1.Osler’s view of the physician and physician’s narrative literacy in narrative medicine
Huihui CHEN ; Wenhua CAO ; Yanling TAO ; Ying ZHAO ; Xiaolin YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):399-404
In the era of evidence-based medicine, the progress of medical science and technology has enriched medical diagnostic tools and treatment methods, but it has also led to the loss of medical warmth and the alienation of the doctor-patient relationships. William Osler emphasized that while medical technology advances, attention should also be paid to the practice of narrative medicine and the development of physician’s narrative literacy. The view of the physician he advocated reminds us that the core of medicine still lies in the narrative connection between doctors and patients, as well as a deep understanding of human nature. By exploring the relationship between Osler’s view of the physician and narrative medicine as well as physician’s narrative literacy, this paper analyzed the methods of cultivating physician’s narrative literacy, providing references for modern medical education and practice, and assisting in the harmony and unity of science and technology and humanity.
2.Histone Modification with Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Zhichao CHEN ; He GUO ; Ying YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):318-327
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases, and its occurrence and development are closely related to epigenetic regulation. Histone modification, as the core mechanism of epigenetic regulation, plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of AS by dynamically regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its active components have shown unique advantages and potential in regulating histone modification for the prevention and treatment of AS. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms of histone acetylation, methylation, lactylation, etc. in the pathological process of AS and summarizes the latest research progress in the intervention of AS by the active components and compound prescriptions of TCM through regulating histone modification. Studies have indicated that TCM and its compound prescriptions regulate the activities of histone modification enzymes via multiple targets, showing unique advantages in influencing lipid metabolism and inflammatory response, as well as stabilizing vulnerable plaques and endothelial function. The active components of TCM directly target the activities or expression of histone modification enzymes such as histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), and histone lysine demethylases (KDMs), thereby causing changes in histone modification and ultimately affecting gene expression and pathological phenotype in AS. However, current research still has problems such as insufficient in-depth basic research, unclear intervention effects and mechanisms of AS dynamics, relatively isolated studies on various factors of epigenetic modification, and unclear establishment of quality control standards for TCM compound prescriptions based on epigenetic regulation. In the future, in-depth research is still needed, and the research results should be translated into clinical applications. This article systematically clarifies the key role and mechanism of TCM in regulating the pathological process of AS through epigenetic intervention, providing new ideas for the modernization of TCM and precise prevention and treatment of AS.
3.Histone Modification with Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Zhichao CHEN ; He GUO ; Ying YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):318-327
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases, and its occurrence and development are closely related to epigenetic regulation. Histone modification, as the core mechanism of epigenetic regulation, plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of AS by dynamically regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its active components have shown unique advantages and potential in regulating histone modification for the prevention and treatment of AS. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms of histone acetylation, methylation, lactylation, etc. in the pathological process of AS and summarizes the latest research progress in the intervention of AS by the active components and compound prescriptions of TCM through regulating histone modification. Studies have indicated that TCM and its compound prescriptions regulate the activities of histone modification enzymes via multiple targets, showing unique advantages in influencing lipid metabolism and inflammatory response, as well as stabilizing vulnerable plaques and endothelial function. The active components of TCM directly target the activities or expression of histone modification enzymes such as histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), and histone lysine demethylases (KDMs), thereby causing changes in histone modification and ultimately affecting gene expression and pathological phenotype in AS. However, current research still has problems such as insufficient in-depth basic research, unclear intervention effects and mechanisms of AS dynamics, relatively isolated studies on various factors of epigenetic modification, and unclear establishment of quality control standards for TCM compound prescriptions based on epigenetic regulation. In the future, in-depth research is still needed, and the research results should be translated into clinical applications. This article systematically clarifies the key role and mechanism of TCM in regulating the pathological process of AS through epigenetic intervention, providing new ideas for the modernization of TCM and precise prevention and treatment of AS.
