1.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
2.Effect of Ningying Formula (宁瘿方) Combined with Low-Dose Antithyroid Drugs on Reducing Relapse Risk for Patients with Graves' Hyperthyroidism in Remission Stage:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Yuqin HUANG ; Mingshuai ZHANG ; Shijian LIU ; Feng TAO ; Yi CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):45-52
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Ningying Formula (宁瘿方) combined with low-dose antithyroid drugs (ATDs) on the relapse risk for patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH) during the remission phase, and to analyze the related factors between GH relapse and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) negativity, so as to provide evidence for the standardized management of GH in remission stage. MethodsA single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 269 GH patients in the remission stage. After propensity score matching (PSM), 102 matched pairs (204 patients) were established. The control group received low-dose ATDs as maintenance therapy, while the exposure group received the core Ningying Formula in addition to low-dose ATDs. The primary outcome was the GH recurrence rate; the secondary outcome was the thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) negativity rate (TRAb<1.75 IU/L). Safety outcomes included treatment-related adverse events. Differences between groups were assessed using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves, with sensitivity analysis performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). ResultsThe median follow-up in the matched cohort was 28.07 months. Regarding the GH recurrence outcome, the recurrence rate in the exposure group (18/102, 17.6%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (31/102, 30.4%; χ²=4.539, P=0.033); regarding the TRAb negativity outcome, the TRAb negativity rate in the exposure group (50/102, 49.0%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (23/102, 22.5%; χ²=15.551, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis for recurrence showed that Ningying Formula treatment reduced the risk of recurrence [HR=0.324, 95%CI(0.170, 0.617), P<0.001]. Male [HR=2.209, 95%CI(1.079, 4.520), P=0.030], higher initial TRAb level [per 1 IU/L increase: HR=1.033, 95%CI(1.003, 1.064), P=0.032], and larger thyroid volume [per 1 ml increase: HR=1.045, 95%CI(1.003, 1.088), P=0.035] were identified as independent risk factors for recurrence; multivariate Cox regression analysis for TRAb negativity indicated that Ningying Formula treatment promoted TRAb negativity [HR=1.826, 95%CI(1.091, 3.056), P=0.022], while a higher initial TRAb level was associated with a lower probability of negativity [HR=0.974, 95%CI(0.950, 0.998), P=0.032]. Survival analysis showed significant differences in relapse rate between groups (Log-Rank P=0.003) and in TRAb outcomes (Log-Rank P=0.034). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar between groups (P=0.757). The IPTW sensitivity analysis was consistent with the primary analysis, indicating robust results. ConclusionThe Ningying Formula combined with low-dose ATDs can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and can improve the TRAb negativity rate in GH patients during the remission stage, without increasing common adverse events, making it an optional strategy for reducing relapse risk during remission. Male gender, higher baseline TRAb level, and larger thyroid volume indicate a higher risk of recurrence, warranting focused follow-up and stratified management.
3.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
4.Expert recommendations on vision friendly built environments for myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):1-5
Abstract
The prevention and control of myopia in Chinese children and adolescents has become a major public health issue. While maintaining increased outdoor activity as a cornerstone intervention, there is an urgent need to explore new complementary approaches that can be effectively implemented in both indoor and outdoor settings. In recent years, environmental spatial frequency has gained increasing attention as one of the key environmental factors influencing the development and progression of myopia. Both animal studies and human research have confirmed that indoor environments lacking mid to high spatial frequency components, often characterized as "visually impoverished", can promote axial elongation and myopia through mechanisms such as disruption of retinal neural signaling, impaired accommodative function, and altered expression of related molecules. Based on the scientific consensus, it is recommended that "enriching of environmental spatial frequency" should be integrated into the myopia prevention and control framework. Following the principles of schoolled organization, family cooperation, community involvement, and student participation, specific measures are put forward in three areas:optimizing school visual settings, improving home spatial environments, and promoting healthy visual behavior. The aim is to create "visually friendly" indoor environments as an important supplement to outdoor activity, thereby providing a novel perspective and strategy for comprehensively advancing myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents.
5.The mechanism and therapeutic potential of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in acute liver injury
Huiyue TAO ; Na YANG ; Yang LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):209-216
Acute liver injury poses a serious threat to the life safety of patients, and currently there is still a lack of satisfactory treatment options. As a cytoprotective transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has important potential in the treatment of acute liver injury. Nrf2 exerts a protective effect by inducing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, regulating iron and fatty acid metabolism, protecting mitochondrial function, and inhibiting inflammatory responses, and it can also enhance the antioxidant capacity of the liver and inhibit the progression of acute liver injury by activating antioxidant response element and promoting the expression of the antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1, glutathione transferase, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit. Nrf2 can modulate acute liver injury caused by different etiologies. Natural compounds such as curcumin and synthetic compounds such as oltipraz can activate Nrf2 through different mechanisms, enhance the antioxidant capacity of the liver, and thus exert a protective effect against acute liver injury. However, there are still various challenges in Nrf2 in the treatment of acute liver injury, and its mechanism of action remains unclear, with most studies in the stage of experimental study. In the future, it is expected to deeply investigate the mechanism of action of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, optimize drug development strategies, improve the clinical application theories for agonists, and provide more effective and precise treatment regimens for patients with acute liver injury.
6.Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway regulates the development of osteoarthritis:guiding targeted therapy with traditional Chinese medicine
Hao LI ; Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Qiang DING ; Chicheng NIU ; Kai HUANG ; Hongyu KANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1476-1485
BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is pathologically characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and abnormal deformation of the subchondral bone.In recent years,with the deepening of medical research,it has been found that the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway has a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory factor release,and chondrocyte proliferation,which is particularly important for the treatment of osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To briefly review the main research progress in the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway regulating osteoarthritis in recent years,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteoarthritis.METHODS:CNKI,WanFang and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mitogen-activated protein kinases,osteoarthritis,extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from January 2019 to November 2024 was searched,and 108 articles were finally included for summary analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Various stimuli inside and outside the cells activate the MAPK signaling pathway,regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis,and promote the release of inflammatory factors,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.The release of these inflammatory factors aggravates the progression of osteoarthritis.(2)The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,mainly saponins and flavonoids,as well as Chinese herbal formulas and preparations with the main effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,tonifying the liver and kidney,can play a therapeutic role in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway,regulating the release of matrix metalloproteinases,balancing the homeostatic state of osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,attenuating the synovial inflammation,decreasing the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory vesicles,decreasing cellular pyroptosis,promoting autophagy,and ameliorating oxidative stress.(3)Although traditional Chinese medicine has become popular in the treatment of osteoarthritis by virtue of its own advantages of multi-components,multi-targets,multi-pathways,and low side effects,the use of MAPK signaling pathway to guide the treatment of individual osteoarthritis is the difficulty of the technology,which needs to be continuously researched and explored.(4)Therefore,further development of relevant herbal inhibitors that can modulate the MAPK signaling pathway may be a potential drug strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.
7.Mechanism Exploration of Doxorubicin and Sepsis Induced Myocardial Injury: Differences and Convergences
Tao ZHANG ; Zihan NAN ; Lixia LIU ; Jiaqi LIU ; Xiukai CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Suwen SU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):23-32
Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and sepsis-induced myocardial injury (SIMI) represent significant clinical challenges in patients undergoing chemotherapy, sharing a common pathological basis of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, has recently been shown to play a critical role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced SIMI. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms underlying myocardial injury caused by DOX and sepsis, identifying ferroptosis as a central common pathway. DOX triggers a burst of reactive oxygen species within mitochondria and inhibits glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity through redox cycling of its quinone group and high-affinity accumulation in mitochondrial cardiolipin. LPS, by activating pattern recognition receptors and related inflammatory signaling pathways, provokes a cytokine storm and mitochondrial dysfunction. Both can disrupt the core regulatory axis of cysteine-glutathione (GSH)-GPX4, synergistically promoting ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, epigenetic regulation plays a key role in DOX- and LPS-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and may serve as a promising therapeutic target. A deeper understanding of the ferroptosis mechanism and its epigenetic regulatory network in the synergistic injury induced by DOX and sepsis is of great importance for developing novel strategies to mitigate chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity and improve outcomes in cancer patients with concurrent infections.
8.Cost-utility analysis of anlotinib combined with penpulimab in first-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Wenying YAN ; Na YANG ; Ranran ZHANG ; Xinyue TAO ; Shengnan GAO ; Guoqiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):344-349
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anlotinib combined with penpulimab versus sorafenib as first- line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) from the perspective of China’s healthcare system. METHODS Based on data from the APOLLO study, a partitioned survival model was established with a 21-day model cycle to simulate patient survival status over 10 years under anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen or sorafenib monotherapy. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was used as the core evaluation parameter to assess the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of different treatment regimens. Using 3 times China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 (287 247 yuan/QALY) as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, cost-utility analysis was performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the treatment regimens. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the robustness of the baseline analysis conclusion. Scenario analysis was performed to consider the impact of anlotinib and penpulimab assistance programs on the results; the price reduction of penpulimab to ensure the cost-effectiveness of the combination regimen was examined under varying WTP thresholds (specifically, 1, 2, and 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024). RESULTS The baseline analysis revealed that the ICER of anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen relative to the sorafenib regimen was 338 611.20 yuan/QALY, which exceeded the WTP threshold set in this study. Univariate sensitivity analysis indicated that the utility value of progression free survival and penpulimab price significantly influenced the baseline analysis results. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the baseline results. The results of scenario analysis indicated that when considering the assistance programs for anlotinib and penpulimab, the obtained ICER values were all below the WTP threshold set at 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024. When the price of penpulimab was reduced by 58%, 35%, and 13%, the ICER values were below the WTP threshold, which was 1, 2 and 3 times the per capita GDP of China in 2024, respectively. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of China’s healthcare system, anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen for first-line treatment of uHCC lacks cost-effectiveness compared to sorafenib regimen. However, this conclusion would be reversed if the anlotinib and penpulimab assistance programs are taken into account or if the price of penpulimab is reduced by more than 13% and above.
9.Incidence trend of infectious diseases among kindergarten children in Yangpu District, Shanghai in 2009 - 2023
Qiaoli SUN ; Xiao YANG ; Jiahui LIU ; Fangfang TAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):48-52
Objective To investigate the incidence trend of infectious diseases among kindergarten children in Yangpu District, Shanghai, and to provide scientific reference for prevention and control strategies of infectious diseases among key populations. Methods Descriptive epidemiology method and Joinpoint regression analysis model were used to analyze the surveillance data of infectious diseases among kindergarten children. Results The average annual reported incidence of infectious diseases among kindergarten children in Yangpu District was 3,344.08/100,000, showing a downward trend (AAPC=-5.51, 95%CI: -13.02~2.63). Intestinal (65.49%) and respiratory (34.48%) infectious diseases were the main cases. There were 7,378 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (62.95%), 1,885 cases of influenza (16.08%), 1,378 cases of varicella (11.76%), and 392 cases of mumps (3.34%), accounting for 94.14% of all reported cases. Hand, foot and mouth disease (AAPC=-17.68%, 95%CI: -27.52~-6.51), mumps (AAPC=-9.33, 95%CI: -14.86~-3.45) and varicella (AAPC=-7.32, 95%CI: -17.35~3.93) showed an overall decreasing trend, while influenza (AAPC=32.19, 95%CI: 12.49-55.34) was on the rise. The incidence of the disease showed double peak distribution, and the high incidence months were from May to July and from September to December. The male to female ratio was 1.39:1. Conclusion The incidence of infectious diseases among kindergarten children in Yangpu District shows a downward trend. It is necessary to continue to increase the coverage rate of Enterovirus 71(EV71), influenza, chickenpox and MMR combined live attenuated vaccine, strengthen monitoring and early warning, actively carry out health guidance, and effectively control the occurrence of common infectious diseases in kindergarten children.
10.Culture and identification of rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells by modified tissue block adherence method
Tao ZHANG ; Maobin YU ; Meijun LIU ; Ziyang MA ; Peihai ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):113-117
ObjectiveTo establish an in vitro culture model of rat corpora cavernous smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) using a modified tissue block adherence method. MethodsCorpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue was digested with collagenase type I and subsequently cultured using an adherent method. Cells were purified via differential adhesion and identified through immunofluorescence and Western blotting. ResultsCCSMCs began to emerge from the tissue block after 3 days, increased significantly by day 7, and converged by day 12. Post-passage, CCSMCs exhibited strong proliferation and a “peak-to-valley” phenomenon. After purification, the cells tested positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), confirming the successful establishment of the in vitro culture model. ConclusionThe modified tissue block adherence method is a cost-effective and efficient way to obtain high-purity CCSMCs.


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