1.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
2.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
3.Analysis of Clinical Prognostic Characteristics in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome-Related Renal Fanconi Syndrome
Xiaoxiao SHI ; Yuan DONG ; Jiahe JIANG ; Peng XIA ; Shuo ZHANG ; Yubing WEN ; Dong XU ; Fengchun ZHANG ; Limeng CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):358-369
Renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) is a rare renal manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This study aims to analyze the clinical and prognostic characteristics of patients with pSS-associated renal FS (pSS-FS) and provide insights for clinical management. Patients diagnosed with pSS-FS via renal biopsy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2024 were enrolled. Data collected included age, sex, clinical symptoms (xerostomia, xerophthalmia, skin purpura, arthralgia, polyuria, and systemic symptoms), laboratory findings [serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM, complement (C3, C4), antinuclear antibody, anti-Sjögren's syndrome-associated antigen A antibody (SSA), anti-SSB antibody, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, tubular proteinuria, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes], treatment, and follow-up information. Systematic assessments included the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score, pulmonary involvement (including non-infectious interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, etc.), hematological involvement (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), etc. Efficacy evaluations encompassed improvements in immunological parameters, renal function, and tubular function. Group comparisons were performed using chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, A total of 38 patients with pSS-FS were included, with 37(97.4%) being female. The median age at pSS diagnosis was 43(37, 57) years. Xerostomia (76.3%) and xerophthalmia (71.1%) were the predominant clinical symptoms. The most common renal tubular dysfunctions were generalized aminoaciduria (96.9%), tubular proteinuria (96.0%), and hypokalemia (94.7%). The median eGFR was 52.57(32.04, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2), with 60.5% (23/38) of patients having an eGFR below 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2).After six months of immunosuppressive therapy, including moderate-to-high-dose glucocorticoids, significant improvements were observed in immunological parameters (improvement rate: 69.2%), renal tubular function (89.5%), and renal function (44.4%). Following immunosuppressive treatment, the median eGFR increased from 54.95(33.06, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2) to 65.56(56.24, 83.58)mL/(min·1.73 m2).Compared to patients with normal or mildly impaired baseline eGFR [≥ 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)], those with significantly decreased baseline eGFR [< 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)] were older (46 years This study reports the clinical characteristics of the largest single-center cohort of pSS-FS patients internationally, characterized by varying degrees of proximal renal tubular dysfunction and renal impairment. Timely initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, including glucocorticoids, is crucial, particularly for patients with significantly reduced eGFR, who may experience more substantial renal function improvement.
4.Association of microRNA gene polymorphisms with risk, clinicopathological characteristics and therapeutical efficacy among Chinese patients with Crohn's disease.
Yanlun ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao SHAO ; Daopo LIN ; Yuan XU ; Guolong MA ; Yi JIANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):111-122
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the association of microribonucleic acid (miRNA) gene polymorphisms with the risk and clinicopathological characteristics of Crohn's disease (CD) and the influence of miRNA gene variants on the response to ustekinumab (UST) treatment among CD patients.
METHODS:
From January 2018 to February 2025, 312 patients diagnosed with CD and 527 gender- and age-matched normal controls were selected as the study subjects at the Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Genotypes of miR-155 (rs767649), miR-21 (rs13137), miR-124 (rs531564) and miR-146a (rs57095329, rs2431697) were determined with multiplex polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) technique. The patients were divided into different subgroups according to the Montreal Classification Criteria for CD. Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI) and simplified endoscopic score for CD were respectively applied to assess the clinical and endoscopic disease activity of CD. Unconditional logistic regression model was employed to analyze the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between the two groups, as well as their influence on the clinicopathological characteristics of CD patients. Among them, 185 CD patients received first-line UST treatment, with the first sufficient dose of UST (6 mg/kg) administered intravenously. Based on the changes in HBI at week 8, the response of patients to UST treatment was evaluated. Unconditional logistic regression model was employed to analyze the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between clinically responsive group (the decline of HBI ≥ 3 scores compared to week 0) and non-responsive group. All of the P values were adjusted by Bonferroni correction. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ethics No.: 2025-K-12-01).
RESULTS:
No significant difference was found in the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The variant genotype (TC+CC) of rs2431697 was more common among patients with terminal ileal-type and ileocolic-type CD than those with the colonic-type CD (OR = 4.98, 95%CI: 1.49~16.68, P = 0.009, adjusted P = 0.045). However, the opposite conclusion was drawn for the homozygous variant genotype (TT) of rs13137 and variant genotype (GC+CC) of rs531564 (OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.18~0.76, P = 0.007, adjusted P = 0.035; OR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.18~0.73, P = 0.004, adjusted P = 0.020). Compared to patients with non-stricturing and penetrating CD, the variant genotype (AG+GG) and variant allele (G) of rs57095329 were more common in those with stricturing and penetrating CD (OR = 4.06, 95%CI: 2.46~6.71, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005; OR = 3.12, 95%CI: 2.06~4.73, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005). However, the frequencies of variant genotype (AT+TT) and variant allele (T) of rs13137 were lower among patients with stricturing and penetrating CD than in those without (OR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.15~0.41, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005; OR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.33~0.63, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005). Additionally, the variant genotype (AG+GG) and variant allele (G) of rs57095329 were more common among those with moderately to severely endoscopic activity than those with mildly endoscopic activity (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.19~3.42, P = 0.009, adjusted P = 0.045; OR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.28~3.25, P = 0.003, adjusted P = 0.015). In total 117 cases had shown clinical response by week 8, while 68 cases showed no response. Compared with t he clinically non-responsive group, the variant genotype (TC+CC) and variant allele (C) of rs2431697 were more common in the clinically responsive group (OR = 3.86, 95%CI: 1.80~8.32, P = 0.001, adjusted P = 0.005; OR = 2.60, 95%CI: 1.34~5.06, P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.025). However, the variant genotype (TA+AA) of rs767649 was less frequent in the clinically responsive group than the non-responsive group (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.21~0.74, P = 0.004, adjusted P = 0.020). The same conclusion was drawn for the variant genotype (AT+TT) and variant allele (T) of rs13137 when the clinically responsive group was compared with the non-responsive group (OR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.14~0.63, P = 0.002, adjusted P = 0.010; OR = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.35~0.82, P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.025).
CONCLUSION
Genetic polymorphisms of miRNAs are not associated with the risk of developing CD. The miR-146a (rs57095329) variant may increase the endoscopic activity of CD and the risk for stenosis or penetration. However, the miR-146a (rs2431697) variant may increase the risk of ileal involvement. The miR-21 (rs13137) variant may reduce the risk of ileal involvement and the risk of stenosis or penetration. The miR-124 (rs531564) variant may reduce the risk of ileal involvement. Among patients receiving UST treatment, the miR-146a (rs2431697) variant may increase the clinical response by week 8. However, both the miR-155 (rs767649) and miR-21 (rs13137) variants may decrease the clinical response by week 8.
Humans
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Crohn Disease/pathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Middle Aged
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Genotype
;
Young Adult
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Adolescent
;
East Asian People
5.Ethical exploration of medical academic conferences based on field theory
Lei ZHANG ; Wenhua WANG ; Xue WANG ; Yi LUO ; Xiaoxiao YUAN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(9):1254-1258
Medical academic conferences represent one of the important carriers of scientific and technological exchanges, promoting the progress of medical science and technology and the dissemination of knowledge. However, the surge in the number of conferences has not been matched by a corresponding improvement in academic quality, leading to widespread doubts about their academic nature. The standardization of medical academic conferences urgently requires clarifying the core value standards of high-quality medical academic conferences from the perspective of academic ethics. Based on the perspective of academic ethics and employing Bourdieu’s field theory, this study systematically analyzed the functional positioning and value norms of medical academic conferences. It argued that they were committed to “pursuing truth” in knowledge production at the individual level, focused on “pursuing goodness” in communication and dissemination at the academic community level, and strove for “pursuing innovation” in innovative influence at the social level. Taking a professional annual conference as a typical case, this study further delved into the operational processes and internal mechanisms of academic annual conferences in the medical field. On this basis, optimization recommendations were proposed, including strengthening the principle of academic priority, promoting equal participation mechanisms, fostering innovative development models, and other aspects, with a view to providing a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the high-quality development of medical academic conferences.
6.Pathological diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration: a series study of 311 cases
Xiaoxiao WEN ; Xiaoyi LIU ; Jinfeng CUI ; Lichao ZHANG ; Wenxuan LIU ; Haiyan YANG ; Yuan WANG ; Li YI ; Lei LOU ; Juan WANG ; Yuehong LI ; Wenxin WU ; Xianghong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(1):52-58
Objective:To investigate the combined application of cytology, cell block histology and immunohistochemistry to improve the diagnostic accuracy of solid pancreatic lesions in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples.Methods:The pathological data of EUS-FNA in 311 cases of solid pancreatic lesions submitted to the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China from May 2019 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The cases included pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, 172 cases), solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN, 12 cases), neuroendocrine tumors (PNET, 14 cases) and chronic pancreatitis (113 cases). The cytological features of smears, the histology of cell block sections and the diagnostic markers in PDAC, SPN and PNET were analyzed. The diagnostic accuracies of cytology, cell block histology/immunohistochemistry and combination of the two methods for classifying these pancreatic solid lesions were evaluated.Results:Irregular arrangement of atypical (cancer) cells, anisonucleosis and nuclear atypia were the typical cytological features of PDAC, while presence of pseudopapillae with a myxoid/hyalinized fibrovascular core and low adhesion/salt-and-pepper chromatin were diagnostic features of SPN and NET, respectively. Immunohistochemical results showed that CK7 and CK19 were the most sensitive markers of pancreatic ductal epithelia, and the diffuse strong expression of S-100P (102/111, 91.9%) and aberrant expression of p53 (80/111, 72.1%) were important immunophenotypic markers of PDAC. Various degrees of CDX2 expression could be found in 66.4% PDAC. The expression of CD10, PR, vimentin, CD99 and cyclinD1 and the aberrant expression of β-catenin were the immunophenotypic features of SPN, while the expression of CgA, Syn and CD56 were indispensable immunemarkers for the diagnosis of PNET. Overall, cytology had higher sensitivity than cell block histology (93.9% versus 82.8%) and lower specificity (92.9% versus 99.1%), while the combination of the two methods significantly improved the sensitivity to 96.9% in solid pancreatic lesions. The combination of cytology and cell block histology could significantly improve the diagnostic efficacy of EUS-FNA in PDAC.Conclusions:Integrated diagnosis based on cytology (including rapid on-site evaluation), cell block histology and immunohistochemical findings could significantly improve the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA in classifying solid pancreatic lesions.
7.A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Improvement of Prognosis of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Using Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations
Li DOU ; Wei WANG ; Manshu YU ; Sicheng YUAN ; Jingyi HU ; Yuwen ZHUANG ; Minghao QI ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Fei YANG ; Jiale MENG ; Tao GUO ; Xiaoxiao WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(11):1585-1595
OBJECTIVE The emergence of evolving variants of Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has fostered the need for change of newer and adaptive treatments for these infections.During the COVID-19 pandemic and persists,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)herbs exhibit significant bioactivity and therapeutic effect.This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of four TCM preparations on 28-day mortality risk of patients and changes of the laboratory indicators.METHODS The retrospective cohort study included patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from December 15,2022 to January 15,2023,and those died within 48 hours of admission or cannot be tracked for outcomes were excluded.The pri-mary outcome was survival status in 28 days(death or survival)starting from the day of admission.The second outcomes were labora-tory indicators,including absolute lymphocyte count,lactate dehydrogenase,creatinine,and blood urea nitrogen.Binary logistic re-gressions were used to estimate the effect of TCM preparations on the primary and secondary outcomes in main analysis.Meanwhile,heterogeneity and robustness of results from main analysis were assessed by subgroup analyses and multiple sensitivity analyses.RESULTS 1 816 eligible patients were included in analysis dataset,including 573 patients received standard care(control group)and 1 243 patients received TCM preparations(hospital preparation group).The 28-day mortality rate of hospital preparation group was lower than that of control group(4.75%vs.14.83%),and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=54.666,P<0.001).The risk of 28-day mortality was 0.535 times lower in the hospital preparation group as compared with the control group(OR=0.46,95%CI:0.305-0.708,P<0.001)showed by multivariable binary logistic regressions.Subgroup analyses showed that taking TCM preparations reduced the 28-day mortality risk.Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the results of the main analysis for primary outcomes were robust.For secondary outcomes,the risk of abnormal absolute lymphocyte counts at discharge in the hospital prepara-tion group decreased by 0.284 times(OR=0.703,95%CI:0.515-0.961,P=0.027).CONCLUSION Compared with standard of care,taking four hospital preparations including Kanggan Heji,Feining Heji,Qishen Gubiao Keli,and Qianghuo Qushi Qingwen Heji decreased risk of 28-day mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.TCM therapy achieves adequate therapeutic effects in COVID-19.
8.Role of TLR5 in pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension:Current evidence and future challenges
Ou WU ; Xiaoxiao MI ; Hu ZHANG ; Chengda YUAN ; Jin GAO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(2):484-489
Toll-like receptor 5(TLR5)is a pattern recognition receptor,the main extracellular receptor for recognizing flagel-lin,and a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity.It can activate innate immunity and induce the release of a series of down-stream cytokines,as well as play an important role in protecting the host from flagellated pathogens and establishing immune tolerance.These functions are related to the pathogenesis of obesity hypertension in various aspects.This article aims to review the relationship between TLR5 and obese hypertension,as well as the new progress on the interaction between TLR5 and flagellin structure and func-tion,and discuss the future research directions and challenges.
9.Study on the distribution of FMR1 CGG repeat numbers among 16 610 women of childbearing age in China
Yahui SHEN ; Wei HOU ; Xiaolin FU ; Manli ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao XIE ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Jiaxin BIAN ; Xiao MAO ; Juan WEN ; Chunyu LUO ; Hua JIN ; Qian ZHU ; Qingwei QI ; Yeqing QIAN ; Jing YUAN ; Yanyan ZHAO ; Ailan YIN ; Shutie LI ; Yulin JIANG ; Rui XIAO ; Yanping LU
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(4):398-402
Objective:To investigate the distribution of CGG repeat numbers in the FMR1 gene among reproductive-age women in China, providing data reference for carrier screening and genetic counseling of Fragile X syndrome. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 16 610 reproductive-age women from 12 medical institutions between July 2022 and October 2023. Peripheral venous blood samples (3 mL) were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. The number of CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene was determined using the triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis technology. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence and distribution of CGG repeat expansions. Results:Among 16 610 women of childbearing age, 5 684 (34.220%) women had the same number of CGG repeats in the two alleles of FMR1 gene, and 10 926 (65.780%) women had different numbers of repeats in the two alleles. Among the 33 220 FMR1 alleles in 16 610 women of reproductive age, the most common CGG repeat numbers were 29 [48.645% (16 160/33 220)] and 30 [26.276% (8 729/33 220)], while the most frequent CGG genotype was CGG 29/29 [24.726% (4 107/16 610)]. The CGG repeat numbers of FMR1 gene were normal in 16 498 women (99.326%). Among the 112 women (0.674%) with CGG repeat abnormities, 96 (0.578%) women were classified as intermediate carriers, 15 (0.090%) as premutation carriers, and 1 (0.006%) as a full mutation carrier, whose CGG genotype was (36, >200). Conclusion:In the general reproductive-age female population in China, the normal CGG repeat numbers of the FMR1 gene account for 99.326%, while the intermediate carrier rate is 0.578%, and the combined carrier rate of the premutation and full mutation types is 0.096%.
10.Genetic analysis of four individuals harboring a 16q22 fragile site
Xiaoxiao HUANG ; Rong QIANG ; Yuan LIU ; Xue BAI ; Shuxian LI ; Qiujie JIN ; Qingting BU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(4):500-504
Objective:To analyze four patients with a 16q22 fragile site with miscarriage or infertility by using cytogenetic methods.Methods:Four patients presented at Northwest Women′s and Children′s Hospital between January 2022 and December 2024 were selected as the study subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients and subjected to G-banded chromosomal karyotyping, among whom two were also subjected to copy number variation (CNV) sequencing. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No. 2020-022).Results:The chromosomal karyotypes of the patients were mos 46, XX, fra(16)(q22)[26]/47, XX, del(16)(q22), + chrb(16)(q22)[4]/46, XX, del(16)(q22)[3]/46, XX[91], mos 46, XY, fra(16)(q22)[21]/46, XY, del(16)(q22)[3]/46, XY[76], mos 46, XX, fra(16)(q22)[21]/ 46, XX, del(16)(q22)[4]/46, XX[75] and mos 46, XX, fra(16)(q22)[16]/46, XX, del(16)(q22)[7]/47, XX, del(16)(q22), + chrb(16)(q22)[6]/47, XX, fra(16)(q22), + chrb(16)(q22)[3]/46, XX[68], respectively. CNV sequencing of patients 2 and 4 revealed no deletion or duplication on chromosome 16.Conclusion:Identification of the 16q22 fragile site has facilitated genetic counseling for these patients.

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