4.α-ketoglutarate ameliorated arsenic-induced hepatic lipid deposition in offspring via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Shuangrui BAO ; Hongyan WU ; Ying SUN ; Tong ZHAN ; Qian YANG ; Xinru LIANG ; Zhiyan WAN ; Wenyi CHEN ; Cheng ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):225-231
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) on hepatic lipid deposition in offspring caused by arsenic exposure during pregnancy. Methods8-week-old institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were mated in a ratio of 2∶1 between females and males, and the detection of vaginal plugs confirmed pregnant. A total of 32 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, arsenic group, α-KG group, arsenic+α-KG group. On gestational day 0-16 (GD0-GD16), the arsenic and arsenic+α-KG groups were exposed to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2 ,15 mg/L) in drinking water everyday, and the α-KG and arsenic+α-KG groups were gavaged with α-KG (2 g/kg) everyday. On GD16, pregnant mice were euthanized to collect fetal liver, and fetal body weight and crown-rump length were measured. Gene expression differences between the control group and the arsenic group were analyzed by transcriptome. The total triglycerides (TGs) and subtypes in fetal liver were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oil red O staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of genes related to lipid synthesis, transport, and degradation, and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) in the liver of fetus. ResultsTranscriptomics analysis showed that 2 144 genes were downregulated and 1 675 genes were upregulated in the arsenic exposed fetal liver; body weight and crown-rump length were reduced (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs was elevated in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.05); oil-red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplets in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were significantly upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of PI3K, AKT decreased(PTuKey<0.05). Compared with the arsenic group, the body weight and crown-rump length of fetus increased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs decreased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); oil red O staining showed lipid droplets significantly decreased (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05), the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression levels of PI3K and AKT increased (PTuKey<0.05). Conclusionα-KG alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in offspring exposed to arsenic during pregnancy through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
5.Transcriptomic responses of Bulinus globosus to extreme temperature and drought stress
Xinyao WANG ; Dandan PENG ; Ying YANG ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Kun YANG ; Shizhu LI ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):29-37
Objective To examine the impact of extreme temperature and drought stress on the survival of Bulinus globosus, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for the genomic research of Bulinus in absence of reference genes. Methods B. globosus snail samples were collected from Kiwani Shehia in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and offspring snails were obtained through laboratory breeding and reproduction. A total of 120 10-week-old B. globosus snails from the same generation were selected and randomly assigned into four groups, including the high-temperature drought (HD) group, normal temperature drought (D) group, low-temperature drought (LD) group, and the control (C) group, of 30 snails in each group. Snails in HD, D, and LD groups were placed in beakers containing dry soil at the bottom and subsequently housed in climate chambers at 35, 26 ℃, and 10 ℃, respectively, while snails in Group C were maintained in 500 mL petri dishes containing dechlorinated tap water at 26 ℃. Following 3 days of breeding, living snails in each group were collected, and soft tissues were dissected and isolated. Total RNA was extracted from snail soft tissues for library construction, followed by high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencing system. De novo transcriptome assembly was performed using the Trinity software, and the longest transcripts were selected as unigenes. Gene functional annotations of unigenes were conducted using the Diamond software against Gene Ontology (GO) knowledgebase, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database, NCBI non-redundant (NR) protein sequences database, Protein Family (Pfam) database, and UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot (Swiss-Prot) knowledgebase. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed using the topGO and clusterProfiler software, respectively. In addition, four relevant genes were selected for validation using a real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) assay to verify the reliability of transcriptome sequencing results. Results Following 3 days of breeding, there were 7, 20, 28, and 30 survival B. globosus snails in HD, LD, D, and C groups, with corresponding survival rates of 23.33% (7/30), 66.67% (20/30), 93.33% (28/30), and 100.00% (30/30), respectively (χ2 = 52.72, P < 0.001). De novo transcriptome assembly generated 176 942 unigenes, with annotation rates of 0.98%, 13.49%, 26.46%, 12.48%, and 14.39% against GO knowledgebase, KEGG pathway database, NR protein sequences database, Pfam database, and Swiss-Prot knowledgebase, respectively. There were 33 up-regulated and 72 down-regulated genes in Group D, 483 up-regulated and 815 down-regulated genes in Group HD, and 245 up-regulated and 172 down-regulated genes in Group LD relative to in Group C. Following removal of overlapping genes across groups and unmatched genes, 11 candidate genes were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed 3 heat shock protein (HSP)-related DEGs in these 11 candidate genes, which were annotated as HSP12.2, HSP70, and HSP20 genes and were all significantly up-regulated in each treatment group. Three immune and nervous system-related DEGs were identified, and were all significantly down-regulated in each treatment group, which were involved in the neural cell adhesion molecule L1-like protein pathway, fibrinogen binding protein pathway, and leukocyte elastase inhibitor-like protein pathway. qRT-PCR assay quantified that the expression trends of four genes related to temperature and drought stress across different treatment groups were highly consistent with transcriptome sequencing data. Conclusion The survival rate of B. globosus significantly reduces under combined stresses of extreme temperature and drought, possibly due to an imbalance in its cellular homeostasis regulatory system.
6.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
7.Analysis of characteristics of newly reported HIV positive male student cases in Jiangsu Province from 2023 to 2024
LIU Xiaoyan, CHEN Yuheng, SHI Hongjie, NING Xin, ZHANG Ying, YANG Dandan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):425-429
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics and potential risk factors associated with HIV infection among newly reported HIV positive male student cases in Jiangsu Province from 2023 to 2024, so as to provide evidence for targeted intervention strategies.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the China CDC Surveillance System on newly reported HIV positive male student cases from 2023 to 2024. A survey was conducted to collect information on demographic characteristics, knowledge of AIDS prevention, education and training history, HIV testing history, behavioral and substance use patterns, and other relevant factors prior to HIV diagnosis among 343 newly reported HIV positive male student cases in Jiangsu Province. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors of HIV infection among male students.
Results:
Among the HIV positive male student cases, homosexual behavior accounted for 93.88% of transmission routes, while 10.20% involved heterosexual contact, as well as 4.08% for two sexual hehaviors. Awareness of HIV prevention knowledge was 97.08%, and 66.76% had previously undergone HIV testing. Among the respondents, 10.50% had used rush poppers as enhancers, and 72.30% had received HIV prevention education within the past year. Among students cases with homosexual behavior, the median time from first homosexual contact to HIV diagnosis was ≤2 years, with 54.66% of cases falling into this category; the most common way of finding same sex partners was through social software, accounting for 88.20% of cases, while the proportion of those via "Blued" app reached 87.07% ; the proportion of using condoms every time during sexual activity in the past six months was 12.27%. Among the student cases with homosexual behavior, the results of multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that student cases aged 18 to 24 ( OR =4.52) and >24 ( OR = 19.23 ), without receiving education on HIV prevention in the past year ( OR =1.86), having consistent condom use ( OR =2.73) and not using condoms ( OR =2.12) during the last sexual activity were more likely to had the first same sex sexual activity for more than 3 years before being diagnosed as HIV positive cases (all P <0.05). Student cases who were uncertain about their partner s sexual identity ( OR =0.33), and who primarily identified same sex partners through "other" means ( OR = 0.23 ) were more likely to avoid HIV testing; in contrast, student cases with consistent condom use during the last homosexual encounter ( OR =7.20) was significantly associated with increased likelihood of HIV testing (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Newly reported HIV positive male student cases in Jiangsu Province exhibit serious discrepancies between knowledge and practice regarding HIV prevention. Measures are needed to accelerate the optimization of campus based HIV prevention education content and delivery methods. Simultaneously, enhanced management of extracurricular male populations is essential to effectively control the spread of HIV.
8.Construction of gene recombinant IgG1 κ anti-P plasmids and their expression in HEK293T Cells
Zhonghui GUO ; Jiamin ZHANG ; Xinyi ZHU ; Ying YANG ; Ziyan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):317-322
Objective: To construct gene recombinant expression plasmids of human anti-P antibody with IgG1 and kappa chain based on the human hybridoma cell line. Methods: Starting from the specific RT-PCR products encoding the variable regions of the IgH chain and IgL chain of the anti-P monoclonal cell line, appropriate restriction enzyme digestion sites were introduced at both ends of the VH and VL fragments through nested PCR. The plasmids carrying the antibody constant region and the nested PCR products of VH and VL were ligated by the action of T4 ligase and subsequently transferred into competent E. coli DH5ɑ, and positive clones were selected in the antibiotic resistant LB medium. After sequence confirmation, recombinant plasmids DNA were transfected into HEK293T cells, and the recombinant antibody obtained in the culture supernatant. The characteristics of recombinant expression antibodies were determined by using rapid antibody isotying kit, serological agglutination tests and flow cytometry. Results: Recombinant gene expression vectors, pFUSEss-CHIg-hG1+VH, pFUSE2ss-CLIg-hκ+VL, were successfully constructed. Human IgG1 kappa light chain antibodies were detected in the supernatant of HEK293T cells transient transfected with recombinant plasmids. After the supernatant was ultra-filtered and concentrated, it could cause agglutination reactions with P antigen-positive red blood cells. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the reaction between recombinant antibodies and antigen-positive red blood cells in flow cytometry experiments was higher than that of antigen-negative red blood cells. Conclusion: The experimental study on the conversion of red blood group antibody types by genetic engineering technology represents a beneficial exploration towards establishing a feasible technical route for the development of genetic recombination and modification of antibodies reagent.
9.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
10.Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang and Its Single Active Ingredient in Treatment of Dyspepsia Caused by Chronic Cholecystitis: A Review
Wenwen YANG ; Yubei LU ; Lin CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Ying GAO ; Yajuan ZHANG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Jianfei YANG ; Xiaoli SHI ; Huanhuan LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):289-298
Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang was first recorded in the Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun). This prescription is composed of Bupleuri Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Trichosanthis Radix, Ostreae Concha, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. It has the effects of soothing Lesser Yang, warming the spleen, and stimulating the generation of body fluid. It is mainly used to treat digestive tract diseases such as chronic cholecystitis (CC), irritable bowel syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dyspepsia caused by CC presents a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, poor appetite, postprandial fullness, aversion to greasy food, soft stool, and bitter mouth, being a type of biliary dyspepsia. In modern medicine, dyspepsia caused by CC is mainly managed by medical treatment and surgical treatment. Internal medicine mainly focuses on reducing inflammation, promoting the function of gallbladder, resolving stones, alleviating spasms, and relieving the pain for CC, demonstrating definite short-term efficacy but suffering from single effects, high recurrence rate, and poor compliance. Although surgical treatment can cure cholecystitis, it is accompanied by the increased incidence of adverse events such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. Modern clinical studies have confirmed that Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang can significantly alleviate the symptoms such as abdominal pain and dyspepsia of CC patients. Pharmacological studies have found that Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang mainly contains active ingredients such as Bupleuri Radix saponins, baicalin, cinnamaldehyde, gingerol, Trichosanthis Radix polysaccharide, Ostreae Concha polysaccharide, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma total flavonoids. Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang can ameliorate the symptoms of dyspepsia caused by CC by inhibiting inflammatory responses, improving gallbladder contraction and gastrointestinal motility, regulating the bile acid-intestinal flora axis and the brain-gut axis, and modulating blood lipids through multiple targets. By reviewing the previous literature, this article summarizes the research progress in the treatment of dyspepsia caused by CC with Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang and its main active ingredients as well as the pathogenesis of this disease and puts forward the shortcomings and improvement strategies for the current research. The review aims to provide a reference for the further research on Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang in the treatment of dyspepsia caused by CC.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail