1.Regulatory effect of histone lactylation modification in hepatic fibrosis
Weichu ZENG ; Xing LYU ; Fengfan LI ; Zhenni LIU ; Jungang LI ; Weilin ZHANG ; Peiting LIU ; Bingchu LI ; Ruohong CHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Min HU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):704-710
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible pathological process in various chronic liver diseases and is closely associated with the development and progression of severe liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it has emerged as a significant global health challenge. In recent years, studies have shown that histone lactylation, a newly discovered epigenetic modification, actively participates in regulating the progression of hepatic fibrosis. This article systematically reviews the core regulatory effect of histone lactylation modification in the interaction between inflammatory microenvironment and hepatic fibrosis, in order to clarify the cascade regulatory mechanism of “inflammation-hepatic fibrosis” and provide new insights for early diagnosis, targeted intervention, and prevention of malignant transformation in hepatic fibrosis.
2.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
3.Danhong Injection Regulates Ventricular Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Blood Stasis Syndrome via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Jiahao YE ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Junyu ZHANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):149-159
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of ventricular remodeling mediated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the rat model of chronic heart failure (CHF) with heart-blood stasis syndrome, as well as the intervention effect of Danhong injection. MethodsIn vivo experiment: SPF-grade male SD rats were assigned via the random number table method into 4 groups: Sham operation, model, captopril (8.8 mg·kg-1), and Danhong injection (6.0 mL·kg-1). The model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome was established by abdominal aortic constriction, and the sham operation group only underwent laparotomy without constriction. All the groups were treated continuously for 15 days. The tongue color of rats was observed. Echocardiography, hemorheology, heart mass index (HMI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the pathological and fibrotic changes of the myocardial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Creactive protein (CRP) in the serum, as well as the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to quantify the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue. In vitro experiment: H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 AngⅡ to establish a model of myocardial hypertrophy. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were allocated into normal, model, inhibitor + Danhong injection, Danhong injection (20 mL·L-1), and inhibitor (SB203580, 5 μmol·L-1) groups. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Rhodamine-labeled phalloidin staining was used to reveal the area of cardiomyocytes. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Western blot was used to assess the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. ResultsIn vivo experiment: Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed purplish-dark tongue with decreased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.01), increased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.01), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWd) (P<0.01), raised LVMI and HMI (P<0.01), and elevated levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The HE and Masson staining of the myocardial tissue showed compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group. Additionally, the model group presented up-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed increased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01), decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and LVPWd (P<0.05, P<0.01), declined LVMI and HMI (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lowered levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). HE and Masson staining showed alleviated compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, reduced fibrosis, and decreased expression of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: When the concentration of Danhong injection reached 20 mL·L-1, the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was the highest (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), increased relative cell surface area (P<0.01), and raised protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), reduced relative cell surface area (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhong injection can regulate ventricular remodeling through the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on the rat model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome.
4.Consideration of Health Economics Evidence in Clinical Practice Guidelines: Methods and Steps
Dongrui PENG ; Qi ZHOU ; Xufei LUO ; Zijun WANG ; Hui LIU ; Junxian ZHAO ; Jinghong HUANG ; Hongyu HU ; Xin XING ; Jing WU ; Shitong XIE ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):862-870
Health economics evidence plays an important role in linking clinical value evidence with health resource allocation decisions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. It can not only effectively balance clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility but also avoid forming "idealized" recommendations that are detached from the affordability of the healthcare system or the burden-bearing capacity of patients. To promote guideline developers to use health economics evidence more standardizedly and fully, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application status, existing challenges, access channels, and application processes of health economics evidence in current guidelines, and on this basis, puts forward considerations and suggestions for strengthening and standardizing the application of health economics evidence in China's clinical practice guidelines.
5.Perturbation response scanning of drug-target networks:Drug repurposing for multiple sclerosis
Yitan LU ; Ziyun ZHOU ; Qi LI ; Bin YANG ; Xing XU ; Yu ZHU ; Mengjun XIE ; Yuwan QI ; Fei XIAO ; Wenying YAN ; Zhongjie LIANG ; Qifei CONG ; Guang HU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1277-1290
Combined with elastic network model(ENM),the perturbation response scanning(PRS)has emerged as a robust technique for pinpointing allosteric interactions within proteins.Here,we proposed the PRS analysis of drug-target networks(DTNs),which could provide a promising avenue in network medicine.We demonstrated the utility of the method by introducing a deep learning and network perturbation-based framework,for drug repurposing of multiple sclerosis(MS).First,the MS comorbidity network was constructed by performing a random walk with restart algorithm based on shared genes between MS and other diseases as seed nodes.Then,based on topological analysis and functional annotation,the neurotransmission module was identified as the"therapeutic module"of MS.Further,perturbation scores of drugs on the module were calculated by constructing the DTN and introducing the PRS analysis,giving a list of repurposable drugs for MS.Mechanism of action analysis both at pathway and structural levels screened dihydroergocristine as a candidate drug of MS by targeting a serotonin receptor of se-rotonin 2B receptor(HTR2B).Finally,we established a cuprizone-induced chronic mouse model to evaluate the alteration of HTR2B in mouse brain regions and observed that HTR2B was significantly reduced in the cuprizone-induced mouse cortex.These findings proved that the network perturbation modeling is a promising avenue for drug repurposing of MS.As a useful systematic method,our approach can also be used to discover the new molecular mechanism and provide effective candidate drugs for other complex diseases.
6.Prognostic value of thoracic aorta and aortic valve CT calcification volume scores in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Huimin GUO ; Lifei XING ; Haibo HU ; Yinghui GE
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(8):930-936
Objective:To assess the prognostic impact of the thoracic aorta and aortic valve calcification volume (TAC, AVC) score based on CT measurementsin patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 102 patients who underwent TAVI for severe aortic stenosis from March 2018 to April 2022 at Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital. The patients were stratified into low TAC and AVC group (TAC low, AVC low) and high TAC and AVC group (TAC high, AVC high) based on median TAC and AVC. The independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of TAVI patients were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression, and the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of TAVI were analyzed by survival curve. Results:A total of 102 patients were included with a median follow-up of 695 (602, 923) days, during which 9 (8.8%) all-cause deaths and 33 (32.4%) composite end-point events occurred. Univariate Cox risk regression analysis found that TAC was a risk factor for all-cause mortality events in TAVI patients ( P=0.039), TAC and AVC were risk factors for composite endpoint events in TAVI patients ( P=0.047, 0.035).TAC was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality after TAVI in multivariate analysis ( HR=8.971, 95% CI 1.121-71.790, P=0.039), and TAC and AVC were independent risk factors for composite endpoint events after TAVI ( HR=2.243, 95% CI 1.099-4.578, P=0.026; HR=2.346, 95% CI 1.146-4.804, P=0.020). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that high TAC and AVC scores increased the risk of end-point events ( P<0.05). Conclusion:CT-quantified TAC and AVC volume scores are independent prognostic markers in TAVI patients, with greater calcification burden portending poorer clinical outcomes.
7.Effect of walking-cognition dual-task training combined with active self-disclosure on elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke
Qinqin HU ; Xueying SHI ; Anna WANG ; Pengchao WU ; Qin ZHOU ; Jiaojiao LI ; Xing YUAN ; Jian LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(2):197-201
Objective To observe the effect of specialist team-led walking-cognition dual-task train-ing combined with active self-disclosure on control and balance abilities in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods A total of 90 elderly AIS patients treated in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were enrolled and randomly assigned into the control group and the observation group,with 45 cases in each group.The control group received routine walk-ing training,while the observation group received specialist team-led walking-cognition dual-task training combined with active self-disclosure intervention.Control ability,balance ability,walking ability,cognitive function and psychological status were compared between the two groups.Results After intervention,the scores of Sheikh Trunk Control Scale and Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),and the static balance score,dynamic balance score and total score of Berg Balance Scale(BBS)were significantly increased in both the observation and the control groups(P<0.05),and all above scores were obviously higher in the former group than the latter one(P<0.01).The two groups also obtained notably shorter single-and dual-task walking time after intervention,but there were no statistical difference in the single-task walking time in both groups before and after intervention(P>0.05).After intervention,the observation group had significantly shorter dual-task walking time(22.87±7.36 s vs 27.52±8.71 s,P=0.008)and lower walking time cost of dual task[(11.16±4.07)%vs(25.61±7.82)%,P=0.000]when compared with the control group.After intervention,the scores of Mini-Mental Status Examination were increased,and the scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were decreased in the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Specialist team-led walking-cognition dual-task training com-bined with active self-disclosure intervention can effectively improve trunk control ability,balance ability,walking ability,cognitive function and psychological state in elderly AIS patients,has cer-tian clinical application value.
8.Clinical efficacy analysis of autologous rib cartilage reconstruction for finger hemiarticular defects
Zhiyu HU ; Chaofeng XING ; Tao YANG ; Jia CHEN ; Zirun XIAO ; Xiazhi LIU ; Li SONG ; Beibei CHENG ; Yingjie XIONG ; Guangchao ZHANG ; Songfeng YANG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(6):641-645
Objective Exploring the clinical efficacy of using autologous rib cartilage grafting to reconstruct finger hemiarticular defects.Methods From August 2022 to February 2024,for 6 patients with hemiarticular surface defects in the metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints of 8 fingers,costal cartilage was used for joint remodeling and transplantation to reconstruct the hemiarticular surface defects of the fingers.All 8 joint transplants in 6 patients were two-stage surgeries.In the first stage,antibiotic bone cement was used to fill the space-occupying lesions,and in the second stage,costal cartilage joint remodeling was performed to reconstruct the finger joint defects.Postoperative follow-up and assessment of fracture healing according to Paley fracture healing scoring criteria.Outpatient and WeChat follow-up,upper limb function is evaluated according to the upper limb functional assessment standards of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society.Record VAS pain score.Results In this group,there were a total of 6 patients with 8 cases of hemiarticular defects.Among them,2 patients had two joint surgical sites,while the remaining 4 patients had a single joint surgical site.There were 2 cases of metacarpophalangeal joint head defects,2 cases of proximal articular surface defects,3 cases of proximal articular head defects,and 1 case of thumb proximal articular head defect.After surgery,8 out of 6 patients'hand wounds healed successfully.All patients were followed up for 6-12 months postoperatively,with an average of 9 months.The VAS pain score(affected finger)for the last follow-up was 0-2 points,with an average of 0.6 points.According to Paley's scoring criteria,all 6 patients had excellent fracture healing.According to the evaluation criteria for upper limb functional assessment of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society,3 cases were rated as excellent,3 cases were rated as good,and 2 cases were rated as fair.Conclusion For patients with half joint defects on one side of the finger,rib rib cartilage was used for joint reconstruction,which significantly improved the joint shape and function at the defect site,and reduced joint pain scores.
9.Antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus strains isolated from dairy cow mastitis:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Xing-xing SI ; Xiang-han XU ; Xiao-ming WANG ; Li-ping WANG ; Jin-hu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):208-217
This study was aimed at understanding the resistance status of dairy cow-derived Streptococcus strains in China,and providing scientific guidance for the rational use of antimicrobials and the development of new antimicrobials.Meta-analysis was used to explore the resistance of Streptococcus strains to 20 antimicrobials between 2000 and 2023.A total of 67 articles de-scribing 3 154 strains were included after a literature search,and a meta-analysis was conducted on the overall collection area according to time subgroups for 20 antimicrobials.Streptococci of dairy origin in China showed varying resistance rates(≥30%),as follows:penicillin(60%,95%CI=0.48-0.72),streptomycin(57%,95%CI=0.46-0.68),cotrimoxazole(56%,95%CI=0.28-0.82),lincomycin(51%,95%CI=0.26-0.76),tetracycline(49%,95%CI=0.40-0.59),doxycyc-line(42%,95%CI=0.24-0.60),clindamycin(41%,95%CI=0.28-0.54),ampicillin(39%,95%CI=0.27-0.52),e-rythromycin(37%,95%CI=0.28-0.45),kanamycin(36%,95%CI=0.20-0.54),and amoxicillin(30%,95%CI=0.10-0.53).On the basis of findings in the collection area,the resistance rates of dairy cow-derived Streptococcus to antimicrobials in Northeast China and Southwest China was generally high.The resistance rates of Streptococcus from dairy cattle to antimi-crobial drugs such as tetracycline,doxycycline,and lincomycin increased significantly over time.However,the resistance rates to antimicrobial drugs such as streptomycin,gentamicin,and enrofloxacin showed a significant decreasing trend.Dairy cow-de-rived Streptococcus had high resistance to some antimicrobials,and the resistance varied by region,because of differences in breeding and management.Monitoring of antimicrobial resistance rates,enhancing research on resistance mechanisms,and reg-ulating the use of antimicrobials remain necessary.
10.Effects of remimazolam versus dexmedetomidine combined with spinal-epidural anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing hip replacement
Fan XING ; Pingjing MAO ; Jian HU ; Zhuangyun ZHANG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(7):1045-1049
Objective:To explore the effects of remimazolam versus dexmedetomidine combined with spinal-epidural anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing hip replacement.Methods:A total of 100 elderly patients who needed total hip replacement in the Nanjing Lishui People′s Hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were selected and divided into two groups by dynamic randomization, with 50 cases in each group. Both groups underwent surgery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. The control group was given dexmedetomidine for anesthesia, and the observation group was given remimazolam for anesthesia. The depth of sedation [eye-opening time, post anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay time, awakening time], cognitive function at different time periods [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score], inflammatory factor indexes [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], and hemodynamic indexes [heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP)] were compared between the two groups.Results:The eye-opening time and PACU stay time in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group (all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in awakening time between the two groups ( P>0.05). The MAP of both groups at post-skin incision (T 1) and completion of internal fixation (T 2) was higher than that after anesthesia induction (T 0), and decreased at the end of surgery (T 3); the HR of both groups at T 1 was lower than that at T 0, but increased at T 2, and then decreased at T 3. There were no significant differences in MAP and HR between the two groups at each time point (all P>0.05). The MMSE scores of the observation group at 1, 4, and 7 days after surgery were significantly higher than those of the control group (all P<0.05). The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in both groups at post-anesthesia (t 1), end of surgery (t 2), and post-surgery (t 3) were significantly higher than those at 1 day before surgery (t 0), and the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the observation group at t 1, t 2, and t 3 were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Both remimazolam and dexmedetomidine can effectively maintain hemodynamic stability in elderly patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, while remimazolam can more effectively shorten the time to reach the required depth of sedation, reduce the occurrence of cognitive dysfunction, and decrease the secretion of inflammatory factors.

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