at various stages were counted. ELISA was used to detect levels of serum FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), pituitary FSH and LH, and ovarian cAMP. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression of ovarian cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunit, FSH receptor (FSHR), and P450. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure mRNA expression levels of FSHR and P450 in ovarian tissue.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, the model group showed an increased rate of estrous cycle disorder (P<0.01), reduced granulosa cell layers with blurred boundaries and disordered arrangement, decreased numbers of developing follicles at all stages, and increased numbers of atretic follicles (P<0.01); the serum levels of FSH and LH were increased (P<0.01), while E2 and AMH levels were decreased (P<0.01); the hypothalamic GnRH and pituitary FSH and LH levels were elevated (P<0.01), and ovarian cAMP level was decreased (P<0.01); the positive expression and protein expression of ovarian P450, cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunit, and FSHR were reduced (P<0.01), and ovarian FSHR and P450 mRNA expression was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed a reduced rate of estrous cycle disorder (P<0.01), clear granulosa cell margins, increased numbers of primordial and secondary follicles, and decreased numbers of atretic follicles (P<0.01); the serum FSH and LH levels were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while E2 and AMH levels were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the hypothalamic GnRH and pituitary FSH and LH levels were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and ovarian cAMP level was increased (P<0.01); the positive expression and protein expression of ovarian P450, cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunit, and FSHR were elevated (P<0.01), and ovarian FSHR and P450 mRNA expression was increased (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture could delay ovarian hypofunction in aged rats, possibly through regulating the HPO axis and the FSH/cAMP signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Female
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/genetics*
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Ovary/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Humans
;
Cyclic AMP/metabolism*
;
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism*
;
Aging/metabolism*
;
Hypothalamus/metabolism*
;
Pituitary Gland/metabolism*
;
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism*
9.Singapore consensus statements on the management of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Leong Chai LEOW ; Chuen Peng LEE ; Sridhar VENKATESWARAN ; Michael Teik Chung LIM ; Oon Hoe TEOH ; Ruth CHANG ; Yam Cheng CHEE ; Khai Beng CHONG ; Ai Ping CHUA ; Joshua GOOLEY ; Hong Juan HAN ; Nur Izzianie KAMARUDDIN ; See Meng KHOO ; Lynn Huiting KOH ; Shaun Ray Han LOH ; Kok Weng LYE ; Mark IGNATIUS ; Yingjuan MOK ; Jing Hao NG ; Thun How ONG ; Chu Qin PHUA ; Rui Ya SOH ; Pei Rong SONG ; Adeline TAN ; Alvin TAN ; Terry TAN ; Jenny TANG ; David TAY ; Jade TAY ; Song Tar TOH ; Serene WONG ; Chiang Yin WONG ; Mimi YOW
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(10):627-643
INTRODUCTION:
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in Singapore, with moderate to severe OSA affecting around 30% of residents. These consensus statements aim to provide scientifically grounded recommendations for the management of OSA, standar-dise the management of OSA in Singapore and promote multidisciplinary collaboration.
METHOD:
An expert panel, which was convened in 2024, identified several areas of OSA management that require guidance. The expert panel reviewed the current literature and developed consensus statements, which were later independently voted on using a 3-point Likert scale (agree, neutral or disagree). Consensus (total ratings of agree and neutral) was set a priori at ≥80% agreement. Any statement not reaching consensus was excluded.
RESULTS:
The final consensus included 49 statements that provide guidance on the screening, diagnosis and management of adults with OSA. Additionally, 23 statements on the screening, diagnosis and management of paediatric OSA achieved consensus. These 72 consensus statements considered not only the latest clinical evidence but also the benefits and harms, resource implications, feasibility, acceptability and equity impact of the recommendations.
CONCLUSION
The statements presented in this paper aim to guide clinicians based on the most updated evidence and collective expert opinion from sleep specialists in Singapore. These recommendations should augment clinical judgement rather than replace it. Management decisions should be individualised, taking into account the patient's clinical characteristics, as well as patient and caregiver concerns and preferences.
Humans
;
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis*
;
Singapore
;
Consensus
;
Adult
10.Traditional Chinese medicine understanding and treatment strategies for hypertension com plicated by chronic low back pain from perspective of kidney deficiency syndrome.
Zheng-Rong LUO ; Yin-Qiu GAO ; Xing-Jiang XIONG ; Pin LYU ; Xiao-Chen YANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1121-1131
In China, the number of chronic pain patients has exceeded 300 million, making chronic pain the third major health problem after tumors and cardiovascular diseases. Particularly concerning is the gradual emergence of hypertension and chronic low back pain as public health problems that threaten public health and increase the global economic burden. Modern research shows that the incidence of coexisting hypertension is higher among patients with chronic low back pain. Additionally, evidence indicates that the use of NSAIDs for pain relief can have adverse effects on blood pressure, and some antihypertensive medications may trigger symptoms of low back pain. Thus, addressing chronic pain in hypertensive patients while stabilizing blood pressure is one of the important research questions in the modern treatment of hypertension among middle-aged and elderly individuals. From ancient to modern traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, kidney deficiency has been regarded as the core pathogenesis of low back pain. Recent clinical practices and literature indicate that kidney deficiency plays a crucial role in the modern pathogenesis of hypertension. Both hypertension and chronic low back pain are closely associated with kidney deficiency in TCM theory, revealing a potential mechanism linking the two conditions. Combining the theories of " kidney-essence-marrow" and " nourishing water to moisten wood", a therapeutic strategy centered on tobifying kidney was proposed, including selecting single drugs with kidney-tonifying effects as well as compound formulations and elaborating modern research evidence. The aim is to achieve stable blood pressure control in hypertension patients with chronic low back pain while providing a new treatment perspective for chronic low back pain. This article systematically elaborates on the understanding of hypertension combined with chronic low back pain from both TCM and modern medicine, as well as the therapeutic strategy involving kidney-tonifying drugs, to offer useful references for clinical practice.
Humans
;
Hypertension/complications*
;
Low Back Pain/complications*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Kidney/drug effects*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Chronic Pain/drug therapy*

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail