1.Current Status,Challenges,and Strategies of Basic Research on the Brain-Gut Interaction Theory for Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ting CHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Xiaohua HOU ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lifei ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Xinxin WANG ; Xuan LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):517-522
The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis, involving neural, endocrine, and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs (脏腑) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory, and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid, the liver governing the free flow of qi, and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases, including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, neurotransmitter levels, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses, as well as the gut microecology. However, current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges, such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology, lack of innovation in research concepts, and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration, multi-omics technologies, and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases, thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.
2.Differences in dose-response effects between ultra-high dose rate and conventional dose rate whole abdominal irradiation on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice
Yufeng SHEN ; Jie ZHOU ; Lintao LI ; Fenghao GENG ; Chenxi YANG ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Shuo WANG ; Wei TANG ; Yongjie LI ; Shun LU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(11):1077-1084
Objective:To compare the dose-response effects of single-fraction ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) and conventional dose rate (CONV) whole abdominal irradiation (WAI) with X-rays on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice, in order to identify optimal dose parameters and potential mechanisms.Methods:A total of 186 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a non-irradiation group ( n=6), FLASH irradiation groups ( n=90), and CONV irradiation groups ( n=90). Acute radiation-induced intestinal injury models were established using single-fraction WAI with 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 Gy X-rays (200 Gy/s for FLASH and 4 Gy/min for CONV). Changes in body weight, stool characteristics, and disease activity index (DAI) scores were assessed at 9 d post-irradiation. At 7 d post-irradiation at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, the intestines were collected for macroscopic examination and length measurement. The small intestine was selected for HE staining and quantitative analysis of intestinal crypt number and mucosal epithelial thickness. The survival of mice was assessed at 15 d post-WAI across all dose groups. Results:After single-fraction WAI at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, the body weight was higher in the FLASH group than that in the CONV group ( t=10.17, 12.65, 10.16, P<0.05). The DAI scores for the FLASH group were 1.00±1.10, 3.17±0.75, and 2.83±1.17, respectively, which were lower than those of the CONV group (4.33±0.52, 7.00±0.00, 8.60±0.55; t=8.70, 11.71, 14.99, P<0.05). However, after WAI at 14 Gy and 15 Gy, there were no significant differences in body weight and DAI between the FLASH group and the CONV group ( P>0.05). At 7 d after single-fraction WAI at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, mice in the FLASH group exhibited less intestinal congestion, edema, and shortening compared with the CONV group. The difference between the FLASH and CONV groups were statistically significant in small intestine length at 11 and 13 Gy ( t=4.42, 3.78, P<0.05), and in colorectal length at 11 and 12 Gy ( t=3.97, 3.12, P<0.05). Small intestine HE staining revealed superior preservation of intestinal architecture in the FLASH group compared with the CONV group, characterized by longer villi, increased crypt numbers, thicker mucosal epithelium, and enhanced structural integrity. The differences in crypt number and mucosal epithelial thickness were statistically significant ( tcrypt=13.10, 23.80, 11.90; tmucosal=5.75, 2.64, 7.74; P<0.05). At 15 d post-irradiation, the survival rate in the 15 Gy FLASH group was higher than that in the CONV group (50% vs. 10%, χ2=5.39, P<0.05), with a median survival extension of 6 d ( HR=0.340, 95% CI: 0.115 4-0.999 9). No significant survival differences were observed between the FLASH group and the CONV group at 11, 12, 13, and 14 Gy ( P>0.05). Conclusions:FLASH irradiation significantly alleviated acute radiation-induced intestinal injury from medium single-fraction WAI with 11, 12, and 13 Gy X-rays compared with CONV irradiation, and showed potential to improve mouse survival after single-fraction WAI at 15 Gy. This effect is likely associated with the preservation of intestinal crypts and exhibits a dose-dependent relationship.
3.Association between remnant cholesterol and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a community population in Shanghai
Yingqi DENG ; Minhua TANG ; Kexin ZHANG ; Xiaohua LIU ; Yanan WU ; Qian PENG ; Liping YI ; Jianhua SHI ; Yingfeng LU ; Yonggen JIANG ; Genming ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):935-941
Objective:To analyze the association between remnant cholesterol (RC) and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in community population in Shanghai.Methods:Using baseline and follow-up data from the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank, individuals with ASCVD (including coronary heart disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease) at baseline were excluded. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between RC and ASCVD risk and the association under different LDL-C levels.Results:A total of 57 281 participants were included, with a median follow-up of 5.61 person-years. During the follow-up, 1 436 ASCVD events (2.51%) were recorded. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals with moderate ( HR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-1.36) or high RC levels ( HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.15-1.51) had an increased risk of ASCVD. The association was stronger in participants younger than 60 years-old (interaction P=0.048). Participants with RC ≥0.97 mmol/L and LDL-C <3.40 mmol/L demonstrated a 19% ( HR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.06-1.35) increased risk of ASCVD. When RC ≥0.97 mmol/L and LDL-C ≥3.40 mmol/L, ASCVD risk increased by 42% ( HR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.21-1.67). Conclusions:Elevated RC increases ASCVD risk, regardless of LDL-C levels. RC can serve as a valuable predictor and intervention target for ASCVD.
4.Mediating effects of cardiovascular health status in association between educational level and cardiovascular disease
Yanan WU ; Minhua TANG ; Biying WANG ; Yiling WU ; Liping YI ; Hongjie YU ; Yunlong KAN ; Shuai ZHU ; Xiaohua LIU ; Yonggen JIANG ; Genming ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):840-849
Objective:To analyze the mediating effect of cardiovascular health status (CVH) on the association between educational level and cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods:The participants were from Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank, and questionnaire survey, physical examination, blood biochemistry were conducted from 2016 to 2020 for baseline information collection, and follow up was conducted until March 31, 2024 based on the medical data, CVD incidence data and death surveillance data at different levels. The associations of educational level, CVH and time to CVD onset of the study population were analyzed using the accelerated failure time model to analyze the mediating effects of CVH, health behaviors, and health factors in the association of educational level and time to CVD onset. The mediating effects of educational level, gender, and age moderated associations were also analyzed.Results:A total of 57 312 participants were included, with 2 780 new cases of CVD during a median follow-up of 6.71 (6.71-6.72) years, and a mean incidence density of 7.77/1 000 person-years (95% CI: 7.48/1 000 person-years -8.06/1 000 person-years). In total, the less educational level and the lower CVH, the higher CVD incidence density ( P<0.05). The results of accelerated failure time models showed that the time ratio for CVD-free survival was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.06-1.24) and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.10-1.60) for moderate and high educational level, respectively. The results of the mediation effect analysis showed that the association between moderate and high educational level and time to CVD onset was 29.60% (20.50%-50.00%) and 36.10% (23.80%-59.00%), 9.97% (5.07%-20.00%) and 13.84% (6.84%-29.00%), 15.24% (9.64%-27.00%) and 17.55% (11.58%-33.00%) of mediators mediated by CVH, health behaviors, health factors, respectively. Among them, there was an exposure-mediated interaction of educational level and a positive moderating effect of age. Conclusion:CVH, health behaviors and health factors had a proportionate mediating effect in the association between educational level and risk of CVD development.
5.Differences in dose-response effects between ultra-high dose rate and conventional dose rate whole abdominal irradiation on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice
Yufeng SHEN ; Jie ZHOU ; Lintao LI ; Fenghao GENG ; Chenxi YANG ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Shuo WANG ; Wei TANG ; Yongjie LI ; Shun LU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(11):1077-1084
Objective:To compare the dose-response effects of single-fraction ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) and conventional dose rate (CONV) whole abdominal irradiation (WAI) with X-rays on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice, in order to identify optimal dose parameters and potential mechanisms.Methods:A total of 186 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a non-irradiation group ( n=6), FLASH irradiation groups ( n=90), and CONV irradiation groups ( n=90). Acute radiation-induced intestinal injury models were established using single-fraction WAI with 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 Gy X-rays (200 Gy/s for FLASH and 4 Gy/min for CONV). Changes in body weight, stool characteristics, and disease activity index (DAI) scores were assessed at 9 d post-irradiation. At 7 d post-irradiation at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, the intestines were collected for macroscopic examination and length measurement. The small intestine was selected for HE staining and quantitative analysis of intestinal crypt number and mucosal epithelial thickness. The survival of mice was assessed at 15 d post-WAI across all dose groups. Results:After single-fraction WAI at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, the body weight was higher in the FLASH group than that in the CONV group ( t=10.17, 12.65, 10.16, P<0.05). The DAI scores for the FLASH group were 1.00±1.10, 3.17±0.75, and 2.83±1.17, respectively, which were lower than those of the CONV group (4.33±0.52, 7.00±0.00, 8.60±0.55; t=8.70, 11.71, 14.99, P<0.05). However, after WAI at 14 Gy and 15 Gy, there were no significant differences in body weight and DAI between the FLASH group and the CONV group ( P>0.05). At 7 d after single-fraction WAI at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, mice in the FLASH group exhibited less intestinal congestion, edema, and shortening compared with the CONV group. The difference between the FLASH and CONV groups were statistically significant in small intestine length at 11 and 13 Gy ( t=4.42, 3.78, P<0.05), and in colorectal length at 11 and 12 Gy ( t=3.97, 3.12, P<0.05). Small intestine HE staining revealed superior preservation of intestinal architecture in the FLASH group compared with the CONV group, characterized by longer villi, increased crypt numbers, thicker mucosal epithelium, and enhanced structural integrity. The differences in crypt number and mucosal epithelial thickness were statistically significant ( tcrypt=13.10, 23.80, 11.90; tmucosal=5.75, 2.64, 7.74; P<0.05). At 15 d post-irradiation, the survival rate in the 15 Gy FLASH group was higher than that in the CONV group (50% vs. 10%, χ2=5.39, P<0.05), with a median survival extension of 6 d ( HR=0.340, 95% CI: 0.115 4-0.999 9). No significant survival differences were observed between the FLASH group and the CONV group at 11, 12, 13, and 14 Gy ( P>0.05). Conclusions:FLASH irradiation significantly alleviated acute radiation-induced intestinal injury from medium single-fraction WAI with 11, 12, and 13 Gy X-rays compared with CONV irradiation, and showed potential to improve mouse survival after single-fraction WAI at 15 Gy. This effect is likely associated with the preservation of intestinal crypts and exhibits a dose-dependent relationship.
6.A machine learning-based model for predicting the risk of diabetic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Tingting LI ; Peng SU ; Jinbo CHEN ; Xiaoyan HE ; Yi CAO ; Xin ZHANG ; Qingling TANG ; Xubin MIAO ; Xiaohua LIANG ; Dong MA
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(4):241-247
Objective To compare and find an optimal model for predicting the risk of DKD occurrence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 2005 patients with T2DM were enrolled in this study from The Second Hospital of Shijiazhuang City during December 2017 to December 2022.All the subjects were divided into a training set(n=1403)and a validation set(n=602)according to the ratio of 3∶1 by simple random sampling.With the occurrence of DKD as the outcome variablein the training set,important feature variables were screened by LASSO regression.Six different machine learning models were established according to the feature variables,thenthe optimal model was determined by comparison,and anonlinerisk predictor for DKD occurrence was constructed in patients with T2DM.Results Taking the occurrence of DKD as the outcome variable in the training set,the results of LASSO regression analysis showed that the optimal value of the model was 10-fold cross validation lambda.1se=0.01662473,and 15 characteristic variables with nonzero coefficient were screened out to be related to the occurrence of DKD.The data included sex,age,family history of DM,DM duration,LDL-C,HbA1c,WBC,PDW,Scr,urine α1-microglobulin,urine β2-microglobulin,urine microalbumin,hypertension,hypokalemia,and DR.In the training set and validation set,the prediction performance of XGBoost model was better than that of other models(AUC=0.872,0.893,95%CI 0.853~0.891,0.865~0.921),the sensitivity was 0.779,0.863,and the specificity was 0.721,0.758,respectively.The F1 scores were 0.774 and 0.787.DCA analysis showed that the XGBoost model had a greater net benefit and threshold probability.According to the XGBoost model,the online predictor of DKD risk in T2DM patients was laid out,and two patients were selected for application,the results showed that the predictive value of the model was 0.185 in non-DKD patients,and the predictive value was 0.510 in DKD patients.Conclusions The XGBoost model is the best model for predicting the occurrence of DKD in T2DM patients,and an online predictor was successfully built.
7.Mediating effects of cardiovascular health status in association between educational level and cardiovascular disease
Yanan WU ; Minhua TANG ; Biying WANG ; Yiling WU ; Liping YI ; Hongjie YU ; Yunlong KAN ; Shuai ZHU ; Xiaohua LIU ; Yonggen JIANG ; Genming ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):840-849
Objective:To analyze the mediating effect of cardiovascular health status (CVH) on the association between educational level and cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods:The participants were from Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank, and questionnaire survey, physical examination, blood biochemistry were conducted from 2016 to 2020 for baseline information collection, and follow up was conducted until March 31, 2024 based on the medical data, CVD incidence data and death surveillance data at different levels. The associations of educational level, CVH and time to CVD onset of the study population were analyzed using the accelerated failure time model to analyze the mediating effects of CVH, health behaviors, and health factors in the association of educational level and time to CVD onset. The mediating effects of educational level, gender, and age moderated associations were also analyzed.Results:A total of 57 312 participants were included, with 2 780 new cases of CVD during a median follow-up of 6.71 (6.71-6.72) years, and a mean incidence density of 7.77/1 000 person-years (95% CI: 7.48/1 000 person-years -8.06/1 000 person-years). In total, the less educational level and the lower CVH, the higher CVD incidence density ( P<0.05). The results of accelerated failure time models showed that the time ratio for CVD-free survival was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.06-1.24) and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.10-1.60) for moderate and high educational level, respectively. The results of the mediation effect analysis showed that the association between moderate and high educational level and time to CVD onset was 29.60% (20.50%-50.00%) and 36.10% (23.80%-59.00%), 9.97% (5.07%-20.00%) and 13.84% (6.84%-29.00%), 15.24% (9.64%-27.00%) and 17.55% (11.58%-33.00%) of mediators mediated by CVH, health behaviors, health factors, respectively. Among them, there was an exposure-mediated interaction of educational level and a positive moderating effect of age. Conclusion:CVH, health behaviors and health factors had a proportionate mediating effect in the association between educational level and risk of CVD development.
8.Analysis of the predictive value of early fluid balance in combination with daily average fluid intake for the prognosis of patients after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage hematoma evacuation
Xin HE ; Yan SUN ; Xiaoqi ZHOU ; Jie CHENG ; Qiqun TANG ; Xiaohua CHENG ; Fang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(6):403-413
Objective To investigate the predictive value of early fluid balance combined with daily average fluid intake on the prognosis of patients who received hematoma evacuation for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage(sICH).Methods This study retrospectively and consecutively enrolled patients who underwent hematoma evacuation for sICH admitted to the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit of North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital between January 2023 and January 2025.Patients'baseline and clinical data were collected,including gender,age,admission vital signs(body temperature,respiratory rate,heart rate,systolic and diastolic blood pressure),medical history(hypertension,diabetes mellitus,coronary heart disease),admission Glasgow coma scale(GCS)score,admission laboratory parameters(including white blood cell count,red blood cell count,platelet count,urine bacterial levels,urine ketones,urine pH,homocysteine),hemorrhage location,hemorrhage volume,time from ictus to surgery,and hematoma evacuation rate(hematoma evacuation rate[%]=[preoperative hematoma volume-postoperative hematoma volume]/preoperative hematoma volume × 100%).Fluid intake,output,balance,daily average intake,and cumulative fluid balance during the early postoperative period(the first to seventh 24-hour periods)were assessed and recorded.Fluid intake comprised the sum of intravenously administered fluids(crystalloids,hypertonic fluids,colloids,blood products,and parenteral nutrition),enteral nutrition(nasogastric feeding solutions and water),and renal replacement therapy fluids.Fluid output comprised the sum of urine volume,vomitus,drainage fluid,and dialysis fluid losses.Fluid balance was defined as the difference between fluid intake and output.Daily average intake was calculated as the average of the fluid intake over the first seven postoperative 24-hour periods.Cumulative fluid balance was the sum of the fluid balances over the first seven postoperative 24-hour periods.Patient outcomes were assessed at 30 days postoperatively.Discharged patients underwent outpatient review or telephone follow-up,while inpatients were evaluated by neurosurgeons.Prognosis was evaluated using the 30-day modified Rankin scale(mRS)score:mRS scores 0-3 were classified as favorable prognosis,and mRS scores 4-6 as poor prognosis.Patients were subsequently divided into favorable prognosis and poor prognosis groups based on mRS scores.Factors with P<0.05 in univariate comparisons and without collinearity(multicollinearity was defined by:tolerance<0.1 and variance inflation factor>10)were included in multivariate Logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for poor 30-day prognosis after hematoma evacuation in sICH patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was employed to evaluate the predictive value of relevant factors for poor 30-day prognosis after hematoma evacuation in sICH patients.Results A total of 320 patients who underwent hematoma evacuation for sICH were enrolled,including 192 males and 128 females,with an age range of 20-91 years(median age 62[53,68]years).Among them,144 patients were assigned to the favorable prognosis group and 176 to the poor prognosis group.The poor prognosis group exhibited significantly higher hemorrhage volume,homocysteine level,fluid intake at the 3rd,5th,6th,and 7th 24-hour periods,fluid balance at the 3rd,5th,6th,and 7th 24-hour periods,daily average intake,and cumulative fluid balance compared to the favorable prognosis group(all P<0.05).The favorable prognosis group had a significantly higher hematoma evacuation rate,GCS score,proportion of supratentorial hemorrhage and negative urine ketones than the poor prognosis group(all P<0.05).No significant differences were found in other clinical data(all P>0.05).Fluid balance over the first seven postoperative 24-hour periods displayed a rise-decline-rise pattern in the poor prognosis group and a rise-decline pattern in the favorable prognosis group.Both groups peaked at the 3rd 24-hour period.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified fluid balance at the 3rd 24-hour period(OR,2.013,95%CI 1.386-2.922,P<0.01)and daily average intake(OR,3.583,95%CI 1.793-7.161,P<0.01)as independent influencing factors for poor 30-day prognosis after hematoma evacuation in sICH patients.ROC curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve(AUC)for fluid balance at the 3rd 24-hour period and daily average intake in predicting poor 30-day prognosis were 0.699(95%CI 0.642-0.757)and 0.765(95%CI 0.712-0.819),respectively.The combined model of fluid balance at the 3rd 24-hour period and daily average intake achieved an AUC of 0.804(95%CI 0.756-0.853),demonstrating significantly superior predictive performance compared to either variable alone(both P<0.05).Conclusions The combination of fluid balance at the 3rd 24-hour period and daily average intake demonstrates modest predictive value for poor 30-day prognosis after hematoma evacuation in sICH patients.These findings require validation through multicenter,large-scale,prospective studies.
9.Association between remnant cholesterol and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a community population in Shanghai
Yingqi DENG ; Minhua TANG ; Kexin ZHANG ; Xiaohua LIU ; Yanan WU ; Qian PENG ; Liping YI ; Jianhua SHI ; Yingfeng LU ; Yonggen JIANG ; Genming ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):935-941
Objective:To analyze the association between remnant cholesterol (RC) and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in community population in Shanghai.Methods:Using baseline and follow-up data from the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank, individuals with ASCVD (including coronary heart disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease) at baseline were excluded. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between RC and ASCVD risk and the association under different LDL-C levels.Results:A total of 57 281 participants were included, with a median follow-up of 5.61 person-years. During the follow-up, 1 436 ASCVD events (2.51%) were recorded. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals with moderate ( HR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-1.36) or high RC levels ( HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.15-1.51) had an increased risk of ASCVD. The association was stronger in participants younger than 60 years-old (interaction P=0.048). Participants with RC ≥0.97 mmol/L and LDL-C <3.40 mmol/L demonstrated a 19% ( HR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.06-1.35) increased risk of ASCVD. When RC ≥0.97 mmol/L and LDL-C ≥3.40 mmol/L, ASCVD risk increased by 42% ( HR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.21-1.67). Conclusions:Elevated RC increases ASCVD risk, regardless of LDL-C levels. RC can serve as a valuable predictor and intervention target for ASCVD.
10.Structural insights into the distinct ligand recognition and signaling of the chemerin receptors CMKLR1 and GPR1.
Xiaowen LIN ; Lechen ZHAO ; Heng CAI ; Xiaohua CHANG ; Yuxuan TANG ; Tianyu LUO ; Mengdan WU ; Cuiying YI ; Limin MA ; Xiaojing CHU ; Shuo HAN ; Qiang ZHAO ; Beili WU ; Maozhou HE ; Ya ZHU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(5):381-385

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